Into the Jungle

Feeling wild on hump day? Yeah, me too. I'm itching for the weekend and that's got me thinking about going out bags. I love a great clutch because they hold just the essentials and can really make an outfit. Today I thought we would look at a real eye catcher, the leopard clutch.

Dorothy Perkins, Leopard Structured Clutch Bag, $29

Can't beat this price for a great bag that looks expensive.

Nordstrom, Menbur Leopard Print Minaudière, $58

A metallic sheen makes this clutch stand out.

DSW, Aldo Shako Clutch, $44

This bag has a disco feel to it. I love the patent leather cap.

Kate Spade, Mullins Place Pouch, $99

Pink glitter and leopard. I'll just leave this here.

So if you're feeling something small and fantastic, look no further than a classic leopard clutch. It goes with everything and is a great four season bag.

Be fabulous today!

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Ba Da Bow

After a rainy Monday I'm in need of something pretty. Then I stumbled on some beautiful bow sandals and I was pleased. Let me explain.

Ann Taylor, Erica Suede Bow Sandal, $89

I am obsessed with this sandal. It comes in a handful of colors but I am all about this navy.

H&M, Sandals with Bow, $24

Looking for a lower option? How about a metallic flat?

Asos, Miss Selfridge Multi Strap Bow Sandal, $77

Who needs one bow when you can have four?

Kate Spade, Idalah Sandals, $98

And for something vacation ready, I give you these colorful yet simple sandals!

How can you not smile wearing these summer sandals?

Be fabulous today!

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Cold Caller

Today's post is inspired by my weekend, well my dog's weekend. Norman had a tough one. He's fine but he's in the cone of shame for two weeks. To honor Norm, we are looking at playful collars on tops and dresses that are perfect for summer.

Nordstrom Rack, Ruffle Twofer Dress, $69

I'm loving, loving this dress. Bow waist, pleats, stripes, and a ruffle collar.

H&M, Sleeveless Ruffled Blouse, $14

Gathered collar in a sweet blush. Also comes in a great monochrome print.

Nordstrom Rack, CAD Sleeveless Ruffle Tank, $9

Under ten bucks? Yes. Also its a sweatshirt so crazy comfy.

Ann Taylor, Pleated Collar Blouse, $69

Slightly less exaggerated than the other options but still a standup collar with some pop.

While Norman won't be wearing any of these beauties, I think a bold collar is always a great option to dress up an outfit. 

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

Happy Friday!

Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Bridal Shower Sangria

c/o The Kitchn

Ingredients

1 (750-milliliter) bottle prosecco, cava, or other dry white sparkling wine, chilled
1 1/2 cups St. Germain Elderflower liqueur, chilled
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
1 1/2 cups seltzer or club soda, chilled
Ice

Directions

Combine the prosecco, St. Germain, lemon juice, and raspberries in a large pitcher. Top with the sparkling water. Pour into glasses with or without ice.

Broccoli and Bacon Chicken Alfredo Linguine

c/o Closet Cooking

Ingredients

• 8 ounces linguine (gluten-free for gluten-free)
• 4 slices bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 pound boneless and skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
• 1 cup parmigiano reggiano (parmesan), grated
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups broccoli florets, cooked
• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped

Directions

1. Start cooking the linguine as directed on the package.
2. Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large pan over medium heat before setting aside on paper towels to drain.
3. Heat the oil and melt the butter in the pan over medium-high heat, add the chicken and cook, browning on both sides, about 3-6 minutes per side, before setting aside to cool and slice.
4. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about a minute, before adding the chicken broth and deglazing the pan by scraping any brown bits from the bottom with a spoon while the broth simmers.
5. Add the cream and cheese and simmer until the sauce has thickened a bit and the cheese has melted before seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Mix the cooked and drained pasta, bacon, chicken, broccoli and parsley and enjoy!

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookie Bars

c/o Buns in My Oven

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 cups creamy peanut buttr
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 1/2 cups raspberry jam
• 2/3 cups salted peanuts, coarsely chopped

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper, grease and flour parchment paper.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until light yellow. Beat in vanilla, eggs, and peanut butter on low speed until everything is combined.
3. In a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the flour mixture to the peanut butter mixture. Mix just until combined.
4. Spread half of the dough in the bottom of the prepared pan. Spread jam evenly over the top of the dough. Use your hands to make large balls of dough with the remaining half of dough, then flatten them out and place them over the jam. The dough will spread a bit in the oven, so it’s okay if there are bare spots. Sprinkle with the chopped peanuts and bake for 45 minutes.
5. Cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.