Showing posts with label christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label christmas. Show all posts

Friday, December 23, 2016

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
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
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.


Tuesday, December 20, 2016

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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Monday, December 19, 2016

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.

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

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.

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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Monday, December 21, 2015

I Got You, Procrastinator

It's crunch time lovebugs. This gift guide isn't for your mom, bf, or teacher, this is the holy crap Christmas is like three days away guide. Enter Amazon. No, this post is in no way sponsored by them. (But contact me know if you know someone at Amazon) It's just sometimes you need to go to the place that has everything and it will ship by the time you leave work today.



Left two right
First row: one, twothree
Second row: one, two, three

Monday, December 14, 2015

Gift Guide: For Your BFF

It's our last set of gift guides and if you haven't found that special something for your bff, this one's for you. These gifts are a step above thoughtful because they're fun. Give these gifts knowing you're going to get a smile in return. I love the quirkiness, happiness, and specialness of all of these. I mean, who doesn't need a ice cream pint koozie?



left to right
Row one: one/two/three
Row two: one/two/three

Be fabulous today!

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Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Gift Guide: For Mom

We are back with a gift guide today and it's for the all important mom. I don't know about you, but I am starting to find mom more and more difficult to shop for. I want the perfect something to convey how much I love her but I also can't break my budget. Of course you can do the sweater set, there's no shame in that, but I don't need to line that up for you.  Here are some great out of the box options.




left to right
Row one: one/two/three
Row two: one/two/three

Be fabulous today!

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Monday, December 7, 2015

All In: Holiday Party

It's the first Friday of the month. Let's go all in for a holiday party with a smashing outfit under $100.





I absolutely LOVE this outfit. It shines, sparkles, and brings the holiday cheer with the burgundy pumps. 

Be fabulous today!

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Thursday, December 3, 2015

Gift Guide: For the Guys

It is gift guide time. In need of a special something for someone on your list? I'm hoping that this series might help. I find shopping for the guys in my life are always tough. You can't get them something sparkly and be done. It takes thought and effort. Here are some unique and awesome things they are sure to love.


left to right
First row: one, two, three
Second row: one, two, three
Third row: one, two, three

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Animal Crackers

Next week I'll do some gift guides for the holidays, but I'm asking for your help! Leave a comment or shoot me an email requesting who you need a gift for; example: the nerdy secretary, the fashionable coworker, the boss, you name it, I will do my best to deliver!

Alright, back to business, today we're looking at animal print. Not the usual leopard or snakeskin, but rather an image of an animal. Let me explain.

How adorable is this sweater? It's quirky and cozy in all the best ways.

Madewell, Fox Print Sweatshirt, $59
You may be thinking, sweatshirt? Come on. But layer a white oxford under this and add a collar necklace. Instant chic!


A stunning skirt, perfect for work, I'd pair it with some flat boots and tights.

The Limited, Bird Print Peasant Blouse, $34
I love this print, but you know what I love more? The dot cuffs. That's right, how sweet is that?

So give the leopard print a break this season and try animal graphic that is big and centered or a smaller repetitive print.

Be fabulous today!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Holiday Jammies

I'm feeling cozy and warm today because I'm thinking about what I wear on Christmas morning.  Pjs, pajamas, jammies, the ultimate outfit. How do you style Christmas morning? Here are some of my picks.

Gotta love a comfy flannel pj set. Target does this one just right.

Nordstrom, Ugg Rylan Knit Slipper, $99
I believe in investing in good slippers. Otherwise you have 85 pairs of cheap poor quality ones.

These are so cute, the lining is unexpected and playful.

Aerie, Striped robe, $39
This is so adorable and perfect for a Saturday morning coffee and bagel.

What do you wear for Christmas morning? Sweats, pjs, real clothing? Whatever it is I hope it's comfy!

Be fabulous today!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

The Perfect Holiday Outfit

Merry Christmas Eve Eve lovebugs!

I hope you are all heading to family and friends homes today and tomorrow.  Spending time with loved ones and giving gifts from the heart.  I'm so happy to have been a part of you daily reading this holiday season and I cannot wait to continue in 2011.

Today's post is about the perfect semi-dressy outfit for __________. You know what I mean, church, Christmas dinner, holiday party, take your pick.  You want to look fabulous (obvi) but you don't want to look like a walking Christmas card either.  My advice is to stick with a few basics: cords, chunky sweaters, dresses and skirts with tights.  Use your accessories to show you Christmas spirit.

Love, love, love.  Wear with a long necklace or a skinny belt.


Ann Taylor, Flocked plaid mini, $47 with code SAVE40
I love this skirt, so much visual impact without making your hips look wide.

Halogen, Beaded sweater, $39
I love the embellishment right down to the top of the pockets. Pair this with black skinny cords.


Modcloth, Sheer with me dress, $52.99
Not too holiday, just perfect for dinner or a party with maybe a shoe like this.....


Modcloth, Deck the toes, $30

Be fabulous today.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Dos and Don'ts of the Holiday Party

Hey there!  As the best of holiday of the year approaches, I wanted to show you something that I think most certainly qualifies as the handbook of holiday parties.  This list has been circulating the web lately and I just had to share it with you!


1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Holiday spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls. 

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare... You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas! 


3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat. 


4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission. 


5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Holiday party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello? 


6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog. 


7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again. 


8. Same for pies. Apple
, Pumpkin, Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards. 


10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. 

Monday, December 13, 2010

Sweater Hangover Cure

Did you check out the fabulous holiday traditions featured on Friday Foodday?  Wanna get in on it? Send me your holiday tradition recipes and I would just love to feature them in an upcoming post!

In other news lovebugs.  I want to talk to you an inevitable Winter occurrence: the sweater hangover.  Not familiar with it? Let me tell you the symptoms:
October: Pulling out the sweaters from storage or the back of the closet.  So excited to be warm and cozy and fashionable.
November: Maybe added a couple new sweaters to the mix, tried out some oldies but goodies in a new way.
December: Ok, you've worn every sweater and while you love them, you: a) can't come up with new combos or b) don't have the money or time or effort to take them to the dry cleaners.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you may have a sweater hangover.  But fret not.  While I strongly discourage sweater shopping before Santa arrives (for the sakes of your parents, significant other, or siblings) I do encourage accessories!  Namely, necklaces.  They're an easy way to jazz up a sweater without breaking the bank.  Here are my picks:

Stella and Dot, Ava cupchain necklace, $44
I'm a sucker for ribbon necklaces, this on is perfect with a turtleneck sweater of a plain crew neck.

Loft, Gold Flower Ribbon Choker, $35 with code HOLIDAY
Have a cabled knit v-neck? Pair this with it and it's dressed up for the holiday party

LunaShineShine, Vintage style antique camera, $24
I love the detail in this.  Brass camera but the middle is actually tan leather!

Hi my name is Kelsey and I'm a Jess LC addict.


J Crew Factory, Crystal Corona Necklace, $59.50
You guys, the J Crew FACTORY outlet is online 24/7 until December 20. Don't say I didn't warn you.


Bling-tastic.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Holiday 9-5

My good friend asked me yesterday what she should wear to her during office hours holiday party.  And while we could go on and on about the perfect holiday party dress, I thought, what does one wear to a 9-5 party?  So, after some looking here is what I came up with that I think is professional and festive!

Also- I know you have an awesome Christmas recipe you want to share! Send it in to me for Friday Foodday1

Anne Klein, Ribbed Sweater Dress, $88
How cute is this? some patterned tights and you're good to go!


Urban Outfitters, Cooperative Velvet Bow Blouse, $58
I love this top and I would pair it with velvet trousers or....

White House Black Market, red crepe skirt, $29
Pairing this with the Urban blouse.


Ann Taylor, Signature Velvet Trousers, $69
Be not afraid of velvet in the winter time! So luxurious and chic!


Forever 21, Chunky Collar Necklace, $12.80

When in doubt for holiday couture, accessorize!

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Watch yourself!

This post is a bit of research I'm doing for my good friend Amy.  Amy is looking for her bf to get her a watch for Christmas, but a watch is a very serious purchase and one not to be taken lightly.  It is one of a few accessories that you will probably wear every single day and have for quite some time.  So this is a big deal.

Watches have more styles than than RuPaul has wigs, so it can be a bit daunting.  If you're buying a watch for  someone make sure you take note of what kind of jewelry he or she wears.  Is it chunky, silver, gold, plastic, preppy, rocker?  Take that into a account when making your purchase.

While I could spend all day listing watches, these picks are ones I think Amy would love.  Do you have something on your list you'd like me to research? Great! Email, tweet, or comment it to me and I'd love to get started on it!

Also lovebugs- tomorrow is Friday Foodday so send me those recipes!


Urban Outfitters, typewriter initial watch, $28
How adorable is this? Dainty face with a masculine band.

I like this one because it's no nonsense.  Chic and functional.

Anne Klein, Silver Tone Easy to Read, $55
I would make sure to try this one on in the store because if the circular face is too big on your wrist its going to drive you nuts.


Fossil, Berkley pink, $95
Colorful plastic seems to be a huge trend in watches right now.  I like this one because It's sturdy enough to wear with a suit.


Anne Klein, 10-9304, $59
This might as well be a bracelet. I just love it. It's gorgeous.  It looks like something you'd see at an estate sale or an antique store.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Salute the Troops

Through your wardrobe of course! Thanks to every single veteran out there.  You are an incredible asset to his country and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Today TCB salutes you through military inspired clothing.
Tomorrow is Friday Foodday!


Express, Military Shirt Dress, $59
Great dress, just please make sure you sit down in it in the dressing room before you buy it! Don't look at the size, look at how it fits you.

White House Black Market, Slim Ponte Military Pants, $88
So hot. Sleek and determined.

American Eagle, Cropped Military Cardigan, $30
Perfect for running around on the weekend with jeans and boots.

Piperlime, Mia Duke, $80
I love the military themed button, rounded tow, AND fold over cuff.


And for Everyday Mom Ideas blogger's Christmas list- she asked for a rosette blouse.  What do you think of this one?

Forever 21 also has tons of options with rosettes!  Thanks for writing in!