Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Happy Stripes

Today's post is courtesy of The bf. He suggested a post on wide stripes. So let's go with it. A pattern that is strong yet casual.

Do you know why I love this sweater? Because it has the word 'happy' in it. And that is the perfect way to describe this sweater.

White House Black Market, Striped Peplum Pullover, $39
Marked down from $80, this quiet peplum shirt is perfect for work or play.

How cute is this little shift? With or without tights, I'd add a neon skinny belt and walk out the door!

I like this blazer because it's not a stiff and stuffy. A great sweater type blazer that is great to pair with jeans or an LBD.

I think The bf nailed this one. Wide stripes are fun, versatile, and as Gap puts it, happy.

Be fabulous today.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Power Flats

You all know I love a great flat. And there are so many types of flats, ballet flats, mary jane flats, dainty flats, but today we're looking at what I'm calling power flats. The 'I mean business flat'.

DSW, C Label Hudson, $34
A slight metallic hue to the deep red paired with some studs. Heck yes.

Nordstrom, Classiques Entier Elina, $77
A cap toe metal? Don't mind if I do. Why yes, I will be owning this business meeting today.

Zara, Studded Slipper, $49
Sleek, a little masculine, but a lot powerful.

Nordstrom, Ivanka Trump Abello, $80
These are my perfect understated but, holy cow these are perfect, flats. A pointy toe, bow, in a perfect black.

So there you have it. Flats don't always have to be sweet and dainty, and pumps don't always have to be the power shoe. Swap out heels for some strong flats. Your feet will thank you.

Be fabulous today!

Monday, November 12, 2012

Hike Up That Waist

Hey lovebugs,
Whether you are still in bed enjoying a day off or back to the grind of the 9-5, I hope you had a wonderful weekend. DC had some stunning weather.

Today we're looking at a really lady like trend that will look great on anyone. The high waisted dress.

A beautiful brunch with the parents, work, or day party dress in a saturated blue.

A very classy deep v-neck makes this dress just perfect for holiday parties.

Lord and Taylor, Muse Colorblock Dress, $52
I really love this dress with some big drop earrings and black tights with sky high pumps.

Urban Outfitters, Cooperative Scalloped Peplum Dress, $69
How gorgeous is this dress? a tiered scallop with a lace peek-a-boo, and a well defined waistband.

High waist dresses are perfect for elongating the torso and legs. I love the definition that they give an ensemble vs a tunic or blousey style.

Be fabulous today!

And the winner of the Shabby Apple giveaway...

Kylie Cooper! 

Friday, November 9, 2012

Friday Foodday

We made it lovebugs! Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Oreo Muffins
c/o Honest Cooking
Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup milk
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup margarine
  • 20 crushed oreo cookies ( Plus a couple extra for the topping)
Directions
  1. Preheat the oven to 400F.
  2. In medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, soda and salt, set aside
  3. In small bowl, combine milk, sour cream, and egg
  4. Stir the egg mixture in to the flour mixture with margarine until just blended
  5. Gently stir in the crushed cookies
  6. Spoon batter 12 greased 2½ inch muffin pan cups.
  7. Bake in a preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
  8. Remove from pan, cool on wire rack.
  9. Serve warm or cold.

Corn Chowder
Ingredients
1 pound bacon-diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion-diced
2 cloves garlic-minced
2 roasted red bell peppers-seeded and diced
1 rib of celery-diced
1 (15 ounce) can sliced new potatoes
2 (11 ounce) cans Super Sweet yellow & white corn kernels-drained
1/4 cup flour
6 cups chicken stock
1/2 lime-juiced
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt & pepper-to taste

Directions
In a large stock pot, cook the bacon until crisp-about 7-8 minutes. Remove them from the pan and drain on a paper towel.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Drain all but about a tablespoon of the grease out. Add olive oil and add in the onions, garlic, peppers, celery, potatoes and corn. Saute for about 6-8 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Sprinkle the vegetables with flour and stir for about 3 minutes. While stirring the vegetables, slowly add in the stock to incorporate.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Using an immersion blender, blend for a few pulses, just enough to break up some of the potatoes and vegetables, but not enough to fully smooth it out. This will aid in the thickening process. Reduce heat to low, add in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for 20 minutes and serve.

Mint Chocolate Pudding Cookies
Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 (3.4 oz.) package of chocolate fudge pudding mix
2 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup Andes mint baking chips
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper. Set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy and fluffy. Add in the pudding mix, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat well until incorporated.
  4. Slowly add in the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in the mint chips with a spatula.
  5. Drop cookies onto baking sheet with a cookie scoop (I used a medium cookie scoop) and bake for 10 minutes or until slightly golden around the edges.
  6. Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to wire cooling racks to cool completely.
  7. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.