Put a Pin in It

Jewelry always expresses your personality. It's your opportunity to show off your bling, your understated locket, or your antique bracelet. But it's a pin or brooch that I think really tell a story. A pin is a special type of accessory that really stands out and pulls an outfit together without taking over.

Nordstrom, Cara Beaded Pin, $18

What really attracted me to this pin was the color combination. Perfect for fall with touches of olive, blue and oxblood. Oh and the price.

Ann Taylor, Large Flower Pin, $45

This is a versatile one in my opinion. I'd use this with a ponytail, on a denim jacket, on an LBD, or tied around a belt. Major impact but goes with everything.

Modcloth, Chic Silhouette Pin in Flair, $17

This California-based designer uses recycled books to create her pieces. Talk about a conversation piece.

Macy's, Betsey Johnson Brooch Set, $35

Oh hello adorable! Wear these cuties together or separately, either way, very Zooey Deschanel.

A brooch is a great way to add a memorable piece to your outfit. Have fun with it.

Be fabulous today!

Walk the Panel

We all know leather is huge this season. Leather shoulder details, leather jackets, even leather pants. Don't worry we'll get there with the last one. Today I thought we would start slowly and look at some leather panel pants. Let's get our feet wet ladies.

Shopbob, Black Denim Paneled Skinny Jeans, $89

 I like this option because the jean has a bit more structure than your standard legging.

Lord and Taylor, J Cooper Ponte Riding Pant with Faux Leather Panels, $54

These are adorable! The equestrian flair is so sexy in leather!

Wyatt, Black Stretch Faux Leather Side Panel Leggings, $59

Originally $109 these leggings are easy to dress up with a silk button down and some bling.

Bloomingdale's, Aqua Pants Moto Cross Faux Leather Combo, $68

And a blue option, because why not?

Leather panel pants are a great way to ease into the full on leather pant trend. Pair these bottoms with a blazer for work or a denim jacket for girls night out.

Be fabulous today!

Quite Quilted

It's my favorite time of year. Fall. It's tights, light coats, and corduroys weather. One of my go to coats this time of year is the quilted jacket. You don't have to be super preppy to pull this off, it comes in a variety of styles. Of course the ultimate is this one. The Burberry Hertiage Jacket. I'm not sure if you have $600 lying around, but I don't so here are some other great options.

Dorothy Perkins, Petite Navy Quilted Jacket, $69

A nice zipper and a faux-sheep skin collar make this jacket stand out from the crowd.

Jessica Simpson, Double breasted quilted puffer, $74

How about this emerald green? Also comes in burgundy.

Old Navy, Quilted Barn Jacket, $59

I like the diamond pattern quilt on this coat. Also available in white and navy.

Lands End, Quilted insulator jacket, $89

I saved my favorite for last. This beautiful orange lightweight jacket is also water resistant and has PolarThin technology.

Quilted doesn't have to mean monograms and pearls, find a color and a style that best represents you!

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday! Here are my favorite recipes for the week.

Northern Spy
c/o Serious Eats

Ingredients
Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of a cocktail glass, then dip the rim in a saucer of cinnamon sugar; shake off excess and chill. Pour ingredients into a cocktail shaker, fill with ice and shake well for 10 seconds and strain into prepared glasses

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Directions

• 2 ounces applejack
• 1 ounce fresh apple cider
• 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
• 1/4-1/2 ounce apricot brandy, to taste
• Optional: Top the drink with a splash of champagne.

Stuffed Pepper Soup

c/o Skinny Taste

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked brown rice
• 1 lb 95% lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1 cup finely diced onion
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) cans petite diced tomatoes
• 1 3/4 cups tomato sauce
• 2 cups reduced sodium, fat-free chicken broth
• 1/2 tsp dried marjoram
• salt and fresh pepper to taste

Directions

In a large pot or dutch oven, brown ground meat on high heat and season with salt.Drain fat if any, reduce heat to medium-low, then add peppers, onions and garlic.Cook about 5 minutes on low heat.

Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, marjoram and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and simmer on low heat for 30 minutes. Serve about 1 1/3 cups of soup in each bowl and top with 1/2 cup cooked brown rice.

Makes about 9 1/2 cups.

Easy Snickerdoodles

c/o Stephanie Cooks

Ingredients

1 package yellow cake mix
2 large eggs
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3 tbsp sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

Directions

1- Preheat the oven to 350.
2- In a large bowl combine the cake mix, eggs, and oil. Stir until well combined.
3- Mix together the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
4- Using the cookie batter, roll 1 tbsp balls of dough. Then roll the balls in the cinnamon sugar mix.
5- Place on lined cookie sheets and bake for 8-9 minutes.