V is for Cardigan

I'm a big believer in cardigans. I keep one at the office when they decide to turn us into popsicles, I have a small collection (as The Bf says) at home, and I just think they are the most versatile, four season piece you can own. Today we're looking at the v-neck option because it is great for layering.

Ann Taylor, Ribbed V-Neck Cardigan, $79

Two words: Dark pine. This color is my new favorite of the season. 

Gap, Eversoft V-Neck Cardigan, $44

Have you tried the Gap eversoft line? It's the feel of cashmere without the price.

JCrew, Merino Wool Double Knit Long Cardigan, $78 with code TGIFALL

JCrew's merino does not go on sale often. Scoop up this do it all neutral, you won't regret it.

LandsEnd, Cotton Cable V-Neck Cardigan, $59

The look of Ralph Lauren with the utility and reliability of LandsEnd, and in a gorgeous violet.

The v-neck cardigan is a classic piece that you can wear buttoned up with a tie neck blouse or wear open with a striped tee for a casual look. It's your do it all piece.

Be fabulous today!

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Bombs Away

Happy Monday lovebugs,
There is a chill in the air here on the East Coast. Do you feel it? It's fall kids, and I love it. It's time for layers, boots, and light jackets. We've discussed vests which are a great option for fall. And last week we looked at blanket scarves . Today we're talking bomber jackets, and boy do we have some options.

Piperlime, Tulle Embroidered Bomber Jacket, $74

Didn't see that coming, did you? I know. I'm in love.

Zappos, Converse Quilted Bomber Jacket, $65

This jacket looks so cozy and casual. Want to have some fun with it? How about adding a sassy pin? 

Nordstrom, Olive & Oak Floral Print Bomber Jacket, $58

A beautiful fall floral hue. Oh that navy.

Loft, Lou & Grey Draper Bomber Jacket, $89

Worn in, relaxed, soft, casual, I can keep going...

The bomber jacket isn't just for the boys. These patterns, quilted details, and colors are perfect for us and perfect for right now.

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs!

Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Fall Sunset Sangria
c/o Whole Foods

Ingredients

• 1 (750-ml) bottle chardonnay
• 2 Bartlett pears, cored and chopped
• 2 Gala apples, cored and chopped
• 1 nectarine, cored and chopped
• 1 (25.4-ounce) bottle Whole Foods Market Lemon or Lime Italian Soda, or sparkling water, chilled

Directions

Pour wine into a large pitcher and stir in pears, apples and nectarines. Chill for 6 to 8 hours, or up to 2 days. When ready to serve, pour into wine glasses (including some of the fruit) and top off with soda. Serve over ice, if you like.

Weekend Apple Pancake

c/o The Kitchn

Ingredients

2 large or 3 medium apples, preferably tart ones like Granny Smith
4 tablespoons white sugar, divided
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/3 cup unsalted butter
1/3 cup dark brown sugar
3/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
5 eggs
Powdered or cinnamon sugar, to serve

Directions

Heat the oven to 400°F. Peel, core, and quarter the apples, then cut them into medium slices (1/4-inch thick or less). Then cut the slices in halves or thirds. You should have about 3 cups of chopped apples.

In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of sugar with the cinnamon and ginger and set aside.

Cut the butter into chunks and place them in a deep cast iron skillet or 8x8-inch baking dish. Put the skillet or baking dish in the oven for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the butter is melted. Take the pan out of the oven and sprinkle the 1/3 cup brown sugar over the melted butter. Carefully spread the apples on top of the brown sugar and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the apples. Put the pan back in the oven to caramelize the apples and sugar.

Whisk the flour with the remaining tablespoon of sugar, salt, and nutmeg. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly with a large wire whisk to beat out any lumps. When the flour is smoothly incorporated into the milk, beat in the vanilla and the eggs one by one. Beat by hand for 2 minutes, or until foamy. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes. By now the sugar should be bubbling around the apples.

Take the pan out of the oven and pour the batter over the apples. Bake for about 20 more minutes or until center is set and sides are lightly browned. The pancake will puff up dramatically but fall after a few minutes after you take it out of the oven.

If you want, serve with powdered sugar or more cinnamon sugar. I usually find that it is just sweet enough as it is.

Fresh Garlic Chex Mix

c/o Buns in My Oven

Ingredients

4 1/2 cups corn chex
4 1/2 cups rice chex
1 cup mixed nuts
1 cup small pretzels
1 cup plain pita chips, broken into small pieces
6 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons seasoned salt
2 teaspoons onion powder
dash Tabasco hot pepper sauce
3 cloves garlic

Directions

Heat oven to 250 degrees. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil.
Add the cereal, uts, pretzels, and pita chips to a large bowl.
Add the butter to a small sauce pan and heat until melted over medium heat.
Remove from the heat and stir in the Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, onion powder, and Tabascol. Grate the garlic on a microplane grater into the butter mixture. Stir well.
Pour the butter mixture over the cereal, stirring as you pour. Stir well to coat everything.
Spread the mixture out on the baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour, stirring carefully every 15 minutes.

Lounge in Luxury

Let's get comfy. I'm loving the new lounge trend that combines comfort and style. Today we're looking at lounge pants that are big on comfort and low on price.

Old Navy, Super Soft Cinched Lounge Pants, $19

These are on my Christmas list. I'm not sure I'll be able to wait that long.

Urban Outfitters, Native Youth Quilted Jogger Pant, $80

Are these mens? Yes. Do I still want them? Absolutely.

Nordstrom, PJ Salvage Home Lounge Pants, $52

How freakin' comfy do these terry pants look? Hello Sunday morning.

Victoria's Secret, Super Soft Knit Cropped Pant, $44

How about a crop option? I love this marled cotton look and it comes in so many colors.

We don't often talk lounge on this blog, but with the colder days coming I tend to hibernate a bit. These pants are great options for comfort an style.

Be fabulous today!

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