Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Stormy Day Inspiration

Usually when I ask The BF for topic suggestions he says: pizza or coffee tables or airport etiquette, none of which is super helpful but today he had a good inspiration.  As I write this, we are enjoying a fantastic thunder and lightning storm outside our apartment window.  The sky is a magnificent shade of gray blue, so that is today's inspiration.  You can thank The BF.

The handkerchief hem on this dress is so wonderful, and I love the way waistline goes up in the middle to give the illusion of a longer torso.
I love this for fall, great for the weekend and dress it up with a chunky necklace.

A big pattern is great.  I like the darker colors with a floral, it's unexpected.

How great are these flats? I think they would be great with a bf cut pair of chinos.

What are you thinking about this color? It can be dreary in the sky but how great is it for going into Fall!?

Be fabulous today!

Monday, August 22, 2011

Modcloth Giveaway Winner!

Hey lovebugs!
Thank you everyone who entered my Baker's Dozen Blogiversary! It's amazing to me that I started this little project over a year ago and you all still come back to read it! I honestly can't thank you enough for making my day everyday! 

The lucky winner of the giveaway is Brownies and Bows!  Thank you so much to everyone who entered.  Here's what I would buy with the gift card if I won.

Modcloth, Surf Competition Skirt, $23
I LOVE the bow belt in the same pattern as the skirt and the pleats are just stellar.  I would wear this with dark tights in the fall.


Be fabulous today!

Friday, August 19, 2011

Friday Foodday!

We made it! Friday! Have a great weekend lovebugs and enjoy these recipes.  I'll announce the winner of the $25 Modcloth gift card on Monday!

Baked Chipotle Sweet Potato Fries
c/o Skinny Taste
Ingredients
1 sweet potato, (about 5" long) peeled and cut into 1/4" fries
2 tsp olive oil
sea salt
ground chipotle chile
garlic powder

Directions
Preheat oven to 425°.
In a medium bowl, toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, garlic powder and chipotle chile powder.  Spread potatoes on a baking sheet. Avoid crowding so potatoes get crisp. Bake 15 minutes. Turn and bake an additional 10-15 minutes. Ovens may vary so keep an eye on them and be sure to cut all the potatoes the same size to ensure even cooking.

Buffalo Chicken Skewers
c/o Kitchen Bellicious
  Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs. of chicken tenders
1 stick of butter
1/4 cup soy sauce
5 TBSP tomato paste
5 TBSP brown sugar
1 TBSP worchestire sauce
2 TBSP apple cider vingear
1 TBSP spicy brown mustard
dash of hot sauce
2 TBSP of beer
1 TBSP of lemon juice
1/2 tsp salt
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Directions
Place the chicken in a sea salt bath for 30 minutes or more. Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper. Skewer the chicken and set aside. Melt the butter and sugar over medium heat in a saucepan. Once the sugar has dissolved add in the remaining ingredients (beer last). Place the tenders in the a shallow pan or ziploc bag and pour 1/4 cup of the sauce over the chicken. Marinate for at least 2 hours.
Grill on an outdoor or indoor grill  over high heat for approximately 4 minutes on each side. In the last 2-3 minutes baste the chicken again and then serve warm as an appetizer or main dish.

Creamy Chicken Taquitos
  Ingredients
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup salsa verde
Juice of 1/2 lime
1 tsp. chile powder
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
Pinch of cayenne powder
1/2 tsp. onion powder
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
3 tbsp. chopped scallions
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, etc.)
8-12 (6 inch) tortillas, flour or corn
Salt and pepper
Cooking spray

Directions
1- Preheat the oven to 425 and grease a cookie sheet.
2- In a large bowl combine all of the ingredients, from the cream cheese to the shredded cheese. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper.
3- Fill each tortilla with 2-3 tbsp of filling, rolling tightly. Place seam side down. Continue until all tortillas are filled. Spray with cooking spray and sprinkle with salt.
4- Bake 15- 20 minutes, until golden and crisp. Serve with salsa, sour cream, etc. 

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Colorblocking Jewelry

Colorblocking was a huge trend this spring and summer and I think it will continue through the fall but what about using the trend on your accessories?  Check out these pieces!

Sassy and unique, and you can wrap it around your wrist or wear it as a necklace with colored denim.
Anthropologie, Moche necklace, $78
Hello pastel perfection.  Just wow.
Marc Jacobs, Colorblock bolt bracelet, $49
I really like how raw these look.  Feminine yet hard.

Nordstroms, Colorblock Heart Studs, $27
I've posted these before and I'll post them again. So fun, so tiny, so sweet!

Thoughts? I love this trend for jewelry because it adds such a pop for an accessory.

Be fabulous today!