Friday Foodday

Happy Friday! Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Sparkling Watermelon Sangria
c/o The Kitchn

Ingredients
4 cups watermelon, cubed and cold
3/4 cups dry white port, such as Churchill's
1 lime, sliced thin
750ml bottle Moscato, chilled
3 cups lime seltzer water, chilled

Directions

In a pitcher place 3 cups of the watermelon cubes (saving some for garnish) and white port. Be sure these are cold as they can become mushy when room temp. (You can even freeze them for 30 minutes first.)

Add 8 to 10 slices of lime.

Add the Moscato and seltzer water. Stir with wooden spoon to mix.

Pour into ice-filled glasses and top each glass with a couple pieces of watermelon and a lime slice.

Mexican Cauliflower Rice

c/o Skinny Taste

Ingredients

4 cups cauliflower crumbles (the sell this in stop and shop now)

1 teaspoon olive oil

1/2 medium onion, finely diced

2 medium plum tomatoes, small dice

1 jalapeno, seeds and membrane removed, minced

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

½ teaspoon cumin

¼ smoked paprika

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

chopped cilantro

Directions

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  When hot, add the onions, tomatoes and jalapeno and sauté until just tender, about 2-3 minutes.  Add the garlic and cauliflower, sauté until the cauliflower is just tender, 2 minutes.

Add the tomato paste, cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt and pepper.  Stir to evenly coat the vegetables and cook for 1 minute or until heated through. Add chopped cilantro and serve.

Fresh Strawberry Bread

c/o Lemon Tree Dwelling

Ingredients

• 2½ c. all purpose flour
• 1 c. sugar
• 3½ tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1 c. milk
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1½ c. fresh sliced strawberries

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl; fold in fresh strawberries.
2. Pour into greased loaf pan.
3. Bake at 350 degrees for 55-65 minutes or until top is golden brown and completely set.
4. Cool slightly, then loosen sides of loaf from pan and remove to wire rack to cool completely.

Mule Over Buddy

While espadrilles and flip flops are the shoes for summer, sometimes you have to dress it up a bit. You don't have to go digging for your stilettos though. Try mule sandals. They are cool, versatile, and pretty simple. I like them to dress up with a skirt or down with a romper. Very easy and very affordable.

Toms, Sandstorm Nubuck Perforated Mules, $98

See what I mean? You can pair this a culotte for work or shorts for the weekend!

Nordstrom, Bella Vita Savona Open Toe Mule, $73

Hello lipstick red perfection. 

Macy's, White Mountain Datenight Slide Mule, $55

Do you love these? Because I love these. I love these even into early fall with bf jeans.

Selfridges, Office Assume Suede Heeled Mule Sandal, $58

And why not some suede? For under $60!

A great stacked heel, chunky look, but with the right outfit and the right strut, the perfect summer shoe.

Be fabulous today!

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Future Is So Bright

Have you broken or lost your sunglasses at this point in the summer? Oh cool, me neither. Just in case though, I thought we would look at some great mirrored lens sunglasses. You know, just in case you need them in the future.

Bloomingdale's, Quay Tell Me Why Mirrored Sunglasses, $55

Feminine, sophisticated, effortless.

Toms, Bellevue Blonde Tortoise Mirrored Sunglasses, $98

These remind me of a station wagon in the best surfer-girl way possible.

Bloomingdale's, Quay Like Wow Mirrored Sunglasses, $60

You can't beat the price for this ultra versatile pair of shades.

Sole Society, Silver Round Mirrored Sunglasses, $17

Feeling something a bit more retro? I've got you covered.

Whether you need new shades or just feel like splurging on an end of summer accessory. Mirrored sunglasses are the way to go this year.

Be fabulous today!

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Pomfection

A few weeks ago we looked at pom pom sandals and today I thought we would continue the trend with pom tops. They're cute, quirky, and great for the end of summer.

Amazon, Zero Degrees Celsius Pom Pom Top, $69

How cute is this? I love the tiers and color contrast.

Loft, Pom Pom Shell, $44

Simple is the name of the game here. Pair it with anything in your closet.

Asos, Millie Mackintosh Pom Pom Top, $30

I love this top. It's eye catching and structured but it's got personality.

She In, Pom Pom Trim Blouse, $22

Need some color? Try this blouse with multicolor poms.

Why leave pom poms to accessories when you can wear them? These tops are unique and all under $70!

Bw fabulous today!

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It's Getting Hot in Here

Happy Monday lovebugs,
I'm fresh off of vacation and working the slightest hint of a tan so obviously I'm feeling a little saucy. It's also the dog days of summer which means its hot, so today I thought we would put both of these things to good use and look at some faux wrap came dresses. Skimpy, but with the right print, cut, and accessories it's a heck of an outfit.

Urban Outfitters, Kimchi Blue Sabina Ruffle Wrap Mini Dress, $34

See what I mean with the cut and print? This dress has movement.

Shoptiques, ASTR Lucia Dress, $99

A beautiful dress for an outdoor summer wedding if you are looking to impress.

Express, Diamond Print Ruffle Faux Cami Dress, $59

Simple and perfect for triple digit heat index weather.

Shoptiques, Floral Wrap Maxi, $65

Such a summer dress. Lovely floral print with a crisp white canvas.

When we are this deep into summer, break out the coolest dresses in your closet. These cami dresses will keep you cool and feeling sassy.

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

Happy Friday from the lake! Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Raspberry Daiquiri

c/o Baking Beauty

Ingredients

• 4½ Teaspoons Raspberry Simple Syrup (Recipe Below)
• 4½ Teaspoons Lime Juice, Freshly Squeezed
• ¼ Cup Rum
• Ice
• Raspberry Simple Syrup Recipe: (I used ¼ Cup of Each)
• 1 Part Sugar
• 1 Part Water
• 1 Part Raspberries

Directions

1. For the Raspberry Simple Syrup 
2. In a small saucepan, add sugar, water, and raspberries. Cook over medium low heat until sugar is completely dissolved.
3. Strain, and store in the refrigerator.
4. For the Raspberry Daiquiri 
5. Pour raspberry simple syrup, lime juice, rum, and ice into a cocktail shaker (or mason jar). Shake until combined.

Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese

c/o Country Cleaver

Ingredients

3 cups (12 ounces) rotini pasta, uncooked
2 boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
salt and pepper
7 tablespoons butter, divided
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 cups (10 ounces) Wisconsin mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup Panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup (2 ounces) Wisconsin parmesan cheese, shredded
1/4 cup basil, for garnish

Directions 

Preheat oven to 350°F. Bring large pot of salted water to boil and cook rotini according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the pasta water before draining. Drain pasta and lightly rinse with cool water to stop cooking process. Set aside.

Meanwhile, heat large saucepan over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Add 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil to pan. Heat until bubbling heavily; add half the chicken slices in single layer and sauté until deep golden brown on one side. Flip; cook other side until golden brown, about 2 minutes each side. Repeat until slices have been cooked. Set aside. 

Melt 4 tablespoons butter in large pot over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour; whisk to form a paste. When bubbly and golden brown, slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly until mixture simmers. Remove from heat. Add 2 heaping cups shredded mozzarella; stir until melted. Mix in pasta. If mixture is too thick, add some of reserved pasta water. Stir in chicken.

Pour half the mac and cheese into buttered single serving dishes or 9x13-inch baking dish. Distribute half the marinara sauce evenly over the top. Layer with remaining macaroni and cheese and marinara sauce. 

In small bowl, melt remaining butter. Stir in bread crumbs and parmesan. Sprinkle crumbs over macaroni. Bake 10-15 minutes for single servings or 15-20 minutes for larger portions, until crumbs are golden brown and the macaroni is heated through. Garnish with basil.

Cake Batter Blondies

c/o Shugary Sweets

Ingredients

FOR THE BLONDIES:

• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup yellow cake mix
• 1/4 cup sprinkles

FOR THE FROSTING:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 Tbsp milk
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 Tbsp yellow cake mix
• 2 Tbsp sprinkles

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine brown sugar with melted butter. Add in egg, vanilla and salt. Mix until blended. Add in flour and cake mix, stirring JUST until combined. Fold in sprinkles.
3. Pour batter into prepared baking dish. Bake for 22-25 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely.
4. While blondies are cooling, prepare the frosting. Beat butter with milk, powdered sugar, and yellow cake mix. Once smooth, spread over cooled blondies. Add sprinkles. (I used a combination of fun sprinkles and rainbow chips). ENJOY!

All Tied Up

I've never been a big gladiator sandal person, mostly because I don't think I could pull them off. I like the idea of the lace up or cutout on the calf but the leather just isn't me. That's why I love the lace up espadrille wedges for summer. I can do the ankle lace in a variety of ways and the wedge makes them a bit dressier than your average sandal.

Macy's, Roxy Bolsa Chicka Tie Up Espadrilles Wedges, $52

You cannot beat this price. You don't even need a pedicure to wear them.

Bloomingdale's, Soludos Tall Lace Up Espadrilles, $95

A lovely neutral shoe for all of the sundresses in your closet.

Asos, Jacqueline Point Wedge Espadrilles, $36

These ballet-like sandals are such a statement in navy.

Lord and Taylor, Arianna Papell Penny Lace Wedge Sandals, $99

Lovely lace, also comes in pewter.

Espadrilles are the quintessential summer shoe, and the lace up detail is just the cherry on top.

Be fabulous today!

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Rounding Up

It's shorts season but sometimes they can feel a bit dull. How do you dress up shorts without spending an arm and a leg? Scallops. This simple detail will elevate your look and make you feel feminine and dressy.

Club Monaco, Amber Chambray Short, $69

The definition of easy. Your go to short that looks effortless and put together.

Lilly Pulitzer, Buttercup Scallop Hem Short, $68

How can you not have fun in these shorts? They scream party.

Shoptiques, Lucy Paris Sea Scallop Short, $46

Crisp and classic. Pair this with a cotton ribbed tank or a  gingham button down.

Nordstrom Rack, Valette Scalloped Faux Suede Short, $34

Let me tell you something. These are no $34 shorts. These merlot beauties are going to carry you through the end of September.

While I tend to stock up on Old Navy chino shorts, sometimes it's helpful to mix in something different. It makes you feel...well, different. And different is good.

Be fabulous today!

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Flippin' Adorable

As I mentioned yesterday I'm headed on vacation this week and it's got me thinking lake-weather attire. It's mid-July and it's flip flop season so here are some pretty fantastic and colorful sandals.

Amazon, Kate Spade Nova Flip Flop, $48

Minty green with purple and a bow? Sign me up.

Saks Fifth Avenue, Tory Burch Printed Rubber Flip Flops, $50

Great colors and printed texture.

Lilly Pulitzer, Lobstah Roll, $38

These are probably the happiest flip flops I've ever laid eyes on.

Nordstrom, Havaianas Slim Flip Flop, $30

A little geometric print, some ikat, all awesome.

Who doesn't need to upgrade their rubber flip flop inventory? These great brands are bringing colorful and comfy options right to your feet.

Be fabulous today!

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Short Stack

Happy Monday lovebugs,
It's a short week for me because I'd headed to New Hampshire midweek to join my family on vacation. I'm trying to contain my excitement and generally what helps is something shiny. So today we're looking at ring sets. They are delicate but bold in the simplest way.

Michael Kors, Pave Rose Gold Tone Ring, $75

This is almost scientific or astronomy-esque in design. 

Rebecca Minkoff, Pearl Wrap Ring, $58

Artsy, isn't it? This is a date night accessory.

Madewell, Soundloop Stacking Ring Set, $28

Like a said before, delicate but eye catching.

BaubleBar, Whimsy Ring Set, $58

Girly colors meet rocker set. I picture Demi Lovato rocking out in these.

Such a simple addition to your accessory game that makes a big impact. Pick your metal color, bling, and have some fun!

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

Happy Friday! Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Skinny Raspberry Mojito
c/o Lemon Tree Dwelling

Ingredients

• 6 fresh mint leaves, torn in half
• 2 oz. white rum
• 2 oz. sparkling water (I used lime)
• 2 oz. raspberry simple syrup
• ½ c. crushed ice
• mint sprigs and fresh raspberries for garnish
• For raspberry simple syrup:
• ½ c. water
• ¼ c. Truvia Baking Blend
• ½ c. fresh raspberries

Directions

1. Prepare raspberry simple syrup by combining water and Truvia Baking Blend in a small saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and add raspberries.
3. Muddle raspberries until no large pieces remain.
4. Set aside to cool.
5. In a cocktail glass, gently muddle mint leaves.
6. Add 2 oz. rum, 2 oz. sparkling water, and 2 oz. simple syrup.
7. Stir, then top with crushed ice and garnish with mint sprigs and raspberries.

Pizza Stuffed Pasta Shells

c/o Shugary Sweets

Ingredients

• 1 box (12 oz) jumbo pasta shells
• 1 lb italian sausage (removed from casings)
• 3 oz pepperoni, diced
• 1/2 green pepper, seeded and diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 can (2.25 oz) diced black olives, drained
• 2 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 jar pizza sauce (about 1 1/2 cups)

Directions

1. Cook large shells pasta according to package directions. Once cooked, separate and place on parchment paper on counter. Set aside.
2. While pasta is cooking, brown italian sausage in a large skillet. Once browned, drain grease and return meat to skillet. Add in pepperoni, green pepper, and onion. Cook for about 3 minutes.
3. Add oregano, basil, and crushed tomatoes. Over low heat, simmer until sauce is warm. Stir in 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
4. Using a large spoon, stuff each shell with pizza mixture, until all shells are stuffed.
5. If baking immediately, pour about 1 1/2 cups of pizza sauce in bottom of a baking dish. Choose a dish size that will fit the number of shells you are going to be cooking. For my family, we each eat about 2-3 shells per meal. On top of sauce, add shells. Cover dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes in a 350F oven. Remove foil, top with remaining cheese and bake an additional 5-15 minutes, until cheese is melted, sauce on bottom is bubbly and mixture inside shells is fully heated.
6. To freeze: place uncooked stuffed shells onto a baking sheet. Place in freezer for about 30 minutes. Transfer to a freezer safe ziploc bag and store frozen. When ready to bake, follow step 5 above, but add an additional 15 minutes to the baking time...making it 45 minutes in a 350F oven (with an additionaly 5-15 to melt cheese on top). ENJOY.

Scores Bars

c/o Buns in My Oven

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, room temperature
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 3/4 cup all purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup marshmallow fluff
• 1/3 cup Nutella

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until creamy. Beat in the vanilla and egg until well combined.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture until just combined.
4. Press half of the dough into a parchment lined 8x8 baking dish.
5. Spread dough with Fluff and Nutella.
6. Press small pieces of the remaining dough on top of the Fluff and Nutella to form the top crust.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Cool completely before cutting.

Don't Stop the Party

Where have all of the arm parties gone? Have invitations gotten lost in the mail? We were so into them last year, and now? nbd. I don't get it. So I'm bringing it back with the bracelet set. Something light and fun that isn't a statement but still thoughtful.

BaubleBar, Cruz Bracelet Quad, $112 $58

Major sale on this stunner. I love the mix of texture and tassel.

Shopbop, Vanessa Arizaga Margarita Lime Bracelet Set, $50

Fine me a more perfect summer bracelet. 

Last Call Neiman Marcus, Tai Amazonite Beaded Cord Bracelet Set, $59

Simple, beautiful, delicate. I love this with jeans and a tank.

Loft, Stone Bangle Set, $24

Need something with a little more weight? Try this beautiful set of bangles.

Bring back the arm party. It's so much better than a political party, goodbye party, or tupperwear party. Am I right?

Be fabulous today!

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