Ode to the Flat

Hey there lovebugs.
Today was a day for me. It was a crappy day. A work but no feeling good about the work you're doing day. I'm sure you've been there. And don't feel alone because no amount of online shopping, 'omg I love your outfit', or cosmos is going to make it better. You just have to sit with it and learn from it. Now that's easier said than done so I'll just say it because, well, that's easier.

Today is a different sort of post, if you haven't gotten that already. No pictures today. I know, I know, lame but today is a very important day. Today is the day that we salute the flat. Wait, what? You didn't know that was a very important day? Shame on you! Women's flats should be celebrated worldwide! They should have a holiday in which everyone gets off from work and runs around in adorable flats!

Let's get down to business.

Ode to the flat.

Oh flat you sound so lame and boring, but really you are the savior of my feet. You provide comfort while making a statement. You offer less blisters while being colorful and professional. You make the work day or what will for sure be a long Saturday night so much better.

My friend asked me today to tell her why flats are sexy. And I'll tell you why- rounded toe is sweet and has an unexpected girliness that makes everyone wonder; while a pointy toe is sleek and lengthening while providing just the right amount of 'i should watch her walk away'-ness. Square toe? Well, we won't even go there, that's just embarrassing.

Yes flats don't offer the calf exercise, the perfect posture, and the want to check your own butt out in the office bathroom mirror- BUT you can run down the hallway to meet a deadline, you can go all night on the dancefloor, and you can still walk down the sidewalk with swag if you really think about it. Think, right foot swing left hip, left foot swing right hip, and work, and work and work.

Bless the flat. Metallic, suede, sandal, rocker, ballet, you name it- own it.

Amen.

Powerless Against Ann

If you know anything about me it's that Ann Taylor and I have a love/hate relationship. I love Ann. I love her clothes for work and for play. I love her accessories and her shoes and her headbands. Most of the time I can only afford Ann's sister: LOFT. So when LOFT has a sale...and I do my very best to delete the emails but my so-called-'friend' sent me a link of a gorgeous purple silk dress for $29. Alas. I'm defeated. So, in order to make myself feel like I shared the wealth with all of you here are my favorites from the sale.

Make sure to add the promo code SAVE25 at the end of the order to get an extra 25% off!!!!

LOFT, Solid V-neck dress, $29.99

my dress. I'm pairing it with my black tissue tee turtleneck from J Crew and black riding boots

LOFT, Striped V-neck Sweater, $29.99

Helloooo nautical. LOVING these buttons!

LOFT, Boyfriend wash jean jacket, $39.99

This is just going to get softer and softer each season

LOFT, Sequin peek-a-boo- pocket cardigan, $44.99

Too cute either with jeans OR a black pencil skirt and belted

LOFT, Abstract jacquard metallic skirt, $59.99

Black tights and open toed heels. Excuse me, but are you going to work or a fashion shoot?

LOFT, gunmetal gem headband, $12.99

I love how understated but blingy this is.

Love you LOFT.

One Shoulder It!

Today is one dreary day in DC. Can I get an AMEN on that please? It's cold, it's kind of raining but not really and the sun has yet to make an appearance. Let's try to get out of this Monday funk by looking at some party dresses.

One trend that I'm warming up to is the one shoulder dress. Mostly seen on little black dresses, this style has translated across the spectrum from casual to black tie. It adds a bit of unexpected to a dress while still covering (well at least one) shoulder. Sometimes a little bit 'rocker' but it can also be made into sweet. Let's look at some options:

Bloomingdales, Aqua Draped Jersey Dress, $78

LOVE the tights with this and the navy is heavenly

Delia's, Alexis one-shoulder dress, $44.50

loving the effortlessness of this one

Macy's, Temped Dress, $38

Casual AND colorful...not to mention the price!

Tahari, one shoulder polka dot with bow, $83.99

I could not be more in love with this dress.

Friday Foodday

It's Friday! And it's October! Chilly air, football, soup, sweaters. That's what I think of, how about you?

Here are my amazing recipes for this week!


Heinze Family Steak Italiano
c/o my Dad!

INGREDIENTS:

8 oz. penne rigate or similar penne pasta

1 (3/4 lb.) round steak cut in thin strips

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 (4-ounce) can mushroom stems and pieces (drained)

2 cloves garlic (finely chopped)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 (26-ounce) jar Classico® Triple Mushroom sauce

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup dry red wine

1 teaspoon Beef-Flavor Instant Bouillon and Seasoning

Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Cook penne as package directs; drain. In large skillet, over medium-high heat, cook and stir steak, onion, mushrooms and garlic in oil until steak is browned and vegetables are tender. Add pasta sauce, water, wine and bouillon. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Cover; simmer 20 minutes or until beef is tender. Serve over hot penne rigate and top with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Sloppy Joe Sliders

c/o the BF

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. ground beef (or beef/pork mix)
• 2 medium-sized onions, diced finely
• 3 cloves garlic minced or 2–3 tbsp. prepared minced garlic (jar)
• one 6 oz. can tomato paste
• two 8 oz. cans tomato puree or sauce (16 oz. total)
• 1 cup brown sugar (adjust according to taste)
• 2 tbsp. vinegar

1. Brown ground beef in skillet with onions and garlic until completely browned and onions are translucent and tender. Remove as much grease as possible from the beef mixture.

2. Add tomato paste and tomato puree and mix well.

3. Sprinkle brown sugar over the top and stir in thoroughly.

4. Splash vinegar all over the top and then mix in well.

5. Simmer for about 20 minutes so that the flavors can blend together.

6. Serve on hamburger buns or other type of sliced rolls.

For variation: Saute 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms with the meat, onions and garlic. Add 1 slice of processed cheese, or your favorite cheese, to each sandwich just prior to serving.

Chicken Pot Pie Pasta

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
10 ounces portobello mushrooms, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon all purpose flour
2 cups low sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup light cream
1/2 rotisserie chicken, shredded into bite sized pieces
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup fresh carrots, diced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 cups pasta
water for boiling pasta

Cook the pasta according to package directions. When done, place hot penne pasta in a large bowl and set aside.

Melt the better in a large skillet over medium high heat. Cook onion, garlic, carrots and mushrooms in the skillet until golden brown.

Sprinkle in the flour over the mushroom mixture in the skillet and stir. Cook for a few seconds to rid the floury smell then add the broth, and cream to the skillet. Deglaze the skillet, scraping up any bits of fond at the bottom of the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer, uncovered until the liquid is slightly thickened.

Add the chicken, frozen peas, lemon juice, and thyme to the skillet. Cook until heated through and season with salt & pepper to taste. Place the hot penne pasta into the skillet and toss to combine. Add the cooked penne pasta and toss to coat pasta. Serve hot.

Crispy Chicken BLT Salad

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 pkt. SHAKE 'N BAKE Extra Crispy Seasoned Coating Mix

6 cups torn mixed red and green leaf lettuce

1 tomato, cut into wedges

4 slices OSCAR MAYER Bacon, cooked, crumbled

1/4 cup KRAFT Ranch Dressing

1/2 cup KRAFT Natural Three Cheese Crumbles

HEAT oven to 400ºF.

COAT chicken with coating mix as directed on package; place in single layer in shallow pan.

BAKE 20 min. or until done (165ºF). Cool 5 min.; cut into slices.

TOSS lettuce with tomatoes, bacon and dressing. Spoon onto 4 plates; top with cheese and chicken.