Friday, July 18, 2014

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs,
Here are my favorite recipes for the week!

BLT Macaroni Salad
Ingredients
  • 8 oz uncooked elbows, low carb or whole grain
  • 4 slices 25% reduced fat center cut bacon
  • 2 large ripe tomatoes, beefsteak or vine ripe, diced small
  • 4 tbsp reduced fat mayonnaise 
  • salt and fresh pepper to taste
  • 2 cups baby spinach

Directions
In a large skillet cook bacon on medium-low heat until crispy on both sides.

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package directions.

Chop tomatoes and combine it along with any accumulated juice with mayonnaise and pepper in a medium bowl. Drain pasta and rinse with cold water to cool. Combine pasta with tomatoes and spinach mixing well. Toss in bacon right before serving.

15 Minute Creamy Avacado Pasta
Ingredients
  • 1 medium sized ripe Avocado, pitted
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced + lemon zest to garnish
  • 1-3 garlic cloves, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt, or to taste
  • ~1/4 cup Fresh Basil
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 servings/6 oz of your choice of pasta 
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • Directions
    1. Bring several cups of water to a boil in a medium sized pot. Add in your pasta, reduce heat to medium, and cook until Al Dente, about 8-10 minutes.
    2. Meanwhile, make the sauce by placing the garlic cloves, lemon juice, and olive oil into a food processor. Process until smooth. Now add in the pitted avocado, basil, and salt. Process until smooth and creamy.
    3. When pasta is done cooking, drain and rinse in a strainer and place pasta into a large bowl. Pour on sauce and toss until fully combined. Garnish with lemon zest and black pepper. Serve immediately. Makes 2 servings.


    Salted Fudge Brownies
    Ingredients
    1 and 1/2 sticks unsalted butter
    2 ounces unsweetened or semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
    1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
    1 cup granulated sugar
    1 cup light or dark brown sugar
    3 large eggs
    1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
    1 cup all-purpose flour
    1/2 teaspoon Maldon sea salt

    Directions
    Preheat oven to 350°F.

    Line an 8x8 inch or 9x9 inch square baking pan with tinfoil, then generously butter or grease the foil.

    In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and unsweetened chocolate. Stir occasionally until the mixture is uniform. Turn off the stove and remove the saucepan from the heat. 

    Whisk in the cocoa until it is fully incorporated. Do the same with both sugars, eggs, vanilla and flour. Be sure to add in each ingredient individually and fully mix them in before adding the next one.

    Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Evenly sprinkle the sea salt over the top of the batter. Using a spatula or knife, swirl the salt into the brownie batter. 

    Bake the brownies in the center rack of your oven for about 35 minutes, or until the edges are done but the center is still slightly gooey. If you insert a toothpick into the center, it should come up with a little bit of the brownie batter.

    Remove the brownies and set on a wire rack to cool for at least 1 hour. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and set in the refrigerator to cool for an additional hour.

    After the brownies have been chilled, cut them into 16 squares and serve at room temperature.

    The brownies can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.

    Thursday, July 17, 2014

    Follow Your Arrow

    Ok, one last print for this week. A while back we did arrow jewelry which is always fun and easy. Today let's take that one step further and look at the arrow print. It's a fun take on chevron thats a little more graphic.

    I am absolutely smitten with this cami. It is so adorable. I would pair it with denim shorts and a long necklace.

    Bloomingdale's, Two Tone Arrow Print Dress, $59
    This dress is downright cerebral. Maybe it's the two tone but the pattern reminds me of shooting stars or constellations.

    How sweet is this simple scoop neck tee? An easy way to go casual this summer.

    This dress will absolutely get you some whistles, and it should. If you put your heels on, some red lipstick and this little number, you should get everything. 

    The arrow print is a fun way to round out this week of patterns. It's graphic and busy, perfect to wear on its own.

    Be fabulous today!

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    Wednesday, July 16, 2014

    Ikat Got Your Tongue

    We've made it to humpday of a week of prints. Monday we did chevron and yesterday was paisley. Today let's have some fun with ikat.

    This is such a beautiful top. Great colors and a jeweled neckline.

    Lands End, Ikat Triangle Scarf, $18
    A triangle scarf is such a versatile one because you can tie it in so many ways. I love the tassel detail on this.

    If you're feeling adventurous, this jumpsuit is just stunning. And for under 40 bucks, it's also a steal.

    There's not much better in life than a beautiful cotton top. This is versatile, it's machine washable and it's a beauty.

    Ikat is always a fun print no matter what season it is. It's a pattern that hasn't been corrupted and labeled as preppy or goth, it is what it is.

    Be fabulous today!


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    Tuesday, July 15, 2014

    Paisley Please

    The patterns continue today with paisley. Now stay with me. There will be no bandanas featured today and no mom-ish looking one piece bathing suits. Today we're looking at a casual paisley that is sweet and subtle.

    Picture this dress with a stand out drop earring and some sandals. Dress it up or down. 

    Nordstrom, Print Kimono Jacket, $52
    You can wear this kimono so many ways. Leave it long and open, belt it, or tie the ends for a shorter look.

    This is summer weekend in a blouse. Breezy fabric, tie front, great print.

    Yes $40. Go, buy, enjoy. 

    Embrace the paisley. It doesn't have to scream western or pastel preppy, it can be styled to fit your taste. Find pieces that can pair with your neon belt or studded skirt.

    Be fabulous today!

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