I'm Like a Bird

We are taking it back to basics today but dressing it up a little bit. Take a basic t shirt top and give it some flair! A feminine flutter sleeve gives a standard tee something extra. It's dressier, sexy, and perfectly unpredictable.

Target, Merona Flutter Sleeve Blouse, $22

Yes, Target! A sunny yellow, flutter sleeves and even a flouncy hem!

Ann Taylor, Palm Matte Jersey Flutter Sleeve Top, $59

How about a summery print? Palm fronds were big last summer and this print is great for work!

JCrew Factory, Flutter Sleeve Top, $34

I have this top in white and it gets more wear than I care to share. It's a fantastic staple.

Macy's, CeCe Cynthia Steffe Flutter Sleeve Top, $37

Perfect for work or play and try it in all five colors!

Such a quiet detail makes a big statement. A flutter sleeve for spring is subtle but dressy.

Be fabulous today!

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Do A Double Take

Who doesn't love a great double take. That thing/look/smile that makes you turn around to make the moment last just a bit longer. These shoes do just that because they pack a punch in the back. The bow back shoe is simple, feminine, and sassy. Get ready for some whiplash.

Sole Society, Mabel, $79 $59

Perfection with bf jeans because its the perfect mix of casual ripped denim and girly yellow bow.

Charlotte Russe, Pointed Toe Slingback Pumps, $35 $18

Sexy slingbacks under $20? Sign me up!

Macy's, Betsey Johnson Ann Slingback Bow Flats, $59

Prefer a flat? How about these springy sandals? They also come in gold!

Macy's, Marc Fisher Teagin Suede Pumps, $89

A beautiful everyday pump with an unexpected cutout.

A back bow is great for spring when the hemlines start to come up. Play with heels or flats, you cannot go wrong with a bow.

Be fabulous today!

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And the Horns Say

A simple necklace can really bring an outfit together. Of course you can grab a statement necklace and walk out the door, but sometimes you want something simple. A beautiful but easy necklace can work for day or night with the right outfit. Today's theme is a horn silhouette. It's unique, simple, and a southwest feel that is perfect for summer.

Steve Madden, SME75264, $20

Not the most interest name for a pair of earrings, but these beauties are amazing.

Baublebar, Santa Fe Pendant Necklace, $32

A touch of turquoise, why not?

Vince Camuto, Silver Tone Double Sided Horn Earrings, $28

These are sexy. A double sided earring that added a little something edgier than a regular hoop earring.

Bloomingdale's, Kenneth Jay Lane Horn Pendant Necklace, $60

How about a great long necklace that you can pair with a maxi dress?

Simple, special, and super versatile for any occasion. These horn accessories are anything but loud, but don't they make you do a double take?

Be fabulous today!

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Playing with Pleats

Happy Monday lovebugs. Let's play with pleats today. Pleats are great when worn correctly. Pin tuck pleats with work pants, casual pleats with bf chinos, or accordion pleats with a skirt. Today let's go glam and look at some midi skits that are ready for a twirl.

Topshop, Satin Pleat Midi Skirt, $85

I mean, you're welcome. Holy crap amazing. Crop top, silk blouse, leather jacket, you name it. Pair it.

Saks Fifth Avenue, ABS Pleated Chiffon Midi Skirt, $240 $96

Oh hey mega sale! A little dressy but picture it with a chambray button down for daytime.

Mango, Pleated Midi Skirt, $79

Purple perfection. Look at this plum beauty!! I'm pairing it with white and black polka dots and sneakers.

Reiss, Kaeya Bronze Metallic Pleated Skirt, $245 $95

Dressy for night with stacked heels or 9-5 with black booties.

These midi skirts are great for any style because you can pair it with a tee shirt or you can throw on a blazer or add a statement necklace, pick your poison and own it.

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs,

I'm headed home for Easter but first, here are my favorite recipes this week.

Champagne Limencello Cocktails

c/o Cooking Light

Ingredients

8 (3 x 1/2-inch) lemon rind strips 

8 tablespoons Limoncello (lemon-flavored liqueur) 

4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 

1 (750-milliliter) bottle brut Champagne, chilled

Directions

1. Roll up each strip of lemon rind; place 1 into each of 8 Champagne flutes. Add 1 tablespoon liqueur and 1/2 teaspoon juice to each glass. Divide Champagne evenly among glasses. Serve immediately.

Rueben Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

c/o Skinny Taste

Ingredients

• 18 ounce trimmed pork tenderloin
• 3 tbsp thousand Island dressing
• 2 oz thin sliced turkey pastrami 
• 2 oz reduced fat Swiss cheese
• 1/4 cup sauerkraut, drained well
• 1/2 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp coarse salt
• 1/4 teaspoon caraway seeds

Directions

Preheat oven to 425°F. Cut a lengthwise slit down the center of the tenderloin to within 1/2- inch of bottom (careful not to cut all the way through). Open tenderloin so it lies flat. On each half, make another, lengthwise slit down the center to within 1/2-inch of bottom; cover with plastic wrap. Flatten to 1/4-in. thickness with a mallet.

Remove plastic wrap; spread the Thousand Island along one side of the pork. Layer the pastrami on top, then the Swiss cheese and sauerkraut along the center of the pork.

Roll up pork jelly-roll style, starting with a long side. Tie the roast at 2-inch intervals with kitchen string each about 12-inches long, then rub the pork with olive oil.

Combine the garlic powder, salt and caraway seeds in a small bowl; rub the mixture over the pork. Place on a rack in a shallow baking pan; bake, uncovered, at 425° until a meat thermometer reads 160°, about 35 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter or cutting board. Let it stand 10 minutes before removing string and slicing. Slice into 8 pieces.

Apricot Pecan Streusel Muffins

c/o Country Cleaver

Ingredients

Apricot Pecan Muffins:: 

1 1/3 cup Flour

1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder

1/8 tsp Salt

1 1/4 cup Pecans, chopped finely and toasted

1 cup Sugar

2 Eggs

6 Tbsp Butter, melted and cooled

1/2 cup Milk

1 cup Chopped Dried Apricots

For Streusel:

3 Tbsp Flour

1 Tbsp Brown Sugar

1/4 cup Sugar

2 Tbsp Butter, cubed

1/2 cup Pecans

Directions

Preheat Oven to 350 degrees.

In a mini food processor, combine all ingredients and pulse approximately 4 times to combine into a struesel mixture. Set aside or in the fridge until ready to use.

For Muffins:

In one bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.

In mini food processor, combine pecans and sugar and pulse to combine until it resembles wet sand. Four or fives pulses.  Add this mixture to another mixing bowl. Whisk in eggs, melted butter, and milk. Pour flour mixture into this and fold to combine.

Fold in chopped apricots until just mixed together.

Let mixture rest for 30 Minutes. THIS IS A MUST! Muffins will not dome properly if they do not rest. 

Pour into greased muffin pan. Sprinkle with streusel topping. Bake for 17-18 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Let cool in muffin tin for 5 minutes before removing. Let cool completely before serving.

Future's So Bright

It's spring which means it's time to change up your shades. Accessorize to the max and find some new sunglasses. Translucent frames are all the rage right now and if you look carefully you can find some for a steal.

Express, Translucent Oversized Square Sunglasses, $29

How mod and feminine!

 Nordstrom, Le Specs Mad About You, $59

Clean frames go with absolutely everything. 

Charlotte Russe, Translucent Round Sunglasses, $5

Pretty pink, ready for the west coast.

Bluefly, Bebe Women's Diamond Tiara Round Translucent Sunglasses, $39

These shades scream 'hand me a margarita'. And that is just fine by me.

So bring on the sun. These translucent frames are made for summer!

Be fabulous today!

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Ladylike Loafer

Today's post comes from The bf. He suggests that we look at loafers for spring. I couldn't agree more. With muses like Dakota Johnson or Alexa Chung, we can easily pair these masculine slip ons with skirts and dresses. Today we're focusing on tassel or fringe loafers.

Nordstrom, Steve Madden Meela Loafer, $79

Pink patent leather tassel loafers. Need I say more?

Sole Society, Rose Gold Kitty Huxley Loafer, $52

Not feeling the tassel? Try this delicate bow on top of the fringe.

Modcloth, Harbinger's Luck Loafer, $59

A more traditional loafer in a red infused mocha color. 

River Island, Light Pink Patent Wingtip Tassel Loafers, $90

I think I may have saved my favorite for last. A great rounded toe with a touch of saddle shoe design. 

Not so masculine anymore, huh? I love mixing this classic with anything girly in my closet.

Be fabulous today!

Cuff 'Em

Who doesn't love a great cuff bracelet? A cuff is easy to add to any outfit and generally it's a statement piece that doesn't need an arm party. Today we're looking at slim cuffs that are delicate but still make an entrance.

Nordstrom, Kendra Scott Elton, $55

I love the mix of silver and this slate. Its icy and chic.

Diane von Furstenberg, Lips Chain Wrapped Cuff, $47

Obsessed. Textured cuff with a feminine lip detail.

Neiman Marcus, Elise M. Aries Open Cuff Bracelet, $90 $67

Great geometric shapes, but what's better? This druzy stone. Gorgeous.

Shopbop, Kate Spade New York Purely Pearly Cuff, $98 $49

Yes, you read that right, 50% off Kate Spade. Talk about a classic piece for a steal.

What a lovely way to dress up your outfit. A skinny cuff is delicate and simple while still showing off some personality.

Be fabulous today!

Workhorse Wrap

Happy Monday lovebugs,
I hope you had a wonderful weekend. I thought we would jump right into some workwear this Monday with a versatile staple that looks chic while going with everything in your closet. The wrap skirt. It's a great transition piece for chilly weather to spring because you can pair it with booties or sandals.

Loft, Medallion Wrap Skirt, $49

A simple print that can be styled with sneakers or sandals. Pair it with a tee or a sweater.

Nordstrom, Catherine Catherine Malandrino Dash Stripe Wrap Skirt, $78

Wrap skirts aren't just for daytime. Check out this sexy stripe. Date night ready.

Anthropologie, Fornea Denim Wrap Skirt, $79

That 70s feel with crazy soft denim. 

Asos, Love Wrap Skirt with D Ring, $58

Simple, adjustable waist, great length. This skirt is just beautiful for work or play.

A wrap skirt even a faux wrap is great for spring. You can mix and match with cardigans, printed blouses, and t-shirts. 

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

Happy Friday! Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Cosmo Jello Shots
c/o The Kitchn

Ingredients
1/2 cup water
3/4 cranberry juice
1/4 cup lime juice
2 packets powdered gelatin
1/2 cup vodka
1/2 cup cointreau

Directions

Prepare the mold according to the directions above. Whisk together 1/2 cup water, 3/4 cup cranberry juice, and 1/4 cup lime juice in a small saucepan. Sprinkle the 2 packets of powdered gelatin over top and let sit for 5 minutes or until the gelatin is softened and the surface of the liquid is wrinkled. Warm over medium heat, stirring until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Remove from the heat and whisk in 1/2 cup vodka and 1/4 cup Cointreau. Garnish with lime zest before serving.


Asian Pork Meatballs with Sesame Noodles
c/o A Taste of Home Cooking

Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 1/4 pounds lean ground pork
1/4 cup Panko
1 egg, lightly beaten
4 scallions, minced
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
salt and pepper
1/3 cup Hoisin sauce

For the Noodles
1 package (16 ounce) stir-fry rice noodles (I used 13.25oz spaghetti)
1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1/4 cup Hoisin sauce
4 scallions, minced (plus more for garnish)
Sesame seeds, optional

Directions
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with nonstick spray.

In a large bowl, combine the pork, Panko, egg, scallions, soy sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger, and a few grinds of salt and pepper, until just combined. Using a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop, form 35 meatballs. Brush each one with a little Hoisin sauce. Arrange in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes.

In the meantime, bring a large pot of water to boil and cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain, rinsing the noodles under cool water, then drain again. Set aside. 

While the pasta and meatballs are cooking, whisk the sauce ingredients together in a bowl. Return the noodles to the pot and pour the sauce mixture over the top. Toss to coat. Serve a pile of noodles topped with some of the meatballs. Garnish with scallions and toasted sesame seeds.

Thin Mint Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches
c/o Country Cleaver

Ingredients
½ cup Butter, melted + More for Pan
1 cup Sugar

• 2 Eggs
• ½ tsp Salt
• ½ cup Flour
• ½ cup Cocoa Powder
• ½ gallon Thin Mint Ice Cream - or Mint Cookie's and Cream

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 10x15 inch jelly roll pan with butter. Line with parchment paper (NOT wax paper) and leave 2 inches of parchment paper hanging over the short edges of the pan. Butter the parchment paper as well.
In a large bowl whisk together melted ½ cup of melted butter and sugar. Whisk in eggs and salt. Whisk in flour and cocoa until just smooth. Spread into a thin layer all over to the edges of the pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the brownies begin to pull away from the sides of the pan.

Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Using the overhanging paper, gently remove the brownies from the pan and allow to cool completely on a wire rack. When completely cool, cut the brownies length wise into two long pieces. Place one half of the brownie back into the pan and spread the softened ice cream and spread until smooth and even. Top with other half of the brownie.

Cover tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for about two hours, until set. Cut into 6-8 sandwiches. Wrap each sandwich with parchment paper for storage and place in an air tight container until devoured.

Don't Sweat It

We've been talking spring looks all week so today I thought we would tone it down and get casual. A simple sweatshirt is anything but simple these days, but the way you can style them dresses up your old Champion sweatshirt. Let's take a look at this comfortable style.

Gap, Sun wash essential zip hoodie, $49

Super soft terry in a washed mint. Perfect for spring.

Modcloth, Relax Thing on My Mind, $49 $29

Simple but not average. Great contrasting under shirt that I would pair with a long tassel necklace.

LLBean, Signature Funnel Neck Sweatshirt, $79

I really love this top. A heather gray stripe is casual and easy for a Saturday.

Forever 21, Joie De Vivre Hoodie, $22

A great hoodie with a kangaroo pocket and it's weirdly girly with this joie de vivre graphic.

Sometimes you need a comfy and stylish sweatshirt. Pair these for spring with shorts or bf jeans for a go to weekend look.

Be fabulous today!

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Colorful Culottes

Let's talk culottes. They're back and I think we've figured out how to style them. We being us normal lady bosses who are just trying to look amazing on a daily basis. Culottes are tough but I think with the soft pant trend we embraced last summer, culottes are a little easier to wear. Today we're looking at some great printed options.

Nordstrom, Olivia Palermo + Chelsea28 Floral Print Silk Culottes, $98

I need these pants. Is gifting for St. Patrick's Day a thing? Can we make it a thing? Because this is what I want.

Shoptiques, Endless Rose Melrose Culotte, $69

Is it a skirt? Nope, just the most comfortable high waisted culottes ever. Finish the look with this matching top.

Nordstrom, ASTR Lola High Rise Floral Culotte, $84

 I usually try not to post two of the same retailer in one post, but when you've got it, you've got it. This print reminds me of an adult coloring book in the best spring way possible.

JCPenny, Worthington Wide Cropped Pant, $40 $9

Want to try the trend without the investment? I've got you covered. A neon floral oversized print for under ten bucks.

So how about it? Ready to try the trend? Sure you can grab a navy or black pair and test the waters, but why not dive in? The waters fine. Go with a print. You're going to look amazing.

Be fabulous today!

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