Monday, December 5, 2011

Capital Ken: Men's Sweaters


On cold days, nothing keeps you warm like a sweater. I’ve included a basic collection of “must-haves” for your well-dressed man.


Banana Republic, Extra-fine Merino Turtleneck Sweater, $59.50
The turtleneck sweater is always a classic look, and can be dressed up with a sport coat or dressed down with jeans.


J.Crew, Lambswool Sweater, $59.50
This is a great sweater that’s not so bulky, and it comes in many colors.


Nordstrom, Merino Wool Cardigan, $89.50
Not every guy can pull off a cardigan “look,” but this one is simple and sleek. He can dress it up for the office or dress it down for the weekend.


Friday, December 2, 2011

Friday Foodday

It's Friday! I'm so excited. I hope you have a great couple of days off! Here are some of my favorite dishes from the web this week.

Savory Waffle Breakfast Sandwiches
 Ingredients
1 3/4 cups flour
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 egg
1 cup milk
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
 
Cooked bacon, sausage or ham
Fried eggs
Maple syrup

Directions
1. Hand mix all ingredients for waffles in a large mixing bowl. Cook in a waffle maker until they're crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.

2. To assemble sandwiches, place meat and one egg on a waffle. Drizzle with a bit of maple syrup and top with another waffle. Makes 8 waffles (4 sandwiches).

 Cheesy Mini Puffs
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt (*see recipe tips)
1/2 tablespoon garlic salt (*see recipe tips)
1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk
 
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease mini muffin tin. In large bowl, mix all dry ingredients to combine. Cut cold butter into flour mixture until coarse. Stir in grated cheese and all milk. Mix until all ingredients are moist and flour is absorbed. Using small cookie scoop, drop dough into prepared muffin tin. You should get close to 20 mini cheese puffs. Bake 8-10 minutes or until sides are browned and tops are starting to brown. Cool 5 minutes and remove from tins. Serve warm.

Fried Eggplant
Ingredients
1 large eggplant-sliced in 1/4" pieces
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon black pepper
3 eggs
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups bread crumbs
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
 
Directions
Using 3 separate bowl, combine in the first bowl the flour and the black pepper.  In the second bowl combine the eggs and the salt.  In the third bowl combine the bread crumbs and the smoked paprika.

One by one, dredge the eggplant slices first in the flour, then the eggs, then the breadcrumbs.  lay them out on a cooling rack for a few minutes to dry up.

Meanwhile, in a shallow pan, heat about 1 cup of canola oil.  When the oil is hot, cook 3-4 slices at a time, then let them cool on the rack .  Sprinkle with salt while they are still moist.

dipping sauce

1/2 cup Ranch dressing
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic juice

Mix all together and let sit while you make the eggplant.  Oh yummy! Garlic sauce and fried eggplant!!

It List!



theitlist

Now that it's December the holiday season is in full swing and this week's IT list has a decidedly holiday feel to it!  Check out these great links!
  • free to be stacia lee shows off a fun look for a holiday girls night out! I'm loving the dressy shorts and tights combo here! 
  • the posh blog pulled together a super fun Twelve POSH Days of Christmas!  You have to check this out... my favorite? Three french macaroons... (find the posh blog on twitter!)
  • gs lillian is hosting a fabulous giveaway for 6 (yes, six!) of her gorgeous cuff bracelets!  All you have to do is link up with your holiday wish list! Easy, huh? (find gs lillian on twitter!)
  • sweetie pie style rounds up my new favorite winter layering piece - the vest! Check out her picks and inspirations! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
  • suze wears clothes puts together three looks based on one gorgeous camel colored blazer.  Check out these looks that are perfect for the holiday season! (find size wears clothes on twitter!)
  • sweet life a la carte was innocently getting holiday pictures taken when the photoshoot suddenly turned into engagement photos!  He proposed!  Check out these sweet photos! (find sweet life a la carte on twitter!)
  • second street east is giving away a copy of Design*Sponge's new book!  Stop by her blog to enter to win one for yourself or for a friend! (find second street east on twitter!)
  • i love that is swooning over Gwenyth Paltrow's hair... but who doesn't really? Check out this eye candy and potential inspiration for holiday hair dos!
  • things i do think wear see love dream is sporting a trend-trifecta!  I love this look... see how she pulls together three hot trends in one super hot look! (find things i... on twitter!)
  • the tiemann girls show off their holiday paper stash (jealous!) plus, the one thing they do to remind themselves of the reason for the season.  I love this inspiration!
  • so much to smile about has the ultimate gift guide for a blogger. This list is SO fabulous, but my favorite is the Inslee fashion illustrations. Yes, please! (find so much to smile about on twitter!)
  • good clean fun whips up a batch of roasted butternut squash risotto! I love risotto for winter - it's great comfort food!  Check out her recipe... (find good clean fun on twitter!)
  • the capital barbie has a full round up of 'smoking' loafers.  These are the hottest shoes this season and I love that the look so comfortable!  Check out her picks! (find the capital barbie on twitter!)
  • life told my leslie features yet another shorts and tights look for winter! I am loving this trend - check out how she pulls it together!
  • a spot of whimsy pulls out tons of inspiration for advent calendars this holiday season. You have to check out all of this inspiration! (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
the IT list is produced weekly by jill of good life for less - for info on how you can be involved, click here!

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Let's Go Boating

Hey there lovebugs,
How is your Thursday going? One more day until Friday! And to celebrate we're going boating. Well sort of, I thought we'd look at boat neck sweaters. Something a little different to your v-neck or crew routine.

I love this sweater, it looks super cozy yet can be dressed up for anything.

Loving this easy and casual shirt. I'd pair it with jeans or a skirt.

Lands End Canvas, Striped Sailor Tunic, $39
So perfect for the weekend. Pair it with a long necklace.

Modcloth, Snuggle Closer Top, $69
Ok promise you won't wear this top with leggings like this model, but otherwise enjoy the great shape of this sweater.

Boat neck is a fun mix in to your wardrobe this winter.  It's also great for layering.

Be fabulous today!