The Power of Sparkly Things.

Good Morning lovebugs!

It's the middle of the week and I don't know about you but I'm dying to get through it! If you have a second today, check out my guest post on Why I Love Organizing over on Oh, My Darling. (Yet another fabulous blog you should be reading!)

Today I'm going to tell you about the power of Etsy. I rely on Etsy mostly for gifts because they have such unique things. Sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming because you type in necklace and someone is selling their 3 year olds' macaroni necklace; but if you're patient and find some awesome sellers you'll keep coming back.

Here are some of my favorite jewelery finds on Etsy today:

Simon Designs, Triple Flower Post Earrings, $24

Luna Sunshine, Travel to Pairs pocket watch necklace, $30

The Jewelry Bar, Custom initial bird necklace, $42

Laura Lewis, Estate bracelet, $27

Laura Lewis, Sparkle ball earrings, $19

Vintage Lizzy, sparkly hair clip, $9

Transitioning to Fall

I was talking with my friend this morning about how to move from sundresses to sweaters. It's a difficult change especially when the weather doesn't seem to be cooperating. Last week I posted about what it is just TOO early to wear right now; so what's the happy medium? Let's make some outfits that are fit for fall.

Sometimes I just have to start with a beautiful shoe:
Look #1

Fred Flare, Lucie Larkspur, $69.99

Banana Republic, Wool Herringbone Knife Pleat Skirt, $34.99

Gap, Favorite Cami, $10

Gap, embellished vintage cardigan, $49.99

Look #2

Old Navy, Boot cut cords, $34.50

Victoria's Secret, Silk & Cashmere Cowl Neck Sweater, $39

Steve Madden, Tuxxed Oxford, $69.95

Look #3

Gap, Always Skinny Jean $69.50

Ann Taylor Loft, Dolman Sleeve Cowl neck, $59.50

Jessica Simpson, Cedary, $44.99

Rainy Monday Smiles

Happy Monday everyone! Here in DC it is chilly and rainy for the next two days and all I want to do is put PJs on and crawl back under the covers. My weekend was super busy but productive, how about yours?

Congratulations to my lovely DC Alphas for a fabulous recruitment this weekend; I was so lucky to be a part of it!

For me this weekend was full of dog sitting, packing up the apartment, helping with recruitment, and finally moving the apartment up to the storage unit. I'm feeling sleepy and a bit worn this morning so I'm going to skip the fashion today and try to give you some inspiration on this gloomy day. Thank Etsy for all of these wonderful artists!

Ode to Cupcake


You're Fab


Clock Necklace

Love

You are love

Love letter

Lemons

Friday Foodday

Guys! Great news! It's Friday Foodday! Wooohooo!!!

I hope you all have wonderful weekends planned. Mine will be full of recruitment for my old sorority at GW, one last Nats game and making the BF sweat it out with me while we move some of my stuff to the storage unit. Enjoy the sunshine and try out some of these great recipes!

If you want to recommend a recipe, please do! Email me, comment below or tweet me with the recipe!

Mac 'N Cheese Pie

What You Need

1 pkg. (14 oz.) KRAFT Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese Dinner

2 cups small broccoli florets

4 Eggs

1 pkg. (6 oz.) OSCAR MAYER Smoked Ham, chopped

1/2 cup KRAFT Shredded Cheddar & Monterrey Jack Cheeses

HEAT oven to 350°F.

COOK Macaroni in large saucepan as directed on package, adding broccoli to the boiling water for the last 2 min.; drain.

BEAT eggs in small bowl; stir in Cheese Sauce. Add to Macaroni mixture with ham; mix well. Spoon into 9-inch pie plate sprayed with cooking spray; top with shredded cheese.

BAKE 30 min. or until macaroni mixture is set in center and top is golden brown.

cheesecake-marbled brownies

c/o Annie

Brownie batter
1 stick (1/2 cup or 4 ounces) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2/3 cup all-purpose flour

Cheesecake batter
8 ounces cream cheese, well softened
1/3 cup sugar
1 large egg yolk
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Plus
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Make brownie batter: Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F. Butter an 8-inch square baking pan. Heat butter and chocolate in a 3-quart heavy saucepan — though I did mine double-boiler style, placing the mixing bowl I was using over simmering water, thereby creating one less dirty dish and melting the chocolate more gently — over moderately low heat, whisking occasionally, just until melted. Remove from heat and whisk in sugar, eggs, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until well combined. Whisk in flour until just combined and spread in baking pan.

Make cheesecake batter: Whisk together cheesecake batter ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Dollop over brownie batter, then swirl in with a knife or spatula.

Sprinkle chocolate chips over cheesecake/brownie batter swirl. Although it might be more logical to just mix them into the cheesecake batter (and feel free to do this, it will have no ill-effect) I thought it might interrupt the swirl-ability of it.

Bake brownies: Bake until edges are slightly puffed and center is just set, about 35 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake

1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
1 clove fresh garlic, minced
1/4 lb diced ham
1 Cups cooked shredded chicken breast
1.5 Tablespoons butter
1/8 Cup flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
1 2/3 cups of chicken broth
2 Cups cooked rice of choice
1/4 Cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 Cup shredded mozzarella

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Heat oil into a large 5 qt rimmed skillet over medium heat. Saute onion and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in garlic, ham and chicken. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Melt butter then stir in flour, salt and pepper until combined.

Slowly stir in chicken broth until well combined. Stir in cooked rice then transfer to a baking dish.

Top with cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Cover the dish with foil the last 10 minutes for oozing cheese.