Wednesday, January 9, 2013

In Knots

Happy humpday lovebugs, we're getting there. Today we're looking at a new trend in jewelry that I just love because I think you can mix it in with any style. The gold knot. It's a solid and simple design that can be dressed up or down.

BaubleBar, Gold Knot Ring, $22
Oh how simple and stunning is this? 

J Crew, Gold knot bracelet, $78
This bracelet is just screaming for an LBD. So chic and grown up.

Kate Spade, Sailor Knot Studs, $48
You know I had to throw in some Kate. These little studs would be perfect with jeans or a pencil skirt.

This necklace has a little bit of an edge. I think it's the chain that encompasses the simple knot.

The simple gold knot is a strong piece that shows confidence and sophistication. Wear a big statement necklace or a simple ring, it will always be a beautiful accessory.

Be fabulous today!

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Playing a Game of Horseshoes

As you may or may not know, I'm a horse lover. I rode horses for more than a decade and they will always have a special place in my heart. So when I started to see the horseshoe inching it's way into accessories and clothing, I got very excited. Horseshoes mean good luck and I think we'll have some good luck with these pieces.

Anthropologie, Mirrored Horseshoe Mini Skirt, $99
I would describe this skirt in one word: charming. It's a beautiful silk cotton blend that is perfect for work or play.

House of Harlow, Horseshoe Bangle, $48
This bangle is so ready for an arm party. Layer it up and it will fit right into your usual rotation of bracelets.

Combining the horseshoe element with another very popular trend, the tassel. I love it!

Simple. Why so spendy for such a small piece? Because its fantastic quality. It won't turn your neck green. This little necklace is timeless.

If you indulge in the horseshoe trend, which you should, you must promise me one thing. ALWAYS wear your horseshoe turned up as you've seen in the pieces above. An upside down horseshoe lets all of the luck fall out. Remember that.

Be fabulous today!

Monday, January 7, 2013

She's Known to Embellish

Hey there lovebugs, happy Monday to you. I hope you had a great weekend. It's my first full week back to work and I hope it just flies by!

Here at TCB we only look at items under $100 and sometimes even spending that much is a lot. So today I want to look at pieces that do double-duty. Like an embellished collar. So much perk on such a small part of the top. Suddenly a standard oxford is dressed up or a dress now has an added element of sweet. Let me explain...

What I love about this top is sequins usually mean dressy, this simple peter pan collar makes this blouse easier to wear for everyday!


This picture isn't the best but this sequin collar is so quiet and sexy. I'd pair this with black jeans and pumps.

Oh hey adorable! Look at this sweet dress. Wear this to a party, because when (when not if) he watches you walk away, BAM! It's an open back dress.  


You know why I love this dress? You can put a pencil skirt over it and it works as a fantastic blouse. Double duty.

Embellishment is easy to do with jewelry or other accessories, but an embellished collar is simple, easy and built in!

Be fabulous today!

Friday, January 4, 2013

Friday Foodday

We made it! First Friday in 2013! How about some recipes?

Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Ingredients
  • 13.75 oz artichoke hearts packed in water, drained
  • 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed
  • 1/4 cup chopped shallots
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/2 cup fat free Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup light mayonnaise
  • 2/3 cup Parmigiano Reggiano
  • 4 oz shredded part skim mozzarella cheese
  • salt and fresh pepper to taste
  • olive oil spray
Directions
In a small food processor, coarsely chop the artichoke hearts with the garlic and shallots.

Combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl. Place in an oven-proof dish and bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes, until hot and cheese is melted. Serve right away.

Can be made one day in advance and stored in the refrigerator before baking. Makes about 3 3/4 cups. 

Grilled Balsamic Chicken with Mozzarella and Pesto
Ingredients
2 chicken breasts
1 cup balsamic vinegar
2-4 thick slices fresh mozzarella
Pesto

Directions
1- Place the chicken and 1/2 cup of the balsamic vinegar in a large bag or bowl and marinade for 1 hour. (Do not marinade over night- the acid in the vinegar can affect the texture).
2- When ready to cook, heat a grill pan and grill the chicken until cooked through.
3- Meanwhile, pour 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar in a small sauce pot and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cook for about 15 minutes, until reduced and thickened.
4- When the chicken is cooked top with the slices of mozzarella and place it under the broiler until the cheese melts. Top with a spoonful of pesto and drizzle with the balsamic reduction.

Mexican Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
2 cups light egg nog
1 packet hot chocolate mix
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
pinch nutmeg
mini marshmallows {optional}

Directions
In a large mug, heat egg nog in microwave to be steaming hot. Stir in hot chocolate mix, cinnamon and nutmeg until dissolved. Top with marshmallows and serve.