Panel Discussion

Oh hello there Monday. There you are again. Are we used to writing/typing 2017 yet? Well I'm not. But when it comes to a new year, I'm all about a new bag. I like something fresh to loose my chapstick and hair ties in. This season I'm really loving the panel trend because it's eye catching without an explosive pattern of graphic.

Sole Society, Rosamund, $79

Suede panels make this bag all the more interesting. Great lines.

Selfridges & Co., Aldo Etaycien Cross Body, $47

Great colors for winter. Sleek and neutral.

Asos, Leather and Suede Metallic Panel Tote, $40

Something a little more casual but still fantastic.

Dorothy Perkins, Navy Panel Dome Purse, $17

What a sleek going out clutch or toss it into a larger bag as your go to wallet/phone case.

Paneling is like color blocking for textures and I love it on bags. Play with colors that work for you. I like a bag that I know I can make work for most of the clothing in my closet. 

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs!

Here are my favorite recipes this week. 

Mr. Rosewater

c/o Fogged in Lounge

Ingredients

• 2 oz cognac
• 1/2 oz lemon juice
• 1/4 oz grenadine
• 1/8 tsp rosewater
• 1 1/2 oz soda

Directions

Shake all except soda with ice cubes. Strain into a double old fashioned. Add soda and fresh ice cubes.

Jalapeno Popper Dip Flatbread

c/o Buns in My Oven

Ingredients

• 8 Stonefire Mini Naan, fresh or frozen
• 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, grated
• 2 tablespooons powdered Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1/4 -1/2 cup diced jarred jalapeno peppers
• 8 slices bacon, fried crisp
• extra jalapeno slices for topping, as desired

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Place the naan on two large baking sheets.
3. Add the cheeses, mayonnaise, and diced jalapenos to a medium bowl and stir well to combine.
4. Spread the mixture over the naan.
5. Finely dice the bacon and sprinkle over the naan.
6. Top with extra slices of jalapeno, as desired.
7. Bake for 8 minutes. Serve hot or at room temperature.

White Chocolate Cranberry Poke Cupcakes

c/o Shugary Sweets

Ingredients

FOR THE CUPCAKE:

• 1 package (2 layer cake size) white cake mix
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 package (3oz) JELL-O Cranberry Flavor Gelatin

FOR THE FROSTING:

• 1 1/2 package (6oz total) Baker's White Chocolate bars
• 1 package (8oz) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cup powdered sugar

FOR THE CRANBERRIES:

• 3 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 2 cup water
• 2 cup fresh cranberries

Directions

1. For the cranberries, combine 2 cup of the sugar with water in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat, and stir until sugar dissolves. Do not bring to a boil. Remove from heat as soon as sugar is dissolved. In a large bowl, add cranberries. Top with sugar syrup and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.
2. After it has soaked for at least 8 hours, drain off syrup completely and allow to sit in strainer for at least 15 minutes. Pour remaining 1 cup sugar in a large ziploc bag, add cranberries and shake. Empty contents of bag onto a wire rack (with foil underneath to catch the mess). Let cranberries dry for at least an hour. Store in refrigerator until ready to garnish cupcakes.
3. For the cupcakes, bake cake mix according to package for 24 cupcakes. Pierce tops of cupcakes immediately after cooking.
4. Combine boiling water with JELL-O gelatin, stir until dissolved. Spoon gently over cupcakes, allowing to sink into fork holes. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.
5. For the frosting, melt chocolate according to package directions. Beat cream cheese and butter in a large mixing bowl for about 4-5 minutes, until fluffy. Add melted chocolate, vanilla, and powdered sugar. Beat for another 2-3 minutes until fluffy.
6. Pipe onto cupcakes and garnish with sugared cranberries. ENJOY!

We All Put The On The Same Way

So you got a few tops and sweaters over the holidays and now you need some pants. Because going pantless is cold and generally frowned upon. So here are some classic and versatile pants that are going to be workhorses in your closet.

Nordstrom, Joe's The Wasteland High Rise Skinny Corduroy, $94

These beauties are half off right now. Half off!

Anthropologie, The Essential Skinny, $49

Well they say it in the title. It's essential, and it's under $50.

Macy's, Vince Camuto Skinny Side Zip Pants, $79

Everyone needs a pair of sleek black pants. These are perfect.

Loft, Bi Stretch Skinny Pants in Marisa Fit, $64

I love the Marisa fit. It's my favorite for all day workwear.

These pants are great for work or play. Mix and match with sweaters, button downs, and tees!

Be fabulous today!

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Say It Proud

It's the first week of the year and so many people have been reflecting on 2016 in a negative way. Sure it had it's ups and downs, but let's focus on the positive ahead of us! More importantly, let's tell everyone about it.

Modcloth, It Takes All Womankind, $49

Let's get together, ladies. Smile because we can do this.

Forever 21, C'est La Vie Graphic Sweater, $24

A simply sweet sweater that is fun to layer.

Macy's, Retro Brand Feel Good Graphic Tee, $34

I think we can all agree with this one.

Century 21, Hi Ya Knit Sweater, $32

Let's have fun with it, am I right?

2017 is only going to suck if you let it suck. So suck it up and make it great.

Be fabulous today!

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