Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Happy Bags

Let's have some fun on this hump day. Quirky and sassy bags that don't fit into your cross body, tote, bucket bag, and other standard categories. These bags have takes on a shape of their own. Let me explain.

Do we love this? I love this. So adorable and vacation-ready.

Thank goodness for Betsey, she always makes me smile. Notice the extras on this bag? Holy guacamole.

Torrid, Donut Crossbody Bag, $39
How can this bag not make you happy? The sprinkles? Come on.

Modcloth, Put It To Good Juice Bag, $44
Picture this bag against white jeans. It's going to pop!

Having some fun with your summer bags is easy when shapes and sizes are cheeky and playful. I love these bags for brunch, a wedding, or a night out with the ladies. Make it your own.

Be fabulous today!

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Tuesday, April 26, 2016

A Slit Above

We are putting away the sweaters and dusting off the tees and it is about time. Don't get me wrong, I love sweater weather but these 70 degree weekends have been pretty great. I thought we would dress up your average tee today with a newer trend that shows some skin. The side slit. It's a simple and understated detail but styled with the right accessories and bottom, it's effortlessly chic.

Forever 21, Side-Slit Top, $19
See what I mean? Simple, elegant, unexpected.

A little nautical flair? Don't mind if I do.

Express, One Eleven Lazy Day Side Slit Tee, $15
A perfect weekend shirt. Enough said.

Nordstrom, Topshop Suedette Oversize Crop Tee, $75
This top goes with everything. Prints, jeans, you name it.

Need to spice up your weekend t-shirt rotation? Try a side slit for a breezy and unexpected detail.

Be fabulous today!

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Monday, April 25, 2016

Summer Scallops

Happy Monday lovebugs,
I hope you had a great weekend. DC had some sprinkles but overall the sun came out and it was an awesome weekend. I think spring is finally upon us and that means it's time for some flirty hemlines. First thing that comes to mind is the scallop hem. It's ladylike and different in an eye-catching way. But why stop with hems? Today we're looking at some great scallop detailing on shoes.

Looking for a statement shoe for your summer dresses? Look no further. These beauties have a great low heel and come in a variety of colors.

I love this sandal for a neutral flat for warmer weather. Also comes in gold, silver, or nude.

Ankle strap metallic flat for under $40? This is not a drill.

Boden, Ballerina Flats AR724, $74
I like this flat because its got good bones. A sold sole and careful pointed toe. Also comes in five other summery colors.

Scallops aren't just for clothes. Have some fun with a feminine touch to your shoes that doesn't break the bank.

Be fabulous today!

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Friday, April 22, 2016

Friday Foodday

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

Frozen Watermelon Mint Margaritas
Ingredients
2 cups cubed watermelon
10 sprigs of mint
1 cup Cimarron Blanco Tequila
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 cup Cointreau
2-3 cups of ice
1 ounce turbinado sugar
Pinch of salt

Directions
In a blender, combine the watermelon, mint leaves from 6 of the sprigs, tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, sugar, ice, and salt. Blend until pureed. Divide into 4 glasses. Garnish with mint sprig.
Asparagus Pancetta Potato Hash
Ingredients
  • cooking spray
  • 2 oz diced pancetta
  • 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into a 1/2-inch dice
  • 1 large shallot, chopped
  • kosher salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 pound asparagus, tough ends trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 4 large eggs

  • Directions
  • Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat. Spray with cooking spray, add the pancetta and cook until golden; about 3 to 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, set aside on paper towels leaving the oil in the skillet.
  • Add the potatoes and 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper, and leave without stirring, 3 to 4 minutes until browned. Turn, add the shallots and cook until the potatoes are golden brown, and shallots are caramelized, stirring about 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Add the asparagus, cover the skillet with lid or foil and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until tender crisp. Remove the lid, taste for salt and adjust if needed. Return pancetta to the skillet.
  • Meanwhile, cook the eggs as desired. Serve right away topped with egg.

  • Kanafeh
    Ingredients
    • 1/2 pound shredded phyllo (called: kataifi or kunefe), thawed as directed on package
    • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
    • 2 cups mozzarella, shredded
    • 2 cups feta (soaked in water for an hour) or goat cheese, crumbled
    • 1/2 cup simple syrup or 1/4 cup apple and/or pear sauce

    Directions
    1. Break the pastry apart into one or two inch long pieces, separating the strands. (A few pulses of a food process helps with this.)
    2. Mix the butter into the pastry with your hands in a large bowl until coated and press half of it into the bottom of a greased metal baking pan in a thin layer.
    3. Pulse the cheeses in a food processor until the mixture reaches the consistency of a coarse meal and press it into the dough in the pan.
    4. Press the remaining dough onto the cheese and bake in a preheated 350F/180C oven until lightly golden brown, about 20-30 minutes.
    5. Serve warm covered in syrup or topped with apple and/or pear sauce.