Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs!

Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Blackberry Whiskey Sour

c/o Fogged in Lounge

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz Irish whiskey
• 3/4 oz blackberry brandy
• 1/2 oz lemon juice

Directions

Shake with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Orange twist.

Ritz Krispie Treats

c/o Lauren's Latest

Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter
4 cups mini marshmallows
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed

Directions

Melt butter in a large pot over medium low heat. Stir in marshmallows and melt completely. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and crushed crackers. Pour into greased 9x9 glass dish. Cool 15 minutes or so before cutting into bars.

20 Minute Ham and Cheese Tarts

c/o Country Cleaver

Ingredients

2 Sheets Puff Pastry, thawed

1/2 cup Flour, for dusting

1 Egg

2 Tbsp Water

2 cups Shredded Cheese

1/2 pound Black Forest Ham Deli Meat, thinly sliced

2 Tomatos, thinly sliced (optional)

1/2 cup Wilted Spinach (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking sheet.

On a lightly floured surface roll out thawed puff pastry into a 12x9" rectangle. Cut in half lengthwise, yielding 2 4-½" strips. Cut those two strips crosswise into thirds, to yield six 4x4 ½" pieces. Repeat with second puff pastry sheet.

With a knife, score ½" border around the edge of each piece of puff pastry. Use a fork to make five or six pricks into the dough within the border of each piece. This will help keep the middle of each piece from rising.

Sprinkle shredded cheese in the middle of each tart. Sprinkle ham over the top of the cheese. If using tomato and spinach, add those on prior to topping with ham.

In a small dish or cup, whisk together the egg and water. Using a pastry brush - brush the edges of the puff pastry with the mixture. This will help the edges turn golden brown and crispy.

Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown, on the middle rack and rotate the baking sheet half way through baking. Remove from baking sheet and cool on a wire rack. Serve warm or room temperature.

Flat Out Adorable

To some people summer means flip flops, to others it means white dresses, and to some it's all about the espadrilles. Today we're looking at some fantastic flat espadrille options that are colorful and great for summer.

Bluefly, Bon Marche Espadrilles Mandarine, $48

I mean hello? Abstract stripes in a killer combo. And under $50.

J Crew, Canvas Espadrilles, $50  now $29.99 with code HISUMMER

Yes, you read that correctly. J Crew shoes for $50. And in a highlighter poppy color. Gorgeous.

Nordstrom, House of Harlow Kat Espadrille, $72

Leave it to Nicole Richey to take the espadrille to a whole new level. Studding, embroidery, metallic. Amazing.

Free People, Canyon Espadrille, $78

What if you just want a go to, neutral? These suede beauties will do just the trick.

I love a flat espadrille for summer because they're casual and comfortable and I can wear them knowing 9 out of my 10 toes have chipped polish.

Be fabulous today!

Wrapped Up

Skirts can be a snooze. You've got the pencil, the mini, the midi, the full, and well, that's about it for the standards. Let's add a new option into the mix. The wrap skirt. It has great draping, almost architectural and it comes in a slew of colors and price points.

Dillard's, Ashley Striped Asymmetrical Skirt, $79

A mix of nautical and mod. This great striped option also has a sassy exposed zipper in the back.

Asos, Wrap Skirt in Bonded Crepe, $42

I think this is my favorite of the options today. It's just stunning. The red is deep and saturated and the wrap accentuates a long leg.

Nordstrom, Topshop Pleat Side Wrap Skirt, $76

If you don't love this skirt, I think you hate fun. Look at this candy coated adorableness!

Forever 21, Woven Wrap Skirt, $17

Boom. Work appropriate, mint hue, under $20,  just so perfect.

Wrap skirts are a fun way to mix in a little shape to your wardrobe. Pick a color, pattern and price point that you feel comfortable with and have some fun with these options.

Be fabulous today!

The Anti-Cardigan

Summertime is a not a time for cardigans. It's just too warm. Put those away and pull out your new best friend. The kimono. It's light, it's colorful and it's the perfect accessory to your summer wardrobe.

Nordstrom, BP Sheer Kimono Sleeve Cardigan, $38

For under $40 this is an easy one to try this season. Leave it open for a casual look or add on a skinny belt to define the waist.

Asos, Kimono with Pocket Detail, $57

This punch of color is so juicy. I love the notched lapel and open front design. So chic.

Zappos, Gabriella Rocha Rainbow Giraffe Kimono, $59

How about this instead of a gingham oxford on a warm summer day? It's fun, it's breezy and it's a great addition to any outfit.

Macy's, Derek Heart Animal Print Kimono, $12

Still not on board with this trend? Would you try it for $12? I bet you would. How cute is this short sleeve black option?

Try out the kimono trend this summer, find a color combination that makes you feel confident. If you still aren't sure hit Macys or Target and find one for under $20. It's worth the try.

 Be fabulous today!