All In: How Original

First Monday of the month means we need a full outfit, all in, for under $100. This April, we're going floral. I know. Florals for spring. How original.

Dress/Sandal/Skinny belt/Earrings

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

Happy last weekend in March! Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Baja Margarita
c/o Country Cleaver

Ingredients

3/4 to 1 cup Sugar

1 1/2 cup Water

1/2 cup Lime Juice

1/2 cup Tequila

Directions

*Adjust the amount of sugar you like for your margaritas in this step. Add more sugar for a sweeter margarita, or use less for a more tart margarita* In a small saucepan, whisk together the sugar and water. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. reduce the heat and simmer for several minutes, or until the sugar has dissolved completely. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside to cool. Once cooled, stir in the lime juice until combined.

If you want to make the mixture a Pour-Over Drink Mix:: Add the 1/2 cup of tequila into the margarita mix after you add in the lime juice. Stir to combine. Shake and pour over ice for instant margaritas.

Chicken Scarpariello

c/o A Dish of Daily Life

Ingredients

• 2 lbs skinless, boneless chicken thighs
• salt and freshly ground pepper
• all purpose flour or cornstarch for dusting (can substitute cornstarch if you are gluten free)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 lb sweet Italian sausage
• 1 medium onion, sliced thin into rounds
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced thin
• 8 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage leaves, finely minced
• 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary
• 1 cup Peppadews, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup pickling juice from Peppadews
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup chicken stock

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. I like to use a cast iron pan with enamel coating that I can put right into the oven to finish the dish.
4. Dust chicken with flour (or cornstarch, for gluten free).
5. Brown chicken on both sides; transfer to a plate.
6. Add sausage to same pan the chicken was cooked in, and brown on both sides.
7. Remove sausage and drain on paper towels, then cut into slices.
8. Return pan to heat, and add onions and bell pepper. Scrape browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon while the onions and bell pepper are cooking. Once they start to soften, add the garlic, sage, and rosemary, stirring to combine. Cook for about a minute.
9. Add the Peppadews, Peppadew liquid and white wine. Continue to stir and cook until the liquid is reduced by about half, about 2 minutes.
10. Add the chicken stock and fresh lemon juice, stir to combine. Return sausage and chicken to pan.
11. Transfer pan to oven and cook for 30 minutes, until chicken is tender. Serve immediately.

Peanut Butter Swirled Brownies

c/o Smitten Kitchen

Ingredients

PEANUT BUTTER BATTER

• 3/4 cup (190 grams) smooth peanut butter
• 2/3 (135 grams) cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extra
• A few pinches of flaky or coarse sea salt

BROWNIE BATTER

• 3 ounces (85 grams) unsweetened chocolate, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup (115 grams or 4 ounces) unsalted butter, plus extra for pan
• 1 1/4 cups (250 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon flaky or heaped 1/4 teaspoon of coarse sea salt
• 2/3 cup (85 grams) all-purpose flour

TO FINISH

• 1/4 cup (40 grams) semi- or bittersweet chocolate chips

Directions

Heat oven: To 350°F (175°C). 

Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment and coat the bottom and sides with nonstick cooking spray or butter. 

Make peanut butter batter: Whisk all ingredients in a bowl until smooth.

Make brownie batter: In a medium heatproof bowl over gently simmering water, melt chocolate and butter together until only a couple unmelted bits remain. Off the heat, stir until smooth and fully melted. You can also do this in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each. Whisk in sugar, then eggs, one at a time, then vanilla and salt. Stir in flour with a spoon or flexible spatula.

Assemble brownies: Spread a thin layer of brownie batter (about 1/3 of total batter, but no need to be exact) in bottom of prepared baking pan. Dollop peanut butter batter all over in big spoonfuls. Dollop remaining brownie batter in pan, aiming, if you can, between the peanut butter dollops. Use a butter knife to swirl the batters together in loose figure-8s. Sprinkle chips all over.

Bake: For 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out batter-free.

Knuckle Sandwich

We haven't looked at rings in a while, and a trend I'm loving is the midi ring. Those delicate smaller pieces that rest just above your middle knuckle.

Shopbop, Elizabeth and James Miror Knuckle Ring, $95

A lovely delicate ring set that is connected with a fine chain.

Etsy, Sterling Silver Knuckle Ring, $22

I'm not much for festivals, but even I can get on board with this Coachella-esque ring!

Shopbop, Maya Magal Midi Outline Ring, $82

I love the simplicity of this ring. The outline vs a gold fill is quiet and easy.

Dogeared, Midi Love X Ring, $32

A great cross design makes this ring extra special. That, and it's on sale.

Have you tried the midi ring trend? Does the placement drive you nuts or is it easy to get used to?

Be fabulous today!

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Tie the Knot

Let's look at a fun and easy tee that offers a little something extra. It's about the little things like an unexpected hemline or a detailed sleeve that grab my attention. Today it's the knot tee.

Shoptiques, 12pm by Mon Ami Long Sleeve Knot Tee, $32

A pop of sunshine with a relaxed fit.

Nordstrom Rack, Free Press Cupro Hi-Lo Knotted Tee, $29

Just a beautiful staple piece with an unexpected high-lo hem.

Saks Off Fifth, Scoopneck Long Sleeve Tee, $34

Speaking of staples, how about adding this to your weekend rotation?

Gap, V Neck Knot Slub Tee, $20

Super soft club makes this a great tee for running errands or dressing up with printed crops.

A simple knot that makes these tees stand out from the crowd. Oh and they're all under $35.

Be fabulous today!

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