Monday, November 9, 2015

Sweater (Dress) Weather

It is finally starting to feel like November outside. And while I didn't necessarily hate the 60 and even 70 degree weather, it's sweater weather and I plan to embrace that. Speaking of sweater weather, it is prime sweater dress weather. Today we are looking at some lighter options with great colorblock style.

A rugby inspired look that looks smashing alone or add your own style with jewelry.

Zappos, Hatley Sweater Dress, $92
Generally when you think sweater dress, you think clingy. Not so with this relaxed fit dress.

Macy's, Jessica Howard Heathered Colorblock Sweater Dress, $71 $61 with code VETDAY
A great sale going on for a couple of days with this dress. I'd pair this with a long dainty necklace.

Another more relaxed fit in a lovely shift dress. And it's 40% off.

Before we break out the turtlenecks and chunky knits, I'm loving a colorful sweater dress that you can wear with boots, booties, or tights.

Be fabulous today!

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Friday, November 6, 2015

Friday Foodday

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

The Breakers 75
c/o Five O'Clock Cocktails
Ingredients
Champagne, about 3 to 4 ounces
1 ounce gin
1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice

Directions
Pour gin and lemon juice into the bottom of a champagne flute. Top with your bubbles. Down the hatch.
Overnight Apple Pie French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
  • 5 tablespoons butter
  • 5 large granny smith apples (approx. 8 cups peeled and sliced)
  • ⅔ cup brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon corn starch
  • 14 slices white bread, crusts removed
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions
  1. Combine eggs, milk and vanilla. Set aside.
  2. Peel & slice apples approximately ¼" thick.
  3. Melt the butter in a frying pan and add apples,brown sugar, cinnamon and water. Cook on medium heat for about 8 minutes or until apples are slightly softened. In a separate bowl, combine 1 tablespoon corn starch and 1 tablespoon water to create a slurry.
  4. Push the apples over to one side of the pan, turn the heat up to medium high and pour some of the corn starch mixture into the boiling liquid until it thickens. Depending on how much liquid was in your apples, you may not need all of the slurry.
  5. Spread apple mixture into a 9x13 pan. Top with ½ of the bread slices and spoon ½ of the egg mixture over the bread. Top with a second layer of bread slices and remaining egg mixture. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
In the morning
  1. Remove the pan from the refrigerator while preheating the oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Bake covered for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes or until bread is firm. Remove from the oven and let cool 10 minutes. Invert into a pan.

Chocolate Cake with Marshmallow Frosting
Ingredients
Chocolate Sheet Cake:
  • 2 1/2 cups Flour
  • 2 tsp Baking Soda
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 cup Hot Water
  • 1/2 cup Cocoa Powder
  • 1 cup Unsalted butter, Cubed
  • 2 cups Sugar
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1 cup Buttermilk, room temperature
  • 2 tsp Vanilla
Marshmallow Frosting:
  • 4 large egg whites
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Chocolate Sheet Cake :
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 13"x9" cake pan. Line it with a parchment bottom to ensure it won't stick. Set aside. In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl, and whisk. Set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together hot water and cocoa and set aside.
In stand mixer, beat together butter, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in eggs, one at a time until completely mixed in. Reduce the speed to low, and add in flour mixture, alternating adding in the buttermilk. Scrape bowl as needed. Add in cocoa and vanilla and mix until just completely incorporated.
Pour into prepared cake pan. Place in oven and baked for 35-40 minutes, or until toothpick placed in center comes out clean.
Marshmallow Frosting :
For the frosting, whisk together the egg whites, sugar and cream of tartar in a heat-proof metal bowl placed over top a small saucepan with simmering water. Whisk constantly for 3-4 minutes until the sugar has dissolved completely and the egg whites are slightly warm.
Immediately remove the bowl and place it on your stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beating slow at first and gradually increasing the speed to high. Beat for 6-7 minutes until glossy and thick and the peaks are stiff, then beat in vanilla extract for another minute until combined. Frost cake and use blowtorch to toast the marshmallow topping if desired. Or don't, it's delicious either way!

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Star Light, Star Bright

It's almost Friday, let's celebrate with a starburst. A beautiful, eye catching, celebratory shape that usually a bit bigger and bolder than your normal jewelry. For that reason, I like to pair it with heavier knits.

I'm starting with my favorite. This necklace is perfectly fall and perfectly holiday. Its also a bit different in the bronze metal aspect.

Nordstrom Rack, Free Press Starburst Stud, $9
A great silver option with an even better price!

How about a sweeter option? I like this simple charm necklace.

BaubleBar, Celestial Drops Earring, $36
A BaubleBar best seller, you've got to love a bright and blinged drop earring.

A starburst shape for jewelry is just a happy way to add detail to your outfit. It's bold and daring and I love it for winter.

Be fabulous today!

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Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Ponte Please?

Yesterday I mentioned the ponte pant. If you haven't discovered these beauties, they are a pant/legging mix that are more structured than a legging but stretchier than a jean or slack. Basically, perfectly professional and completely comfortable. Here are a few of my favorite options.

I love this brand. I wear their jeans and I'm thrilled they're now doing ponte. Look at this model's butt, it looks awesome.

Two words: elastic waist. Pair with a long sweater or button down.

MAJOR SALE ALERT!!! I love the heather gray option.

JCrew Factory, Gigi Pant with Pockets, $61
One of the things you sometimes give up with ponte is pockets. Not here. And in a simple navy hue.

I cannot recommend the ponte knit pant enough. It is a much more comfortable alternative to work pants and they go from desk to drinks easily.

Be fabulous today!

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