Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs,

Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Beer-Jito

c/o Five O'Clock Cocktails

Ingredients

1 ounce Akvinta Vodka

5 ounces Red Stripe

2 lime wedges

6-8 mint leaves

Pinch of sugar

Lime wedge and/or mint sprig, to garnish

Directions

Muddle lime, mint and sugar in the bottom of a Collins glass. Fill glass with ice. Add vodka, then beer. Garnish.

Green Scallop Tacos

c/o Skinny Taste

Ingredients

For the green herb salsa:

• 2 garlic cloves, skin left on
• 2 small jalapenos
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large bunch fresh cilantro, leaves only
• 1 large bunch parsley, leaves only
• 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced small
• 1 medium haas avocado
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 to 2 tbsp water as needed

For the taco:

• 16 fresh scallops (about 1 lb)
• 1/8 tsp kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
• 2 tsp oil
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• 8 corn tortillas

Directions

Toast the garlic and jalapeños in a dry skillet until golden. Remove from heat, peel garlic and seed the peppers. Combine with olive oil, cilantro and parsley in a small blender with just enough water to blend. Place in a bowl and combine with diced cucumber and avocado.

Pat the scallops dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper. Heat a medium skillet over high heat, add 1/2 teaspoon oil and cook the scallops 4 at a time for about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes on each side, or until they become caramelized and the center is  – do not overcook. Set aside and repeat with the others.

To serve, heat the tortillas on a separate skillet about 30 to 60 seconds on each side, top each with 1/4 cup sauce and 2 scallops. Squeeze some fresh lime juice on top and eat right away.

The Perfect Tan

c/o Shugary Sweets

Ingredients

• 4 cup vanilla ice cream
• 1/2 cup Baileys Irish Cream
• 1/4 cup chocolate syrup
• whipped cream and cherry for garnish

Directions

1. In two large glasses, drizzle chocolate syrup around the insides of glass. Set aside.
2. In a blender, process the vanilla ice cream with Baileys, until smooth and creamy. To make thicker, add more ice cream. To make thinner, add more Baileys.
3. Pour into glasses and top with whipped cream and cherry. ENJOY immediately!

Maximum Cuts

I love maxis. I really do. They are no fuss, easily packable, and they are throw on and go. This summer you've seen printed maxis, dressy maxis, how about cutout maxis? A strategically placed cutout takes these maxis to the next level.

Asos, Paisley Cutout Maxi, $99

I'm starting with my favorite. How beautiful is this dress? I love the colors, the material, and the fact that it is machine washable.

Missguided, Crepe Bralet Maxi Dress, $90

Ready for date night, ready for the vineyard, ready for anything. Gorgeous.

Swell, Billabong Hold On Me High Neck Maxi, $59

This is a great vacation dress. The print is playful and bright and I love the high neckline.

Shoptiques, Mustard Seed Red and White Maxi, $45

A beautiful halter option that I think would be perfect for a Fourth of July party. Dress it down for daytime with flat sandals (see Monday's post) and dress it up with a drop earring and heels.

When it's maxi season you need any excuse to add just one more to your closet. I love the cutout maxi because it's not overly sexy and it's perfect for summer.

Be fabulous today!

Shop this post

Cut the Culotte

Let's push our limits a bit today. Get outside our comfort zone of cropped pants, bf jeans, and skinny ankle pants. Let's see how far we can go for fashion. I'm talking about culottes. Those kind of weird but insanely comfortable knee-length soft pants that work for work or weekend.

Dillard's, Vince Camuto Bow Tie Print Culottes, $53

See? Not so scary. A great pant for summer with a crisp white blouse.

Bloomingdales, Free People Culottes, $66

A bit more casual but still ready for summer in this great coral hue.

Nordstrom, Leith Print Pleated Culottes, $37

Try this trend for under 40 bucks and they're from Nordstrom. Its a win win.

Missguided, High waisted crepe culottes, $50

Feeling confident? I recommend this pastel high waisted option.

Try the culottes trend this summer. You can go print or solid and mix with a lot of tops already in your closet. 

Be fabulous today!

Shop this post

Sir, Yes Sir

I love a simple shirtdress. It's casual and chic in an effortless sort of way. My only gripe with shirt dresses is that sometimes they can be a bit short so make sure you do the sit-down test when trying them on. If you're doubting, don't wear it to work. Just don't. Today I thought we would look at a specific type of shirtdress: the military style. This trend is a bit more masculine and the olive green hue looks good on anyone.

Express, Green Military Shirt Dress, $79

I love a flap button pocket, it's a little safari but not in a Wild Thornberry kind of way.

Nordstrom, KUT from the Kloth Solange Dress, $52

You know what summer needs more of? Linen. The coolest fabric ever.

Macy's, NY Collection Petite Rolltab Sleeve Dress, $41

A deeper green makes this dress completely feminine and work appropriate.

Loft, Safari Shirtdress, $79

A slouchy option that is perfect for the weekend. I love the side slits as an extra detail.

The military trend is a great one to follow during all four seasons, but I especially love the shirtdress option. It's casual and easy for work or play.

Be fabulous today!

Shop this post