Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Paper or Plastic

This post is inspired by a pair of pants I just bought. That's right, sometimes I do buy the stuff I post. Today is one of those days. You are about to see a fantastic pair of pink pants. Not just pink pants. These pants are perfect for work or play because you can add heels or sandals with this paper bag waistline.

I mean hello. Punchy color with a high waist. 

Breezy and casual.  A must have in white for summer.

A great straight leg option that comes in three other colors.

I love the white and blue pattern because it goes with just about anything.

The paper bag waist line is great for a more casual look. Look for it in skirts, pants, or shorts.

Be fabulous today!

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Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Fan me with Fronds

It's officially summer. I hope everyone had a great long weekend. I thought we would kick off summer with a print that screams warm weather and vacation. The palm print. It's pretty and bold and I love it for warm weather.

Bloomingdale's, Olivaceous Palm Print Tank, $48
Simple and chic. Perfect to dress up with a blazer or down with shorts.

Dorothy Perkins, Pink Palm Print Jumpsuit, $69
How about an allover print jumpsuit with a cold shoulder?

A classic palm print in a blouse that will be a workhorse in your closet this summer.

Saks Off Fifth, Tie Waist Romper, $49
One more one piece. This just screams vacation to me. Its also 60% off now.

When I think summer I think beach, sun, and palm trees. Why not rock the print that reminds you of summer?

Be fabulous today!

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Friday, May 26, 2017

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday! Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Cranberry & Saint Germain Pitcher Sparkler
Ingredients
1 cup vodka
3 ounces St. Germain elderflower liqueur
1/2 cup cranberry juice
1 1/2 cups club soda

Directions
In a large pitcher filled with ice, combine all of the ingredients. Serve in champagne flutes or other festive glasses.
    Lomo Saltado
    Ingredients
    • 12 ounces thin sliced ribeye steak
    • 1/2 teaspooon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 yellow bell pepper
    • 1/2 poblano pepper
    • 1/2 red onion
    • 1 tomato
    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 1/3 cup beef broth
    • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
    • 1 cup freshly fried French fries, for serving
    • 2 cups cooked white rice, for serving
    Directions
    1. Slice the steak into thin strips and season with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
    2. Heat the oil in a large heavy skillet over high heat. Add the steak and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned.
    3. While steak is cooking, slice the peppers, onion, and tomato into thin slices.
    4. Add the vegetables to the pan with the steak and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
    5. Add the soy sauce and beef broth to the pan and stir well. Cook for 2 minutes.
    6. Remove from heat and sprinkle with cilantro.
    7. Serve over rice with french fries.


    Rhubarb Upside Down Spice Cake
    Ingredients
    Topping
    • 1 pound (450 grams) rhubarb, trimmed
    • 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
    • Finely grated zest from half a lemon
    • 4 tablespoons (2 ounces or 55 grams) unsalted butter, cold is fine
    • Two pinches of salt
    Cake
    • 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, softened
    • 2/3 cup (125 grams) light or dark brown sugar
    • 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
    • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
    • A few gratings of fresh nutmeg
    • 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk
    • 1 1/2 cups (195 grams) all-purpose flour
    Directions
    Heat oven: To 350°F. 
    Make topping: In a 10-inch ovenproof skillet, trim your rhubarb to lengths that will fit across the bottom in one direction, i.e. some short and some taller. Remove rhubarb and cut each stalk lengthwise into thin (about 1/4-inch thick) ribbons. If your rhubarb is already quite thin, you might just want to halve each piece lengthwise.
    Sprinkle sugar into skillet and add lemon zest; use your fingers to mix the zest into the sugar; the grit of the sugar will help release the most flavor from it. Add butter and salt and heat skillet over medium until butter has melted, stirring frequently. Add rhubarb and cook, turning gently, for 3 to 4 minutes, until it has softened slightly and released some of its liquid. Remove from heat and set skillet aside.
    Make cake: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until combined, then vanilla. Sprinkle mixture with baking powder, salt, and all the spices and beat well to thoroughly mix them in. Add buttermilk; mixture will have a curdly texture but don’t worry, it’s all going to even out. Scrape down bowl and add flour; beat only until it disappears.
    Check your rhubarb base to make sure all the pieces are in the order you’d like them to be; nudge around any that are not, then dollop cake batter over rhubarb mixture in small spoonfuls and smooth top as best as you can. As the rhubarb mixture will be very wet, this will seem almost impossible. I actually gave up and just put it in the oven, where the cake spread into one even layer on its own. (Thank you, cake.)
    Bake cake: For about 35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted deep into the cake (but not the topping underneath) comes out batter-free. Transfer to a cooling rack and let cool for 5 minutes, then run a knife around the edges to loosen. Place a larger plate upside down over the skillet and use two potholdered hands to flip cake out onto it. If any rhubarb is stuck in the pan or slides down the side, just return it to the top of the cake.



    Thursday, May 25, 2017

    Give Me A "P"!

    It is almost time for the long weekend. I thought we should have some fun with a playful purse that is full of poms. Yes, pom poms.

    Spring, Camel by Aldo, $55
    This bag is such a party. How can you not have fun wearing this?

    Super soft pebble leather makes this bag extra luxurious. 

    Poms AND tassels? Sign me up.

    Charming Charlie, Pom Wristlet, $19
    And for something under 20 bucks. Love the white with the bright colors!

    Have some fun with your bags this summer. Try a pom pom or a tassel with a pop of color.

    Be fabulous today!

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    Wednesday, May 24, 2017

    She's On Another Tier

    Let's talk tiers. They offer some lovely dimension to an outfit without a pattern or print. A tiered top is breezy and great for summer.

    Love love love this top. The v neck, the waistline, love it.

    Not feeling the hot pink? This jersey top comes in five other colors.

    This is the top that inspired this post. Perfection for the office.

    OK, ok I'll give you another polka dot, relax!

    Looking for something that isn't skin tight but looks fitted and fantastic? Look no further than these great tops!

    Be fabulous today!

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    Tuesday, May 23, 2017

    Sunshine Days

    Last week we looked at some pretty fantastic espadrilles. Today I thought we would combine the style with a sneaker. That's right, the perfect summer sneaker.

    Anthropologie, Alohas Bambita Espadrille, $98
    If this doesn't say summer, I don't know what does.

    Do you love these? I love these. They also come in a handful of other colors.

    A low maintenance shoe that is the equivalent of chambray.

    Classic brand with a punch of feminine. Perfect for summer.

    While summer may be all about the sandals, sometimes a solid sneaker is that way to go. These espadrille options are great for warmer weather.

    Be fabulous today!

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    Monday, May 22, 2017

    Not Not Loving the Knot

    As the weather gets warmer, its important to realize the variety of casual weekend shirts that are available. These tops will keep you cool and stylish without blowing your budget. One style I really like it the tie front waist top. It's breezy and can be dressed up or down.

    J Crew Factory, Striped Tie Waist Pocket Tee, $34
    How adorable is this tee? Pair it with cotton shorts or an eyelet skirt.

    Bloomingdale's, AQUA Tie Front Tee, $24
    A crisp and clean white tee that is as soft as can be.

    I love this top with patterned shorts. It's a staple without being boring.

    And a button down version. Simple and easy to accessorize.

    Sure it's easy to grab a tank top on those hot days, but know you've got options. Stylish ones.

    Be fabulous today!

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    Friday, May 19, 2017

    Friday Foodday

    Happy Friday!

    Here are my favorite recipes this week. 

    Scotch Collins
    c/o Fogged in Lounge
    Ingredients
    • 2 oz blended scotch (Johnnie Walker Black Label)
    • 1/2 oz lemon juice
    • 1 tsp rich simple syrup
    • soda to fill
    Directions
    Stir all but soda with ice, and strain into an ice-filled collins glass. Fill with cold soda. Lemon garnish.











    Layered Chicken Enchilada Bake
    Ingredients
    • 2 (10 oz) cans red enchilada sauce, divided
    • 9 (6 inch) yellow corn tortillas (I use Mission Extra Thin Yellow Corn Tortillas)
    • 1 (16 oz) can fat free refried beans
    • 4 teaspoons canola oil
    • 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped into small bite-sized pieces (about ½”)
    • 1 medium onion, diced
    • 1 cup drained and rinsed canned black beans
    • ¾ cup frozen corn kernels
    • 6 oz 50% light sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
    Directions
    1. Pre-heat the oven to 350. Lightly mist a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray. Drizzle about 1/3 cup of the enchilada sauce across the bottom of the dish and spread around with the back of a spoon to lightly coat the bottom of the dish. Arrange 4 ½ of the tortillas across the bottom of the dish to cover the majority of the space (my arrangement is pictured above). Use a spatula to spread the refried beans evenly across the tortillas, forming an even layer across the whole dish. Set aside.
    2. In a large skillet or saute pan, bring the oil to medium heat. Add the chopped chicken and diced onion and stir to coat in the oil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the onions are softened (6-10 minutes). Drain the liquid from the pan if necessary. Add all the remaining enchilada sauce, the black beans and the corn and stir together. Remove from heat.
    3. Spoon about half of the chicken and sauce mixture evenly across the top of the refried bean layer in the casserole dish. Sprinkle about half of the cheddar cheese evenly across as well. Arrange the remaining 4 ½ tortillas in a similar style to step 1 (I did the same but flipped the layout so any small missing spots from layer 1 would be covered and vice versa). Spoon the remaining chicken and sauce mixture evenly across the newly laid tortillas. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes. Cut into 8 pieces and serve.

    Double Chocolate Creme Brûlée
    Ingredients
    • 2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream
    • 6 Egg Yolks
    • 1/2 cup Sugar
    • 1 Tbsp High Quality Cocoa Powder
    • 4 ounces Finely Chopped Semi Sweet Chocolate
    • 2 tsp Vanilla Bean Extract
    • 4-6 teaspoons of Turbinado or Demerara Sugar*

    Directions
    Place the oven rack on the lower-middle rack, and preheat oven to 300 degrees. Fill a small saucepan with water and bring it to a boil.
    Place cream, and sugar into a different, medium sized saucepan and bring the mixture to a rolling simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. While the mixture is heating up, crack the eggs and separate the yolks from the whites. Discard the whites or use them for another recipe. Whisk the eggs in a bowl until they are light and fluffy yellow.
    When the cream is simmering, turn off the heat, and remove the cream from the stove. Stir in the vanilla extract, chopped chocolate, and cocoa powder. Stir the mixture until the chopped chocolate has melted completely. Return to the heat if there are a few chunks that just won’t melt.
    Slowly pour 1/2 cup of the cream mixture into the egg yolks while whisking them continuously to temper the eggs. Repeat this process until you have whisked in all the cream mixture. Distribute amongst the ramekins. Place the filled ramekins into a 13×9 inch baking pan, and place them into the oven. With the boiling water you prepared earlier, gently pour the water into the bottom of the 13×9 inch pan, until it reaches about 2/3 of the way up the sides of the ramekins. Gently push the rack into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the temperature of the custard reaches 175 degrees.
    Gently remove the ramekins from the oven and place them on a wire rack to cool for at least one hour. Cover with plastic wrap and place the custards into the fridge to chill for at least 3 hours. Blot away any condensation with a paper towel prior to torching the sugar on top and serving.
    Torch the top of the creme brulees until the sugar melts and becomes crispy and caramel colored. Serve immediately.



    Thursday, May 18, 2017

    Get Tanked

    The tank top doesn't always get the love it deserves. It's a simple article of clothing that can be a workhorse in your wardrobe. Sure it's not much fabric, but all of the options below have something a little extra.

    A beautiful back to a simple white tank.

    Simple yet quite dressy. Oh and the price.

    Shoptiques, Dex Relaxed Fit Tank, $39
    A great break away back opening. Dress it up or down.

    American Eagle Outfitters, Flounce Tank Top, $34
    Quite a beautiful tank with so much going on. Fitted, print, and just lovely for weekend wear.

    Dress up your tank or layer it up for work. Make this small piece work hard for you.

    Be fabulous today!

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    Wednesday, May 17, 2017

    Let's Have A Romp

    OK lovebugs, I've got a treat today. Rompers under $50. These sassy one pieces are weekend ready and under budget.

    A punchy yellow with playful poms on the edge of an asymmetrical detail.

    Nordstrom Rack, Adelyn Rae Plated Romper, $34
    I really love this romper for a casual wedding. Check out the open back.

    Forever 21, Pleated Floral Romper, $22
    Gotta love the price on this one. I like the wide flutter leg as well.

    JCPenny, a.n.a Romper, $29
    Chambray anyone? I'd swap out the belt for something with more contrast.

    If you haven't gotten on the romper train, these affordable options might be worth a try!

    Be fabulous today!

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    Tuesday, May 16, 2017

    Flutter Nutter

    I'm really into a dress with personality. Skip a solid sheath dress and give me something with flair. That's why I love a great flutter sleeve dress. This simple detail packs a punch that really dresses up the look.

    Stunning allover print with a show stopping neckline.

    Cobalt that makes a statement. Perfect for a wedding.

    This dress is a great canvas to play with. Add a metallic belt or statement necklace to have some fun with color.

    New York & Company, Flutter Sleeve Hi-Lo Dress, $44
    Another great color and perfect for twirling, which is a major dress requirement for me.

    Solid or print, pastel or monochrome, a flutter sleeve detail really makes a dress special.

    Be fabulous today!

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