Friday Foodday

Happy 2016 lovebugs! Here is my last Friday Foodday post of the year!

Rose Champagne Cocktail
c/o The Kitchn

Ingredients
1 sugar cube
8 dashes Angostura or other aromatic bitters
Chilled rosé Champagne

Directions

Cut the sugar cube in half using a serrated knife or a sharp, thin knife. You will lose some sugar granules during cutting but that is ok.

Place one half of the sugar cube on the bottom of each champagne flute. Add 4 dashes of bitters over each sugar cube and then fill the glasses with Champagne.

Crunchy Pork Tacos

c/o Buns in My Oven

Ingredients

• leftover meat from Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches
• 1 cup coleslaw mix
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• barbecue sauce
• cilantro
• soft corn tortillas

Directions

1. Chop the pork into bite sized pieces and place on a baking sheet.
2. Heat the pork in the oven at 350 degrees until warmed through, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir together the coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, mustard, pepper, and salt in a small bowl.
4. Fill the tortillas with pork and slaw. Drizzle with barbecue sauce and sprinkle on cilantro.

S'mores Graham Krispie Treats

c/o Country Cleaver

Ingredients

1 bag (10 oz) Mini Marshmallows

1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate chips + 1 for topping

1 box (12 0z) Golden Grahams Cereal

6 Tbsp Butter

1/2 teaspoon Vanilla

Non-Stick Cooking Spray

Directions

In a 9x9 inch baking pan, spray with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.

In a large non-stick pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add in marshmallows and stir together with butter until marshmallows have melted and become creamy. Stir in vanilla extract.

Fold in grahams cereal until all marshmallows and grahams are evenly mixed together. Mix in 1 cup of chocolate chips. Spread treats into sprayed baking pan. Press into pan and sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup of chocolate chips on top of the treats, lightly press into top of treats to make sure they stick. Place into fridge for 10 minutes to cool.

Slice into bars and serve. Devour.

Resolve to Be Amazing

Tis the season for exercise induced New Years resolutions so without further ado, some fantastic sneakers under $100.

Zappos, Nike Free RN White, $89

Bright without being neon.

Amazon, Adidas CC Rocket Boost, $65

If I'm moving faster than my dvr, I'll take any boost I can get.

Amazon, New Balance WL574 Summer Waves, $72

I love this gray neutral with a pop of yellow!

JCPenny, Nike Dual Fusion X Running Shoes, $52

Nike running shoes for under 60 bucks? Sign me up!

Sometimes you need to accessorize your resolution to really get it in gear! Get it girl.

Be fabulous today!

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T Birds

Let's play with a comfortable flat that is anything but plain. The t strap flat. It's got some personality. More playful than a ballet flat and more girly than a slip on sneaker. It's got a great in-between quality that is easy to dress up or down.

Old Navy, T Strap D'Orsay Flat, $15

Navy or nothing under $20.

Nordstrom, Calvin Klein Ghita T Strap Flat, $58

This show has got a tuxedo quality to it. I love it. Comes in three other colors.

Modcloth, Turn Back Prime Vegan Flat, $34

I have a yellow-loving gf who is going to die over these shoes.

Nordstrom Rack, Corso Como Mince T Strap Flat, $74

How about a neutral with a little buckle action?

Who needs heels when you can have this much fun with flats?

Be fabulous today!

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Wrapped for Midnight

Ok, one holiday down, another to go this weekend. What are your plans for NYE? If you are in need of a fantastic dress, I've got you covered! I love a wrap dress for a night out, because so often a wrap dress is 9-5 wear. Add some sass and sultry to the look with these wrap dresses.

Forever 21, Velvet Wrap Dress, $45

Loving the asymmetrical hem and this velvet, so touchable!

Nordstrom, Topshop Glitter Wrap Dress, $75

Everyone needs a little glitter on NYE. Everyone.

Banana Republic, Long Sleeve Wrap Dress, $82

This dress offers a great base for dressing up or down. 

Macy's, Rachel Roy Cutout Faux Wrap Dress, $82

Can we just for a minute with this dress? So many beautiful things happening here. Also comes in an LBD.

Wrap dresses don't have to be for the board room. I love them for going out because they create a beautiful and slimming silhouette.

Be fabulous today!

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Happy Day After

Sshhhh.... it's the day after Christmas and I'm taking the day off.

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday and Christmas lovebugs! Here are some festive recipes for you.

Cranberry Ginger Mule
c/o Delish

Ingredients
¼ c. water
3 packets Splenda® Naturals Stevia Sweetener
1 c. vodka
1/3 c. lime juice
1 c. unsweetened cranberry juice (not cocktail)
1 c. ginger beer

Directions

In a small saucepan, bring water and SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener to a simmer. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until sweetener is reduced. Set aside.
In a large pitcher, mix together vodka, lime juice, cranberry juice, and sweetener reduction. Top with ginger beer.
Divide among 4 glasses. Garnish each glass with a cranberry skewer. Serve immediately.

Christmas Pancake Casserole

c/o Food Network

Ingredients

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the dish and serving
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
6 tablespoons sugar
Kosher salt
1 3/4 cups buttermilk
7 large eggs
2 cups half-and-half
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Maple syrup, for serving
Blueberries, for serving

Directions

1. Butter an 8-inch square baking dish; set aside. Put 3 tablespoons of the butter in a microwave-safe small bowl or liquid measure; microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute to melt the butter.
2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, 3 tablespoons of the sugar and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, 2 of the eggs and the melted butter. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and stir until just combined.
3. Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Melt a little of the remaining butter in the pan. For each pancake, spoon 1/4 cup of batter into the skillet and cook until the bottom is golden brown and small bubbles appear on the top, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and cook until golden brown on the other side, about 2 minutes. If the pancakes brown too quickly, reduce the heat to medium-low. Transfer the pancakes to a plate as finished. Repeat until all the batter is used, adding more butter to the pan as necessary. (You should have at least 12 pancakes.)
4. Whisk together the half-and-half, vanilla, the remaining 5 eggs and 3 tablespoons sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large bowl.
5. Shingle the pancakes in the prepared baking dish. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the pancakes. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours up to overnight to allow the pancakes to soak in the custard.
6. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Remove the plastic wrap, and bake the casserole until it feels firm yet springy to the touch in the center and the custard is set, 50 to 60 minutes. Let cool 15 minutes before serving. Serve warm with maple syrup, blueberries and pats of butter.

Peppermint Cheesecake Cups

c/o Emily Bites

Ingredients

• 12 Famous Chocolate Wafers
• 8 oz 1/3 less fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 5.3 oz container of fat free vanilla Greek yogurt (I used Dannon Light & Fit)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 – 1/3 teaspoon peppermint extract (or to taste)
• 3 drops red food coloring (optional)
• 12 tablespoons nonfat whipped topping (like Reddi Wip)
• 3 mini candy canes, crushed

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375. Place cupcake liners into 12 cups of a standard sized muffin/cupcake tin and place a chocolate wafer in each liner (don’t worry if they don’t fit perfectly, just try to make them lay flat).
2. In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, yogurt, 1/3 cup of sugar, egg, extract and food coloring and mix together using an electric mixer until smooth and well combined. Spoon the mixture evenly on top of the wafers into the prepared liners and spread flat with a spatula or the back or a spoon.
3. Bake for 15-16 minutes and remove from oven to cool. Once the cheesecake cups have cooled to room temperature, transfer the cheesecake cups to the refrigerator and chill for at least one hour. Before serving, top each cheesecake cup with a tablespoon of whipped topping and a sprinkling of crushed candy cane pieces.

What a Stud...Set

Stud earrings are great accessory that comes in every style, metal, and color you can imagine. But why buy one pair of earrings when you can buy two, or three? The stud earring set is the best of both worlds! I love these stud sets because they give me great bang for my buck, and, sparkles.

Anthropologie, Cocktail Party Earring Set, $58

Why stop a set at two when you can have SEVEN?! How beautiful is this set?

BaubleBar, Meteorite Druzy Stud Trio, $42

I've rediscovered druzy recently. It's raw quality has such an eye-catching look.

Loft, Constellation Crystal Stud Earring Set, $24

Rounded, square, and rectangle, something for every occasion. 

Nordstrom, BP Square Stud Earring Set, $10

Have some fun with these party ready studs. Choose from four other color varieties! 

Sure statement earrings have their place in this world, but these colorful and blingy stud sets make me feel like I'm getting something extra.

Be fabulous today!

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Luxurious and Lovely

One of my favorite fabrics for winter is velvet. It's luxurious and cozy in all of the right ways. This luxe texture can be worn in so many ways. Today I'm rounding up some of my favorites.

Asos, Pleated Velvet Midi Skirt, $58

Perfection. Come on. Twirl the night away.

Last Call Neiman Marcus, Burnout Velvet Floral Bodycon Dress, $71

A winter upgrade to your LBD.

Ann Taylor, Velvet Ankle Pants, $98

Oh Ann. So classic and chic. 

Nordstrom, Socialite Velvet Bomber Jacket, $49

A little more casual but still cool. Dress it up with a small silk scarf around your neck.

Velvet is a great material for these chilly days and nights. Mix it with patterns and colors for a real pop. It's going to work with windowpane, stripes, you name it.

Be fabulous today!

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Travel in Style

Are you traveling this week for the holidays? What are you wearing for the (hopefully) bearable trip? I've put together a comfortable and casual look that is great for planes, trains, and automobiles.

Leggings/Sweater/Booties/Tote

Be fabulous today!

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Final Days Gifts for Her

It's Christmas week. Last minute gifts, anyone? I've pulled together a handful of items you can run to your local store/mall/overnight ship to make sure you can have something under the tree!

Anthropologie, Balloon Sleeve Pullover, $98

Such a fun and cozy look that comes in a number of colors.

Nordstrom, Kendra Scott Lee Small Drop Earrings, $65

Colorful, sassy, and ready for jeans or an LBD.

Macy's, Steve Madden Ecentric-q Sneakers, $69

I own these in black quilted and I've gotten a ton of wear out of them. So comfortable and  easy to dress up or down.

Target, Who What Wear Pajama Shirt Dress, $17

First of all, always trust Who, What, Wear. Second of all, this price. OMG.

Whether you're a procrastinator or have one more lovely lady on your list, there are plenty of options that she will love that won't break the bank.

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

Happy Friday! Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Apple Cinnamon Sangria
c/o Emily Bites

Ingredients

• 1 small apple, chopped
• 8 oz (1 fl cup) semi-dry champagne (white wine can be substituted if you have it on hand)
• 16 oz (2 fl cups) Trop50 Farmstand Apple Juice
• 4 oz (1/2 fl cup) club soda
• 2 oz (1/4 fl cup) Goldschlager (or another cinnamon schnapps)

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a pitcher and stir together well to combine. Refrigerate for a bit to chill and allow the apples to soak up the flavors.
2. Pour over ice into 5 glasses. Each glass gets ¾ fl cup (6 oz) of the liquid cocktail and 1/5 of the chopped apples.

Beef and Barley Soup

c/o Closet Cooking

Ingredients

• 1 ounce dried mushrooms
• 4 slices bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1 1/2 pounds Ontario Corn Fed stewing beef such as chuck, round, brisket, cut into 2 inch pieces
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 1 cup carrot, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, quartered or sliced
• 2 tablespoons garlic, chopped
• 1 teaspoon thyme, chopped
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup pot barley
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Cover the dried mushrooms in 1 cup of just boiled water and let sit until tender, about 15 minutes, before draining, reserving the water, and chopping the mushrooms.
2. Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a larges sauce pan over medium-high heat before setting aside.
3. Add the beef and sear until lightly golden brown on all sides before setting aside.
4. Add the onions, carrots, celery and mushrooms and cook until tender, about 7-10 minutes.
5. Add the garlic, thyme, paprika and tomato paste and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
6. Add the broth and deglaze the pan by scraping up the brown bits on the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon while the broth simmers..
7. Add the broth, barley, bacon, beef, reserved chopped mushrooms, reserved mushroom water, bay leaves, balsamic vinegar, worcestershire sauce and fish sauce and either bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the beef is fall apart in your mouth tender, about 2-3 hours, OR transfer to a preheated 350F/180C oven and roast, covered, until the beef is tender, about 2-3 hours, OR transfer to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-10 hours or on high for 3-5 hours.
8. Remove the bay leaves, season with alt and pepper to taste and enjoy!

Peppermint Cracker Toffee

c/o Shugary Sweets

Ingredients

• 40 saltine crackers
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 package (11 oz) white chocolate chips
• 6 candy canes, crushed (about 1/2 cup)

Directions

1. Line a 15x10x1-inch baking sheet with the saltine crackers. Set aside. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add in sugar and bring to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. Once it begins to boil, remove from heat.
3. Pour over saltine crackers. Place in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes, until crackers are browned and caramelized.
4. Sprinkle with white chocolate chips and allow to sit for several minutes (until they melt). Spread with a spatula evenly over crackers and immediately sprinkle with crushed candy.
5. Allow chocolate to set and store in airtight container for up to 5 days.

Gift Guide: Handmade

Some of the best gifts are personal, unique, different. What makes them better is knowing they're handmade with love from a small business owner. You all know and love Etsy, so I thought I would sift through the thousands of items on the site and pull out some fantastic gifts.

Left to right
Row One: one/two/three
Row Two: one/two/three

Be fabulous today!

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Unforgettable Holiday Ensembles

How many holiday parties are you hitting this season? There's no need to break the budget when dressing for these parties. Whether you Rent the Runway or buy something on your own, there are plenty of budget friendly options out there. Today let's look at a few dresses.

Rosegal, Red Vintage Round Neck Dress, $14

How perfect is this dress? With tights and velvet pumps. Done.

Modcloth, Masterpiece de Resistance Lace Dress, $79

Long sleeve and dramatic in an evening cocktail party sort of way.

Forever 21, Velvet Mini Dress, $48

Looking to turn some heads and get some 'damn girl's? I found your dress.

Dorothy Perkins, Luxe Silver Spot Jacquard Dress, $89

I'm loving this dress for New Years. It's metallic and eye catching.

So don't break the bank this holiday season when it comes to your holiday party gear. Dress to impress but also dress to budget.

Be fabulous today!

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Joy to the Sweater

We are in sweater weather so why not have some fun with it? I love a cheeky graphic sweater with a great print. It's cute, simple, and easy to dress up for a party with the right accessories.

Nordstrom, Winking Santa Pullover, $98

Who needs an ugly Christmas sweater when you can wear this adorable knit?

Gap, Joy Intarsia Pullover, $54

Because isn't that what it's really all about this season?

Talbots, Tinsel Penguin Sweater, $62

Great layering here. It doesn't get any cuter than a penguin in earmuffs.

Loft, Reindeer Sweater, $59

Magical, whimsical, awesome.

A printed pullover sweater is great for a quick outfit or great for layering. Holiday prints make them even better.

Be fabulous today!

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