Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Blue's Clues

We all know that radiant orchid is the color of 2014, but I'm not quite over this beautiful blue. I'm talking about cobalt. It's so rich and eye catching and I can't get enough of it. It pairs beautifully with yellows, plums, and even black.

This strong blouse commands attention. The black lines are cut perfectly, and yet, the shirt is a sheer lightweight material making the top feel airy and feminine.

This statement earring is all you need to complete the perfect lbd look or maybe throw on some jeans and loose blouse with these beauties.

Banana Republic, Lightweight Wool Pencil Skirt, $89
Ok, here's something I will spend on. This is a well constructed pencil skirt in a material that is four seasons. It's fully lined, double vented, and a beautiful alternative to navy.

Ankle pant cords are perfect for this time of year and into early spring. Throw on heels show some ankle and get going.

Cobalt is that perfect shade of blue for all four seasons. You can find it on bags, shoes, clothes, jewelry you name it. Why is it so popular? Because this vibrant color looks great on everyone.

Be fabulous today!

Monday, February 10, 2014

Meet MJ

Hey there lovebugs,
We're getting super sweet today. Mary jane sweet. Mary jane shoes are as simple as a strap over the top of the foot but as chic as Katy Perry. Today we're looking at mart jane flats. They're walkable, adorable, and overall fabulous.

Nordstrom, Haezel, $59
Oh hi there leopard cap toe perfection. Get. In. My. Closet.

Urban Outfitters, Cooperative Patent Mary Jane, $19
Ruby red patent. Perfect with patterned tights like these

Sole Society, Emmy, $59
Navy multistrap goodness. This is how chic meets comfort.

These beauties are a modified Mary Jane and I'm loving them. 

Mary janes are a classic style that can be worn all four seasons. Wear them with dresses, bf jeans, skirts, skinny jeans and more. The go to easy flat that looks simply lovely.

Be fabulous today!

Friday, February 7, 2014

Friday Foodday

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


Graham Cracker Chocolate Chip Cookies
Buns in My Oven
Ingredients
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, room temperature
1 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 egg
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
3/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips


Directions
In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until creamy.
Beat in the vanilla and egg until well combined.
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture until just combined.
Stir in the chocolate chips.
Using a medium cookie scoop, drop balls of dough onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 7 minutes. Cookies will look slightly underdone, but should set up nicely as they cool.


Baked Pasta with Sausage and Spinach
Skinny Taste
Ingredients
  • olive oil spray
  • 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano
  • 8 oz fat-free ricotta
  • 8 oz part-skim mozzarella, shredded
  • 14 oz uncooked sweet Italian chicken sausage, removed from casing
  • 12 oz high-fiber or low carb rigatoni pasta
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves smashed garlic, roughly chopped
  • 10 oz package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed of excess liquid
  • salt and fresh pepper to taste
  • 4 cups marinara sauce
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°. Spray a 9- x13-inch baking dish with olive oil spray. 

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, 6 tablespoons of the Pecorino Romano cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese.

Meanwhile, in a large deep skillet, brown the sausage breaking up into small bits until cooked through; set aside. Add the oil to the skillet and sauté garlic about a minute, careful not to burn. Add spinach and season with a little salt and pepper and cook another minute. Return the sausage to the skillet and add the marinara sauce; cookon low about 2-3 minutes.

When the pasta water comes to a boil, cook pasta according to instructions for al dente, but undercook them by 4 minutes less; drain and return to pot.

Put half of the cooked pasta into the prepared baking dish and top with half of the meat sauce. Spoon the ricotta mixture on top of the sauce in an even layer. Coverwith the remaining pasta and the remaining sauce. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Pecorino Romano cheese.

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 6-7 minutes or until the mozzarella is melted and the edges are lightly browned.

Southwest Pepper Turkey Egg Cups
Ingredients
8 oz. deli pepper turkey, cubed
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup diced onion
3 large eggs
5 large egg whites
salt & pepper, to taste

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 12 muffin tins with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
In a medium nonstick skillet, spray with a little nonstick cooking spray and sauté peppers and onions until browned and tender, 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
In large bowl, whisk eggs and egg whites together with salt and pepper. Stir in turkey and cooked veggies. Using 1/4 cup measure, pour into prepared muffin tins.
Bake 12-15 minutes or until egg is cooked completely. Cool 5 minutes then remove all egg cups from warm pan.
Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave for 30 seconds.

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Belt Beauty

Another great way to spruce up your sweater collection is to add on a fancy belt. Not your standard leather number I mean something pretty. Take a look at these pieces.

Anthropologie, Jeweled Scalloped Belt, $58
Detailed is an understatement here. This Anthro collaboration with Deepa Gurnani is very special. Deepa started as a beading designer for Alexander McQueen.

Add this to a cardigan or a LBD. Understated yet dressy.

Neiman Marcus, Three Row Beaded Belt, $19
These longer metallic beads add a little hipster Aztec to this belt. Yes, hipster Aztec is totally a thing.


On super sale right now, this belt is perfect for all four seasons. Throw this on a simple cotton dress in the summer and now with an open cardigan.

Belts as jewelry can add a special something to your outfit. I know its that time of year when we get a little tired of the sweater drawer. Spice it up with these belts!

Be fabulous today!