Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Show Me Personality

Let's talk comfort. Now that the weather is (fingers crossed) getting just a little bit warmer every day, we don't have to break out the wool and the cashmere. In fact, we can have some fun while still being warm. Sweatshirts were a big trend this winter and they will continue to be this spring, but instead of bejeweled and quilted, let's get graphic and fun. These picks are casual cool and perfect for spring.

A great soft terry makes this top great for the weekend. Add on some statement earrings.

Charlotte Russe, Graphic Sweatshirt, $19
Bound to get some smiles in this sweatshirt. 

A great fitted sweatshirt that is a little preppy and a lot comfy.

Express, Graphic Sweatshirt, $39
This sweatshirt was made for me. I'd dress it up by layering it with a gingham button down underneath. Maybe even some pearls.

Graphic sweatshirts are a fun way to express your personality. These tops don't break the bank but they do make you crack a smile.

Be fabulous today!


Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Wood You Mind?

Sometimes in life you need something solid to count on. This world is always changing and stress seems to pile up. What we need is something solid to rely on, something like wood. That's right. We're looking at wood today. No splinters, don't worry.

How unique is this bag? It's modern and just stunning with the gold accents.

Neiman Marcus, Kendra Scott Elle Earring, $65
These come off rustic but paired with a dress, you just made wood ladylike.

Anthropologie, Woodgrain Case, $38
There are plenty of wooden iPhone cases out there. I really like this 'wood' case because it's artistic with a chic twist.

Pink Mascara, Nature's Heart Necklace, $52
Wood doesn't alway have to be heavy. Look at this delicate and sweet charm. Perfect for the weekend.

Wood accessories are bold and unexpected. From necklaces to bags this material crosses all styles.

Be fabulous today!

Monday, March 24, 2014

Spend Some Give Some

Hi lovebugs, I hope you had a nice weekend. Today we are taking a look at some great pieces of fashion that give back. Shop for a cause if you will. There a ton of retailers out there doing good work. Today we're going to congratulate just a few of them.

Angela Roi's vegan leather bags come in a variety of colors, each one supports a different cause. Orange is for fighting kidney disease.

Tom's, Correa Sandal, $59
We all know and love Tom's story, and when I read Jonathan Adler teamed up with them and added his colorful patterns to these comfy sandals, I had to have em. 

This adorable (and personalize-able) tote benefits the David Sheldrick Trust that helps save endangered African elephants.

Stella and Dot, Hope Necklace, $69
100% of the proceeds from the this necklace goes to support women's cancer research.

So let's try to spread a little love when we spend. What are your favorite ways to shop for a cause?

Be fabulous today!

Friday, March 21, 2014

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs, here are some of my favorite recipes this week.

Tortellini Chili
c/o Closet Cooking
Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1+ tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 6 cups beef broth or chicken broth
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 8 ounces fresh cheese tortellini
  • salt, pepper and cayenne to taste

Directions
  1. Heat the oil in a pan over medium-high heat, add the onions and saute until tender, about 3-5 minutes.
  2. Add the garlic, chili powder, paprika and cumin and cook until fragrant, about a minute.
  3. Add the beef and brown, about 6-8 minutes, before draining any grease.
  4. Add the broth, beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano and tortellini and bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer until the tortellini is tender, about 10 minutes.

Crispy Black Bean Tacos with Feta and Slaw
Ingredients
1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 teaspoon cumin
salt and pepper
1 1/2 cups broccoli slaw mix
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 scallions, thinly sliced
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
vegetable or canola oil
8 white or yellow corn tortillas
crumbled feta cheese
Bottled hot sauce for serving

Directions
Place the beans, cumin, and salt and pepper to taste in a bowl and partially mash.

In another bowl, toss the broccoli slaw mix with olive oil, lime juice, scallions and cilantro. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and set aside.

Heat about 3 teaspoons of the vegetable or canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add as many tortillas as you can fit in a single layer. Move the tortillas around in the pan so they're all evenly coated with oil on both sides. After one side is golden brown, flip the tortillas over and spoon some of the bean mixture onto one half of each tortilla. Cook for about 1 minute. Fold the tacos in half and cook until golden brown and crispy, 1-2 minutes per side.

Remove the tacos to a paper towel-lined plate and drain off any excess oil. Open the tortilla and stuff with some of the slaw and crumbled feta. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas, adding more oil to the pan, as needed. Top with hot sauce, if desired, before serving.

Hamentashen
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup oil
2 eggs
1 teaspoon baking powder
3 tbsp orange juice
Raspberry and apricot jam


Directions
1- Preheat the oven to 350.
2- In a bowl combine all ingredients except the jam. Mix well until a dough is formed.
3- Roll dough out onto the counter. Using a drink class cut into circles.
4- Place a small spoonful of jam in the center of each circle. Pinch the sides together and bring the bottom up, forming a triangle around the jam.