Friday, July 31, 2015

Friday Foodday

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

Good Luck Happiness
Ingredients
  • 2 oz calvados
  • 1/2 oz Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur
  • 1 oz blood orange juice (half a fruit)
  • 1/2 oz lemon juice
  • 5-6 mint leaves
Directions
Break the mint leaves in half and drop them into the tin. Combine remaining ingredients and ice cubes, shake well. Strain into a double old fashioned; add fresh ice. Garnish with a blood orange half-wheel and mint sprig.




Bacon Cheeseburger Omelette
Ingredients
    FOR THE BURGER SEASONED BEEF:
  • 6 strips bacon
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
  • salt and pepper or steak seasoning to taste
  • FOR THE OMELETTE:
  • 8 eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk or cream
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup lettuce
  • 1/2 cup tomato, diced
  • 1/4 cup onion, sliced
  • 1/4 cup pickle, diced
  • 1/2 cup cheddar, shredded

Directions
    FOR THE BURGER SEASONED BEEF:
  1. Cook the bacon, set aside on paper towels to drain and crumble when cool, reserving the grease.
  2. Add the onion to the pan along with some of the reserved grease and saute until tender, about 3-5 minutes, over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about a minute.
  4. Add the ground beef and cook draining any grease when done.
  5. Mix in the ketchup, mustard, worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper, simmer to reduce, and set aside.
  6. FOR THE OMELETTE:
  7. Mix the milk into the eggs and season with salt and pepper.
  8. Heat a pan over medium heat, pour 1/4 of the egg mixture into the pan, swirl it to coat and let cook until the eggs have just about set before sprinkling 1/4 of the meat, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle onto half of the omelette, folding the other half over to cover, sprinkling on the cheese and cooking, covered, until the cheese melts. (Repeat for the remaining omelettes.)

Brandy Apricot Ribbon Pie
Ingredients
Apricot Fruit Jam Filling
3 cups Apricot, roughly chopped for jam, and divided
1/4 cup Brandy
1 1/2 cup Sugar
1/4 cup Pectin
Apricot Cream Filling
3 Tbsp Apricot flavored Gelatin, or plain or another flavor if you choose
3 Tbsp Boiling Water
1/3 cup Apricot Jam puree, *from Jam step*

1 cup Heavy Cream
Whipped Cream Top
2 Tbsp Sugar
1 Tbsp Brandy
1 Pre-baked/Blind Baked Pie Crust

Directions

Apricot Jam Filling
In a sauce pan, bring 2 cups of the chopped apricots, sugar and brandy to a boil. Stir frequently. Add in the pectin and bring to a boil for about 2 additional minutes. Remove from the heat and press the apricots through a strainer to remove the large bits of apricot. The jelly will be smooth. Set aside to cool.
Reserve 1/3 cup of this for the Apricot Cream Filling layer.
When completely cool, add the remaining apricots into the cooled jam filling and stir to combine. Spread into the bottom of the cooled pie crust. Place in fridge to chill.
Apricot Cream Filling
Combine 3 Tablespoons of boiling water, and apricot gelatin stirring until the gelatin dissolves.
In a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, Add in the gelatin mixture, 1/3 cup of apricot jelly, and 1 cup of heavy whipping cream. Whisk the mixture until the cream is stiff. Spread the whipped apricot cream filling over the top of the apricot jam filling.
Cover the pie with plastic wrap and place in the fridge to chill for at least 3 hours.
Whipped Cream Topping
In the stand mixer with the whisk attachment, whip cream, sugar and brandy until stiff peaks form. Spread evenly onto the top of the pie. Flourish with creative swirls for decoration.
Serve immediately.

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Come Fly with Me

Sometimes The Bf likes to contribute to the blog. He offers some terrible ideas like Daisy Duke day or fashion ponchos (no like the plastic ones) but sometimes he thinks out of the box and we go with it. Today, its birds. Bird print. Summery, feminine, and today dresses.

A beautiful dress to wear to an outdoor summer wedding. I love the layered chiffon on the bust.

This price tag you guys. It's insane. Just a great summer dress that is simple and affordable.

How casual and sweet is this dress? I love the contrasting built in tee that perfectly compliments the print.

Boden, Lizzie Dress, $82
Fitted through the top and a fun flared skirt makes this dress easy to dress up or down.

So fly away with fashion and have some fun with an aviary print that is perfect for summer.

Be fabulous today!

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Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Put Words in My Mouth

Summer is hot. It's so freakin' hot. Like why sun? Why do you need to turn it up like this? All I want is a cotton t-shirt and shorts because I'm going to sweat through them. So today let's look at some fun graphic tees that say how you feel.

To the point. I believe this everyday. I'd pair this with denim shorts and a ponytail.

This tee is slub jersey so it's like the cashmere of cotton in terms of comfort.

Boom. Have some fun with this top and dress it up with statement earrings

Every woman needs this shirt. Every. Woman. Is butter a carb?

Have some fun with your fashion and say what you want.

Be fabulous today!

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Tuesday, July 28, 2015

No Cropping Needed

I really am warming up to this crop top trend. We first looked at this piece in the spring and now I want to revisit with some fun summer options. An easy way to wear this trend is a simple cotton option. Today we're stepping it up with some textured looks. These crop tops have something a bit extra.

Lord and Taylor, BCBGeneration Patterned Crop Top, $40
This color is called whisper white ad I think it's appropriate to describe the color and the pattern. So simple.

Last Call Neiman Marcus, 5twelve Floral Lace Cropped Top, $59
A nice shimmer to go with this lace. I like this for a dressier look.

Originally $97 this top has a beautiful crochet pattern and it perfect to pair with a simple cami.

How special is this top? Feminine and in a stunning coral, plus under $50!

Crop tops can be dressed up. Look for texture, color, and embellishment that make all of the difference. 

Be fabulous today!

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Monday, July 27, 2015

Flat Out Affordable

Happy Monday lovebugs,
I hope you had a great weekend. Some great summer sales going on right now. I did some damage on the Old Navy Active sale  and today I thought we would look at some prices that go along with the sale trend. A few weeks ago we had some fun with summer espadrilles. Today let's raise the bar and look at flat espadrilles UNDER $50. 

A little chambray on a shoe! I love the quiet anchor print.

Urban Outfitters, Soludos Canvas Espadrille Sandal, $48
These remind me of ballet slippers. So feminine and airy.

LOVE these. Comfort, style, summer.


Love the perforated trend in the summer not only for looks but also utility. These also come in five other colors.

Espadrilles are certainly a one or two season shoe, so they shouldn't break the bank. These walkable flats are perfect for summer and easy on the wallet.

Be fabulous today!

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Friday, July 24, 2015

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday! Here are my favorite recipes this week. 

Cucumber, Ginger, & Prosecco Sangria
c/o The Kitchn
Ingredients
1/2 cup light honey
1/2 cup water
3/4-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
1 large strip of lemon peel, no pith
1 1/2 cups thinly sliced cucumber
1/2 cup brandy
1 lemon, thinly sliced, seeds removed and discarded
1 750-millileter bottle Prosecco, chilled


Directions
Combine the honey, water, ginger, and lemon peel in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to a low simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, cool, and then strain.
In a pitcher, combine the cucumber, ginger, syrup, and brandy. Add the lemon slices and stir. If you have time, let this sangria base chill in the refrigerator overnight.

When ready to serve, top the pitcher off with the chilled Prosecco. Serve immediately over ice, being sure to scoop some cucumber and lemon slices into each glass.

Creamy Corn and Zucchini
Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups corn kernels, fresh or frozen
  • 2 medium zucchini, chopped
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
  1. Heat the oil in a medium sized skillet over medium heat.
  2. Once hot, add the corn and zucchini to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, under vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes.
  3. Stir in the cheese, sour cream, cilantro, vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and continue cooking for 5 minutes or until heated through.
  4. Serve immediately.

No Churn Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
















Ingredients
16 ozGreek yogurt cream cheese, softened
2 tspLemon juice
1 tspVanilla extract
1/2 cup Baking stevia or 1 cup sweetener that measures like sugar (or to taste)
8 ozLight Tru Whip, thawed 
1 lb Sliced fresh strawberries 
Optional: Graham crackers, shortbread cookies, or cookies of choice

Directions
To Make the Ice Cream: Place the softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and sweetener together in a medium bowl. Mix with a hand held mixer, beating until mixture is creamy and smooth. Take 1/2 of the strawberries and mash them up slightly, and mix into cream cheese base. (I mashed them with the back of a measuring cup). Next, add the Tru Whip and the rest of the strawberries to the cream cheese base, gently folding everything together with a spatula.

Scoop ice cream mixture into a loaf pan, and spread out evenly with spatula. Top with crushed graham crackers or cookies of choice if desired. Cover with plastic wrap. Place ice cream in freezer for up to four hours or more (or until it is hardened up to your desired texture), and enjoy!

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Tee it Up

Lovebugs,
I'm going to let you in on a little secret. T strap flats are going to be all of the rage this fall. That's right. My intel is saying buy stock now. So let's get a jump start on this trend and maybe even make it work for summer.

Nordstrom, Halogen Olson, $59
Gorgeous. Wear it now with a sundress and later with ankle cropped chinos and a denim jacket.

Sam Edelman, Colt Sepia, $75
Rocker chic to the max.

Taylor Swift would so approve of these little beauties. Part sneaker, part flat, part sandal, all adorable.

Nordstrom Rack, Aldo Fenilone Flat, $49
Quite a little architectural masterpiece. I love the modern details of this flat.

T strap flats are so simple and yet they make such a statement. I love them for summer into fall. Leave those heels in the closet and try these dressy flats.

Be fabulous today!

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Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Summertime Statement

Everybody loves a great statement necklace but when it's a bajillion degrees it's not exactly heavy necklace time. Today let's look at some summer appropriate statement necklaces. These beauties are are light, airy, and bring just the right amount of color.

Baublebar, Shoshanna Amulet Necklace, $42
This necklace dresses up ripped denim shorts and a tank top.

Sole Society, Tassel and Chain Necklace, $39
I'd pair this with white linen. Crisp and standout in a non-bling sort of way.

Anthropologie, Mystic Seas Bib Necklace, $58
This piece reminds me of seashells. I love it with a maxi dress.

This necklace brings the bling but the coral and mint tones are perfect for summer.

Summer accessories don't always need to be minimal and light, these statement necklaces dress up any outfit and they're under budget.

Be fabulous today!

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Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Beach Bag Body

I thought we would keep the wet and wild trend going this week with some great beach bags. Summer pool/beach bags are just the best because you can throw everything in and stuff it until its full with towels, sunscreen, and sangria. I mean water, of course you guys, water.

You want color and pattern? This is your bag. I also love the top zip closure. No need to worry about everything falling out.

Chico's, Floral Straw Beach Bag, $47
50% off right now. This bag will take you from beach to dinner easily.

Zappos, Hatley Beach Bag, $49
A great nautical print that is all cotton so you can easily spot clean it. 

Band.do, Super Chill Cooler Bag, $32
Part beach bag, part cooler, I mean, you're welcome.

Everyone needs a great beach bag and these options work for any style. I think this is a great way to play with print because it's such a fun and lighthearted accessory.

Be fabulous today!

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Monday, July 20, 2015

Off to the Races

It's pool season. Summertime sweat, cool cocktail, sunscreen weather. So I thought we would brighten up your Monday with some swimwear. Athletic chic has been a big trend this year and it easily applies to swim. Today we're looking at racerback swimsuits. Sporty and perfect for summer.

I love this print but I also love all the colors in the print. You can mix and match solid bottoms with any of the colors in this suit.

Tommy Hilfiger, Racerback Malliot, $79
The classic prep of Tommy does not disappoint with this sporty suit.

Gotta love the price point and all of the color options from Old Navy.

Best for last, ladies. A blousy one piece that covers everything you want in a stunning print.

The racerback trend works for anyone, even us non-sporty folks. I love it for the pool, on an exotic vacation, and anything in-between.

Be fabulous today!

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Friday, July 17, 2015

Friday Foodday

It's Friday lovebugs,
Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Basil Cucumber Gin Cooler
Ingredients
  • 2-inch piece of cucumber, peeled and chopped
  • 1 tsp grated lemon zest
  • 2 fresh basil leaves
  • 1 tsp agave nectar
  • 1 1/2 oz gin
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • ice cubes
  • splash of seltzer
  • 1 thin slice lemon, for garnish
  • 1 thin slice cucumber, for garnish
Directions
In a cocktail shaker, muddle the chopped cucumber, lemon zest, basil and agave.

Add the gin. lemon juice and ice cubes and stir 10 seconds. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice cubes and top with seltzer. Garnish with lemon and cucumber and serve.

Loaded Cauliflower Salad
Ingredients
  • 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bit sized florets
  • 4 strips bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 green onions, sliced
  • salt and pepper to taste

Directions
  1. Cook the cauliflower in the microwave or steam it or roast it until tender and let it cool.
  2. Cook the bacon, let drain on paper towels and cool before crumbling.
  3. Mix everything and enjoy!









Nutter Butter Nutella Icebox Cake
Ingredients
2-8 oz packages cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
13 oz. container Nutella
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
28 nutter butters
1/2 cup cold milk
topping:
whipped cream
chocolate sauce
chopped nutter butters
Directions
Line a 9x9 glass dish with plastic wrap and set aside.
In a large bowl, mix cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth. Stir in Nutella, scrape sides and mix again. Add in heavy cream and whip 2 minutes or until very thick.
Dip Nutter Butters in milk and line the bottom with cookies. Top with half the nutella mixture and repeat the layers of cookies and cream one more time. Top with extra chopped nutter butters and refrigerate covered 12 hours or overnight.
To serve, loosen edges of cake with butter knife and remove using the extra plastic wrap sides around the edges. Cut into pieces and top with cream and chocolate sauce.

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Opal-eese

Let's play with a fine stone. It's almost Friday, I think we have earned some pretty things. Let's look at some opal. I love this stone because it comes in so many different color variations. I particularly like the milk opal. The creamy stone with flecks of pink and green when the light hits it just right.

Need Supply, Tiny Marquis Ring, $70
Minimalistic but so pretty. I love the rose gold.

Baublebar, Malisandre Stud Earrings, $32
A beautiful cluster for a stud earring. Busy but not heavy.

White House Black Market, White Opal Teardrop Necklace, $24
On a hot summer day, who wouldn't want this frosty necklace around their neck?

Bloomingdale's, Rebecca Minkoff Two Stone Cuff, $98
Simple, bold, and unassuming. Very cool.

What do you think about opal? If you love it, what shade or type is your favorite? This milky hue goes with everything in my closet.

Be fabulous today!

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