Friday, April 15, 2016

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday! Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Strawberry Basil Margarita
c/o The Kitchn
Ingredients
1 can (12 ounces) frozen limeade concentrate
10 strawberries (or 12 if you're using smaller ones from the farmer's market or your backyard.)
8 basil leaves
2 to 2 1/2 cups tequila 


Directions
Empty the limeade concentrate into a pitcher. Add 2 1/2 cans of water and 1 1/2 (18 ounces, or 2 1/4 cups) cans of tequila (or a bit less, if you don't want your drinks to be quite as strong).
Hull the strawberries, slice lengthwise, and add to the pitcher. Crumple the basil a little in your hands (this will help the basil flavor release into the drink) and add it to the pitcher, too. Place the pitcher, covered, in the fridge overnight, or for at least four hours.

When you remove the pitcher from the fridge, your margaritas will be a lovely pale pink color. Now all you have to do is serve them and wait for the compliments to pour in

Barbecue Chicken Rice Skillet
Ingredients
  • 2 cups diced cooked chicken
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup rice
  • 1/3 cup barbecue sauce, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated cheddar
  • 2 tablespoons diced red onion
  • 2 tablespoons diced cilantro
Directions
  1. Heat large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add chicken, broth, rice, and 1/4 cup barbecue sauce to skillet. Bring to a boil, cover, and cook on low for 20 minutes or liquid has been absorbed and rice is cooked through.
  3. Remove lid from pan and stir in cheese.
  4. Drizzle remaining barbecue sauce over the top and sprinkle on onion and cilantro. Serve immediately.

Caramel Apple Bundt Cake
Ingredients

FOR THE CAKE:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 3/4 cup milk

FOR THE FILLING:

  • 2 cup diced Crunch Pak apples (about 25-30 slices, or 3 apples, peeled)
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

FOR THE GLAZE:

  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 6 Tbsp milk, divided
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 cups powdered sugar

Directions
  1. For the cake, grease and flour bundt pan (or use a generous amount of baking spray). Set aside. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add in softened butter and beat until crumbly. Beat in eggs, vanilla, cinnamon and milk. Beat for 3-4 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
  3. In a small mixing bowl, combine diced apples, brown sugar and cinnamon. Fold into cake batter.
  4. Pour cake mixture into prepared bundt pan. Bake for 55-60 minutes until browned. Allow to cool in pan for about 10 minutes, then flip onto a cake plate and cool complately.
  5. For the glaze, add brown sugar, butter and 4 Tbsp of milk to a small saucepan. Heat over medium until boiling. Stirring constantly, boil for 2 full minutes. Remove from heat. Add in vanilla extract. Allow to cool 15 minutes.
  6. In a mixing bowl, whisk together cooled sugar mixture, powdered sugar, and remaining 2 Tbsp milk. Beat for 2 minutes until smooth. Pour over cooled cake and allow to set (about 10 minutes). Slice and enjoy. Store at room temperature, covered, for freshness.

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Shake Your Pom Pom

Happy Friday eve. We are so close lovebugs. For what it's worth it's apparently festival season. Coachella and stuff, it's happening. While I'm not all about this scene I do love some of the fashion (please note some). One trend that I really love is the pom pom for a bag. It's quirky and believe it or not it can be worn outside of Cali. Today I'm going to give you two festival-ish options and two work appropriate options.

I mean, come on. Colorful, playful, just yes. 

Forever 21, Hiptipico Noho Zig Wristlet, $49
A great zig zag pattern that holds all of your essentials. 

Work ready? Oh heck yeah. Black, white, and neon.

An urban crossbody that's easy for errands on a Saturday or a night out dancing.

When I think of festival style I don't get too excited. But these poms are sweet and catchy and on a bag I think they add a pop of personality.

Be fabulous today!

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Wednesday, April 13, 2016

How Original

Florals for spring, how original. But hang on, florals have changed. They've been upgraded. Florals are not just Easter Sunday or pretty cupcake prints anymore, oh no. They're oversized, unexpected colors, and nothing you'd expect. Today we're taking on florals in work-ready pencil skirts.

See what I told you? Didn't see this one coming. So crisp and fresh for spring.

A little That 70s Show but pair it with a silk bow blouse and you're ready for 9-5.

This skirt is going to hug your hips and slim your waist. 

Can't beat the price! This is something out of an adult coloring book and I love it.

Don't pass on floral this spring. I promise you can find something that is going to work with tops that are already in your closet. Play with stripes or dots on top to really add a punch.

Be fabulous today!

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Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Drop it Like it's Hot

Let's dress up the standard t-shirt. It can get tired even in all of its cotton comfort. I'm mixing it up but adding in a drop shoulder. It's got a casual cool of a girl who walks into a party and everyone thinks 'effortless'. That's what these tees have.

On the white tee hunt? I beg you to try Everlane. They are the go to for basics and they last.

This is going to be with you from now until September. A light linen with an unexpected back vent. Simple to wear on its own or layered on a chillier summer night.

Boden, Long Lightweight Drop Shoulder, $44
This adorable top comes in a half a dozen colors and they are all cotton jersey. SOFT!

A slub linen? Who knew?! Lou & Grey did and now they're treating us.

A drop shoulder detail adds a touch of 'ahh' to a tee. Not like scary movie aaah! more like breath of fresh air ahh. Get it?

Be fabulous today!

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