Brown Bag It

Happy Columbus Day lovebugs.  Most of Washington has off today but alas, I'm at work.  I hope you're sleeping in right now and have big plans to do absolutely nothing.

Today I thought we would look at a trend that I'm really loving right now: paper bag waist.  It's a great way to add interest to the mid section of an outfit and hide anything you want to in that area.

Asos, Vila mini skirt with gathered frilled waist, $21

There are so many details going on with this skirt but they all work together beautifully: color, slanted pocket, waist, mini length.

Bloomingdales, Aqua square dot paper bag short, $46

You know I'm a sucker for dots.  I'd pair these with some tights for a Friday night out!

Topshop, Paperbag waist belted skirt, $70

I love this skirt. So beautiful and you can wear it all year round.

J Crew, Heather lace mini, $50

Beautiful lace in a neutral gray. This would be really special with tights.

What do you think of the paper bag style waist? I think it's something a little different then the plain waistline.  

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

Yes! Best day of the week! Here are my favorite recipes!


Brat Bruschetta
c/o The Cooking Nurse

Ingredients
1/4 cup yellow onion, diced
1/2 cup low fat onion and chive cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup shredded cheddar
1 1/4 teaspoon spicy brown mustard
2/3 cup petite diced tomatoes, drained
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
sliced crusty bread

2 beer brats, casing removed and crumbled

Directions

Saute brats and onion together over medium heat, breaking brats up into small pieces as they cook. When brats are browning and fully cooked, add diced tomatoes, and simmer for about 2-3 minutes.

In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mustard, and black pepper. Warm bread in oven, and slice into small pieces.  Top bread with about 1 tablespoon of cream cheese mixture. Top this with small amount of brat mixture. Serve immediately.

Spaghetti Squash Lasagna 

c/o Skinny Taste

Ingredients

• 2 cups marinara sauce 
• 3 cups cooked roasted spaghetti squash
• 1 cup part skim ricotta
• 8 tsp parmesan cheese
• 6 oz part skim shredded mozzarella

Directions

Cut the squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds and fibers with a spoon.Place on a baking sheet, cut side up and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Bake at 350° about an hour or until the skin gives easily under pressure and the inside is tender. Remove from oven and let it cool 10 minutes. Using a fork, scrapeout the squash flesh a little at a time. It will separate into spaghetti-like strands. Place in a serving dish and serve hot.In four individual 5 x 7-inch oven safe baking dishes, ladle 1/4 cup quick marinara sauce on the bottom of each dish. Top each with 3/4 cup of cooked spaghetti squash and spread evenly. Top each with 1/4 cup ricotta. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of grated parmesan cheese and .75 oz mozzarella on each.  Addthe remaining sauce, parmesan and mozzarella cheese.  Cover with foil and bake for 15 - 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges begin to bubble; uncover and cook an additional 5 minutes.


Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Cookies
c/o Stephanie Cooks

Ingredients

1 cup all purpose flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/8 tsp salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp butter, melted
1 egg white
2 tbsp pumpkin puree
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Directions

1- Preheat the oven to 350. Line two baking sheets with silpats or spray with nonstick spray.

2- In a large bowl combine the sugars, butter, egg white, pumpkin, and vanilla. Stir well.

3- Add the flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir until well incorporated. 

4- Add the chocolate chips and stir until mixed.

5- Spoon by rounded spoonfulls and bake 8-10 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before removing to a cooling rack. 

Oversized Clutch

Happy almost Friday lovebugs!  I really loved those envelope clutches from Monday, so today we're going to talk oversized clutches.  A catch all but still sleek.

Chico's Safari Clutch, $79

You all know I'm not a huge fan of Chico's but this bag is fabulous!

Nordstrom, Hinge Ring Clutch, $98

I like how boho this bag is, very cute.

BCBG, Charcoal lizard embossed charlie clutch, $41

This reminds me of the envelope clutch from Monday, but the size makes such a statement.

Etsy, Cinnamon red large clutch, $38

Fantastic pattern and texture for fall! 

So are you a squeeze everything into a tiny clutch girl? Or a catch all oversized kind of girl?

Be fabulous today!

Scarf Dress

Today we're talking scarf dresses.  Now you may be thinking of a handkerchief style, but no I mean scarf.  A tie neck dress if you will.  This style is huge for fall in blouses and dresses.

Piperlime, Collective Concepts tie neck printed dress, $79

I love this abstract print and the 3/4 length sleeve. But please wear tights with this! It is short!

Topshop, Grey Frenchie Tie Neck Dress, $60

So sweet and secretary.  Now put on some patent leather pumps!

Need Supply, Betty Dress, $58

This color looks so vintage!

Fossil, Tawny dress, $39

What a fantastic graphic and the dropped waist is so interesting.  

I really love a silk tie top or dress because it is so feminine.  Do you love it as much as I do?

Be fabulous today!