Monday, January 28, 2013

Perfect Poppy

Hey there lovebugs,
Happy Monday to you. This week I thought we would do something a bit different. A week of colors. Sometimes we do trends, textures, fits, but this week we'll focus on one color in particular each day. And what colors you ask? Well let's pick some great ones from Pantone Spring 2013.



Today's color? Poppy red.  Oh, and it's all under $50. I know, you're welcome.

Colored denim isn't going anywhere, so why not jump on board with these fabulous skinnies?

American Eagle, Open Knit Shimmer Sweater, $39
How cozy yet sexy is this sweater. It's just perfect for layering, try a cami or even an oxford.

You can't get much more poppy-er than this colorful and whimsical phone case.

Modcloth, Poppy On By Skirt, $39
I truly love the feminine qualities of an accordion skirt and this pretty red one is just perfect for the office or a picnic.

Poppy red is such a beautiful and girly color for spring. It's quite versatile because it's not fire engine red or merlot, it's got an airy quality to it.

Be fabulous today!

Friday, January 25, 2013

Friday Foodday

We made it! Happy Friday lovebugs! Here are my favorite recipes for the week.

Brandy Old Fashioned
c/o Jeffery Morgenthaler
Ingredients
1 sugar cube or 1 tsp 2:1 simple syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
1 orange wedge
1 cherry, preferably Amarena or Maraska
2 oz brandy or Cognac


Directions
In a chilled old fashioned glass, muddle the sugar, bitters, orange wedge and cherry into a thick paste, careful not to work the orange peel. Add brandy or Cognac, stir, and fill glass with crushed ice and serve.





Skinny Queso Dip
c/o Skinny Taste
Ingredients

  • 1 cup skim milk
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp canola oil
  • 1 cup minced onion
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 poblano pepper, diced
  • 1-2 jalapeƱos, seeded and diced
  • 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 10 oz can Rotel tomatoes with chiles, diced and drained
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • juice of 1 lime
  • salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ancho chili powder
  • 1 3/4 cups shredded reduced fat sharp Cheddar, Sargento
Directions
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of the milk with 3 tbsp of cornstarch to create a slurry; set aside.

Heat a large saucepan on medium heat; when hot add oil. Add the onions, garlic, poblano, and jalapeno and cook until soft, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, to taste.

Add the chicken broth and the rest of the milk. Bring to a boil and cook for about 3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Add the slurry (cornstarch mixture) to the pan and stir; simmer a minute until it bubbles and thickens, then reduce heat to low.

Add the drained tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.Remove from heat and add the cheese; stir until it melts completely. Serve immediately.

Biscoff Donuts
Ingredients
1  cup all purpose flour 
1/2  cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
7 tablespoons milk
5 tablespoons creamy Biscoff spread
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon melted butter

Directions
1- Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Mix together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a bowl. Add milk, egg, biscoff spread, vanilla and melted butter. Whisk to combine.
2- Transfer dough to a ziplock bag. Snip off a corner of the bag and pipe dough evenly into a 6-cup doughnut pan.
3-Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until dough is set (it won’t be golden brown, but should be springy.) Remove from the pan and cool completely.
4- Top with your favorite frosting or glaze, then decorate with M&Ms or sprinkles.

Thursday, January 24, 2013

About to Blossom

Happy almost Friday lovebugs,
Today I wanted to look at a great fit for dresses and skirts that flatters many women: the tulip. Picture an upside down tulip before it blossoms, a little wider at the top and it gets tighter towards the stem. Same thing goes for the clothing, a gathered effect at the waist with a slimmer hemline at the bottom.

Oh look at this beauty. I love the poppy color because its not as intense as your standard red.

This picture doesn't do this color justice. This stunning cobalt in silk is perfect for an evening out.

Modcloth, Tulip to Tango, $35
This skit has the most beautiful pleating that will lay perfectly on any shape.

Anthropologie, Embroidered Tulip Dress, $89
Did I save the best for last? Maybe. The detail on these shoulders makes this LBD stand out in a crowd.

The tulip skirt style is a great option for something bit dressier and perhaps more forgiving.

Be fabulous today!

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Tote-ally Colorful

Hey lovebugs,
I think one of the easiest grab and go bags is the tote. It's a throw everything in and then some bag. So if this is our go to, then why shouldn't it be bright? Colorful totes that make us smile.

Ooooo girl, when I said bright, I meant bright. Neon! Loving this bag!

This tote comes in all kinds of colors, but I love the magenta the most. It would be easy to clean with the nylon exterior.

Gap got this one right, the leather is so soft, perfect for a grab and go bag.

American Apparel, L'Epicier Leather Bag, $98
100% leather, 100% American made. Boo ya.

Totes don't always have to be black or brown in order to go with everything. Mix it up with an unexpected pop of color!

Be fabulous today!