Gingham Style

Happy hump day lovebugs,
We are in the dog days of summer and you know what I associate with summer? Gingham. Warm (ok sweltering) weather, outdoor parties, it's just gingham weather. A preppy print that today we're looking at in a skirt. Quite feminine and perfect for hot weather.

Shoptiques, Jealous Tomato Gingham Midi Skirt, $35

Think simple with this skirt. A white tank. That's it. Simple. Crisp.

SheInside, Red Plaid Flare Long Skirt, $23

This skirt is summer. It is flowy, girly, and beautiful.

Nordstrom, 1.State Gingham A Line Skirt, $46

This beauty is 40% off right now. I love the length.

My Habit, Single Women's Gingham Skirt, $74

One word ladies, pockets.

Don't these skirts scream summer to you? I love them even into fall with a floral cardigan to mix prints with style.

Be fabulous today!

Shop this post

Skirt Growth Spurt

Let's take it to the max today. No, not Saved by the Bell The Max, I'm talking maxi skirts. Flowing, breezy, easy for summer skirts. These skirts are statement makers but sometimes you just need a staple, a neutral, the black pant of maxi skirts. Oh and you need it on sale. I give you the foundational maxi skirt under $50.

White House Black Market, Pleated Maxi Skirt, $49

This skirt is downright whimsical. I love the blush tone and the skirt is 60% off.

Forever 21, Pintucked Maxi Skirt, $27

The seaming on this skirt gives it a sweeping effect. I love the amber color as well.

Windsor, Black Grand Scuba Maxi Skirt, $32

I wish you didn't look at the price of this skirt. Doesn't this look black tie ready? You've GOT to see the pink version.

Dillard's, Chelsea & Violet Pleated Maxi Skirt, $36

A tall glass of lemonade anyone? This skirt is ready for espadrilles, flats, flip flops, or heels.

Maxi skirts are a great staple to add to your summer rotation. They are versatile with tees, blouses, button downs, and more. 

Be fabulous today!

Shop this post

All In: Summer Days

Its the first Monday of the month which means we're going all in on an outfit under $100. Today it's all about summer fun and I've got a great beach/pool/vacay look that fits the bill

Bikini top/bikini bottom/coverup/sandals/beach bag

Be fabulous today!

Shop this post

Friday Foodday

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

Good Luck Happiness

c/o Fogged in Lounge

Ingredients

• 2 oz calvados
• 1/2 oz Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur
• 1 oz blood orange juice (half a fruit)
• 1/2 oz lemon juice
• 5-6 mint leaves

Directions

Break the mint leaves in half and drop them into the tin. Combine remaining ingredients and ice cubes, shake well. Strain into a double old fashioned; add fresh ice. Garnish with a blood orange half-wheel and mint sprig.

Bacon Cheeseburger Omelette

c/o Closet Cooking

Ingredients

FOR THE BURGER SEASONED BEEF:

• 6 strips bacon
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
• salt and pepper or steak seasoning to taste

FOR THE OMELETTE:

• 8 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk or cream
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup lettuce
• 1/2 cup tomato, diced
• 1/4 cup onion, sliced
• 1/4 cup pickle, diced
• 1/2 cup cheddar, shredded

Directions

FOR THE BURGER SEASONED BEEF:

1. Cook the bacon, set aside on paper towels to drain and crumble when cool, reserving the grease.
2. Add the onion to the pan along with some of the reserved grease and saute until tender, about 3-5 minutes, over medium-high heat.
3. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about a minute.
4. Add the ground beef and cook draining any grease when done.
5. Mix in the ketchup, mustard, worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper, simmer to reduce, and set aside.

FOR THE OMELETTE:

6. Mix the milk into the eggs and season with salt and pepper.
7. Heat a pan over medium heat, pour 1/4 of the egg mixture into the pan, swirl it to coat and let cook until the eggs have just about set before sprinkling 1/4 of the meat, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle onto half of the omelette, folding the other half over to cover, sprinkling on the cheese and cooking, covered, until the cheese melts. (Repeat for the remaining omelettes.)

Brandy Apricot Ribbon Pie

c/o Country Cleaver

Ingredients

Apricot Fruit Jam Filling

3 cups Apricot, roughly chopped for jam, and divided

1/4 cup Brandy

1 1/2 cup Sugar

1/4 cup Pectin

Apricot Cream Filling

3 Tbsp Apricot flavored Gelatin, or plain or another flavor if you choose

3 Tbsp Boiling Water

1/3 cup Apricot Jam puree, *from Jam step*

1 cup Heavy Cream

Whipped Cream Top

2 Tbsp Sugar

1 Tbsp Brandy

1 Pre-baked/Blind Baked Pie Crust

Directions

Apricot Jam Filling

In a sauce pan, bring 2 cups of the chopped apricots, sugar and brandy to a boil. Stir frequently. Add in the pectin and bring to a boil for about 2 additional minutes. Remove from the heat and press the apricots through a strainer to remove the large bits of apricot. The jelly will be smooth. Set aside to cool.

Reserve 1/3 cup of this for the Apricot Cream Filling layer.

When completely cool, add the remaining apricots into the cooled jam filling and stir to combine. Spread into the bottom of the cooled pie crust. Place in fridge to chill.

Apricot Cream Filling

Combine 3 Tablespoons of boiling water, and apricot gelatin stirring until the gelatin dissolves.

In a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, Add in the gelatin mixture, 1/3 cup of apricot jelly, and 1 cup of heavy whipping cream. Whisk the mixture until the cream is stiff. Spread the whipped apricot cream filling over the top of the apricot jam filling.

Cover the pie with plastic wrap and place in the fridge to chill for at least 3 hours.

Whipped Cream Topping

In the stand mixer with the whisk attachment, whip cream, sugar and brandy until stiff peaks form. Spread evenly onto the top of the pie. Flourish with creative swirls for decoration.

Serve immediately.