Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs,
I hope you have a wonderful long weekend. Here are my favorite Memorial Day inspired recipes.

Stars and Stripes Citrus Sipper
c/o Bourbon Blog

Ingredients
1 bottle of Brugal Extra Dry Rum

20 oz. of Fresh Grapefruit juice
20 oz. of Club Soda

10-12 lime wedges

Directions

Pour all ingredients into a pitcher, lightly stir and pour over ice. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve. Serves 12-15 people.

Jalapeño Popper Burger

c/o Taste of Home

Ingredients

• 3 jalapeno peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
• 1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 2 pounds ground turkey or beef
  
• 4 slices pepper Jack cheese
• 4 hamburger buns, split
• 4 lettuce leaves
• 1 large tomato, sliced
• 3/4 cup guacamole

Directions

• Brush jalapenos with oil. Grill, covered, over medium heat for 3-5
• minutes or until tender, turning occasionally. When cool enough to
• handle, finely chop. In a small bowl, combine the bacon, cream
• cheese and jalapeno until blended.
• In a large bowl, combine the garlic, salt, lemon-pepper, pepper and
• paprika. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into eight
• thin patties. Spoon bacon mixture onto center of four patties; top
• with remaining patties and press edges firmly to seal.
• Grill burgers, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 in. from heat for
• 6-7 minutes on each side or until a meat thermometer reads 160°
• and juices run clear. Top with pepper Jack cheese. Cover and cook
• 1-2 minutes longer or until pepper Jack cheese is melted.
• Grill buns, cut side down, over medium heat for 30-60 seconds or
• until toasted. Serve burgers on buns with lettuce, tomato and
• guacamole. Yield: 4 servings.

Strawberry Angel Food Cake Jars

c/o Iowa Girl Eats

Ingredients

1, 7″ angel food cake
6 cups sliced strawberries (about 2lbs)
1 pint heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup powdered sugar
6, 12oz wide-mouthed mason jars

Directions

1. Slice angel food cake into 2″ cubes then divide cubes in half. Divide each half into 6 portions then place 1 portion into the bottom of each mason jar. Top with 1/2 cup sliced strawberries and a dollop (2-3 Tablespoons) of homemade whipped cream then repeat with remaining ingredients.
2. For the homemade whipped cream: place the clean bowl of an electric mixer, or a large mixing bowl, into the freezer for 10 minutes. Fit the mixer with the whipping attachment then add whipping cream and vanilla to the chilled bowl. Whip the mixture on medium speed while gradually adding the powdered sugar then increase the speed to high and whip until cream can hold it’s shape, 2-3 minutes (do not over whip.) Refrigerate until ready to use.

Go Boldly

Hey there lovebugs,
Happy almost Friday to you. Last month at about this time we looked at some floral pants. Today we're going to continue the floral trend but look at some bolder prints. Some flowers that just can't be contained in you usual, expected colors, patterns, and shapes.

Dorothy Perkins, Floral Printed Mesh Dress, $79

Boom. Now we're talking floral. I love everything about this dress: the shape, the gathering at the waist, colors, oh I just love it.

C Wonder, Silk Graphic Floral Print Blouse, $99

How about these big ol flowers? Modern, graphic and so much fun.

Lord and Taylor, Tracy Reese Floral Shift Dress, $98

This floral has more of a disco vibe to it. I would pair it with some killer high espadrilles.

Modcloth, Work of Pop Art Top, $49

How about this top? There is so much fabulous going on I'm having trouble not adding it to my cart and checking the heck out at modcloth.com.

Florals aren't just for your pretty Sundays or meeting your grandmother. Try out some bolder colors, some bigger patterns, try some unexpected florals.

Be fabulous today!

Stop, Tassel Time

Yesterday I mentioned a tassel belt that could be added to a maxi dress; but really, the tassel belt can do so much more than just that. I love this option because it dresses up and gives some personality to an otherwise utility piece. 

Anthropologie, Tasseled Jetty Belt, $48

Hello preppy perfection. 

Mango, Tassel Link Belt, $39

This belt reminds me of a Chanel bag. So gold and so timeless.

Shopbop, Madewell Woven Tassel Belt, $30

A great casual option to pair with a dress, chino shorts, any pretty much anything else you can think of. 

The Limited, Tassel Accent Belt, $39

A textured faux-leather makes this budget friendly belt perfect for work. I'm thinking a black pencil skirt.

Tassels are a great detail on jewelry, bags, and shoes. Now, try it with a belt.

Be fabulous today!

Don't Max Out My Card

Hey there lovebugs,
At this point in life, the question is who doesn't own a maxi? The maxi dress is the perfect go to for the warmer months. I for one, was late on the trend but now I have a handful in my closet and couldn't be happier about it. Today let's take a look at some maxis under $50. That's right, maxi dress, mini price.

Macy's, Bar III Printed Maxi, $49

A beautiful geometric all over print that is breezy and boho.

Target, Mossimo Tiered Maxi Dress, $27

A beautiful sunny print with an empire waist and sweetheart neckline. The dress screams summer.

Old Navy, Women's Tulip Hem Maxi, $39

This maxi offers the ultimate canvas to do whatever you want with it. Add some big statement earrings or a long tassel belt, or contrast the pink with an unexpected colored sandal.

JCPenny, Stripe Tank Maxi Dress, $34

Staying on the black and white trend with this option. It has an understated elastic waist to help define the hourglass.

Maxi dresses do not need to blow your budget. Look for machine washable fabrics and colors and patterns that you can add your own flair to.

Be fabulous today!