Foodie Friday: Seafood Recipes & Cooks Tools

Last Foodie Friday was all about Easter and Spring Brunch Recipes. I wanted you to be prepared ahead of time for the holiday. Today's inspiration is Good Friday, a day when many of us abstain from meat. Seafood is never a hardship for me, as I do love it.  This post is for all of you seafood lovers. These recipes promise to be better than your local fish fry.

HERE: 20 Stunning Seafood Recipes & Cooks Tools

Skillet Grilled Seafood and Chorizo Paella
Paella is something my sister makes, but not me. I guess I always just thought about the carb content of the rice. This image could make me a believer. Isn't this dish gorgeous?
Half Baked Harvest

Sur La Table has a good assortment of Paella Pans priced from $12 - $250+

Spicy Shrimp Quesadillas With Chipotle-Avocado Sauce
This recipe will spice up your life! Seafood Mexican recipes are so flavor packed.
She Knows  

Fresh Corn Chowder With Barbecue Shrimp
I could imagine that one could use frozen corn for this recipe, as well. A must make!
How Sweet Eats   

 Cilantro Lime Grilled Swordfish
Simply prepared and grilled to perfection. I might suggest that you select swordfish pieces without that dark blood line. It is ever so bitter. 
The Stay At Home Chef 

Seared Sea Scallops With Leek Risotto and Lemon-Brown Butter Sauce
Oh my goodness! This just looks so rich and fabulous. I did learn something from this recipe that I never new. "Dry packed Sea Scallops brown better and have a deeper sweeter flavor." Good to know!
Serious Eats 

Lobster Diavolo
This dish has a fresh, juicy tang of tomatoes and fiery heat from the chili peppers.
Food52

Le Creuset Lobster Pot
Add some seaside flavor to the festivities. A perfect pot for serving a crowd.
 Williams Sonoma

Pan Seared Salmon in Spiced Coconut Milk
Doesn't this just look delicious? It's a half way healthy dish made with tumeric, lemon grass, purple carrots, and of course the vitamin rich salmon itself. 
A Zesty Bite 

Grilled Oysters on the Half Shell with Grilled Prosciutto & Mignonette
From Michael Chiarello's Book, Live Fire. I have never had a grilled oyster, but this recipe sure makes me want one...right now.
Adventures in Cooking

Sur La Table makes a great oyster pan for grilling. It's now marked down by $10

BLT and Potato Chip Lobster Rolls with Peach Salsa
So, I had my first lobster roll last Mother's Day. I think that should be a yearly indulgence. Who's with me? It was great, but didn't look half as good as this one. 
Half Baked Harvest  

Lobster Linens

Bring some zing to the table with these playfully printed linens
Serena & Lily

Smoked Salmon With Mascarpone Cheese 
Talk about a beautiful bite! This recipe couldn't be easier yet it makes quite the impressive presentation. A good cocktail party choice.
Ciao Florentina

 Salmon & Avocado Caesar Salad
Here's an extraordinary twist on tradition. I just love to mix it up in the kitchen and find a way to make a good thing better. This recipe does exactly that.
Cafe Delites  

Prosciutto Wrapped Halibut 
Two things I love - halibut and Prosciutto. I have had my fair share of both but never wrapped together. Besides loving the presentation . This recipe seems like a great idea.
Sippity Sup

Laguiole Cocktail Forks
These make the perfect less than $20 hostess gift. They are elegant servers for shrimp or any small bite.
Williams-Sonoma

Spicy New Orleans Shrimp
The marinade for this decadent dish is the secret to saucy and sizzling shrimp!
Jo Cooks 

Creamy Cauliflower Fettucini Alfredo with Shrimp { Gluten & Dairy Free }
Classic Fettucini Alfredo, reimagined with cauliflower! A healthier version of the classic. The cauliflower provides the creaminess. 
Heather Christo

Dapper Animal Salad Plates
Mix and match these perfectly adorable porcelain plates
West Elm

Crab Cake Sliders
Old Bay Seasoning, Potato Buns, Bacon and Lump Crab Meat. What is not to like? These are super fun, especially for a party.
Food Network 

Lobster Mac And Cheese
I think that Lobster Mac and Cheese is right at the top of all food groups. The problem is that there is never enough lobster in the dish, when you order it out. The best thing to do, is to make it yourself.
Foodie Crush

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Foodie Friday: Beautiful Brunch Bites

Wedding Wednesday: What To Wear To A Spring Soiree

{ Via: Megan Hess }

Have you ever been to a wedding and looked around to see men without jackets or ties and women in Sunday shifts?  If you are attending a beach wedding, that might be fine and good enough. Most wedding receptions, however, with sit down dinners and bridal parties in tuxedos, beg for some dressing up! I consider it respecting the occasion.  Here's a collection of chic choices for all budgets.

HERE: 12 Party Perfect Picks

Maier Maxi

Femme with florals. A romantic silk dress with a beautiful shine from lurex. Do click the link to see a magnified view. Garden party perfect!

Free People 

All She Wants Midi

Shopping on a budget? Here you go...this dress is way under $75. Also available in black and white.

Lulu's 

Bernica Midi Dress

Garden party, anyone? A very full skirt of beautiful botanicals will have every eye on you. You don't have to tell them that your dress was reduced by 30%.

Ted Baker

Cape Sleeve Color Blocked Dress

A LBD is appropriate for so many occasions, but it is not always dressy enough for a reception. This look is. The cape takes it up a big notch. Love that it covers the arm, too.

Halston Heritage

Flutter Sleeve Dress

This Europa Pink sheath is a perfect pick for an afternoon affair. It dolls up as easy as it can be dialed down. it's just a smidge over $100.

Chico's

Gianvito Rossi Gala Satin Shoe

These shoes are made for dancing! Also available in a very glam gold.

Saks Fifth Avenue 

Costarellos Ruffled Blossom Lace Midi 

A dress that encompasses all of Spring trends - pretty in pink, embracing lace, statement sleeves. Beautiful for a guest or mother of the bride. So stunning!

Moda Operandi

Theia Ombre Chiffon Maxi

When you arrive in this, your dance card will be full! Chiffon is always fun for dancing.

Neiman Marcus  

$50 off $200 qualifying purchase with code INC50

Needle & Thread Garden Midi

The detail work on this dress is really special. I think it is party perfect! Find it at 

Neiman Marcus or ASOS 

Solange Off the Shoulder Midi Dress

Everything about this dress is chic, from the neckline to the statement sleeves, and the daring slit.  The best look you can get for less than $125

Nordstrom 

Jaeger Split Detail Long Satin Skirt & Sweater
The skirt is described as "Lavender Fog." Love the sound of that. This look is modern and laid back elegance. I liked the subtle detail to the skirt. Click the Skirt link to see it on the runway.
Skirt    Sweater  

Melinda Dress
Adrianna Papell’s maxi is subtle but stately. The painterly pattern is lovely, like a garden. In sizes 2 - 16 
Anthropologie


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Spring's Statement Styles

Hostess Gifts For All Of Spring's Soirees

Dinner parties, barbecues, passover, easter, Graduation parties and more call for a gift of gratitude. A bottle of wine or a bouquet of fresh flowers will always do, but they are hardly memorable. Why not make your gift shine above the rest? This roundup of perfect picks promises to get you a return invitation!

12 Perfect Presents

Pineapple Tumblers
Celebrate your host Tiki style!
Food52 

Monogram Playing Cards
For games people play. What a thoughtful gift. I know that I don't have one of these. Do you? The price is so right, too.
Southern Hospitality Company

Joanna Buchanan Cocktail Linens 

How chic and fun are these? A set of four in lovely linen is guaranteed to get you invited back again and again.

One Kings Lane

Veranda Entertaining by Clinton Smith
"Veranda" magazine's stunning new book is the ultimate source of inspiration for any entertainer. Your recipient will find tips for throwing sophisticated and stylish soirees big and small.
Amazon 

Porcelain Vase
This gift gives flower power! Make any bud beautiful with this personalized vase.
Mark and Graham

Artisan Board With Spreader
Asked to bring the cheese? Present it on this beautiful board. With or without food, this board is a beauty.
Neiman Marcus

Riedel O Series Martini Set
It's hard to find a better and more modern cocktail glass. But don't stop at drinks, they are perfect servers for ice cream, shrimp cocktail, chocolate mousse and more.
Barneys New York and Amazon

Chalkboard Placemats
Anyone with children will appreciate this clever choice. A fun find for a family gift.
Anthropologie

Courtly Check Enamel Herb Pots Set Of Three
If your host is cooking, chances are they use fresh herbs. I often by a herb plant at a farmers market, but they come in unattractive generic pots. These are perfect for the window sill, and come pleasantly packaged. 
MacKenzie-Childs 

Domino Tote
Illustrated by Caitlin McGauley, this terrific tote will come in handy for anyone. With new rules and charges on plastic bags, these days, why not bring your own? Your urban hostess, walks everywhere. This will be used for groceries, an extra pair of shoes, fresh flowers or puppies. 
Domino

Two Hearts Cooking Set
For the host and/or hostess that loves to cook.  Includes James Beard’s American Cookery and Joy of Cooking. Both books are brand new from the publisher.
AHAlife

Marble & Copper Monogram Boards
One of my faves of the edit. This is one chic hostess gift - with or without the cheese!
Williams Sonoma



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Time For Tea!

Saturdays At Shop This: Is It Spring Yet?

I missed checking in last Saturday. This birthday girl had things to do, subways to take, Brooklyn to see, and family to love! I really do enjoy "spilling the tea," like the girls above, with you on the weekends. In case you hadn't heard of this Southern expression, it means telling all of the scoop and gossip. This weekend's forecast calls for some Spring like weather. Maybe soon we can wear pretty pastels, and don our Easter bonnets after all.  Now for that tea......

I am excited to announce that Shop This is now working with Sabon. They offer an unparalleled range of exceptional bath and body products using time-honored remedies based on the finest natural ingredients. Sabon is a fabulous source for gifts!
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For my readers who appreciate a beautiful buy, I am also happy to be working with The Outnet. It was started by Net-a-Porter in 2009 and has become the most fashionable fashion outlet there is.
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I bought  these sneakers for walking in NYC. They proved to be on point and super comfy.
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Miss Shop This, after not seeing her Mom in in four months, asked if I had used any line fillers. I guess she was trying to make me feel younger. Though I am not sure that I see it, I have been using something new: Serious Skincare Firm A Face.  Maybe it is working.
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Hopefully you enjoyed the Bunnies and Baskets post.  Just today I discovered some fabulous Super Hero Bunnies at La Loba Studio on Etsy.  They are adorable and build confidence in our little ones. Don't miss them.
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Gifts Just For Her: A curated collection at One Kings Lane. Think, a candle in her favorite scent, a fab frame, a haute hammock & more 
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Have you noticed how bootcut leggings are hard to find? Because I don't think the narrow legging is flattering on myself, I prefer the bootcut. The Yummie by Heather Thompson, Jodi Bootcut is fabulous! Love mine. They elongate the leg, are super comfy, and made from a blend of cotton & 12% Spandex, so they hold you in.
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Spring Make Up Trends: Polished Nudes. Nordstrom has a great round up of Lip colors to love. Check out that Christian Louboutin  Loubilaque case!
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Day dreaming about barbecuing and alfresco dining? I know that you will love the break resistant Melamine Dinnerware at Squared NYC. Loving all of it but especially the Ruffled Collection in Pebble.
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I'll leave you with some wise words and a fashion edit from Jane Fonda. Be sure to scroll to the end to see an entertaining video of this interesting woman.
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I so hope that the weekend is your cup of tea. Enjoy!
XOXO
Deb
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