Monday, May 23, 2011

Do you Degas?

Recently, a friend of mine said she has been inspired by Degas dancers and their skirts.
So I thought we should look at some beautiful skirts that are Degas-esque!  These skirts have an A-line structure and have just a little "poof" to them.  Not always tutu-like but think more ballerina inspired.

 Banana Republic, ruffle hem skirt, $45
This skirt is so delicate and graceful, especially in this soft pink color.

This mini is perfect for a twirl.  I really like the print on it.

Modcloth, Special Guest Skirt, $50
Oh you know I'm a sucker for dots.  And the pin tuck pleating by the waist line is just beautiful.

Ann Taylor, Salient pintuck skirt, $88
A great white skirt for summer.  Perfect with flats, heels, or sandals.

Has anything inspired your fashion lately? I'm really loving the light nature of these skirts.  

Be fabulous today!


Friday, May 20, 2011

Friday Foodday

Hey kids! Happy Friday to you!  Today I'm featuring some great recipes! Do you have one? Send me an email and I'd love to feature it!


Crispy Chiptole Chicken Fingers
c/o kitchen bellicious

Ingredients
1.5 pounds of chicken tenders, thawed
1-2 chipotle peppers in adobe sauce, minced
1 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp pepper
1 TBSP chipotle powder
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 1/2 tsp cajun seasoning
Directions:
Place the buttermilk, chicken tenders and the minced chipotle peppers in a large glass bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Meanwhile, prepare your breading. Mix together the flour with the remaining seasonings in a large brown or plastic bag. Shake well to distribute evenly and set aside.
Heat your oil in a large dutch oven or deep fryer to 375 degrees. Using tongs, gently lift 3-4 chicken tenders at a time from the buttermilk (shaking to remove excess buttermilk) and place in the bag of flour. Seal the bag and shake for 1-2 minutes until each chicken tender has been thoroughly coated. Place the chicken tenders in the hot oil and cook 4-5 minutes on each side. Drain on a paper towel and repeat the process with the remaining chicken tenders.

Orange Chicken
Ingredients
For the marinade and sauce:
3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated orange zest
6 tablespoons white vinegar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar (dark or light)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 1/2 lbs. boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
8 thin strips orange peel (optional)

For the coating and frying:
3 large egg whites
1 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 cups peanut or canola oil 
Directions
To make the marinade and sauce, combine the chicken broth, orange juice, orange zest, vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger and cayenne pepper in a large saucepan; whisk to blend well. Measure out 3/4 cup of the mixture and transfer it to a large zipper lock plastic bag. Add the chicken pieces to the bag, pressing out the excess air and sealing well. Refrigerate and let marinate 30-60 minutes, but no longer.

Place the saucepan with the remaining mixture on the stove and heat over medium-high heat. Bring to a simmer. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Add the mixture to the saucepan with the sauce. Continue simmering until the sauce is thick and translucent, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat and stir in the strips of orange peel, if using.

To prepare the coating, place the egg whites in a pie plate and whisk until frothy. In a second pie plate combine the cornstarch, baking soda and cayenne pepper; whisk to blend. Drain the chicken in a colander and pat dry with paper towels. Place half of the chicken pieces in the egg whites and turn to coat. Transfer the pieces to the cornstarch mixture and coat thoroughly, shaking off the excess. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining chicken pieces.

To fry the chicken, heat the oil in a Dutch oven until the oil reaches 350 degrees. Carefully place half of the chicken pieces in the oil and fry until golden brown, about 5 minutes, turning the pieces halfway through cooking. Remove from the oil with a skimmer or slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces.

Reheat the sauce and toss with the cooked chicken pieces. Serve over rice.

Chocolate Pizza
Ingredients
1 pizza dough
2 tablespoons buter, melted
Chocolate Hazelnut Spread like Nutella
Your favorite toppings I used mini marshmallows and dark chocolate M&M’s

Directions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Dust a clean, flat surface with flour. Dust the pizza dough with flour. Roll out dough into the shape you desire. Brush the dough with melted butter. Bake in oven on a cookie sheet, pizza pan or pizza stone until the dough begins to become golden, approximately 17-20 minutes
Spread the chocolate hazelnut spread all over the pizza dough. Top with your favorites toppings. Place pizza back in the oven and bake for 3 minutes or until the chocolate begins to melt and marshmallows puff up.

It list!!

theitlist

Happy Friday everyone! I am ready for another weekend... 
take some time to check out these amazing links!
  • a spot of whimsy features Jess LC's new handbag line... you will fall in love with these bags!  Be sure to check them out! (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
  • good clean fun never disappoints with tasty and simple recipes.  These Oreo cheesecake bars look SO good! (find good clean fun on twitter!)
  • fancy red boots is wearing a simple but adorable outfit that I now deem to be my "uniform" this summer!  (find fancy red boots on twitter!)
  • alisha of alisha and brandon is looking fabulous in this striped maxi dress (stripes seem to be the theme today!)... a maxi dress is such a great summer staple. (find alisha on twitter!)
  • along abbey road has a great makeup video tutorial featuring her favorite MAC products - be sure to check out her tips and favorites!
  • rose a la mode is looking particularly happy in this great outfit... check out the great deal she got on this top! (find rose a la mode on twitter!)
  • the capital barbie is loving lime lately - what a fun color for summer! This scarf is a certain favorite. (find the capital barbie on twitter!)
  • the stylish housewife is sporting a perfectly layered look!  What a great look for spring and it's inconsistent temps. (find the stylish housewife on twitter!)
  • baby shopaholic goes out on the town with some girlfriends - check out the fun beetle ring she is wearing.  How fun! (find baby shopaholic on twitter!)
  • infashuation brings some in-your-face color to you with this amazing outfit. I am loving the bold accessories and bright yellow! (find infashuation on twitter!)
  • lady M's maxi skirt looks so comfortable and stylish. If you need a simple look for summer - take notes! (find lady M on twitter!)
  • good tots pulls together sweet and simple summer maternity outfits for all those summer pregnancies!
  • thought and musing looks dashing with a simple bow in her hair. Plus, check out her adorable blazer!
  • good life for less is loving the color navy lately... inspired by the lovely Kate Middleton, of course! (find good life for less on twitter!)
the IT list is produced weekly by jill of good life for less - for information on how you can be involved, click here!

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Summer Plaid

Hey lovebugs!
Happy almost Friday to you!  Any plans for the weekend? I am traveling to Orlando to help with my parents' annual meeting.  Tough life I know.

Today I wanted to share a pattern that I love because it's traditionally a winter trend.  Plaid.  Here are some of my picks this pattern summer-worthy.

I really like the laid back coolness of this shirt.  Perfect for summer.

Forever 21, Picnic Plaid Dress, $20
I love the modified sweetheart neckline on this little frock.  I would belt it to break up the pattern.

Preppy and fabulous for work or play.

How perfect would these be with shorts, bf jeans, or a white sun dress?

Vintage, flattering and fun! This one piece is perfect for any shape or size.

When picking out plaids for warmer weather find lightweight materials like linen or look for bright colors like oranges and yellows.  This will help lighten up what is usually a cold weather pattern.

Be fabulous today!