Friday, July 12, 2013

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs!
Here are my favorite recipes this week!

Sparkling Sweet Tea Cocktail
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups sugar
7 1/2 cups warm water, divided
4 black tea bags
1 cup George Dickel Tennessee Whiskey
1 (12-ounce) can club soda or seltzer water, chilled
1 orange, sliced into wheels
1 lemon sliced into wheels

Directions
In a small saucepan heat the sugar and 1 1/2 cups of water just until the sugar completely dissolves. Set aside to cool.
In a large pitcher, combine the tea bags and the remaining 6 cups of water and steep until the tea is as strong as you like it: five minutes for a weaker tea and up to twenty minutes for a stronger brew.  Remove and discard used tea bags.
Add the cooled simple syrup and whiskey, and stir. Top with the cold club soda, and stir in the orange and lemon wheels. Fill the remainder of the pitcher with ice.
Serve in tall glasses filled with ice. Enjoy!

CPK Original BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad
Ingredients
4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
3 large fresh basil leaves, chopped
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup rinsed and drained black beans
1/4 cup drained sweet corn
1/4 cup grated monterey jack or mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup peeled and diced jicama
1/4-1/2 cup prepared ranch dressing
1 large tomato, diced
1 ripe avocado, sliced
1 leftover grilled chicken breast, chilled and diced
1/4-1/2 cup prepared bbq sauce
Directions
In a large bowl, combine lettuce with basil, cilantro, black beans, corn, cheese and jicama. Toss with ranch dressing {as much as you'd like} and divide between two serving bowls. Place diced tomatoes around the edges of each bowl, top with avocado slices and diced grilled chicken. Drizzle bbq sauce over top the whole thing and serve.
*If you did not grill your chicken with BBQ sauce, dice your cooled chicken breast, toss in a little bbq sauce, place on salad and drizzle with more sauce.

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble
Ingredients
Topping:
  • 1 1/3 cup flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 6 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
Filling:
  • 1 1/2 cups rhubarb, chopped into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 quart strawberries, tops cut off, quartered
  • 1 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • Pinch of salt
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Make topping: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and sugar. Add the melted butter. Mix with your hands until clumps form. Refrigerate until needed.
2. Make filling: In a medium bow, combine rhubarb, strawberries, lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch and a pinch of salt. Pour into the bottom of a 9″ pie plate.
3. Remove topping from refrigerator and cover fruit with topping. Place pie plate on a baking sheet and bake 40-50 min – until topping is golden brown and fruit is bubbling beneath.

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Double Duty

I like a good deal. As you may know, this blog only features items under $100. Today we're looking at items that reversible belts that are under $50, or, if you want, $25 per side.

Nordstrom, Tarnish Reversible Belt, $32
Look how happy this waist is. The other side is solid red. This belt also comes in black, turquoise, and gray.

Ralph Lauren, Croc & Patent Belt, $42
Simple and chic. White patent on one side and navy croc on the other.

Neon! And a standard brown on the other side. This belt also comes in neon pink.

Club Monaco, Casey Belt, $45
A great embossed snakeskin on one side and a simple bone color on the other.

Why not make your accessories work for you? Under $50 and exceeding your expectations.

Be fabulous today!

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!