Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Big Bird

A trend that I am really trying to get behind is feathers. At first I was all, yeah I prefer not to look like something on Sesame Street, and then I was like eh, these are kind of sassy. Maybe its been seeing all of the holiday bling and edgy dresses that makes me feel like maybe I could work this trend. Here are some of my picks.

See? We could totally pull this off. It reminds me of a flapper-style in the best possible way.

I love the details of this dress. The sweetheart neckline, the lace hemline and of course the feather waist.

Nine West, West Otay Sandal, $79
Don't these remind you of Carrie Bradshaw? Oh I just love these, they are fun without someone wondering if something has nested on your foot.

A fun mini that is perfect for a night out with some killer heels. The shaggy texture is so different that the beige option above.

So truth time, I have yet to purchase a feather item but I really think I can get behind this trend. It's delicate and feminine while having a bit of a wild side.

Be fabulous today!

Monday, January 6, 2014

Bossman

Hello lovebugs,
It's Monday and that means we are owning our 9-5s with a fresh start. It is also frigid in most of the country today and so I thought we would combine profesh and warmth. Enter tweed. The texture is beautiful and the fit comes in every shape and size.

Sole Society, Adelisa, $59
See how the pattern extends down the heel? Oh I just love this. You're going to own that meeting, girl.

Ann Taylor, Faux Leather Tweed Skirt, $89
This skirt is so versatile because you can tuck in a nice silk blouse and create a stunning hourglass shape, or pair it with a longer sweater and belt it to move the waistline up on the torso.

I've been stalking this jacket for this blog for forever. The second it went on sale for under $100, I had to share it with you. Tahari knows jackets. The fit, the balance of tweed and leather trim, it just all works.

And just to prove that tweed is not a stuffy, old man fabric, try this lace tweed dress that has hints of silver throughout.

A good tweed will never go out of style. Think of Chanel tweed. So classic. Try it in black and white, or look for a maroon, green, navy, or even a metallic!

Friday, January 3, 2014

Friday Foodday

Happy first Friday in 2014! Here are my favorite recipes for the week.

French Dip Cupcakes
Emily Bites
Ingredients
12 oz deli roast beef, thinly sliced and chopped into pieces
4 Laughing Cow Light Swiss wedges, chopped
1/3 c Au Jus gravy (canned is fine)
16 wonton wrappers 
4 oz  reduced fat 2% shredded mozzarella cheese


Directions
1.    Pre-heat the oven to 375. Lightly mist 8 cups in a muffin tin with cooking spray and set aside.
2.    In a microwavable bowl, combine the roast beef, cheese wedges and Au Jus sauce. Microwave for 2 minutes on high. Stir to combine until cheese wedges are melted and roast beef mixture is fully coated with cheese and Au Jus sauce.
3.    Push a wonton wrapper into the bottom of each of the eight sprayed cups in the muffin tin. Spoon about half of the roast beef mixture evenly amongst the wonton wrappers. Sprinkle about half the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of each cup. Press another wonton wrapper on top and repeat the layering steps with the remaining ingredients.
4.    Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown. Let cool 5 minutes before removing from muffin tin. 


Hershey's Kisses Skillet Cookie
Buns in My Oven
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon cornstarch
3/4 teaspooon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup Hershey's Kisses (mixed variety is great here!)
ice cream and hot fudge, for serving, if desired


Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In an 8 inch 8-inch Cast Iron Skillet
Heat the butter over low heat until melted. Remove from the heat and stir in the sugar with a wooden spoon. Let sit for 10 minutes to cool.
Add the egg and vanilla to the skillet and stir to combine.
Add the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt to the skillet and gently stir with a wooden spoon. Your skillet will be a bit full, so stir gently to avoid spilling. Once the ingredients are combined well, stir in the Hershey's Kisses.
Bake for 12 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Top with ice cream and hot fudge, if desired.


Orange Old Fashioned
The Kitchn
Ingredients
1 sugar cube, or 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
3 dashes of orange bitters
Splash of club soda
Large peel of orange zest
2 ounces rye


Directions
In an old-fashioned, or short, glass place the sugar cube (or 1/2 teaspoon of sugar). Add the bitters and a splash of soda.
Use a muddler or a spoon to crush up the sugar until it is dissolved. I like to add the orange peel here too. Squeeze it to express the oils, run it around the rim of the glass and muddle it right in with the bitters and sugar. This gets the most fresh orange flavor into the cocktail.
Add ice and rye. Stir and enjoy.

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Color Me Orchid

Hello 2014. Radiant orchid looks good on you. Now let's see how good it will look on us.

Modcloth, Wishful Walking Flat, $42
How adorably lucky are these ballet flats? Perfect for the new year.

When you put the word 'supersoft' in the title of the garment, I'm immediately intrigued. This one is a keeper.

Simple and incredibly versatile for work or play.

And something a little sassy. Check out the details on this number: peplum, sheer, and a sweetheart neckline.

How do you feel about this year's color? Radiant orchid is going to look great on anyone. Pair it with a gray, navy, or even red!

Be fabulous today!