Friday, July 24, 2015

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday! Here are my favorite recipes this week. 

Cucumber, Ginger, & Prosecco Sangria
c/o The Kitchn
Ingredients
1/2 cup light honey
1/2 cup water
3/4-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
1 large strip of lemon peel, no pith
1 1/2 cups thinly sliced cucumber
1/2 cup brandy
1 lemon, thinly sliced, seeds removed and discarded
1 750-millileter bottle Prosecco, chilled


Directions
Combine the honey, water, ginger, and lemon peel in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to a low simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, cool, and then strain.
In a pitcher, combine the cucumber, ginger, syrup, and brandy. Add the lemon slices and stir. If you have time, let this sangria base chill in the refrigerator overnight.

When ready to serve, top the pitcher off with the chilled Prosecco. Serve immediately over ice, being sure to scoop some cucumber and lemon slices into each glass.

Creamy Corn and Zucchini
Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups corn kernels, fresh or frozen
  • 2 medium zucchini, chopped
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
  1. Heat the oil in a medium sized skillet over medium heat.
  2. Once hot, add the corn and zucchini to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, under vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes.
  3. Stir in the cheese, sour cream, cilantro, vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and continue cooking for 5 minutes or until heated through.
  4. Serve immediately.

No Churn Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
















Ingredients
16 ozGreek yogurt cream cheese, softened
2 tspLemon juice
1 tspVanilla extract
1/2 cup Baking stevia or 1 cup sweetener that measures like sugar (or to taste)
8 ozLight Tru Whip, thawed 
1 lb Sliced fresh strawberries 
Optional: Graham crackers, shortbread cookies, or cookies of choice

Directions
To Make the Ice Cream: Place the softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and sweetener together in a medium bowl. Mix with a hand held mixer, beating until mixture is creamy and smooth. Take 1/2 of the strawberries and mash them up slightly, and mix into cream cheese base. (I mashed them with the back of a measuring cup). Next, add the Tru Whip and the rest of the strawberries to the cream cheese base, gently folding everything together with a spatula.

Scoop ice cream mixture into a loaf pan, and spread out evenly with spatula. Top with crushed graham crackers or cookies of choice if desired. Cover with plastic wrap. Place ice cream in freezer for up to four hours or more (or until it is hardened up to your desired texture), and enjoy!

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Tee it Up

Lovebugs,
I'm going to let you in on a little secret. T strap flats are going to be all of the rage this fall. That's right. My intel is saying buy stock now. So let's get a jump start on this trend and maybe even make it work for summer.

Nordstrom, Halogen Olson, $59
Gorgeous. Wear it now with a sundress and later with ankle cropped chinos and a denim jacket.

Sam Edelman, Colt Sepia, $75
Rocker chic to the max.

Taylor Swift would so approve of these little beauties. Part sneaker, part flat, part sandal, all adorable.

Nordstrom Rack, Aldo Fenilone Flat, $49
Quite a little architectural masterpiece. I love the modern details of this flat.

T strap flats are so simple and yet they make such a statement. I love them for summer into fall. Leave those heels in the closet and try these dressy flats.

Be fabulous today!

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Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Summertime Statement

Everybody loves a great statement necklace but when it's a bajillion degrees it's not exactly heavy necklace time. Today let's look at some summer appropriate statement necklaces. These beauties are are light, airy, and bring just the right amount of color.

Baublebar, Shoshanna Amulet Necklace, $42
This necklace dresses up ripped denim shorts and a tank top.

Sole Society, Tassel and Chain Necklace, $39
I'd pair this with white linen. Crisp and standout in a non-bling sort of way.

Anthropologie, Mystic Seas Bib Necklace, $58
This piece reminds me of seashells. I love it with a maxi dress.

This necklace brings the bling but the coral and mint tones are perfect for summer.

Summer accessories don't always need to be minimal and light, these statement necklaces dress up any outfit and they're under budget.

Be fabulous today!

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Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Beach Bag Body

I thought we would keep the wet and wild trend going this week with some great beach bags. Summer pool/beach bags are just the best because you can throw everything in and stuff it until its full with towels, sunscreen, and sangria. I mean water, of course you guys, water.

You want color and pattern? This is your bag. I also love the top zip closure. No need to worry about everything falling out.

Chico's, Floral Straw Beach Bag, $47
50% off right now. This bag will take you from beach to dinner easily.

Zappos, Hatley Beach Bag, $49
A great nautical print that is all cotton so you can easily spot clean it. 

Band.do, Super Chill Cooler Bag, $32
Part beach bag, part cooler, I mean, you're welcome.

Everyone needs a great beach bag and these options work for any style. I think this is a great way to play with print because it's such a fun and lighthearted accessory.

Be fabulous today!

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