Animal Crackers

Next week I'll do some gift guides for the holidays, but I'm asking for your help! Leave a comment or shoot me an email requesting who you need a gift for; example: the nerdy secretary, the fashionable coworker, the boss, you name it, I will do my best to deliver!

Alright, back to business, today we're looking at animal print. Not the usual leopard or snakeskin, but rather an image of an animal. Let me explain.

Asos, Elizabeth Lau Dog and Bone Sweater, $92

How adorable is this sweater? It's quirky and cozy in all the best ways.

Madewell, Fox Print Sweatshirt, $59

You may be thinking, sweatshirt? Come on. But layer a white oxford under this and add a collar necklace. Instant chic!

Modcloth, The Greatest Skirt of Owl, $74

A stunning skirt, perfect for work, I'd pair it with some flat boots and tights.

The Limited, Bird Print Peasant Blouse, $34

I love this print, but you know what I love more? The dot cuffs. That's right, how sweet is that?

So give the leopard print a break this season and try animal graphic that is big and centered or a smaller repetitive print.

Be fabulous today!

Gunmetal Baby

Hey there lovebugs!
How was your holiday? Are you stuffed? Any good black Friday sales?

If you're a little familyed-out you might be feeling a bit rebellious. A little edgy, a little, 'you don't get me', I have the perfect trend for you. Gunmetal. I great color that pushes the envelope.

Mango, Embellished Shoulders Sweater, $69

The perfect dress it up dress it down pullover for this winter. 

Bauble Bar, Gunmetal Spike Strand, $28

I told you it was a little rebellious. Release your inner rockstar ladies.

Bluefly, Wyatt Silver Scallop Sequin Dress, $49

Holiday party anyone? This will certainly turn heads.

Michael Kors, Rhinestone Specchio Panel Belt, $65

This might be the most versatile belt you own, over cardigans, dresses, pants, you name it.

Gunmetal doesn't always have to be cold, warm it up this winter by pairing it with neons or saturated jewel tones. 

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

Happy Black Friday everyone. Today's Friday Foodday is going to get you carbed up and hydrated after a long day of shopping.

German Apple Pancakes
c/o Annie Bakes

Ingredients
4 eggs- room temperature
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup whole mil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Apples:
5 tablesponns butter
3 apples- cored, peeled and sliced
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup brown sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a medium bowl, beat the eggs with a whisk. Add in the four, milk, salt and vanilla. Set aside to rest.

Heat an oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter. Once melted add the apples and spices and cook, coverred 3-5 minutes. Then add the brown sugar cover, and cook for another 4-5 minutes or until the apples are soft. Remove from heat.

Pour the batter over the apples. Place in the oven and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the pancake is done and browned.

Serve with powdered sugar or maple syrup.

Homemade Granola Bars

c/o Table for Two

Ingredients

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup honey

1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar

2 cups quick cooking oats (not rolled oats)

1 cup crispy rice cereal

1/2 tsp. vanilla

1 cup walnuts, finely chopped (I pulsed it a few times in the food processor)

4 tbsp. mini chocolate chips

Directions

1. Lightly grease a baking sheet, set aside.
2. In a large bowl, stir oats, rice cereal, and walnuts together, set aside.
3. In a medium saucepot, melt the butter, honey, and brown sugar together until it comes to a bubble. Reduce the heat then cook for 2 minutes more.
4. Add vanilla to the saucepot and stir.
5. Pour the mixture over the dry ingredients and mix together until just moistened.
6. Pour onto prepared baking sheet and press out to about 3/4 inch thick – if your sheet is too big, you can press them all to one half of the baking sheet to make them thicker. Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips and press them down lightly. Let cool on countertop until room temperature or for 2 hours, then cut into bars.

Tyr Na Nog

c/o Five o' clock blog

Ingredients

1 ounce The Tyrconnell Single Malt Irish Whiskey

1 ounce cherry brandy

1/2 ounce Aperol

About 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice

Directions

Combine all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker. Shake vigorously and strain into cocktail glass.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving lovebugs! I hope you are spending with the ones you love and thinking about all of the things you're thankful for. This holiday I'm thankful for...

Family

Friends

Norman

and my country.