Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Something Old, Something Gold

It's wedding season. And today's post is for my friend Kelly but I am hoping others may benefit. Kelly is a bridesmaid this summer and has tasked me with (I say tasked but really I wanted the challenge) finding gold heeled strappy sandals that are going to keep her blister-free all day. Oh and under $100 obviously.

Two words ladies: padded footbed.

A sweet bow detail in a pretty t-strap style.

Nordstrom, Nine West Beaulah Sandal, $88
If you're looking for something with a little more support, try a thicker strap like this option.

Here is a more shimmery option versus metallic, also a great manageable heel height.

Bridesmaid-ville can be a tough place to be but don't rely on the David's Bridal or other wedding boutiques. Try your normal stores and see what you can find in your budget. And if you want to spend a little more, JCrew has some lovely options as well. 

 Be fabulous today!

Monday, May 5, 2014

All In: May Flowers

Hey there lovebugs,
Happy Monday to you. It's also the first Monday of the month which means it's all in day. And fittingly today's theme is May flowers. A casual but beautiful outfit perfect to encourage spring. I love this chambray shirt dress but I think I love these mini block heels more. Talk about versatile.




Be fabulous today!

Friday, May 2, 2014

Friday Foodday

Happy first Friday in May! Here are my favorite recipes this week!

The Bonne Bonne
c/o Five O'Clock Cocktails
Ingredients
1 1/4 ounces vodka
3/4 ounce white creme de cacao
2 ounces cranberry juice cocktail
2 dashes chocolate bitters
Directions
Combine all four ingredients into an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds and strain into a chilled cocktail or martini glass.

Spinach Artichoke Dip Pasta
Ingredients
1 pound penne pasta
14 ounce can artichoke hearts, diced
10 ounces ricotta cheese
10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
4 ounces cream cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (not the powdery kind)
1/4 cup sour cream
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 1/2 cups cooked, diced chicken
1/2 cup grated mozzarella
1/2 cup grated cheddar

Directions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta for one minute less than the package states for al dente pasta. Drain and return to the pan.
While the pasta is boiling, combine the artichoke hearts, ricotta, spinach, cream cheese, Parmesan, sour cream, egg, and Italian seasoning.
Add the cheese mixture and chicken to the cooked pasta and toss to coat. Pour into a 9x13 baking dish and top with the grated mozzarella and cheddar.
Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

World's Best Coffee Cake
Ingredients
Coffee Cake Crumble:
1/3 cup Brown Sugar
1/3 cup Sugar
1/3 cup Flour
1/4 cup Butter
1 Tbsp Cinnamon
1 cup Pecans, chopped
Coffee Cake:
3 cups Flour
1 Tbsp Baking Powder
1 tsp Baking Soda
1 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
16 ounces container Sour Cream
1 cup Brown Sugar
1 cup Sugar
3 Eggs
1/2 cup Butter, melted and cooled
Directions
Coffee Cake Crumble:
In a large bowl combine all the ingredients. Using your fingers mash the ingredients together until the butter is nearly completely incorporated and the sugars look like wet sand. Set aside.
Coffee Cake:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside. In another large bowl, whisk together the sour cream, brown and white sugar, eggs and melted and cooled butter. Using a spatula, fold the flour mixture into the sour cream mixture until the mixture is nearly combined. There should be a couple of small streaks of flour left - that way you know you haven't over mixed it.
Pour into two lightly greased or sprayed 9 inch cake pans. Spread out the cake out and smooth the tops. Sprinkle the pecan crumble over the top of each cake. Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick placed in the center comes out nearly clean, with a couple of crumbs on it. Place on a wire rack to cool. Serve just warm.

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Sew Beautiful

It's spring but it's not quite 'omg why is it so hot' weather yet. Which means we can enjoy some layering and some more detailed blouses like crochet tops. I just love the details and the love put into these pieces.

Shoptiques, Dahlia Crochet Blouse, $39
Look at this floral open weave! Oh I love this top so much. 

Modcloth, Pastry Artist Top, $47
Picture this with a crisp pair of white linen shorts or try it underneath your suit. Yes, a suit. 

This is what I mean by spring. Something with long sleeves that can be layered with shorts or bf jeans.

Express, Metallic Crochet Tank, $49
Simply beautiful. Understated yet thoughtful. 

Crochet or an open weave is a great way to transition into spring. You can wear it as a standalone piece or layer it with a blazer or a maxi skirt. 

Be fabulous today!