Friday Foodday

Happy Friday! I hope you're enjoying your friends and family.

Hot Apple Ginger Toddy
c/o The Kitchn

Ingredients
a cup or so of apple cider
1 to 2 ounces of dark liquor (applejack, or bourbon or dark rum)
a drizzle of honey
a squeeze of lemon
peeled fresh gingerroot, coarsely chopped 
mulling spices (cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice, nutmeg - whatever you have on hand

Directions

Add the ginger and mulling spices to the cider and simmer in a saucepan over medium-low heat for at least 5 minutes (or a full 15 or more if you want full flavor). Drizzle some honey into a mug and add the liquor, hot cider, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Stir.

Leftover Turkey BLT Avocado Sandwich

c/o A Taste of Home Cooking

Ingredients

2 slices bread 
mayonnaise 
turkey
3 slices avocado
1 large lettuce leaf
2 thin slices tomato
2 strips bacon, cooked 
salt and pepper

Directions

Toast the bread. Spread the mayonnaise on both sides of the bread. Layer on the turkey, avocado, lettuce, tomato and bacon. Season the tomato slices with salt and pepper. Put the sandwich together and cut in half to serve. 

Honey Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes

c/o Buns in My Oven

Ingredients

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In a large bowl, combine the honey, olive oil, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Add the sweet potatoes and toss to coat.
Dump potatoes onto a large rimmed baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through cooking.

Happy Thanksgiving

Gift Guide: It's All About Location

A fun and personal gift for anyone is something to remind them of their hometown, vacation spot, or location of their first date. Try a location gift.

1. Home State Stamp: I love this gift for someone who just bought their first place, rented their first apartment or a newlywed.

2. City Coasters: I have bought these more than once. Each coaster is different and there are a bunch of major cities to choose from.

3. Home Town: How sweet is this simple print. Pick the town and zip code and hang it anywhere.

4. Typography Map: A fun and colorful way to illustrate your home state. 

Be fabulous today!

Gift Guide: Get Tails Wagging

Today's gift guide is for the dog lover. This one was pretty easy to put together because I would love any and all of these items.

1. Bulldog Cocktail Shaker: Because, how did I not own this already?

2. Picture Your Dog: Submit a photo of your pooch and get this Presidential print personalized.

3. Metallic Dipped Bowls: I love these chic gold and silver dipped food and water bowls.

4. Reindeer Sweater: Ralph Lauren knows it all, and apparently he also knows adorable dog sweaters.

Be fabulous today!

Gift Guide: Beauty and the Gift

I absolutely love doing gift guides. I pride myself on being a really good gift giver, so while it sometimes can get stressful, I just love finding THE perfect gift. We'll do a couple guides this week and a couple next week and then feel free to email me with any specific questions. I'm happy to help.

Today's gift guide is for the beauty gal. The one who has the perfect cat eye and the best lip color.

1. Pink Himalayan Bath Salts: Have her relax with these rose and vanilla scented salts. And then keep the gorgeous vase.

2. Wine Soaps: Cab sauv, chardonnay, pinot grigo, and pinot noir. What more does she need?

3. Glitz & Glam Bag: The perfect day to night makeup set with great brands like Nars, Stila, Josie Maran and more.

4. Sonia Kashuk Limited Edition Lavish Luxe Brush Set: Grab this beautiful gold set for yourself and your best girl, 10 pieces in all. 

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

You know what I forgot to tell you? Where I've been all week on this work trip. Details. Well it's New Orleans. So this Friday Foodday is aptly inspired.

Hurricane
c/o The Kitchn

Ingredients
1 bottle (750 mL) dark rum
1 1/2 cups passion fruit syrup
1 1/2 cups fresh-squeezed lemon juice
1 cup of ice

Ingredients

Combine all ingredients, including the ice, in a pitcher. Stir to mix the ingredients. Allow to sit for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the ice to melt into the drink. Prepare for a good party.

Quick Jambalaya

c/o Martha Stewart

Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
3 celery stalks, finely chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and finely chopped
1 pound andouille sausage, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups homemade or low-sodium store-bought chicken stock
3/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes with juice
1 cup long-grain rice

Directions

Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Cut into 3/4-inch pieces; set aside.

Add vegetables to pot. Cook, stirring, 5 minutes. Add sausage; cook 3 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute. Stir in stock, Old Bay, tomatoes, and 1/2 cup water; bring to a boil. Add rice and chicken. Reduce heat; simmer 5 minutes. Cover; remove from heat. Let stand until rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed, 30 to 35 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Bananas Foster

c/o Cooking Light

Ingredients

• 4 medium bananas 
• 1/4 cup butter 
• 1 cup packed brown sugar 
• 1/4 cup crème de banane (banana liqueur)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup dark rum
• 2 cups vanilla low-fat ice cream 
• 
  
• Directions
• Peel bananas; cut each banana in half lengthwise. Cut each half into 2 pieces.
• Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, liqueur, and cinnamon. Bring to a simmer, and cook for 2 minutes. Add bananas; cook for 4 minutes or until tender. Remove from heat. Add rum to pan, and ignite rum with a long match. Stir bananas gently until flame dies down. Serve over ice cream.

Conference Room AC

You know what you can always count on when you're on a work trip? Cold conference rooms. I guarantee it. You know what those call for? Cardigans.

Gap, Eversoft Cardigan, $39

A great pop of color to layer over an lbd or with navy pants.

Anthropologie, Isis Cardigan, $88

A lambswool and cashmere blend is just the right amount of cozy for work.

Target, Mossimo Faux-Leather Cardigan, $34

So simple and chic. The small panels are eye catching without being distracting.

Ann Taylor, Chain Trim Cardigan, $79

Just beautiful detailing on this cardigan. I love the merlot color as well.

Cardigans are essential for work trips. You never know when you have to sit in a freezing conference room, car, train, plane, or hotel room.

Be fabulous today!

Flat Footed

Shoes! The all important shoes for long meeting days. Let's discuss. I envy women who can walk around in these all day, but I'm totally ok with never being that woman. Until then, these are my go to.

Nordstrom, Steve Madden Envd Flat, $98

In my opinion these are worth every penny. Detail, color and texture will save your feet after a long day. Also comes in black, red, or plum.

Shopbob, Boutique 9 Sophina Metallic Kitten Heel, $91

This is a great day or evening shoe. Picture it with a navy suit or a LBD.

Bloomingdale's, Steve Madden Paigge Leopard Print, $69

A short little heel with a big print. Just great for a long day of meetings or a conference.

Macy's, Calvin Klein Nicki, $99

If you looked up standard heel in the dictionary, this image would appear. Every women needs one of these in her closet.

For my trip this week I will be enjoying 14 hour days of standing/running, so these shoes would be just perfect for me. 

Be fabulous today!

Dress for Success

We're continuing my travel/work trip themed posts and looking at dresses. I prefer wearing dresses when on a work trip because they take up less room in my suitcase and it makes accessorizing or layering a lot easier.

Taylor, Emerald and Black Houndstooth Dress, $61

A beautiful patterned dress that you can ball up in your suitcase and it won't wrinkle.

Target, Merona Longsleeve Lace Dress, $34

Kate Middleton would be so proud of you in this dress. Just a lovely shade of red for fall.

Dorothy Perkins, Black and Ivory Skater Dress, $49

 Simple and beautiful on any body type, this dress is ready to go from day to night.

Piperlime, Pim + Larkin Mixed Jacquard Sheath, $79

This can be worn alone or with a navy blazer. Easy, bright, professional.

A good work dress is an item you should be able to wear to interviews, big meetings, and general dressier professional occasions. Bonus points if you can layer a crewneck sweater on top and wear it as a skirt.

Be fabulous today!

It's in the the Bag

Happy Monday lovebugs,
I'm traveling this week for work so this week's posts will be travel/business themed. I hope you enjoy!

First things first, packing. But suitcases are kind of boring to write about so let's talk travel purses. I'm talking a fit-it-all yet still look chic bag that you can take on the plane.

Piperlime, Danielle Nicole Adeline Satchel, $98

The options are quite endless for this structurally-fabulous bag. Two straps, great closure, tie a silk scarf on it for extra umph. Or get the taupe version on sale. 

C Wonder, Ikat Coated Canvas Tote, $78

A beautiful tote that easily wipes off any rogue coffee spills. It's also 19 inches across which means its perfect for any laptop.

Free People, Slouchy Vegan Tote, $68

This reversible. Yes, reversible, it's a lipstick red on the inside. Is perfect for travel. Soft and supple, ready to throw everything in and go.

Talbots, Buffalo Plaid Tote, $99

Ok, don't be mad at me, I know this is $99. But look at it. It's stunning. Classic.

Invest in a larger tote that works for you. Everyone has different needs when they travel. Do you like more pockets, two straps, leather, laptop-ready? Be picky and you'll have it for a long time.

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

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

Buffalo Chicken Fries
c/o Lauren's Latest

Ingredients
1 32-oz. bag crinkle cut low fat fries 
2 tablespoons butter
1/2-3/4 cup hot sauce
2 cups diced rotisserie chicken
1 cup grated provolone cheese 
3/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
cilantro, for garnish

Directions
Preheat  oven to 450 degrees. Place fries onto baking sheet and cook according to package directions. While fries are baking, melt butter in large skillet over medium heat. Stir in hot sauce. Toss chicken in mixture to coat and heat through. Turn down to low to keep warm. Once fries are crispy and finished baking, Sprinkle with provolone, chicken pieces and blue cheese crumbles. Cook 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted. Top with cilantro and more hot sauce. Serve immediately.

Cauliflower Tots
c/o Skinny Taste

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked cauliflower florets, finely chopped *see note
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg white
• 1/2 cup onion, minced
• 3 tbsp minced fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• salt and pepper to taste
• cooking spray

Directions

*to cook the cauliflower florets, steam a little over 2 cups raw cauliflower florets in a little water covered for for 4 to 5 minutes or until tender but not mushy, then drain well and dry on paper towel, then using a knife finely chop and set 2 cups aside. 

Preheat oven to 400°F.  Spray a nonstick cookie sheet with cooking spray.

In a medium bowl, combine all of the ingredients and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Spoon 1 tablespoon of mixture in your hands and roll into small ovals. Place on the cookie sheet and bake for 16-18 minutes, turning halfway through cooking until golden.

Rugelash

c/o Cassie Craves

Ingredients

2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter
1 8-ounce package cream cheese
1/3 cup sour cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 cup finely chopped walnuts

Directions

1. Cut cold butter and cream cheese into bits. In a food processor, pulse flour, salt, butter and cream cheese, and sour cream until crumbly.

2. Shape crumbly mixture into 4 equal-sized discs. Wrap each disc and chill for 2 hours, or up to 2 days.

3. Combine sugar, cinnamon, and walnuts in a bowl.

4. Roll each disc into a 9-inch round, keeping the other discs chilled until ready to use. Sprinkle the rolled disc with the walnut mixture, pressing lightly into the dough. 

5. Using a chef's knife or pizza cutter, cut each round into 12 wedges. Roll wedges from wide to narrow, ending with a point. Place on ungreased baking sheets and chill for 20 minutes before baking.

6. After chilling, bake at 350 degrees for 22 minutes until lightly golden. Cool on wire racks.

Hey Girl Hey

I'm feeling French. Bad news: I know one word of French. Good news: we're going shopping. Bonjour!

Macy's, Rebellious Graphic Cutout Sweater, $46

I really like the striped shoulder detail. I don't think the model does though, she looks like she's having a tough day.

Anthropologie, Love Note Cuff, $38

Oh how lovely. A perfect addition to an arm party.

Nasty Gal, Reverse Bonjour Belted Dress, $47

An adorable skater dress with mesh shoulders that add just enough sass.

Lord and Taylor, Jessica Simpson Bonjour Sweatshirt, $49

This would be adorable with pearls and a skirt or with bf jeans and a ponytail.

So bonjour y'all! I hope you enjoy this mini-vacation.

Be fabulous today!

Chunk-tastic

It's been a long week in my opinion. Work has been crazy and its only going to get busier, so you know what I say? Let's go shoe shopping. Chunky heel shoe shopping.

Bloomingdale's, DV Dollie Chunky Heel, $62

Just. Yes. Emerald, suede, gold, yes.

Nordstrom, Whitney Pump Sole Society, $59

Are we loving these mary jane options? Because I am. With patterned tights.

Target, Merona Meg, $29

Solid and sturdy. Enough said.

Lord and Taylor, Connely Colorblock Pump, $74

These beauties will be going on my Christmas list. Those deep saturated colors are gorgeous.

When life gets tough, buy more shoes. These chunky heeled options are comfortable and stylish.

Be fabulous today!

Patched Up, Ready to Go

You know what I love about cold weather? A lot of things. I know, I should have thought that through a bit more. Ok, one of the many things I love about cold weather: elbow patches. They're so wonderfully old man-ish and perfect for mixing in with your sweater weather standards.

Bloomingdale's, Vintage Havana Sweater Colorblock Sequin Elbow, $73

Hi, my name is Kelsey and I love sequins. This is amazing.

Madewell, Elbow-Patch Stadium Sweater, $89

I love the hunter green and chocolate brown combination. Layer this with jewels, a blazer, an oxford, you name it. There is also a striped version. 

Urban Outfitters, Marled Easy Sweater, $49

I really love this sweater because the name says it all. It is easy. Throw on and go.

Asos, Heart Elbow Patch Stripe Sweater, $39

This sweater is so effortless while still making a statement.

There are a ton of DIY elbow patches out there in the Pinterest black hole. I for one am not brave enough to attempt such a thing. In the meantime, I'll purchase.

Be fabulous today!

Quilting Up a Sweat

Sweatshirts are huge this season and I think it's about time that we glam up this cozy staple. You've seen the bejeweled versions. Today we're looking at quilted sweatshirts. A little more muted but still a great detail.

Bloomingdale's, Alternative Clark Ragland Quilted, $64

See what I mean? Simple and chic. This style also comes in blue and violet.

Mango, Floral Print Quilted Sweatshirt, $59

A stunning fall-friendly floral that is just asking for some layered blingy necklaces.

Nordstrom, Halogen Quilt Front Sweatshirt, $49

How adorably girly is this sweatshirt? I love the modified boat neck and the color combination.

Forever 21, Textured Quilted Sweatshirt, $19

You really can't beat the price and the drop shoulder gives a little something extra.

Bring on the sweatshirts. Dress them up. Wear them with pencil skirts. Layer pearls, oxford shirts, go wild. Sweat it out.

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday! Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Mulled Wine
c/o Give Me Some Oven

Ingredients

• 1 (750 ml) bottle red wine
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1/4 cup brandy (optional)
• 1/4 cup honey or sugar
• 8 whole cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 star anise

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a non-aluminum saucepan, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, and let simmer for at least 15 minutes. Strain, and serve warm.

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Encrusted French Toast

c/o Lauren's Latest

Ingredients

2 cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal
3 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
5 slices day-old bread {any kind you have on hand}
butter for frying + more for smearing
maple syrup

Directions

Place cereal into a large plastic food storage bag. Crush cereal with a rolling pin into fine crumbs. Pour onto a plate and set aside.

In a large shallow dish, crack eggs and whisk together with milk. Dip one slice of bread into egg mixture and then coat in cereal crumbs.

Cook over medium heat in 1 teaspoon butter until browned on either side. Remove from pan and serve with more butter and warm maple syrup.

Granola Pie

c/o Cassie Craves

Ingredients

Crust for 1 9-inch pie

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

3/4 cup corn syrup

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

3 eggs, lightly beaten

4 crunchy oats and honey granola bars, crushed

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1/4 cup oats (quick-cooking or old-fashioned will work)

1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Whipped cream for serving

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate and crimp the edges.

2. Microwave butter on high for 1 minute or until melted. Sitr in brown sugar and corn syrup until blended. Beat in salt, vanilla and eggs. Stir crushed granola bars, walnuts, oats, and chocolate chips into the brown sugar mixture. Pour into the crust-lined pie plate.

3. Bake 40 to 50 minutes, or until filling is set and crust is golden brown. During the last 15 to 20 minutes of baking, cover the crust with strips of foil to avoid over-browning. Cool at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve at any temperature with whipped cream. Cover and refrigerate leftovers.   

In a Tight Spot

It's tights season!!! And since no one really likes nude pantyhose, why not have some fun with your gorgeous legs? I'm loving the Pretty Polly collaboration with Alice and Olivia. The tights are bit pricier than my normal buy but the patterns are so feminine and fun!

Alice and Olivia, Glitter Horizontal Stripe Tights, $48

These thick stripes are eye catching and unexpected.

Alice and Olivia, Lace tights, $48

Pretty lace, perfect for a big meeting.

Alice and Olivia, Polka Dot Tights, $48

You can't be even a little bit surprised that these will be going on my Christmas list.

Alice and Olivia, Argyle Tights, $48

Preppy much? I'm pairing these with a cord mini or an emerald green pencil skirt.

You see why I didn't blink at the price tag of these beauties. The bold patterns and solid construction are well worth the investment.

Be fabulous today!