Monday, May 2, 2011

Belted and Beautiful

Hey there lovebugs,
How was your weekend? I got outside a little bit and and checked out the new CB2 that opened in Georgetown and then tackled my closet on Sunday.

Today I wanted to talk a little bit about the waistline.  No, I'm not going to scold you on your food choices this weekend (I chose chili cheese fries and beef brisket); I'm talking about a great embellished waistline on a dress. It can really add the perfect amount of detail to an outfit.

Newport News, Grace rose print tank dress, $94
I'm obsessed with this beauty.  The flat pleats with the matching belt is truly feminine and vintage looking.

Modcloth, Simply Put Dress, $47
Just like the name of this dress: simple.  A soft silk bow- its just classic.

This thin silk belt is understated and casual.  Perfect for this shirtdress.

Talbots, Twist Sash dress, $97
This waist detail is almost origami-like.  Perfect piece for day or night.

Waist embellishments come in all shapes, colors, and sizes.  Remember to balance the accessories with the size and detail of the waist of the dress.

Be fabulous today!

Friday, April 29, 2011

Friday Foodday

Oh thank goodness.  Friday.  Any good recipes for me?  I think I've found a few you'd like!

Don't forget to enter the Rosy+Tart giveaway! Monday is the last day!

Chicken and Cashews

Ingredients
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, divided 
2 tablespoons dry sherry
4 teaspoons cornstarch, divided
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons sesame oil, divided
3/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1 tablespoon grated peeled fresh ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup chopped green onions (about 3 green onions)
1/4 cup chopped unsalted dry-roasted cashews

Directions
Combine 1 tablespoon soy sauce, sherry, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, and chicken in a large bowl; toss well to coat. Combine remaining 2 tablespoons soy sauce, remaining 2 teaspoons cornstarch, broth, oyster sauce, and honey in a small bowl.
2. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken mixture to pan; sauté 3 minutes. Remove from pan. Heat remaining 1 teaspoon oil in pan. Add onion, celery, and bell pepper to pan; sauté 2 minutes. Add ginger and garlic; sauté 1 minute. Return chicken mixture to pan; sauté 1 minute. Stir in broth mixture. Bring to a boil; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with green onions and cashews.
Rice pilaf: Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 cup chopped onion and 2 teaspoons grated peeled fresh ginger to pan; sauté 2 minutes. Stir in 1 cup water, 1/2 cup long-grain rice, and 1/4 teaspoon salt; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 12 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat; stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro.


Stuffed Chicken Divan
Ingredients
Cooking spray
2 cups (4 ounces) fresh broccoli florets
1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated Gruyere cheese
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
4 (6 to 8-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breast halves
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup low-fat evaporated milk
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
       1/4 cup dry sherry
       1 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
       2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
       1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

      Directions
Preheat the broiler. Mist a shallow rectangular baking dish with cooking spray. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli and cook until bright green and crisp tender, about 5 minutes. Drain well and run under cold water until cold. Drain well again and squeeze dry in paper towels.
Chop the broccoli and toss in a bowl with the Gruyere and garlic. Insert a paring knife into the thickest part of each chicken breast to make a 3-inch deep pocket. Stuff each chicken breast with equal amounts of the broccoli mixture. Rub both sides of the chicken breasts with oil and thyme and season with salt and pepper.
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until very hot, about 5 minutes. Put the chicken in the pan and cook until golden brown and just cooked through, about 6 minutes per side. If the chicken begins to brown too quickly, turn the heat down to medium to finish cooking through. Transfer to the baking dish.
Meanwhile, combine the milk and stock in a small pot, season with salt and pepper and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir the sherry and cornstarch until smooth and pour, whisking constantly, into the sauce. Cook until just thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan. Top each chicken breast with 2 tablespoons of sauce and place under the broiler. Broil until lightly browned, 2 to 3 minutes.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes and then cut each breast in half on an angle. Whisk the mustard into the remaining sauce and spread a few tablespoons on each plate. Top with a halved chicken breast.
  
Raspberry Summer Sensation
c/o Kraft
Ingredients
2 cups raspberry sorbet, softened
1 pkg.  (1 oz.) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Fat Free Sugar Free Instant Pudding
1 cup cold fat-free milk
1 tub  (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Sugar Free Whipped Topping, thawed
1 cup fresh raspberries

Directions
1.       Spoon sorbet into foil-lined 9x5 inch loaf pan; freeze 10 minutes
2.       Beat pudding mix and milk in medium bowl with whisk 2 minutes.  Stir in Cool Whip; spread over sorbet.
3.       Freeze 3 hours or until firm.  Unmold onto plate; remove foil.  Let stand for 10 minutes.
  

The It List!

theitlist


Happy Friday!  I can't believe April is over... hopefully all this rain and storms are as well.
I am ready for some May flowers!
  • lady M is celebrating her birthday... stop by and wish her a happy day and also check out her fun wardrobe inspiration for the big day!
  • rose a la mode is sporting an adorable new floral dress... even on a chilly spring day she perfectly accessorizes it! (find rose a la mode on twitter!)
  • mama loves papa hosts a simply adorable little blog party for your stylish little ones - stop by to play along or just 'oooh' and 'aaah.' (find mama loves papa on twitter!)
  • meet virginia design layers gorgeous neutral pieces for an ethereal feel to this casual outfit.  These colors are so on trend right now too! (find meet virginia design on twitter!)
  • a little dash of ash has a delicious looking smoothie recipe to share with us. I always love to see what others' smoothie concoctions are - this one looks yummy and healthy! (find a little dash of ash on twitter!)
  • rebecca with an R is definitely beach ready in this gorgeous maxi dress and oversized hat - I am seriously loving this outfit! (find rebecca with an R on twitter!)
  • sweetie pie style is looking gorgeous in this drapey feather printed dress - it's just her style! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
  • baby shopaholic had this super sweet little doll custom made for her daughter for Easter.  What a fun keepsake and toy for a little one, my daughter would love this!
  • the capital barbie is giving away sassy shoe themed note cards on her blog this week - you must stop by and enter quickly! (find the capital barbie on twitter!)
  • good tots features the artwork of modern pops - these bold graphic prints make for great nursery artwork!
  • the stylish housewife sports a floppy sun hat and a chevron dress, quite possibly the most perfect summer combo ever. I am in love with this look! (find the stylish housewife on twitter!)
  • good clean fun made these margarita flavored cupcakes for Easter - but I think they would be perfect for any summer day! Yum! (find good clean fun on twitter!)
  • a spot of whimsy is sick of the rain... and quite frankly, aren't we all!?!? But rain never looked this good before... I promise! (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
  • good life for less has a casual but chic outfit for Easter.  Check it out! (find good life for less on twitter!)
the IT list is produced weekly by jill of good life for less - check out how you can be involved here!

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Not So Vanilla

Great news guys, it's almost Friday.  Do you have any plans for this weekend? The BF and I will be going to watch the Nationals most likely get beat this weekend but hey, we have fun!

Today's post is about neutrals that shine.  I got some inspiration from Loft  and I thought it's a great way to get into spring with some basics and embellishments.

Loft, Sequin Tank, $59
This shirt is so decadent but in the airiest way possible.  I just love the thick straps too!

Talbots, cuffed sash shorts, $48
I really like the pintucks here right underneath the double belt loop.  The sash makes these shorts so special.

Hello summer wedding.  Such a classic piece for day or night.

The light floral pattern on this champagne pencil skirt is perfect for the work day or date night.

So remember, neutrals don't have to be boring.  Add some metallic sheen to it, or a great sequin.  Stand out in your neutrals!

Be fabulous today!