Friday, January 30, 2015

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs! Today we're looking at a beer cocktail and two dips for Super Bowl weekend!

Aperol Mist
c/o Bon Appetit
Ingredients
  • 1 oz. Aperol
  • 1 oz. fresh lemon juice
  • Belgian-style wheat beer (such as Hoegaarden)
  • Lemon twist
Directions
  • Combine Aperol and lemon juice in a pint glass filled with ice. Top off with beer. Garnish with lemon twist.

Roasted Southwest Vegetable Cheese Dip
Ingredients
1 12 ounce bag Frozen Southwest Vegetable Blend
3 Tbsp STAR Garlic Grilling Oil
¾-cup Shredded Cheddar
½-cup Shredded Pepper Jack Cheese
½ cup Sour Cream or Mexican Crema
½ cup Olive Oil based Mayonnaise
½ tsp Cayenne Pepper
¼ tsp Ground Pepper
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 stem Green Onion, sliced on the bias

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. On a non-stick baking sheet, or silicone mat lined sheet, spread out bag of Southwest Vegetable Blend. Sprinkle STAR Garlic Grilling Oil over the vegetables and stir with a spoon to coat vegetables. Place in oven for 15 minutes, stirring half way in between until the vegetables start to darken around some of the edges. If the vegetables begin to brown to quickly, remove from oven early.
While the vegetables are roasting, prepare all other ingredients except green onion. In a large bowl, stir together sour cream and mayonnaise until smooth. Add in cayenne pepper, ground pepper, garlic and shredded cheeses and stir.
Once the vegetables have been removed from the oven, stir them into the cheese and cream mixture. Once combined, pour into an 8x8 or 9x9 square baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees until bubbly around the edges and heated through. Remove from oven and let rest for several minutes before serving. Serve along sides sour dough bread, crackers or even cocktail shrimp!

Jalapeño Queso Fundido
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup finely diced yellow onion
1 jalapeño finely diced or sliced plus more for garnish, if desired
salt & pepper, to taste
2 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated jack cheese {or mozzarella}
cilantro, for garnish

Directions
In small cast iron skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Saute onions and jalapeños with salt and pepper until tender and brown. Remove hot skillet from heat and stir in cheeses to melt. Top with cilantro and more jalapeños is desired.


Thursday, January 29, 2015

It's So Fluffy!

Let's talk texture. Sweater texture and material is critical for maximum comfiness but it also offers a third dimension to your outfit. Texture can create pattern or additional 'touch ability' to your top. You know what I mean. Similar to my all time favorite gif.

Asos, Bellfield Fluffy Sweater, $56 $39
This sweater reminds me of a light dusting of snow and it looks so cozy.

A blend of alpaca and merino means Lou and Grey is taking really good card of your comfort.

JCrew, Mohair Fuzzy Stripe Sweater, $98 $80
A preppy stripe option with a great ribbed neckline.

Anthropologie, Irina Pullover, $98
Oh this fine gauge sweater is so luxe. I also love the chiffon detailing, so unexpected.

So if you're looking for cozy, you don't always need to look for cashmere. Try mohair, alpaca, and a fine gauge knit.

Be fabulous today!

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Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Speak Up

Let's get graphic. Not Nat Geo graphic, I'm talking graphic tees. It's not quite tshirt weather (far from it) but today, let's look at some long sleeve text tees that are casual.

Simple and yet so cool. I'd pair it with a denim jacket or even a black blazer.

A cheeky mix of floral and gold with a feminine scoop neck and baseball style sleeves.

Bloomingdale's, Junk Food Tee Party for No Reason, $40
I firmly agree with the sentiment of this shirt and I love the rounded hem that compliments the scoop neck.

Aside from the washed blue hue, I love the font of the text on this tee. It's big and bold.

A great text/graphic tee is such fun way to add some quirk your outfit. Leave the accessories at home because the shirt is going to do the talking.

Be fabulous today!

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Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Wrapped in Warmth

It's real cold out there. I feel like winter just waltzed in here fashionably late and set up shop when we were doing just fine in our layers and hats. What can you do? I'll tell you what, wrap up. The wrap coat is chic and breezy and you can add you layers underneath, because if you're not sporting some long underwear right now, well, I feel sorry for you.

Last Call Neiman Marcus, Raison D'etre Cape Sleeve Wrap Trench Coat, $74
Starting with this beauty. The beautiful cape sleeves, the arched hem, everything about this coat is going to work for you.

Calvin Klein, Belted Wool Blend Wrap Coat, $99
This coat was originally $400. That's right. Go, buy, now.

How about a chic winter white option? I love the pop of the black belt it will your figure great definition.

Forever 21, Belted Wrap Coat, $37
This coat is a lightweight option but great for layering a chunk turtleneck underneath. It also makes for a great spring transition coat.

The wrap coat is very casual but effortless in a Olivia Pope sort of way. I love the large cape details or kimono sleeves, it offers some personality to outerwear.

Be fabulous today!

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Monday, January 26, 2015

So Not the 90s

Hi lovebugs,
Happy Monday to you! Are you buried in snow? DC is trying to decide what it wants to do between slush and snow. I'm hoping for a snow day but in the meantime let's talk jewelry. There is a really interesting trend in necklaces right now that is edgy but depending on how you wear it can still be feminine: the choker. This 90s grunge accessory has been updated from what you knew. It's sleek and sexy, let's take a look.

BaubleBar, Gemini Pearl Choker, $36
How about this? Asymmetrical pearls would look great with a suit or have some fun with a silky blouse. There is also a similar option in silver.

Quite a modern a cool look that would be fun with buffalo plaid.

This is very Cleopatra and I love it. 

Forever 21, Rhinestone Choker, $10
Just simple. Nothing wild, nothing screaming 'look at me', just a beautiful line of sparkle.

Thoughts? Chokers are certainly not what they used to be. Quite an upgrade if you ask me.

Be fabulous today!

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Friday, January 23, 2015

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs, here are my favorite recipes this week.

The XYZ Cocktail
c/o The Kitchn
Ingredients
1 1/2 ounces rum
3/4 ounces orange liqueur
3/4 ounces lemon juice


Directions

Combine all the ingredients in a Boston shaker or cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Strain the contents into a chilled cocktail glass.

Brussel Sprout Hash with Sweet Potato and Bacon
Ingredients
  • 4 strips bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 small sweet potato, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped
  • 1 pound brussels sprouts, trimmed and sliced
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 eggs

Directions
  1. Cook the bacon in a pan over medium heat and set aside.
  2. Add the onion and sweet potato to the pan and saute until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about a minute.
  4. Add the brussels sprouts, saute until tender, about 5 minutes, let sit until the bottoms start to caramelize, about 5 minutes, mix everything up, let sit for 5 minutes and mix it all up.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Create 4 small wells in the hash, add the eggs and cook until the desired level of done-ness.


Red Velvet Biscotti
Ingredients
for the biscotti
  • 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 Tbsp BAILEYS Red Velvet Cupcake Coffee Creamer (or heavy cream)
  • 2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp red gel food coloring
  • For the glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 Tbsp BAILEYS Red Velvet Cupcake Coffee Creamer (or heavy cream)
  • ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
Directions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter with granulated sugar. Add cocoa powder and egg to the mixture, beat until combined. Add in the creamer, and mix until fully blended. Add flour, baking powder, and food coloring and mix until combined. 
  2. Line a 15inch x 10inch x 1inch baking sheet with parchment paper. Divide dough in half. With hands, pat dough into 9inch x 2 ½ inch rectangles. You will have TWO rectangles. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 25 minutes. Remove biscotti from oven. Slice each rectangle of dough into 9 even slices. Tip each slice onto one side and return to oven. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and flip biscotti to opposite side. Bake an additional 10 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely. 
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cream cheese and creamer until smooth. Spread a generous amount of glaze onto each slice of biscotti. Add mini chocolate chips, if desired. Allow glaze to set, about 15 minutes. Store in airtight container for up to one week. ENJOY.

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Outerwear Your Ears

The latest trend in earrings: the ear jacket. Seriously. I think it's more wearable than the ear cuff but a bit more unexpected than your normal stud earring. The ear jacket is part stud and part drop earring.

BaubleBar, Pearl Arc Ear Jackets, $28
Step up your normal pearls for these whimsical accessories. You can also vary the length of the earring with adjustable holes for the stud.

Bloomingdale's, AQUA Paige Bar Ear Jacket, $20
A little door knocker and a little hoop. This is going to look great with a suit. 

Got a special occasion or an LBD that need a boost? These babies. Elegant and interesting.

Stella and Dot, Crescent Ear Jacket, $49
I saved my favorite for last. These have four different way to wear them. Wear just the studs, switch out the stud and just enjoy the compliments.

I'm loving this trend. I think it's different without being isolating to us 9-5 folks. 

Be fabulous today!

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Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Split Down the Middle

What is it about the slightest details that transforms the entire look of a skirt? Texture, shape, movement, or as we will see today, the slit. What we think of when we think of a pencil skirt is a back slit. Turn it around and you have a completely different look. Something powerful, corporate, and sexy. I give you the front slit skirt.

Here we have a stunning midi that has a slim cut and hugs in all of the right places.

Let's talk beige. This effortless and cool shade is oozing confidence.

Jones New York, Black Pencil Skirt with Front Slit, $64 $39
Simple, elegant, and work ready. This skirt is understated and yet show stopping.

Asymmetrical front slit. This skirt has structure and movement at the same time.

The front slit is such a simple switch but totally changes the silhouette of the outfit.

Be fabulous today!

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Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Hard Rock Life

Let's go au naturale. Sometimes chic is getting back to basics with some earthy materials. I'm talking about natural stone jewelry. Big statement with some weight.

BaubleBar, Howlite Goodall Drops, $32
A stunner with varying shapes with a great length.

Sole Society, Natural Jasper Bangle, $54
I love this stone. It reminds me of the aerial view looking out of a plane window. Beautiful movement in this blue stone.

Anthropologie, Norrland Necklace, $88
This is absolutely an outfit maker. Look at everything that's going on here. So many dimensions and layers, just beautiful.

Free People, Five and Two Gemma Ring, $88
How raw and edgy is this ring? It's quite delicate in the band but the stone does all of the talking.

I really like the natural stone as a nice break from the big bling options. Each piece is unique and it comes in every shape and size.

Be fabulous today!

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Friday, January 16, 2015

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs,
My mom and sister will be visiting this weekend and I cannot wait to see them! In the meantime, some great recipes.

Blackberry Irish Whiskey Sour
c/o 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.









Butternut Squash and Bean Tamale Bake
Ingredients
1 Butternut Squash, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup Onions, chopped
1 Red or Green Bell Pepper, diced
1/2 pound Chorizo sausage
1 can Black Beans, rinsed and rained
1 can Kidney Beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 oz) Tomato Sauce
1/2 cup Salsa
2 tsp Cumin
3 cloves Garlic, minced
1 package Cornbread Mix

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
In a large saute pan,  cook chorizo sausage, breaking into small pieces and cook through. Drain on paper towel lined plate and set aside. In the same pan, sprayed with non stick spray, cook bell pepper and onion, butternut squash until softened and squash is fork tender. Add the chorizo back into the saute pan, and add in the black beans and kidney beans. Stir in the tomato sauce and salsa, along with cumin and garlic. Stir to combine.
Pour all ingredients into the baking dish. Create small wells into the mixture. Prepare cornbread mix according to package direction, and pour into wells in the bean and squash mixture. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.
Remove from oven and serve with cilantro on top.
Combine squash/onion mixture, chorizo, and all beans into the saute pan along

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars
Ingredients
1 stick unsalted butter
1/3 heaping cup peanut butter 
1 large egg
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips + 2 tablespoons, for sprinkling
Directions
Preheat oven to 350. Line an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil. Spray the foil with cooking spray; set aside.

In a large, microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. This should take about 1 minute on high power. You may need more or less time depending on your microwave. Let cool for 2 minutes. 

Add the peanut butter, egg, brown sugar, vanilla to the butter and whisk until smooth. Add the flour and stir until just combined. Don't over mix. Stir in 1 cup of the chocolate chips.

Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top lightly with a spatula. Sprinkle evenly with the remaining 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips. 

Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until done. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean, or with a few moist crumbs, but no batter. Mine took 30 minutes. 

Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. 

Bars will keep airtight at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Pack In Pattern

We're coming up on a couple of long weekends so I thought what better time to replace your weekender bag than right now? I love the idea of a weekender bag because it's has a spontaneous feel to it. It's not your standard wheely bag. It's got character and it can be a lot of fun. Today, we're looking at patterned weekender bags.

Sole Society, Daphnee, $64
A strong stripe that is perfectly accented by some gold hardware.

This bag looks way more expensive than it is, and I can't say no to go a bag with good pockets and compartments.

A great Aztec print makes this bag super laid back and casual.

Urban Outfitters, Ecote Woven Texture Weekender Bag, $79
Looking for texture? Look no further than this beautiful weave.

So have some fun with your weekender bag and look for a sassy pattern that grabs some attention.

Be fabulous today!

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