Thursday, December 31, 2015

Thanks Champagne!

It's New Year's Eve. Let's have some fun with champagne. These tops are great for tonight, or in my opinion, any night!!

Revolve Clothing, Pray for Champagne, $79
I couldn't agree more.

Pairing it with a leather jacket because I'm cool like that.

That's so weird, me too.

This defines adulthood, I think.

Drink responsibly tonight. Seriously. Don't be dumb. You have so many great outfits to wear.

Be fabulous today!

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Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Choose Your Adventure

Tomorrow is the big night lovebugs. Big plans? Staying in? I've got you covered for both.



Jumpsuit (under $60)/Heels/Earrings/Clutch



Sleepshirt/Slippers/Mug

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Tuesday, December 29, 2015

So Over the Knee

The over the knee boot trend is something that (surprisingly) stuck this year. The problem is that they are usually over $100. Not to worry lovebugs. I have done the research, and I have found some great options that won't break the bank.

Nordstrom, Bell Vita Romy, $84
I love this boot. It's a classic. I also love that it comes in extended calf sizes.

This zipper on the diagonal is something quite different. Also comes in extended calf.

So luxurious. These boots are going to be your go to.

Forever 21, Faux Suede OTK, $45
A very sexy boot. Quite the statement maker, even in olive.

Don't avoid the OTK trend because of price. These boots can be found on sale and affordably in all sorts of styles and colors.

Be fabulous today!

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Monday, December 28, 2015

Fear of Feathers

Let's talk about trends you haven't been brave enough to try this year. It's the last week of 2015 and I'm in for truth telling. For me, it's feathers. I've had a difficult time picturing myself pulling off this trend without looking, well ridiculous. So today' I've picked out a couple of items that I think I could wear if I'm going to make this trend work for me.

Bloomingdale's, Lucy Paris Feather Trim Top, $88
I could totally pull this off for a party. It's funky and girly.

See? We can do this. Understated. 

Hello sassy. My goodness this is a statement maker.

Neiman Marcus Last Call, Design History Feather Fringe Knit Pullover, $75
With the right jewelry I would wear this to work. I think it's different and makes a statement.

What trends have you avoided this year? Anything you were nervous to try? Be brave!

Be fabulous today!

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Thursday, December 24, 2015

Merry Christmas Eve




Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Merry Travels

Merry travels lovebugs! Here is a travel friendly outfit that is perfect for today, tomorrow, or any day spent in a terminal/station/line/you name it.



Jeans (I own this pair and it's my go to)/Sweater/Flats/Weekender/Earrings

Be fabulous today!

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Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Simply the Best

So often this time of year we go all out for that perfect holiday ensemble. Glitter, sparkle, plaid, velvet, it's certainly about the wow factor. So why not try something a little more delicate with the earring? Let's take a look at some beautiful minimalist earrings that will work perfectly with your stunning outfits this winter.

Anthropologie, Parenthetical Climber Earrings, $32
These will be your everyday earring. I love the gold knob detail.

BaubleBar, Ice Bar Studs, $24
The perfect pinch of sparkle with a busy fair isle sweater.

Stella & Dot, Marlin Earrings, $39
A super simple drop earring is all you need when wearing plaid.

Mix up your hoop earring game. Edgy spikes give this look the perfect oomph.

A simple but special earring is essential when you're dressing up for holidays or layering up for winter. I love these quiet but classic accessories.

Be fabulous today!

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Monday, December 21, 2015

I Got You, Procrastinator

It's crunch time lovebugs. This gift guide isn't for your mom, bf, or teacher, this is the holy crap Christmas is like three days away guide. Enter Amazon. No, this post is in no way sponsored by them. (But contact me know if you know someone at Amazon) It's just sometimes you need to go to the place that has everything and it will ship by the time you leave work today.



Left two right
First row: one, twothree
Second row: one, two, three

Friday, December 18, 2015

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday! Here are my favorite recipes

The Prescription Julep

Ingredients
1 1/2 ounces Remy Martin
1/2 ounce Old Overholt rye whiskey
1/2 ounce simple syrup
A few mint leaves, plus a sprig for garnish
Directions
Drop mint leaves into bottom of julep cup or Collins glass. Cover with simple syrup and muddle. Add ice to fill, then add brandy and rye. Stir briskly. Garnish with sprig.
Cheesy Gnocchi with Smoked Pork and Bacon

Ingredients
  • 2 pounds gnocchi
  • 1 1/2 pounds Smithfield Applewood Smoked Bacon Marinated Fresh Pork Loin Filet
  • 3 slices Smithfield Bacon, any variety
  • 6 ounces evaporated milk
  • 12 ounces cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper

Directions
  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
  2. While water is heating, open the pork loin filet and scrape the bacon off the top into a 10 inch skillet. Dice the pork loin into bite sized pieces and add to the skillet.
  3. Dice the three slices of bacon and add to the skillet.
  4. Cook the pork loin and bacon over medium heat until cooked through, stirring often, about 10 minutes.
  5. Once water is boiling, add gnocchi and cook until it floats to the top of the water, about 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  6. Add the evaporated milk, cheddar cheese, hot sauce, salt, and pepper to the hot pot that you used for boiling the gnocchi. Turn heat to medium and cook, stirring constantly, until cheese is nearly melted.
  7. Return the gnocchi to the pan with the cheese sauce. Gently stir in half of the pork and bacon. Stir to coat in cheese sauce.
  8. Serve immediately.

Christmas Funfetti Cake Batter Truffles

1 cup white cake mix
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon Christmas sprinkles + more for decoration
1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips or vanilla almond bark

Directions
In a large bowl, whisk cake mix, flour and sugar. Stir in melted butter, vanilla, milk and sprinkles. Mixture should be moist and be able to hold its shape easily when formed. Using a cookie scoop, form mixture into even balls and refrigerate 20-30 minutes.
In the mean time, melt chocolate in a double boiler or slowly in the microwave. Using a fork, drop one of the cake batter truffles into the chocolate and roll around to coat. Tap off the excess gently and transfer to cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Top with more sprinkles, if desired.


Thursday, December 17, 2015

It's So Fluffy!

Sometimes I blog about trends, hot brands, and chic styles. Sometimes I just want to blog about real life things that I want to wear. Today it's the latter and it's a cozy sweater. That's it. Nothing breaking or game changing here, just a cozy sweater. I wanted something with texture that feels like a polar bear that just took some Motrin PM. Snuggly, warm, cozy.

Forever 21, Fuzzy Knit Sweater, $17
Don't you want to be in this right now? I know. So simple and cozy.

H&M, Knit Cardigan, $34
A nubby knit is perfect for winter. I'm doing double the texture and wearing a waffle knit tee underneath.

I dare you to get through the day wearing this and no one touches you. This is a omg let me hug you to get some fluffy sweater.

Break out the leggings, lovebugs. This sweater screams winter comfy.

For this post I channeled this. Sometimes you just want cozy, fluffy, comfy goodness.

Be fabulous today!

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Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Thank You, Thank You Very Much

Let's have some fun with shoes. Last week we talked sparkle and all shoes shimmery. Today I want to look at blue suede shoes. Something unexpected but perfectly wonderful for winter. I'm looking for deep, rich blues like navy and cobalt. Let me explain.

Sole Society, Tallie, $89
I own these and I love them. They are comfortable and can be worn with just about anything. Jeans, cords, skirts, very versatile shoe.

Modcloth, Soaring Tutorial Flat, $34
Absolutely adorable details on this flat. And the price doesn't hurt either.

Nine West, Handjive Round Toe Pump, $79
This shoe demands pearls. It is an instant classic.

And speaking of a classic. How about these sneakers? I'm wearing these every weekend from now until Spring.

Blue suede shoes have some personality without screaming with sequins. Not that there is anything wrong with that. Scream with your sequins. But if you'd like something a bit more understated while still chic, blue suede baby.

Be fabulous today!

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Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Pretty in Plaid

It may be 60 or even 65 (!) degrees in mid-December but that doesn't we can't wear our favorite winter prints. I love tartan in December. It's a colorful plaid that truly says winter to me. It's a step above your average plaid that makes you smell gingerbread and hear jingle bells.



Originally $80, this classic accessory is totally worth picking up this holiday. I love the red ticks on the watch face for extra color.

Modcloth, Brooklyn Belle Skirt, $69
Oh hello ladylike perfection! I'm pairing this with a winter white sweater and drop earrings.

A great top to wear as is or for layering under a holiday sweater.

This is what we can festive elegance. Understated but hardly an LBD.


Stand out this December in a punchy tartan plaid. Try it with accessories, dresses, sweaters, you name it. 

Be fabulous today!

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Monday, December 14, 2015

Gift Guide: For Your BFF

It's our last set of gift guides and if you haven't found that special something for your bff, this one's for you. These gifts are a step above thoughtful because they're fun. Give these gifts knowing you're going to get a smile in return. I love the quirkiness, happiness, and specialness of all of these. I mean, who doesn't need a ice cream pint koozie?



left to right
Row one: one/two/three
Row two: one/two/three

Be fabulous today!

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Friday, December 11, 2015

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs,
Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Apple Cider Sangria
Ingredients
1 cup apple cider (the fresh kind, not the fizzy alcoholic kind)
1 bottle dry white wine
1/4 cup calvados or another apple brandy
1/4 cup Triple sec or another orange liqueur
Mixed colors of apples, diced and tossed with lemon juice to prevent browning
Seltzer, sparkling water or sparkling apple cider to finish

Directions
Place the apple cider in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce about 3/4 of the way, until you have approximately 1/4 cup apple cider left; this will take 10 to 15 minutes. Pour into small bowl set over a bowl of ice water and stir; it will cool very quickly this way.
Pour reduced, cooled cider into pitcher. Add wine, apple brandy and triple sec. Add fruit and let sit in the fridge until needed. Add some fizz right before serving; a slotted spoon will help guests hold back the fruit while pouring their glasses, and spoon some on top, if desired.

Cheesy Slow Cooker Bacon Ranch Potatoes
Ingredients
  • 6 slices bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 3 pounds red potatoes, cubed
  • 1 tablespoon ranch salad dressing mix
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 3 green onions, sliced

Directions
  1. Cook the bacon until crispy and set aside on paper towels to drain.
  2. Toss the potatoes in the each dressing mix and place 1/3 of them into a foil wrapped slow cooker followed by 1/3 of the bacon and cheese and repeat with two more layers of potatoes, bacon and cheese before cooking on low until tender, about 8-10 hours on low of 4-5 hours on high.
  3. Sprinkle on the green onions and enjoy!





Fannie May Fudge
Ingredients
  • 4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup milk (I use skim)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 25 regular sized marshmallows (not minis)
  • 1 package (12 oz) milk chocolate morsels
  • 1 package (12oz) semi-sweet chocolate morsels
  • 2 oz unsweetened baking chocolate
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions
  1. Line a 15 x 10 x 1-inch baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, add marshmallows, chocolate morsels, unsweetened chocolate, and vanilla extract. Set aside.
  3. In a large saucepan, combine sugar, milk and butter. Over medium high heat, bring mixture to a boil while stirring constantly. Once boiling, boil for a full two minutes.
  4. Pour hot mixture over marshmallow and chocolate and beat with whisk attachment until melted and smooth (may take several minutes).
  5. Pour into prepared baking sheet and refrigerate for about 3 hours (or overnight). Remove from refrigerator and cut into 4 large rectangles. Wrap in parchment paper and store in airtight container until ready to use.
  6. When ready to use, cut into bite sized pieces and enjoy.