Monday, February 7, 2011

Football Food Fallout

Hey lovebugs!
Happy Monday.  I don't know about you but I am so full of queso dip, Doritos, and pigs in a blanket that it is very difficult to not walk around bracing my lower back like a pregnant woman.  Did you also eat your weight in dip yesterday?  Ok good, now I don't feel as badly.  The bf and I are starting Weight Watchers this week.  Well, I'm starting, he's just suffering with me by eating what  I eat.  Have you done WW before?  I'd love to hear your stories.

But today I'm feeling like I'm carrying a small food baby.  So I want to talk about what to wear when dealing with that issue.  And if it hasn't happened to you, you haven't lived.

Gap, Bubble dress, $60
This is a great dress to be full in.  Note the name of the dress.  Bubble.  Perfect for concealing any leftover tummy from yesterday.  I'm also loving the thick shoulder straps.

Modcloth, Yay for Sorbet, $35
This is a great tunic for those lucky ladies who have some warmer temps right now.  The collar is so feminine and the way the hemline falls is just delicate.

J Crew Factory, Nico Skirt, $31 (with code MUSTSHOP)
I own this skirt. I wish it came in more colors because I would buy it in every one.  Right now I wear it with sweater tights and this summer with espadrilles.

Urban Outfitters, Silence & Noise knit dress, $59
I really like the gathered waist on this dress.  Perfect for letting your stomach relax.  For work, I'd put a sequin cardi with it.


So that's what I'd like to be wearing after a long day of eating and snacking.  Think cotton and spandex.  Stretch and soft.  On days like this, pleating is your friend.

Be fabulous today!

Friday, February 4, 2011

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs!  Do you have plans for the big game? The BF and I are hosting a little bash with lots of food and a margarita bucket.  So it doesn't matter who wins. Because with a margarita bucket, everyone wins.

If you want to be featured on Friday Foodday, shoot me an email with your recipe!

Stuffed Pork Chops with Mushroom and Smoked Mozzerlla
c/o Great Eats with Pete

Ingredients

Olive Oil
8 oz white mushrooms, sliced
1 shallot, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 bone in center cut pork chops
4 slices of smoked mozzarella
Salt
Pepper
1/2 cup chicken stock
1/4 cup white wine

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large oven proof heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add in mushrooms. When they begin to brown add in shallots. When the mushrooms are almost fully cooked and the shallots are translucent add in garlic. Cook for 1 minute. Remove from pan and set aside.
Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel. Cut a slit into each of the pork chops, creating a pocket. Place a piece of mozzarella in each of the pork chops. Then stuff each pocket with the mushrooms. Close the pockets using toothpicks. Salt and pepper both sides of the pork chops.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat in the pan you used for the mushrooms. Add in the pork chops. Brown on both sides. Add in white wine, chicken stock and any remaining mushroom filling. Place pan in oven. Bake for 15 minutes. Remember to remove the toothpicks. Drizzle pan juices over the pork. Serve and Enjoy!

Risotto Cakes

Ingredients
1 batch of your favorite risotto, cold (preferably day old)
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs
Olive oil

Directions
1- Preheat your oven to 225.
2- Coat the bottom of a large nonstick skillet with a thin layer of olive oil.
3- Place the bread crumbs on a plate next to a shallow dish with the beaten eggs.
4- Grab one handful of cold risotto and form into a round cake, slightly smaller than your palm, about 1 inch thick. Dip into the egg, then into the bread crumbs, coating both sides. Place on a large dish.
5- Repeat until all cakes are formed.
6- Heat your oil. Once it's hot, cook the cakes 4 at a time (or more- just don't crowd your pan.)
7- Once browned, flip and repeat.
8- Remove from the skillet and place on a cookie sheet in your preheated oven to keep warm.
9- Repeat until all risotto cakes are cooked.



Game Day Nacho Bowl

Ingredients
Nacho chips of your choice
1 can (15 ounces) white queso blanco cheese sauce
1 can (14.5 ounces) Red Gold Diced tomatoes with basil, garlic & oregano
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup black olives-sliced
1/4 cup green onions-sliced
1/4 pepperonis-sliced
1 dollop sour cream

Directions
Pour cheese into a microwaveable bowl and heat for 3 minutes, stirring every minute until hot.  Place chips in a bowl, cover with the nacho cheese, top with cheddar cheese and the rest of the toppings.  Feel free to add more toppings of your choice!

Have a great weekend everyone!
Be fabulous today!

Thursday, February 3, 2011

If you HAVE to...

Though we all want Spring to come faster, I think a whole lot of us got hit with some nasty weather this week.  Whether it's snowy, rainy, sleet, or just plain gloomy out there- you have to stay warm and dry.  If you have the ability to work from home and/or live off of Chinese delivery, this is me hating you.  But, if you do have to venture out into the cold, here are my picks for essentials:

I love this puffer because it's longer to cover your cold tush and the chevron quilting is ultra-flattering

Modcloth, Vibrant Aura Hat, $19
I don't care what people say, sometimes you just need a big warm hat with a pompom on it.

Macy's, Steve Madden Scarf, $15
A little metallic woven into your warmth.

Ann Taylor, Cashmere Long Gloves, $15
PEOPLE. These used to be $60!!! Just go buy them now.

Truth: I own this exact pair of boots and I love them.  Someday I'll splurge on Hunters but for right now it's all about the Target.

Target, Fleece boot liner, $10
This genius idea let's you wear your rainboots when it's freezing outside.  Fleece=friend.

So that is what I would venture out into this cold weather wearing.  It's snug, cozy, and adorable.  Some people prefer earmuffs, some people prefer mittens, that's fine! Your outerwear doesn't have to be boring.  Have fun with the variety!

Be fabulous today!

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Whip Your Hair

Sometimes I wish I was Willow Smith.  Mostly because my father would be Will Smith (aka Hitch...aka my fave movie of all time) but also because she rocks.  A while ago we looked at some awesome rocker girl pieces and today I wanted use that inspiration for a trend ala Willow-- Whip my Hair.

Have you seen the video?  If not, just glance at  this pic.  Today I want to play with ultra-graphic prints.  Almost graffiti like.  Let's have some fun and let it whip.

Isabella Oliver, 365 limited edition top, $99
These colors look amazing together, and the sleeves are so light compared to the hard pattern.

This is rocker chick garden party.


This is a conversation piece. It's fresh and its edgy, I love it.

Converse, Paint Splatter Ox, $24
It is RARE that I feature sneakers.  In fact this is the first time ever.  But how much fun are these with boyfriend jeans?

This look is a bold one. If you're not loving it at first try the a more romantic style on this print like I featured here.  A big trend this Spring is color blocking, I think this is a fun twist on it!

Be fabulous today!