Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Going to the Ballet

Right now I'm loving ballet flats.  They're easy to wear, you can run around, and they look classic.  Whether you prefer a citrus hue or a printed pattern.  They're a great go to shoe for day or night.

J Crew Factory, pom pom metallic ballet flat, $69
This goes with a sun dress, cropped black slacks, or bf jeans.  You name it.

I would use these as my going out flats.  When you know its going to be a long Friday night but you still want a little bling.

Kelsi Dagger, Inna Ballet Flat, $52
I love a good yellow show because it goes with black, brown or blue.


Ah! Love me some bright bow flats! 

They may not be the sexiest shoes on the block, but ballet flats are reliable and come in every kind of style. So try a pair instead of sneakers this summer!

Be fabulous today!

Giveaway Winner

Thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway! It was so much fun to work with Rosy+Tart.  Here is the winner:

Congratulations Emily!  Please comment below or shoot me an email with your shipping information!

Be fabulous today!

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.