Friday, January 10, 2014

Friday Foodday

It's Friday! Wooo! Here are my favorite recipes for the week.

Bacon Cheddar Potato Skin Poppers
My Life as a Mrs
Ingredients
28 ounce bag of mini potatoes (I opted for the mini yukons) - roughly 25 
1/2 pound thick cut bacon (about 6 slices), cut into 1 inch squares
6-8 ounces freshly grated cheddar cheese
2-3 teaspoons course salt
Chopped chives, for garnish


Directions
Place bacon squares on a paper towel-lined (microwave safe) plate. Cover with another paper towel and microwave on high for 5 1/2 minutes. Then microwave in additional 30 second increments until bacon is nice and crispy! Set aside until ready to use.

Preheat oven to 425° F. Place potatoes on a baking sheet and bake until fork tender, about 20-30 minutes depending on the size of the potatoes (start checking them at 20 minutes). Allow them to cool to touch then gently slice them in half lengthwise. Using a 1/4 teaspoon measuring spoon, scoop out a little "pocket" for your fillings.

Turn oven up to broil setting. Place halved and hulled potatoes back on the baking sheet skin side up (scooped side down). Spray with baking spray, sprinkle with coarse salt, and broil for 2-3 minutes (until beginning to golden and crisp). Remove from oven and flip the potatoes (side with the little pocket should now be facing up). Spray them with cooking spray, sprinkle again with coarse salt, and broil for an additional 2-3 minutes (should be beginning to golden).

Remove from oven and carefully add a 1/2 teaspoon or so of shredded cheese and top with a square of bacon. Place back under broiler for just another minute to allow the cheese to melt. 


Sparkling White Cosmo 
Hungry Couple
Ingredients
2 oz. Vodka
1 oz. White cranberry juice
1/2 oz. St. Germaine elderflower liqueur
1/2 oz. Lime juice
1/2 oz. Simple syrup
2 oz. Sparkling wine or champagne


Directions
Combine the vodka, cranberry juice, elderflower liqueur, lime juice and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker.  Fill with ice and shake well.  Pour into a chilled flute glass and top with the sparkling wine.  Garnish with maraschino cherries, if desired.






Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower BItes
Skinny Taste
Ingredients
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 22 oz (6 1/2 cups) cauliflower florets
  • 3/4 cup Franks Hot Sauce
  • 1 tbsp melted unsalted butter
Directions
Preheat the oven to 450°F. Lightly spray a large non-stick baking sheet with oil.

Combine the water, flour, and garlic powder in a bowl and stir until well combined.

Coat the cauliflower pieces with the flour mixture and place on the baking sheet; bake for 20 minutes.

While the cauliflower is baking, combine the hot sauce and butter in a small bowl.

Pour the hot sauce mixture over the baked cauliflower and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes.

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Stepped Up Jeans

Coated jeans have been huge this season. They are a great alternative to the usual denim, a bit dressier without trying too hard. One color that I really love in this style is the red or merlot. How often do you get a chance to wear red pants? This deep red is such an easy go to.

Banana Republic, Red Coated Skinny Ankle Jean, $69
A great 99% cotton jean that will be tight on first wear but then relax to your perfect fit.

Victoria's Secret, Siren Coated Mid-Rise Jean, $67
This darker red is a great option for a dinner date. Add some high heels so that the pant hem just skims the top of the heel.

Nordstrom, Mya Coated Skinny Jeans, $79
Oh yes. The leather like look of these pants is sexy while still being so comfortable.

I had to include a jegging option because they're just so darn comfy. I also am loving the model's shoes.

These oxblood coated jeans are a step outside of the normal blue denim norm. They're edgy, they're memorable, and they are a great alternative to your go to jean.

Be fabulous today!

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Opa's Accordion

I'm going to share a little family history today that will lead to one epic segue. I'm German so I have an Oma and Opa (gramma and grandpa). Whenever my family went to visit Oma and Opa in Buffalo we would have a delicious meal prepared by Oma and then we would retire to the living room where Opa would break out his accordion and my sister and I would dance around the room in circles. I remember this very clearly because the accordion has such a specific sound to it and that sound is created by a very unique squeezebox (yes that is the real term, look it up). So let's take a page from Opa and look at some beautiful accordion skirts.

American Apparel, Pleated Skirt, $52
I love the high waisted fit of this skirt because its a bit ballerina.

Last Call Neiman Marcus, Robbi & Nikki Faux Leather Pleated Skirt, $69
A beautiful navy with a contrasting waistband is professional while still perfect for twirling.

Modcloth, Cupcake Liner Skirt, $32
A great contrast skirt that is a great length for 9-5 with tights and some booties.

Madewell, Mini Houndstooth Skirt, $98
The patterned mini is so unusual with this type of pleat. In my opinion this skirt is basically a neutral to be paired with any other color like merlot or forest green

One of my favorite things about the accordion skirt is the movement. It's flouncy and girly but paired with the right top or motorcycle jacket you can make it edgy.

Be fabulous today!

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!