Downright Dotty

Let's talk dots. I have a strong love of dots and today we're going to combine my love with an easy to wear trend: black and white.

Asos, John Zack Playsuit in Polka Dot, $64

My dear friend Lacey sported this last week and since then it's been sitting in my cart. I may need it.

Ralph Lauren, Polka Dot Wide Leg Pant, $64

How about these breezy pants with a neon peplum sleeveless blouse? Love.

Macy's, Tahari ASL Sleeveless Polka Dot Tie Front Blouse, $56

Oh Tahari, you get me. A sassy contrasting tie front top that is perfect for work or play.

Nordstrom, Vince Camuto Polka Dot Midi Tube Skirt, $59

Just a touch below the knee makes this skirt retro while still being sexy.

Who doesn't love a great polka dot? No one. Now pair it with any color under the sun, that's the beauty of the black and white trend.

Be fabulous today!

Happy Memorial Day

From Norman.

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!