Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Ikat's Meow

Ikat.  What is it? Well it's weaving pattern that uses resist dyeing similar to tie dye.  It probably originated in Central America but now we are seeing a similar type of pattern pop up in today's styles.

This pattern is busy, colorful, and just beautiful.  Take a look!

Macy's, Cha Cha Vente dress, $68
Some of my favorite colors and a great kimono sleeve.  I love this with gladiator sandals.

Forever 21, Ikat romper, $11.50
Ok, I'm still not sure if I can pull off a romper- but for $11 it's worth a shot!

Ann Taylor, Feline ikat print shell, $78
This ruffle necline is beautiful and I really like this pattern for under a suit or with skinny jeans.

Just gorgeous.  A little bohemian, a little dressy, perfect.

Anthropologie, Liquid Rhombus Scarf, $19.95
Great spring piece to add to your collection.  Comes in two other colors as well.

I'm really loving the ikat style print for spring and summer.  It feels very sunny and breezy.  And the jewelry is versatile.  

Be fabulous today!

Monday, April 25, 2011

My Very First Giveaway!

I don't think you understand how excited I am for this.  I consider a giveaway to be one of the few signs of a legit blogger.  So please enjoy this fantastic giveaway from Rosy+Tart




Have you guys checked out Rosy+Tart? She just opened a beautiful Etsy shop and has graciously agreed to do my very first giveaway on the blog!!!!  I chose this shop because I have a love for handwritten cards.  They are such a fabulous way to brighten someone's day and these cards are bright and sassy.  

Here's how to play:
Visit the Etsy shop and pick out your favorite card set.  Let me know which one you'd like in the comment section below!

Extra Entries (please comment a new time for each one you do!):
-Follow Rosy+Tart blog on Google Friend Connect
-Follow The Capital Barbie on Google Friend Connect
-Follow Rosy+Tart on Facebook


Contest ends on May 2 so get to it!

Friday, April 22, 2011

Friday Foodday

Its that time lovebugs! Friday Foodday.  I hope you have a wonderful weekend.  And if you're celebrating, Happy Easter to you!


The Humble Cupcake
Ingredients
Banana cupcake

4 ripe bananas, mashed
2-1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup canola oil
1-1/2 cups milk
3 cups flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1-1/2 teaspoons salt

Peanut butter cream cheese frosting
     1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature
     4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
     1 cup creamy peanut butter
     1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar

     Directions
Cupcake
 Preheat oven to 350°. Line enough muffin tins with paper liners for 30 cupcakes.  Mix the ingredients in the order listed in a large bowl, starting with the wet ingredients and moving to the dry ones.  Bake for twenty minutes, rotating the pan mid-way.

     Frosting
     Beat the cream cheese and the butter together. 
     Add the peanut butter and vanilla and continue to mix well.   
     Slowly add the sugar and beat until incorporated.  Pipe on to cupcakes


Bruschetta Pizza
     c/o Stephanie Cooks
 Ingredients:
1 batch of pizza dough
1/4 cup pesto sauce
3 plum tomatoes, seeded and diced
2 tbsp. chopped red onion
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
3 tbsp. olive oil
2 tbsp. red wine vinegar
Salt and pepper
Shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:
1- In a small bowl combine the tomatoes, red onion, garlic, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. Season with a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Set the bowl in the fridge and allow it to marinade for at least an hour.
2- Preheat the oven to 450. Place your pizza stone in the oven while it preheats.
3- Prepare your dough (either on parchment paper or on a cookie sheet/pizza peel coated with corn meal).
4- Top the dough with the pesto sauce, spread evenly.
5- Top evenly with the bruschetta mix, careful to drain the tomatoes from the olive oil/vinegar to prevent the pizza from being too moist.
6- Sprinkle the mozzarella over the pie, until evenly covered (about 1/2-3/4 of a cup of cheese).
7- Transfer to the pizza stone and bake 10-12 minutes, until golden.



     Tortellini Lasagna 
     c/o Annie Bakes
 Ingredients:
     1 package fresh tortellini
     2 tablespoons olive oil
     1/2 onion-chopped
     2 cloves garlic-minced
     1 1/2 pounds beef
     1-28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
     1 fresh mozzarella ball-sliced thin
     Parmesan cheese-grated

Directions
     In a large sauce pan bring water up to a boil and boil the tortellini as directed.  
     Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375 degrees.  
     In a large skillet, heat oil to medium-high and saute the onions and garlic for 3-4 minutes.  
    Add the beef and brown.  Add the tomatoes and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.  
    Spray the bottom of a 9 x 13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.  
    Add the cooked tortellini, pour the sauce over the top and layer with slices of mozzarella.  
    Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.  
    Bake for 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling.


It list!!

theitlist

Happy Friday ladies... I hope you all have a fabulous Easter weekend, whatever it brings to you.  
"Hop" on over to these fab blogs for plenty of spring inspiration!

  • strong sense of style gives color blocking a try... it's so fun and easy!  And really? What feels more properly spring than pink and green together?
  • a spot of whimsy has some fabulous eye-candy from the movie Water for Elephants.  Please tell me you have read this book... if not, do it stat, the movie opens this weekend and it looks to be amazing! (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
  • thought and musing wears a simple and elegant maxi skirt for some wine tasting... a perfect outfit for what looked to be the perfect day!
  • good clean fun shares her favorite childhood cupcake recipe... angel food cake with strawberry frosting.  These look SO good and definitely what childhood memories are made of! (find good clean fun on twitter!)
  • the capital barbie finds some fun accessories with bold angles... this bracelet stood out as a favorite for me.  Pop on over and see her other finds! (find the capital barbie on twitter!)
  • good tots rounds up maternity poolside looks for summer, including this adorable peach polka dotted maternity swimsuit!
  • rose a la mode sports this fun yellow and white striped dress and seriously has me craving more stripes. Is that possible? (find rose a la mode on twitter!)
  • a spoonful of dish reminds me that flowers never disappoint in the inspiration department. Just looking at them I can feel that summer is closer!
  • a little dash of ash will brighten your day with some good old fashion gorgeous guys.  Good looks never get old (sigh). (find a little dash of ash on twitter!)
  • lady m says what we are all thinking lately: we can't get enough of Zara.  Check out the inspiration and some of their (very interesting) backstory over at her blog!
  • meet virginia design is sure to put some spring pep in your step with this fun mix of bold colors and florals.  This outfit just screams sunshine! (find meet virginia design on twitter!)
  • mama loves papa's daughter is quite the fashion prodigy!  Just look at these adorable items she (or her mama, either/or) picked out for herself! (find mama loves papa on twitter!)
  • rebecca with an r proves that blazers never, ever get old... at least in my book!  I just love the simple sophistication of this look! (find rebecca with an r on twitter!)
  • good life for less is color crushing on purple + blue + white for spring. It's such a simple color combo - check out her looks! (find good life for less on twitter!)
the it list is produced each week by jill of good life for less... click here for information on how you can be involved!