Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Dressed Up to Sweat

Hey there lovebugs! Today's post is all about surviving the heat of summer and still looking fab for work. There is a very simple solution to this, and it's called the work dress. Let me illustrate.

J Crew Factory, Cora Lace Dress, $58
Sunny and chipper this dress is easy to add pearls or some colorful bling!

Modcloth, Croquet By Me Dress, $92
This one will get a lot more wear than just to work. I'd wear this to brunch with the girls or throw a denim jacket over it for evening.

Oh I'm sorry, you thought this was J Crew? Nope. These beautiful pleats and stripes are from Target!

Love, love love. When I think shirt dress I don't always think work appropriate. This one is absolutely 9-5 ready.

Whether you walk to work or have the extreme luxury of AC, you're going to need some light and easy to throw on dresses. 

Be fabulous and stay cool!

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Meet Me in the Midi

Hey there lovebugs! Happy Tuesday to you! Let's hear it for a short work week, am I right?

Today's post is on mid-length dresses. Minis, maxis, what about the midis? Let's take a peek at this ladylike trend.

Modcloth, The World is Yours Dress, $61
Can I get a "Va"? And can I get a "Voom"? Enough said.

Forever 21, Striped Midi Dress, $17
So casual and cool, perfect for a summer concert or dress it up for dinner with some bling and a belt.

I'm kind of loving this print. Perfect color pop and the pattern is so eye catching!

Macy's, Bar III Dress, $79
And how about something flowy and sweet without punching you in the face with pink or polka dots?

A midi length dress is below the knee, almost tea length. Try it for work or play!

Be fabulous today.

Friday, May 24, 2013

Friday Fooday

We made it! Happy long weekend lovebugs! Here's are some great recipes for ya.

The Sidecar
Ingredients
2 ounces Cognac Salignac
1/2 ounce triple sec
1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice (plus a little extra for stickying up the rim of your glass)
Granulated sugar, for the rim
Directions
First, prepare your glass: Dip the rim of a cocktail or martini glass into a shallow saucer of lemon juice. (Or, alternatively, run a cut lemon along the lip of the glass.) Then dip or roll your sticky’d-up rim in a second saucer of granulated sugar. Set glass aside. Combine three liquid ingredients in an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds. Strain into your glass.
Scallops with Tarragon Butter Sauce
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
1 lb sea scallops, dried well
1 teaspoon salt
Fresh cracked black pepper
1 bunch fresh spinach
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 cup chicken broth
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon

Directions
In a large non-stick frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil with 1/2 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Season scallops with 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper. Put scallops in the pan. Cook until browned, about 2 minutes. Turn and cook until browned on second side and just cooked through, about 1 to 2 minutes more. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.

Reduce heat to medium and add spinach to the pan. Turn several times to coat in pan juices. Add the lemon juice, and cook until the leaves are wilted. Divide spinach on plates and place scallops on top of spinach.

Add the chicken broth to the pan and bring to a boil; cook until reduced by about half, 1 to 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the remaining 2 1/2 tablespoons butter to form a smooth sauce. Add remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, lemon zest and tarragon. Season and adjust flavors to taste. Pour over scallops and serve.

Brown Sugar Snickerdoodle Bars
Ingredients
  • 1 cup butter
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 2/3 cups flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon

  • Directions
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13 dish with parchment paper.
  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, whisking constantly. Bring the butter to a simmer and continue whisking until the butter goes from yellow to golden brown and smells a little nutty. Pour the browned butter into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and let cool for five minutes.
  • Cream together the butter and brown sugar until well combined.
  • Beat in the eggs and vanilla.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour.
  • Slowly add the dry ingredients to the brown sugar mixture and mix until just combined.
  • Spread batter into the prepared pan.
  • In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the batter.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until set. Cool completely before cutting and serving.




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