Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Eyeing Eyelet

It's the last few days of summer lovebugs.  I don't know about you, but one of the patterns that is synonymous with summer for me is eyelet.  There is something so feminine and sweet about this pattern.  Let's see what we can find on sale before the warm weather leaves.

Oh hi there transition shirt from summer to fall!  I love the eyelet pattern on these ruffles!


Beautiful and classic.  This will never ever go out of style.

I'm a sucker for a thick strap because you can wear a comfortable bra. And this square neckline is fabulous.

Yum.  Pair this with a dress, short, jeans, anything!

I know eyelet is very summer, but some of these pieces are made to stretch out summer.

Be fabulous today!

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Gray and Sparkle Inspired

Today we're doing a nail polish inspired post.  I'm loving gray right now for fall, I'm also loving a fun version of french manicure with gray and sparkle- something like this...
Anthropologie, Orbweaver Dress, $69
I love this silky breezy dress, I would pair it will some glittery dangle earrings.

Yes, this is more then I would usually spend on a sweater, but hello statement piece! I love this.

I want this sweatshirt more then anything! Dressy, comfy, perfect!

Stella and Dot, Soiree Pearl Pave Bracelet, $34
This is very chic.  I love this for work or with jeans.

I love this special french manicure and I love the combination of gray and sparkle!

Be fabulous today!

Monday, August 29, 2011

Last of the White

Hey lovebugs!
How was your weekend? I hope all of my fellow east coasters stayed safe with silly Irene rolling through.  Here in DC myself and The BF hunkered down with Doritos and wine. 

Today I thought we'd look at all of the white on sale!  I'm a believer in no white after Labor Day other than the classic white blouse or sweater.  So why not stock up on white pieces now for next season?

White jeans were huge this season.  I love the skinny version here.


This sweet little skirt would be wonderful with a skinny neon belt and a cardi.

Modcloth, Look Your Best Dress, $29
How wonderful is this little rosette?  Sleeveless, and a nice hemline.

These will be the first summer shoe I put on next year.  Fabulous mix of textures and it'll look amazing with a new pedicure.

So will you be wearing any white this week before the long weekend? Or are you a white after Labor Day kind of girl?

Be fabulous today!

Friday, August 26, 2011

Friday Foodday!

Happy Friday lovebugs!
Do you have any fun plans for this weekend?  Hopefully they will include great fashion and good food.

Peach and Blackberry Cobbler
c/o Dad
Ingredients
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
pinch of salt
1 cup of granulated sugar
5 tbsp unsalted butter
½ cup butter milk
6 quarts of water
8 peaches
2 cups of blackberries
1 tbsp of lemon juice
2 tbsp of cornstarch
¼ cup heavy cream

Directions
COBBLER DOUGH
1.     Combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and ½ cup granulated sugar in a food processor.
2.     Pulse this mixture two times.
3.     Cut 4 Tbsp chilled butter into 1/2" pieces.
4.     Place the butter into the food processor and pulse the mixture until the butter is incorporated.
5.     While the food processor is running, slowly add the buttermilk until dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
6.     Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for a minimum of one hour prior to use.
FRUIT MIXTURE
1.     Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2.     In a large pot, add the water and bring to a rapid boil.
3.     Butter an 8-cup glass baking dish and set aside.
4.     In a large mixing bowl, prepare a bath of ice and cold water.
5.     Using a paring knife, cut a small “x” into the bottom of each peach.
6.     Drop each peach into the boiling water for 20, seconds then shock in the ice bath.
7.     Once peaches are cool, remove the peel, seed, and cut the peaches into 1” chunks.
8.     Gently combine the chopped peaches, blackberries, lemon juice, ½ cup granulated sugar and cornstarch in a large bowl and mix to combine. Pour ingredients into buttered baking dish and set aside.
9.     On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to ½” thickness and cut biscuits using a 2” diameter biscuit cutter. 

Arrange the biscuits about ½” apart over the fruit mixture.  Brush the biscuit dough with the heavy cream and sprinkle with 2 tsp granulated sugar.  Place the cobbler on a sheet-pan to catch any juices that may boil over during baking.  Bake until the top is golden brown and juices are bubbling, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm.  

Picnic Potato Salad
 Ingredients
3.5 lbs small red potatoes
8 oz light sour cream
1/2 cup light mayonnaise
1/4 bunch parsley
1/4 bunch green onions
2 ribs of chopped celery
1/2 tsp of lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
STEP 1: Thoroughly wash the potatoes and cut them into one inch cubes. Make sure the cubes are as uniform in size as possible to assure they cook at the same rate (you don't want some large hard pieces and some small pieces that turn to mush).

STEP 2: Fill a large pot half way with water and add 1/2 tsp of lemon juice. Bring the liquid to a boil then add the potatoes (be careful! you will get burned if it splashes up at you). Set a timer for ten minutes then test the potatoes by piercing one with a fork. You want the fork to slide in easily but the potato chunk should not crumble. If they are still stiff, let them boil longer, checking their consistency at one minute intervals.

STEP 3: Drain the potatoes then spread them out on a cookie sheet in a single layer to cool.

STEP 4: While the potatoes are cooling, clean and finely chop the celery, parsley and green onions. Place all of the chopped vegetables in a bowl. Add the sour cream, mayonnaise, salt and pepper. Stir well, then taste test. Remember, the mixture will be mellowed out by the starchy potatoes after they are mixed. If you like a more vibrant flavor, try adding a little bit of lemon juice (1 tsp or so). You can also add a kick with a few drops of hot sauce.

STEP 5: Once the potatoes have cooled, add them to the vegetable and dressing mixture. Stir well, slightly mashing about 1/3 of the potatoes. I found that my hands worked best for this step. I stirred and "squeezed" to mash 'em up (this was fun!).

STEP 6: Chill the mixture for at least half an hour or until it is chilled through and the flavors have mixed. Enjoy!

Gorgonzola Butter and Corn on the Cob
 Ingredients
1 stick of butter-room temperature
1/3 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese
4 strips of bacon, fried and chopped small

Directions
add everything together and slather on your corn on the cob!
































Thursday, August 25, 2011

Chevron

Hey lovebugs!
It's almost Friday!  So close!  Have any recipes for me? Email me and I'd love to post them.

Today we're talking chevron.  Such a fun print for an end of summer activity or an evening party.

This dress is so interesting.  Great waist tie and in the fall I would pair it with black booties and a hot pink cardi.


So simple and earthy.

I love this color combination! This is fabulous for fall.

I really like the chevron pattern with a graphic print.  This is also a great color palette to go into fall.

I really like the chevron print because it's versatile and anyone can wear it.

Be fabulous today!

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Walking to Work

Being a city girl, I walk to work and about everywhere else so I carry my heels in my purse.  That being said I refuse to wear sneakers with a work outfit, so today let's talk walking flats.

Gap, City Flat, $39
I'm obsessed with these shoes.  They fold up into their own little bag and they're the best for walking to work.

Fossil, Maddox Flat, $39
How great are these? The oversized buckle is so chic.

Lands End Canvas, Mackenzie Plaintoe Ballet Flat, $39
I like this suede with the bright yellow.

Believe it or not these payless flats have memory foam in the sole.  Perfect for walking.

I don't believe a walking flat should cost a lot of money because it's going to take a lot of wear.  From the pavement, from the weather and from being scrunched into purses.  So find something cheap, comfortable and cute, and you will have happy feet!

Be fabulous today!

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Stormy Day Inspiration

Usually when I ask The BF for topic suggestions he says: pizza or coffee tables or airport etiquette, none of which is super helpful but today he had a good inspiration.  As I write this, we are enjoying a fantastic thunder and lightning storm outside our apartment window.  The sky is a magnificent shade of gray blue, so that is today's inspiration.  You can thank The BF.

The handkerchief hem on this dress is so wonderful, and I love the way waistline goes up in the middle to give the illusion of a longer torso.
I love this for fall, great for the weekend and dress it up with a chunky necklace.

A big pattern is great.  I like the darker colors with a floral, it's unexpected.

How great are these flats? I think they would be great with a bf cut pair of chinos.

What are you thinking about this color? It can be dreary in the sky but how great is it for going into Fall!?

Be fabulous today!

Monday, August 22, 2011

Modcloth Giveaway Winner!

Hey lovebugs!
Thank you everyone who entered my Baker's Dozen Blogiversary! It's amazing to me that I started this little project over a year ago and you all still come back to read it! I honestly can't thank you enough for making my day everyday! 

The lucky winner of the giveaway is Brownies and Bows!  Thank you so much to everyone who entered.  Here's what I would buy with the gift card if I won.

Modcloth, Surf Competition Skirt, $23
I LOVE the bow belt in the same pattern as the skirt and the pleats are just stellar.  I would wear this with dark tights in the fall.


Be fabulous today!

Friday, August 19, 2011

Friday Foodday!

We made it! Friday! Have a great weekend lovebugs and enjoy these recipes.  I'll announce the winner of the $25 Modcloth gift card on Monday!

Baked Chipotle Sweet Potato Fries
c/o Skinny Taste
Ingredients
1 sweet potato, (about 5" long) peeled and cut into 1/4" fries
2 tsp olive oil
sea salt
ground chipotle chile
garlic powder

Directions
Preheat oven to 425°.
In a medium bowl, toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, garlic powder and chipotle chile powder.  Spread potatoes on a baking sheet. Avoid crowding so potatoes get crisp. Bake 15 minutes. Turn and bake an additional 10-15 minutes. Ovens may vary so keep an eye on them and be sure to cut all the potatoes the same size to ensure even cooking.

Buffalo Chicken Skewers
c/o Kitchen Bellicious
  Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs. of chicken tenders
1 stick of butter
1/4 cup soy sauce
5 TBSP tomato paste
5 TBSP brown sugar
1 TBSP worchestire sauce
2 TBSP apple cider vingear
1 TBSP spicy brown mustard
dash of hot sauce
2 TBSP of beer
1 TBSP of lemon juice
1/2 tsp salt
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Directions
Place the chicken in a sea salt bath for 30 minutes or more. Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper. Skewer the chicken and set aside. Melt the butter and sugar over medium heat in a saucepan. Once the sugar has dissolved add in the remaining ingredients (beer last). Place the tenders in the a shallow pan or ziploc bag and pour 1/4 cup of the sauce over the chicken. Marinate for at least 2 hours.
Grill on an outdoor or indoor grill  over high heat for approximately 4 minutes on each side. In the last 2-3 minutes baste the chicken again and then serve warm as an appetizer or main dish.

Creamy Chicken Taquitos
  Ingredients
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup salsa verde
Juice of 1/2 lime
1 tsp. chile powder
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
Pinch of cayenne powder
1/2 tsp. onion powder
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
3 tbsp. chopped scallions
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, etc.)
8-12 (6 inch) tortillas, flour or corn
Salt and pepper
Cooking spray

Directions
1- Preheat the oven to 425 and grease a cookie sheet.
2- In a large bowl combine all of the ingredients, from the cream cheese to the shredded cheese. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper.
3- Fill each tortilla with 2-3 tbsp of filling, rolling tightly. Place seam side down. Continue until all tortillas are filled. Spray with cooking spray and sprinkle with salt.
4- Bake 15- 20 minutes, until golden and crisp. Serve with salsa, sour cream, etc. 

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Colorblocking Jewelry

Colorblocking was a huge trend this spring and summer and I think it will continue through the fall but what about using the trend on your accessories?  Check out these pieces!

Sassy and unique, and you can wrap it around your wrist or wear it as a necklace with colored denim.
Anthropologie, Moche necklace, $78
Hello pastel perfection.  Just wow.
Marc Jacobs, Colorblock bolt bracelet, $49
I really like how raw these look.  Feminine yet hard.

Nordstroms, Colorblock Heart Studs, $27
I've posted these before and I'll post them again. So fun, so tiny, so sweet!

Thoughts? I love this trend for jewelry because it adds such a pop for an accessory.

Be fabulous today!

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Boquet of Rosettes

Hey lovebugs!

I was so struck by a dress I posted yesterday from Modcloth: Ready Rosette Go dress that I wanted to do a whole post on this type of detail: rosettes.

How wonderful are these? Quirky and unqiue.  The t-strap makes it for me.

The Limited, rosette strapless dress, $69
Yes wedding season is almost over, but for this price, I would scoop this up for next year!

Forever 21, Tulle Corsage Sweater, $16
I love the color on this sweater and the little white pearls are so sweet.

Max and Chloe, silver rosette drops, $45
These are great for work, jeans, or an LBD.  They are more than worth the price.

Details like rosettes really make a piece stand out.  It's different than a print pattern because this gives an item more depth.

Be fabulous today!

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Reader Request: Birthday Dress

Today's post is for my friend Lauren who is looking for a fabulous dress for her upcoming birthday.  She didn't give me ANY hints of style or look so here we go!

I saw this dress in Glamour and I just fell in love with it.  So effortless but the color is 'pow!'

Macys, Charlie Jade Dress, $99
Hello blue. Lauren has great short blonde hair. This would be perfect!

I love this mix of cotton and silk.  I would dress this up with metallic strappy sandals and some big 'ol earrings.

LBD? Yes please.  Perfect mix of sexy and sweet.

Which one do you think Lauren should wear?  My favorite is the blue silk.  I think it will look great on the dance floor and the color will pop in pictures.


Be fabulous today!

Monday, August 15, 2011

Baker's Dozen Blogiversary Giveaway

Hey lovebugs!
Happy Monday to you!  I hope you had a great weekend.

Funny thing I realized last week.  I missed my own first anniversary for my blog!  Embarrassing? Yes. Surprising? Not at all.  So instead I'm celebrating my baker's dozen blogiversary.  Thirteen fabulous months of blogging.  It's a way of saying thank you to all of YOU who make me want to keep writing every single day.  As my way of saying thanks, I'm giving away a $25 gift card to one of my favorite stores: Modcloth!

All you have to do is leave a comment below letting me know that you follow me on Google Friend Connect.  Extra entry if you follow me on Twitter (please leave a separate comment).  That's it!  You have until Friday at midnight! I will announce the winner of the gift card a week from today on the blog.  In the meantime visit Modcloth and start looking at what you'd buy with the gift card!

Be fabulous today!

Friday, August 12, 2011

Friday Foodday!

Hey lovebugs! It's back, Friday Foodday! Have an absolutely fabulous weekend!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dip
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 8oz. package cream cheese
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
3/4 cup mini chocolate chips, plus more for topping
1/2 tub Cool Whip

Directions
1- In a small saucepan, melt the butter with the brown sugar over medium heat. Stir continuously, until the brown sugar dissolves.
2- Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla.
3- Beat the cream cheese and confectioners' sugar for 1 minute.
4- Stir in the cooled butter mixture and beat again for another minute.
5- Stir in the chocolate chips. 
6- Fold in the Cool Whip until evenly dispersed. 
7- Pour into a bowl. Top with additional chocolate chips, if desired.
8- Refrigerate at least 1 hour. Remove from fridge at least 15 minutes before serving.
9- Serve with assorted small cookies (Nilla Wafers, Teddy Grahams, animal crackers, etc.)

 
Summer Tomatoes, Corn, Crab and Avocado Salad
 Ingredients 
12 oz lump crab meat 
1 pint grape tomatoes, cut in half 
1 hass avocado, diced 
2 hot peppers such as serrano or jalapeƱos, diced fine (seeds removed for mild) 
1 1/2 cups roasted corn kernels 
1/3 cup chopped red onion 
2 limes, juice of (or more to taste) 
1 tsp olive oil 
2 tbsp chopped cilantro 
salt and fresh pepper to taste

Directions
In a small bowl combine red onion, lime juice, olive oil, pinch of salt and pepper. Let them marinate at least 5 minutes to mellow the flavor of the onion.  In a large bowl combine chopped crab meat, avocado, tomatoes, hot pepper and corn. Combine all the ingredients together, add cilantro and gently toss. Adjust lime juice, salt and pepper to taste.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Ingredients
for meatballs
3 pounds ground beef
1/2 cup Italian Breadcrumbs
1 onion, finely diced
4 cloved garlic, finely minced
1 egg
Salt
Pepper
1 tablespoon parsley, minced
2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
2 teaspoons soy sauce
Olive Oil for frying

for sauce
1 can gelled cranberry
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
2 cans of chunked pineapples,  juice reserved
1 tablespoon Chinese mustard
1 tablespoon sweet and sour/duck sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 1/2 cups water
1 red pepper,  sliced
1 yellow pepper, sliced
cornstarch, if needed

Directions
for meatballs
Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl, salt and peppering to taste.  If the mixture feels too wet add more breadcrumbs. Heat olive oil in a large frying pan. I usually use my electric frying pan for this recipe because it holds so much more at once and this way I do not have to make the meatballs in separate batches. 
Make a small patty out of the meat. Place in frying pan. Fry patty on both sides until cooked through. Taste patty to see if it is well seasoned, adjust seasoning accordingly (I usually need to add more salt). When you are happy with seasoning roll the rest of the meat into balls. Fry until almost cooked through (they will continue to cook in the sauce). I then place them on brown paper bags or paper towels to soak up the excess oil. Once cooked remove from pan leaving some grease in the pan for the sauce.

for sauce
With the pan still greasy from the meatballs add gelled cranberry, barbecue sauce, juice from the pineapple cans, mustard, suck sauce, and soy sauce. Cook for 5 minutes over medium heat. Add water.

Return meatballs to the pan. Add peppers. Cover and cook for 45 minutes. If the sauce appears to be very thin add cornstartch to thicken. Add pineapple chunks and cook for 15 minutes. 
Serve over rice or noodles.  Enjoy!

 

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Hot Pink

Yep. That's the color of the day.  Hot pink.  Nothing pastel, nothing safe. Bright, wild, hot pink.

Yum.  Neon, lace, pink, great waistband.

I would save this dress for a birthday dress, or maybe an event your ex will be at- work it girl.

Forever 21, Bright Owl Necklace, $5
What an adorable yet bold necklace. This will stand out on any outfit.

Just yes. Love.  It's like Barbie exploded on these heels.

So, feeling girly enough? Yes black and white is sleek but when worn correctly, pink can do just the same.

Be fabulous today!