Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is my mom's birthday! Have a happy, mom! Technically she's a leap year baby, but we celebrate today. So without further ado, everything she would love and I'd love to get her if I had an unlimited budget.

Nordstrom, Adelyn Rae Culotte Jumpsuit, $98 $58
Mom and I spent the last year on Weight Watchers, and let me tell you, she looks amazing. She should show it off in this killer navy jumpsuit.

Mom's super into a statement necklace, and I think this olive green would be perfect with her skin tone.

Extra points for texture. I love this top because you can pair it with any print.


My mom has excellent shoe taste, especially when it comes to flats. She would rock these.

Happy birthday to the best lady I know!

Be fabulous today!

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Monday, February 27, 2017

Partying with Palms

This weekend, I am heading to Florida for a quick birthday trip. A little sun and baseball. That got me inspired to look at some warm weather prints, which is why we're looking at palm leaves today. They're fun, graphic, and come in all colors and styles.

Monochrome chic that I'd add a pop of neon in the form of earrings to really make it stand out.

Is it maxi season yet? Fine, I'll wait, but I'm adding this one to my rotation.

A great dress for evening because it's breezy but the long sleeves make it easy to go from day to night.

Saks Off Fifth, Kensie Palm Print Top, $24
I'm loving this top with some bf jeans and espadrilles.

Sure we may be layering up for a few more weeks, but I'm looking forward to my trip to some warm temps this weekend!

Be fabulous today!

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Friday, February 24, 2017

Friday Foodday

Happy friday lovebugs, here are my favorite recipes this week. 

My Love
c/o Bit By A Fox
Ingredients
1 oz bourbon
1 oz coffee liqueur
1 oz Aperol


Directions
Fill a mixing glass with ice and all ingredients. Stir mixture until well chilled. Strain into chilled coupe glass. Garnish by floating espresso beans on top.








Eggs Pizzaiola
Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 tsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
  • fresh black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup reduced sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups crushed tomatoes, I used Tutorrosso
  • 4 basil leaves, torn
  • 6 large eggs
  • 4 tbsp shredded Parmigiano Reggiano
  • 2 tbsp grated Pecorino Romano

  • Directions
    In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of oil over medium heat and saute the garlic until golden, about 1 minute. Add the salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and parsley and stir. 

    Add the tomatoes, chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, add the basil and simmer 5 minutes. Gently drop in the eggs keeping the yolks in tact, top with 2 tbsp of the Parmigiano Reggiano and 1 tbsp of the Pecorino Romano.

    Cover and simmer on medium-low 10 to 15 minutes, or until the eggs whites are cooked through and no longer runny. Finish with the remainder of the cheese and drizzle with olive oil.  Serve with crusty bread.
    Dutch Chocolate Walnut Frosted Brownies
    Ingredients
    Brownies –
    • 1 1/2 cup Sugar
    • 1 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
    • 4 Eggs
    • 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
    • 1 cup flour
    • 1 cup Dutch Processed Unsweetened Cocoa
    • 3/4 tsp Baking Powder
    • 1/2 tsp Salt
    • 1 cup Walnuts, chopped
    Frosting –
    • 1 cup Powdered Sugar
    • 1/3 cup Dutch Processed Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
    • 2 Tbsp Milk
    • 4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter, softened
    • Pinch of Salt

    Directions
    FOR BROWNIES – 
    Preheat oven to 350 degrees (180C). Spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Line the baking pan with parchment paper and spray the paper lightly again.
    In a bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides to ensure it is all evenly whipped. Beat in one egg at a time into the creamed butter and sugar, scraping down the bowl as necessary. Beat in the vanilla extract. Beat mixture until light and fluffy.
    In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt until combined. Slowly add into the whipped butter mixture until just combined. Lastly, stir in the chopped walnuts.
    Spread the batter into the prepared pan. Bake on the middle rack, for approximately 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool completely.
    FOR THE FROSTING – 
    In a bowl, beat the butter until smooth. Beat in the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and milk until the frosting is smooth. Scrape down the bowl as needed until the frosting is smooth, and fluffy. Spread evenly over the brownies. Slice and serve.

    Thursday, February 23, 2017

    Stubborn as a Mule

    Mules are big for this year so I thought we would try some stacked heel mules that are comfortable to walk in and stylish as all get out.

    Lord & Taylor, Leather Block Heel Mules, $99
    Ok, top of the budget, but think of the cost per wear with these neutral beauties!

    Show off your pedicure with these popping heels!

    A super blush mule that is so feminine without being sweet.

    I'm a sucker for metallic because these heels are party ready.

    Rethink your aversion to mules because the new peep toe styles are sassy, fun, and comfortable!

    Be fabulous today!

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    Wednesday, February 22, 2017

    Be Sashy

    OK today might be one of my favorite styles for the year. The soft pant with a sash. It's easy to dress up or down and it's comfortable yet stylish.

    Work or play, these pants do it all. Also comes in navy, black, or a muted pink!

    Mango, Satin Sash Trousers, $13
    Not many sizes left in these beauties, but not surprising because look at this price!

    Beautiful. Just beautiful. I love this with a crisp button down shirt.

    How about a beautiful gray wide leg pant that will look amazing with a heeled mule.

    I love this trend because you can dress it down with slip on sneakers or dress it up with pointy toe flats.

    Be fabulous today!

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    Tuesday, February 21, 2017

    Classy Clutches

    It's been a busy weekend here and I wouldn't have it any other way. But now its back to business, well, maybe we should ease into it. Let's have some fun with bags that aren't exactly ready for the office.

    Hello adorable. And on sale.

    Macy's, Concepts Wristlet, $29
    This looks high fashion without the price tag. So chic!

    Modcloth, Keen of Hearts, $24
    It pops open in the middle. How fun!

    Charming Charlie, Rhapsody Crossbody Wristlet, $12
    Need a little spring in your step? How about a salsa?

    Who says we have to carry grown up bags? Show your personality through your accessories that won't break the bank!

    Be fabulous today!

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    Friday, February 17, 2017

    Friday Foodday

    Happy loooonnnggg weekend! Here are my favorite recipes this week.

    Four Bitters Cocktail
    c/o The Kitchn
    Ingredients
    1/2 ounce Campari
    1/2 ounce Aperol
    1/4 ounce Carpano Antica (or other sweet red vermouth)
    1/4 ounce Fernet Branca
    1 ounce orange juice
    1/2 ounce simple syrup
    Cocktail ice


    Directions
    Fill a cocktail shaker 1/4 of the way full with ice cubes. Add all ingredients and shake well. 
    Strain into your favorite cocktail glass and serve immediately. 


    Mexican Chicken Casserole
    Ingredients
    • 2 bell peppers, diced
    • 1 tablespoon butter
    • 2 cups cooked, diced chicken
    • 1 can tomatoes with chiles, about 10 ounces
    • 1 can condensed cheese soup, about 10 ounces
    • 1 cup water
    • 1 packet taco seasoning
    • 12 corn tortillas
    • 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese
    • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
    Directions
    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    2. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat and melt the butter.
    3. Add the peppers to the skillet with the butter and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
    4. Add the peppers to a bowl with the chicken, tomatoes, cheese soup, water, and taco seasoning.
    5. Pour half of the mixture into a 9x13 baking dish and spread to coat the bottom of the pan.
    6. Chop the tortillas into bite sized pieces and sprinkle half over in the pan.
    7. Top with half of the cheddar and the remaining soup mixture.
    8. Top with the remaining tortillas and cheddar.
    9. Bake for 20 minutes.
    10. Sprinkle the top with cilantro and serve with sour cream and hot sauce, as desired.

    Raspberry White Chocolate Lava Cakes
    Ingredients
    • 1/2 cup raspberries
    • 1/4 cup sugar
    • 3 1/2 ounces (100g) white chocolate
    • 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
    • 1/2 cup sugar
    • 1/2 cup flour (rice flour for gluten-free)
    • 4 eggs

    Directions
    1. Heat the raspberries and sugar on a small saucepan over medium heat until, bring to a boil reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.
    2. Melt the chocolate into the butter, remove from heat, mix in the sugar, flour, eggs and raspberry sauce.
    3. Divide the batter between 4 buttered ramekins and bake in a preheated 425F/220C oven until until the sides are lightly golden brown and the middle of the top jiggles just a little, about 10-13 minutes, before letting cool for 1 minute, running a knife around the outside, inverting and sliding out onto a plate to enjoy while still hot!



    Thursday, February 16, 2017

    Say It Girl

    A few weeks ago I posted some items that sparked my fire when it came to my feelings on the political climate. Today's post won't be so bold but perhaps a bit more peaceful, which I think we need. Personal deep breaths for everyone and persist.

    Amen sisters.

    Another form of yolo.

    #Preach

    I know way too many ladies who could rock this.

    Lean in, support each other, be brave.

    Be fabulous today!

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    Wednesday, February 15, 2017

    Now You See Me

    Let's play with a great print that has been around for forever: camo. It's rough around the edges but I promise, even the girliest girls can make it work for their style.

    Forever 21, Camp Print Joggers, $24
    Simple and sleek. I'm pairing it with gold slip on sneakers and a white tee with a statement necklace.

    NY&Co, The Crosby Pant, $35
    You gotta love the price for these well structured pants. Dress them up with heels!

    Target, Camo Utility Pants, $29
    Dress these up with a blazer or dress them down with flip flops ala Mean Girls.

    Garage, Camo Printed Legging, $24
    Something super casual and easy for the weekend.

    Side note, all of these pants are under 40 bucks. You're welcome.

    Be fabulous today!

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    Tuesday, February 14, 2017

    Paint the Town

    Happy V day lovebugs,
    The husband (!) and I celebrate Presidents Day not Valentine's so it's a normal Tuesday here. But I thought we could still paint the town red with some red pants!

    What a great work pant that transitions seamlessly to happy hour!

    A classic staple pant that comes in a handful of versatile colors.

    Nordstrom Rack, Joe Fresh Corduroy Pant, $19
    This price. Why not get a pair of casual and cozy merlot cords?

    Forever 21, Faux Suede Culottes, $9
    Ok so no go on the top but these crops! I love the wide leg flare.

    So who is your valentine this year? Mine is wine and my dog. 

    Be fabulous today!

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    Monday, February 13, 2017

    #TheFacebook

    Hey there lovebugs,
    I have had one hell of a weekend. I got hacked and then in attempts to change all of my passwords, I locked myself out of email. Adulting is really hard, you guys. Really hard. So today's post is dedicated to technology, because I have a very love/hate relationship with it right now. Let's have some fun with cheeky graphic tops that illustrate the world we live in today.

    Forever 21, Pizza Wifi Naps, $10
    This tee speaks to me. It's got all of the important things.

    #blessed

    Bow and Drape, Uber Sweatshirt, $65
    I mean, come on.

    I'm partial to a Juno or Lo-fi. You?

    There you have it. Hashtags, emojis, texting, passwords, Uber, what else?

    Be fabulous today!

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