Don't Count Out the Little Guy

Welcome back lovebugs!
I hope if you celebrated Christmas it was just wonderful. Now we get to enjoy the loot and prep for the New Year.

Today I thought we'd look at some clutches. Beaded clutches to be exact. I think they're a great accessory for NYE or just to add some detail to and everyday outfit.

Etsy, Black Beaded Lace Overlay on Ivory with Pearls, $65

This is a stunner for a black tie event. Such a beautiful mix of textures.

Banana Republic, Beaded Crossbody, $98

Ok hear me out, I know this tiny bag is $98, but you can wear this with a dress, with jeans, with whatever you can imagine. I absolutely love it.

Club Monaco, Lucy Beaded Clutch, $99

Wow. Look at the detail on this bag. Just a beautiful accessory that would match just about any color.

Urban Outfitters, Ecote Arts of Ruin Clutch, $49

A little more casual, but the price tag reflects that. I love the different sized beads.

Beaded clutches are a fabulous accessory that will never go out of style. Dress them up or down, but they'll always pack a punch.

Be fabulous today!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas Eve

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs, and I wish you a very Merry Christmas! I'll be home in Pennsylvania with my family and I hope you have safe travels and get some good love from the ones closest to you.

Chocolate Dipped Marshmallows
c/o Great Eats with Pete

Ingredients

12 oz of your favorite chocolate (I used dark chocolate chips)

2 bags of large marshmallows

Dusting sugar(s)

Directions

Place chocolate in a double boiler (or a heat proof bowl over simmering water, make sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water). Stir the chocolate occasionally until the chocolate is melted and smooth.

Dip the marshmallow top in the melter chocolate. Allow excess chocolate to drip off the top. Then dip it in the dusting sugar. Place it on a baking sheet covered in parchment paper with the chocolate facing up. Continue until all marshmallows are dipped in chocolate and sugar. Allow to chocolate to harden. (Do not put it in the refrigerator the marshmallows will become hard.)

Peanut Butter Carmel Corn

c/o Stephanie Cooks Blog

Ingredients

3 bags natural popcorn, popped (standard size bags, not mini)
1 2/3 cups brown sugar
1 2/3 cup light colored corn syrup
5 tbsp butter
1 tsp salt
1 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tsp vanilla

Directions
1- Preheat the oven to 250.
2- Grease 2 9x13 dishes with cooking spray. Pour the popcorn evenly into the dishes and set aside.
3- In a small saucepan heat the sugar, syrup, butter, and salt. Cook about 3 minutes, then remove from the heat. Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla, stirring until completely melted.
4- Pour the peanut butter sauce evenly over the two pans of popcorn. Gently stir to coat.
5- Bake 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Once done allow it to cool completely, then break the popcorn into pieces.

Homemade Crullers

c/o Lauren's Latest

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter
1 cup water
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 eggs
vegetable oil, for frying

for the glaze--
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon lemon extract {optional}

Directions

Bring butter and water to boil in a small pot. Once mixture comes to boil, stir in flour and salt until combined. Remove from heat and cool 3 minutes. Crack eggs into a small bowl. Mix eggs into warm mixture one by one until completely batter is completely smooth. Transfer to piping bag with large fluted tip and pipe into circles on parchment paper lined baking sheets. Place into freezer for 30 minutes. Pour vegetable oil into large pot with high sides so there's at least 3 inches of grease. Heat oil to be between 325-350 degrees. While oil is heating, stir all ingredients together for glaze until smooth and runny...but not too runny! Drop frozen crullers one by one into hot oil and fry about 1 minute per side or until lightly golden. Remove to paper towel to drain and then immediately coat in glaze. Place onto cooling rack to let excess glaze drip off. After 40 minutes or so, the glaze should harden onto the crullers. Best served warm, immediately out of the glaze.