Friday, January 24, 2014

Friday Foodday

It's Friday everybody! Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Chicken Pad Thai Nachos
Closet Cooking
Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon tamarind concentrate or 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 3 tablespoons fish sauce or soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons palm sugar or brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon chili sauce or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter (optional)
  • 2 cups chicken, cooked and shredded
  • 1 (14 ounce) bag tortilla chips
  • 1 cup cheddar, shredded
  • 1 cup monterey jack, shredded
  • 2 cups bean sprouts
  • 2 carrots, shredded
  • 4 green onions, sliced
  • 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Directions
  1. Simmer the tamarind, fish sauce, sugar, chili sauce and peanut butter over medium heat until the peanut butter melts into the sauce, about 2-3 minutes, before mixing in the chicken.
  2. Spread the nachos out on a baking dish, sprinkle on the chicken and sauce mixture, bean sprouts, carrots and green onions followed by the cheese and broil until the cheese has melted, about 2-4 minutes, before topping with peanuts and fresh cilantro.

Black Velvet
Ingredients
1/2 glass Stout
1/2 glass Champagne

Directions
Fill 1/2 a collins glass with a stout and gently top with champagne.











Cinnamon Roll Pretzels
Ingredients
4 heaping cups of pretzels
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup vanilla candy melt or white chocolate

Directions
Preheat oven to 350. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
In a large bowl, toss pretzels with melted butter. Stir sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl before tossing with buttered pretzels. Spread in an even layer on prepared baking sheet and bake 12 minutes. Remove from oven and cool 10 minutes.
In a small bowl, melt vanilla candy melts until smooth. Pour into a squeeze bottle and drizzle over pretzels. {Or drizzle with a spoon.}
After about 5 minutes, the candy melt should harden and you can serve!

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Sweating Dots

Ok lovebugs, we're getting really specific today. We're taking my favorite print - the polka dot - and the most popular cozy item this season - the sweatshirt. Girly, flirty, comfy, and adorable. Let's have some fun!

Gap, Dot Sweatshirt, $26
This slight scoop neck sweatshirt is perfect for layering and the hi low hem is casual and unexpected.

Look closely, that's pink on pink ladies. That's right. Game changer. Add on a bauble and you've got one heck of an outfit- oh don't forget pants though. 

Delia's, Zip Dots Sweatshirt, $29
Remember Delia's? Well they are still adorable. Check out this cropped sweatshirt with a great exposed zipper detail.

A comfy cotton blend that you can wear with jeans or maybe black cigarette pants. Or feeling brave? Try it with this merlot pencil skirt and a skinny belt.

I am loving the sweatshirt trend and I think with the right accessories you can dress it up for 9-5. And let's be honest, who doesn't love a sassy polka dot?

Be fabulous today!

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Bauble Bath

Define this word: bauble. We say it all of the time when referring to jewelry but what does it really mean? Well, here's what I found.
bau·ble
ˈbôbəl/
noun: a small, showy trinket or decoration
Let's run with this, let's look at some bauble necklaces that will add a small show to your outfit.

Modcloth, Working Shine to Five, $19
A bauble doesn't have to be neon. Instead this muted piece is a great mix of bling and beads.

Max & Chloe, Blu Bijoux Gold Yellow Black and Pink Flora, $34
This necklace reminds me of a beautiful bee or ladybug. I love the design.

Baublebar, Crystal Zodiac Necklace, $38
These candy coated looking baubles are perfect to spice up a suit. The antique gold chain is a great compliment.

Loft, Fireball Bauble Necklace, $44
This necklace is great because you can change the length based on your neckline. Loop it around the outside collar of an oxford or pull it tighter to lay right on your collarbone.

How do you define bauble? Please share because I always love new vocabulary. Whether its with bling, color, or metal, a statement piece necklace should always be in your closet.

Be fabulous today!

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

These Boots are Made for Buying

It's still cold outside. And to me, the easiest thing to throw on in the cold is a pair of flat boots. They can pull any outfit together and if you get through the first round of blisters, you'll have them for years to come. Now the difficulty is finding them under $100. And while I find nothing wrong with investing in something you'll have for a long time, it's nice to know there are also some affordable options out there. 

Victoria's Secret, Quilted Riding Boot, $79
Gorgeous, supple suede that is a great combination with these colors.

Nordstrom, Dolce Vita Bend Boot, $89
The hardware on this boot is great because it doesn't steal the show. Nothing is trying too hard about this boot but you its one you want in your closet.

Ralph Lauren, Oiled Suede OTK Boot, $64 (with code FROST20)
This boot was originally $298. Seriously, there are only a few left, and if you are a size 5.5, 6, 9, or 10, get these so we can enjoy looking at you in them. 

Sole Society, Jess, $47
Hello perfection. Simple, understated, classic. Under 50 bucks. You're welcome.

A good boot is my go to in this chilly weather. What's yours?

Be fabulous today!