Stars and Stripes

Happy Monday lovebugs! I hope you are gearing up for an epic long weekend. It may be the last few days to find something red, white, and perfect to wear so that's what we're talking about today. Do you go casual with jeans and a white tee or full blown star spangled awesome?

Etsy, Unicorn. Patriotic. Patriotic. Shirt., $19

I mean, you're welcome. 

Shoptiques, Mon Ami Patriotic Sleeveless Jumpsuit, $36

Who has time to put together an outfit? Jumpsuit, FTW.

Kohl's, Levi's Patriotic Stars Tank, $14

Simple and easy. Pair with white jeans or red shorts.

Target, Stars and Stripes Jean Shorts, $27

If you're really goin' for it, then these are your shorts. America.

BBQs, fireworks, cornhole, what are your plans for the holiday? We will be in Memphis with some pretty fantastic people, and I can't wait for the sun and some cold beers.

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

Happy Friday! Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Red Wine Gin Sour
c/o Hummingbird High

Ingredients
For the Red Wine Gin Sour:
(makes 1 cocktail, but easily scales up)
1.5 fluid ounces London dry gin
0.75 fluid ounce St. Germain elderflower liqueur
0.75 fluid ounce simple syrup 
0.75 fluid ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 large egg white
0.75 fluid ounce Italian red wine

Directions

1. Combine the gin, elderflower liqueur, simple syrup, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and egg white in a metal cocktail shaker. Shake with the metal coil from a Hawthorne strainer for 15 to 20 seconds.


2. Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for another 15 to 20 seconds. Strain into an empty shaker with no ice and shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds more.


3. Transfer the mixture to a tall glass with ice, and finish the drink off by pouring red wine over the back of a bar spoon over the center of the glass. Given its weight, the wine will automatically sink below the foam to create that pretty ombre layered effect. Serve immediately.

Grilled Pesto Chicken and Tomato Kebabs

c/o Skinny Taste

Ingredients

1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1 clove garlic

1/4 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano

kosher salt and fresh pepper to taste 

3 tbsp olive oil

1-1/4 lbs skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes

24 cherry tomatoes

16 wooden skewers

Directions

In a food processor pulse basil, garlic, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper until smooth. Slowly add the olive oil while pulsing.

Combine the raw chicken with pesto and marinate a few hours in a bowl. Soak wooden skewers in water at least 30 minutes (or use metal ones to avoid this step). Beginning and ending with chicken, thread chicken and tomatoes onto 8 pairs of parallel skewers to make 8 kebabs total.

Heat the outdoor grill or indoor grill pan over medium heat until hot. Be sure the grates are clean and spray lightly with oil. Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook about 3-4 minutes; turn and continue cooking until chicken is cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Strawberry Sauce

c/o Closet Cooking

Ingredients

2 pounds strawberries, sliced (~4 cups)
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice (~1/2 lemon)
1/4 cup water

Directions

1. Bring everything to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens a bit and gets syrupy, about 5-10 minutes.

Straw Poll

This week's posts have been all about summer favorites. Today we're finishing strong with the straw clutch. I love this medium because it's beachy but structured in shape. It works great for a Saturday dinner al fresco or a destination wedding. The style is so versatile.

Banana Republic, Dot Straw Clutch, $58

How great is this bag? Polka dots in straw? Count me in.

JCrew, Rattan Clutch, $88

This is a strong clutch. It's sturdy, leather closure, and perfect beads to stand on.

Anthropologie, Wittenberg Crossbody, $88

Leave it to Anthro to crush the straw pattern game. The stripes, texture, color!

H&M, Braided Clutch Bag, $17

Simple, under $20, can't go wrong!

Accessorizing for summer is so easy with a straw clutch. Grab your phone, keys, cards, and lipstick and walk out the door.

Be fabulous today!

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I Feel Like Bustin' Loose

Let's spice up this hump day with a really sassy dress. The bustier or fitted bodice dress is equal parts sexy and feminine. I think the fit is daring but spot on for those nights that you need to really make a statement.

Amazon, Jessica Simpson Madelynn Bustier Dress, $48

Starting sweet with this floral number that is great for an evening outdoor wedding.

Shoptiques, Lucca Couture Pleather Chiffon Dress, $79

This dress is the new platinum blond Taylor Swift dress. Edgy but girly.

Modcloth, Blockbuster Party Dress, $59

Two things that make this dress extra awesome: a bow and pockets.

Asos, Rare London Lace Bodice Dress, $89

This is a special dress. Pull out this weapon when you to make an entrance or make someone very, very jealous.

The fitted bodice dress is a silhouette that demands attention. It's dramatic and photo worthy for so many summer occasions.

Be fabulous today!

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