Friday, May 31, 2013

Friday Foodday

Wooohoo! We made it!  Here are my favorite recipes this week. 

Scotch Sling
c/o Beta Cocktails
Ingredients

2 oz Single Malt Scotch
3/4 oz sweet vermouth
1/2 oz lemon juice
1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1)
barspoon maraschino liqueur
2 dashes Angostura bitters

Directions
Build over ice, stir, strain over fresh rocks. Garnish with a lemon twist.









Avocado Fries
c/o Buns in My Oven
Ingredients

  • 2 firm-ripe avocados, sliced into 1/2 inch thick wedges
  • canola oil for frying
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 1/4 cups panko

  • Directions


  • Pour oil to a depth of 1 1/2 inches in a medium skillet. Heat oil to 375 degrees.
  • Pour the flour and salt into a shallow dish. Add the eggs to another shallow dish, and the panko crumbs to a third dish.
  • Dredge the avocado wedges in the flour, then the eggs, and finally the panko. Fry in batches for 30 to 60 seconds, turning over halfway through. Drain on a paper towel lined plate. Place on a baking sheet in a 200 degree oven to keep warm while frying the rest of the avocados. Season with more salt to taste.



  • Penne with Chicken and Vegetables in Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce
    Ingredients
    1 head of garlic - roasted with salt, pepper, and olive oil
    1 tablespoon butter
    1 tablespoon olive oil
    1 small-medium zucchini, chopped
    1 red bell pepper, chopped
    1/2 onion, chopped
    4-5 button mushrooms, chopped 
    Salt and pepper, to taste 
    1 1/2 cups milk
    1 tablespoon corn starch
    1/2 cup shredded Parmigiano Reggiano, plus more for topping 
    1-2 chicken breasts roasted and sliced 
    12 oz. penne pasta
    Fresh chopped basil for garnishing

    Directions
    Preheat oven to 375. Cut the top off of a head of garlic to expose the tops of cloves. Place on a sheet of aluminum foil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and drizzle with olive oil. Loosely wrap the aluminum foil around the garlic, pinching the seams to seal. Roast for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the cloves are tender and start to turn golden brown. Allow to cool, then squeeze the roasted garlic out of the cloves and mash with a fork. 

    While the garlic is roasting, drizzle the chicken breast with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, cover loosely with aluminum foil, and add to the oven with the garlic. Roast for about 30 minutes until cooked through. Allow the chicken to rest, covered with aluminum foil, until you're ready to serve, then cut into slices. 

    Bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook penne until al dente then drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water.

    While the pasta is cooking, whisk together the milk and corn starch in a glass measuring cup, set aside. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and butter. Add the onion, zucchini, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring often, or until the vegetables soften and the onions are translucent. Season with a little salt and pepper. Add the roasted garlic to the skillet and mix into the vegetables. 

    Create a well in the skillet by pushing the vegetables to the edges, slowly stream in the milk/cornstarch mixture, whisking constantly. Work the vegetables into the sauce with the whisk then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3-5 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan, then cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce begins to thicken and coat the back of the spoon. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to coat. If the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved cooking liquid a tablespoon at time until you get the desired consistency.

    Top each portion with the sliced chicken, extra Parmesan, and fresh chopped basil. 

    Thursday, May 30, 2013

    Blingy Bib

    Happy almost Friday lovebugs,
    Today we're looking at some bling. Some bling that will add some serious sparkle to your outfit. Blingy bibs. No, not this. This:

    Picture this with an LPD (little pink dress, obviously guys) OR picture it peeking out from an oxford shirt. I know. Mind blown.

    I love the name of this necklace because it so reminds me of Cinderella.

    BaubleBar, Neon Aqua Bib, $36
    Loving the color combination with this piece, oh and the price is pretty nice as well.

    These colors are quite unexpected and I'm loving this with chambray.

    Blingy bibs. Easy to add to any so-so outfit and BAM, instant awesome.

    Be fabulous today!

    Wednesday, May 29, 2013

    Dressed Up to Sweat

    Hey there lovebugs! Today's post is all about surviving the heat of summer and still looking fab for work. There is a very simple solution to this, and it's called the work dress. Let me illustrate.

    J Crew Factory, Cora Lace Dress, $58
    Sunny and chipper this dress is easy to add pearls or some colorful bling!

    Modcloth, Croquet By Me Dress, $92
    This one will get a lot more wear than just to work. I'd wear this to brunch with the girls or throw a denim jacket over it for evening.

    Oh I'm sorry, you thought this was J Crew? Nope. These beautiful pleats and stripes are from Target!

    Love, love love. When I think shirt dress I don't always think work appropriate. This one is absolutely 9-5 ready.

    Whether you walk to work or have the extreme luxury of AC, you're going to need some light and easy to throw on dresses. 

    Be fabulous and stay cool!

    Tuesday, May 28, 2013

    Meet Me in the Midi

    Hey there lovebugs! Happy Tuesday to you! Let's hear it for a short work week, am I right?

    Today's post is on mid-length dresses. Minis, maxis, what about the midis? Let's take a peek at this ladylike trend.

    Modcloth, The World is Yours Dress, $61
    Can I get a "Va"? And can I get a "Voom"? Enough said.

    Forever 21, Striped Midi Dress, $17
    So casual and cool, perfect for a summer concert or dress it up for dinner with some bling and a belt.

    I'm kind of loving this print. Perfect color pop and the pattern is so eye catching!

    Macy's, Bar III Dress, $79
    And how about something flowy and sweet without punching you in the face with pink or polka dots?

    A midi length dress is below the knee, almost tea length. Try it for work or play!

    Be fabulous today.

    Friday, May 24, 2013

    Friday Fooday

    We made it! Happy long weekend lovebugs! Here's are some great recipes for ya.

    The Sidecar
    Ingredients
    2 ounces Cognac Salignac
    1/2 ounce triple sec
    1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice (plus a little extra for stickying up the rim of your glass)
    Granulated sugar, for the rim
    Directions
    First, prepare your glass: Dip the rim of a cocktail or martini glass into a shallow saucer of lemon juice. (Or, alternatively, run a cut lemon along the lip of the glass.) Then dip or roll your sticky’d-up rim in a second saucer of granulated sugar. Set glass aside. Combine three liquid ingredients in an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds. Strain into your glass.
    Scallops with Tarragon Butter Sauce
    Ingredients
    1 tablespoon olive oil
    3 tablespoons butter
    1 lb sea scallops, dried well
    1 teaspoon salt
    Fresh cracked black pepper
    1 bunch fresh spinach
    2 tablespoons lemon juice
    1 cup chicken broth
    Zest of 1 lemon
    2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon

    Directions
    In a large non-stick frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil with 1/2 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Season scallops with 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper. Put scallops in the pan. Cook until browned, about 2 minutes. Turn and cook until browned on second side and just cooked through, about 1 to 2 minutes more. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.

    Reduce heat to medium and add spinach to the pan. Turn several times to coat in pan juices. Add the lemon juice, and cook until the leaves are wilted. Divide spinach on plates and place scallops on top of spinach.

    Add the chicken broth to the pan and bring to a boil; cook until reduced by about half, 1 to 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the remaining 2 1/2 tablespoons butter to form a smooth sauce. Add remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, lemon zest and tarragon. Season and adjust flavors to taste. Pour over scallops and serve.

    Brown Sugar Snickerdoodle Bars
    Ingredients
  • 1 cup butter
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 2/3 cups flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon

  • Directions
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13 dish with parchment paper.
  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, whisking constantly. Bring the butter to a simmer and continue whisking until the butter goes from yellow to golden brown and smells a little nutty. Pour the browned butter into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and let cool for five minutes.
  • Cream together the butter and brown sugar until well combined.
  • Beat in the eggs and vanilla.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour.
  • Slowly add the dry ingredients to the brown sugar mixture and mix until just combined.
  • Spread batter into the prepared pan.
  • In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the batter.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until set. Cool completely before cutting and serving.




  • Thursday, May 23, 2013

    Details, Party of One?

    Today we're looking at a very specific detail that is totally affordable: jacquard. Jacquard is a fabric of intricate variegated weave or pattern and it comes in every price point imaginable, let's look at some in ours.

    Holy moly fabulous. Would you look at this wide waistband, metallic print with pin tuck pleating skirt.  For...wait for it.... $29. Just yes.


    It is rare that I post anything that costs $99. This is absolutely worthy of the price. Just a stunning dress with incredible details and a lovely fit.

    A great sale price for this diamond version of jacquard.


    Simple, great color and easy to dress up or down.

    Jacquard is a great details that adds some interest to your standard cotton, silk, or linen. Mix it in with dresses, tops or bottoms this summer.

    Be fabulous today!

    Wednesday, May 22, 2013

    Easy, Breezy, Beautiful, Ombre

    Hey lovebugs! Happy humpday! Let's cheer up your Wednesday with some pretty dresses. Ombre dresses to be more precise. This trend is so beautiful and effortless for summer.


    This reminds me of a delicious bowl of sherbet. This dress also has a lovely criss cross back.

    Forever 21, Ombre Tiered Dress, $29
    A little black swan, a lot perfect for date night.

    The bf thinks mxi dresses look like pajamas (I know) I think these perfectly placed cutouts might change his mind.

    Nordstrom, Ombre Jersey Maxi, $78
    Do you guys ever click on a link for an item and then get totally freaked out when the model starts moving? Then you realize it's a video within the page? Me neither. Click the link. Judge after.

    Ombre has such an ease to it, like 'oh this old thing?' I love it for summer and for breezy dresses.

    Be fabulous today!

    Tuesday, May 21, 2013

    You'll Need Two Twenties

    A few weeks ago we looked at Kate Young for Target and today we're looking at another great Target collaboration: Sam and Libby shoes. They have sandals and shoes for every style starting at just $22.

    I really love these with dresses, skirts, crops, or shorts. They're like a neutral, they go with everything.

    These are adorable. I love these for walking around the city on the weekend. Also comes in pink!

    Feeling adventurous? These babies are too.

    A little leopard sandal? Why the heck not. Just please have some rockin' red on those toes.

    For the record, I'd like to point out this is not a sponsored post! I just love fabulous sandals under $40. Seriously, you just can't beat it!

    Be fabulous today!

    Monday, May 20, 2013

    Fancy Pony!

    Happy Monday lovebugs,
    I'm in New Orleans working for a few days. And don't be jealous, I doubt I will see the light of day, but I will be running around while trying to look fabulous in my company logoed polo. Oh yes. The easiest way to look chic while not breaking a sweat is a ponytail. And today we're looking at some blingy hair ties that make any ponytail look amazing.

    Anthropologie, Crystalline Hair Ties, $24
    Now, don't worry, I bet you're all 'woah girl, $24 for a ponytail? ain't nobody got time for that.' But it's a set of THREE so you get all of those adorable ties for $24.

    Nordstrom, Cara Pearly Polka Dot Bow, $14
    Hello adorable, look at those pearls!

    Simple and chic. I'd use this with a deep side part and slicked back pony.

    Wear them together or one at a time. Great little bit of bling.

    How do you style your pony? I always keep a white ribbon in my purse in case of an emergency pony. Man I wish I had an emergency pony. Or horse, I'm not picky.

    Be fabulous today!

    Friday, May 17, 2013

    Friday Foodday

    Happy Friday lovebugs! Here are my favorite recipes for the week.

    Jalapeno Popper Wontons
    c/o Stephanie Cooks Blog
    Ingredients
    1 package refrigerated square wonton wrappers
    1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
    3 jalapenos, seeds and ribs removed, finely chopped
    1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
    Vegetable oil for frying
    Coarse salt

    Directions
    1. In a bowl, combine cream cheese, jalapenos, and cheddar cheese. Arrange wontons in a single layer on a baking sheet.
    2. Add 1 teaspoon of the filling to the center of each wonton (don't overfill them). Dip your fingers in a bowl of water and run your wet fingers around all edges of each wonton. Fold the wontons over the filling, pinching the edges to seal to make a triangle and removing any air bubbles.

    3. Fry wontons in batches in hot oil until browned and cripsy. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with coarse salt. Serve warm.

    S'mores Ice Cream Cake
    Ingredients
    For the crust
    • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
    • 1/3 cup white sugar
    • 6 tablespoons butter, melted
    For the cake
    • 2 cups Chocolate Ice Cream
    • 2 cups Vanilla Ice Cream
    • 16 ounce jar of Marshmallow Fluff
    • 1 cup milk chocolate chips
    For the frosting
    • 2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
    • 3 cups powdered sugar
    Directions
    Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well blended. Press mixture into a 10-inch springform pan. Bake at 375 degrees F for 9 minutes. Cool and then place in freezer for an hour.
    Layer One: Spread chocolate ice cream over frozen crust. Sprinkle chocolate chips over ice cream. Freeze for two hours.
    Layer Two: Spread the entire jar of marshmallow fluff over the chocolate layer. Freeze for two hours.
    Layer Three: Spread vanilla ice cream over marshmallow fluff. Freeze for two hours.
    Frosting: Whipped butter and sugar together unless fluffy and smooth. Spread around top and sides of frozen cake. (Don't aim for perfection in frosting technique. It isn't going to happen.)

    Bacon, Sausage & Eggs Breakfast Pizza

    Ingredients
    • 16 oz Fresh, Pre-Made Pizza Dough
    • 1/4 cup pesto
    • 2 roma tomatoes, thinly sliced
    • 5 eggs
    • 2 Tbsp fat free mik
    • 2 Tbsp parmesan cheese
    • 1/2 cup chives, divided
    • 3 slices center cut bacon, cooked
    • 3 Jennie-O Lean Turkey Breakfast Sausages, cooked
    • 2 oz low-fat sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
    Directions
    1.  Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. While the oven preheats, prepare your pizza dough by rolling it out on a pan or stone and poking it all over with holes. Pre-bake the dough for 8 minutes.
    2.  Remove, top with pesto and tomato slices. Bake for 8 minutes.  While the pizza bakes, whip up your scrambled eggs and prepare your pizza toppings.
    3.  Whisk together the eggs, parmesan, 1/2 the chives, milk, sea salt and pepper.  Cook in a nonstick skillet sprayed with nonstick spray over medium low heat, until scrambled and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
    4.  Remove pizza from oven and add toppings starting with eggs and finishing with remaining chives.  Bake for 2 minutes or until cheese is melted.

    Thursday, May 16, 2013

    Polka Shoes

    You know what I love? Polka Dots. And today we're going to take a special look at polka dotted shoes.

    My friend Sarah got me these in orange chevron and I'm obsessed. Who wouldn't love them in dots?

    Piperlime, Mullner, $79
    There are certain occasions that call for a four and half inch heel. When they come with polka dots and bows it's even better.

    A fabulous alternative to the rubber flip flop!


    Macy's, Antonella, $49
    How about an espadrille for summer?

    Standard, chic, and timeless. Black and white polka dots.

    Be fabulous today!

    Wednesday, May 15, 2013

    Teed Off

    Last week we looked at t shirt dresses. They're awesome and easy, but you know what's even easier? T shirts. But we already knew that, so lets spice it up a bit and look at graphic tees under $30.

    Express, Chic Wild and Free, $19
    I picture Kate Bosworth or Jennifer Anniston going grocery shopping wearing this. There's something beautifully effortless about it.

    Old Navy, Barbie Graphic Tee, $14
    You know I had to do it. 

    Modcloth, Soul Mane Tee, $29
    There is something so adorable hysterical about this.

    This is perfect for the weekend. I'd pair it with bf jeans and bejeweled flat sandals.

    A simple graphic tee is a great way to get out of the house quickly. Throw it on with white jeans, linen shorts or anything else you can think of.

    Be fabulous today!

    Tuesday, May 14, 2013

    Oh No You Didn't Stella

    We all know and love Stella and Dot. It's practically a household name. But the only thing I knew Stella for was jewelry. Now she's into bags and accessories. Let's take a peek at some of my faves.

    Stella and Dot, How Does She Do It in Ikat, $89
    So many great things happening here. 1. The print. 2. The shoulder length handle. 3. The spill resistant green with navy pindot lining. 4. The size to fit your laptop.

    Stella and Dot, Bring it Jewelry Roll, $39
    This one is for my sister who has an obsession with elephants. How perfect would this be for traveling?

    Stella and Dot, Palm Springs Scarf, $59
    Lightweight scarves? Are you kidding me right now? Perfect for summer nights.

    Stella and Dot, Chelsea Tech Wallet, $59
    Fits your iPhone, keys, cards, and cash. Night out, let's go.

    In my opinion Stella and Dot nailed this. And no, this is not a sponsored post. I just truly think they rocked it.

    Be fabulous today!