Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs!
My best friend is here to visit for the weekend and I can't wait! I hope you have a wonderful weekend as well.

Iced Green Tea Mojito
c/o Skinny Taste

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 4 large spearmint leaves, plus more for garnish
• 4 baby arugula leaves
• 2 tsp sugar 
• 1/2 cup brewed green tea, chilled
• 1 oz white rum

Directions

Muddle the lime juice, mint, arugula, and sugar together in a tall Collins glass until the leaves bruise lightly and the flavors release. Add ice until glass is about 3/4 full and then pour in rum and green tea. Stir well and garnish with mint and lime.

Cauliflower Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

c/o Laaloosh

Ingredients

1 medium head of cauliflower, chopped into florets

1 tbsp light butter

1 tbsp half and half

2 tsp garlic powder

1 cup reduced fat mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/2 cup pizza sauce

2oz pepperoni

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray an 8 x 8 baking dish with non-fat cooking spray.

Using a vegetable steamer, or the microwave, steam cauliflower until tender. Transfer hot cauliflower to blender or food processor and add in butter, half and half, 1 tsp garlic powder, ¼ cup mozzarella cheese, 1/ 2 of the pepperoni slices, and salt & pepper. Puree until smooth.

Pour cauliflower puree into baking dish. Use a spatula to even out the surface. Top with the pizza sauce, and use a spoon or spatula to spread it evenly over the cauliflower, making sure not to mix it into the cauliflower. Top with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni and remaining tsp of garlic powder.

Bake for about 20 minutes.

Let cool for about 10 minutes. Cut into 4 equally sized pieces and serve.

Vanilla Pudding Chocolate Chip Cookies

c/o Stephanie Cooks

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
3.4 oz. package vanilla instant pudding mix
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup milk chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat and set aside.
2. Using a mixer, beat together butter and sugars until creamy. Add in pudding mix, eggs, and vanilla extract. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
3. Drop cookie dough by rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until slight golden and set. Remove cookies from oven and let cool on baking sheet for two minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack and cool completely. Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

Chi-don't you know?

One of my favorite styles of pant is the chino. It's clean and simple, easy to care for and you can wear it with anything. Let's look at some good standards to add to your wardrobe.

Lands End Canvas, True Slim Chino, $59

You really can't beat the price with such a vibrant color. 

Loft, Girlfriend Chino, $59

A gf chino? It's got the relaxed leg but more fitted through the hip. 

J Crew, Waverly Chino, $79

A good standard from J Crew, they do the chino very well.

Gap, Broken in straight khakis, $49

These come in a rainbow of colors but I'm loving the oxblood.

Machine washable, plenty of colors, and plenty of styles. The chino is a great investment piece that won't break the bank.

Be fabulous today!

Maximum Sleeves

We all know and love maxis, they're comfy, versatile and they've been a huge trend this summer. So how do we fall-ify them? Simple, just change the material to something a little heavier and add some sleeves. Let your accessories do the rest.

Piperlime, Pim + Larkin Rugby Stripe Sweater Maxi, $79

A peek a boo leg slit is the perfect surprise to this simple sweater dress.

Old Navy, Belted Jersey Maxi, $25

The dolman sleeves dress up this otherwise simple dress. There is so much you can do to accessorize: jewelry, denim jacket, switch out the belt, the list goes on.

Bon Ton, Calvin Klein Variegated Stripe Maxi, $68

This scoop neck is a great contrast to the horizontal stripes. I'm liking the braided belt as well.

Nordstrom, Ruched Maxi Dress, $88

A beautiful emerald color makes this dress look like a tall drink of water.

Maxis aren't going anywhere with the weather changing, change up the layers and the accessories and you keep the look.

Be fabulous today!

Round Em Up

The lariat style is a bit of a throw back. It's an interesting necklace style that makes you stand out rather than just a long strand necklace. You can find them with jewels, bling, or just plain metal. So let's get a little retro and take a look at these lassos.

Shopbob, Gorjana Cross Lariat Necklace, $70

I started with this necklace because it is so delicate and simple. Clean lines and nothing too busy.

Boticca, Weather the Storm Necklace, $74

This necklace is adorable, a storm cloud and lightning bolt. Come on.

Zappos, My Flat in London Miss Socialite, $44

A great key emblem with Swarovski crystal accents make this dressy but not blingy.

Max and Chloe, Bee Charming Outer Space Zipper Lariat, $30

I saved my favorite for last. An astronaut, alien, and flying saucer. LOVE THIS.

The lariat style came from the cowboys, it's a style of lasso. Now it's a great way to mix up your standard strand.

Be fabulous today!