Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Corn Avocado and Tomato Salad

c/o Dough See Dough

Ingredients

11 ears corn, cooked and kernels cut off
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
2 avocados, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 cup red onion, diced
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 lime, zested
2 limes, juiced
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Combine the corn, tomatoes, avocado, and onion in a large glass bowl.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over vegetables and toss gently to combine.

Shells with Sausage and Broccoli Pesto

c/o Laloosh

Ingredients

8oz whole wheat pasta shells

6 oz chicken sausage, casing removed, diced

1 tbsp olive oil

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup parsley leaves

1/2 cup water

3 cups basil leaves

3 cups broccoli florets (1 ½ cups steamed)

5 garlic cloves

2 medium zucchini, diced

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

Directions

Prepare pasta according to package directions, reserving ½ cup of the cooking water. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.

Pulse together the 1 ½ cups steamed broccoli, parsley, basil, garlic, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a food processor until finely chopped. With the machine running, add the oil and 1/2 cup water, process until smooth.

Spray a medium sized non-stick skillet with non-fat cooking spray and set over medium high heat. Add in sausage and remaining 1 ½ cups un-steamed broccoli, and zucchini and cook until sausage is well browned and broccoli and zucchini are crisp/tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the pesto, sausage, and ¼ cup of the reserved cooking water to the pasta and toss to coat (adding more cooking water as needed to loosen the sauce). Season with additional salt and pepper as desired.

Mini Maple Pancake Muffins

c/o Stephanie Cooks

Ingredients

1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
2/3 cup buttermilk
1 egg
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugar in a medium bowl. Sift together with a wire whisk.

In another bowl, stir buttermilk, egg, maple syrup and melted butter until just combined.

Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir with a spoon until combined.

Stir in chocolate chips. Reserve a few chips to sprinkle on the tops.

Bake for 8-9 minutes.

Reader Request: Red Blazer

Today's post is brought to you by a great question from one of our readers. What do you wear with a red blazer. I'm going to give you a couple of options, one print, one pastel, and one saturated.

First let's pick a blazer.

Nordstrom, Carlson Roll Sleeve Knit Blazer, $59

Do yourself a favor and click this link. This blazer comes in 12 colors and prints, and it's under 60 bucks.

White House Black Market, Fitted Gingham Bodice, $88

Here's the printed option. And really any black and white print would pop with a red blazer. I like this one because of the piping.

Old Navy, Lace Crochet Lace Trim Tee, $15

I actually just bought this top myself last weekend and I can't wait to wear it. This is your bright/pastel option. 

Nordstrom, Suzi Chin for Maggy Boutique Ruched Faux Wrap Dress, $98

Fun fact, I also own this dress and I love it. It's got a deeper plum color than this picture shows, which makes it a perfect base for a bold red blazer.

In my opinion, as long as you avoid looking like the Fourth of July or Christmas, you can pair your red blazer with just about anything!

Be fabulous today!

Getting Your Feathers Ruffled

Happy humpday lovebugs, I hope your week is going well. And if it's not, you know what will cheer you up? Ruffles. Ruffles always cheer me up. They're so much fun I guarantee wherever you shop, you will be able to find some ruffles.

Bloomingdale's Vince Camuto Peplum Waist Pencil Skirt, $89

I'm not quite over peplum just yet. I think it's still having a moment, and it's fantastic pieces like these that make me believe its here to stay.

Asos, Sleeveless Blouse with Ruffle Front, $41

I really love this top because it can stand on it's own or it will be a great layering piece with a suit.

Kohl's, Apt 9 Peep Tow Dress Heels, $24

Shoes can get in on the ruffle trend too! These are perfect for the 1,297,092 weddings you'll be attending this year.

Kohl's, LC Lauren Conrad Ruffle Chiffon Dress, $36

And speaking of the bajillion weddings you have to go to this year, how about this number from LC?

A ruffle is an easy way to add some interest to an outfit. It's clean and simple and you can still add bolder accessories with the outfit.

Be fabulous today!

Tea Time

It's just about sandal season and I'm thinking it's time to step up those sandals and add some color to my closet. Let's look at some two-tone t-straps.

JC Penny, 9 & Co Strata T Strap Thong Sandal, $28

The teeny wedge on this sandal just makes them a little dressier than your standard thong sandal. Also comes in a turquoise and tan.

Nordstrom, Dolce Vita Archer in White Snake, $68

A little pop of orange is really what this snakeskin print needed. Perfect for jeans.

Bloomingdales, Boutique 9 Colorblock T Strap Piraya, $79

OK technically this shoe has three colors not two, but I couldn't resist.

Dillard's, Sam Edelman Gigi T Strap Sandal, $65

Simple with just a pop of neon. Also comes in hot pink.

A t strap sandal is a great variation to your standard flip flop or casual flat. Try to mix in some colors when shopping this season.

Be fabulous today!