Monday, November 19, 2012

Decadently Cozy

Hey there lovebugs,
Happy short week to you. I hope you have plans to visit friends and family at the end of this week. Today we're looking at one of my favorite textures in fashion: velvet. It is so decadent and cozy and it's just perfect for the holidays. Take a look at some of these velvet bags.

Anthropologie, Beaded Velvet Pouch, $38
Leave it to Anthro to take velvet to a new level. Look at this detail and the colors are just stunning.

This is just perfect for a holiday dress. It also comes in pewter and black.

Rachel Roy, Deco Disco Velvet Crossbody, $69
I love this with skinny jeans and sky high heels. A little rocker, a little disco, a lot awesome.

The perfect Thanksgiving clutch. I mean, orange velvet, come on.

What are your thoughts on velvet for the holidays? I think mixing in pieces like a bag or a blazer is a great way to step up an outfit.

Be fabulous today!

Friday, November 16, 2012

Friday Foodday

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

Turkey & Ricotta Meatballs
c/o I want to be a domestic goddess
Ingredients
1 pound ground turkey breast
15 oz part-skim ricotta
1/3 cup grated Parmesan
3 ounces shredded fresh baby spinach 
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 pinch dried oregano
26 ounces of the pasta sauce of your choice



Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a bowl, combine the turkey, ricotta, Parmesan, egg, salt, oregano and spinach. It will sort of look (but not smell) like tuna salad when combined.
Spread a thin layer of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 pan. Using an ice cream scoop, scoop the meat and plop (I bet Martha doesn't use the word "plop" in her recipes.) it in the marinara-covered pan. Repeat until all of the meat has been scooped into the pan. 
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the meatballs and cook for 30 minutes.

Salsa and Baked Tortilla Chips with Lime
c/o Lauren's Latest
Ingredients

for the salsa-
3-10 oz. cans diced tomatoes
1 large clove garlic, roughly chopped
1/3 cup diced red onion
1 jalapeno, seeded and roughly chopped
1/2 bunch cilantro, washed {about 1 cup}
1 lime, juiced
1/2 teaspoon salt {or more to taste}
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon cumin
for the chips-
4 burrito sized tortillas, sliced into wedges
1/2 tablespoon garlic infused olive oil
1/2 tablespoon salt
zest of 1 lime
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place sliced tortillas into a large bowl. Drizzle oil over wedges and toss to coat evenly. In a small bowl, stir salt and lime zest together and sprinkle over tortillas. Toss again to coat evenly. Place onto baking sheets in one even layer and bake 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
For the salsa–place all ingredients into a blender or food processor. Pulse a few times until desired texture is reached. Taste, adjust seasonings, and serve with chips.
Store salsa in airtight containers for up to 3 weeks in refrigerator.
Maple Sour
Ingredients
1 1/2 ounces vodka
3/4 ounces maple syrup
1 ounce fresh lemon juice
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
Lemon peel, to garnish
Directions
Combine all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker. Shake until your hands are too cold to keep holding onto the tin. (Srsly, because that syrup is a mother to disperse well.) Strain into cocktail glass and garnish with lemon peel.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Say My Name

Happy almost Friday lovebugs,
Today we're looking at monogram rings. Monograms are a great gift for the holidays, and I think a ring is a small and simple way to show your personalized piece.

Personalized From Me to You, Silver Monogram Ring Round, $59
Simple, great edges, something any girl would love.

DKM Accessories, Monogram Enamel Stretch Ring, $34
How preppy and fantastic is this ring? It also comes in two other colors.

Delicate, simple, and a little rustic!

Emily Rose Jewelry, Monogram Sterling Silver Braided Ring, $59
The braid makes this piece look antique. 

Whether it's a gift for someone else or yourself, a simple monogram ring is a simple piece that will go with everything.

Be fabulous today!

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.