Wednesday, February 13, 2013

This is Graphic

Last week we covered the heart print. I wanted to expand on that today and talk about another great graphic print: the bow. we all know I'm a sucker for a big 'ol bow but what about the actual print of a bow? A little less girly, a little more laid back.

I think of this as a girly nautical look. Knots and stripes.

For a more understated bow, try this great top from Gap. The eversoft collection is just what the name promises.

Feeling brave? Try these amazing cords. 

Dorothy Perkins, Peplum Wrap Top, $29
This top will hide any problem area you can think of. The peplum and the wrap is just the perfect way to hide the tummy and accentuate the smallest part of your waist.

So instead of opting for an actual bow, try out a graphic bow today. 

Be fabulous today!

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Pack a Punch

Happy Tuesday everyone, I don't know about you but I need a serious kick to get this week going. I need something more than coffee, more than a frigid lunch stroll, I need yellow. That's right, sunny, warm, knock your socks off yellow. And I want to carry it.

This is what we call a cool classic. A perfect ladies who lunch type of bag.

Dillard's, Gianni Bini Diane Tote, $99
This glossy little number is perfect for work. I'm picturing it with a navy or black pencil.

Steve Madden, Bdagmar, $59
Why anyone would name a bag this, I do not know, but I do know I'm LOVING those tassels.

This bag to me has a briefcase feel to it. I would tie a navy or orange silk scarf to it, very Elle Woods.

So often when we buy a bigger bag we buy navy, black, or brown. Why not pick a color that goes with everything but packs a little more punch?

Be fabulous today!

Monday, February 11, 2013

Silk Road

Hey there lovebugs,
As spring tries to inch it's way into our lives, we can start to put away the wool and start to test out the silk. Today, I'm talking about scarves. I just love a silk scarf for workwear because it adds something much more than a necklace ever could. Let's take a look at some not full-blown-spring but rather appropriate in between silk scarves.

C Wonder, Diagonal Stripe Scarf, $68
The versatility of this pattern really makes the price worth it. You can use this around you neck, tied to your purse, in your hair or popping out of a blazer breast pocket.

A beautiful pop of chevron for right now is just perfect in any color. This comes in pink, blue, orange and black.

Banana Republic, Lana Dot Scarf, $49
How about this for a neutral? So chic.

Fossil, Cindy Signature Scarf, $39
How about the vintage quality and pattern of this scarf, it would go beautifully with so many colors.

I love a great silk scarf for work because it's a fabulous way to dress up a plain oxford or a tired cable knit.

Be fabulous today!

Friday, February 8, 2013

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday! Here are my favorite recipes this week!

Light Buttermilk Biscuits
Ingredients
1 cup all purpose flour
1.5 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
1/2 cup lowfat buttermilk
Cooking spray

Directions
1- Preheat the oven to 450.
2- Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Stir well.
3- Using a pastry cutter, or two knives, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles course crumbs. (I also used my hands to really work the butter in.)
4- Knead the dough 4-5 times.
5- Using a large spoon, drop the biscuit dough onto cookie sheets covered with cooking spray (or a silpat). Bake for 10 minutes or until golden.

Three Cheese Chicken and Artichoke Bake
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts, cubed or sliced
salt & pepper
6 oz cream cheese
1/4 cup mayonnaise or sour cream
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese + more for topping
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese + more for topping
1 1/3 cups drained and chopped marinated artichoke hearts
1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped {optional}
salt and pepper, to taste
chopped cilantro, as garnish {optional}

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray 4 heavy duty squares of foil with nonstick cooking spray. Divide chicken between the foil squares. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Divide into 4 and spoon over chicken. Top with remaining cheese if desired. Close packets to seal and bake 30 minutes until chicken is cooked thoroughly.
Serve hot over rice, quinoa or anything else you like.

Skinny Taco Dip
Ingredients
  • 8 oz 1/3 less fat Philadelphia cream cheese
  • 8 oz reduced fat sour cream
  • 16 oz jar mild salsa
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 2 cups iceberg lettuce, shredded
  • 2 large tomatoes, diced
  • 1 cup reduced fat shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2.25 oz black olives
Directions
In a large bowl combine cream cheese, sour cream, salsa and taco seasoning andmix well with an electric mixer. Spread on the bottom of a large shallow glass dish.Top with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese and black olives. Serve with baked tortilla chips.