Simple Treasures

Sometimes the most unique and meaningful jewelry is a simple engraving.  Whether it is a monogram or a simple phrase, you will treasure that piece of jewelry always.  Today I wanted to pick out some of my fave Etsy picks for this type of jewelry.

Gaudy Baubles, Initial monogram pendant, $49

I really like the simplicity of a monogram pendant, this one is so well priced too.

By Hannah Design, Personalized gold charm necklace, $38

The bf did very well with this seller.  He got me this necklace with the phrase: "be fabulous today" on it. I wear it with everything!

Something About Silver, Gold Bar XO, $40

How cute is this? I like the idea of layering this necklace with some pearls.

Seize the Night, Fearless hand stamped necklace, $14

This is a great reminder.  Fun to wear with jeans.  And the price? Unbeatable.

These necklaces are ones that will always mean something to you.  Whether it's commemorating an event, a treat for yourself, or a gift for someone else.  I just love the quiet elegance of these pieces.

Be fabulous today!

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 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

c/o Stephanie Cooks

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

c/o Annie Bakes

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!

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:

Nordstrom, MARC NY Freestyle Puffer, $99

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.

Target, Zetta Solid Rainboot yellow, $19

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!