Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Get to the Point

I love flats. I do, I know they aren't necessarily as feminine as heels, but as a city girl, I love comfort and style. Luckily, we've got some great flat trends that are happening right now. Today we're looking at a style borrowed from the boys: the loafer. The lady version of this is a pointy toe version that is quite the showstopper.

Express, Pointed Toe Loafer, $49
I love this look with a suit, but picture it with a ripped skinny jean. Amazing.

Oh what a stunner in metallic. Talk about a statement piece. I'm loving this for a dressier affair.

Let me tell you something about Ann and her shoes. She makes a killer and quality shoe. I have wedges from years ago that got major action this summer. This pair is going to be a classic in your closet.

How about a little something more Zooey Deschanel? Try these quirky cuties!

These pointy toe loafers are anything but masculine. They are comfortable, stylish, and perfect for fall.

Be fabulous today!

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Monday, September 14, 2015

Culotte-It-Out

It's mid-September. It's time to layer your sleeveless dresses with denim jackets but its not quite time to break out the wool slacks. It's that weird in between time that can stress out anyone looking to look great. This is why I love the culotte trend. It's a wide leg capri pant that it a great transition piece for this weather. You can wear it with a simple tee and a delicate pendant or you can dress it up for work with a button down and sweater vest.

I mean, hello. Look at this merlot goodness. So chic with heels or boots once it gets cooler.

A gorgeous print that goes along with the retro color palette that's so hot right now.

This is a classic style and cut that's going to work for work or play. And pockets.

Forever 21, Wide Leg Culottes, $24
Even F21 is getting in on this trend. I love the crisp single pleat on each leg.

This style is going to work for the 9-5 and the weekend. The fit is relaxed and look is casual cool. A fantastic base layer to build an outfit that is perfectly you.

Be fabulous today!

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Friday, September 11, 2015

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday! Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Rosewater Manhattan
c/o Country Cleaver
Ingredients
1 cup Sugar, for simple syrup
1 cup Water, for simple syrup
1/4 tsp Nielsen-Massey Rose Water, for simple syrup
1/4 tsp Nielsen-Massey Vanilla Extract, for simple syrup
Angostura Bitters
3 Ounces Whisky
Jarred Bing Cherry or Maraschino Cherries
Sliced Oranges
Ice
Directions
In a saucepan, combine water and sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer so the sugar dissolves completely, about five minutes. Stir occasionally. Remove from the heat and place in the fridge to cool. When cool, stir in the Nielsen-Massey rose water and vanilla extracts. Set aside.
In a cocktail shaker, fill with ice, add in 1/2 ounce rose water simple syrup, 3 ounces whiskey, and three dashes of bitters. Add in one slice of orange and one cherry. Top shaker, and shake vigorously. Pour cocktail into glasses. Top with additional slice of orange, and cherry. Serve immediately.

One Skillet Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Kosher or coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon minced garlic
4 cups chicken broth, preferably low-sodium
1 pound penne rigate or ziti pasta 
1 1/2 cups heavy (whipping) cream or half-and-half, warmed
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Directions
Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Melt the butter in a very large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, in batches if necessary, and sauté until nicely browned on the outside, but still a bit pink inside, about 4 minutes (the pieces don’t have to be browned on all sides; two sides is fine). Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
Do not clean the pan! Those brown bits on the bottom of the pan are going to add flavor to the sauce. Add the garlic to the pan and sauté over medium heat until you can smell it, 30 seconds.
Turn the heat to high, add the chicken broth, and scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen up all of those delicious caramelized bits. Bring to a simmer, lower to medium heat, and simmer for 5 minutes.
Add the pasta, stir well, and simmer until the pasta starts to soften, about 8 minutes.
Stir in the warm cream or half-and-half and the browned chicken with any juices that have accumulated on the plate. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender, most of the liquid has been absorbed, and the chicken is cooked through, about 4 minutes more.
Stir in the Parmesan until well incorporated, taste, and adjust the seasonings if needed. You can continue with the next step or see the Recipe Notes below for add-in suggestions.
Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl and sprinkle with the parsley, if desired. Serve hot and pass extra Parmesan at the table.

Easy Apple Cake
Ingredients
  • 1 box (18.25 oz.) yellow cake mix
  • 1 can (21 oz.) apple pie filling
  • 4 eggs
  • Sweetened Whipped Cream (optional)
  • Cinnamon (optional)
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients with an electric mixer until thoroughly combined. The mixer will help break up the apple pieces. Pour into the prepared dish.

3. Bake 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center tests clean. Allow cake to cool slightly before serving.
Serve with sweetened whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.

*Just a note about this recipe - You will NOT need the ingredients listed on the cake mix box. Just use the cake mix, pie filling and eggs.

Thursday, September 10, 2015

I Think I Burned It

Sometimes inspiration for posts come from really weird places. Right now The Bf is cooking dinner and I hear "I think I burned it". So I walk the 12 feet from the couch to the kitchen and look into the skillet where a wave of butter and spaghetti hit my nose and make me smile. A couple of dark mustard pieces but certainly no reason to waste perfectly good buttered spaghetti. Where am I going with this? Well, that beautiful wave of butter also had a beautiful deep, dark mustard color to it and that is the inspiration for today's post.

Shabby Apple, Belinda Sheath Dress, $64
Searching for THE dress for fall? Right here people. 

Last Call Neiman Marcus, Woven Fold Over Tote Bag, $90
The woven texture gives this bag such a luxurious feel.

This skirt will be a staple in your closet. It's going to work with stripes, plaid, solids, you name it.

There is nothing I don't like about this tank. Pair it with a denim jacket or a printed cardigan for optimal punch.

A deep mustard is a great transition color from summer to fall. Pair it with neon accessories for warmer days and bring it down with a cranberry or navy for fall.

Be fabulous today!

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