Feeling Feelings

Lovebugs,
This weekend was kind of a big deal.  My apologies if this post is short and sweet but you have to understand that The bf is now The Fiancé and that's a BFD. Today's post is all about love and lovely things. Enjoy.

Macy's, Maison Jules Heart Print Fit and Flare Dress,  $79 $46

Hearts, pockets, win. 

Forever 21, Layered Heart Locket Necklace, $4

Vintage look, not vintage price.

Nordstrom, Kate Spade Posy Court Heart Dish, $20

My favorite ladies got this for me last night. I think it speaks for itself.

Modcloth, Let's Walk About Love Sneaker, $54

If you wear these, you have to skip all of the time. 

That's all I've got in the tank for today. I'm so full of love and happiness and really wonderful things. 

Be freakin' fabulous today!

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Ladylike Loafer

Today's post comes from The bf. He suggests that we look at loafers for spring. I couldn't agree more. With muses like Dakota Johnson or Alexa Chung, we can easily pair these masculine slip ons with skirts and dresses. Today we're focusing on tassel or fringe loafers.

Nordstrom, Steve Madden Meela Loafer, $79

Pink patent leather tassel loafers. Need I say more?

Sole Society, Rose Gold Kitty Huxley Loafer, $52

Not feeling the tassel? Try this delicate bow on top of the fringe.

Modcloth, Harbinger's Luck Loafer, $59

A more traditional loafer in a red infused mocha color. 

River Island, Light Pink Patent Wingtip Tassel Loafers, $90

I think I may have saved my favorite for last. A great rounded toe with a touch of saddle shoe design. 

Not so masculine anymore, huh? I love mixing this classic with anything girly in my closet.

Be fabulous today!

Paint The Bag Red

Today's post is inspired by the lovely Bf who got me the most beautiful Kate Spade bag ever for Presidents Day. A beautiful red bag is the perfect pop of color to make a statement. It packs a punch with it's lipstick hue and a style that will fit any budget.

Nordstrom, Jessica McClintock Lips Clutch, $88

Pow. Red, statement, love.

Nasty Gal, Nila Anthony Wild West Suede Bag, $58

This bag is stunning. It's a great size for the weekend and the combination of a tassel and suede with this price tag? You can't beat it!

Modcloth, Double Decker Crush Bag, $59

How much fun is this bag? I love it with booties or culottes and heels.

Last Call Neiman Marcus, Dylan North South Tote Bag, $75

A fantastic color block tote that you can throw in what you need for the day and go.

You can thank The Bf for the inspiration today, grab a new bag that packs a punch. Shocking red is just what I needed in this never ending winter!

Be fabulous today!

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Brands 101

From time to time The Bf chimes in with blog topic ideas. Today he thought we should look at well known brands that are totally allowed to show off. Stay with me. I didn't get it at first either. Think iconic fashion logos: Calvin Klein, Chanel, Burberry and think about their logos. Some of these timeless brands look great when you wear their...well their brand. Let me explain.

Gap, Logo Stripe Pullover, $44

Everyone knows and loves the Gap 1969 logo. I love this vintage looking hoodie that shows it off.

Bluefly, Lacoste Women's Round Tortoise Sunglasses, $145 $32

Major sale on these classic gator shades. Talk about feminine.

Levi's, Classic Crewneck, $55

Iconic. Play with this top by adding a plaid collared shirt or black pearls.

Tommy Hilfiger, H Logo Stripe Boat Neck Sweater, $49

Tommy. That all American brand that we all know. Try this nautical stripe with a denim skirt or black slacks for work.

Fashion brands come and go. It's the real classics that we like to wear on our sleeve. Enjoy the advertising because these logos aren't going out of style anytime soon.

Be fabulous today!

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Black, White, and Chic All Over

Today's post idea comes from The Bf. Get excited. He is on the hunt for a statement suit and has inspired me to translate it for women's. He is testing a windowpane print for a suit, so I thought we would try it for us. We've looked at this style in the past but I really like it for cooler weather.

Nordstrom, NYDJ Jacquard Cardigan, $98

This cardi is stunning and you are going to get a ton of wear out of it. Pair it for work with a silk tie neck blouse or throw it on with distressed bf jeans for the weekend.

Landsend, Wear To Work Trouser Pants, $34

You need these pants. I'm obsessed with them. Straight leg fit, pair with stripes or solids, these pants do it all, including being machine washable.

Old Navy, Boyfriend Windowpane Flannel Shirt, $27

You're going to need flannel this year. This top is crazy versatile. My coworker just purchased it and plans to wear it alone or underneath a sleeveless denim dress. So cute.

JCrew, Windowpane Scarf, $49

This is a wool linen blend which is just perfect for fall. Use it with yesterday's jean jackets.

A great windowpane print is so different than a plaid or a stripe, it has a clean and crisp look that is so easy to wear. One of  my favorite black and white trends.

Be fabulous today!

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Happy Labor Day

Happy long day weekend lovebugs!

I'll be back tomorrow with an All In post but in the meantime please enjoy one of my favorite pictures from my sister's wedding last weekend.

Happy Birthday Norman

Today is Norman's birthday. He is my original lovebug. The little man turns three today so I thought I would share some of my/his favorite things.

American Apparel, Red Flex Fleece Dog Zip, $28

Of course this post has a little fashion. Norman loves his hoodie. I call it his Beiber hoodie. It's machine washable and I can layer it under his rain coat (yes that exists) when it's cold. 

Barkbox, Medium Dog, 1 month $29

Norman loves his Barkbox and it keeps me from buying random dog stuff at CVS or when I go grocery shopping. I love supporting small business and Norm loves the toys!

Container Store, Collapsible Pet Feeder, $19

These bowls are awesome. I don't need a mat under the bowls and I can throw it in a bag when we travel.

Jack Spade, Rope Dog Lead, $49

The bf's favorite color is orange, so obviously Norman sports an orange collar and leash. 

Happy Birthday little man!

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs! And a happy six year anniversary to The bf. Here are some of our favorite foods.

Applejack Rabbit
c/o Serious Eats

Ingredients

• 2 ounces Laird's Bonded Apple Brandy
• 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 ounce fresh orange juice
• 1/2 ounce maple syrup

Directions

Add apple brandy, lemon juice, orange juice, and maple syrup to a cocktail shaker and fill with ice. Shake until well chilled, about 15 seconds, and strain into a chilled coupe.

Chipotle Chicken Pasta
c/o Stephanie Cooks

Ingredients

2-3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)

1/4 cup lime juice

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped

1 tsp ancho chili powder

1 tsp salt

2 T olive oil

1 lb farfalle pasta

1 large red bell pepper, diced

1 large green bell pepper, diced

1 onion, diced

1 chipotle pepper + 1 T of adobo sauce, minced

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup light cream

Directions

1- Cut chicken breasts and cut into bite-size pieces.  Combine lime juice, 1/2 of minced garlic, 1/2 of cilantro, chili powder, and salt and mix together.  Pour over chicken to coat and marinate chicken about 30 minutes. 

2- Heat a large pot of water to boiling.  Add generous amount of salt and add pasta.  Cook according to package directions until al dente.  Drain and set aside.  

3-Meanwhile, add olive oil to large saute pan and heat over medium heat.  Add chicken, bell peppers, onions and remaining garlic and cook about 6-8 minutes until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are softened.  

4- Add chicken broth and chipotle pepper and adobo sauce and cook until stock is reduced by about 1/3.

5-  Reduce heat to low and add cream.  Stir to combine and return pasta to sauce pan and toss to evenly coat with sauce.  Cook about 5 minutes and top with remaining cilantro and serve.

Jalapeño Artichoke Dip

c/o Lauren's Latest

Ingredients

1 cup marinated & drained artichoke hearts
1/2 cup grated parmigiano reggiano cheese
4 oz. cream cheese
1/4 cup mayonnaise
salt & pepper, to taste
splash of water
1-2 tablespoons finely chopped jalapeños

Directions

Place artichokes into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until coarsely chopped. Add in parm, cream cheese, mayo, salt and pepper. Pulse in short bursts or until everything starts to blend. I added in a splash of water to get things going at first. Make sure to leave the dip slightly chunky, so it has a good texture. Spoon dip into bowl and stir in chopped jalapenos by hand. Serve with pita, crackers, tortilla chips, veggies, or anything else lying around.

Friday Foodday

Tomorrow is The BF's birthday. He's a good one, so today's we're looking at some of his favorite foods.

Applejack Rabbit

c/o Serious Eats

Ingredients

• 2 ounces Laird's Bonded Apple Brandy
• 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 ounce fresh orange juice
• 1/2 ounces of good Maple Syrup

Directions

Add apple brandy, lemon juice, orange juice, and maple syrup to a cocktail shaker and fill with ice. Shake until well chilled, about 15 seconds, and strain into a chilled coupe.

Sweet and Spicy Pulled Pork with Honey Jalapeño Slaw

c/o Host the Toast

Ingredients

For the Pulled Pork:

• 1 medium sweet onion, chopped
• 1 cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo, chopped
• 1 tablespoon adobo sauce 
• 1 bottle BBQ sauce 
• 3 lb pork shoulder
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper

For the Slaw:

• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
• 1 10 oz bag slaw mix
• ⅓ cup chopped cilantro
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Directions

1. Combine first 4 Pulled Pork ingredients in the bottom of the crock pot. Mix in ½ of the BBQ sauce.
2. Season the pork shoulder with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper and place on top of the BBQ sauce mixture. Pour the remaining BBQ sauce on top.
3. Cook on low for about 6-7 hours, or until the pork can be pulled apart with forks.
4. Remove the pork, pull it, and return it to the crock pot.
5. Mix it all together and cook on low for an additional hour.
6. As the pork cooks, prepare the slaw by mixing together all of the ingredients. Cover until ready to serve.
7. When the pork is done, serve warm with slaw on fresh hamburger buns.

Molten Chocolate Cake

c/o Closet Cooking

Ingredients

• 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 3 egg yolks
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 3 egg whites

Directions

1. Lightly grease 3 ramekins with butter.
2. Melt the chocolate into the butter in a double boiler and let cool a bit.
3. Beat the egg yolks and sugar and mix into the chocolate.
4. Beat the egg whites in a bowl until they form soft peaks.
5. Fold the chocolate into the egg whites.
6. Pour the batter into the ramekins, no more than 2/3 full.
7. Bake in a preheated 400F oven for 7-10 minutes. The outside will be set and possibly crack and the inside will still be liquid.
8. Let cool for a few minutes and then run a knife around the edges and tip onto a plate. 

Stormy Day Inspiration

Usually when I ask The BF for topic suggestions he says: pizza or coffee tables or airport etiquette, none of which is super helpful but today he had a good inspiration.  As I write this, we are enjoying a fantastic thunder and lightning storm outside our apartment window.  The sky is a magnificent shade of gray blue, so that is today's inspiration.  You can thank The BF.

Modcloth, Classic Cinema Ingenue Dress, $53

The handkerchief hem on this dress is so wonderful, and I love the way waistline goes up in the middle to give the illusion of a longer torso.

J Crew, Shawl Collar Sweatshirt, $49

I love this for fall, great for the weekend and dress it up with a chunky necklace.

Gap, Oversized Floral Scarf, $29

A big pattern is great.  I like the darker colors with a floral, it's unexpected.

Old Navy, Faux-Suede Cap Tow Shoe, $22

How great are these flats? I think they would be great with a bf cut pair of chinos.

What are you thinking about this color? It can be dreary in the sky but how great is it for going into Fall!?

Be fabulous today!

Date Night

Happy President's Day lovebugs!  I hope you have the day off from work, are sleeping in, and planning to relax all day long.  You deserve it.

On Saturday night The bf took me out to dinner to a swanky downtown restaurant called PS 7s.  It was delicious.  And that is an understatement.  We had a fabulous time.  I was thinking about what a gal should wear to this type of event.  It's not a first date, it's not a holiday, and it's not an anniversary; but it's not a dive bar or chinese food on the couch either.

I think the best idea is to go dressy but in an interesting way.  Try to not go standard super-dressy and call it a night; experiment with colors, patterns and maybe even mix them.  Surprise him with a new style for your date.

Anthropologie, Seaside fields dress, $70

I love the playfulness of the paisley mixed with the ruffle neckline.  The colors make it more adult and romantic.

Stella and Dot, gold leaf earrings, $39

Instead of a larger bib necklace, try a statement earring and pull your hair back!

Modcloth, pretty pleats skirt, $69

Want to make him watch you walk away to powder your nose? Try this eye catching, leg lengthening skirt!

Urban Outfitters, Cooperative Platform Square Heel, $68

Maybe you're heading to a swanky casual bar.  Try these beauties with wide leg trouser denim.

Now whether you're going out on the town, attending a boring work party, or staying home on the couch.  These items are sure to make you think:

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Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

You know what day it is! Friday Foodday!  Thanks to everyone who sent in recipes.  If you ever want to be a part of FF just comment, tweet, or email me your recipe.  

Have a great weekend!


Spinach Rolls
c/o Sara!
Ingredients:
-Tortillas (bonus homemade tortilla recipe below for the adventurous)
-Lots of spinach
-Cheese, sliced into thin-ish cubes. Cheese can be whichever you like.... Jack, gouda, etc would be my choice.
-Spicy mustard

Wash your spinach and shred it into smaller pieces, take the stems out. Spread some spicy mustard on a tortilla, then put the desired amount of cheese inside. Be sure to only put it on one side so that rolling the tortilla will be easier. Put a healthy dose of spinach on top. Roll up the tortilla. Slice each tortilla into smaller pieces and spear with a toothpick. Very quick to make and makes a great snack for parties!

Bonus tortilla recipe:
These can be made within half an hour and taste great! 
Ingredients:
4 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp salt
4 tsp olive/vegetable oil
1 1/2 -2 cups warm water

Sift together flour, salt and baking powder. With a fork or pastry cutter, mix the oil into the dry ingredients until it is the consistency of couscous. Add warm water a bit a time and mix/knead until you have a soft, dry ball of dough. Cover and let sit for at least 10 minutes. Sitting is very important! Tear off pieces of dough about the size of a McDonalds hamburger patty and roll on a floured surface until very thin. Heat a skillet on medium-high and place the rolled the tortilla on the heated skillet. Large air bubbles should appear in the dough. When bubbles appear, flip and cook until both sides are done. Place on a plate inside a plastic bag to retain moisture while cooking the rest.

Pizza Puffs

c/o Stephanie Cooks

Ingredients:

3/4 cup flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 cup whole milk
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp. garlic/onion powder blend 
4 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
1/2 cup pizza sauce

Directions:Preheat oven to 375^o. Grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder; stir in the milk and egg.

Stir in the cheese and seasonings and let stand for 10 minutes.

Stir the batter and divide among the mini-muffin cups. Bake until puffed and golden, about 25 minutes.

Microwave the pizza sauce until warmed through.  Serve the puffs with the pizza sauce for dipping.

Beer Cheese Soup
c/o THE BF
Ingredients:
1/3 Cup Butter
1/3 Cup Flour
1 ½ Cups Carrots, finely diced
1 ½ Cups Onion, finely diced
1 ½ Cups Celery, finely diced
2 Cloves Garlic, minced
Tabasco
Kosher Salt
Fresh Cracked Pepper
2 Cups Beer
3 Cups Chicken Broth
4 Cups Whole Milk
6 Cups Sharp Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese, grated
1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
1 Teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
Chives (garnish)
Crumbled Bacon (garnish)
Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for 4 – 5 minutes to create a light roux, about the color of a dull penny. Next, add carrots, onion, and celery; sauté until tender, about 7 – 9 minutes. Add garlic, a few dashes of Tabasco, and season with kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper. Slowly add the beer and chicken broth, stir and bring mixture to a slow boil. Add milk, and return to a slow simmer, stirring often. Reduce heat to low; fold in the cheese, mustard, and Worcestershire. Stir until all of the cheese is completely melted – soup should be rich and creamy. Serve.

Spaghetti a la Philly
c/o M&SJ&C

• 3/4 lb spaghetti, cooked as directed on the package
• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• 1 jar spaghetti sauce (I used Hunt’s Traditional. I love Hunt’s products.)
• 4 oz. Philadelphia Cream Cheese, cubed
• 2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese

Brown meat in a large skillet, then drain and return meat to skillet.

Stir in spaghetti sauce and cream cheese; stir frequently, and cook on low for 3-5 minutes, or until sauce is well blended and heated through.

Add cooked spaghetti to sauce; mix lightly. Top with Parmesan cheese.