Not Your Gramma's Quilt

Lovebugs,
Happy hump day to you. I hope you are feeling ready to take on the day and looking amazing. Today I want to talk about a great design detail for leather: quilted. I think this pattern adds a classic and expensive look to any accessory.

Nordstrom, Corso Como Del Quilted Pump, $89

Good lord these shoes are fantastic. Neutral, sexy, and so classy.

Lord and Taylor, Paradox Quilted Leather Shoulder Bag, $90

This great bag also comes in black, white and cobalt. This one is a great pop of color.

Nordstrom, Vince Camuto Fawna Flat, $88

Sweet, blush, glitter, a great little flat don't you think?

Modcloth, Boxcar Bag, $59

Loving the vintage feel of this little bag. The shape is so unique!

Quilted is a great pattern for any season. It's chic and doable whether you're a rocker, hipster or prepster.

Be fabulous today!

Fancy Tee

So often when we think t-shirt we think a ratty, casual piece that isn't worth of much; but right now I'm loving silk tees. Last year it was embellished tees, but this year it's about the fabric. Check out these pieces.

Madewell, Picket Strip Tee, $89

Great rugby-like stripe on this tee. Dress it up with dark was skinny jeans and yellow heels.

Guess, Reza Zipper Tee, $69

Loving this bright yellow color and the zipper detail is just the right amount of rocker.

Ann Taylor, Stretch Silk Paneled Short Sleeve Top, $64

This is what I like to call blogger blue. A fantastic saturated color for any season.

Modcloth, Petal Pusher Top, $52

Well hello sweetness, aren't you just so delicate and divine?

Silk is so easy to throw on, add a bauble and walk out the door, it's light, colorful and so great for the warmer weather.

Be fabulous today!

Navy Baubles

Hey lovebugs, happy Monday. How was your weekend? I saw a ton of ladies sporting great warm weather clothes this weekend and I couldn't be more excited to start wearing my dresses and short sleeves.

Today I was inspired by a page in Lucky magazine; I spotted this great navy bauble and I thought how often do we search for navy jewels? Not very often right? But why not? Navy is a great color to mix in and especially in an accessory.

Endless, Yochi Navy Stone Burst Earring, $36

These are a great dangle earring, I picture it with a hot pink blouse of an orange shirtdress.

Lilly Pulitzer, Upscale Bangle, $58

Gotta have some Lilly in your summer wardrobe.

Neiman Marcus, Panacea Cabochon Hoop Earrings, $36

Fun fact: I want my wedding colors to be navy and orange. These earrings just called out to me, I love em.

Bauble Bar, Elliptic Bib, $24

This nautical inspired piece would be perfect for a white eyelet summer dress.

Do you mix in navy to your accessories? It's such a great neutral staple that still adds some interest to your outfit.

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday! Here are some of my favorite recipes from this week.

Roasted Garlic and Vegetable Pizza
c/o Stephanie Cooks

Ingredients
1 head of garlic
olive oil
1/2 cup marinara sauce
pizza crust
2 cups assorted cooked veggies, diced small
3 ounces grilled chicken, diced small
1/4 cup cheddar cheese*
1/4 cup mozzarella cheese*


Directions
1- Preheat the oven to 350. Cut the top off the head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil. Bake for 1 hour. Once it's done squeeze the roasted garlic out of the bulb and mash with a fork.
2- Mix the marinara sauce with the roasted garlic paste and set aside.
3- Assemble your pizza crust. Top with a thin layer of sauce, veggies, and chicken. Sprinkle the cheese on top and bake 10-12 minutes, until your crust is golden and cheese is melted.


Panera's Stovetop Mac and Cheese
c/o A Taste of Home Cooking

Ingredients
16 oz pipette pasta or other small pasta shapes
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups milk, heavy cream, or half-and-half
4 oz white American cheese, chopped or torn into pieces
8 oz extra sharp white Vermont cheddar, shredded
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (like Frank’s)


Directions
In a large stockpot, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain well.

While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a 4-quart sauce pan over medium heat. When the butter has melted and has started to bubble, whisk in the flour; cook for 1 1/2 minutes whisking constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk until no lumps remain. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook milk mixture, whisking frequently, until it thickens and bubbles, about 8 minutes.

Remove sauce pan from the heat and by the handful, stir in the cheeses allowing all of the cheese to melt into the sauce before adding more. Stir in the mustard, salt, and hot sauce. Return the sauce pan to the heat and stir in the pasta. Be sure to stir up the sauce from the bottom of the sauce pan and thoroughly coat all of the pasta with sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes over medium-low heat until heated through. Serve hot. 


BLT Macaroni Salad
c/o Skinny Taste

Ingredients

• 8 oz uncooked elbows, low carb or whole grain (brown rice pasta for gf)
• 4 slices 25% reduced fat center cut bacon
• 2 large ripe tomatoes, beefsteak or vine ripe, diced small
• 4 tbsp reduced fat mayonnaise (I used Hellman's)
• salt and fresh pepper to taste
• 2 cups baby spinach

Directions

In a large skillet cook bacon on medium-low heat until crispy on both sides.


In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package directions.

Chop tomatoes and combine it along with any accumulated juice with mayonnaise and pepper in a medium bowl. Drain pasta and rinse with cold water to cool. Combinepasta with tomatoes and spinach mixing well. Toss in bacon right before serving.