Coming Up Lace

It's mid-winter, are we getting tired of sweaters yet? Maybe a little. Why not mix it up with some feminine lace? I love lace for winter because its unexpected. You may think it's too chilly for lace, but layer it up! I've picked out some great long sleeve options that you can wear alone for date night or layer it with a blazer for work.

H&M, Lace Blouse, $39

So many wonderful things happening here, the first of which is the matching camisole is included. What else? Stand up collar, scalloped hem, and trumpet sleeves.

Amazon, Lark & Ro Women's Lace Top, $20

Pair this with pearls and wool pencil skirt or have some fun with a neon statement necklace and jeans.

Macy's, Style & Co Lace Blouse, $39

I love this oversized lace pattern. Very well designed with a scoop neckline.

Anthropologie, Cinched Lace Top, $88

A new take on a simple lace blouse. An elastic waist cinching at your smallest part.

Traditionally winter might be sweater weather, but why not try some lace? It's not just for spring and summer. Mix it with a moto jacket or black denim to toughen up the feminine look.

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs,

Here are my favorite recipes this week!

Chipotle Cherry Bourbon Smash

c/o Bit by a Fox

Ingredients

1.5 oz Bourbon 
5-6 cocktail cherries (Mess Hall Cocktail Co)
1/4 oz lemon juice
2 dashes Tabasco Chipotle Sauce
Seltzer

Directions

Muddle cherries, lemon juice and Tabasco in a rocks glass. Add bourbon and ice. Top with seltzer and give a stir. Garnish with cocktail cherry.

Beef and Pepper Stir Fry

c/o Closet Cooking

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 pound steak (sirloin or flank), sliced thinly
• 1 green pepper, sliced
• 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce (gluten-free or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon sweet soy sauce* (use gluten-free substitute below for gluten-free)
• 1 teaspoon chill sauce such as sambal oelek (or to taste)
• 2 cloves garlic, grated
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/3 cup beef broth (or water)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 cup green onion, sliced

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a pan over medium-high heat, add the beef and stir-fry until just cooked, about 2-4 minutes.
2. Add the peppers and stir-fry until just tender-crisp, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Add the mixture of the soy sauce, sweet soy sauce sauce, brown sugar, chili sauce, garlic, ginger and the mixture of the cornstarch and water to the pan and cook until it thickens a bit, about a minute.
4. Remove from heat, mix in the sesame oil and serve over white rice or noodles, quinoa, etc. garnished with the green onions.

Snickers-Inspired Bar Cookies

c/o The Kitchn

Ingredients

For the cookie layer:1 1/2 cups (6 3/8 ounces) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
8 tablespoons (1 stick; 4 ounces) room-temperature unsalted butter, cubed
1 cup (7 1/2 ounces) packed light or dark brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

For the caramel-peanut layer:4 tablespoons (1/2 stick; 2 ounces) unsalted butter
1/2 cup (5 1/2 ounces) light corn syrup
1/4 cup (1 7/8 ounces) packed dark brown sugar
1/4 cup (1 3/4 ounces) granulated sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 cup (5 ounces) roasted salted peanuts

For the topping:1 cup milk chocolate chips
Maldon salt or other flaky sea salt 

Directions

Make the cookie layer: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8- or 9-inch square metal baking pan with parchment paper.

Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a bowl and set aside.

With a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or a hand-held electric mixer on medium speed, beat the butter and sugar together for 3 to 4 minutes until pale and fluffy.

Reduce the mixer speed to low and stir in the egg and vanilla extract until incorporated.

Stir in the flour mixture until a soft dough forms. Press the dough into the prepared pan in an even layer.

Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, until the dough is firm, golden, and just starting to brown at the edges. Cool on a wire layer until the caramel nougat is finished.

While the cookie layer bakes, make the caramel layer: Melt the butter over medium heat in a high-sided saucepan at least 2 quarts in capacity. Add the corn syrup, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cream. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves completely and the liquid comes to a boil.

Clip a candy thermometer to the pan and cook without stirring until the thermometer reads 246 to 248°F (hard-ball stage). Remove from the heat.

Stir the peanuts into the caramel, then carefully pour over the cookie layer. Let sit for 30 minutes to allow the caramel to firm up a bit.

Assemble the bars: Melt the chocolate chips in a small (1-quart) saucepan or skillet over low heat.

Carefully pour the melted chocolate over the bar, spreading evenly and gently with an offset spatula to cover the entire top. Sprinkle with Maldon or other flaky sea salt, if desired.

Let rest at room temperature for 2 hours, until the caramel has set and the chocolate has hardened.

Paint The Bag Red

Today's post is inspired by the lovely Bf who got me the most beautiful Kate Spade bag ever for Presidents Day. A beautiful red bag is the perfect pop of color to make a statement. It packs a punch with it's lipstick hue and a style that will fit any budget.

Nordstrom, Jessica McClintock Lips Clutch, $88

Pow. Red, statement, love.

Nasty Gal, Nila Anthony Wild West Suede Bag, $58

This bag is stunning. It's a great size for the weekend and the combination of a tassel and suede with this price tag? You can't beat it!

Modcloth, Double Decker Crush Bag, $59

How much fun is this bag? I love it with booties or culottes and heels.

Last Call Neiman Marcus, Dylan North South Tote Bag, $75

A fantastic color block tote that you can throw in what you need for the day and go.

You can thank The Bf for the inspiration today, grab a new bag that packs a punch. Shocking red is just what I needed in this never ending winter!

Be fabulous today!

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Time for a Change

It's humpday, not that I'm checking, or counting down, or anything like that. We're getting there. And to help us watch the time go by on this Wednesday, why don't we upgrade our watch? I've got some great styles with round face details that are sure to fit any budget.

Forever 21, Faux Leather Statement Watch, $17

Simply perfect for work or play. Chic black, white, and gold, with a great graphic.

Nordstrom, Timex Round Patent Leather Watch, $49

How versatile is this watch? Suit, jeans, black, brown, red, you pair it, it works.

Asos, Large Face Fine Case Watch, $35
Mod. Chic. A bit masculine but balanced with the thin strap.

Urban Outfitters, Braided Leather Map Watch, $29
Travel bug? This watch is perfect for you or a gift. I love the braided strap.

So check your wrist. Add something useful to your arm party.

Be fabulous today!

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