Monday, August 19, 2013

Laced Up and Ready to Go

Hey there lovebugs,
Let's get a little sassy on this Monday. Something a bit edgy, a bit daring, a bit awesome. Let's look at some lace up heeled sandals. They're eye catching and sexy, and they're perfect for transitioning to cooler nights.

I would pair these with bf jeans, a sleeveless blouse and a killer pedicure.

A great sale price for these patent leather spikes.


Mia2, Elaine Sandal, $26
I really like the cut out pattern on these sandals, and the style reminds me of a modified mary jane.

Express, Heeled Ghillie Sandal, $98
One review described these as "comfortable". I know. I think it's the padded sole and 1/2 platform.

These lace up heels are perfect for the end of summer nights. Pick a color, pick a style, stand up straight and get your strut on.

Be fabulous today!

Friday, August 16, 2013

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend! Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Jalapeño Popper Breakfast Scramble
c/o Cassie Craves
Ingredients
1 pound bacon, chopped
2 jalapeños, finely diced
2 tablespoons canola oil
4 cups shredded frozen hash brown potatoes
8 eggs
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 

Directions
1. Cook bacon to desired crispness in a large skillet. Remove to a paper towel to drain. Add jalapeños and cook until just softened, then place the jalapeños in a large bowl.


2. Heat the canola oil in another large skillet. Add hash browns in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and let them get crispy. After they're crispy, flip them over to let the other side brown.

3. Add the eggs, cream cheese, and a sprinkling of salt and pepper to the reserved jalapenos and scramble. The cream cheese will still be in chunks in the eggs, but that's fine.

4. Pour the scrambled egg mixture over the hashbrowns, add reserved bacon, and mix it all together until the eggs are cooked. Sprinkle the cheese over the top and cover to let it melt. Serve.

Roasted Red Pepper & Goat Cheese Alfredo
Ingredients
2 whole red bell peppers
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup fat free half & half
4 oz. garlic & herb goat cheese
2/3 cup grated parigiano reggiano cheese
1/2 cup artichoke hearts (optional)
1/2 lb. linguine, cooked to al dente
salt & pepper, to taste

Directions
Preheat oven to 500 degrees. Place red peppers on baking sheet and bake 20-30 minutes until peppers are charred. Remove from oven and cover with foil 10 minutes.
In the mean time, saute onions and garlic in olive oil 7 minutes or until tender. Pour in half & half, goat cheese, salt & pepper. Stir to melt goat cheese into sauce and keep warm over low heat.
Uncover peppers, peel off skin and remove stem and seeds. Chop into large pieces and place into sauce along with parmesan cheese. Stir to melt cheese and remove from heat. Pour sauce into food processor and puree, or use an immersion blender. Place back into hot pan and toss with cooked pasta. Taste and adjust seasonings. Top with more parmesan cheese, pepper, salt and parsley, if desired.

Zucchini Asiago Tomato Scones
Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup cold buttermilk
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 cup white whole wheat flour (recommend: King Arthur)
  • 1 cup all purpose flour (recommend: King Arthur)
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 3/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup chilled whipped butter (must be cold), cut into small pieces
  • 1 cup shredded zucchini, squeezed of all moisture
  • 2.5 oz Asiago cheese, shredded
  • 2.75 oz (just under 2/3 cup) sun dried tomatoes, minced
  • 1-1/2 tbsp rosemary, chopped
  • cooking spray
  • 1 large egg white, beaten
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Combine the buttermilk and egg in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk. Spray baking sheet with cooking spray.

Combine the flours with the baking powder and salt, in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk.

Squeeze all the excess moisture from the zucchini with a paper towel, you should wind up with 1 cup after it's all squeezed. In a bowl combine the zucchini, sun dried tomatoes, cheese and rosemary.

Cut in the chilled butter with a pastry blender, or you could use 2 knives, until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Gently fold in the cheese, zucchini, sun dried tomatoes and rosemary. Add milk mixture, stirring just until moist, without overworking the dough.

Place dough onto a floured surface and knead lightly four times with floured hands. Form dough into an 10-inch circle onto the baking sheet, about 3/4" thick, you may need to sprinkle a little more flour on top if it's too sticky. Using a knife, cut dough into 12 wedges all the way through. 

Brush egg white over dough. Bake until golden, about 20 - 22 minutes, depending on your oven. Serve warm.


Thursday, August 15, 2013

Final Bleaching

Just like yesterday when we looked at sale sandals, now is also the time to capitalize on some white pieces. Today let's scoop up some white dresses!

A modified Marylin if you will. Sexy and cute, especially with some drop earrings.

Modcloth, Bakery Beauty Dress, $63
Half off right now and 100% cotton. It's the perfect summer day dress.

Just a lovely scallop detail on this sassy little sundress.

Ok, forgive me, it's not ALL white, but it's just too sweet to pass up. A mod drop waist style and the pink underlay is the perfect combination for this mini.

White dresses are a staple for warm weather, so why not enjoy them a bit longer and grab some that are on sale right now!?

Be fabulous today!

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Last Call

It's mid-August, which means it's the last few weeks of summer. I know, major bummer, but it also means time for some amazing deals. And today it's sandals.

Piperlime, Gomax Calantha 01, $29
Boom. Sexy, sleek, and an eye turner.

I love this glam yet bad ass sandal. It's great with shorts, a dress or jeans.

Anthropologie, Sailor Wedges, $49
Originally $178, now under $50. These are SO adorable. Also in a red stripe.

Nine West, Cove, $29
A little space agey, no? For me, summertime is about a tshirt and shorts, this adds a bit of interest.

Go find the sales! They're everywhere. Get the sandals while you can. Find something you will love wearing right now and again when you pull them out in 9 months.

Be fabulous today!