Thursday, July 31, 2014

Welcome to the Jungle

We started the week off with a versatile gold clutch post. Today we're going to look at another versatile summer shoe. The leopard flat sandal. Paint your toes, put the band aids away, and let's look at your new go to shoe.

Zappos, Sam Edelman Gigi, $64
We're starting with my favorite. I love this sandal. Give me a weekend outfit it does not work with. I dare you.

Sole Society, Lucky Brand Abbee, $68
A mary jane d'orsay leopard flat. How many trends are we working here? Too many to care because you're going to look awesome.

How beachy and fantastic are these espadrille leopard flats? 

Nordstrom, B.P. Kastoria Flat Sandal, $69
This is how you mix in leopard. Wear this sandal with navy, black, brown, orange, I can go on...

So splurge on one last sandal purchase this summer. Leopard is going to be the best cost per wear option.

Be fabulous today!

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Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Feelin' Hot Hot Hot

We haven't done a nail polish inspired post in forever. And today I'm feeling pink. Hot pink. OPI Feelin' Hot Hot Hot pink.


OPI, $9

This dress is a canvas. Wear it simple with these heels or have fun with some accessories.

Simplicity. Like a tall drink of pink water.

Ok F21, I see you stepping up your game. Love this, especially the neckline and sleeve.

Shop Ruche, Sending My Love Lace dress, $44
The mix of soft lace with a skater style cut is perfect in this hot pink.

How about this pink? Not quite highlighter but certainly not blush. Work it.

Be fabulous today!

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Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Birds of a Feather

For some reason last week's fish post was a big hit. I'm thrilled.  I thought we would do something similar today and take flight. Let's look at some winged jewelry.

This is a dramatic yet delicate piece that I would pair with white lace. 

Kate Spade, For the Birds Toucan Bangle, $88 $62
How about this bangle for a colorful arm party with a maxi dress. And it's on sale.

Dorothy Perkins, Cut-out bird pendant, $11
This pendant looks glittery but it's actually the way the silver is layered. Perfect for jeans and a tee.


Not feeling the Kate Spade price tag? How about a five buck price point for this colorful necklace?

I love mixing in fun and unexpected pieces into my jewelry rotation. Fish, birds, flowers, have some fun with it.

Be fabulous today!

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Monday, July 28, 2014

Reader Request: Golden Age

Happy Monday lovebugs,
Today's post is a reader request for a great friend who needs a gold clutch for a wedding. This is a fun post for me because I feel that a gold clutch is great for special occasions but it also translates perfectly to everyday wear. Let's take a look.

Gatsby anyone? This clutch is its own piece of jewelry. Now picture it with black jeans and a silk tank. 

A simple envelope clutch that you can throw a pair of fast flats in for the last hour on the dance floor.

I am truly smitten with this clutch. It is so sleek and the faux wood grain texture is really special.

Delia's, Gold Glitter Clutch, $24
Add some serious sparkle to your outfit. This clutch also offers a simple shoulder strap so you have your hands fee for Shout. Priorities people.

The gold clutch is a timeless piece to add to your closet. It's going to come in handy more than you know. 

Be fabulous today!

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Friday, July 25, 2014

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs!

Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Frozen Negroni
Ingredients
4-1/2 ounces gin
2-1/2 ounces Campari
2-1/2 ounces Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth
3 cups ice
Orange slices, for garnish

Directions
  1. Combine gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth in an airtight container. Place in freezer and freeze for at least 8 hours and up to 3 days.
  2. When ready to serve, add chilled alcohol and ice to blender. Blend on high speed until uniform and smooth, about 30 seconds. Pour into rocks glasses or small wine glass. Garnish with an orange slice and serve immediately.

Lomo Saltado
Ingredients
For the Baked Fries:
  • canola cooking spray
  • 1 medium (5.3 oz) potato, russet or yukon gold, washed and dried
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Beef:

  • 1/2 lb lean sirloin, cut into small, thin strips
  • kosher salt, to taste
  • 1/4 tsp cumin
  • black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 medium red onion, sliced into thick strips
  • 2 mini yellow bell peppers or 1 large
  • 1 large jalapeno, ribbed and seeded, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 medium tomato, sliced into wedges
  • 1 1/2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce 
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400°F.  Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
Cut the potato lengthwise into 1/3-inch thick slices; cut each slice into 1/3-inch fries. Place on the baking sheet and toss with oil to evenly coat. Season with garlic powder, salt and pepper. Place on a single layer onto the greased baking sheet. Bake uncovered on the lower third of the oven for about 25 minutes or until tender crisp and golden.

Meanwhile, season meat with salt, pepper and cumin.

Heat a large wok over high heat. When hot add the oil and the steak, cook about 2 minutes, until browned on both sides. Add the onions, bell pepper, jalapeno and garlic and cook 2 minutes.
Add the tomato, soy sauce and vinegar and cook 1 more minute. Season with more salt as needed, remove from heat and finish with cilantro. Serve immediately with french fries and divide evenly between 2 plates.

Monster Revel Bars
Ingredients
3 cups quick cooking oats
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, room temperature
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup Reese's Pieces
1 cup milk chocolate chips
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a 9x13 dish with parchment or spray with nonstick spray.
In a large bowl, combine the oats, flour, baking soda, and salt.
In the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the butter, peanut butter, and sugar until light and creamy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time. Stir in the vanilla until combined.
Stir in the Reese's Pieces and chocolate chips until distributed throughout the cookie dough.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients and mix until combined.
Press 2/3 of the cookie dough into the prepared pan.
Add the condensed milk, semisweet chocolate chips, peanut butter, butter, and salt to a small saucepan over low heat and heat, stirring often, until the mixture is smooth.
Spread the chocolate mixture over the cookie dough.
Take small chunks of the remaining cookie dough and flatten them with your hands and drop them over the chocolate mixture in a single layer. The top layer will not cover the chocolate completely. There should be some gaps.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely before cutting.

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Short and Sweet

We haven't talked shorts in some time, which is odd because it's prime shorts season. I thought we would go back to some fun basics and look at cotton print shorts. A go to piece in your drawer that is machine washable, graphic, and weekend ready.

Ann Taylor, Rope Print Shorts, $59
Small print, color block and belt loops to add a contrasting white rope belt. 

A cute geo print with just the touch of stretch that you are grateful for after a summer BBQ.

White House Black Market, Floral Printed Short, $29
A great price for a really versatile short. You can easily dress this up with a pink silk top or go casual with a simple tee.

J Crew, Hibiscus Floral Short, $69
And speaking of floral, how about this colorful option that is ready for heeled sandals or a linen tunic.

A simple pair of cotton shorts will be a life saver for you this summer. They work with so many things in your closet and they won't break the bank.

Be fabulous today!

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Wednesday, July 23, 2014

I'm Bringing Bow Back

You all know that I love a good bow. It's a standout girly detail that never goes out of style. Today let's look at some back bow tops that are perfect for summer.

Simple and classic. A great silhouette for an understated blouse.

This is preppy and ready for some white denim.

What a delicate tank that is perfect for the hottest days of summer.

Dorothy Perkins, Lime Frilled Bow Back Top, $35
You don't see a lot of lime anymore. Why is that? I think it looks pretty great with so many skin tones.

Bows are wonderful, and if you would rather not have them as in your face as I would, I think a bow back blouse id a great option.

Be fabulous today!

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Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Gone Fishin'

It's summertime and you're going to the beach, vacation, or how Northeasterners say it "down the shore". Let's have some fun with jewelry that is great for vacation. What do I mean? Fish of course! Yes, fish. Trust me.

Modcloth, Oh Koi Necklace, $24
How great would this look with a maxi dress? Also, can we talk about the price?

Ann Taylor, Shore Charm Bracelet, $44
Leave it to my girl Ann to create a whimsical yet classic bracelet.

A downright artsy piece that is charming and great with a silk blouse or a dress.

How about some real fun. A true stand out piece. Look no further than Betsey.

I love the fish trend because it's such a quirky idea that can be done elegantly. 

Be fabulous today!

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Monday, July 21, 2014

Don't Midi if I Do

Happy Monday lovebugs,
I hope you had a great weekend. We're back at it with the 9-5 life so I thought we would have some fun with workwear. The midi skirt has been all the rage this summer with crop tops but did you know you can continue to wear them into the fall and winter with a cropped sweater or a sleek oxford. So today let's look at some great midi skirts with pockets.

We're going to start with the ultimate. The standard, the versatile, the goes with absolutely anything. Oh and it's under $80.


Modcloth, B. Jones Style Skirt, $89
This skirt has a great large print that you can pair with a striped top, crop top, bow blouse, you name it. 

How can you not love peach? It's a bright but not neon-in-your-face color.

I'm a sucker for this purple, fuchsia color. I just love the saturated pop of color. Mix it with emerald, navy, yellow, just have fun with it.

The midi skirt works now with an ankle strap sandal and later with tights and booties, so stock up! And check out the new shop the post feature below to make it easy for you to find the pieces featured!

Be fabulous today!

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Friday, July 18, 2014

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs,
Here are my favorite recipes for the week!

BLT Macaroni Salad
Ingredients
  • 8 oz uncooked elbows, low carb or whole grain
  • 4 slices 25% reduced fat center cut bacon
  • 2 large ripe tomatoes, beefsteak or vine ripe, diced small
  • 4 tbsp reduced fat mayonnaise 
  • salt and fresh pepper to taste
  • 2 cups baby spinach

Directions
In a large skillet cook bacon on medium-low heat until crispy on both sides.

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package directions.

Chop tomatoes and combine it along with any accumulated juice with mayonnaise and pepper in a medium bowl. Drain pasta and rinse with cold water to cool. Combine pasta with tomatoes and spinach mixing well. Toss in bacon right before serving.

15 Minute Creamy Avacado Pasta
Ingredients
  • 1 medium sized ripe Avocado, pitted
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced + lemon zest to garnish
  • 1-3 garlic cloves, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt, or to taste
  • ~1/4 cup Fresh Basil
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 servings/6 oz of your choice of pasta 
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • Directions
    1. Bring several cups of water to a boil in a medium sized pot. Add in your pasta, reduce heat to medium, and cook until Al Dente, about 8-10 minutes.
    2. Meanwhile, make the sauce by placing the garlic cloves, lemon juice, and olive oil into a food processor. Process until smooth. Now add in the pitted avocado, basil, and salt. Process until smooth and creamy.
    3. When pasta is done cooking, drain and rinse in a strainer and place pasta into a large bowl. Pour on sauce and toss until fully combined. Garnish with lemon zest and black pepper. Serve immediately. Makes 2 servings.


    Salted Fudge Brownies
    Ingredients
    1 and 1/2 sticks unsalted butter
    2 ounces unsweetened or semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
    1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
    1 cup granulated sugar
    1 cup light or dark brown sugar
    3 large eggs
    1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
    1 cup all-purpose flour
    1/2 teaspoon Maldon sea salt

    Directions
    Preheat oven to 350°F.

    Line an 8x8 inch or 9x9 inch square baking pan with tinfoil, then generously butter or grease the foil.

    In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and unsweetened chocolate. Stir occasionally until the mixture is uniform. Turn off the stove and remove the saucepan from the heat. 

    Whisk in the cocoa until it is fully incorporated. Do the same with both sugars, eggs, vanilla and flour. Be sure to add in each ingredient individually and fully mix them in before adding the next one.

    Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Evenly sprinkle the sea salt over the top of the batter. Using a spatula or knife, swirl the salt into the brownie batter. 

    Bake the brownies in the center rack of your oven for about 35 minutes, or until the edges are done but the center is still slightly gooey. If you insert a toothpick into the center, it should come up with a little bit of the brownie batter.

    Remove the brownies and set on a wire rack to cool for at least 1 hour. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and set in the refrigerator to cool for an additional hour.

    After the brownies have been chilled, cut them into 16 squares and serve at room temperature.

    The brownies can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.

    Thursday, July 17, 2014

    Follow Your Arrow

    Ok, one last print for this week. A while back we did arrow jewelry which is always fun and easy. Today let's take that one step further and look at the arrow print. It's a fun take on chevron thats a little more graphic.

    I am absolutely smitten with this cami. It is so adorable. I would pair it with denim shorts and a long necklace.

    Bloomingdale's, Two Tone Arrow Print Dress, $59
    This dress is downright cerebral. Maybe it's the two tone but the pattern reminds me of shooting stars or constellations.

    How sweet is this simple scoop neck tee? An easy way to go casual this summer.

    This dress will absolutely get you some whistles, and it should. If you put your heels on, some red lipstick and this little number, you should get everything. 

    The arrow print is a fun way to round out this week of patterns. It's graphic and busy, perfect to wear on its own.

    Be fabulous today!

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