Bead Keeper

Well hey there lovebugs! How are you today? It's Monday which is a major bummer but let's talk fashion, it's bound to make you feel better.

Today we are looking at some beautiful beaded necklaces. Baubles and bling are great but sometimes it's better to go back to basics.

Bloomingdale's, RJ Graziano Multi Strand Beaded Necklace, $75

Do I think this is overpriced? A little. Do I think the cost per wear will blow your mind? Absolutely. Look at it. LBD, tshirt, vneck, crewneck, denim jacket, black tie. I mean, hello.

BaubleBar, Earth Mayan Pendant, $36

Oh hi there quirky drama, where have you been all of my life?

Piperlime, Pim and Larkin Three Row Beaded Necklace, $46

I love this necklace for the punch of color and the pricepoint.

Modcloth, Bead Keeper Necklace in Tropical, $29

Right? Neon perfection. Perfect for work or play.

What do you think? It's no lucite or emerald or bling, but it's beautiful!

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs! I hope you have a fabulous weekend.

Broccoli Salad
c/o Cassie Craves

Ingredients
2 heads fresh broccoli (not frozen)
1/2 cup red onion, chopped
1/2 pound bacon
1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese 

2 1/2 tablespoons vinegar
1 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup sugar

Directions

1. Chop bacon into bite-sized pieces and cook to desired crispness. Drain on paper towels.

2. Chop broccoli florets into bite-size pieces. Combine broccoli, bacon, onions and cheddar cheese in a large bowl.

3. In a separate bowl combine vinegar, sugar and mayonnaise. Pour over broccoli mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate until serving (it’s best when made a day ahead).

Broccoli and Cheese Mini Egg Omelets

c/o Skinny Taste

Ingredients

• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 4 whole large eggs
• 1 cup egg whites
• 1/4 cup reduced fat shredded cheddar (Sargento)
• 1/4 cup good grated cheese like pecorino romano
• 1 tsp olive oil
• salt and fresh pepper
• cooking spray

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. Steam broccoli with a little water for about 6-7 minutes.
When broccoli is cooked, crumble into smaller pieces and add olive oil, salt and pepper. Mix well. Spray a standard size non-stick cupcake tin with cooking spray and spoon broccoli mixture evenly into 9 tins.

In a medium bowl, beat egg whites, eggs, grated cheese, salt and pepper. Pour into the greased tins over broccoli until a little more than 3/4 full. Top with grated cheddar and bake in the oven until cooked, about 20 minutes. Serve immediately. Wrap any leftovers in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator to enjoy during the week.

Spicy Pork with Asparagus and Chili
c/o A Taste of Home Cooking

Ingredients
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry, brandy or Madeira
2 teaspoons cornstarch
12 oz. ground pork 
3 teaspoons Asian sesame oil, divided
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided 
1 bunch thin to medium asparagus, trimmed, cut diagonal into 1/2-inch pieces
1 red (or green) jalapeño, minced with seeds
2 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 green onions, thinly sliced on diagonal
Salt and pepper

Directions
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice wine/brandy/sherry/Madeira, and cornstarch. Add the pork and toss to blend.

Heat 2 teaspoons of the sesame oil and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a heavy large wok or deep skillet over high heat. Add asparagus, chili, and ginger. Toss until asparagus is crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer asparagus mixture to plate.

Add remaining 1 teaspoon sesame oil and 1 tablespoon olive oil to wok. Add pork mixture and stir-fry until browned, using wooden spoon to break up pork into small pieces, 2 to 3 minutes.

Return asparagus mixture to wok. Add oyster sauce, honey and rice vinegar. Stir-fry until pork is cooked through, about 2 minutes. Add water by tablespoonfuls if it becomes too dry. Add green onions; toss to incorporate. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve over steamed rice.

Sew Much Detail

Happy almost Friday guys!

Details really make me excited about clothing, usually because it means quality. That extra time was taken to make a piece extra special. Today, that detail is embroidery. Very simple, but very noticeable.

Asos, River Island Embroidered Shell, $46

This top is truly something special. It has a gorgeous pattern and the colors just pop.

Ann Taylor, Embroidered Bubble Hem Top, $48

I love a good bubble hem because it looks a little more put together. This top also comes in blue.

Forever 21, Embroidered Daisy Top, $19

I chose this top because it goes along with the mod trend that we'll be seeing this season.

Nordstrom, Topshop Flower Organza Top, $56

I can't think of an outfit you couldn't wear this with. Pair it with orange linen shorts, a gray suit, you name it.

Embroidery comes with all kinds of price points, so find a pattern that you love, and I promise you will find something in your budget. Thrift stores and secondhand shops are also a gold mine for this stuff.

Be fabulous today!

Just throw on a Tee

Happy humpday lovebugs,
I hope your week is swimming along. As we get closer to the weekend, I wanted to take a look at one of the easiest things to throw on for the weekend. The t shirt dress. Now, I'm not talking about an oxford shirt dress; I mean pure comfort, simple and chic, a t shirt dress.

Banana Republic, Striped T-Shirt Dress, $67

How nautically fantastic is this dress? I love the drop waist pattern.

Piperlime, Striped T Shirt Dress, $59

So simple and carefree, this dress is perfect to wear as is or maybe add a denim jacket.

Asos, French Connection Striped T Shirt Dress, $69

This dress is so much fun. I love the colors! You could wear this on a date or to a day party.

Kohl's, LC Lauren Conrad Striped T Shirt Dress, $21

LC does is again. Perfect sleeve length, great color, and even better price point.

Hey guys, I just realized these are all striped. Wow. Way to go me.

Be fabulous today!