Friday Foodday

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

Rose Champagne Cocktail
c/o The Kitchn

Ingredients
1 sugar cube
8 dashes Angostura or other aromatic bitters
Chilled rosé Champagne

Directions

Cut the sugar cube in half using a serrated knife or a sharp, thin knife. You will lose some sugar granules during cutting but that is ok.

Place one half of the sugar cube on the bottom of each champagne flute. Add 4 dashes of bitters over each sugar cube and then fill the glasses with Champagne.

Vegetarian Pesto Quesadillas

c/o Lauren's Latest

Ingredients
2 large flour tortillas
1/2 cup prepared pesto
2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small zucchini, sliced into thin discs
1 baby eggplant, sliced into thin discs
2 teaspoons butter, divided

Directions
In large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and saute zucchini and baby eggplant until crisp tender, 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and return to heat. Spread pesto evenly on two tortillas. Sprinkle cheese over top of pesto and then line cooked vegetables on half of the tortilla. Melt 1 teaspoon of butter in skillet and place open quesadilla into hot pan. Cook until bottom of quesadilla has browned and cheese has melted. Fold tortilla in half to cover the veggies and press down lightly to press them into the melted cheese, so they stay in place. Repeat with other tortilla. Serve warm.

Strawberry Pretzel Bars

c/o Shugary Sweets

Ingredients

FOR THE CRUST:

• 2 1/2 cup pretzels
• 1/2 cup pecans
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

FOR THE TOPPING:

• 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1 container (8 oz) Cool Whip, thawed
• 4 cup sliced, fresh strawberries

Directions

1. In a large food processor add pretzels, pecans and sugar. Pulse a couple times until pieces are broken and combined (not fine crumbs). Add in melted butter and mix with a fork.
2. Press mixture into the bottom of a 13x9-inch baking dish. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, condensed milk and lemon juice. Beat for about 4-5 minutes, scraping down sides as necessary. Should be fluffy and smooth. Fold in Cool Whip until fully combined. Spread over pretzel crust.
4. Top with sliced strawberries. Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight. ENJOY!

Chat Room

Sometimes we don't need to day a thing, because what we're wearing does that talking. Today I'm taking that in the literal sense, because these bags are all talk.

Gap, Happy Straw Tote, $24

Simple and sweet, I'd take this bag to the beach, brunch, or the store!

Target, Text Me Print Clasp Wallet, $16

Have you heard about these Target wallets? They are the best for going out. They hold everything and they last forever. This print has a Kate Spade flavor to it.

Asos, Aldo That's So 2014 Novelty Body Bag, $24

I can't even with this bag. It's adorable.

Banana Republic, Conversational Large Pouch, $38

A great little price for a great little bag.

These conversational bags are a great, well, conversation starter. I love how quirky they are while still being date night appropriate.

Be fabulous today!

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Tell It Tunic To Me Straight

Let's talk tunics. I have a love hate relationship with them. Some people have these amazing bodies that can pull off this completely shapeless item, and I salute you. Some of us on the other hand like the idea of a tunic but need a bit more structure. Today I give you the best of both worlds: two breezy tunic dresses and two more structured options.

Swell, Raga Autumn Meadow Tunic, $84

Look at this beautiful printed tunic dress. I love the pattern, the material it reminds me of the 70s trend we looked at a few weeks ago. 

Dorothy Perkins, Girls on Film Coral Floral Tunic Dress, $35

Now something with some weight to it. Here is a great tunic dress with an even better all over print.

Shoptiques, Umgee Forest Bell Tunic, $62

This dress screams summer. I love the scoop neck with a longer necklace and that crochet trim detail is just perfect.

Boden, Everyday Tunic Dress, $98

And one more time with a bit of structure. Simple and sleeveless, this dress is great for a casual afternoon or dress it up with espadrilles and standout earrings.

The tunic dress is great because it works for every shape and style, with some effort. Want an easy breezy look, look for a billowy fabric and peasant details. Need a bit more definition? Look for heavier cotton and darting on the back that tapers in.

Be fabulous today!

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Summer Pastime Prints

I hope you all had a very nice long weekend. Refreshed and ready to take on the week. It's officially summer according to the foundation on my neck by the time I walk to work. Summer has plenty of perks and plenty of heat but today let's celebrate a perk: cute summer-related prints. I love some flamingos and palm trees. The frond print has really taken off, let's start with that.

Lord and Taylor, Love Ady Palm Crop Top, $28

You are going to move on this top because there are not many left. The big print really balances the short torso top.

Neiman Marcus, Splendid Palm Beach Flamingo Print Top, $68

How much fun is this athletic bike top? Here are the matching bottoms. 

Loft, Curvy Fit Front Pencil Skirt, $69

I'm in love with this skirt. It's got a pop of color and a really eye catching print.

Express, Flamingo Print Convertible Sleeve Portifino Shirt, $59

There is something very C Wonder (RIP) about this top. I love the allover print and the deep v neck.

Fun and perky patterns are especially great in the summertime when you can sport a cotton sundress or a bikini. I love a palm tree or flamingo for summer.

Be fabulous today!

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Happy Memorial Day

image source

Friday Foodday

Happy long weekend lovebugs! Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Stars and Stripes Cocktail
c/o Liquor

Ingredients

5 Fresh blueberries

1 oz Stoli Blueberi Vodka

.25 oz Lucid Absinthe

.25 oz Simple syrup

splash of:

Lemon juice

G.E. Massenez Framboise Sauvage Raspberry Brandy

Ginger beer

Directions

In a shaker, muddle the blueberries

Add the vodka, absinthe, syrup and lemon juice, and fill with ice

Shake, and pour (unstrained) into a highball glass. Drizzle with brandy and top with ginger beer

Garnish with one sugar cube

Mexican Potato Salad
c/o Buns in My Oven

Ingredients
2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
3 Roma tomatoes
1/4 sweet onion
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 jalapeno, diced (more or less, to taste)
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 teaspoons salt

Directions
Wash and peel the potatoes. Dice into 1 inch cubes and place in a large stock pot. Add enough water to cover the potatoes by 1 inch and bring to a boil over medium heat.
Cook the potatoes for 10 to 15 minutes or until fork tender. Drain and place in the refrigerator to cool completely.
Dice the tomatoes and onion. Add to a small bowl. Stir in the cilantro, jalapeno, lime juice, and salt. Stir to combine.
Add the tomato mixture to the cooled potatoes and toss to coat. Taste and add more salt or lime juice if needed.
Serve cold or at room temperature.

Breakfast Hot Dog
c/o Country Cleaver

Ingredients

4 All Beef Hot Dogs

4 Buns, toasted

1 package frozen Hashbrowns, use frozen packaged or these DIY Hashbrowns

4 Eggs

1/4 cup Cilantro, minced

5 Slices Bacon, cooked and chopped

Ketchup

Directions

In a large electric skillet or other skillets, prepare hash browns according to package direction in one half of the pan. In the other half of the pan prepare bacon, cook until done and drain on paper towels until ready to chop and top on to your hot dog.

When the bacon is done, place beef hot dogs into the pan and heat until ready. Remove hot dogs from the pan and a set aside to rest momentarily. Crack eggs into the pan and let cook, sunny side up until the egg whites are set and cooked through.

To assemble. Place toasted hot dog bun on a plate, top with cooked all beef hot dog. Top with cooked and crispy hashbrowns, one egg per hot dog, minced cilantro and crumbled bacon. Serve immediately with ketchup or hot sauce.

Improve Your Short Game

Yesterday we talked sandal season and today we're talking shorts. It's shorts time. I thought we would start the season with scallops. It's a fun and cheeky way to show off your legs.

Shopbop, English Factory Scallop Shorts, $42

A delicate honeycomb mesh overlay gives these shorts some interesting detail.

Dorothy Perkins, Orange Crepe Scallop Shorts, $35

I love how they're showing these dressed up. They also come in a sunny yellow.

Loft, Riviera Shorts, $44

Simple white that goes with any top in your closet. Patten, solid, try it with these bottoms.

Asos, Shorts with Scallop Hem, $18

This girl looks like a good time. I like her. And I also love her outfit. 

A simpel scallop hem on shorts dresses it up a bit. Steps up the shorts game. You know. I like it with sandals or heels, you can really make this style work for any occasion.

Be fabulous today!

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That Web You Weave

Let's talk sandals. It's pedicure time. Get those toes painted and looking good because it's time to let them breathe in sandals. Today's sandal pick is a woven one in monochrome. A very simple shoe that will be very versatile in your closet. I like the woven look because it's casual and easy.

Swell, Billabong Shorel Trips Woven Sandal, $39

Yes, that Billabong. Stay with me. How Anthro are these sandals? Love the price point.

Cusp, TOMS Woven Diamond Strappy Wedge, $69

You know the brand, you love the comfort, this sandal delivers all of that and more.

Forever 21, Faux Leather Woven Sandals, $17

A well-traveled pattern makes these sandals perfect for a fun weekend.

Sole Society, Lucky Brand Baheeti, $58

Simple, chic, denim-ready. That's about all you need to know.

Nothing too groundbreaking about this trend and that's why I love it. It's timeless and perfect for weekends or vacation. 

Be fabulous today!

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Queen of the Empire

Let's talk ridiculously flattering shapes. I'm talking about my go to, your favorite and mine, the empire waist. It's universally forgiving and it's my favorite cut for a dress. Because it's summer aka maxi season let's look at empire cut maxi dresses.

Nordstrom, Felicity & Coco Empire Waist Maxi, $98

I don't often post pieces close to $100 but when I do I like to give an explanation. This dress is worth every single penny. All over saturated cornflower blue with a stunning neckline. This is your go to summer dress. Add a jeweled belt, try chandelier earrings, or throw on a jean jacket and go.

Asos, Traffic People Silk Maxi Dress, $91

Polka dot and floral? Count me in. 

Kohl's, Milly Print Empire Maxi Dress, $54

Last week we looked at the Milly for Kohl's line and you guys went wild. This maxi still works and it comes in four colors.

Old Navy, High Neck Maxi Tank Dress, $35

Ok, real talk, summer means sweat-city. I love Old Navy for cotton dresses that I don't feel about living in because I toss them in the wash.

The empire waist is a staple in my closet and that includes these maxi dresses. The cut makes the torso look long and lean. Solid or print, it's a win.

Be fabulous today!

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Matchy Matchy

Happy Monday lovebugs,
Hopefully you are looking forward to a long Memorial Day weekend. That is what is getting me through today. Hang in there. Today is a post I've wanted to do for a while but I haven't been able to find the options I liked. Matching skirt sets. This trend is so much fun because it's allover pattern but broken into a top and bottom.

Missguided, Ania Contrast Floral Print Monochrome, $20

This skirt set is so simple and yet such a visual punch. 

Topshop, Sunrise Floral Print Midi Skirt and Top, $90

What a sunny outfit. I love the large floral print and this top is cut beautifully.

Asos, Co-ord Scuba Maxi in Floral with Organza Overlay, $81

Need a dressy wedding guest outfit that is going to turn heads? Look no further. The matching top is on sale for $28.

Shoptiques, L'atiste Textured Skirt Set, $90

And for a more adventurous but still T Swift approved (no belly button) how about this baby pink option?

I really love this trend because it makes a statement but you can also break up the pieces for endless outfit options.

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

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

Pok Pok's Rhubarb Blush Cocktail

c/o The Kitchn

Ingredients

1 ounce London Dry gin
1 ounce fresh-squeezed lime juice
1 ounce Aperol
1 to 2 dashes Fee Brothers Rhubarb Bitters
Orange or lemon twist for garnish

Directions

In a cocktail shaker filled half way with ice, combine the gin, lime juice, Aperol and bitters. Shake until well-chilled. Pour both cocktail and ice into a glass and garnish with an orange twist.

Million Dollar Pasta

c/o Buns in My Oven

Ingredients

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 jar pasta sauce
• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions.
2. While the pasta is cooking, brown the hamburger meat in a medium skillet, crumbling it as it cooks. Drain the fat and return to the pan. Stir in the pasta sauce and set aside.
3. Meanwhile, beat together the cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, chives, salt, and pepper with an electric mixer until well combined.
4. Drain the pasta when it's finished cooking and return to the pot. Stir in the cream cheese mixture and the meat sauce until well coated.
5. Serve immediately.

Lemon Crumb Cake

c/o Shugary Sweets

Ingredients

FOR THE CAKE

• 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup milk

FOR THE FILLING:

• 1 package (8oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 lemon, zested

FOR THE STREUSEL:

• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

FOR THE GLAZE:

• 1 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 Tbsp milk
• 
  

Directions

1. For the cake, grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt on low until combined. Beat in softened butter until crumbly. Add in eggs, vanilla extract, lemon juice and milk. Beat for about 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. Pour into prepared pan.
3. For the filling, beat cream cheese with sugar, egg and lemon zest for about 4-5 minutes. Pour over cake layer, being careful to not let it touch the sides of the pan.
4. In a small bowl, combine streusel ingredients with a fork. Sprinkle over top of cake. Bake in a 325 degree oven for about 38-42 minutes. Cool completely in pan. When cooled, remove from pan and place on a serving plate.
5. Whisk together the glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake. Serve and enjoy!

Working for the Weekend

Tis almost the weekend lovebugs. Let's celebrate. I love a great graphic top and who doesn't love the weekend? Here are some fun graphic tops that celebrate just that.

Ily Couture, Weekend Eco-Grey Sweatshirt, $58

The perfect relaxed top for the best two days of the week.

Nordstrom, BP Graphic Rolled Sleeve Shirt, $32

Simple sentiment, major comfort.

Modcloth, Life in the Breakfast Lane Tee, $29

Yes they really are, Modcloth.

Lord and Taylor, I Love Sundays Fleece Pullover, $58

When the AC is on high and you want to keep your under the covers cozy going, slip into this and some leggings.

Who doesn't love a graphic top, especially when they celebrate the best days of the week?

Be fabulous today!

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