Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Pouch Perfect

How about a throw everything in bag? How about a classy but easy leather pouch? How about a monogram, or a metallic, or just a simple pastel?


Let's start with the monogram. J Crew does it so well and this lemon clutch is no exception.

Rib & Hull, Violet XL Oversized Pouch, $85
Extra large, extra impact.

Originally $95, this pretty pastel is perfect for day or night.

Last Call Neiman Marcus, BCBGMAXAZRIA Carina Leather Foldover, $59
This lime green is so much fun with a great manicure. 

A simple carryall is great for summer nights. Throw it all in and then some. Even a pair of flats. 

Be fabulous today!

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Craft Project

When I think of raffia, I think of a horrible craft project and a glue gun. Just no. What I will NOW think of are these beautiful raffia flats.

I'm having a hard time explaining why I love these shoes so much. They go with everything. I mean everything. They're rounded toe, which I love, and they have a sturdy sole which is necessary for the city.

Dorothy Perkins, Black and Cream Woven Pumps, $44
Raffia can sometimes be casual, the jewels on the toe really dress this flat up a bit.

Speaking of dressing up raffia, hello sophistication.

Sebago, Camella Peep Toe, $69
A little pedicure show off? Oh here you go. Enjoy!

Raffia is a beautiful, summer-inspired texture that is perfect for footwear. 

Be fabulous today!

Monday, July 8, 2013

Chevr-on Your Side

Hey there lovebugs,
Happy Monday to you. I hope you had a wonderful weekend. It was a hot one here in DC and I was scouring my closet for a breezy dress that I could throw on and go. A simple solid color dress works but sometimes its easier to throw on a pattern and not have to worry about accessories. I'm loving chevron lately, more specifically, colorful chevron.

Dillard's, GB Chevron Dress, $54
Hello rainbow. I just love this dress. It's not neon, it's not pastel, it just pops.

This open back detail is quite the understatement but it's a great detail.

Necessary Clothing, So Necessary Dress, $34
How cute is this date night mini dress? And under $40!

Modcloth, Spring to Life Dress, $49
A floral chevron is so relaxed and bohemian chic.

Chevron is a great pattern for any body type, you can accessorize it as little or as much as you'd like.

Be fabulous today!

Friday, July 5, 2013

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs!
Here are some great recipes for this holiday weekend!

Fourth of July Cocktail
c/o Food Network
Ingredients
1 ounce watermelon schnapps
1 big splash cranberry juice
1 very thin slice jalapeno or serrano pepper
1 slice lemon
1 slice lime
1 1/2 ounces tequila
1/4 ounce blue curacao
1/2 ounce simple syrup


Directions

Mix the schnapps and cranberry juice in a shaker; pour into an ice-filled glass.

Muddle the jalapeno pepper, lemon and lime slices, tequila, blue curacao and simple syrup (to make a batch, dissolve sugar in equal parts hot water and chill) in the shaker. Slowly strain into the glass over the red layer. Garnish with watermelon, if desired.


Roaster Poblano Bacon Mac and Cheese Hot Dogs

c/o Country Cleaver
Ingredients
2 Poblano Peppers, roasted (directions follow)
4 slices Bacon, cooked and diced
4 Hot Dog Buns, toasted
4 Beef Hot Dogs
2 cups Orechiette Pasta
1/2 cup Milk
2 Tbsp Butter
2 Tbsp Flour
1/2 cup White Cheddar, shredded
1/2 cup Colby Jack, shredded


Directions

Roast Pepper:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place pepper into oven on a cookie sheet and roast until the skin bubbles and begins to turn dark brown or black. Remove from oven and place into a zip and seal plastic bag and seal. Allow to steam for 20 minutes. When cool enough to handle, peel skin from the pepper and deseed. Dice and reserve for mac and cheese.
Mac and Cheese:
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain. In pot that pasta was cooked in, add in butter, and melt over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux. Whisk the mixture until it starts to bubble and thicken, turning a slight golden brown. Slowly whisk in milk until combined then the cheeses. Whisk until all cheese has melted. Pour in drained pasta and stir to coat evenly in cheese sauce. Add bacon and diced roasted pepper.
Cook beef franks on grill until heated through. Toast hot dog buns until golden brown. Top bun with grilled hot dog and top with roasted pepper bacon mac and cheese. Devour immediately.


Red White and Blue Fruit Skewers with Cheesecake Yogurt Dip
c/o Skinny Taste
Ingredients
For the cheesecake dipping sauce:
  • 4 oz 1/3 less fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup fat free Greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/4 cup raw sugar

For the skewers:
  • 14 oz angel foods cake, cut about 1-inch cubes
  • 72-84 medium strawberries (about 3.5 lbs) stems removed
  • 1 pint blueberries
  • 24 to 28 skewers

Directions
In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese with yogurt, vanilla and sugar. Mix well until sugar dissolves; set aside.

Thread 3 strawberries and 2 cubes of cake onto each skewer, alternating between strawberries and cake. Finish each skewers with 3 blueberries. Place finished skewers on a platter and refrigerate until ready to eat.