Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Tassel in the Bag

Happy hump day lovebugs,
Its been a long week, why not reward ourselves with some bag shopping. Specifically, the bucket bag. It comes in so many styles like slouchy, hobo, or sleek. Let's step up the bucket bag though, it's already a very trendy bag. Today we're adding tassels.

A vegan leather that is ultra soft. This bag will go with everything.

Ready for spring? How about this baby blue bag? Sleek and clean lines are very modern in a feminine color.

JCrew Factory, Suede Mini Bucket Bag, $100 $64
A smaller option for a quick weekend outing. It's got a slouchy feel but the suede is so luxe.

Free People, Bleeker Bucket Bag, $68
A pop of color is great for the long last days of winter. This bag also comes with a matching pouch.

Bucket bags and tassels are two huge trends this year, why not combine them for double to impact? A simple bag with a lot of personality.

Be fabulous today!

Shop this post


Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Big House Stripes

Who doesn't love a good stripe? It's such an easy print to mix and match with everything in your closet. A classic color makes it even more timeless and long lasting in your rotation. Today we are looking at some black and white striped turtlenecks that come in a variety of styles and materials so you can layer up or wear them into late winter.

An eye catching top that you can add a blazer to, wear with jeans, or a pencil skirt.

Saks Off Fifth, Mixed Stripe Turtleneck Top, $78 $29
Such a fun, casual top to wear with leggings and booties.

Simple, slim, dress it up with a long string of pearls or make it modern with a tassel bib.

I own this top and I love it. It's lightweight and easy to wear for work or play. 

A simple top makes getting out the door so much easier. I like these classic striped tops because they allow you to play with pattern and color while still looking professional.

Be fabulous today!

Shop this post


Monday, February 29, 2016

Party Ready Peplum

I know it's technically still winter but it's my birthday next Sunday and I want something party-ready and fun to wear. I really like peplum these days because when you get a fitted top it nips in and flares out at just the right place. Let's have some fun with peplum going out tops.

H&M, Peplum Top, $34
If this isn't a birthday top, I don't know what is. A pop of pink, feminine flare, and a daring but not scary neckline.

Look at these lines! What a beautiful party or black tie top. Just needs the right accessories.

You cannot beat this price. Grab it in the black too.

Lulu's, Pretty Black Top, $39
What a statement top. Look at the flowing ruffle starting at the neckline. Stunning.

Sure it's still sweater weather, but sometimes I need a glimpse into the future. These sleeveless beauties are perfect for play and ready for party any day.

Be fabulous today!

Shop this post

Friday, February 26, 2016

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs!

Here are my favorite recipes this week. 

White Russian
c/o Smitten Kitchen
Ingredients
2 ounces (4 tablespoons) vodka
1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) coffee liqueur (such as kahlua or tia maria)
1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) half-and-half or 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) milk plus 1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) heavy cream


Directions
Fill a short — or rocks — glass with ice. Add vodka and coffee liqueur. Finish with the cream. For the layered effect, pour the cream in a very slow drizzle off the back of a spoon held over — but not touching — the surface of the drink. To swirl it prettily, insert a stirrer along the inner wall of the glass only as a deep as the cream and move it around in a slow circle.


Chicken Fajita Pasta
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 envelope (3 tablespoons) taco or fajita seasoning
1 cup diced onion (about 1/2 onion)
2 cups diced bell peppers (2-3 bell peppers)
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
1 (10-oz) can Ro-Tel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles
8 oz (about 3 cups) pasta
½ teaspoon salt

Directions
1- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with half of taco seasoning. In a 12-inch skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over high heat. 
2- When the oil is very hot, carefully add the chicken in a single layer and cook without stirring until one side is seared and browned, about 1-2 minutes. Flip the chicken to the other side and cook until browned. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
3- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet with the heat still on high. When the oil is very hot again, add the onions, bell peppers, and remaining taco seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are slightly blackened. 
4- Turn heat to low, add minced garlic, and stir until fragrant and well combined, about 30 seconds. Remove the veggies to the plate with the chicken.
5- In the same skillet, add the broth, cream, diced tomatoes, uncooked pasta, and salt. Stir to combine and bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 15 minutes until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed. 
6-Add the chicken and veggies back into the skillet and stir to combine until heated through, about 2 minutes. 

Chocolate Frosted Blondies
Ingredients
For the blondies:
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup flour
  • pinch of salt
For the frosting:
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, plus more as needed*
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8x8 baking dish with parchment.
  2. Add the butter and brown sugar to a medium mixing bowl and stir to combine.
  3. Stir in the egg and vanilla.
  4. Stir in the flour and salt until well combined.
  5. Spread into the prepared pan and bake for 22 minutes or until a tester comes out clean. Cool completely.
  6. To make the frosting, put a small saucepan over medium heat.
  7. Stir in the butter, milk, and sugar until melted and bring to a full boil.
  8. Let boil for exactly 60 seconds and remove from the heat.
  9. Stir in 1/3 cup of chocolate chips until melted. Mixture should be pourable, but not super runny. The frosting will thicken up as it cools. If it seems too runny, add an extra tablespoon or two of chocolate chips and stir well until melted into the mixture. Return to heat briefly if needed to melt.
  10. Pour the hot frosting over the cooled blondies and allow to set until hardened, about 1 hour.
  11. Slice and serve!