The Interview

There are few things that are more terrifying in this world.  There are few things you stress over and analyze more.  The interview is pretty much your life, your abilities, and why you are deserving of anything in 30 minutes of less. Yeah, no pressure.

What's your biggest weakness? When was the last time you were a leader? What kind of team player are you?  Stressed? Me too. Luckily, I have a job. But it's my sister that's going for one.  Side note to any employers of non-profits out there: she rocks.  Hire her.  That aside, I wanted to give her some outfit ideas for an interview.

Lots of companies require a suit for an interview, I however, believe that really limits your creativity. If it is a large corporation by all means suit it up, but if not, have some fun with it!

Look 1

Loft, Shirred V-neck cardigan, $49.50

I love this cardi.  The color is vibrant and the cut is flattering for a embellished tee of button down/

Banana Republic, Tuxedo Tunic, $69.50

Pretty unexpected to pair with a cardi huh? That's the idea! Make them remember you.

Target, TRS Pencil Skirt, $19.99

Who says you need to spend a lot to pull together an outfit?

Look 2

Modcloth, Mod About You, $65

I know, it looks bland but those zippers? Plus add some color...

Old Navy, Mohair blend cardigan, $18

"I liked that girl in the bright pink sweater...what was her name again?" Yep.  It happens.

Want to go more conservative with black pants or maybe a navy suit? That's ok! Wear a statement shoe.

Calvin Klein, Wynette Citron Patent, $76

Trust me.  With a calm outfit this will make it pop!

Friday Foodday

Wooohoooo!! It's Friday! Friday Foodday!  Here are some of my favorite recipes from this week:

Bruscetta Chicken Macaroni and Cheese
1 pkg. (12.6 oz.) KRAFT HOMESTYLE Macaroni & Cheese Dinner Old World Italian Sauce with Parmesan and Romano Cheese 
2 Tbsp.  unsalted butter 
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces 
1/2 cup  milk 
1 tomato, chopped 
2 Tbsp.  chopped fresh basil

1 Tbsp. KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese

1/2 cup  KRAFT Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

HEAT oven to 425ºF.

COOK Macaroni as directed on package.

MEANWHILE, melt butter in large skillet on medium heat. Add chicken; cook and stir 5 min. or until evenly browned. Stir in Seasoning Mix until well blended. Gradually stir in milk; cook and stir 3 to 4 min. or until sauce bubbles and thickens. Stir in contents of Cheese Sauce pouch; cook and stir on low heat 2 min. or until mixture is well blended.

DRAIN macaroni. (Do not rinse.) Add macaroni to chicken mixture with tomatoes, basil and Parmesan; cook and stir 2 min. or until heated through. Pour into 1-1/2-qt. casserole; top with mozzarella and Bread Crumb Topping.

BAKE 5 to 10 min. or until mozzarella is melted.

Chocolate Chip Pretzel Cookie Bars

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1½ sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
12-ounce bag semisweet chocolate chips
1½ cups mini pretzel twists, coarsely chopped
¼ cup chocolate chips, for drizzling
¼ cup peanut butter chips
¼ cup pretzels, crumbled, for topping 

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 pan with cooking spray.

In a bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda and salt. Using a mixer, beat the butter and both sugars at medium speed until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Beat in the eggs and the vanilla extract. On low speed, beat in the dry ingredients just until incorporated. Stir in the chocolate chips and pretzel pieces.

Spread the batter evenly in the pan and press it down evenly with a spatula. Bake for 30 minutes, until golden brown. Transfer the pan to a rack and cool completely.

In a sandwich size bag, melt the chocolate chips. Cut off a small corner on the bag and drizzle the chocolate over the top of the bars. Sprinkle the peanut butter chips and extra crushed pretzels on top. Let set and then cut into squares.

Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Ingredients 

2 c. flour
4 tsp baking powder
1 1/4 tsp salt
1/3 c. oil
2 eggs
1 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 c. buttermilk
2 tsp vanilla

Topping:
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 tbsp. softened butter

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour bottom of a 9x5 loaf pan. Combine all ingredients and beat 3 minutes at medium speed. Pour half of the batter into the pan. Prepare streusel topping (Combine 1/2 c. brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 2 T. softened butter) and sprinkle half over the batter. Pour on the rest of the batter and top with remaining topping. Bake for about 45 minutes.

Garlic Cheddar Quick Bread

Ingredients:
3 cups all-purpose flour
4.5 tsp. baking powder
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. garlic powder (could be doubled if you like a lot of garlic)
1/2 tsp. Italian seasonings, divided
1.5 cups milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 egg

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350. Combine the flour, baking powder, cheese, sugar, garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp. Italian seasoning in a bowl.

2. In a separate bowl combine the milk, oil, and egg. Stir into dry ingredients until moistened.

3. Pour into a greased 9x5 loaf pan. Top with additional 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.

4. Allow to cool in pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Salute the Troops

Through your wardrobe of course! Thanks to every single veteran out there.  You are an incredible asset to his country and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Today TCB salutes you through military inspired clothing.
Tomorrow is Friday Foodday!

Express, Military Shirt Dress, $59

Great dress, just please make sure you sit down in it in the dressing room before you buy it! Don't look at the size, look at how it fits you.

White House Black Market, Slim Ponte Military Pants, $88

So hot. Sleek and determined.

American Eagle, Cropped Military Cardigan, $30

Perfect for running around on the weekend with jeans and boots.

Piperlime, Mia Duke, $80

I love the military themed button, rounded tow, AND fold over cuff.

And for Everyday Mom Ideas blogger's Christmas list- she asked for a rosette blouse.  What do you think of this one?

Macy's Short sleeve rosette top, $25

Forever 21 also has tons of options with rosettes!  Thanks for writing in!

Christmas Lists!

My good friend offered to help me out with this post a little bit.  On her Christmas list is a floral top and a navy blue pencil skirt for work.  Two great pieces that are awesomely versatile and easy to pair up.

Do you have items on your list that you want some great options for? Email, tweet or comment me!

Also- don't forget lovebugs! Send in your recipes for Friday Foodday!!!

Hope you all enjoy the coupon code from Tucker Blair!


Let's start with the floral top:

Macy's, peasant top, $59

Gorgeous colors here and a great neckline

Macy's, Long sleeve floral, $48

I love this because its structured and can be worn alone or with a sweater

Nordstrom, Watercolor Garden, $35

OK, I love purple, you got me.  But look at these colors! 

And now, the skirt:

Calvin Klein, Navy Stretch Perfect Pencil, $60

Sleek and sophisticated and it doesn't sit too high on the hip

Ann Taylor, Exposed Zipper Ponte Skirt, $50

This is the back view, so the zipper is NOT in the front.  If you think you can get away with a front exposed zipper at work, think again.  Trashy ladies.  If you do want to do it in the back do it professionally and with a nice top.

Macy's, Anne Klein Skirt, $50

I love that the skirt is just a touch above the knee, something adorable about that.

Talbots, Seasonless Wool Skirt, $99

Just like it says: seasonless, all year round! Plus the flare out on the knee? So sassy.