Friday Foodday

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

Chipotle Cherry Bourbon Smash
c/o Bit By A Fox

Ingredients

1.5 oz Bourbon (Wild Turkey Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Old Bourbon works well with this)
5-6 cocktail cherries (Mess Hall Cocktail Co)
1/4 oz lemon juice
2 dashes Tabasco Chipotle Sauce
Seltzer

Directions

Muddle cherries, lemon juice and Tabasco in a rocks glass. Add bourbon and ice. Top with seltzer and give a stir. Garnish with cocktail cherry.

Grilled Cheese Burger

c/o Girl Carnivore

Ingredients

• 1 lbs ground beef
• salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced 
• 8 slices Monterrey jack cheese, cheddar cheesy, colby cheese or other favorite cheese
• 4 slices tomato
• 8 slices bacon, cooked 
• 8 slices hearty bread
• 4 tbs butter butter

Directions

1. Form the ground beef into wide flat thin patties. Season with salt and pepper and set aside. 
2. If using, preheat a large skillet. 
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, saute the onions and peppers with a pinch of salt, over medium heat until soft, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from pan, set aside.
4. Salt the patties. Swirl 1 tbs butter in the pan to coat. Add the patties and cook 3 to 5 minutes, flipping once halfway through cook time. Remove from pan. 
5. If using the skillet, wipe down. 
6. Butter the outside of each slice of bread. Lay a slice of cheese on each piece of bread. Add a patty, top with onion and pepper mix, a slice of tomato, 2 slices of bacon, and another slice of cheese. Add the top piece of bread, butter side out. 
7. Place sandwiches on pre-heated griddle or hot skillet. Cook until golden brown and cheese is melted through, flipping once as needed to brown both sides.

Apple Crisp Pizza

c/o Closet Cooking

Ingredients

• 4 medium apples, peeled and cut into 1/4 inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (1/2 a lemon)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 pie crust
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup butter, melted

Directions

1. Toss the apples in the lemon juice.
2. Mix the sugar, flour and cinnamon in a large bowl and toss with apples.
3. Roll the pie crust out to a 12 inch circle and fold a bit of the edge under so that there is a raised outer circle.
4. Place the apple mixture onto the pie crust in a single layer.
5. Mix the flour, sugar, oats, cinnamon and butter in a large bowl until it forms crumbs and sprinkle them over the apples.
6. Bake in a preheated 350F/180C oven until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender, about 30-40 minutes.
7. Serve warm topped with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream.

Falling for Plaid

It may be a bit early to talk plaid but when you mix it with a lighter fabric, you're good. That's why we're looking at silk plaid. It's got the masculine print mixed with the ladylike medium of silk.

Saks Off Fifth, Equipment Slim Signature Silk Plaid Shirt, $258 $89

65% off. I repeat, Equipment blouse 65% off. 

Last Call Neiman Marcus, Nicole Miller Artelier Jillian Plaid Drape Pants, $82

I love these pants. A high fashion designer making a casual yet professional pant. These are going to look great with heels.

Lord & Taylor, Lucky Brand Long Sleeve Silk Top, $79

Side note to this great top. How amazing is this model's hair? 

Brooks Brothers, Linen and Silk Blend Plaid Scarf, $74

This scarf is going to look fantastic with your cable knit sweaters or waffle knit thermal tees. 

Yes plaid is traditionally a winter print, but this isn't wool plaid or fleece plaid, this is silk plaid and it's made for fall. Still not convinced? Lighten it up with some baubles or a jean jacket.

Be fabulous today!

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You Can Ring My Bell

As the brilliant Kendi shows us, it is bell sleeve season. Flowy, boho, and simple. A great bell sleeve is an effortless look that you can wear for work or play.

Nordstrom, Pleione Bell Sleeve V Neck Top, $64

So simple and chic. This top will be a staple in your closet. It also comes in three other colors.

Forever 21, Dotted Print Bell Sleeve Top, $19

Have polka dots, will buy. Also love the keyhole detail here! 

Loft, Geo Bell Sleeve Blouse, $59

An exaggerated bell sleeve with a delicate peplum waist to balance.

Ann Taylor, Petaled Bell Sleeve Blouse, $59

What a great allover print for a top. Its bold and a great anchor for the bell sleeve detail.

Bell sleeves aren't just for Coachella anymore. These details are for the office, for a date, or for errands. They add some personality to a top that can't be accomplished by a print.

Be fabulous today!

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Give It the Boot

I have no doubt that we will be talking boots a lot this season, so we might as well start now. I really love the flat boot because you can wear them all day long and transition them to night with a quick outfit change. Today we're looking at flat ankle boots that will look great with a skirt and bare legs now and with jeans later.

Famous Footwear, Carlos Brie Ankle Boots, $49

Seriously, Famous Footwear. Who knew? So sleek!

American Eagle, Cutout Ankle Bootie, $44
Different and quite awesome, I must say, AEO. Good work!

Saks Off Fifth, Franco Sarto Marta Leather Ankle Boots, $69
Great blend of motorcycle boot and equestrian metal details.

Old Navy, Faux Leather Pointy Boots, $39
I see you Old Navy looking all high fashion.

What boots are you loving for fall? These easy walking flat options are great for fall and winter. Great comfort and style.

Be fabulous today!

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I Got You Flowers

Happy Monday lovebugs,
I hope you had a great weekend. The weather in DC was perfection and I for one am looking forward to fall. But, just because fall is here doesn't mean we need to put away certain things. Sure, you can stash the seersucker, but florals? Hang onto those. A few weeks ago we looked at some great floral blazers, today let's look at floral pants.

Loft, Valley Floral Trousers, $69

Two words for these pants: heck yes. Structured with pockets and a solid waistband and the colors, oh the colors.

Intermix, Charlotte Floral Print Pant, $79

Originally $300. You've gotta get these beautiful pants. Dress them up with a crisp button down and a belt or dress them down with a denim jacket.

Kohl's, LC Lauren Conrad Floral Crop Wide Leg Pant, $39

Simple, effortless, but such an impact.

Mango, Floral Palazzo Trousers, $37

A lovely blend of fall colors. I also like the high waisted silhouette.

So what it's fall, there's no need to put your florals away. In fact, I dare you pair them with stripes and have some fun with it.

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

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

Sparkling Cojito
c/o The Kitchn

Ingredients
1 bunch fresh mint, keep a few sprigs to the side for garnish
1/2 cup sugar
3 tablespoons water
4 limes juiced
3 cups coconut rum, like Blue Chair Bay
1 liter seltzer water
Ice
Lime wedges for garnish

Directions

In a large pitcher, combine the mint, sugar, and water, and muddle. Add the lime juice and rum, and stir to combine. Fill the pitcher with ice and add the seltzer.

Pour into ice-filled glasses and garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wedge.

Roasted Corn Queso Fundido

c/o Closet Cooking

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cups corn (fresh or frozen)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
• 1/2 red pepper, finely diced
• 1/2 pound Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped

Directions

1. Melt the butter in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat, add the corn, onion, jalapeno and red pepper toss and let it sit until slightly charred, mix it up and let it char again, about 6-10 minutes.
2. Mix the cheese, mayo, lime juice, salt and pepper, place back into the pan and cook over medium-low heat until the cheese has melted before enjoying while warm topped with cilantro!

Chocolate Filled Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

c/o Lemon Treet Dwelling

Ingredients

• 2 (16 oz.) packages refrigerated cookie dough, at room temperature
• 1 (13 oz.) jar Nutella or chocolate hazelnut spread of your choosing
• Note: I used Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookie Dough

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Line an 8x8 inch or 9x9 inch baking pan with foil, extending the sides of the foil over the edges of the pan. Spray with cooking spray.
3. Open one package of cookie dough and press it into a single layer on the bottom of the pan.
4. Spoon the Nutella over the cookie dough layer.
5. Top the Nutella layer with the second package of cookie dough, pressing into an even layer.
6. Bake 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

Going in Circles

There is something quite simple and dramatic about a hoop earring. The hoop earring is as classic as the pearl. It goes with everything and you can dress it up, down, and everything in between. There are a zillion hoop earring options out there, today I thought we would look at some classic but unique gold and silver earrings.

Amazon, Jules Smith Girls Night Out Hoop, $28

See? Unexpected but not distracting.

Shoptiques, Officina Bernardi Silver Hoop Earrings, $70

I absolutely love beaded metal. I think it is super feminine and a bit warmer than a standard flat metal.

NY & Company, Oval Shaped Hoop Drop Earring, $9

How night out at the museum are these earrings? So very chic!

Etsy, Hoop Sterling Silver Icicle Earring, $68

These earrings are magical. They are light and mysterious and best of all, handmade in Seattle.

Hoop earrings are not just from Mean Girls era, they are the accessory that will be with us a century from now because they don't age and they don't go out of style.

Be fabulous today!

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Stay in Your Lane

Let's play with stripes. Particularly black and white stripes because they stand out. They make a statement that no other color or pattern can. People tend to fear horizontal stripes because it exaggerates width, but I'm here to tell you that in monochrome in the right cut and fit, it accentuates every awesome part about you*.

Shoptiques, BB Dakota Portia Stripe Skirt, $73

Well this is quite the number. Wear this skirt when asking for a raise and work it.

Shabby Apple, Steamboat Skirt, $62

These stripes have a beautiful fall to them. It creates a very subtle chevron side.

Simply Be, Closet Striped Skirt, $87

Check out this waistband. It's going to nip in in just the right place to make you look incredible.

Nordstrom, Halogen Stripe Tie Waist Tiered Front Skirt, $69

Like I said earlier, let it hug your curves and if you don't have curves, this skirt loves you too. The way the stripes contrast in direction will create the perfect illusion.

Embrace the stripes. Thick, thin, horizontal, chevon, just have fun with it!

Be fabulous today!

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*that's all of the parts, you are 100% awesome.

Gray Matter

Have the fall fashion magazines taken over your coffee table? The pages and pages of trends that create a leaning tower of fashion in your living room? I hear you. Where do we even start? I think we should start from the bottom, the shoes. I am loving gray suede for fall. It is such a rich neutral that is cool at the same time.

Asos, Public Desire Colette Heeled Boots, $73

Check this price you guys. OTK suede boots for UNDER $75.

Nordstrom, Corso Como Del Pump, $98

Own that big meeting in comfort and style with these go with everything pumps.

Amazon, Steve Madden Walis, $89

Short block heel with an ankle strap. Quirky and sleek.

Zappos, Nine West Modesty, $89

Oh hello lover. We've got the go to shoe for fall, ladies. Tassels FTW.

Gray is such an easy color to pair, try with offbeat hues like moss or merlot to really take things to the next level.

Be fabulous today!

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Brunch ASAP

Hey there lovebugs,
I hope you had a great weekend. I spent mine in Syracuse, NY watching my little get married. After the festivities, we needed some post-wedding brunch goodness and hit up a pretty fantastic waffle joint, which inspired today's post.

Bloomingdale's, Michelle by Comune Brunchies Top, $38

Perhaps the perfect Saturday top. Add a to knot and some punchy stud earrings.

Nordstrom, Topshop by Tee and Cake Bacon and Eggs Pocket Tee, $40

The real shortened version of bacon is bae. Nordstrom just gets me.

Express, Champagne All Day V Neck Tee, $24

I love the simplicity of this tee, it ironically looks high fashion. You can tuck this into a suede skirt for fall and be ready for the day.

Modcloth, Life in the Breakfast Lane, $29

150 reviewers can't be wrong. This tee is soft, truthful, and stylish.

When you have a case of the Mondays, it is totally ok to start counting the day until the weekend. I hope these tees ease your pain!

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

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

Smoky Martini
c/o Fogged in Lounge

Ingredients

• 2 oz dry gin (Bluecoat)
• 1/2 oz dry vermouth (Dolin)
• 1 tsp smoky scotch (Peat Monster)

Ingredients
Stir with ice and strain into cocktail glass. Lemon twist.














Southwest Quinoa Salad
c/o Lemon Tree Dwelling

Ingredients

• 1 c. uncooked quinoa (3 cups cooked)
• 1 c. chopped tomatoes
• 1 c. chopped bell peppers
• 1 c. charred corn
• ½ c. black beans, drained
• ½ c. chopped red onion
• 1 avocado, chopped
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• For dressing:
• ½ c. olive oil
• 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp. lime juice
• 2 Tbsp. cilantro, minced
• 1 tsp. cumin
• 1 tsp. coriander
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. cayenne pepper

Directions

1. Prepare quinoa according to package instructions. Set aside to cool.
2. While quinoa is cooling, prepare veggies.
3. Combine quinoa and veggies in a large mixing bowl.
4. Prepare dressing by combining ingredients and shaking until well mixed.
5. Pour dressing over quinoa and veggies and stir to combine.
6. Spoon into serving bowl and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Chocolate Chun Banana Muffins

c/o Buns in My Oven

Ingredients

• 3 bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chunks

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray or line a muffin tin.
2. Add the bananas, brown sugar, and sugar to a mixing bowl and beat on medium speed until well combined.
3. Beat in the egg, butter, and vanilla until just combined.
4. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt to a small bowl and stir to combine.
5. Add the flour mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combine.
6. Stir in the chocolate chips.
7. Spoon the mixture into the muffin tin 2/3 of the way full.
8. Bake for 18 minutes or until a tester comes out clean.

Challenging Choker

So choker necklaces are a thing again. I'm not sure about it. I'm sure I'll come around, because we've been through worse, but I'm not quite there yet. So I thought we would take baby steps. Choker tops. Stay with me. They are edgy but not so 10 Things I Hate about You.

Missguided, Plunge Cutout Blouse, $32

See? We can totally do this. It's covered but still fashionable.

Lord & Taylor, Bardot Choker Neckline Tank Top, $69

So sultry. I love this blush hue and crepe fabric. It's going to be so soft and delicate.

Express, Mock Neck Keyhole Tee, $34

This is my ultimate going out fall top. Its soft, comfortable, but still looks put together.

Nordstrom, Trouve Choker Collar V-Neck Tank, $59

So rocker chic, but tone it down with some pearl ear jackets.

I may not be ready to dive into the choker necklace trend, but I am loving this detail to a top or blouse for going out!

Be fabulous today!

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