Monday, August 31, 2015

Lounge Like No One is Watching

As I mentioned on Friday, my sister got married yesterday. Today after the wedding brunch I'm going to get into comfies and enjoy the day of nothingness. Today I am enjoying post-wedding comfort and I wanted you to feel like it too. Let's look at some lounge pants that are Monday call in sick worthy.

Let's say it together: 'ahhhhh'.

Summer loves seersucker, so do I.

The real question is, who doesn't need pants with tiny foxes on them? Right.

I would have no problem making a coffee run in these pants and then running back to the couch.

Leave those gym shorts and old tees at home, I'm lounging in these sweats all day long.

Be fabulous today!

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Friday, August 28, 2015

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday! I'm in New Hampshire prepping for my younger sister's wedding this weekend! If you follow me on Instagram, you can come along too! Here are my favorite recipes this week.

White Sangria Sparkler
c/o Damn Delicious
Ingredients
  • 1 (750 mL) bottle white wine 
  • 2 peaches, sliced 
  • 2 kiwis, peeled and thinly sliced 
  • 1 cup raspberries 
  • 3 tablespoons sugar, or more, to taste 
  • 1 (750 mL) bottle sparkling white wine 
  • 8 sprigs mint

Directions
  • In a large pitcher, whisk together white wine, peaches, kiwis, raspberries and sugar. 
  • Let chill in refrigerator for at least 1 hour. 
  • Serve over ice with sparkling white wine, garnished with mint, if desired.

Veggie Stuffed Lasagna Portobello Mushrooms
Ingredients
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 2 loose cups baby spinach, chopped
  • 3 cloves chopped garlic
  • 1/3 cup chopped onion
  • 1/3 cup chopped red bell pepper
  • kosher salt
  • 3/4 cup part skim ricotta
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 4 large basil leaves, chopped
  • 4 large portobella mushroom caps
  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup part skim shredded mozzarella

Directions
Preheat the oven to 400F. Spray a baking sheet with oil. Gently remove the stems, scoop out the gills and spray the tops of the mushrooms with oil, season with 1/8 tsp salt and fresh pepper.

Heat a large nonstick saute pan over medium heat, add oil, onion, garlic and red pepper and season with 1/8 tsp salt. Cook until soft, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the baby spinach and saute until wilted, about 1 minute.

In a medium bowl add the ricotta, parmesan cheese and egg, mix well. Add the cooked vegetables and basil and mix. Stuff the mushrooms with ricotta mixture and top each with 2 tbsp marinara, 2 tbsp mozzarella.

Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Garnish with basil and enjoy!

Sour Cream Chocolate Banana Bread
Ingredients
2 cups Flour
3/4 cup Sugar
3/4 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Salt
3 VERY ripe Bananas, about 1 1/2 cups
1/4 cup Sour Cream, or Greek Yogurt
2 Eggs
1 1/2 tsp Vanilla
6 Tbsp Butter, melted and cooled
1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In one mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
In the other bowl, whisk together the eggs, bananas, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk in the melted butter until mixed in evenly.
Create a well in the flour, and add in wet ingredients. Using a rubber spatula gently fold the two sets of ingredients together until the two are just combined, and a couple of small flour streaks remain. Let the mixture set for a couple of minutes and move to the next step.
Spray a standard size loaf pan with non stick spray. Line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper, creating a cradle of sorts. Spray the paper again with non-stick spray.
Just prior to adding the batter into the loaf pan, gently mix in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed. Scrape the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake on the middle rack for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let the loaf rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then using the parchment cradle, lift the loaf out of the pan and place on a wire rack to cool completely. Slice, serve, and devour.

Thursday, August 27, 2015

She's Two Sided

Ok, I'm going to say it. You're welcome. Today's post is a big you're welcome lovebugs. I have found some of the best reversible totes out there right now. You heard me, reversible. Two bags for one. And they're under $100.

418 people have taken the time to given this bag five star reviews. They can't be wrong. This bag is amazing.

Urban Outfitters, Canvas and Vegan Leather Tote, $39
A pop of neon or a casual canvas. You pick.


Great print for summer into fall. If you're not into it...no worries, 13 other color combos to choose from.

Last Call Neiman Marcus, Reversible Tricolor Tote, $85
Yes, even this bag is reversible. Amazing.

How great are these bags? Playful or professional, classy or casual, the choice is yours and then you can change it!

Be fabulous today!

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Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Don't Turn Around

It may be the end of summer, but that still means we have to dress for it. Yes back to school sales, fall fashion week, and more are ahead of us; but we still need to get dressed for now. So today I give you a great option for hot weather. The slit back top. It's so breezy and keeps you cool on these hot end of summer nights.

I love these colors and the sweet back opening is low enough that you can still wear a normal bra.

Lord and Taylor, Jessica Simpson Open Back Tank, $13
Super soft chambray is ready for any bottom in your closet. Chino shorts, printed skirts, jeans, you name it.

Banana Republic, Striped Open Back Pullover, $69
How perfect is this for fall? A heavier knit with a peek a boo slit.

End of summer picnics? This top.

A great detail isn't easy to pull off, but these slit back top options are effortless and simple. 

Be fabulous today!

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Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Stop, Tassel Time

Who doesn't love a good tassel? I love how classic this detail has become for jewelry. Today we are dressing it down a bit and throwing in some color. Let's look at tassel bracelets.

I'm a sucker for sweet and this bracelet, it's perfect. Tiny elephant and a pop of color.

Yes, you read that correctly, Vera Bradley. Apparently she's stepping up her game because - well, look at this bracelet!

Baublebar has a ton of tassel options but I love this one for the all over look. It would also be an easy one to create an arm party.

Forever 21, Coin Bracelet Set, 9
More of a hammered metal look. I love this with ripped bf jeans and a loose tee.

Tassels are great for earrings, a statement necklace, and also for bracelets. Some interest to your normal arm party.

Be fabulous today!

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Monday, August 24, 2015

She's Tied Pretty Tight

Happy Monday lovebugs,
As we inch closer to the end of summer and our mailboxes fill with three pound fall fashion magazines, I can't help but peek into next season's trends. I love a trend that I know will work now and later, one of those is lace up flats. They are walkable, detailed, and perfect for summer or fall.

So sleek. I love the mix of the espadrille lace up and the pointy toe flat.

Missguided, Point Lace Up Flats Snake, $40
Picture these with jeans and a white tee OR a black pencil skirt. Whoa.

If shoes can be girly, these fit the bill. And speaking of the bill- $45 with free shipping!

Free People, Washed Leather Ballet Flat, $88
Simple comfort. These flats have an earthy feel and they're going to work perfectly for fall.

I love a great trend, but I love it more when I can get multiple season wears out of it!

Be fabulous today!

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Friday, August 21, 2015

Friday Foodday

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

Ginger Peach Daiquiri
Ingredients
4 Fresh Peaches, chopped, or sliced - and half of them frozen
2 Limes, juiced
1 tsp Ginger, grated
1/4 cup Sugar
1/4 cup White Rum
1/4 cup Orange Juice, optional

Directions
In a blender, add all ingredients. Cover and blend until smooth. If the mixture isn't blending enough, add in a tablespoon at a time of orange juice until the mixture blends consistently.
Pour into to high ball glasses and garnish with additional slices of peaches. Serve immediately.

Mexican Street Corn Style Grilled Zucchini
Ingredients
  • 2 pounds zucchini, quartered lengthwise
  • 1 tablespoon butter, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup cotija or queso freso or feta, crumbled
  • 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
  • cayenne pepper to taste
  • 1/2 lime, juice

Directions
  1. Grill the zucchini over medium-high heat until just tender, about 2-3 minutes per side, brush with the mixture of the butter and mayo, sprinkle on the cheese, cilantro, cayenne and lime juice and enjoy!









Raspberry Biscoff Crumb Bar
Ingredients
  • 2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 jar biscoff spread
  • 1 pint as purchased fresh raspberries
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9x9 baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. In the bowl of  a stand mixer beat together the butter, sugar, and salt on medium speed until creamy using the paddle attachment. Beat in the vanilla.
  3. Turn the mixer to low and slowly add the flour, beating just until the dough becomes smooth and the flour is incorporated.
  4. Press half of the dough in the prepared baking dish. Press the dough evenly to form the bottom layer.
  5. Spread the Biscoff over the dough. Sprinkle the top with raspberries.
  6. Use your hands to make the crumbs for the top crust, pressing the dough to hold it together into small chunks.  Sprinkle over the raspberries to form the top crust.
  7. Bake for 30 minutes or until lightly browned on top.

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Leaf Duty

You know how the palm frond print has been popular this summer? Don't get me wrong, I love a fun print, but for those of us who aren't in a tropical environment, sometimes it comes off a bit weird. So today I am offering an alternative that is just as natural but a little less pina colada. The leaf print.

Lucky Brand, Tossed Lead Maxi Dress, $55
A cool jersey material is perfect to round out your summer shopping bag.

Faux wrap makes quite a statement in a meeting. I love the short sleeve style so you can wear it well into fall with a cardigan.

A stunning print with an illusion neckline. You don't see a lot of those any more.

How much fun is this dress? The tiered hem, the scrunched halter, I love it with statement earrings and a denim jacket for fall.

While some of you may be enjoying breezy palm trees, not all of us have that luxury. I like the leaf print for something natural and fun.

Be fabulous today!

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Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Y Not Accessories

How about a simple but statement like necklace for these hot summer nights? Something long, sexy, eye catching, but not super bold. I'm thinking about the y necklace. Its similar to the lariat style necklace but you can play around with charms, metals, and flair. These necklaces go best with form fitting dresses or deep v tops. Think tall glass of water.

I love how this design mixes up the triangle pattern. One, one, two, three, one, two. It is unexpected and fun.

Sole Society, Natural Stone Y Necklace, $29
Look closely and you will see the 'y' part of this necklace is a shark tooth. I love it.

Silver, cool, and collected. This necklace even adds a touch of rocker with the charm.

Can you spot the initial? Right. It's quiet, understated, but personal.

The y necklace is easy to throw on and go. You don't even have to open a clasp to put it on. Wear it with a simple scoop neck white tee or cotton maxi to add just something extra to your outfit.

Be fabulous today!

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Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Wild Thing

I know it is technically still pedicure season, but my toes are looking a bit ragged. When this happens I look for summery shoes that keep my piggies covered. For this summer, I love the d'orsay flat because it's funky while keeping my feet cool. Today we're looking at some flashy leopard options.

J Crew Factory, Calf Hair d'Orsay Flats, $68
These shoes are great for work or play and the stitching on the toe is subtle.

I was so happy to find that these were not girls shoes. How cute are these?

Humble Chic, D'Orsay Flat, $44
So simple. I'm wearing these through the fall with skinny jeans.

So unexpected with a pencil skirt or suit. Easy and a bit sassy.

Step up your flat game with these d'orsay leopard options. A bit of pattern but wear them as a neutral. Have fun with patterns and colors.

Be fabulous today!

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Monday, August 17, 2015

Straight A Skirts

It's Monday lovebugs,
Let's not get too technical today. Let's keep it simple. A line simple. A line black and white monochrome. A closet staple and the every woman needs at least one of in her closet.

Saks of Fifth, Joie Lissome A Line Skirt, $69
70% off. Perforation detail to the max. Love this for end of summer.

High waisted scuba. So ladylike and classic.

Forever 21, Polka Dot A Line Skirt, $17
Polka dot pockets, party of one?

This skirt has so much movement it borders on musical. One of those 'must-twirl' skirts.

Nothing off the wall of edge today. Black, white, a line is all I need on this Monday.

Be fabulous today!

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