Friday Foodday

Happy Fourth of July weekend! Here are some festive recipes for you.

American Sidecar

c/o Cosmopolitan

Ingredients

2 oz. bourbon 

1 oz. Triple Sec 

3/4 oz. lemon juice

Blue Curacao

Directions

In a shaker filled with ice, combine ingredients and shake. Strain into a sugar rimmed coupe and add a Blue Curacao float. 

Jalapeno Popper Hot Dog

c/o Country Cleaver

Ingredients

4 All Beef Hot Dogs

4 High Quality Stadium Buns

4 Tbsp butter, for toasting hot dogs

6 ounces Cream Cheese, softened

12 Frozen Jalapeno Poppers, prepared according to package directions

Jalapeno Kettle Chips, crunched up

4 Fresh Jalapeños

Directions

Prepare jalapeno poppers according to package directions. When slightly cooled, sliced into large chunks.

While the poppers are baking or frying, prepare hot dogs on a preheated grill, that has been reduced to medium-low. Grill until cooked through. While the hotdogs are grilling, on the other side of the grill, roast the fresh jalapenos until blistered on the outside and slightly soft. Remove from grill to rest.

During the last few minutes of the grilling process, butter the hot dog buns, and toast on the grill until golden brown.

To assemble::

Spread cream cheese over the toasted buns. Place the hot dogs into the buns. Top hot dog with chopped up jalapeno poppers. Top with crunched up jalapeno kettle chips.

If desired, slice up fresh roasted jalapenos for an added kick. Remove as many seeds as possible to reduce the heat.

Red, White, and Blueberry Trifle

c/o Skinnytaste

Ingredients

• 10 oz angel food cake, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 pints strawberries, sliced
• 2 pints blueberries

For the cream filling: 

• 6 tbsp fat-free sweetened condensed milk (I used Borden Eagle)
• 1 1/2 cups cold water
• 1 (4 oz) package white chocolate or cheesecake instant pudding mix 
• 12 oz frozen whipped topping, thawed 

Directions

Whisk the condensed milk and water in a bowl. Whisk in the pudding mix for 2 minutes. Let stand for 2 minutes or until soft-set; fold in the whipped topping.

Arrange half of the cake in the bottom of a 14-cup trifle dish. Sprinkle evenly with a layer of blueberries. Spread half of the cream mixture over the blueberries and gently spread (I piped it using a plastic bag and cut the corner off). Top with a layer of strawberries. Layer the remaining cake cubes on top of the strawberries, then add more blueberries and top with the remaining cream mixture. Finish with the remaining strawberries and blueberries, arranging them in a pretty pattern. Cover and refrigerate at least one 1 hour.

Holiday Hat

Headed on vacation this Fourth of July weekend? If so, you're going to need a fantastic straw floppy hat. I've got you covered. These casual to fancy toppers will keep you cool and go with any outfit.

Zappos, Calvin Klein Straw Flower Sun Hat, $42

The brim has great shape to it and the simple flower tassels are just enough detail.

Asos, Glamorous Straw Floppy Hat with Frayed Edge, $24

Something a little more bohemian that is perfect for the sand.

Ted Baker, Two Tone Straw Hat, $47

Something a little more fancy? This beauty will work.

Express, Pom Straw Hat, $34

You know I love a pom pom. This hat is tropical and so much fun.

Whether you are headed to the beach, the lake, or a festival, these hats will look stylish and be functional. Oh and they're also all under $50.

Be fabulous today!

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Needlepoint

Remember when embroidered shorts would bring up a slew of critter cotton shorts from JCrew? Those were the days. I'd like to think we've matured a little bit from those (don't get me wrong though, I still rock mine). But for a casual alfresco dinner, let's try something a little more mature.

Loft, Floral Embroidered Shorts, $24

Can't beat this price. I also like the pin tuck pleats at the waist.

Anthropologie, Pathway Embroidered Shorts, $39

Embroidery from Anthro for under $40. Don't wait on these shorts.

Topshop, Dotty Shorts, $65

Hands down my favorite of this bunch. I love the mix of colors and patterns.

Mango, Embroidered Cotton Shorts, $59

Now these are something special. A lovely landscape of colorful flowers with a matching belt.

Spice up your shorts with something beautiful embroidery. These soft shorts will go great with a simple tee or dress it up with a cutaway back blouse.

Be fabulous today!

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Give Me A "P"!

How can you not love the pom pom trend? It's fun and colorful on sandals, bags, you name it. Today, I thought we would play with some pom pom bracelets. Great for layering or just adding a pop of color to your outfit.

Revolve, Rebecca Minkoff Savanna Pom Pom Bracelet, $37

Simple and I love the addition of those colorful beads.

Singer22, Tai Beaded Pom Pom Bracelet, $59

Red and black is always a great combination and this one adds a tassel to the mix!

Topshop, Pom Chain Anklet, $28

This is technically an anklet but I think it could be worn either way.

Amazon, Panacea Multi-Pom Pom Stretch Bracelet, $15

Great texture on this bracelet set.

The colorful soft pom pom bracelet is great for summer. It can pair with shorts or chambray, white eyelet, or chiffon. Easy.

Be fabulous today!

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Cut Me A Piece

How about this Monday? Last week of June already! I have not been wearing my summer sundresses and rompers as much as I want to, and it is prime time for them. A combo trend that I'm loving right now is the cutout jumpsuit. It's perfect for those hot and humid Saturdays and you can dress thump or down.

South Moon Under, Moon & Sky Cutout Jumpsuit, $98

Talk about easy breezy. I love the v-neck with the diagonal steps.

Asos, Oh My Love High Neck Wrap Cut Out Romper, $38

Dress this up with some killer sandals for date night. Comfort and style.

Mango, Cut Out Detail Jumpsuit, $29

Summery and sweet yellow in an effortless one piece. Pair this with espadrilles for a girly brunch.

Modcloth, Cafe Character Jumpsuit, $54

How fun is this jumpsuit? Denim without looking western.

Who needs to build a whole outfit on the weekend when you can pull on a one piece and go!

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

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

Bloody Maria
c/o Fogged in Lounge

Ingredients

• 32 oz tomato juice 
• juice of 1 lime
• 1 Tbs cacao
• 1 tsp ground cayenne
• 1 tsp ground chipotle
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground true cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1 clove garlic, crushed

Directions
Gradually incorporate dry ingredients with a little of the tomato juice at a time until smooth enough to stir with the remaining liquid. Add lime and garlic. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

My preferred tomato juice, Knudsen, has some lemon in it to begin with, so you may want to add more lime for snap. For the cacao, it’s worth finding the dark, smoky, complex Valrhona. And I’m thinking a half teaspoon of cloves wouldn’t hurt a thing.

Reposado tequila is nice with this. But it’s a grownup drink on its own without the spirits, so if you have a Virgin Maria in your party, she won’t feel left out.

Avocado BLT Pasta Salad
c/o Emily Bites

Ingredients

• 8 oz uncooked pasta (I used cavatappi)
• 8 slices center cut bacon
• 6 oz of avocado, mashed (for me 6 ounces was the weight of one avocado after removing the skin and pit)
• 1 ½ teaspoons lemon juice
• ¼ cup low fat mayonnaise (I used Hellmann’s)
• 1 ½ teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup chopped cherry tomatoes (I sliced mine into quarters)
• 2 cups shredded or thinly sliced romaine or green leaf lettuce

Directions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions and drain. Rinse the pasta in a colander under cold water until the pasta is cooled and drain. Transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl.
2. Cook the bacon according to package directions and drain and cool on paper towels. Slice or crumble the bacon into small pieces.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed avocado and the lemon juice and stir until thoroughly combined. Add the mayonnaise, vinegar, salt and garlic powder and stir until well combined and creamy. Add this avocado dressing to the pasta in your large mixing bowl and then stir until the pasta is coated.
4. Add the crumbled bacon, chopped tomatoes and shredded lettuce to the coated pasta and toss to combine. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Sugared Pretzel Cookies

c/o Smitten Kitchen

Ingredients

1 large egg, hard-boiled and cooled
10 tablespoons (140 grams or 1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon (80 grams) granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon table salt
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract (this is halved from the original)
1 cup (125 grams) unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (45 grams) rye flour (medium or white will work)
1 large egg white, lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water
4 teaspoons turbinado or clear sanding sugar

Directions

Place butter, sugar and salt in the bowl of stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment. Crack egg and peel shell. Separate yolk from white; add white to your next sandwich or egg salad. Press yolk through fine-mesh strainer and into mixer bowl with other ingredients. Beat mixture on medium speed until light and fluffy, scraping down sides of bowl and beater with spatula as needed. Add vanilla, mix until combined. Add flours and mix at low speed until just combined. Using rubber spatula or your hands, reach into bowl and knead dough a few times into a cohesive mass.

Divide dough in half; place each half on a square of parchment paper. Form each into a log about 6 inches long (it will be about 1 3/4 inches in diameter) and wrap tightly with parchment, twisting ends to seal. Chill logs for 30 minutes, until semi-firm. (If you chill them longer, you’ll want to warm them up a bit or it’s difficult to work them into pretzel shapes.)

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. 

Slice 1/4-inch off first chilled log and roll slice into a ball in the palm of your hands; this softens the dough. On a counter, roll ball into a 6-inch rope. Pick up each end of rope and fold turn it into the center, pressing it into a pretzel shape. Transfer to baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough, placing cookies one inch apart on prepared sheets.

Brush each pretzel cookie with egg white wash, then sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake cookies until they have golden brown edges, about 13 to 15 minutes. Remove from oven but let firm up on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring cookies to cooling racks.

Petal Pushers

Friday eve, almost there lovebugs. Let's embrace this warm weather with some floral inspired pieces. I don't know about you, but my legs are looking real pale still, so I'm not wearing skirts everyday. That's why I love the cropped pant for work. They're comfortable and versatile and in floral, they're perfect for summer.

Asos, Floral Print Cropped Wide Leg Pant, $34

A beautiful oversized graphic that is feminine and unique.

Shoptiques, I Heart Tyler Madison Floral Crop, $87

Something a little more fitted, would look great with a blazer.

Macy's, Rachel Roy Vicky Cropped Pant, $99

Elastic waistband and an effortlessly cool look.

Nordstrom, BP Print Crop High Waist Pants, $29

For a floral that is a little less girly. Great option.

A great pant is obviously essential for work, but a unique print like these offer a great way to stand out in your 9-5 wear. 

Be fabulous today!

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Into the Jungle

Feeling wild on hump day? Yeah, me too. I'm itching for the weekend and that's got me thinking about going out bags. I love a great clutch because they hold just the essentials and can really make an outfit. Today I thought we would look at a real eye catcher, the leopard clutch.

Dorothy Perkins, Leopard Structured Clutch Bag, $29

Can't beat this price for a great bag that looks expensive.

Nordstrom, Menbur Leopard Print Minaudière, $58

A metallic sheen makes this clutch stand out.

DSW, Aldo Shako Clutch, $44

This bag has a disco feel to it. I love the patent leather cap.

Kate Spade, Mullins Place Pouch, $99

Pink glitter and leopard. I'll just leave this here.

So if you're feeling something small and fantastic, look no further than a classic leopard clutch. It goes with everything and is a great four season bag.

Be fabulous today!

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Ba Da Bow

After a rainy Monday I'm in need of something pretty. Then I stumbled on some beautiful bow sandals and I was pleased. Let me explain.

Ann Taylor, Erica Suede Bow Sandal, $89

I am obsessed with this sandal. It comes in a handful of colors but I am all about this navy.

H&M, Sandals with Bow, $24

Looking for a lower option? How about a metallic flat?

Asos, Miss Selfridge Multi Strap Bow Sandal, $77

Who needs one bow when you can have four?

Kate Spade, Idalah Sandals, $98

And for something vacation ready, I give you these colorful yet simple sandals!

How can you not smile wearing these summer sandals?

Be fabulous today!

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Cold Caller

Today's post is inspired by my weekend, well my dog's weekend. Norman had a tough one. He's fine but he's in the cone of shame for two weeks. To honor Norm, we are looking at playful collars on tops and dresses that are perfect for summer.

Nordstrom Rack, Ruffle Twofer Dress, $69

I'm loving, loving this dress. Bow waist, pleats, stripes, and a ruffle collar.

H&M, Sleeveless Ruffled Blouse, $14

Gathered collar in a sweet blush. Also comes in a great monochrome print.

Nordstrom Rack, CAD Sleeveless Ruffle Tank, $9

Under ten bucks? Yes. Also its a sweatshirt so crazy comfy.

Ann Taylor, Pleated Collar Blouse, $69

Slightly less exaggerated than the other options but still a standup collar with some pop.

While Norman won't be wearing any of these beauties, I think a bold collar is always a great option to dress up an outfit. 

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

Happy Friday!

Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Bridal Shower Sangria

c/o The Kitchn

Ingredients

1 (750-milliliter) bottle prosecco, cava, or other dry white sparkling wine, chilled
1 1/2 cups St. Germain Elderflower liqueur, chilled
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
1 1/2 cups seltzer or club soda, chilled
Ice

Directions

Combine the prosecco, St. Germain, lemon juice, and raspberries in a large pitcher. Top with the sparkling water. Pour into glasses with or without ice.

Broccoli and Bacon Chicken Alfredo Linguine

c/o Closet Cooking

Ingredients

• 8 ounces linguine (gluten-free for gluten-free)
• 4 slices bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 pound boneless and skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
• 1 cup parmigiano reggiano (parmesan), grated
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups broccoli florets, cooked
• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped

Directions

1. Start cooking the linguine as directed on the package.
2. Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large pan over medium heat before setting aside on paper towels to drain.
3. Heat the oil and melt the butter in the pan over medium-high heat, add the chicken and cook, browning on both sides, about 3-6 minutes per side, before setting aside to cool and slice.
4. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about a minute, before adding the chicken broth and deglazing the pan by scraping any brown bits from the bottom with a spoon while the broth simmers.
5. Add the cream and cheese and simmer until the sauce has thickened a bit and the cheese has melted before seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Mix the cooked and drained pasta, bacon, chicken, broccoli and parsley and enjoy!

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookie Bars

c/o Buns in My Oven

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 cups creamy peanut buttr
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 1/2 cups raspberry jam
• 2/3 cups salted peanuts, coarsely chopped

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper, grease and flour parchment paper.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until light yellow. Beat in vanilla, eggs, and peanut butter on low speed until everything is combined.
3. In a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the flour mixture to the peanut butter mixture. Mix just until combined.
4. Spread half of the dough in the bottom of the prepared pan. Spread jam evenly over the top of the dough. Use your hands to make large balls of dough with the remaining half of dough, then flatten them out and place them over the jam. The dough will spread a bit in the oven, so it’s okay if there are bare spots. Sprinkle with the chopped peanuts and bake for 45 minutes.
5. Cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.

Lucky Charms

One of the (many) things I've admired about my sister is her love of a very specific piece of jewelry - her charm bracelet. She has taken such care and such love with this bracelet and only adds to it on very special occasions.

If you're like her, I salute your patience and persistence with this piece. If you're not, let me show you some fabulous charm bracelets that are ready to wear.

Amazon, Lucky Brand Owl Charm Bracelet, $23

A little boho, and very understated. Perfect for layering or to wear on its own.

QVC, CWonder Crystal and Enamel Ladybug Charm Bracelet, $39

Preppy, colorful, and ready for warm weather.

Ann Taylor, Star Charm Bracelet, $49

I think this is my favorite of the bunch because of the diversity of the charms.

Nordstrom Rack, Lucky Brand Moon & Star Charm Bracelet, $19

Something a bit daintier, but still eye catching.

So if you're looking for a ready to wear charm bracelet - look for something that says you. Look for a charm that you love like an owl, ladybug, moon, you name it, and off you go.

Be fabulous today!

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