That's A Wrap

Happy Tuesday lovebugs!
I hope you had a lovely weekend whether it was long or not so long. We got a couple of inches of snow in DC this weekend, which in my opinion was a reward for putting up with frigid temps all weekend! And its supposed to be 60 this weekend. While the weather may wacky, let's keep it season specific with some wrap sweaters. In the summer, we love wrap dresses, so why not carry the silhouette to winter in the form of a sweater?

Bluefly, Hayden Burgundy Cashmere Knit V Neck Sweater, $95

Supple cashmere in a rich merlot. Talk about a statement yet class neckline.

Lord and Taylor, Ralph Lauren Wrap Cardigan, $27

$50 off right now. This is going to be a go to piece in your closet. A little ballerina-esque.

Modcloth, Work of Smarts Cardigan, $49

And speaking of feminine, this wrap cardi reminds me of something Zooey Deschanel would wear.

Macy's, Free People Karina Pullover Wrap Sweater, $79

Hello cozy comfort. I'm not too sure what's happening underneath but I love this heathered sweater.

So it may be 10 degrees or 50 degrees, either way you can layer up and wrap up in a wrap sweater this winter.

Be fabulous today!

Shop this post

Happy Presidents' Day

Shop this post

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs,
Here are my favorite love inspired recipes this week!

Il Palio
c/o Saveur

Ingredients

For the Campari Ice Cubes

³⁄₄ oz. Campari

2 oz. water

For the Cocktail

2 oz. bourbon

1 oz. sweet vermouth

Orange bitters

Orange twist, for garnish

Directions

Several hours before serving, mix together Campari and water and freeze in a square ice mold. When frozen, make the cocktail: Place 2 Campari ice cubes in rocks glass. Pour all ingredients over ice cubes and garnish with a wide orange twist. Stir the drink to start the ice melting.

Blush Cream Pasta

c/o Rachel Ray

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 
• 1 tablespoon butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 shallots, minced

• 1 cup vodka

• 1 cup chicken stock

• 1 can crushed tomatoes (32 ounces)

• Coarse salt and pepper

• 1 pound pasta, such as penne rigate

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 20 leaves fresh basil, shredded or torn

• Crusty bread, for passing

Directions

Heat a large skillet over moderate heat. Add the EVOO, butter, garlic and shallots. Gently sautéthe shallots for 3-5 minutes to develop their sweetness. Add the vodka to the pan – three turns around the pan in a steady stream will equal about 1 cup. Reduce the vodka by half, about 2 or 3 minutes. Add the chicken stock and the tomatoes. Bring the sauce to a bubble and reduce the heat to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper. 

While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta in salted boiling water until it's cooked to al dente (with a bite to it). While the pasta cooks, prepare your salad or other side dishes.

Stir the cream into the sauce. When the sauce returns to a bubble, remove it from the heat. Drain the pasta. Toss the hot pasta with the sauce and the basil leaves. Pass the pasta with crusty bread.

Chocolate Decadence with Raspberry Sauce

c/o Shugary Sweets

Ingredients

FOR THE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE:

• 1/2 cup Karo® Light Corn Syrup
• 16 oz bittersweet chocolate (60% cacao)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cup heavy cream, divided
• 3 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp Spice Islands® Pure Vanilla Extract

FOR THE TOPPING:

• 12 oz fresh raspberries, divided
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup Karo® Light Corn Syrup
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup chocolate syrup

Directions

1. Line a 9x5x3-inch metal loaf pan with plastic wrap. Set aside.
2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine corn syrup, chocolate and butter. Stir until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth.
3. Mix 1/2 cup of the cream with the egg yolks in a small bowl. Add to the melted chocolate mixture and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and cool completely.
4. Once the chocolate mixture has cooled, continue on by beating 1 1/2 cup heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla in a mixing bowl on high speed. Beat until soft peaks form. Fold in the cooled chocolate mixture and stir just until combined. Pour into loaf pan and cover with plastic wrap. Freeze for 4 hours or overnight.
5. To prepare raspberry sauce, combine 6oz of the fresh raspberries with the corn syrup and vanilla extract in a small blender. Process quickly until combined (you still want some chunks of raspberry).
6. For the whipped cream, beat heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Refrigerate or use immediately.
7. To assemble, slice frozen chocolate mousse and arrange on plates. Dollop a large spoonful of whipped cream onto each slice. Drizzle with raspberry sauce, chocolate syrup and add the remaining fresh berries. ENJOY!

Classic Finishes

Let's talk finishes. I'm an HGTV lover so obviously I am a home expert, and when I say expert I mean I can spout off terms like crown molding, chair rail, his and her sinks, and granite countertops. One of the other finishes homes seem to sport is marble. I thought we should see how we can make this beautiful stone work for us.

Shoptiques, Frnch Marble Print Shirt, $78

Such a sleek top. I'd wear a statement necklace under the collar for maximum impact.

Nordstrom, BaubleBar Marble Ra Bib Necklace, $62

Speaking of a statement necklace. This geometric beauty is monochrome and perfection.

Forever 21, Active Marble Print Leggings, $24

What a fun way to wear marble. I love the neon piping on the side as well.

Asos, Gold Plated Sterling Silver Marbled Stud Earrings, $21
Sometimes marble can look cold, these studs are anything but. Classic and stately with an unexpected metal design.

I know a thing or two about houses because I watch a ton of HGTV, but homes can crossover with trends. marble is a beautiful pattern and stone that can be dressed up or down and styled to fit your needs.

Be fabulous today.

Shop this post