Friday Foodday

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

Aperol Spritz
c/o The Kitchn

Ingredients
Sparkling wine such as Prosecco or Cava
1 shot Aperol
1 glug club soda
1 slice orange

Directions

Fill a tumbler or large wine glass with ice. Fill the glass 2/3 full with sparkling wine. Add the shot of Aperol. Top with club soda, stir well, then add the orange slice.

Oven Baked Rosemary Sea Salt Sweet Potato Chips

c/o Country Cleaver

Ingredients

2 Sweet Potatoes, or Beets, Other Root Vegetables

Kosher Sea Salt

Ground Pepper

1 tsp Fresh Rosemary, minced

Non-Stick Cooking Spray or Coconut Oil Spray

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Spray two large non-stick baking sheets with cooking oil.

Using a mandoline, set to 1/16" inch, carefully slice sweet potatoes, or other root vegetable, thinly. *Note* If making beet chips, be sure to layer beet chips between paper towels and extract as much moisture as possible to ensure they  crisp properly. Sweet potatoes do not need to be toweled.

Lay in a single layer onto baking sheet, and spray gently with non-stick spray or coconut oil spray. Sprinkle with sea salt, pepper, and lightly with minced rosemary.

Place in oven and bake for approximately 7-9 minutes. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Place back into oven and continue to bake additional 5-7 minutes until chips are crispy and the centers are dry. Remove from oven, let cool and then devour.

Cinnamon Maple Coffee Cake

c/o Shugary Sweets

Ingredients

FOR THE DOUGH:

• 3/4 cup water
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 1 envelope Fleischmann's® RapidRise™ Yeast
• 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp Spice Islands® Ground Saigon Cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 tsp maple flavoring
• 1 large egg

FOR THE STREUSEL:

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 tsp Spice Islands® Ground Saigon Cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

FOR THE GLAZE:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 Tbsp milk
• 1 1/2 tsp maple extract

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, combine water and butter for the dough. Heat until very warm (and butter is melted), to about 120-130 degree F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup of the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add water mixture and blend together. Add in the cinnamon, nutmeg, maple and egg. Mix until well combined.
3. Add remaining 1 cup of flour and beat for about 2 minutes, scraping sides of bowl as needed.
4. Pour dough into a greased 8x8-inch baking pan. Cover with a clean, dry towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 45 minutes).
5. While dough is rising, combine streusel ingredients with a pastry blender or your hands, until very crumbly. Set aside.
6. When dough is ready, sprinkle streusel evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven for about 35 minutes, until golden brown. Cool slightly on wire rack.
7. While cooling, prepare glaze. Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk and maple until smooth. Drizzle over warm cake. Slice and enjoy!

Buckle Up!

I love good details and with shoes that's often buckles. Especially during winter, buckles and boots are like pancakes and beer; they just go together. (Don't knock it until you've tried it).

Target, Estelle Riding Boot, $39

These boots look very expensive. I love the simple buckle and black/brown mix.

Urban Outfitters, Della Side Buckle Boot, $69

An everyday boot. Pair with jeans, a skirt, or skinny pants for work!

Kohl's, Call It Spring Mirilise Buckle Strap Boot, $90 $53

A rocker chic biker boot that's 40% off right now.

Mango, Suede Ankle Boots, $199 $99

Sexy ankle boots that are ready for date night. A skinny heel and pointy toe never let a girl down.

Simple details like a buckle or exposed zipper make a standard piece stand out from the crowd. 

Be fabulous today!

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It's A Long Story

Keeping it cozy today. Long cardigans that are slimming, simple, and easy to accessorize. I like an open front version that you can wear as is or tie with a skinny neon or leopard belt.

Gap, Wool Open Front Cardigan, $49

Simple vertical ribbing with patch pockets. Wear with leggings on a Sunday or dress it up with a button down.

Nordstrom, Halogen Stripe Merino Blend Long Cardigan, $98 $58

Love 40% off! A beautiful navy or grab it in gray. 

Amazon, Woolrich Capshaw Long Cardigan, $69

A great oversized collar and this bad boy is machine washable!

Uniqlo, Merino Blended Long Sleeved Long Cardigan, $39

Merino meaning super soft. I love the vneck styling which gives this a boyfriend style.

A long cardigan is just what I'd like to wrap up in on this Wednesday. Cozy, comfortable, and stylish. I would go for a heavier or chunkier knit now with a tissue turtleneck underneath and some statement earrings.

Be fabulous today!

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Hat Head

It's still cold, let's continue the outerwear theme and look at some great winter hats. I'm glad to see that hats have surpassed earmuffs this season because there are more styles to choose from and frankly, they're warmer!

Nordstrom, Phase 3 Faux Fur Pompom Beanie, $16

Simple chunky knit for under $20. Can't argue with that!

Anthropologie, Pommed Floppy Hat, $78

Sometimes chic isn't always utilitarian. Not the case with this hat. It's 100% wool so it's warm and so stylish.

Modcloth, Tender Embers Hat, $34

Take the summer panama hat and give it a winter twist!

Target, Knit Beanie Black White, $14

Here's a simple, go with anything hat. Any color coat will work with this black and white beanie.

I love a good hat. You can really show your personality without breaking the bank. Beanie, floppy, panama, ski, you name it and then pick your color and pattern.

Be fabulous today!

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Faux Real

Hello from the inside lovebugs,
I must have Netflixed 1,000 times. Here in DC we have two feet of snow and while it's awesome, it's also cold. So today I thought we would warm things up with some faux fur/shearling outerwear that puts my utility puffer coat to shame.

Nordstrom, Steve Madden Faux Shearling Crop Moto Jacket, $99

The look of true shearling but without the price. I really love the soft leather and asymmetrical zipper.

Amazon, Jessica Simpson Wool Anorak, $220 $56

Originally $220, this jacket is a steal! Heavy wool but you can define a great waistline with the drawstrings.

Macy's, Larry Levine Faux Fur Hood Down Puffer, $195 $79

Look at this slimming quilting seam along the torso. A beautiful winter white.

Modcloth, Toasty Transit Coat, $89

Who doesn't love a great toggle coat? This one has lovely details with patch pockets and a full zipper.

So stay warm and stylish this week with whatever you have. This snow isn't melting any time soon so why not stand out with your outerwear?

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs,

Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Green Pear Sparkler

c/o Bit By A Fox

Ingredients
2 oz Rye Whiskey
1/2 oz lemon juice
1/2 oz maple syrup
4-5 dashes Tabasco Green Jalapeño Pepper Sauce
3 oz Hard Pear CiderGarnish: pear slices and sage

Directions

Add all ingredients except cider to a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake until well chilled. Strain into an ice-filled tumbler and top with cider. Garnish with pear slices and sage.

Asian Glazed Drumsticks

c/o Skinny Taste

Ingredients

• 8 medium chicken drumsticks, skin removed
• olive oil spray 
• 1 cup water
• 1 tbsp Sriracha hot sauce (more or less to taste) 
• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey (or sugar)
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp chives or scallions, chopped
• 1 tsp sesame seeds

Directions

In a heavy large saucepan, brown chicken on high for 3-4 minutes with a little spray oil. Add water, balsamic, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, hot sauce and cook on high until liquid comes to a boil.

Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered for about 20 minutes. Remove cover and bring heat to high, allowing sauce to reduce down, about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes thick, turning chicken occasionally. (Keep an eye on glaze, you don't want it to burn when it start becoming thick). Transfer chicken to a platter and pour sauce on top. Top with chives and sesame seeds and serve.

Crack Butterfinger Brownies

c/o Lauren's Latest

Ingredients

1/2 cup salted butter
4 oz. semi sweet chocolate chips {about 2/3 cup}
1 1/2 oz. unsweetened baking chocolate
2 medium eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 cup all purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
pinch of salt
3/4 cup butterfinger pieces
3 oz. mini chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9x9 square glass baking dish with parchment paper and spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

In a double boiler, melt butter, chocolate chips and unsweetened baking chocolate. Stir occasionally until completely smooth and melted. Remove from heat and cool 15 minutes.

In a large bowl, stir eggs, vanilla and sugar {do not beat}. Pour in warm chocolate butter mixture and stir. Set aside to cool to room temperature, another 15 minutes or so.

Stir in flour, baking powder & salt until combined. In a separate bowl, stir butterfinger bits with mini chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of flour. Pour into batter and stir.

Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 15 minutes. Rap pan against the oven shelf to force the air to escape from between the pan and the brownie dough. Bake for about 10 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Do not overbake! Allow to cool thoroughly, refrigerate, and cut into squares.

Sweater (Skirt) Weather

Yesterday we talked cozy scarves and today I thought we would continue the cozy with sweater knit skirts. Yes it's sweater weather but why can't we mix it up and wear a sweater skirt?

JCrew, Sweater Skirt, $99

Talk about a punch of sunshine. Or pick this up in the 2016 pantone pink.

Club Monaco, Abelar Ribbed Sweater Skirt, $99

A super simple skirt with perfect details. Ribbed pattern, gray flecked wool, just a classic piece.

Ann Taylor, Pleated Sweater Skirt, $89

A beautiful winter white is so crisp and inviting. I love the flounce silhouette.

W Concept, Plaid Sweater Skirt, $59

Simple, classic, chic. This cozy skirt is the perfect staple for your winter skirt game.

So when you think sweater weather don't just think crewneck, v neck, or turtleneck. Think skirts. 

Be fabulous today!

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Flip It and Reverse It

Hump day blues? Let's warm up with double the style. I'm talking reversible scarves. Twice the pattern and style for one price.

Nordstrom, Modena Reversible Blanket Scarf, $22

This blanket scarf is a STEAL. Like holy cow. Wear it with chevron or the other side with a cheery plaid. I love this under a coat or belted with jeans.

Mango, Reversible Scarf, $22

Yellow plaid matches any other color in your closet. Just try not to look as terrified as this model.

Bloomingdale's, AQUA Reversible Windowpane & Plaid Wrap, $88

A beautiful blue with pops of red. I prefer the blue and white side because I'd like the red to pop from underneath.

Target, Oversized Reversible Plaid Blanket Wrap, $29

Oh hello cozy. Buffalo plaid is perfect with denim and LL Bean boots on a cold winter day.

So wrap up in something that will do double duty without twice the price. Pick up a reversible scarf that keeps you warm and stylish this January.

Be fabulous today!

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Makes Wide Turns

It's Tuesday and I don't know about you, but I need some motivation. Some inspiration, and an outfit with an exclamation...point. It's ridiculously cold out right now so I've put the tights away and I'm all about pants, but snooze not, I'm loving this season's wide leg trousers that are high fashion but not high in price.

Nordstrom, Halogen Flat Front Wide Leg Pants, $88

A beautiful, leg lengthening pant that is sure to turn some heads.

JCPenny, Liz Claiborne Sophie Secretly Slender Houndstooth Trousers, $27

This charcoal houndstooth is going to go with every sweater in your closet.

Everlane, Slouchy Wide Leg Pant, $88

I love that they've styled these pants with flats. So often wide leg pants require heels but this pair is great with loafers.

Macy's, Free People Oxanna Velvet Flared Pant, $89

So chic. High waisted and perfect with a sweater, blazer, or silk blouse.

A wide leg pant is great for the middle of winter. Don't bother shaving your legs, and look runway ready in these trousers.

Be fabulous today!

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Keep Moving Forward

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Friday Foodday

Happy Friday! Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Boxed Wine Pitcher Cocktail: Rose, Gin, and Pink Peppercorn Cocktail
c/o The Kitchn

Ingredients

For the pink peppercorn syrup:1/2 cup cane sugar
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons pink peppercorns

For the cocktail:24 ounces rosé wine (I used Bridge Lane)
12 ounces gin (I used the Botanist)
24 ounces white grape juice
3 ounces cranberry liqueur (I used Leopold Bros.)
3 ounces pink peppercorn syrup
12 ounces chilled tonic, to taste (I used Fever Tree)
Ice
Cranberries, for garnish (sugar them, if you have the time)
Cranberry and rosemary ice cubes, for garnish

Directions

For the pink peppercorn syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the cane sugar, water, and pink peppercorns. Bring to a slow boil over medium-high heat and then lower the heat to a slow simmer, until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat, steep for 20 minutes, discard solids, and let cool completely.

In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the rosé, gin, white grape juice, cranberry liqueur, and pink peppercorn syrup. Stir until incorporated and chill in the refrigerator until you're ready to enjoy. You can make this portion of the cocktail a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator; just give the mixture a good stir before serving.

For the cocktail: When you're ready to serve the cocktail, fill your pitcher or punch bowl with ice, and add the chilled cocktail mixture. Quickly top with the tonic water, taste for balance, and give the mixture a gentle stir. Prep individual cocktail glasses with cranberry and rosemary ice cubes; add the finished rosé, gin, and pink peppercorn cocktail; and garnish with cranberry skewers.

Chicken Chili

c/o Smitten Kitchen

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken parts, cut into 3 to 4 large chunks (I use a 50/50 mix of breasts and thighs)
1 small yellow onion, chopped small
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons fine sea salt
Heat via 1 to 2 jalapenos or other fresh hot pepper, minced, or a ground chili powder of your choice, to taste
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes, fire-roasted if you can find them or 2 10-ounce cans Ro-Tel (yield is a little less but not noticeable in final chili)
2 2/3 cups small dried beans (I use half black beans, half small red beans)
5 1/3 cups water (can replace all or part with broth)

Directions

• On the stove: Simmer the ingredients on low until the beans are tender, about 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Stir occasionally.
• In a slow-cooker: On HIGH for 4 1/2 to 5 hours or on LOW for 8 to 10.

Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins

c/o Buns in My Oven

Ingredients

For the muffins:

• 1 1/4 cups flour
• 3/4 cup sugar, divided
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/3 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons natural cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons red liquid food coloring
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

For the crumble topping:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 tablespoons butter, cubed

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a 12 cup muffin tin with liners or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
2. To make the muffins, whisk together the flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Set aside.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, cocoa, food coloring, oil, and egg.
4. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry until just moistened.
5. Beat together the cream cheese and remaining 1/4 cup of sugar in a small bowl. Fold into the muffin batter, leaving some streaks and not overmixing.
6. Fill the muffin tins two-thirds full with batter.
7. To make the crumb topping, stir together the sugar and flour in a small bowl. Use a pastry cutter to blend in the butter until you have coarse crumbs.
8. Sprinkle the topping over the muffins and bake for 17 to 20 minutes or until a tester comes out clean.
9. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes and then remove to a rack to cool completely.

Headcase

Ok almost Friday, let's do this. If you're like me, at least one day a week is ponytail day. Your hair is a touch dirty, you're out of dry shampoo, you didn't blow dry it, it's ponytail day. Not all of us are fortunate to enjoy this luxury because our hair is too short for a ponytail. Enter the jeweled headband. A little bling that just distracting enough to pass off as gorgeous.

Anthropologie, Golden Pyramids Headband, $32

This hand beaded headband is beautiful not just for the colors but also for the shape. It's so different!

Forever 21, Faux Gemstone Headband, $7

A little princess but paired with the right outfit (read moto jacket) it's rocker chic.

Nordstrom, Tasha Twisted Crystal Head Wrap, $28

Difference between a headband and a head wrap? A head wrap doesn't give you that behind the ears headache.

Asos, Occasion Flower Beaded Headband, $20

What a great color combination. Blues, silvers, perfect for winter.

Whether you enjoy a ponytail day or a headband day, style it right.

Be fabulous today!

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