Friday Foodday

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

Rose Champagne Cocktail
c/o The Kitchn

Ingredients
1 sugar cube
8 dashes Angostura or other aromatic bitters
Chilled rosé Champagne

Directions

Cut the sugar cube in half using a serrated knife or a sharp, thin knife. You will lose some sugar granules during cutting but that is ok.

Place one half of the sugar cube on the bottom of each champagne flute. Add 4 dashes of bitters over each sugar cube and then fill the glasses with Champagne.

Vegetarian Pesto Quesadillas

c/o Lauren's Latest

Ingredients
2 large flour tortillas
1/2 cup prepared pesto
2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small zucchini, sliced into thin discs
1 baby eggplant, sliced into thin discs
2 teaspoons butter, divided

Directions
In large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and saute zucchini and baby eggplant until crisp tender, 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and return to heat. Spread pesto evenly on two tortillas. Sprinkle cheese over top of pesto and then line cooked vegetables on half of the tortilla. Melt 1 teaspoon of butter in skillet and place open quesadilla into hot pan. Cook until bottom of quesadilla has browned and cheese has melted. Fold tortilla in half to cover the veggies and press down lightly to press them into the melted cheese, so they stay in place. Repeat with other tortilla. Serve warm.

Strawberry Pretzel Bars

c/o Shugary Sweets

Ingredients

FOR THE CRUST:

• 2 1/2 cup pretzels
• 1/2 cup pecans
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

FOR THE TOPPING:

• 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1 container (8 oz) Cool Whip, thawed
• 4 cup sliced, fresh strawberries

Directions

1. In a large food processor add pretzels, pecans and sugar. Pulse a couple times until pieces are broken and combined (not fine crumbs). Add in melted butter and mix with a fork.
2. Press mixture into the bottom of a 13x9-inch baking dish. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, condensed milk and lemon juice. Beat for about 4-5 minutes, scraping down sides as necessary. Should be fluffy and smooth. Fold in Cool Whip until fully combined. Spread over pretzel crust.
4. Top with sliced strawberries. Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight. ENJOY!

Chat Room

Sometimes we don't need to day a thing, because what we're wearing does that talking. Today I'm taking that in the literal sense, because these bags are all talk.

Gap, Happy Straw Tote, $24

Simple and sweet, I'd take this bag to the beach, brunch, or the store!

Target, Text Me Print Clasp Wallet, $16

Have you heard about these Target wallets? They are the best for going out. They hold everything and they last forever. This print has a Kate Spade flavor to it.

Asos, Aldo That's So 2014 Novelty Body Bag, $24

I can't even with this bag. It's adorable.

Banana Republic, Conversational Large Pouch, $38

A great little price for a great little bag.

These conversational bags are a great, well, conversation starter. I love how quirky they are while still being date night appropriate.

Be fabulous today!

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Tell It Tunic To Me Straight

Let's talk tunics. I have a love hate relationship with them. Some people have these amazing bodies that can pull off this completely shapeless item, and I salute you. Some of us on the other hand like the idea of a tunic but need a bit more structure. Today I give you the best of both worlds: two breezy tunic dresses and two more structured options.

Swell, Raga Autumn Meadow Tunic, $84

Look at this beautiful printed tunic dress. I love the pattern, the material it reminds me of the 70s trend we looked at a few weeks ago. 

Dorothy Perkins, Girls on Film Coral Floral Tunic Dress, $35

Now something with some weight to it. Here is a great tunic dress with an even better all over print.

Shoptiques, Umgee Forest Bell Tunic, $62

This dress screams summer. I love the scoop neck with a longer necklace and that crochet trim detail is just perfect.

Boden, Everyday Tunic Dress, $98

And one more time with a bit of structure. Simple and sleeveless, this dress is great for a casual afternoon or dress it up with espadrilles and standout earrings.

The tunic dress is great because it works for every shape and style, with some effort. Want an easy breezy look, look for a billowy fabric and peasant details. Need a bit more definition? Look for heavier cotton and darting on the back that tapers in.

Be fabulous today!

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Summer Pastime Prints

I hope you all had a very nice long weekend. Refreshed and ready to take on the week. It's officially summer according to the foundation on my neck by the time I walk to work. Summer has plenty of perks and plenty of heat but today let's celebrate a perk: cute summer-related prints. I love some flamingos and palm trees. The frond print has really taken off, let's start with that.

Lord and Taylor, Love Ady Palm Crop Top, $28

You are going to move on this top because there are not many left. The big print really balances the short torso top.

Neiman Marcus, Splendid Palm Beach Flamingo Print Top, $68

How much fun is this athletic bike top? Here are the matching bottoms. 

Loft, Curvy Fit Front Pencil Skirt, $69

I'm in love with this skirt. It's got a pop of color and a really eye catching print.

Express, Flamingo Print Convertible Sleeve Portifino Shirt, $59

There is something very C Wonder (RIP) about this top. I love the allover print and the deep v neck.

Fun and perky patterns are especially great in the summertime when you can sport a cotton sundress or a bikini. I love a palm tree or flamingo for summer.

Be fabulous today!

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