Jungle Fever

Hey lovebugs! Happy humpday. Today we're taking a peek into the wild, I'm talking about animal print bottoms.

J Crew, Wild animal print linen canvas shorts, $65

J Crew knows how to do a great print on something bigger than an accessory. 

Calvin Klein, Skinny Animal Print Ankle Pants, $59

A subtle print, this is perfect for maybe an evening out with parents.

Loft, Animal Print Drapey Shorts, $49

The drape effect on these shorts dresses them up without the bulkiness of pleats.

Calvin Klein, Sequined Zebra Shorts, $34

OK, I usually try not to post the same designer twice in the same post, but I hope you'll forgive me. Sequined, zebra, shorts. Just yes.

So give your stripes, paisley, polka dots and ikats a rest and step into the wild side.

Be fabulous today!

Wrap it in a Pattern

Wrap dresses have always and will always be the best work dress ever. They are easy, comfortable and come in a color or pattern to fit any style. Today's we're checking out some fantastic patterned wrap dresses.

Nordstrom, BCBG Elia Striped Wrap Dress, $95

These colors are amazing. I love the half and half style, very geometric and graphic.

Ann Taylor, Graphic Wrap Print Dress, $69

Black and white never looked so sophisticated. Beautiful neck line and 3/4 length sleeves.

Modcloth, Bold You So Dress, $49

So can we see this on a 60s sitcom? I love it. I want it.

Nordstrom, Donna Ricco Blouson Sleeve Jersey Dress, $79

Well hello lovely! Check out this fantastic pattern. And those sleeves add a little something extra.

A pattern wrap dress is pretty much the easiest thing to throw on in the morning. No major accessories to think about and you can even throw your hair in a pony tail because of the great necklines.

Be fabulous today!

A Flower For the Lady

Happy Monday lovebugs,
I hope you had a wonderful weekend. Mine was full of friends, sangria and chinese food. Pretty great combination I must say.

Today I wanted to look at a beautiful trend for summer; floral cocktail rings. Florals are huge for summer, you can find them on dresses, capris, and tops but let's look at some gorgeous rings that have some color and bling.

Asos, Pieces Nigela Flower Ring, $8

1. Can we talk about how much we hate this model for her cheekbones? Seriously.

2. This ring is perfect for any sundress.

Modcloth, Stunning Sakura Ring, $15

The color is beautiful, reminds me of the DC cherry blossoms.

Nordstrom, Kate Spade Orchidia flower ring, $98

I couldn't leave my girl Kate out of this! Perfect black, white and gold.

Kohl's, Sterling Silver Floral Ring, $20

Simple, silver and chic. So perfect for work or play.

I really love florals because they are feminine and lovely for warmer weather. 

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

Woohoo!!! Friday lovebugs! Here are my recipes from the week!

Cookies & Creme Rice Krispies
c/o Table for Two

Ingredients

1 bag of large marshmallows

5 cups rice cereal

3 tbsp. unsalted butter

16-18 Oreos, crushed

Directions

Grease a 8×8″ pan and set aside.

In a large ziploc bag, place the Oreos in, seal the bag, and with a rolling pin, crush the Oreos until they’re smaller pieces. Set aside.

In a large pot, melt 3 tbsp. butter. Once butter has melted, add in the bag of marshmallows and stir until all the marshmallows have melted then remove from heat. Gently fold in the rice cereal then fold in the Oreo’s.

Pour all the contents into the prepared pan and spread out evenly. To make this faster/easier, I usually spray my hands with some cooking spray and use my hands to press down on the mixture until it’s evenly spread out.

Let cool completely before cutting into squares.

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Strawberry Shortbread
c/o Cupcakes for Breakfast

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3 cups flour
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) semi-softened unsalted butter
• 1 egg
• Raspberry jam
• 1 carton/quart of strawberries, sliced in half
• 
  
• Directions
• 1. Preheat oven to 375° and spray an 8″x8″ pan with non-stick spray.
  2. In a large bowl combine sugar, baking powder, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. (I use my stand mixer with the dough hook attachment, which I keep in the freezer. Although you could definitely mix the shortbread with your hands.)
  3. Add the butter and egg into the mixture and combine to create a crumbly mix.
  4. Press 3/4 of crumbs into the bottom of the pan. Spread a thin layer of raspberry jam over the crumbs. Tile strawberries over the jam. Finish by sprinkling the remaining 1/4 of the crumbs on top.
  5. Bake for 35 minutes. Let cool before slicing into bars.

Spicy Basil Chicken

c/o Prevention RD

Ingredients

2 tsp canola oil
2 shallots,minced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 lbs, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 Tbsp fish sauce
4 tsp sugar
1 1/2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 Tbsp chile garlic sauce
2 tsp water
2 tsp cornstarch
1/3 cup basil leaves, sliced
1 1/2 cups dry brown basmati rice

Directions

Prepare rice according to package directions.

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add shallots and garlic to pan; cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Add chicken to pan; cook 13 minutes or until chicken is done.

Whisk fish sauce and the next 5 ingredients (through cornstarch) together in a small bowl. Add fish sauce mixture to pan, and cook for 1 minute or until mixture thickens, stirring to coat chicken. Remove from heat. Stir in basil.

Yield: 6 servings (3/4 cup rice with 5 ounces chicken)

Nutrition Information (per serving): 361 calories; 4.3 g. fat; 73 mg. cholesterol; 725 mg. sodium; 41.5 g. carbohydrate; 1.3 g. fiber; 38.3 g. protein