Buttoned Up

Happy Monday!

I could've used one more day this weekend, but here we are. Today we're going simple. Button down shirts. Mostly because they are a great staple for any wardrobe and Lands End Canvas is having an amazing sale until midnight.

Canvas, Heritage Oxford Shirt, $12

People, Canvas is selling a whole mess of button downs today for $12. Striped, Floral, Gingham, you name it.  Go grab some.

Gap, the perfect oxford shirt, $49
Well apparently Gap thinks they've nailed it with this shirt. And with this price, it's worth a try!

Banana Republic, Soft wash fitted plaid shirt, $64
A little pattern never hurt anyone right? I'm liking this for running around on the weekend.

J Crew, Perfect Stretch Shirt, $69
A little stretch in a button down is always great for all day wear. This color is great for all four seasons.

So nothing too fancy with these shirts, no ruffles, pleats, etc. Just true fit, classic shape and something that will never go out of style.

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

Do you have any Valentine's Day recipes? Be sure to email them to me so I can feature them for Friday Foodday!


Skinny Macaroni and Cheese Soup with Broccoli
c/o Skinny Taste

Ingredients

4 oz dry elbow macaroni (I like Ronzoni Smart Taste)

1 1/2 cups onion, chopped

1 large carrot, chopped

1 celery stalk, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp light butter

2 tbsp flour

2 1/2 cups fat free low sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

1 cup fat free milk

pinch nutmeg

1/2 tsp dry mustard

salt and fresh pepper to taste

2 cups (about 10 oz) broccoli florets, chopped into small pieces

1-1/2 cups 2% shredded sharp cheddar

2 tbsp parmesan cheese

Directions
Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside.

Chop onion, carrot, celery, garlic by hand or mini food processor.

In a large soup pot or dutch oven, melt light butter.  Add chopped vegetables and sauté on low heat 
until soft, about 5 minutes.


Add flour and fresh pepper to the pot and stir until smooth. Slowly add chicken broth, milk, nutmeg and dry mustard powder; whisking constantly.  Set heat to medium-high until it comes to a boil. Cover and cook on low about 10-15 minutes.


Add broccoli florets, parmesan cheese, and stir well. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.Cook uncovered until broccoli is cooked, about 5 minutes or more to your liking.  Add cheddar, mixing well until cheese melts and immediately remove from heat. Addcooked elbows and mix well, adjust salt and pepper if needed. Eat right away so the pasta doesn't absorb all the broth.

Ham Chipotle and Cheese Scones

c/o DC Ladies

Ingredients

• 2 cups AP flour
• 1 TBSP baking powder
• 3 TBSP sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1 chipotle chili, minced
• 1 stick cold butter cut into small pieces
• 3/4 cup cheddar cheese
• 3/4 cup chopped ham, drained
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 eggs
  Directions
  1. Combine flour, baking powder, paprika, sugar, salt, pepper and dill in a large bowl; cut in butter with a pastry blender or use a food processor and pulse on low until the mixture resembles coarse meal. If using a food processor, transfer the flour mixture to a large bowl and stir in cheese, chipotle chili and ham. Combine milk and eggs, stirring with a whisk. Add to flour mixture, stirring just until moist.
  2. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead lightly 4 to 5 times with floured hands. Pat dough into an 8-inch circle on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Cut dough into 8 wedges. Bake at 400° for 20 minutes or until lightly browned.
     Chicken Corn Chili
     c/o Kitchen Bellicious
     
     Ingredients
     3 TBSP Devo Olive Oil
     1 onion, diced
     2 cloves garlic, minced
     2 garlic cloves
     1 red bell pepper, diced
     1 yellow bell pepper, diced
     1 can green chiles
     1 tsp cumin
     2 cups chicken broth plus 1+ cup water (water based on whether you like it chucky or soupy)
     2 cans white beans, drained
     1 ½ lbs chicken tenders
     1 cup shredded montery jack cheese
     1 cup frozen corn
     ½ cup chopped cilantro
     2 tsp Salt and pepper each
     1 tsp oregano
     1 tsp sugar
     1 tsp Cajun seasoning
     1 tsp paprika
     Directions
     Season the chicken tenders with 1 tsp salt and pepper each, paprika, sugar and oregano. Pan-sear the chicken tenders in 1 TBSP of olive oil in a large dutch oven or pot over medium to high heat until cooked. Remove the chicken and set aside.
     Saute the onions, bell peppers and garlic in 2 TBSP of olive oil until slightly tender (they will continue to cook throughout the process). Add in the green chiles. Mix in the flour and stir until your veggies and flour are all incorporated (note we are not doing the traditional roux here). Pour in the warm chicken stock and whisk continually until there are no lumps. Season with the remaining salt, pepper and cumin.
     Bring to a boil add in the frozen corn and beans.Simmer for 20-30 minutes. Before serving stir in the cilantro and top each individual bowl with shredded cheese.

It List!

Happy Friday ladies!

Enjoy these great links this weekend...

• suze wears clothes brings us words of inspiration each and every Sunday. I love this week's installment, especially this colorful quote on joy! (find suze wears clothes on twitter!)
• gs lillian found these adorable "spike" necklaces at Target... pop on by her blog to see what other fun pieces she found - including a few that are perfect for Valentine's Day! (find gs lillian on twitter!)
• my soul is the sky is back with another great hair tutorial - this one, the 'bohemian side braids' look great on her and have inspired me to try a similar style! (find my soul is the sky on twitter!)
• what the frock recreates an outfit featuring a neon skirt, a cozy sweater and an unusual hem-line.  Sound like fun? It is! (find what the frock on twitter!)
• live a lot goes for the all black outfit.  Do you ever fall back on this simple outfit formula? It happens to be one of my favorites! Check out her look!
• rachael really looks stunning in stripes and faux fur.  Then she adds red wellies and a pearl necklace for the win! (find rachael really on twitter!)
• free to be stacia lee is hosting a giveaway for a gorgeous amethyst necklace. Stop by her blog to enter! (find free to be stacia lee on twitter!)
• here & now sports the perfect weekend outfit and looks fabulous doing it!  Especially since she had just run a 5K that day!  You go girl! 
• fabulously average is rocking what she calls "the new neutrals" - and I couldn't agree with her more, they totally are!  What are the "new neutrals"? You'll have to stop by her blog to find out! (find fabulously average on twitter!)
• behind the dressing room door has the perfect accessory for cold winter days - a bold and colorful scarf!  See how she styled it! (find behind the dressing room door on twitter!)
• the capital barbie tracks down some absolute darling bowed-tops. I love how feminine and flirty these tops are! (find the capital barbie on twitter!)
• sweetie pie style takes this mint green maxi dress and styles it three ways that are perfect for late winter into spring! It's so versatile! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
• a fashion fixation introduces us to a new online shop called Vestique - have you heard of it? I love their bold and colorful selection, like this blazer! (find a fashion fixation on twitter!)
• the tiemann girls are showing off their gorgeous taupe finds from Target!  Taupe never looked so good ladies! (find the tiemann girls on twitter!)
• stay in the lines makes homemade oreo cookies.  I think I know how I'll be spending a cold, winter Saturday in my near future - baking and eating these! (find stay in the lines on twitter!)

the IT list is produced weekly by Jill of good life - for information on how you can be involved, click here!

Going Natural

Happy almost Friday lovebugs! Thank goodness. Although I'm a little bummed that there is no football this weekend! Today we're looking at accessories that are all natural or have the illusion of wood.

Kenneth Jay Lane, Dark Wood and Bead Necklace, $46

I really like the length of this piece. This is certainly a great statement piece.

Urban Outfitters, Chelsea Crew Suede Wood Wedge, $35

The rounded toe, the sleek wedge, and the price. Can't ask for much more.

Style Tryst, Wood and Bead Dotted Bangle, $14

How funky and new is this bracelet?

Ann Taylor, Wooden Statement Ring, $48

I LOVE this. So simple and such a big impact.

Natural is sometimes tough to pull off if you're usually brights or patterns. But mix in an accessory here and there and you'll be good to go.

Be fabulous today!