Friday, February 20, 2015

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday! Here are my favorite recipes this week.

The Champagne Martini
c/o 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.
Cauliflower Salad
Ingredients
1 large head cauliflower
2 hard boiled eggs
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon mustard
1 tablespoon dill relish
2 teaspoons finely diced onion
1 teaspoon fresh dill
1 teaspoon chopped chives
1 teaspoon vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt, more to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Directions
Cut the cauliflower into bite sized pieces, much like you would a potato for potato salad. Rinse and drain.
Add just enough water to cover the bottom of a 12 inch skillet and bring to a boil over medium high heat. Add the cauliflower to the skillet and cover to steam.
Let steam for 3-5 minutes, checking for doneness with a fork. When a fork slides in easily, add the cauliflower to a large bowl. Do not overcook the cauliflower or your salad will be mushy. I prefer it tender-crisp.
Chop the hard boiled eggs into small pieces and add to the bowl with the cauliflower.
In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients, except for the paprika, and whisk together to form the dressing for the salad.
Gently fold the dressing into the cauliflower and eggs, stirring to coat each piece. Sprinkle with paprika.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until cold.
Molten Chocolate Cake
Ingredients
  • 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 3 egg whites

Directions
  1. Lightly grease 3 ramekins with butter.
  2. Melt the chocolate into the butter in a double boiler and let cool a bit.
  3. Beat the egg yolks and sugar and mix into the chocolate.
  4. Beat the egg whites in a bowl until they form soft peaks.
  5. Fold the chocolate into the egg whites.
  6. Pour the batter into the ramekins, no more than 2/3 full.
  7. Bake in a preheated 400F oven for 7-10 minutes. The outside will be set and possibly crack and the inside will still be liquid.
  8. Let cool for a few minutes and then run a knife around the edges and tip onto a plate. 

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Breaking the Shell

We're getting a little hard core today on the blog. You have your array of clutches in your closet and they're great, but they aren't exactly what you want to grab this weekend. I hear you. I'm here for you. Today let's look at some clutches that stand for themselves. No, seriously, today we're looking at hard shell clutches.

Nordstrom, Glint Linear Ridge Clutch, $58
I love this clutch for a special occasion. It comes in gold and silver, but I prefer this gunmetal. Understated and still fancy.

This clutch is like a piece of art. I love the glamour but it's also very modern.

When talking hard shell, you usually think metallic. Enter this beauty. Break tradition.

Dress this bag up or down, its ready for date night or jeans.

A hard shell clutch is something a bit different when looking at a smaller purse but I think it makes a nice statement piece.

Be fabulous today!

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Wednesday, February 18, 2015

That Sale in the Window

Ok lovebugs, today we're looking at a trend that's gotten a whole lot of attention lately. I say lately because we've looked at this pattern back in June. The windowpane print. It's similar to a plaid but monochrome in color. The pattern can vary in size which is great to match proportion to your body type.

100% cotton and 100% fantastic. I love the balance of the black and light blue.

Starting simple? Try these sheer tights with a pencil skirt (of any color).

Old Navy, Pixie Pant in Windowpane, $17 (!!)
No, really, these pants at this price. Just go. Go now.

Lord and Taylor, Panacea Windowpane Cuff, $18
You thought this was just for clothing? Check out this great modern yet preppy windowpane cuff.

So there you have it. A lighter-feeling plaid print in the windowpane trend.

Be fabulous today!

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Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Flounce Much?

What are your favorite words? Do you love potato, effervescent, what word in this lovely language speaks to you? One of my favorite words is flounce. It's flirty and fun. It describes a personality and today it describes a skirt hem.

Ann Taylor, Shimmer Flounce Skirt, $69
A beautiful, shimmery blush satin makes this skirt absolutely perfect for work, drinks, and date night.

A lovely midi length that is...wait for it...machine washable.

You've been waiting for this sale. This wool skirt comes in four colors so you can mix and match with your favorite sweater, button down, or blazer.

Piperlime, Keepsake Take you there, $56
Let's end with a print. How lovely is this floral? Two layers of flounce for maximum impact.

So get your flounce on. Try these bubbly and daring hemlines that next time you want to spice up your skirts.

Be fabulous today!

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