Wake Me When it's Spring

Happy Monday lovebugs,
At this point in the grand scheme of winter, do you just want to give up? White flag raised Mother Nature, you win. It's this time of year when I search out cozy. Something warm, soft, but still put together. Today we're looking at a cocoon cardigan. It even sounds cozy.

Last Call Neiman Marcus, Knit Circle Cardigan Sweater, $56

Oh cozy. So warm and soft and this sale price? Don't mind if a do!

Nordstrom, Tildon Oversized Cocoon Cardigan, $40

Currently 40% off, I am loving this pop of teal when I'm generally wearing a lot of black and grays in the winter. 

Amazon, NYDJ Cocoon Cardigan, $59

This sweater has some nice texture which usually means dry clean only, but would I do that to you? Heck no.

Macy's, Lucky Brand Dolman Sleeve Open Front Cocoon Cardigan, $89

Speaking of texture, how about this beauty? This is chic and soft in so many ways.

Back in November, we looked at cocoon coats, but why not something to wrap yourself in all day long? These cocoon cardigans are functional, easy to layer, and machine washable.

Be fabulous today!

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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

c/o Buns in My Oven

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

c/o Closet Cooking

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. 

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.

Marciano, Pearlescent Minaudière, $98

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

Asos, Skinny Dip Spectrum Clutch Bag, $73

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

Shoptiques, Black Translucent Case Clutch, $65

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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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.

Loft, Windowpane V Neck Cardigan, $59

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

Express, Windowpane Sheer Full Tights, $19

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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