Orange You Glad

Fun fact: I hate Halloween. It is a feeling instilled to me by my mother. I just hate spending money on an outfit you wear once. I'm not really a candy person, so overall, it's not my holiday. But today we're going to look at a way to mix in some orange and black in a non-Halloween way.

Canvas, Women's Gatsby Colorblock Skirt, $54

How about this stunning pleated color block skirt? It is so fall!

Loft, Chevron Stripe Longsleeve Cardigan, $59

A beautiful bright orange. I love the solid waist and cuff, adds some definition to this busy sweater.

Modcloth, Foliage Tour Dress, $55

A vertical chevron, how unique. I'd add a skinny belt to this and call it a day. Maybe even the snake necklace from yesterday.

Nine West, Love Fury, $89

Candy corn chic, no? What a great platform.

Happy Halloween to all of you who enjoy candy, dressing up and running around in the cold. I will be drinking some red wine on my couch in  my sweats.

Be fabulous today! 

Snake Charmer

Given that it is Halloween tomorrow, I thought we could do a spooky type of jewelry today. Snakes. Not snakeskin, I'm talking slithering, slimy snakes!

Swell, Snake Ring, $12

This great adjustable ring is not scary at all, in fact its kind of chic! Love the brass.

Max & Chloe, Blu Bijoux Snake Post Earrings, $14

How cute are these? These would be adorable with jeans.

Zappos, Vince Camuto Snake Pendant Necklace, $42

I love this necklace because use got great length at 32 inches. Perfect for a camp shirt.

NY & Co, Eva Snake Coiled Bracelets, $17

A nice set of three bangles that can be dressed up or down.

So there you have it, a non-tacky way to do jewelry fit for Halloween. And something you can wear after October.

Be fabulous today!

Quilting for the Modern Woman

Happy Monday lovebugs,
How was your weekend? I had a lovely time at home with my family. But now its back to the grind, and with this cooler weather means an extra layer when you step outside. One coat that is always my go to for fall is the quilted coat. It's simple, a bit preppy and easy to throw in your bag. But don't worry, I know not everyone is as preptastic as I am, so let's mix in some edge. Yes, edgy quilted.

Bluefly, Members Only Black Quilted Faux Leather Hooded Jacket, $47

Well, did I deliver? A stunning hooded motorcycle jacket that has a great quilted detail. I can picture Nikki in this jacket! 

Gap, Quilted Belted Jacket, $98

Gap nailed it here. The belt is a great way to define a waist to an otherwise masculine coat.

Dillard's, Guess Asymmetric Faux Leather Quilted Jacket, $99

I really love the color of this coat. The fold over collar is something different as well as the off center zipper.

Lord & Taylor, Weatherproof Satin Quilted Jacket, $99

If you don't want a belt, look for a coat with a beautiful waistline like this one.

See? Quilted doesn't have to be stuffy. You can mix in leather, a hood, and color. Something for everyone.

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

We made it! I hope you have a wonderful weekend! I will be spending mine at home in PA for some good old family time.

Crockpot Cilantro Chicken
c/o Stephanie Cooks 

 Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts
Juice from 2 limes
1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
1 (16 oz) bag frozen corn
2 minced garlic cloves
1/2 red onion, chopped 1/2 cup chicken broth
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 tsp cumin
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Option One: Regular preparation

1- Combine all ingredients in the crockpot. Cook on low for 8 hours.

Option Two- Freezer meal
1- Place all ingredients in a resealable gallon-sized freezer bag. Mix together and zip bag closed.
When ready to eat, remove from freezer and thaw in fridge for 24 hours. 

2- Cook on LOW for 8 hours (or HIGH for 4 hours). 

Serve with tortillas and toppings such as with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and cheese.

 

Garlic Sweet Potato Mash

c/o Skinny Taste

 Ingredients

• 2 lbs (4 medium) sweet potatoes, peeled & cubed
• 1 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1/2 cup 1% milk
• 2 tbsp light sour cream
• salt and fresh cracked ground pepper, to taste

Directions
In a large pot boil sweet potatoes in salted water until tender, drain in a colander.

Meanwhile, melt butter and sauté garlic until lightly golden. Return potatoes to the pan, add milk and sour cream; mash until smooth and creamy. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.


Great Grandma's Pasta Sauce

c/o Table for Two

 Ingredients

1 lb. 80/20 ground beef

1 6 oz. can tomato paste

6 oz. water

1 24 oz. jar tomato puree

5-6 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp. granulated sugar

Pinch of dried oregano

Pinch of onion powder

Pinch of garlic powder

Handful of fresh basil, chopped

Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. In a large stockpot, saute garlic until soft and fragrant in 2 tbsp. of olive oil, about 2 minutes.
2. Throw your meat in with the garlic and brown until meat has been thoroughly cooked through, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Pour in the tomato paste, tomato puree, and seasoning, including the fresh basil. Stir to mix well. With the 6 oz. can from the tomato paste, fill that with water and pour it in the stockpot as well.
4. Let mixture simmer, uncovered, for 2 or more hours (the longer the better, but minimum 2 hours), stirring occasionally.
5. Serve hot over fresh pasta.