Stop and Smell Winter

Happy Monday lovebugs,
It's still winter, according to a furry and hungry groundhog. I'm sorry about that, but you know, with fashion, you don't have to look like the weather. Let's take florals for instance; yes a lovely floral dress is perfect for mid-June, but you can also wear these blossoms in a long sleeve version in the winter.

Nordstrom, KUT from the Kloth Spencer Floral Top, $68

Take this watercolor inspired top. It brings so much warmth to a pair of jeans, a pencil skirt or layered under a vneck sweater.

Piperlime, Eight Sixty Floral Top, $79

RIP Piperlime, so grab this top while you can. I love the micro print with rosy hues.

Lucky Brand, Black Floral Top, $49

A work ready scoop neck that is can handle a long delicate necklace or something a bit heavier. 

JCrew, Retro Floral Popover, $98

How about some jade to inject into your closet? This top is great as is with it's big pattern or layer with a button down for a work ready wear.

Fear not warm weather lovers, spring is coming, but in the meantime, enjoy some florals that can take the cold.

Be fabulous today!

Shop this post

Friday Foodday

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

Blackberry Manhattan
c/o Fogged in Lounge

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon 
• 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
• 1 barspoon blackberry brandy 
• 1 dash Fee Bros Old Fashion Aromatic Bitters
• Lemon twist

Directions

Stir with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Do the twist.

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

c/o Baby Loving Mama

Ingredients

• 2 TBS butter
• 2 TBS olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 6 celery stalks, chopped
• 8 ounces mushrooms, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 TBS flour
• 32 ounces low sodium chicken stock (or vegetable stock)
• 1 TBS soy sauce
• 3 bay leaves
• ½ cup wild rice
• 2 cups shredded chicken (a rotisserie chicken works great for this)
• ¼ cup half and half or 2% milk
• 2 TBS thyme, chopped
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper

Directions

1. In a large soup pot, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot and celery and cook for 7-8 minutes or until onions are soft and translucent.  Add the mushrooms and garlic and cook for 6-7 more minutes, until the mushrooms are cooked through.
2. Sprinkle the flour on top of the vegetables, stir, and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until flour is brown and cooked through.
3. Add the chicken stock and soy sauce. Stir well to incorporate flour, then add the bay leaves. Over medium-high heat bring soup to a boil, then turn heat down to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Add the wild rice and thyme and simmer for another 35 minutes.
5. Add the chicken, milk, salt, pepper and cook on low for 20 more minutes.
6. Serve hot in soup bowls with additional thyme if desired. Enjoy!

Easy Hawaiian Kalua Pig

c/o Country Cleaver

Ingredients

3 1/2 pound Boneless Pork Shoulder or "Butt"

2-3 Tbsp Hawaiian or Course Sea Salt

1 tsp Fresh Ground Pepper

3 Tbsp Vegetable Oil

3 Tbsp Liquid Smoke

12 ounce can Guava Juice

Directions

Remove pork shoulder from the fridge, one hour prior to cooking to allow it to take the chill off and promote even cooking.  Season with salt and pepper on all sides.

Preaheat oven to 300 degrees.

With dutch oven over burner over medium heat, add vegetable oil to the pan and heat until shimmering. Sear all sides of the pork until golden brown on all sides, ensuring to not switch sides until the pork naturally releases from the pan before switching to a new side to sear.

Sprinkle with liquid smoke, water and guava juice. Cover pork, and place in the oven. Uncover every hour to baste pork.

Remove from the oven between 5-6 hours, when the pork easily shreds with two forks. Let rest for 20 minutes after removing from the oven before completing shredding. Serve while hot.

I Heart You

As we inch closer to Valentine's Day, whether you're in a relationship or celebrating your best girlfriends, simple and meaningful jewelry is something I always gravitate to this time of year. I picked some simple and delicate heart necklaces today that are perfect for a gift from your man, for your bff, or just for you.

BaubleBar, Corazon Pendant, $34

Rose gold is an unexpected metal for this simple strand and I love it. 

Nordstrom, Judith Jack Mini Motive Reversible Heart Pendant, $75

Simple and quite fancy, I love this dainty necklace.

Macy's, Kate Spade Gold Tone Love Heart Necklace, $58

 Every girl loves Kate, this gift will not disappoint.

Zappos Dogeared, You Are Loved Necklace, $60

Perfect for your bff. Simple. No card needed,

These beautiful heart necklaces say so much without bling, pattern, or big bucks. 

Be fabulous today!

Shop this post

Making Marl Out Of a Molehill

What is it about marled cotton that makes a piece of clothing so comfortable? I love a great marled sweater because it's soft, cozy, and textured. Today we're looking at some great marled options all under $50.

Nordstrom, BP Marled Forward Seam Sweater, $22

A chunky knit gives this sweater some weight but the open neckline makes it quite feminine.

Old Navy, Funnel Neck Terry Fleece Jacket, $35

A beautiful mix of black marl with an off center zipper. Kind of a cozy moto jacket.

LandsEnd, Embellished Balletneck Top, $39

This sweater has a sweatshirt fit to it. It's a throw on a go type top because you have texture in the pattern and accessories covered in jeweled neckline.

Express, Oversized Marled Cowl Neck Sweater, $41

Oversized, drop shoulder, cowl neck, what isn't perfect about this sweater?

Marled cotton is a great way to add some contrast to your wardrobe without breaking the budget. These under $50 picks are easy to mix and match with work, play, and most importantly relaxing.

Be fabulous today!

Shop this post