Thursday, February 28, 2013

Structurally Striped

First and foremost today I have to say Happy Birthday Mom. She is an awesome mom you guys, like you don't even know. She is such an amazing woman. I really do not know she does it. Love you mom.

OK, today we're talking stripes, but not just any stripes. Peplum stripes. Stay with me now.

I love this top because its a thicker knit then a tee, and it comes in three other colors. 

This is the opposite of your standard work skirt. This is how you walk into an important meeting.

So often the strip is a two-tone pattern. this mix of colors is perfect for a peplum.

Do you want to be as happy as this model in sunglasses? Look how happy she is! This top is happiness. The 3/4 sleeve is perfect for spring.

A stripe peplum is a great top because it can be paired with bottoms you already have. A black pencil, bf jeans, you name it.

Be fabulous today!

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Simple and Sweet

Happy humpday guys,
Today I thought we would look at something simple and feminine, a light yet meaningful ring. This type of ring can take on so many forms, you can find something with a message that is special to you, or maybe your birthstone, or another simple symbol. Whatever it is, you're bound to find it right now, because these light, stackable rings are everywhere.

Dogeared, Infinity Ring, $34
I like to describe this ring as quiet. It demands no attention but it clearly has some meaning.


Madewell, Pave Chevron ring, $15
Just the ring amount of bling for this structurally interesting ring.


This chartreuse kind of citrus green is so beautiful.

If you're looking for a ring that is unique and probably one of a kind, Etsy is the place to go. These artisans make gorgeous and affordable pieces for any style.

These sweet and simple rings are just perfect to mix into any wardrobe and any style. 

Be fabulous today!



Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Thin Mints

I did very well this year guys, really well. I successfully avoided the Girl Scout cookie invasion. I know. Round of applause for those who have not eaten a thin mint this year. Oh thin mints, those delicious chocolate circles of heaven, how can I even begin to try to replace them? Let's think of something else minty...gum, ice cream, shoes. Ah yes, mint shoes.

Oh these are amazing, a metallic cap top mint pump. Sorry Girl Scouts, you're not selling anything like these.

Check out the embellishment on these beauties. They remind me of a princess slipper.

Franco Sarto, Maren, $85
This silver mint colorblock is perfect with a new pedi.


There is absolutely nothing wrong with these ballet flats. They are everything you could want in a simple skimmer.

Minty things don't always have to add pounds to your waistline. Try mint shoes this season as an excuse to not earn another 'I ate an entire sleeve of thin mints' badge on your vest. Don't judge, we've all been there.

Be fabulous today!

Monday, February 25, 2013

Metallica

Happy Monday lovebugs,
Right now I am on a plane to Miami for a work conference. Don't be too jealous, I won't see the light of day, but that being said I've never been to Miami, so maybe I'll get lucky and see some sand. Today I wanted to look at metal plate belts. I find they have a great edginess to them that your everyday belt just doesn't provide.

This belt reminds me of the Jetson's, but in a how fabulous would this look with an LBD kind of way.

White House Black Market, Metallic Crystal Watchband Belt, $58
To me this has a Wall Street vibe to it that is just perfect with a skirt suit or maybe a peplum top.

I love the intricacy of this belt! It's like another piece of jewelry!

Well you can't beat the price, that's for sure. It's not metal all the way around but I love this pop of orange!

Metal plated belts are such a great accessory because they make a great statement piece. Any belt is easy to add to an outfit, but a metal belt demands attention.

Be fabulous today!



Friday, February 22, 2013

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs!

Here are my favorite recipes this week!

Buffalo Bacon Blue Cheese Guacamole
c/o Lauren's Latest
Ingredients
4 slices hickory smoked bacon
2 avocados 
1/2 lime, juiced
1/2 large garlic clove grated
salt & pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup diced tomato
2 1/2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese + more for garnish
hot sauce, to taste


Directions

Start by cooking bacon in skillet until edges are crispy. Transfer to paper towel lined plate. Chop into bite sized pieces and set aside.
Cut open avocados and scoop into large bowl. Mash together with lime juice, garlic, salt and pepper until chunky. Stir in cilantro, tomato, blue cheese, bacon and hot sauce. Stir until combined. Spoon into serving bowl and top with more blue cheese, hot sauce and cilantro. Serve as desired.

Sausage Stuffed Balsamic Mushrooms
Ingredients
26 large mushrooms, cleaned with stems removed and discarded
1 T extra virgin olive oil
3 T Balsamic vinegar
0.5 oz sundried tomatoes, packaged dry and chopped 
2 links (about ½ lb raw weight total) hot Italian turkey or chicken sausage, casings removed
¼ cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried rosemary)
1 tsp fennel seed
4 oz 1/3 less fat cream cheese, softened
2 ½ oz Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, divided 
Directions
1.    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a jelly roll pan (baking sheet with a rim around the edges) with parchment paper.
2.    Place the mushrooms caps in a large bowl and toss with oil and vinegar until well coated. Place the mushrooms onto the prepared baking sheet and bake in the oven for about 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This initial step will allow the mushrooms to capture the Balsamic flavor but also to release a lot of the water they are holding. This is great because it ensures you won’t end up with soggy mushrooms at the end!
3.  Fill a small bowl with water and microwave it until hot. Place the sundried tomatoes in it and let them sit for about 5 minutes. Drain them and chop them up small. 
4.    While the mushrooms are in the oven, spray a large skillet with cooking spray and bring it over medium-high heat. Add your poultry sausage and break it up with a spoon while cooking until the meat is cooked through. You want it to be broken into really small pieces, so you may want to further break it up with a fork. Reduce the heat to medium and add the sundried tomatoes, onions, garlic, rosemary and fennel to the sausage. Cook for a few more minutes until the onions are tender. 
5.    Place the softened cream cheese in a large bowl and then pour the hot sausage mixture on top of it. Add about 2/3 of the grated Parmesan to the mixture and then stir it together with a fork, making sure it is well combined.
6.    When the mushroom caps are done cooking, transfer them face down to a stack of a few paper towels to drain for 3-5 minutes. Dump out any liquid from the jelly roll pan, wipe it clean and line it with a fresh sheet of parchment paper. Increase the oven temperature to 375.
7.    Lay the mushroom caps face up on the lined baking sheet and fill each one with the sausage filling. You can really heap it on there – they get stuffed! Sprinkle the reserved grated Parmesan cheese over the top of each filled mushroom. Place the mushrooms back in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes until the stuffing is golden.

Corn Risotto
Ingredients
2 cups frozen corn, thawed (or fresh, if in season)
4 cups chicken broth
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 cup Arborio rice
1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
3 scallions, thinly sliced 
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Kosher salt and black pepper

Directions
In a food processor, puree 1 cup of the corn until smooth. Heat the broth on the stovetop in a medium pot.

In a large skillet, melt the butter. Add the shallot and cook until soft, about 2 minutes. Add the rice and cook, stirring, 3 minutes. Stir in 1 cup of the chicken broth and the pureed corn. Cook, stirring, until the rice has absorbed the liquid, 5 to 7 minutes. Continue cooking with the remaining broth, adding 1 cup at a time and waiting until the liquid is absorbed before adding the next cup. 

After the last cup of broth has been absorbed, let the risotto cook 3 minutes, stirring. Add the remaining cup of corn and thyme; cook 2 minutes more. Stir in the scallions, Parmesan, salt and black pepper to taste.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Python Please

Animal print will never go out of style, and I've recently gotten more adventurous with this trend. While leopard seems to be an easy print to wear, I think python might be the next step for me. It's a nice neutral tone that can be dressed up or down.

Madewell, Sidewalk Skimmer, $99
This print is enlarged which I love for this flat. Makes the graphic that much bolder.

A very flowy blouse is great for work or a date. I really like the collarless neckline.

A little rocker but I'm also picturing these with an LBD.

Banana Republic, Tamara Python Clutch, $89
I love this oversized clutch. I really love the gold chain that you tuck in or use as a shoulder bag.

Python might be my next animal print purchase, it seems so easy to mix in with other pieces!

Be fabulous today!

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Flowering with Potential

Happy humpday lovebugs,
We're getting there. And what better way to brighten your day then by stopping to smell the roses. Let's take a look at some great floral tops your can wear right now.

A great navy floral print that you can wear now or this summer. The drawstring creates a great peplum.

The blush tones in this sweater are a perfect compliment to so many skin tones.

The bubble hem, adds a great finish to this blouse. The high scoop neck offers a great opportunity to show off some drop earrings.

Banana Republic, Selena Floral Pullover, $69
I'm fairly confident this will go on sale, so wait a little bit. I would layer a navy pinstripe oxford underneath.

Florals are a great way to welcome the warmer weather without breaking out the white eyelet or seersucker.

Be fabulous today!

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Building Blocks

Ok ladies, let's talk heels. I'm more of a low heel kind of girl, but if I can walk in them for more than 40 minutes, I'm willing to give them a shot. And the new trend of the block heel is giving me that option. Something tall yet sturdy, mod yet sleek.


Reiss, Yves Glitter Court Heel, $82 (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Go, run, click, buy this shoe. Oh my word, my dream shoe. Purple satin, gold block glitter. Get in my closet. 

How sweet are these heels? A girly mint color, ankle strap and lucite heel. Yum.

Nine West, Peace out, $49
Snakeskin anyone? Check out the angles on this heel! 

Last Call Neiman Marcus, Kelsi Dagger Molly Patent Pump, $52
The always versatile nude pump. An understated bow is perfect for a suit.

I just LOVE a block heel because it makes stiletto wimps like me able to strut their stuff too!

Be fabulous today!

Monday, February 18, 2013

Black Tie Wrist

Happy Monday lovebugs,
I hope you had a wonderful weekend. I thought we could extend the weekend a little bit by looking at some glamorous items. Watches. Now, stay with me, there is a trend and style for every kind of watch, but the dressier options sometimes leave the wallet hurting. Today I'm thinking of a black tie inspired watch. Black, white, with silver or gold accents. Very versatile yet mature.

The silver and gold option is a great way to play with mixed metals. 

This is understated bling. Don't get me wrong there is a time and place for a blinged out watch, but for something more workplace appropriate, this is a great option.

Fossil, Georgia Leather Watch, $95
I really like the snaffle bit detail on either side of the face, it makes this piece just a bit more interesting.

Urban Outfitters, La Mer oversized vintage watch, $85
CHeck out the crown on this watch (aka the time adjuster knobby) I love how it stands out next to this quite oversized face.

Watches are a very personal purchase. For me I wear the same one everyday, so it needs to be dressed up and down depending on the occasion. Finding something black and white or a tuxedo-style watch will make it easy for you to mix it into your wardrobe.

Be fabulous today!

Friday, February 15, 2013

Friday Foodday

We made it! Happy Friday lovebugs! Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Chorizo and Andouille Postickers
c/o Table for Two
Ingredients

2 fresh chorizo sausage links, casings removed (I went to Whole Foods & got it from their meat section so you don’t have to buy an entire package)
2 fresh andouille sausage links, casings removed (got them at Whole Foods too)
1 large green bell pepper, diced
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
50 round dumpling wrappers (you can typically find these at any Asian mart or International mart)
Water (to seal the potstickers)
3 tbsp. vegetable oil
Directions
  1. In a large bowl, combine the two kinds of sausages and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, with 1 tbsp. of vegetable oil, sauté green bell pepper, onion, and garlic until tender, about 5 minutes. Remove and let cool for 5 minutes.
  3. Add the veggie mix to the bowl of sausage. With your hands (jewelry off!), mix the meat and veggies together until just incorporated. You don’t want to overwork the meat.
  4. Wash your hands with soap then assemble your workstation to have a tiny bowl of water, a pastry brush, a large cookie sheet, a teaspoon, a fork, your bowl of meat, and of course, your dumpling wrappers.
  5. Place a dumpling wrapper in one hand, scoop 2 tsp. of meat filling into the middle of the dumpling wrappers. Dip your pastry brush in the water and brush the edge of the entire dumpling wrapper. Bring one side of the dumpling wrapper up to meet the other side, press gently in the middle then seal all around. Using a fork, press down the edges, sealing the potsticker. Repeat until all the meat filling has been used up.
  6. In a large skillet, oil the bottom of the skillet with 2 tbsp. of vegetable oil. Place the potstickers all over the skillet, covering as much space as you can. Pour 1 cup of water onto the potstickers, place the lid on the skillet, and turn the heat to medium high.
  7. Let the potstickers cook until all the water has evaporated, about 7 minutes, then let it sear for another 2-3 minutes. Through all this, do NOT touch them! Remove the lid and flip the potstickers. You may wish to remove them at this time or sear the other sides of them.
  8. Serve hot.
Baked BBQ Onion Rings
Ingredients

  • 2 yellow onions, sliced into rings
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 egg whites
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • Dash of hot sauce
  • 1.5 cups panko bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Whisk together the flour, salt, paprika, chili powder, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder in a shallow bowl.
  3. In another shallow bowl, whisk together the egg whites, buttermilk, and a dash of hot sauce.
  4. Add the panko bread crumbs to a plate or shallow bowl.
  5. Dip the onion ring in the flour mixture, then the egg, then the panko bread crumbs. Repeat until all the onion rings are coated with bread crumbs. Lay in a single layer on two baking sheets covered with parchment paper.
  6. Bake for 12 minutes and then carefully flip and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes.
  7. While the onion rings are baking, mix together the barbecue sauce and yogurt to make your barbecue dipping sauce.
Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 6-ounce bag fresh spinach*
1 14-ounce can quartered artichoke hearts, drained, rinsed, roughly chopped, and divided
4 ounces (1/2 cup) cream cheese, softened
1 cup (4 ounces) Wisconsin Parmesan Cheese, shredded and divided
2 tablespoons shallots, minced
2 tablespoons garlic, minced and divided
1 12-ounce box whole wheat penne pasta
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
2 1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup (4 ounces) medium Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese, shredded
1 cup (4 ounces) Wisconsin Havarti Cheese, shredded
1 tablespoon sriacha sauce

Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F. If using fresh spinach, heat olive oil in large sauté pan over medium heat, add spinach and wilt. Remove to plate to cool. Squeeze excess water from spinach. Set aside.
In small bowl, combine half of drained spinach and half of chopped artichoke hearts. Stir in softened cream cheese and ½ cup Parmesan Cheese. Stir in shallots and 1 tablespoon garlic. Pour mixture into oven- safe baking dish and bake for 15 minutes or until the mixture is toasted on top and heated through. Remove from oven; cover to keep warm and set aside.
Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside. In medium pot, melt butter and whisk in flour. Continue whisking vigorously over medium high heat until roux becomes golden brown. Add milk slowly, 1/2 cup at a time, whisking during each addition. Bring mixture to boil. Add mustard, pepper, 1 tablespoon garlic, remaining cheeses and sriacha sauce. Stir in reserved spinach and artichokes, mixing until evenly incorporated.
Pour pasta into cheese mixture; mix to ensure all pasta is coated evenly. Plate and top with a generous spoonful of warm spinach and artichoke mixture. Serve and devour.

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Girl Power PJ

Happy V-Day lovebugs. Today we're celebrating NOT going out to dinner tonight. Today we're celebrating girl power. Whether you're single or in a relationship, you rock and you should be comfy, at home, with some ice cream. I give you, V-Day lounging.

Forever 21, Heart Print PJ Set, $18
I love that this set is shorts not your usual long PJ pants.

A little bit sassy, but let's be honest, a lot comfy.

Old faithful, you can do no wrong in this number. I wouldn't be ashamed to take out the trash or even leave the apartment for a fire alarm.

Fleece you guys, fleece. Just yes.

Are you sporting anything sassy this V-Day?

Be fabulous today!

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

This is Graphic

Last week we covered the heart print. I wanted to expand on that today and talk about another great graphic print: the bow. we all know I'm a sucker for a big 'ol bow but what about the actual print of a bow? A little less girly, a little more laid back.

I think of this as a girly nautical look. Knots and stripes.

For a more understated bow, try this great top from Gap. The eversoft collection is just what the name promises.

Feeling brave? Try these amazing cords. 

Dorothy Perkins, Peplum Wrap Top, $29
This top will hide any problem area you can think of. The peplum and the wrap is just the perfect way to hide the tummy and accentuate the smallest part of your waist.

So instead of opting for an actual bow, try out a graphic bow today. 

Be fabulous today!

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Pack a Punch

Happy Tuesday everyone, I don't know about you but I need a serious kick to get this week going. I need something more than coffee, more than a frigid lunch stroll, I need yellow. That's right, sunny, warm, knock your socks off yellow. And I want to carry it.

This is what we call a cool classic. A perfect ladies who lunch type of bag.

Dillard's, Gianni Bini Diane Tote, $99
This glossy little number is perfect for work. I'm picturing it with a navy or black pencil.

Steve Madden, Bdagmar, $59
Why anyone would name a bag this, I do not know, but I do know I'm LOVING those tassels.

This bag to me has a briefcase feel to it. I would tie a navy or orange silk scarf to it, very Elle Woods.

So often when we buy a bigger bag we buy navy, black, or brown. Why not pick a color that goes with everything but packs a little more punch?

Be fabulous today!