All In: Birthday Night Out

You guys, it's the first Monday of the month which means we're going all in for under $100. Also fun fact: it's my birthday on Thursday so today's post is a birthday outfit under $100.

Dress/Necklace/Heels/Clutch

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs but more importantly, Happy Birthday Mom! Here are some recipes my mom would love.

Baked Sriracha Potato Chips
℅ Oh My Veggies

Ingredients

• cooking spray 
• 1 tbsp. peanut oil
• 1 tsp. sriracha
• 1 large Russet potato, washed and cut into 1/8-inch slices (use a mandoline slicer if you have one)
• salt to taste

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Coat 2 baking sheets with cooking spray or oil.
2. Line potato slices on baking sheets. Whisk together peanut oil and sriracha in a small bowl. It takes a while to fully incorporate the sriracha into the oil--be persistent!
3. Brush potato slices with sriracha oil mixture and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 10-20 minutes--baking time depends on oven temperature and thickness of slices. It's really important that after 10 minutes, you check on these every minute or so because they go from perfectly done to burnt really quickly! They'll be done when the edges begin to brown--some parts may still be a little bit soft, but that's to be expected with baked potato chips. Serve right away--homemade potato chips don't store well.

Buffalo Chocolate Sponge Candy

℅ Wilde in the Kitchen

Ingredients

¼ tsp gelatin
1 tsp water
1 ½ cups sugar
½ cups light corn syrup
½ cup water
1 tbsp baking soda (sifted)

Directions

Butter a 9x9 pan then dust with flour. Tap out excess flour.  (or line with parchment paper!)

In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over 1 tsp water and allow to bloom.

In a medium stock pot with high sides, mix sugar, corn syrup and 1/2 cup water together. Heat over medium heat and stir until sugar dissolves and mixture comes to a boil. Wash down any sugar crystals from the sides with a wet pastry brush. Clip on candy thermometer and heat to 310° F.  Do not stir after you have clipped the thermometer on, the sugar will self stir.

Remove from heat and let sit for two minutes, bubbling should subside. Add gelatin and whisk, be careful, the sugar syrup will bubble up. Sprinkle baking soda over syrup and whisk vigorously. Return mixture to the heat and whisk for 30 seconds. The sugar will rise up in the pot, a lot!

Quickly pour into prepared pan, it should come out in a big blob. Do not spread the mixture, just let it settle into the pan. Allow to cool completely (about 2 hours or overnight) before removing from the pan.

Either break into odd pieces or cut into squares (this is a messy process!). To cut into squares - using a serrated knife, score the candy at 1-inch intervals. Snap the candy apart at the score lines. Then score and break into squares.

Melt chocolate melts in a double boiler (or bowl sitting above a pot of boiling water). Dip sponge candies in chocolate, tap off excess. Chill in the fridge to set the chocolate shell. Enjoy!

Southern Comfort Manhattan
℅ All Recipes

Ingredients
1.5 oz Southern Comfort
1.5 oz sweet vermouth
2 dashes aromatic bitters
1 maraschino cherry

Directions

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the Southern Comfort, vermouth and aromatic bitters. Shake for about 15 seconds then strain into a highball glass with or without ice. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Resolutely Resin

A bit of a science lesson today. What is resin? Well, I'm so glad you asked. Resin is a hydrocarbon secretion of many plants that can often harden into a transparent yet glossy solid. Today, we're shopping for some resin bracelets. A solid and sometimes chunky bangle that makes a statement or can be layered with other bracelets.

BaubleBar, Habsburg Bangle, $38

A pinky hue with some antique bling are the perfect combination to add with your standard suit for work.

Simply Soles, Fornash Maui Tortoise Shell Bangle, $25

Downright tropical, am I right? This turquoise and tortoise is not only a tongue twister but also perfect with a more delicate chain bracelet.

Anthropologie, Seven Pearls Bangle, $38

I don't know about you but I'm loving this BaubleBar Anthro collaboration, including this stunner.

Macy's, ABS Gold Tone Flakes Clear Bangle Set, $40

How beautifully natural are these bangles? A great set for a casual or dressy occasion. 

The resin bangle is a great and easy option to add on to your arm party or wear on its own. try a bold color or an option that has a great stone. There's a bangle for every style.

Be fabulous today!

A Bouquet for Me?

Yesterday we looked at some spring skirts. Today, let's continue the trend and hope for warmer weather. Let's look at some watercolor inspired florals that are perfect for right now. They're graphic and colorful and they are just what we need on this hump day.

Lord and Taylor, Dual Print Cardigan, $55

I'd pair this sweet print with leather pants, because I'm wild like that. And check out the back of this cardigan, didn't see that coming did you?

New York & Company, Floral Soft Pant, $59

I love this mix of black and blue here and the pops of white just freshen it up.

JCPenny, Bisou Bisou Convertible Pencil Skirt, $30

How about a big graphic print? I love the bright colors and midi length of this pencil.

Lands End, Fit 2 Floral Chino Crop Pants, $65

Guys if you need me, I'll be over at Landsend.com because this floral is just perfect. 

Florals aren't just for the middle of spring and summer, try them now with your closed toe shoes and a cardigan. Bright colors will make spring come faster, promise.

Be fabulous today!