Graphic Knit

Happy Wednesday lovebugs! We're getting there!  Today let's look at some graphic knits.  Something that has an interesting pattern or design for fall and winter.

J Crew, Microstripe cardigan, $89

So the model looks like they just woke her up, but the cardi is fabulous and punchy.

Asos, Sweater in horse, $61

Certainly for the braver fashionistas, but this is a wonderful knit for fall.

Modcloth, Berried in Style, $45

Believe it or not it is a knit. This sheer sweater has a lovely color palate.

Free People, Lost in the Forest cropped sweater, $69

Let's go apple picking in this sweater. How lovely for fall.

Sometimes I love to dress up an outfit with accessories, but sometimes I like the the print to do the work.

Be fabulous today!

Two Strap Satchel

Last week we talked about a couple of bags and today I want to focus on the two strap bag.  Super versatile and it can be dressed up or down.

Zara, two toned patent leather small briefcase, $26

This is so very sleek, I love this for so many types of occassions.

Nordstrom, Big Buddha Tweed Satchel, $99

Ooo girl, you are going to get stopped so many times with this bag.  Amazing!

Forever 21, Quilted Canvas Messenger Bag, $32

This is wonderful for a longer day when you need to pack a whole mess of things.  I'm thinking (in a perfect world) a wine tour and picnic.

Hurley, Market Bucket Bag, $42

Ok, hurley might be a little surfer chic for me but this bag is awesome for winter.

I really like the two strap bag for a day that could be busy. You have the shoulder option, the cross-body or the handle.  

Be fabulous today!

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.