Friday Foodday

Happy first Friday in June! Here are my favorite recipes this week. 

Basil Cucumber Gin Cooler
c/o Skinnytaste

Ingredients

2-inch piece of cucumber, peeled and chopped

1 tsp grated lemon zest

2 fresh basil leaves

1 tsp agave nectar

1 1/2 oz gin

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

ice cubes

splash of seltzer

1 thin slice lemon, for garnish

1 thin slice cucumber, for garnish

Directions

In a cocktail shaker, muddle the chopped cucumber, lemon zest, basil and agave.

Add the gin, lemon juice and ice cubes and stir 10 seconds.

Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice cubes and top with seltzer.

Garnish with lemon and cucumber and serve.

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti
c/o Buns in My Oven

Ingredients

• 6 oz. spaghetti, broken into 3 pieces
• 1 cup shredded or diced cooked chicken
• 1 egg
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups grated monterey jack
• 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and drained well
• 3 ounce can french fried onions

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and add to a large mixing bowl.
3. Add the chicken, egg, sour cream, garlic powder, cheese, spinach, and half of the onions to the bowl and stir well to combine.
4. Pour into prepared baking dish and top with the remaining onions.
5. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
6. Remove the foil and bake for 5 minutes more.
7. Serve immediately.

Mud Hen Bars

c/o Shugary Sweets

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup shortening (I used Crisco butter flavored shortening)
• 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, whole
• 2 large eggs, separated
• 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
• 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 13x9 baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the shortening, butter, and sugar until creamy. Beat in the whole egg, and the two egg YOLKS.
3. Slowly add in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Combine until fully blended.
4. Pour batter into prepared baking dish. Top with marshmallows and chocolate chips.
5. In a separate clean and dry mixing bowl, beat the two egg whites until stiff. Fold in the brown sugar and pour over the stop of the bars. Spread gently, making sure it touches the sides of the pan (this will help it rise during baking, and not shrink).
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the meringue on top is lightly browned. Remove from oven and cool completely.
7. Cut into bars and enjoy. We prefer to keep these chilled in the refrigerator, they taste great cold!

Hoop Earrings Were Her Thing

Sometimes a statement earring can be daunting. Too big, too clingy, too many colors. And a simple hoop earring doesn't always do the trick. My advice, look for a circular drop earring that turns heads without being overwhelming.

Nordstrom, BaubleBar Cabana Drop Earring, $36

See what I mean? Simple but statement maker.

Sole Society, Turquoise Combo Le Carnival Teardrop Earring, $54

Colorful without being stuffy preppy. 

Last Call Neiman Marcus, Lydell NYC Crystal Wrapped Double Drop Earring, $24

Something more monochrome but no shortage on the beauty.

Asos, Statement Tassel Jewel Chandelier Earring, $24

Pretty fantastic combination of colors and textures.

Why wear hoops when you can wear something so much more fun? 

Be fabulous today!

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Paper or Plastic

This post is inspired by a pair of pants I just bought. That's right, sometimes I do buy the stuff I post. Today is one of those days. You are about to see a fantastic pair of pink pants. Not just pink pants. These pants are perfect for work or play because you can add heels or sandals with this paper bag waistline.

Asos, Wide Leg Pants with Paper Bag Waist, $45

I mean hello. Punchy color with a high waist. 

Dynamite, Cindy High Rise Cigarette Linen Pant, $49

Breezy and casual.  A must have in white for summer.

Free People, White Like This Paper Bag Pant, $98

A great straight leg option that comes in three other colors.

Macy's, Rachel Roy Tie Dyed Paper Bag Pants, $89

I love the white and blue pattern because it goes with just about anything.

The paper bag waist line is great for a more casual look. Look for it in skirts, pants, or shorts.

Be fabulous today!

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Fan me with Fronds

It's officially summer. I hope everyone had a great long weekend. I thought we would kick off summer with a print that screams warm weather and vacation. The palm print. It's pretty and bold and I love it for warm weather.

Bloomingdale's, Olivaceous Palm Print Tank, $48

Simple and chic. Perfect to dress up with a blazer or down with shorts.

Dorothy Perkins, Pink Palm Print Jumpsuit, $69

How about an allover print jumpsuit with a cold shoulder?

Old Navy, Printed Pintuck Swing Blouse, $29

A classic palm print in a blouse that will be a workhorse in your closet this summer.

Saks Off Fifth, Tie Waist Romper, $49

One more one piece. This just screams vacation to me. Its also 60% off now.

When I think summer I think beach, sun, and palm trees. Why not rock the print that reminds you of summer?

Be fabulous today!

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