Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs! I hope you have a wonderful weekend! Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Limoncello Gin Cocktail

c/o The Kitchn

Ingredients

1 ounce Limoncello
1 ounce gin
4 ounces club soda
Lots of ice
Lemon peel, for garnish

Directions

Fill a tall glass with ice and add the Limoncello and gin. Top with the club soda and stir. Garnish and Enjoy.

Skinny Poolside Dip

c/o Buns in My Oven

Ingredients

8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1 red bell pepper, finely diced
1 jalapeno, seeded, finely diced (double it up or leave in seeds if you want more spice)
1 small can black olives, finely diced
15 ounce can corn, drained
1 packet ranch seasoning

Directions

Dump everything into a bowl and start stirring it together. As the vegetables start to release a little of their water, the mixture will come together much easier. Continue stirring until well combined.
Serve immediately or store in the fridge, covered, for up to 24 hours. The longer the dip sets, the more water the vegetables will release.
Serve with crackers or chips.

Spicy Chipotle Ketchup

c/o Skinny Taste

Ingredients

• 6 oz can tomato paste
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tbsp chipotle paste (or more to taste)
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/8 tsp garlic powder

Directions

Combine all the ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat; whisk until smooth. When it comes to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat and cover until cool. Chill and store refrigerated in a covered container.

Lets Get Nude

Nude shoes are essential for warm weather. With colored shorts, printed dresses and too many weddings to go to, a nude sandal is going to save you time and money when putting together an outfit. Today we're looking at nude heeled sandals. Perfect to dress up or just add some height!

Loft, Blake Strappy Sandals, $89

Ok this sandal has an essential padded footbed, a great ankle strap, and able to transition from wedding guest to girls night seamlessly.

Express, Kissing Arch Zip Back Pump, $79

There's something sexy about a zip back heel.

Sole Society, Lindell, $59

Need a break from the height? How about these beauties?

Dillard's, Ralph Lauren Freida T Strap, $89

Boom. That's what I think when I see these. You must promise me to practice walking in them before they see pavement, one bad step will ruin the outfit.

Nude pump sandals will be worth their price, I promise. Find a pair that are comfortable and chic, you'll wear them to death.

Be fabulous today!

It Is Easy Being Green

Hey there lovebugs, as you may know, my favorite color is purple. Bold purple. But a close second has got to be green. I love green because its such a statement color. Saturated or pastel, it always stands out. Today we're not looking at any style in particular, but rather some great green pieces that I'm loving lately.

Forever 21, High-Waisted Pocket Shorts, $15

High waisted, high drama. Wear heels, tuck in the shirt, own it.

J Crew Factory, Dangling Shapes Necklace, $29

Oh how lovely is this necklace? I'm pairing it with denim, a lace dress, or anything in between.

BC Footwear, Grass is Greener, $49

A great woven detail on this sandal. I also love the stripe of gold all around the sole.

Ruche, Athena Colorblocked Maxi Dress, $84

A must own. Truly. Wear it traveling, wear it to a bridal shower, wear it to drinks with the girls, wear it to the pool. So simple yet so stunning.

Green is just one of those colors that pops on anyone. It's also a very easy color to mix with other colors, try coral, yellow, or navy.

Be fabulous today!

Collarbone Classy

What's easier for summer than a dress? It is absolutely dress season and if you want want to color outside the lines a bit, I'd suggest a halter dress. The halter is very unexpected in this sometimes repetitive sundress season. So show off that collarbone, try a halter.

Banana Republic, Yellow Halter Dress, $79

I wanted to start with this dress because it is so beautiful on its own, but it can also be the perfect canvas for baubles, belt, or bag.

Modcloth, Center of Unconventional Dress, $51

The pleating on this dress is just beautiful, I love the mix of yellow with forest green.

Target, Mossimo Neck Woven Dress, $24

Simple and easy for a warm summer night, I'd add some chunk heeled sandals to this. Oh and did I mention its machine washable?

Ann Taylor, Painted Stripes Halter Dress, $98

Yes, this is a bit more than I'd like to spend on one dress, but the versatility of this piece is worth it. Wedding guest ready, add a blazer for work, throw a crewneck sweater on top and wear it as a skirt this fall.

A halter dress is a beautiful neckline for sundress season. 

Be fabulous today!

Straw Poll

Happy Monday lovebugs,
I hope you had a wonderful weekend. The weather was just perfect for the pool here in DC. As summer really rolls in, the bag I'm loving to carry is a straw tote. There are so many options when it comes to the straw tote. Colors, patterns, sizes, and shapes.

Target, Mossimo Straw Tote, $34

Oh hello chic, simple and structured! Perfect for the pool, errands, or a picnic!

Gap, Colorblock Straw Tote, $39

I really love this bag because it has a zipper. Sometimes these more casual totes are open topped, well for someone who tends to knock things over, the closure is key.

Dillard's, Kate Landry Neon Straw Tote, $59

I love this bag inside and out. It also comes in pink, yellow, and green.

Loft, Straw Beach Tote, $39

How cute is this coordinating clutch? Perfect for your essentials.

A good straw tote is a great investment for the summer. Choose one that fits your lifestyle, that means structure, size, pattern, or handle length.

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs!

Here are my favorite recipes from the week.

Skinny Pizza Logs

c/o Emily Bites

Ingredients

8 egg roll wrappers (larger than wonton wrappers)

8 teaspoons store-bought pizza sauce

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

24 turkey pepperoni slice

4 light Mozzarella string cheese sticks, each cut in half horizontally to make two shorter sticks

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425. Lightly mist a large baking sheet with cooking spray and set aside.

2. Pour some water into a small dish and set aside. On a flat surface, place an egg roll wrapper, corner facing toward you (like a diamond) and spread a teaspoon of pizza sauce horizontally across the center of the wrapper, leaving ½ inch or so of space on each side. Sprinkle a pinch of Italian seasoning across the sauce and add a row of 3 pepperoni slices over the sauce. Place half a cheese stick on top of the pepperoni. Fold the bottom corner closest to you up over the ingredients and give it a 90 degree roll. Fold the side corners in and tuck them as you give the filled section another 90 degree roll. Dip your finger in the dish or reserved water and lightly wet the edges of the remaining top corner of the wrapper. Finish rolling the filled pizza log over the wet corner so that it adheres. Place wrapped pizza log onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

3. When all of the pizza logs are wrapped and on the baking sheets, mist the tops with cooking spray. Bake for 10-14 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the wrappers are golden brown. 

Jalapeño Popper Smashed Potatoes

c/o Cassie Craves

Ingredients

3 to 4 pounds red potatoes, chopped

1/2 pound bacon, chopped

2 jalapenos, seeded and diced

5 tablespoons butter, softened

1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Add chopped potatoes to a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and continue to boil until potatoes are fork tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.

2. Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove from skillet, reserving drippings, and set aside on paper towels to drain. Add the jalapenos to the bacon drippings and cook until softened and fragrant. Add the jalapenos to the reserved bacon.

3. Add butter and cream cheese to the potatoes and use a potato masher to mash. Stir in the cheddar cheese, bacon, and jalapenos until the cheese is melted. The potatoes shouldn't need any additional liquid, but if they do, add milk until desired consistency is reached. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Linguine with Alfredo, Asparagus, Peas and Poached Egg

c/o A Taste of Home Cooking

Ingredients

1lb linguine or spaghetti 

1 bunch asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 cup frozen peas 

4 tablespoons butter

1 1/2 cups half & half 

salt and ground black pepper, to taste

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (this is about an ounce)

4 large eggs, poached

Directions

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package directions. In the last two minutes add the asparagus to the pasta water to cook. Drain pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Add pasta back to the pot and stir in the peas. 

While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a pot, then add the cream, salt and pepper. Allow to thicken slightly, then turn off the heat and add the Parmesan cheese. Add the sauce to the pasta and vegetables and toss to coat. Thin with some of the pasta cooking water, if necessary.

Remove the pasta to plates, creating a nest in the center for the eggs. Reheat poached eggs for 15 seconds in hot (but not boiling) water and remove with a slotted spoon to the top of the pasta. Garnish with more Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper. 

White Out

For summer, the lighter the better, and there's nothing lighter than white. I just love white accessories with gold accents.

Kate Spade, Scallop Ring, $38

Simple, elegant, and easy to stack!

Anthropologie, Spring Signs Necklace, $38

What a lovely teardrop necklace. It's perfect for a crewneck top or let it hang lower with a deep v sundress.

Nordstrom, Guinevere Ever Floral Skill Drop Earrings, $38

So pretty, but look closely. The post is a sassy gold skull.

Ann Taylor, Enamel Rectangle Long Station Necklace, $29

So chic and ready for layering.

White and gold is very crisp for summer. I love the mix and the brightness it gives any outfit.

Be fabulous today!

Flattened Out

Happy hump day lovebugs!
Espadrilles are perfect for summer, and this summer flat espadrilles are all the rage. You can find them in all styles and colors, here are some of my favorites.

Anthropologie, Floral Vines Espadrilles, $45

These intricately beautiful shoes also come in white. Just stunning.

Bloomingdale's, Corso Cosmo Maddy, $35

How about a great metallic? You can wear this with everything. Every color in your closet.

JCPenny, Luau Slip on Espadrilles, $18

A simple colorblock under $20. Can't beat it!

Nine West, Maxy, $59

I'm kind of obsessed with this tribal inspired print. Great colors.

Have you tried the flat espadrille trend? I love how easy and casual they are. Such a great break from the flip flop.

Be fabulous today!

LYD

We all know and love the LBD, and even the LWD, but what about the LYD. The little yellow dress. Short, fitted, a burst of color.

Asos, Glamorous Neon Skater Dress, $54

Short, sweet and I promise they'll watch you walk away.

Target, Labworks Women's Sleeveless Ruffled Chiffon, $44

I love the simple sexiness of this dress. The lines, the waist chinch, it's so easy.

Nordstrom, Jessica Simpson V-Neck Fit and Flare Dress, $58

A beautiful sheer neckline with an A-line skirt, oh and did I mention pockets? Just perfection.

Piperlime, Tinley Road Belted Tank Dress, $69

I love this dress because it comes with its own hardware. I'm talking about the mirrored belt. Outfit=done.

Yellow is such an easy color for a little dress. It's perfect for warmer weather and lends itself beautifully to so many types of accessories and jewelry.

Be fabulous today!

It's the Sheer Choice

Hey lovebugs,
Happy Monday to you! I hope you had a wonderful Father's Day! Today we're going not so daddy-friendly. We're going sheer. Stay with me. A beautiful sheer blouse is an easy and light way to dress up this summer.

Forever 21, Graduated Sequin Top, $22

Look how adorable this top is. I love how the stripes are different sizes and the sleeves are so casual.

Modcloth, Not Your Father's Plaid Top, $37

A great take on a plaid top with tab sleeves and a pastel color pattern.

Nordstrom, Print Halter Tank, $46

A great going out blouse with some white denim. This top also has a great peek-a-boo back feature.

Lord and Taylor, Tribal Print Sheer Blouse, $34

This is a great fitted top because of the elastic waist hem.

Sheer isn't always gross. Choose a beautiful print to help distract if you're a bit nervous. 

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs! Here are my favorite recipes this week!

Herb Grilled Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Orzo
c/o A Taste of Home Cooking

Ingredients
8 oz orzo (rice-shaped pasta)
Extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise
2 teaspoons herbes de Provence
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 large shallot, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained 
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
6 oz plain fat-free or low-fat Greek yogurt
1/4 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan plus extra for sprinkling
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions
Cook orzo according to package directions. Drain and set aside. 

Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and season with herbes de Provence, salt and pepper; set aside.

Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

While the grill heats and right after you drop the orzo in the water, heat the 2 tablespoons of oil in a heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic, and saute until tender and fragrant, about 1 1/2 minutes. Add the broth and tomatoes and scrape any bits off the bottom of the pan. Simmer the tomatoes for 2 minutes, then add the broccoli. Cook until broccoli is tender, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Start grilling the chicken while the broccoli cooks, turning after 4-5 minutes and grilling for another 3-4 minutes. Remove the chicken from the grill and allow to rest for 5 minutes, then cut into slices. 

Stir the yogurt and cream into the tomato and broccoli mixture. Add the drained orzo and toss to coat. Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the Parmesan and toss until the sauce coats the pasta thickly. Season the orzo with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle on extra Parmesan, if desired. Serve with the grilled chicken.

Loaded Cauliflower 
c/o Laloosh

Ingredients

• 1 medium sized head of cauliflower
• 1 cup reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 slices extra lean turkey bacon, cooked and diced
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• 4 scallions, diced
• 1/2 cup fat free sour cream
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Break cauliflower down into florets, and then steam to cook. I did this by placing the cauliflower into a large, microwave safe bowl, added about 1 inch of water, and covered with plastic wrap. I microwaved on high for about 4-6 minutes, or until the cauliflower was tender to my liking. Drain any remaining water.

Spray a small, nonstick skillet, with non-fat cooking spray or an olive oil mister and set over medium high heat. Add in black beans, tomatoes, garlic and cumin. Sauté until heated through…about 2 minutes.

Divide cooked cauliflower amongst 4 serving bowls, and season with salt and pepper.

Top each serving with ¼ cup cheese, and microwave for about 1 minute, or until the cheese is melted.

Now top each serving with ¼ of the tomatoes/black beans, 2 tbsp fat free sour cream, and ¼ of the chopped bacon and scallions. Serve immediately.

S'Mores Cookies

c/o Martha Stewart

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour, (spooned and leveled)
• 1 cup whole-wheat flour (spooned and leveled)
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup light-brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 8 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, cut into 30 squares
• 15 large marshmallows, halved horizontally

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a food processor, pulse oats until finely ground. Add flours, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt; pulse to combine. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, scraping down side of bowl. With mixer on low, beat in flour mixture just until combined.
2. Drop dough by tablespoons, 1 inch apart, onto two baking sheets. Top each with a chocolate square. Bake just until lightly golden, 11 to 13 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. Remove sheets from oven; heat broiler. Top each cookie with a marshmallow. One sheet at a time, broil until marshmallows are lightly browned, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Transfer cookies to wire racks to cool.

Geometry

Geometric prints, for me, can be hit or miss. But with the right print, you can wear a great pattern and take it from retro to modern, casual to classy, and anywhere in between. 

Lord and Taylor, Anne Klein Collarless Diamond Print Blouse, $31

You really can't beat the price for the versatility of this blouse. Wear it alone with shorts, under a suit, pair it with a long necklace or maybe even a neon skirt.

JCPenny, Allen B. Geometric Print Dress, $20

You must click to see the back of this dress, it has the cutest peek-a-boo hole. And the price. Come on.

Last Call Neiman Marcus, Equipment Geometric Silk Shorts, $69

These silk shorts are adorable. I love the high waist and pops of yellow.

Michael Kors, Printed Jersey Dress, $99

You can totally pull off this dress. It's got great hem line details and it's jersey so it's easy to wear alone or layer a belt, blazer or denim jacket.

The geometric print trend will continue through the fall, so why not try it out now with some breeze pieces that you can experiment with it. 

Be fabulous today!

All Tasseled Up

Happy humpday lovebugs,
I love earrings, probably because they add the perfect addition or enhancement so close to your face. They can stud, dangle, or in today's case tassel. We've looked at other tassel accessories in the past, but today let's look at tassel earrings.

Brooks Brothers, Stone and Tassel Drop Earring, $64

These are half off and they are a steal in my opinion. Just beautiful, and you can't beat Brooks Brothers quality.

BaubleBar, Snow Pearl Tassel Drops, $26

Oh just so classy. Perfect for a sundress for evening or LBD.

Macy's, Jessica Simpson Gold Island Blue Stone and Chain Tassel, $24

A little rocker-chic from J. Simp. I dig it.

Max and Chloe, Kenneth Jay Lane Tassel Earrings, $52

Simple, elegant, and so easy to mix in with just about anything.

Tassels don't seem to be going away anytime soon. We seem them on jewelry, bags, shoes, you name it. Try these beautiful earrings and get some guaranteed compliments.

Be fabulous today!

Flipping for Flops

Yesterday we looked at bathing suits, let's stay with the trend and look at some gorgeous rubber flip flops. Colors, prints, styles, are endless these days, but how about something that you'll enjoy putting on your feet and add some sass to your outfit.

Tory Burch, Thandie, $42

I'm just in love with this platform because it's different and the print is fabulous. 

Nordstrom, Ipanema Trends VI, $24

I have not heard of Ipanema flip flops before but I love the price point and love their prints.

Vera Bradley, Plum Crazy, $32

OK now stay with me, I know Vera can be polarizing, but I'm just crazy about this stripe mixed with the print.

Target, Letty in Pink Floral, $7

Simple, pretty and easy with denim.

These are rubber flip flops that you won't be embarrassed to wear. Flip flops that will make your pedicure pleased.

Be fabulous today!