Friday, August 29, 2014

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs!
Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Champagne Punch
Ingredients
  • 3 tablespoons grenadine
  • 3 tablespoons Cointreau
  • 2 tablespoons brandy
  • 1 3/4 cups champagne
  • Raspberries, apples, or other seasonal fruit
Directions
  1. Fill a small ice bucket halfway with ice. Pour grenadine, Cointreau, brandy, and champagne over ice. Stir gently, and ladle punch into 2 wide-mouthed stemmed glasses. Garnish punch with raspberries, apples, or any other fruit in season.
Bacon JalapeƱo Cheese Spread
Ingredients
4 ounces cheddar, grated
4 ounces pepper jack, grated
2 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
3 tablespoons diced pickled jalapenos
1/2 teaspoon juice from jar of jalapeƱos

Directions
Add all ingredients to a medium bowl and stir well to combine. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve with crackers.
Roasted Asparagus and Mushroom Poutine
Ingredients
  • 1 cup beef broth, chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1/4 ounce dried porcini mushrooms
  • 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
  • 8 ounces mushrooms, quartered
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small shallot, finely diced
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 ounces cheese curds or diced mozzarella

  • Directions
  • Bring the broth and mushroom to a boil, turn off the heat and let sit until the mushrooms are tender, about 15-20 minutes, before straining the mushrooms, reserving the broth, and chopping the mushrooms.
  • Meanwhile, toss the asparagus and mushrooms in the oil, salt and pepper, place on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast in a preheated 400F oven until they start to caramelize, about 20 minutes, mixing half way through.
  • Meanwhile, melt the butter in a pan over medium heat, add the chopped mushrooms and cook until they start to caramelize, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the shallot, garlic and thyme and cook for a minute.
  • Mix int the flour and cook for another minute before mixing in the broth and soy sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper and simmering until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
  • Plate the roasted asparagus and mushrooms, top with cheese curds and hot gravy and enjoy!

  • Thursday, August 28, 2014

    Pencil Pusher

    You know what item doesn't get enough credit? The pencil skirt. It's a hard working piece in your closet that can pull a look together in an instant. Think about it: the button down shirt, the cardigan, the t shirt! Slap on the pencil skirt and instant chic. Today we're looking at the patterned pencil. Let's see what a print adds to this staple.

    These aren't polka dots ladies, these are stars. Ha! A gorgeous purple with black stars.

    This color works for fall because its a mustard yellow rather than a buttery yellow. I love it with this soft t shirt.

    Talbots, Textured Floral Skirt, $31
    Originally $110 this skirt is a steal and it packs a punch.

    Piperlime, Three Dots Fitted Skirt, $75
    This is your comfort pencil. No zippers or clasps, just cotton with a hint of spandex.

    Let's give the pencil skirt some credit, it does a lot for my closet, what about yours? Oh and did I mention all of these picks are $75 and under? Not too shabby.

    Be fabulous today!

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    Wednesday, August 27, 2014

    Laser Removal

    You know I love details. I am a sucker for just that little extra something that gives a piece character. Today we're going to look at a detail that takes time. Something that is more than just a bold color, pattern, or texture. It's the laser cut. Sharp, defined and edgy. Today let's look at some black laser cut tops.

    Vince Camuto, Chandelier Laser Cut Blouse, $84
    Did you think you could classify a top as art deco? Because I'm about to. How sassy is this blouse?

    Nordstrom, Leith Laser Cut Shell, $48
    An eye-catching geo print that is ready for a bandeau or even a button down.

    House of Harlow, Phoenix Tee, $29
    Originally $165. That's right. Thank you Nicole Richie.

    A little boho and ready for your moto boots.

    The laser cut is a great trend and detail that makes quite a statement. While you can wear it in a heel or even a white dress, these edgier black tops are really something special.

    Be fabulous today!

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    Tuesday, August 26, 2014

    Feel The Rain on Your Skin

    Does anyone else have a thing for Lauren Conrad? It started with The Hills and then she went all fashion on us and is just crushing it. I'd like to take a stroll down an aisle of Kohl's with you. It is all LC and it is all so good. Her pieces are staples today's picks? Under $40. $40 you guys.

    See what I mean? Simple and staple. Wear it alone or layer a silk oxford underneath.

    I love a nice slug cotton. So soft. I would dress this up for work with a statement necklace and wear it on the weekend as is.

    The question is, when won't you wear this dress? Wear it now with a neon belt and later with brown flat boots!

    But really, can you beat this price for a four season floral peplum?

    LC is just fantastic when it comes to fashion and her prices are even better.

    Be fabulous today!

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