Friday Foodday

Happy friday everyone! Here are some recipes for the big game!

The Orange Crush
℅ Intoxicology 101

Ingredients
1 oz Absolut Citron
1 oz Dekuyper Triple Sec
1 oz Orange Juice
Tons of crushed ice

Directions
Stir!

Gary's Hot Peppers
℅ The Loveless Cafe

Ingredients
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 lb. thick sliced bacon
15 large Jalapeno peppers
2 sweet onions
1 T. garlic powder
1 T. onion powder
1 T. black pepper
2 tsp. season salt
1 tsp. paprika
toothpicks
Surgical Gloves!

Directions

Cut chicken into thin slices. Combine all dry ingredients in plastic bag and shake them up. Put on surgical gloves and cut peppers down the middle – BE CAREFUL – DON’T TOUCH YOUR EYES! Cut onions so they fit into the peppers. Cut bacon in half. Take a pepper, put onion in, then piece of chicken, wrap with bacon and secure with toothpick. Grill at medium heat.  Place chicken side down then turn when bacon looks done/cooked.

S'more Pizza

℅ Food Network

Ingredients

2 1 -pound store-bought pizza-dough balls

1/4 cup slivered almonds

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 sleeve graham crackers, crushed (about 1 1/4 cups crumbs)

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

3 cups mini marshmallows

2 4 -ounce dark chocolate bars, broken into 1/4-inch chunks

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Form the pizza dough into two 12-to-14-inch rounds, 1/4 inch thick. Bake, preferably on a pizza stone or pizza pan, for 4 to 6 minutes, or until just beginning to brown. Leave the oven at 400 degrees F.

While the pizza crust is baking, toast the almonds in a medium dry skillet over medium-high heat. Transfer the almonds to a plate to cool.

Melt the butter in the skillet. Add the graham cracker crumbs, chili powder, cayenne and salt. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the crumbs are well coated. Remove from the heat and set aside.

For each pizza, top the crust with half of the marshmallows and scatter half of the chocolate over the marshmallows. Return to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes, until the marshmallows are puffed and lightly browned. Sprinkle the pizza with half of the graham cracker mixture and top with half of the almonds. Let rest 3 to 4 minutes, slice and serve. Repeat to make the second pizza.

Can You Hear Me Now

Yesterday we did scarves and today since it is still ridiculously cold, let's look at some adorable ear muffs. I like ear muffs because they don't ruin your hair and less static when you take it off. They're easy to throw in your purse and they come in so many styles.

Bloomingdale's, Ralph Lauren Tech Ear Muffs, $56

How chic are these muffs? Sequins with shearling lined ears. Glam, fun, and warm.

Club Monaco, Celeste Faux Fur Earmuff, $59 [sold out! here's another option]

There are a lot of rabbit fur ear muffs out there, and yes, they're luxurious, but for those who aren't all for the bunny ears (literally) here is a lovely faux fur option.

Bloomingdale's, Kate Spade Fall in Line Ear Muffs, $47

Zoom in and enjoy the orange and pink stripes on these beauties. What a warm pattern for a cold day.

Neiman Marcus, Chunky Cable Knit Headphone Ear Muff, $39

Cable knit is not just for sweaters anymore! Rock out and stay warm with these.

Ear muffs for cold weather, its not the most original idea but it sure saves a good hair day. Stay warm and look fabulous.

Be fabulous today!

The Isle of Fair

The perfect winter pattern whether you are at the slopes or just bundling up on your walk to work is fair isle. It's a pattern that reminds you of hot chocolate and long underwear. Today we're looking at fair isle scarves.

Boden, Fair Isle Scarf, $46

A wool blend that will keep you warm. I really enjoy the mixing of the blues.

Nordstrom, Topshop Scandi Fair Isle Snood, $36

Who doesn't love a great snood? This cozy knit is going to go with any winter jacket and add the perfect amount of pattern.

Old Navy, Women's Fair Isle Scarf, $17

A nice camel color with a fun fringe detail. 

Forever 21, Reversible Fair Isle Scarf, $12 [Now sold out!]

Kind of an Aztec inspired print that you can wear two ways!

Fair isle is the perfect print for the dead of winter. Mix it up with a cozy scarf instead of the sweater and keep your outerwear fresh!

Be fabulous today!

I'll Have the Scallops

Last week we looked at some great bling as one way to add interest to your outfit. Another way to dress up the wardrobe is to look for pieces that have a little extra detail. I'm talking about a sweater with embroidery, or a skirt with a nubby tweed. Something that makes the piece stand out from all the others. Something that makes it special. Today, I want to focus on scallops. Simple, quiet, and yet great impact.

Chicwish, Neon Yellow Scrolled Trim Bud Skirt, $33

A bright pop of yellow is perfect for now with plum tights and for later with a sleeveless white lacy blouse.

Loft, Pointelle Yoke Scalloped Ruffle Sweater, $49

Kind of obsessed with this sweater. Like I almost bought it while writing this post. I love the touch of wool that makes it extra cozy, the variation on the stripe with these scalloped edges, and this cool mint color that is perfect with everything.

Free People, Scalloped Lace Skort, $78

Talk about details. The lace pattern here is feminine and delicate mixed with this deep emerald. I would wear this now with black tights and booties and later when my legs aren't so translucent. 

Bloomingdale's, Kate Spade Scallop Front Tights, $22

A great variation on your standard black tight without being super crazy patterned. These also come in beige.

So you see its not always about the bling or the shoes or the lipstick, sometimes that sweater/skirt/skort does that work for you. Embrace the scallop.

Be fabulous today!

Chunkster

It's freezing on the east coast. Like wear tights under your pants and then add the wool socks cold. When you walk outside it feels like you just got slapped across the face. You know what you need when it is this cold? Chunky knits. Lots of them. All of them. Get cozy.

Wallis, Cream Chunky Jumper, $49

A cozy cream will go perfectly with coated denim or a structured legging. I also love the big cowl neck.

Bloomingdale's, Calvin Klein Chunky Cowl Neck Sweater, $89

A great pattern that has a lot of movement for those days when you want to do absolutely nothing.

Need Supply, Cowl Neck Sweater, $68

Oversized, drapey, thick and relaxed. Add some mulled wine and call it a night.

Dorothy Perkins, Blush Embellished Sweater, $21

A lovely knit with just the right amount of detail right by the face. No necklace needed.

When the temperature drops, its all about the chunky knit. Layer on an infinity scarf and find some comfy slippers. 

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

It's Friday everybody! Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Chicken Pad Thai Nachos
℅ Closet Cooking

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon tamarind concentrate or 1/4 cup lime juice
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce or soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons palm sugar or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon chili sauce or to taste
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter (optional)
• 2 cups chicken, cooked and shredded
• 1 (14 ounce) bag tortilla chips
• 1 cup cheddar, shredded
• 1 cup monterey jack, shredded
• 2 cups bean sprouts
• 2 carrots, shredded
• 4 green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Directions

1. Simmer the tamarind, fish sauce, sugar, chili sauce and peanut butter over medium heat until the peanut butter melts into the sauce, about 2-3 minutes, before mixing in the chicken.
2. Spread the nachos out on a baking dish, sprinkle on the chicken and sauce mixture, bean sprouts, carrots and green onions followed by the cheese and broil until the cheese has melted, about 2-4 minutes, before topping with peanuts and fresh cilantro.

Black Velvet

℅ Paste Magazine

Ingredients

1/2 glass Stout
1/2 glass Champagne

Directions

Fill 1/2 a collins glass with a stout and gently top with champagne.

Cinnamon Roll Pretzels

℅ Lauren's Latest

Ingredients

4 heaping cups of pretzels
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup vanilla candy melt or white chocolate

Directions

Preheat oven to 350. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

In a large bowl, toss pretzels with melted butter. Stir sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl before tossing with buttered pretzels. Spread in an even layer on prepared baking sheet and bake 12 minutes. Remove from oven and cool 10 minutes.

In a small bowl, melt vanilla candy melts until smooth. Pour into a squeeze bottle and drizzle over pretzels. {Or drizzle with a spoon.}

After about 5 minutes, the candy melt should harden and you can serve!

Sweating Dots

Ok lovebugs, we're getting really specific today. We're taking my favorite print - the polka dot - and the most popular cozy item this season - the sweatshirt. Girly, flirty, comfy, and adorable. Let's have some fun!

Gap, Dot Sweatshirt, $26

This slight scoop neck sweatshirt is perfect for layering and the hi low hem is casual and unexpected.

Nordstrom, Halogen Burnout Dot Sweatshirt, $58

Look closely, that's pink on pink ladies. That's right. Game changer. Add on a bauble and you've got one heck of an outfit- oh don't forget pants though. 

Delia's, Zip Dots Sweatshirt, $29

Remember Delia's? Well they are still adorable. Check out this cropped sweatshirt with a great exposed zipper detail.

Mango, Polka Dot Sweatshirt, $19

A comfy cotton blend that you can wear with jeans or maybe black cigarette pants. Or feeling brave? Try it with this merlot pencil skirt and a skinny belt.

I am loving the sweatshirt trend and I think with the right accessories you can dress it up for 9-5. And let's be honest, who doesn't love a sassy polka dot?

Be fabulous today!

Bauble Bath

Define this word: bauble. We say it all of the time when referring to jewelry but what does it really mean? Well, here's what I found.

bau·ble

ˈbôbəl/

noun: a small, showy trinket or decoration

Let's run with this, let's look at some bauble necklaces that will add a small show to your outfit.

Modcloth, Working Shine to Five, $19

A bauble doesn't have to be neon. Instead this muted piece is a great mix of bling and beads.

Max & Chloe, Blu Bijoux Gold Yellow Black and Pink Flora, $34
This necklace reminds me of a beautiful bee or ladybug. I love the design.

Baublebar, Crystal Zodiac Necklace, $38
These candy coated looking baubles are perfect to spice up a suit. The antique gold chain is a great compliment.

Loft, Fireball Bauble Necklace, $44
This necklace is great because you can change the length based on your neckline. Loop it around the outside collar of an oxford or pull it tighter to lay right on your collarbone.

How do you define bauble? Please share because I always love new vocabulary. Whether its with bling, color, or metal, a statement piece necklace should always be in your closet.

Be fabulous today!

These Boots are Made for Buying

It's still cold outside. And to me, the easiest thing to throw on in the cold is a pair of flat boots. They can pull any outfit together and if you get through the first round of blisters, you'll have them for years to come. Now the difficulty is finding them under $100. And while I find nothing wrong with investing in something you'll have for a long time, it's nice to know there are also some affordable options out there. 

Victoria's Secret, Quilted Riding Boot, $79

Gorgeous, supple suede that is a great combination with these colors.

Nordstrom, Dolce Vita Bend Boot, $89

The hardware on this boot is great because it doesn't steal the show. Nothing is trying too hard about this boot but you its one you want in your closet.

Ralph Lauren, Oiled Suede OTK Boot, $64 (with code FROST20)

This boot was originally $298. Seriously, there are only a few left, and if you are a size 5.5, 6, 9, or 10, get these so we can enjoy looking at you in them. 

Sole Society, Jess, $47

Hello perfection. Simple, understated, classic. Under 50 bucks. You're welcome.

A good boot is my go to in this chilly weather. What's yours?

Be fabulous today!

Guest Post: Pay it Forward in Gold

Hi again, everyone! This is Kelsey’s sister, Sara. I recently came into a situation that we all know too well—I lost my favorite “everyday” necklace. Now I know some of us (unlike Kelsey) usually wear the same accessories every day. Maybe it’s because I don’t like accessorizing or maybe it’s just because I love a quality piece of delicate jewelry. Either way, the time has finally come to invest in a new “everyday” necklace. Instead of feeling sad about the loss of an old necklace, I decided I would use this as an opportunity to be happy and buy a necklace that also gives back to a good cause—it puts a positive spin on an unfortunate situation! Below, you will find some of my favorite picks of delicate necklaces that are also for a good cause. Enjoy!

The Giving Keys, The Never Ending Necklace, $55

The Giving Keys was started by an actress/singer/songwriter who realized that we are all like keys—unique, flawed, scarred, and at risk of being discarded. You can order the keys with unique sayings of encouragement and every key is different. Here’s the catch—you have to give the key away at some point to a person you feel needs the same message that you did and then you can post the message on their website…how cool is that!? 

Half United, The Classic, $34

Half United was started by a brother and sister to positively impact the lives of people in desperate need of nutrition. Founded only 4 years ago, the duo makes all products in-house and donates HALF of the profits of every item sold directly towards fighting the global hunger epidemic. All necklaces come in a variety of colors. 

Satya Jewelry, Acholi Necklace, $88

This necklace, co-designed by Satya Jewelry and Kristen Bell, helps to promote peace and education in Northern Uganda. 100% of the proceeds of this necklace go toward Invisible Children’s life-changing program. I just love how delicate the necklace is while still being able to make such a huge impact. The tree of life symbols grounding and faith and reminds us that we are all connected. 

Thanks for reading my post! I hope that you are able to purchase one of these necklaces for yourself or for a friend. It feels good to spend money when you know it’s going to a good cause.

Do good and take care of each other,

Sara

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs, here are my favorite recipes for the week!

Blackberry Irish Whiskey Sour
℅ Fogged in Lounge

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz Irish whiskey (Paddy)
• 3/4 oz blackberry brandy
• 1/2 oz lemon juice

Directions

Shake with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Orange twist.

French Onion Dip

℅ Will Cook for Smiles

Ingredients

• 8 oz of cream cheese
• 1/4 cup of Kraft® Mayo with Olive Oil
• 1/4 cup of sour cream
• 1 cup of Kraft® Mozzarella shredded cheese
• 1 medium Vidalia onion
• 1 tbs butter
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt, fresh ground pepper to taste.

Directions

1. Slice the onions thin.
2. Preheat the oven to 350.
3. Preheat a coking pan on medium-high heat, add the butter and sliced onions. Saute the onions until nicely browned and caramelized. (Don't walk away too far and stir often so you don't burn the onions.)
4. In a medium bowl, mix all the ingredients except for caramelized onions until smooth.
5. Fold in the onions and transfer the mixture into an oven-safe dish. Sprinkle with a little extra shredded cheese on top.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes.

Puppy Chow Cookies

℅ The Barbee Housewife

Ingredients

For the Cookie:1/2 cup of Butter, room temperature for 30 minutes
1 cup of Peanut Butter, creamy
1/2 cup of Granulated Sugar
1/2 cup of Light Brown Sugar
1 Egg, large
1 tablespoon of Vanilla
1 teaspoon of Salt
1 1/4 cup of Flour

For the Coating:1 1/2 cups of Semisweet Chocolate Chips
2 tablespoons of Vegetable Oil
1/3 cup of Peanut Butter, creamy
1/4 cup of Butter
2 cups of Powdered Sugar

Directions

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with a silpat mat or parchment paper.

Now, in your mixing bowl, cream the butter and peanut butter together until until smooth. Add the sugar and light brown sugar and beat for 2 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla, and salt and mix well. Reduce the speed to low and gradually add the flour in until combined.

Next, using a tablespoon measurement, scoop out the cookie dough and roll into your palms to form a ball, fit 12 cookies on a baking sheet. Use the bottom of a glass cup and barely press on the cookie to flatten it to 1/2 inch thick.

Bake for 9-10 minutes until golden at the edge. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

After the cookies have cooled completely, in a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, vegetable oil, peanut butter, and butter. Place in the microwave for one minute and stir, remove and repeat in 30 second intervals until the chocolate has melted. Place the powdered sugar in a shallow dish.

Place one cookie in the chocolate and flip using a spoon and coating each side well; remove from the chocolate to the powdered sugar dish, coat in the sugar and place on wire rack to harden. Repeat until all cookies are finished.

Store in an airtight container. I stored mine in a large gallon ziplock bag laying down with wax paper in between each layer.

Red Riding Hood

I cannot believe we've gotten this far into winter without talking about capes. A huge mistake on my part. Please forgive me. Now then, I give you the cape. The easiest outer layer there ever was and ever will be. I prefer a darker color with this item because you will get a lot of use out of it so it needs to be versatile with your outfits.

Nordstrom, Trouve Faux Leather Trim Cape Coat, $76

A lovely mix of brown and black. It will go with pretty much anything in your closet.

Forever 21, Femme Boucle Cape, $47

You know Forever 21 is serious when an item costs more then $30. So hold everything kids, this is good stuff.

Macy's, Big Buddha Wrap, $72

A lighter option in a beautiful carmel that is zip and go.

Asos, Bonded Check Cape, $49

I love the plaid peeking out of this cape. The toggles are also a great detail.

It's difficult to find a cape for under $100, and now that it is mid-winter the sales on these items are starting to show. Pick the color and style you are looking for and make sure you don't settle. This style isn't going away, you can find just what you're looking for eventually.

Be fabulous today!

Hole in One

Yesterday we did mesh. Today kind of staying along the same lines with the open knit sweater. This cheeky option is great for a more casual look.

Dorothy Perkins, Blue Stitchy Fluffy Sweater, $31

I'm in love with this sweater and the reasoning is perfectly explained in the name of the item.

Mango, Interwoven Wool Blend Sweater, $34

What does Miss Mackenzie always say? Navy or nothing? Amen sister.

Lord and Taylor, Vintage Havana High Lo Sweater, $68

Classy and edgy at the same time. I'd layer on a neon necklace to pop.

Shopbob, d. Ra Stockholm Pullover, $63

A cozy drop shoulder sweater that is perfect for skinny jeans, boots, and an oversized scarf.

These chunky open knit sweaters are a comfortable yet chic option for weekends. Effortless but put together.

Be fabulous today!

Oh Sweetie, I See Right Through You

The weather has been a bit wonky lately. One day you can't feel your face and the next its all 50 degrees like its no big deal. What's a girl to do? Especially when going out, do you do the chunky sweater? Too sweaty. How about a nice blouse? Boring. A nice compromise is the sweetheart mesh top. Stay with me. All of the intrigue of a date night approved outfit with the coverage that is necessary for January.

Charlotte Russe, Mesh Necklace Peplum Top, $21

OK so please remove the necklace, it's ugly. But I had to post it because of the price. And a great peplum can be worn as is or add a skinny belt.

Bluefly, Annalee and Hope Black Lace Sheer Yoke Sweetheart Bodice Long Sleeve Top, $34

A little lace is just lovely and I like that it continues all the way down the blouse.

Asos, Curve Body with Sweetheart Mesh, $25

When you wear this bombshell of a top, try not to make the face this model is making. It's not a good face. Just smile because you know you look incredible.

Modcloth, The Answer is Sheer Top, $34

And a short sleeve option. I love the pin dot pattern here as well.

What do all of these tops have in common? A sweetheart neckline. This very small detail adds just the right amount of femininity to an otherwise sassy top. 

Be fabulous today!