Natural Bangles

Bangles are all the rage right now, but sometimes the jingle jangle on my arm gets a little old.  How about trying a bangle with a more natural texture? Oh and they offer a quieter option to the metal bracelets.

Forever 21, Vibrant Island Bangles, $3!

These are SO much fun.  They also come in yellow and light blue.

Modcloth, Trellis a Story Bracelets, $12

These are just so sweet.  Like a sundress wrapped up into a bracelet.

Ralph Lauren, Embellished Wooden Bangle, $35

I absolutely love these bangles.  They are so sophisticated but in the least flashiest way.

Need Supply, Mali Africa Bracelets, $14

Talk about color! This goes with everything: a maxi dress or shorts.

I really like the different materials in these bangles.  Try some out in resin, wood, enamel, or fabric.

Be fabulous today!

It's Hip to be Square

Right angles, straight lines, crisp and clean.  I'm loving a square print right now!  Check out these picks.

American Apparel, Vintage Silk Square Print Shift, $65

Ok, so the model looks miserable, but this color and groovy print is just perfect for some metallic sandals.

Marc Jacobs, Black Script Plaid Silk Blouse, $99

I'm loving this blouse now with a white pencil skirt for work and then in the winter with a yellow cashmere cardigan.

Target, Merona square print tote, $17

Sorry the picture isn't great, but I love this for errands on the weekend or a trip to the park with a book for the afternoon.

Canvas, Madras Scarf, $13

This is nice for a cooler summer night.  I'm picturing it with chino shorts and a t shirt.

I really like the square print because it's a fun take on stripes.  Be careful with the size of print, make sure it is in proportion to your size.

Be fabulous today!

Geometric Hoops

Let's talk hoops.  Not basketball, earrings.  But not just your normal circles, I'm talking geometric hoops, something more alluring to the eye.

By Boe, Geometric Hoop Earring, $50

Dainty, delicate, and just a touch rocker right?

Rachel Roy, Hematite tone squares, $26

I really love these with an LBD or a deep v neck.

Target, Silver Large Oval Clutch Hoops, $20

Very simple like a hoop but this shape elongates the face.

Urban Outfitters, Tribal Point Hoop Earrings, $20

These are perfect for a breezy maxi dress, just enough bling.

I'm loving the simplicity of these earrings but these offer a little more edge.  Perfect for summer sweet dresses.

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday!

TGIF!!  What are you up to this weekend? I'm heading to PA with The BF for a graduation party.  Here's to sun, shopping and sales for everyone!

Berry Yogurt Popsicles
c/o Skinny Taste 

 Ingredients
For the purple:

• 1 cup blueberries
• 1/2 cup blackberries
• 6 oz fat free blueberry yogurt
• 1 cup crushed ice

For the white:

• 14 oz fat free vanilla yogurt
• 2 tbsp agave or sugar
• 1 cup crushed ice

For the pink:

• 3/4 cup raspberries
• 3/4 cup strawberries
• 6 oz fat free strawberry yogurt
• 1 cup crushed ice

Directions
Blend each color smoothie separately in a blender and set aside.

Pour the first color into the popsicle mold 1/3rd of the way and freeze for 30 minutes. Remove from the freezer and insert the sticks, then freeze one hour.

Add the white yogurt into each popsicle mold 1/3 of the way and freeze an additional hour. Add the purple smoothie and fill it to the top of the mold and freeze until ready to eat. 


Summer Risotto
c/o Stephanie Cooks

Ingredients
1/2 pint grape tomatoes, sliced in half (about 1 cup)
1 zucchini, sliced in coins and cut in half
Olive oil
Salt/garlic powder
1 tsp. olive oil
1 tsp. minced dried onions
1 cup arborio rice
4 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)
1 cup pecorino romano cheese, freshly shaved
Salt/pepper

Directions
1- Preheat the oven to 350. In a small dish toss the tomatoes and zucchini together. Drizzle olive oil over the mixture, season with salt and garlic powder. Bake for 45 minutes or so.
2- Meanwhile, bring the broth to a boil and lower the heat to a simmer.
3- In a large skillet, heat the 1 tsp olive oil and add the onion. Once it's hot, add the rice and stir well. Once it begins to lightly toast, add 1 cup of broth and lower the heat to medium/low. Allow the rice to absorb the broth. Once it's absorbed, add another cup. Continue until all broth is added.
4- When the last cup of broth is cooking with the rice, remove the veggies from the oven and stir into the rice mixture. Add the cheese, stirring well. Season with salt and pepper.
5- Allow to continue cooking until most of the liquid is absorbed. Serve hot. 


French Apple Dessert Square
c/o Annie Bakes

Ingredients

1 cup Bisquick or Jiffy mix

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup butter or margarine

Fruit Mixture:

6 cups sliced, peeled, tart apples

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 cup Jiffy or Bisquick mix

1 cup sugar

1 cup milk

2 tablespoons butter margarine, melted

4 eggs, beaten

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Lightly spray a 13 x 9 pan with cooking spray.  In medium bowl, mix 1 cup pancake mix and the brown sugar.  Cut in 1/4 cup butter, using a pastry blender, until crumbly; set aside.  In a large bowl, mix apples and cinnamon; spoon into pan.  IN a medium bowl, stir remaining ingredients until well blended.  Pour mixture over apples.  Sprinkle with streusel.  Bake for 45-55 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean and top is golden brown.  Cool 30 minutes before cutting squares.  Store in refrigerator.