Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Bangle Bracelets

Hey lovebugs!  It's humpday. Tomorrow I leave for New Orleans for a week for work, but fear not! I will keep blogging, because, well, that is how much I love you.

Today we're talking bracelets.  Bangle bracelets are always fun for Spring and Summer, they are a cheery and easy way to spice up an outfit.

This is perfect with an LBD or with jeans, naturally, it's Kate.


One of my fave designers/bloggers, Jess LC!

Forever 21, Zebra stripe bangles, $6.80
A little wild? I love it!

Belle Noel, Love Stack Bangles, $78
I really like these because they're so boho chic

Bangle bracelets can be worn with any style: preppy, boho, animal print, you name it.  They're an easy add on to any outfit!

Be fabulous today!

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

What I Scored

Hey lovebugs, 
It's rare that I shop in the non-sale section.  Unless I'm shopping for the brands I love and cherish like Kate Spade, Cole Haan, Michael Kors, etc.  I like to get some bang for my buck.  Now there are certain items that I will splurge on (mainly shoes) and one of those is multipurpose dresses.  Dresses are such a great go to item that are easy to throw on and accessorize.  


I needed to get some work dresses for my upcoming trip this week so I headed down to Macy's to do some damage.  Wanna see my scores?


MICHAEL Michael Kors Dress, Printed Sheath with Belt, $99


You know I'm going to stay under $100, and I did just that with this beautiful sheath from Michael Kors.    It's got this chic mock-croc print all over and the belt breaks it up beautifully.






AGB Dress, Dot print belted dress, $44.50
I'm obsessed with this dress.  The picture doesn't do it justice.  I plan on wearing it all four season.

Tahari Arthur Levine, Crepe Sheath, $99
The one I got at Macy's came with a thick patent leather belt, which is why I think it's more work-appropriate.  I'll wear this with a black cardi and tights.

Butter, Scoop Pump, $167 (I got with 25% promo code)
Can I tell you something? These are the most comfortable dress shoes I've ever put on my feet.  They are seriously like butter. Omg.

So how did I do? Did you like my picks?  I really like my dresses because I think they will be very versatile for work, family holidays, parties, and more.

Be fabulous today!

Monday, March 28, 2011

Feeling Fruity

You guys, it's Monday.  Major bummer.  I'm so sorry.

Sometimes when you're this bummed, you need something out of the ordinary cheery. Don't you agree?  Which is why today's post is on fruit!

Max and Chloe, Bee Charming Fruit Lariat, $55
I just love this burst of fun with jeans on the weekend!

Juicy Couture, Fruit salad convertible bag, $68
So the little orange slice zips off into a wallet! Genius!

Kate Spade, Twirl Perfume, $18
Kate's new scent is lovely with pink watermelon, blackberry, and red currant.

Modcloth, Cherry Stem Top, $30 
Understated and adorable.

Feeling fruity? These prints, patterns, and ideas are so much fun and so unexpected.  Have fun playing with them!

Be fabulous today!

Friday, March 25, 2011

Friday Foodday

You know what time it is!!! It's Friday Foodday lovebugs!

Do you have a great recipe to share? I'd love to feature it! Email me!

Homemade Samoa Girl Scout Cookies
c/o Kitchen Bellicious
Ingredients

Cookie:
  • 3/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • up to 2 tbsp milk
Topping:
  • 3 cups shredded coconut
  • 12-oz good-quality chewy caramels
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp milk
  • 8 oz. emisweet chocolate chips
Directions
In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, salt, and baking powder, set aside. In another medium bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy and smooth. Add the egg, beat, then the vanilla. Gradually add the flour mixture and mix on low speed until just blended, about 30 seconds. Roll out the dough until 1/2 inch thick. Using a round cookie cutter cut out the cookies and place on a baking sheet. To make the small circle in the middle use a clean top from a tube of toothpaste.  Bake at 350 for 10 minutes until golden brow. Set aside to cool completely.
Preheat oven to 300. Spread coconut evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet and toast 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until coconut is golden.  Set aside. Meanwhile, unwrap the caramels and place in a large microwave-safe bowl with milk and salt. Cook on high for 3-4 minutes, stopping to stir a few times to help the caramel melt. When smooth, fold in toasted coconut with a spatula.
Using the spatula spread topping on cooled cookies (reheat caramel for a few seconds in the microwave if it gets too firm to work with). While topping sets up, melt chocolate in a small bowl. Heat on high in the microwave in 45 second intervals, stirring thoroughly to prevent scorching. Dip the base of each cookie into the chocolate and place on a clean piece of parchment paper. Transfer all remaining chocolate (or melt a bit of additional chocolate, if necessary) into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off and drizzle finished cookies with chocolate.
Let chocolate set completely before storing in an airtight container.

Spicy Scallion and Brie Burger
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
Salt and freshly ground pepper
4 ounces Brie, rind removed, cheese cut into 4 slices
1/4 cup Spicy Scallion Paste-Recipe below
Vegetable oil, for brushing
1/4 cup mayonnaise
4 hamburger buns, split
Tomato slices and lettuce, for serving
Spicy Scallion Paste
4 scallions, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 fresh hot chile, seeded and minced
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
In a small bowl, combine the scallions with the garlic, chile, lemon zest and cayenne, mashing slightly with the back of a spoon. Stir in the olive oil and salt.
Directions
Light a grill. Season the ground beef with salt and pepper and form into eight 4-inch patties that are slightly thicker in the center. Top 4 of the patties with a slice of Brie and a scant tablespoon of the scallion paste. Top with the 4 remaining patties, pinching the edges to seal.
Brush the burgers with oil and grill over high heat, turning once or twice, about 8 minutes for medium-rare meat.
Meanwhile, mix the mayonnaise with the remaining scallion paste. Grill the buns until toasted. Spread the mayonnaise on the bottoms of the buns and top with the burgers, tomatoes and lettuce. Close the burgers and serve.

Baked Potato Chips
Ingredients
1 large potato (Russet, Yukon Gold, or Sweet Potato)
Cooking spray
Salt
Directions
1- Preheat the oven to 500 degrees.
2- Using a mandolin, slice the potato into thin pieces.
3- Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray. Lay the potatoes over the sheet evenly. Spray more cooking spray over the potatoes and sprinkle with salt.
4- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until crisp.

Be fabulous today!