Monday, March 2, 2015

All In: Casual and Comfy Saturday

Hey lovebugs! Happy March. Can you believe it? We're three months into 2015. Are you making the most of it? Since its the first Monday of the month we're going All In for under $100. This month's look is casual cool. It's not any special occasion it's just a regular weekend of style and comfort.



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Friday, February 27, 2015

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs,
I'm headed home this weekend for my mom's birthday. I hope you have a great one too.

Concorde
Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 oz gin
  • 1 1/2 oz dry vermouth
  • 1/2 oz lime
  • about 4 oz ginger beer 
Directions
Stir all but ginger beer with ice cubes and pour into a 10 oz glass. Fill with ginger beer. Lime garnish.










Breakfast Risotto
c/o A Taste of Home Cooking
Ingredients
4-6 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter, divided
3 oz. pancetta, chopped
1 shallot, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 1/4 cups arborio rice
1/3 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese
Fresh chopped parsley, minced (optional)
Poached eggs for serving


Directions
Pour the broth into a saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat so the broth is at a simmer. 

In a heavy-bottomed skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter. Add the pancetta and cook until it has crisped and rendered its fat. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Melt the remaining butter into the pan, and then add the shallot. Cook until tender, then stir in the garlic just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the rice, coating with the butter and toasting the kernels until they are translucent, about 2 minutes.

Add the wine to the pan. Scrape up any browned bits and allow nearly all of the wine to be absorbed by the risotto. Add a ladle-full of warm chicken broth to the rice. Stir frequently and do not add another ladle of broth until the first is almost completely absorbed. Continue to stir frequently, adding broth by the ladle, until the rice is creamy and has just a slight bite in the center when you try it. This will take about 25 minutes.

Off the heat, stir in the cheese and pancetta. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve immediately with poached eggs on top.


Key Lime Pie
c/o Smitten Kitchen
Ingredients
Crust
1 1/2 cups (155 grams) finely ground graham cracker crumbs (from about 10 crackers) 16g 2.5T
3 tablespoons (40 grams) granulated sugar
2 pinches sea salt
7 tablespoons (100 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Filling
1 1/2 tablespoons finely grated lime zest
3 large egg yolks (though extra-large would do you no harm here)
1 14-ounce (396-gram) can sweetened condensed milk
2/3 cup (155 ml) fresh lime juice (from about 1 dozen tiny key limes or 4 persian/regular limes)

To Finish
3/4 cup (175 ml) heavy whipping cream
1 to 2 tablespoons powdered or granulated sugar, to taste


Directions
Heat oven: To 350°F (176°C).

Make crust: Combine graham crumbs, sugar and salt in a medium bowl and stir until mixed. Add butter and stir until crumbs are evenly coated. Press crumbs into the bottom and up the sides of a standard 9-inch pie dish. I like to use the outer edge of a heavy measuring cup to press in neat, firm sides but nobody will be the wiser if you just use your fingertips. Bake crust until lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Set on cooling rack while you prepare filling. Leave oven on.

Make filling: Zest limes into the bottom of a medium bowl until you have 1 1/2 tablespoons. Beat zest and egg yolks with an electric mixer until pale and thick, about 5 minutes. Add sweetened condensed milk and beat until thickened again, about 3 minutes more. Squeeze zested limes until you have 2/3 cups juice. Whisk into yolk mixture until combined. Pour into graham crust and bake pie for another 10 minutes, until set but not browned on top at all. Let pie cool completely before adding topping — you can do this outside (thank you, January!) or even in your freezer (but don’t forget about it) to hasten the process, and your pie reward, along.

Make topping: In a medium bowl, beat cream and sugar until soft peaks are formed. Spread over top of chilled pie. Ideally, pie should be chilled at least another 2 to 3 hours with the cream on top so that it can fully set before you take a slice, but whether that happens is between you and your pie. 
Key lime pie keeps in fridge for a week, though certainly not around here.


Thursday, February 26, 2015

Double Down

When looking at necklaces, I feel like your choices are either a statement necklace or teeny and delicate. What about something in-between? Today we're looking at double layer necklaces that offer some versatility and charm.

BaubleBar, Dahlia Layered Necklace, $36
How feminine and glamorous is this necklace? I love the blush hues to lighten up the heavier stones.

This understated double strand has tiny stones on the charms that offer just a touch of bling.

I love this necklace now with a crisp white button down and in the summer with a colorful sundress.

I like this necklace because it's quiet and unique. You can add it to a busy pattern and it still fits.

A double layer necklace is a great way to change up your usual jewelry rotation. Go statement, simple, chunky, or charmed, this trend is versatile and affordable.

Be fabulous today!

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Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Say My Name

Let's get personal. When I say monogram do you think jewelry or towels? Ok, I'm about to blow your mind. Here are some gorgeous monogram pieces that aren't your standard accessory.

What did I tell you? Add your personal touch to this stunner or a top for just $6!

Love a simple pullover for when spring comes (when, not if) and this sweatshirt comes in four other colors.

This bag is classic. Add your monogram and it's your go to forever bag.

Mark & Graham, Wool Initial Ball Cap, $49
How adorable is this cap for winter? For him or her, I love this hat!

Monogramming your closet is always fun, especially when it's a piece that you will have forever. A beautiful leather bag, a simple initial on a sleeve, it just makes things personal.

Be fabulous today!

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