Friday, August 15, 2014

Friday Foodday

Hey there lovebugs,
It's Friday and here are my favorite recipes this week. 

The Champagne Martini
c/o The Five O'Clock Cocktails
Ingredients
3-4 ounces champagne
3/4 ounce Cointreau
1/2 ounce Luxardo maraschino liqueur
2 dashes Fee Brothers Peach Bitters
Directions
Combine Cointreau, Luxardo, and Fee Brothers Peach Bitters in an ice-filled mixing glass. Stir briskly for about a minute with a bar spoon. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Top with champagne.

Chicken Fra Diavolo
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
1/2 cup heavy cream
Green onion, sliced
1/2 pound campanelle pasta (or any tube pasta)
1/2 pound grilled chicken (mine was marinaded in lemon juice and Italian seasonings), sliced

Directions
1- In a large skillet heat the oil. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant, 3-4 minutes.
2- Add the tomato sauce and allow to cook over a low heat for about 15 minutes.
3- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to packaging directions.
4- Stir in the cream and cook an additional 10 minutes over medium/low heat.
5- Toss in the cooked pasta and grilled chicken. Allow to heat altogether for about 5 minutes.
6- Top with sliced green onion. Serve hot.

Secret Ingredient Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 3.4 oz. package vanilla instant pudding mix
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

  • Directions
    Beat together butter and sugars until creamy. Beat in pudding mix, eggs, and vanilla. Stir together the flour, baking soda, and salt, and slowly mix that into the butter mixture until well combined. Stir in the chocolate chips. Drop by rounded spoonfuls (I use a cookie dough scoop) onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in a 350 degree pre-heated oven for 10-12 minutes.

    Thursday, August 14, 2014

    Swing Dancing

    As we hang on to the last few weeks of summer I thought we would take a look at one of my favorite dress silhouettes, the swing dress. This shape is the opposite of tailored. It's just what it sounds like: swingy. Loose, breezy, soft and comfortable.

    I'm starting with my favorite. I'm a sucker for green, but check out the movement on this dress. Just beautiful.

    The elusive long sleeve version that has a gorgeous deep scoop back.

    Urban Outfitters, Adidas Tango Swing Dress, $80 $39
    A simple, girly polka dot that I would pair with sneakers and a neon necklace

    Dorothy Perkins, Alice & You Black Lace Swing Dress, $69
    Great details on this little lace number. Wear it now with sandals and later with some sassy tights. 

    A great swing dress is comfortable, versatile and girly. You can also head to the buffet without worry. 

    Be fabulous today!

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    Wednesday, August 13, 2014

    Size Doesn't Matter

    Earlier in the week we looked at bucket bags and I mentioned that we would talk the other bag trend: the mini bag. Now for me, the mini bag isn't a problem because I'm a minimalist when it comes to what's in my bag. For other women I know it can be a struggle, so I recommend using this bag for weekends when you can throw it on as a cross body with the essentials and go. The other reason I love this trend is with a small bag, you can afford a large label.


    Bloomingdale's, Michael Kors Crossbody Jet Set Leather, $128 $89 
    What did I tell you about the label. The man, the legend, Michael Kors. This is your do it all bag.

    Diane Von Furstenberg, Sutra Micro Mini Tortoise PVC Crossbody Bag, $165 $82
    That's right, DVF. DVF. Double digit DVF.

    Barney's Warehouse, Deux Lux Blake Mini Messenger Bag, $69
    These colors make me so happy. The pops of yellow in the leather weave and then a yellow zipper. You can't get much happier than this.

    Sole Society, Cody, $29
    And a nice canvas option that is what I'd pair with a sundress or a jean jacket.

    Mini bags make a major statement whether you find a neon color or a big label. It's a trend that works for any style and any season.

    Be fabulous today!

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    Tuesday, August 12, 2014

    Heck Yeah I'm Wearing Flowers

    So I got you flowers. I know! For no special reason at all, which in my opinion is the best reason to give and get flowers. Today I got you big flowers, oversized flowers that are a great way to hold onto summer.

    Urban Outfitters, Cameo Lift Off Bomber Jacket, $228 $99
    Feminine meets moto chic. I love this mix and these colors.

    I love this layered tank that is so delicate and yet machine washable!

    No surprise here that Nordstrom nails it with this transition floral sweatshirt.

    Neon pink with pops of black is the exact contrast that you can pull off with floral.

    Big flowers, I mean oversized, in your face, heck-yeah-I'm-wearing-floral prints are a great trend. Try it! I'm telling you, the compliments will be blossoming. See what I did there?

    Be fabulous today!

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