Happy Birthday Sara

It's my sister's birthday. She's posted here before, so I feel like you know her. She is turning the big 25 today and so we're going to pick out some gifts that she would love.

Invisible Children, Mend/Clutch, $79

Sara is very passionate when it comes to helping people. This charity is no different. Invisible Children is a great organization that benefits women and children affected by the LRA conflict.

Max and Chloe, Elephant Charm Bangle Bracelet, $25

Speaking of Africa, did I mention she has a thing for elephants? I'm loving this dainty little bangle.

J Crew Factory, Mirrored Sunglasses, $19

I have come to understand that I will never be a cool as my sister. She could pull of these mirrored shades with no problem, and with this price point, she should.

Anthropologie, Mahdia Peasant Top,$88

This breezy top is perfect for work or play. I'd pair it some slim ankle pants for work.

Happy birthday Sara! I hope you have a wonderful day.

Be fabulous today!

The Classic Heel

Is it time to show off the pedicure yet? I am about ready to put the bean boots away and break out the sandals. And today I'm feeling the classic. The heeled black sandal. The warm weather version of the black stiletto. Let's take a look at what we'll be wearing (hopefully) in a few weeks.

Nasty Gal, Geneva Sandal, $47

Hello lover. Ankle strap, minimal perfection.

Sole Society, Tammy, $74

These heels remind me of a modified warm weather bootie. Maybe it's the block heel or the buckle. I like it.

Free People, Blakely Heel, $69

A great transition heel as this sandal is suede. I like the thicker ankle strap as well.

Forever 21, Leather lined Spiked Gladiator Heels, $32

You remember how gladiator sandals were all the rage last summer? Check out these. Yeah. I know.

The simple black heeled sandal is sexy and versatile. Pair it with a lbd or dress up your jeans. These options are perfect for work or play.

Be fabulous today!

Rainbow Brite

Happy Monday lovebugs,
To brighten your Monday I thought we could look at some color. Not just a neon or a Pantone favorite, I mean the whole rainbow. Let's look at some pieces with a rainbow of colors. Make it pop.

BaubleBar, Rainbow Starlite Bib, $58

Why wear one color when you can flaunt them all with this floral statement piece?

Asos, Cami in Sequin Rainbow, $32

Talk about a going out top. This little number has the perfect v-neck and a great spaghetti strap.

Jonathan Adler, Rainbow Pouch, $78

A great graphic clutch for spring. It's a little retro and a lot adorable.

Modcloth, Corked Necklace in Color Wheel, $43

How perfect is this creative and artsy necklace? I'd wear it with a simple tshirt and let the colors do the talking.

Forever 21, Pot of Coffee PJ Set, $12

Ok maybe not a colorful option but isn't it true?

The rainbow option is always a cheerful one to go to for spring. You can pair it with something easy like jeans or a simple black tshirt.

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday! Here are my favorite recipes this week. 

Cajun Red Beans and Rice

℅ Closet Cooking

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1/2 pound andouille sausage (cut into small pieces)
• 1 cup onion (diced)
• 1/2 cup celery (diced)
• 1/2 cup green pepper (diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (chopped)
• 4 cups ham broth or chicken broth or chicken stock
• 2 (19 ounce) cans red beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 ham hock
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups cooked rice
• 
  

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a large sauce pan over medium heat add the sausage and saute until lightly golden brown, about 5-7 minutes, and set aside.
2. Add the onions, celery and green pepper to the pan and cook until tender, about 7-10 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the stock, beans, ham hock, sausage, paprika, cayenne, oregano, thyme, bay leaves, salt and pepper and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer covered for at least 1 hour continuing for another hour or two if you have the time to bring out more flavour from the ham hock.
6. Remove the ham hock, pull the meat from it, cut it into bite sized pieces and add it back to the pot if desired.
7. Mash or puree about a quarter of the beans.
8. Serve over rice.

The Benchely

℅ 12 Bottle Bar

Ingredients

1.5 oz Rye Whiskey
0.75 oz Dry Vermouth
0.75 Pineapple-Sriracha Syrup

Directions

Shake with ice and strain into a coupe

Directions for pineapple-siracha syrup

1 part canned Pineapple Juice
1 part White Sugar
Sriracha Hot Sauce to taste

Dissolve sugar in pineapple juice over very low heat. Stir in Sriracha

Baked Buffalo Chicken Jalapeño Poppers
℅ Skinny Taste

Ingredients

• 10 jalapeño peppers, sliced in half lengthwise
• 4 oz 1/3 less fat cream cheese
• 3 medium scallions, green part only, chopped
• 2 oz shredded low fat sharp cheddar (I used Cabot 50%)
• 4 oz shredded chicken
• 1/4 cup Franks Hot sauce (or any buffalo wing sauce)
• 1/2 cup egg whites, beaten
• 3/4 cup panko crumbs
• 1/8 tsp paprika
• 1/8 tsp garlic powder
• 1/8 tsp chili powder
• pinch salt and pepper
• cooking spray

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a baking pan lined with parchment or foil with cooking spray. Wearing rubber gloves, cut peppers in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and membrane.

Combine cream cheese, cheddar and scallions in a medium bowl. Mix in shredded chicken and hot sauce.

Combine panko, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper in another bowl.

Fill peppers with chicken cheese filling with a small spoon or spatula.

Dip peppers in egg, then in panko mixture to coat and place on prepared baking sheet. Spray the peppers with more oil and bake until golden, about 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from oven and serve immediately. Serve hot, make 20.