Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs!

Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Vodka Thyme Lemonade
c/o Martha Stewart

Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar 
• 12 sprigs fresh thyme, plus more for garnish 
• 4 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice, about 24 lemons 
• 2 cups vodka

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups water with the sugar and thyme; bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat; let cool to room temperature. 
2. Pour mixture through a fine sieve into a large glass measuring cup; discard thyme. You should have 2 cups syrup. Cover with plastic; chill. In a large serving pitcher, stir together lemon juice, vodka, and chilled syrup; garnish with thyme. Divide evenly among eight tumblers filled with ice; serve immediately.

Pasta with Bacon and Broccoli

c/o Buns in My Oven

Ingredients

• 1 pound farfalle (butterfly shaped) pasta
• 1 pound bacon
• 12 ounces fresh broccoli florets
• 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, dice the bacon into bite sized pieces and add to a large skillet. Cook over medium heat until just beginning to crispy.
3. Add the broccoli directly to the bacon without draining the grease. Cook for 3 minutes or until broccoli is tender-crisp.
4. When pasta is cooked to your liking, drain and return to pot. Add the mozzarella cheese and stir a few times to mix it together.
5. Pour the bacon and broccoli over the pasta and stir well to mix everything together as the cheese melts.
6. Serve hot.

Blueberry Caramel Sauce

c/o Closet Cooking

Ingredients

1 cup blueberries (I used wild)

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup water

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

1. Place the blueberries in a food processor and puree them.
2. Mix the sugar and water in a sauce pan, heat over medium heat and simmer until the sugar has melted and it has turned an deep amber colour, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and carefully mix in the blueberry puree.
4. Return to heat, simmer for 5 minutes, strain the solids with a fine mesh sieve, return to heat and simmer until it starts to thicken, about 10 minutes.
5. Remove from heat, mix in the lemon juice and let cool to room temperature.

Shifting in Perspective

It's chambray season. Warmer weather, softer fabrics, bring on the denim. Today I thought we would do some research on chambray shift dresses that will be workhorse pieces in your closet this summer. They have an easy shape that you can wear as is or belt and it provides a great canvas for accessorizing.

Nordstrom, Charles Henry Cotton Chambray Shift Dress, $88

Great base dress. I love the high low hem detail to dress it up a bit.

Macy's, Maison Jules Denim Shift Dress, $79

This dress is great for Saturdays and flats.

Asos, Yumi Embroidered Chambray Shift Dress, $87 $46

Had to throw in a detail option. I love this!

Forever 21, Chambray Dress, $24

A great shirttail hem on this dress, really softens the whole look.

You know what I also love about chambray? It's machine washable. And in summer, that is a must in my everyday wear. 

Be fabulous today!

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Colorful Crepe Crops

Yesterday we looked at some unlikely workwear bottoms, today I thought we would keep the trend going with some crepe crop pants. They're perfect for summer because they're light and easy to pair with a simple top and a statement necklace.

Target, Stretch Crepe Elastic Waist Pant, $45

I mean, come on. These pants just scream spring! Rosy pink that you can dress down with flats or dress up with some heels and a blazer.

Nordstrom, Halogen Wide Leg Crop Pant, $78 $31

55% off? Don't mind if I do! Love this minty blue pastel color!

Dorothy Perkins, Black Crepe Wide Leg Crop Trouser, $44 $27

Looking for something basic? Try these black pants to wear with some bold prints and button downs.

Nordstrom Rack, Vince Camuto Pleated Culotte, $119 $59

This color. So saturated and rich! And the price? Yes.

I love a comfy crepe in a crop length for work because it's something different but versatile. Just like we get weary deep into sweater weather, you're going to feel the same fatigue for sundresses, so try these crops on for size.

Be fabulous today!

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Slitting Hairs

Let's spice up the workwear routine. Skirts can get dull; so mix up the expected and try something with a front slit. It's such a small change that creates a much different look that your norm.

Nordstrom, Olivia Palermo + Chelsea 28 Stripe Pencil Skirt, $98

The varied angles and stripes make for maximum camouflage. I love this skit.

Forever 21, Contemporary Front Slit Skirt, $19

This skirt is very modern. The front patch pockets are understated but casual. It also comes in a beautiful burnt yellow.

Loft, Slit Pencil Skirt, $59

And speaking of yellow. Check out this lemon!!

Last Call Neiman Marcus, Minkpink Striped Spilt Front Skirt, $45

I thought we would start and end with stripes, and this one is fantastic. Check out that asymmetrical slit.

The front slit for a skirt is an easy trend to try. Start with a standard black pencil and then brand out to some of these striped and brighter options above! Show some leg, just don't forget to shave above the knee now that's spring. You're welcome.

Be fabulous today!

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