Halloween 2016

Fun fact: I despise Halloween. We talk about this each year. I just don't see a point in spending money on something you wear once. So once again, I'm pulling together some easy costumes that can be broken up to wear again.

Shirt/Jeans/Boots/Hat/Flower

Trench/Hat/Pants

Boots/Top/Overalls/Gloves

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Well I Heard You Were A Wild One

Happy Monday lovebugs,
I don't know about you, but I had a fantastic weekend when a friend from college and her fiancé came to visit. Great weather, good girl talks, and late nights. Pretty perfect.

Today I thought we would look into some fall jackets. It's mid-October and while some days are still hitting 70, the mornings are chilly. A classic coat is the motorcycle jacket. It is chic and timeless in the same way as a pearl necklace, but not so sweet around the edges Believe it or not, these jackets can be found for under $100.

Max Studio, Designer Leatherette Moto Jacket, $118 $58

I like this jacket because of it's boxy silhouette. It's got more of an urban cool feel.

Gilt, Cotton Motorcycle Jacket, $177 $89

How about a cotton moto jacket? So different!

Uniqlo, Women Riders Single Jacket, $69

Gotta love Uniqlo for delivering the trends without the price tag.

JCPenny, Belle + Sky Pleather Moto Jacket, $100 $59

Think moto isn't feminine. Boom.

Think twice before you spend an arm and a leg on a motorcycle jacket. There are great options in the double digits that will keep you stylish and warm.

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

Happy Friday!
Here are my favorite recipes this week.

New York Sour
c/o Buns in My Oven

Ingredients

2 

ounces whiskey

1 

ounce lemon juice

1 

ounce simple syrup

1/2 

ounce sweet red wine

Directions

• Add the whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker full of ice. Shake well.
• Strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice.
• Gently pour the wine over the back of a spoon to create a layer of wine on top.

Sausage Sour Dough Stuffing Filled Pretzels

c/o Country Cleaver

Ingredients

Stuffing Ingredients

• 12 ounces Jones All Natural Sausage
• 1 Onion, chopped finely
• 2 Stalks Celery, chopped finely
• 1 medium Carrot, chopped finely
• 1 ½ tsp Dried Thyme
• 1 Cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 round loaf Sourdough Bread, cubed
• 2 cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth

Pretzel Roll Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups Water – 110 Degrees
• 3 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
• 3 Tbsp Brown Sugar
• 1 package Instant Rise Yeast
• 3 ½ cups Bread Flour
• Kosher or Sea Salt
• 1/3 cup Baking Soda

Directions

Pretzels::

Start the pretzels rolls first. In a stand mixer bowl, outfitted with a dough hook attachment, add in warm water, vegetable oil, sugar and instant rise yeast. Let the mixture rest until the yeast begins to foam.

Turn the mixer on, and slowly pour in the flour into the mixture. Let the mixer knead the dough for approximately 5 minutes until the dough has formed and looks elastic. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently with your hands, when it forms a taught ball, place into a lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.

While the dough rises, begin to prepare the stuffing.

Stuffing::

In a sauté pan, cook Jones All Natural Sausage, breaking apart with a spoon until cooked through. Remove from the sauté pan and set aside. In the same pan, along with the drippings, add in celery, onion, and carrot, and cook until softened. Mix in thyme, and garlic. In the sauté pan, add the sausage back into the pan and mix in the thyme and garlic. In a large mixing bowl with the sour dough cubes in it, pour the cooked vegetables and sausage over the top. Pour the chicken stock over the top, and mix until the bread has soaked up the stock. Set aside briefly.

Pretzels::

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Bring a dutch oven or large sauce pan to a boil. Gently sprinkle in baking soda.

When the dough has risen it’s first time, divide it into 12 even portions. Flatten each portion and fill with ¼-1/3 cup of stuffing. Wrap the stuffing and pinch the edges of the dough until it’s closed. Place each ball on a parchment lined baking sheet, seam side down and repeat.

Once all the stuffed rolls are filled, drop two of them into the water at a time and allow to boil for 30-40 seconds. Remove and place back on the parchment lined baking sheet. Repeat with all the rolls. Place the boiled rolls into the oven and bake until dark golden brown, approximately 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve.

Magic Apple Plum Cobbler

c/o Smitten Kitchen

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (115 grams or 4 ounces) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (130 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 grams) sugar, divided
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea or table salt
• 3/4 cup (175 ml) whole milk
• 2 medium apples, peeled
• 3 small (I used Italian prune plums) or 2 medium plums, no need to peel
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

Heat your oven to 350°F. Place butter in a 2 to 3-quart (3 was recommended, but I had a lot of extra space) baking dish or a 7×11-inch cake pan. Place pan in oven for 5 to 7 minutes, until butter has melted. Tilt the dish to ensure it is evenly coated with butter.

Whisk together the flour, 3/4 cup sugar, baking powder and salt in a small bowl and stir in milk. Mix until smooth. Pour batter over the butter but do not stir, even if it looks like a puddle-y buttery mess. 

Cut apples into 8 wedges, small plums into 4 wedges and medium ones into 4 to 6. Space fruit over batter. Sprinkle with cinnamon and then remaining sugar. 

Bake the cobbler until it is set and golden on top, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool slightly on a rack. Serve the cobbler warm or at room temperature.

Regal Ruby

Remember your grandmother's jewelry box? You would look in and see an array of shiny brooches, gold chain necklaces, and a variety of colorful stones. Who knew which were family heirlooms and which were thrift shop, but who cared? One of my favorite pieces was always the ruby. It was regal and feminine. The deep red was rich like a merlot. While I don't have heirloom pieces for under $100 today, I do have some fun ruby earrings that won't break the budget.

Ann Taylor, Jewel Stud Earrings, $29

This item's description is 'the perfect finishing touch'. I couldn't agree more.

Target, Sterling Silver Bezel Stud Earrings, $34

The flush stone is very unique. Makes them a bit more of an everyday piece.

Modcloth, Receiving Drop Honors Earrings, $14

I'd wear these with a complimenting bold lip. Very rich.

Bloomingdale's, Rebecca Minkoff Front Back Earrings, $48

Didn't see these coming, did you? Ooh girl these are special. Get ready for compliments.

The depth of the red ruby adds so much to a simple piece of jewelry. Its a saturated color that demands attention. 

Be fabulous today!

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