Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Oh Sweetie, I See Right Through You

The weather has been a bit wonky lately. One day you can't feel your face and the next its all 50 degrees like its no big deal. What's a girl to do? Especially when going out, do you do the chunky sweater? Too sweaty. How about a nice blouse? Boring. A nice compromise is the sweetheart mesh top. Stay with me. All of the intrigue of a date night approved outfit with the coverage that is necessary for January.

Charlotte Russe, Mesh Necklace Peplum Top, $21
OK so please remove the necklace, it's ugly. But I had to post it because of the price. And a great peplum can be worn as is or add a skinny belt.

A little lace is just lovely and I like that it continues all the way down the blouse.


When you wear this bombshell of a top, try not to make the face this model is making. It's not a good face. Just smile because you know you look incredible.

Modcloth, The Answer is Sheer Top, $34
And a short sleeve option. I love the pin dot pattern here as well.

What do all of these tops have in common? A sweetheart neckline. This very small detail adds just the right amount of femininity to an otherwise sassy top. 

Be fabulous today!

Monday, January 13, 2014

What a Stud

Happy Monday lovebugs,
I hope you had a fabulous weekend. It seemed to fly by but let's just churn it out this week and get to the next one.

Today we're looking at some stud earrings. Something so small but the right one can make quite the impact. Oversized or a stand out color, make a statement.

Sole Society, Oversized Oval Crystal Stud, $39
These vintage inspired beauties are handmade so no two are alike. Unique and stunning.

Is this a lot to spend on an earring? Yes. But this is an earring that is a classic. It is the LBD of stud earrings. Never going out of style.

BaubleBar, Coral Facet Frame Studs, $28
Now this is how you do color. Bold, ladylike, and rectangular. Rectangular! Game changer.

Anthropologie, Proviso Posts, $28
These remind me of something I would find in my grandmother's jewelry box. They're stately and something to admire. 

Studs are an often overlooked accessory. A simple pearl earring is just fine and a great option, but why not something bigger, something bolder. And someday, someday far from now we will own these.

Be fabulous today!

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!