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Thursday, April 19, 2018

Foodie Friday: Stylish Spring Appetizers & Chic Cocktail Recipes


Today we are celebrating Spring. Maybe if we all think positively together it will get here faster. Spring is a fabulous time of year for many reasons ~ the flowers, the fresh veggies, fruits, and the absence of puffy coats! Let's look forward to warmer days, lighter food, and colorful cocktails....all eaten and sipped outside. Cheers!

Morning Glory MacKenzie-Childs

HERE: 19 Tastes Of Spring

Artichoke Pesto and Lemon Ricotta Crostini
When selecting an appetizer recipe, I often reach for a crostini choice. People, like Oprah, just love bread! And a platter of these is a "one and done" appetizer.  Not to mention, they are easy to make but impressive to look at. This recipe just sings Spring!

Blood Orange Salad Recipe with Burrata & Pesto
Could anything be prettier? Burrata always feels special.

The Griffith Park Swizzle
Add a pop of color to your affair. Fun, huh?

Roasted Red Pepper Meze Platter
Talk about the ultimate appetizer!  This stunning spread features: Sun-dried tomato muhammara (a roasted red pepper and walnut spread), hummus, tzatziki, tabbouleh (couscous salad), feta cheese, stuffed grape leaves, lots of veggies, naan, and roasted carrots. 

Green Pea Soup Shots
Don't you just love an individual appetizer? No worries about double dipping. Whether you serve these cold or warm, green pea soup shots with crisp bacon strips make an impressive Spring starter for your guests.


Spicy Roasted Bell Pepper
 Pimento Cheese
If you are from the South, you know what this is. My own Mom made it all of the time. This is your basic cheese spread elevated to the max. The individual egg cups can be found at Crate and Barrel , and the recipe at

Lust Gin & Tonic
Town & Country shares this recipe from The Hotel Arts Barcelona. That in itself makes this recipe special.

 Spring Watermelon Radish Toast
An excellent appetizer for any brunch, lunch, and even dinner. The base is goat cheese and creme fraiche combined and topped with heavenly watermelon radishes and Himalayan Pink Sea Salt. Simple and stunning!

Roasted Beet Hummus
Doubtful that you have ever seen anything like this in your market. I know, I have bought it too. But many of the brands have ingredients like Potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, and potassium benzoate.  These are all additives you want to avoid, for your own health's sake. Make this instead.

Basil-Cheese Roulade
The author states that the name is fancier than the preparation of this easy party starter.

Strawberry Chamomile Paloma
This chic cocktail is packed with fruity flavors, a little fizz, and there may be some tequila, too.


 Bacon Wrapped Grilled Peaches With Balsamic Glaze
This recipe had me at Balsamic. Grab the first peaches of the season and head outdoors. Or if Mother Nature doesn't cooperate, use a grill pan in the kitchen.

White Bean and Basil Hummus
This low-fat hummus is bursting with fresh flavor, perfect as a dip or spread on sandwiches.  Not to mention, it is much better looking than that prepared stuff.

Hot Crab Dip Stuffed Artichokes
A brilliant idea for using one of Spring's best veggies, the artichoke. Everyone serves a cheesy artichoke dip, but this recipe takes it to the next level. Love the presentation.

Matcha Mint Julep
The Kentucky Derby is right around the corner. Lets get in the mood with this winning cocktail.

Popcorn With Lemon Butter
This savory popcorn snack makes a beautiful bowl! I just love it when you can take a staple and turn it into something fabulous!

Pilsner-Battered Asparagus with Lemon-Chive Aioli
It is asparagus season, and this recipe is truly something different. I would make it just for the Aioli

Zucchini and Feta With Fresh Mint And Preserved Lemon
Bright and a worthy departure from saucy pies.  A plus to this recipe is that you can grill it, too.

Aperol Spritz
Of course, I leave you with a cocktail! I have a a friend who swears by these. I taste tested hers on a warm Chicago afternoon, and it was so refreshing! Click the link to see the details.

Sur La Table

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Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Spring Style On Sale


If you haven't stocked your closet for Spring yet, thank Mother Nature. She has made you look very smart. We are still in mufflers and mittens in Chicago, and it is actually snowing as I type. Sandals would be silly, but sooner or later the weather will warm up. Now is the time for smart shoppers to start saving. Spring things are already on sale!   I have done some pre-shopping for you, and this post features head to toe beautiful buys.


HERE:  17 Style Steals

Gael Terracotta Tapestry Silk Dress
Kaftan inspired this dress features a draping design that can fall off the shoulders, if you want, or not.  The terracotta tapestry print adds a boho chic vibe top this pretty piece.
BCBGMAXAZRIA

Take 30% Off Everything At BCBG Until 4/23

Sam Edelman Tarian Metal Box Bag  
A beautiful bag that makes a big statement. Now less than $100

Lynton Kitten Heel Slide
Don't you love a good kitten heel? Loving the fabric geo print, but it also comes in leather in three other shades.  You won't believe the price.

Take 30% Off New Arrivals No Codes Needed

Statement Lip Full Face Kit
Today is the last day to save up to 30% on 
Limited Edition Kits. This one features 6 full-size makeup pieces for creating a classic red lip look. Now less than $40 and a $124 value.
bareMinerals

Cynthia Rowley Off-The-Shoulder 
Maxi Dress
How fun is this dress?  Wear it from the beach to the bistro. Click the link or the photo for a closer look of the feathery
fabric details. Nicely reduced!
Anthropologie

Cult Gaia
It's pretty exciting that these fabulous bags are on sale for 20% off. They have been my favorites since I discovered the brand last Spring. Use Code: THANKYOU20 to save 20% sitewide. Click the link to see the other available chic colors. P.S. This sale ends 4/20.
Need Supply

Steffe Ruffle Top
Ted has given boring styles the cold shoulder this season. Choose to be pretty in pink or wonderful in white. Loving the zippers at the sleeves. Now $50 off.

Grommet Stripe Floppy Hat
With 30% off this hat is so affordable, get one for you and your BFF.

Flirty Pleated Sweater
Isn't this pretty? Sheer pleats peek through chunky lace on this lightweight flare-sleeve sweater. Now less than $50 
Beyond Proper


Rebecca Minkoff Laser Cute Tote  
Nothing wrong with wearing black in the Spring and Summer, especially one as airy as this terrific tote. Now almost $80 less.
Shopbop 

Rag & Bone
Rowe Wide-Leg Culotte Trousers
Remember Culottes? I loved them. These are pretty, too, and just as I remembered in a chic crepe. Wear these with everything.
Neiman Marcus

The Miller Crossbody Phone Bag
A really good looking leather bag for when you just need the essentials. Fits up to an iPhone X. More colors available.
Tory Burch 

Soludos Jason Polan Espadrille
Here's looking at a great buy with these light hearted casual shoes. Now marked down by 40%.
Nordstrom 

Pave Crystal Hoops
The perfect hoop is now 50% off  with Code: MOMDAY18. In fact, the entire site is on sale at a  50% discount. This mom would take anything on the website, especially these haute hoops.
Amrita Singh 

Everything But The Beach
Find all of the vacay essentials and more at this girls' playground. Save 20% on $250 orders.

Codie Striped A-Line Dress
Comfortably chic this dress can easily move from day to night.
BCBGMAXAZRIA

Take 30% Off Everything At BCBG Until 4/23


Woven Print Clutch
Part of Natori's 40 year anniversary capsule collection. Loving the chic and colorful details now 50% off.

Designer Sunglasses under $50

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Monday, April 16, 2018

Tuesday Trend: Cheers To Red & Pink

{ Via: Tiffany LaBelle }

Once upon a time, the color combo of pink and red was left to Cupid on Valentine's Day. This all changed last Fall during NYFW.  Guests showed up in the brightest looks, pairing these two colors, for the most eye catching ensembles. These chic crowds knew something. Designers like Brandon Maxwell, Ted Baker, and more echoed the palette from head to toe on the runways.  Here's how to work the trend 
this season.


HERE: 15 Fab Finds

MACAUFA
Happiness Cover-Up
The details don't stop on this pretty piece. Sold as a cover-up, but with the right undergarments, I can see it as a dress or tunic.

ATTICO 
Faille Chloe Mules
Fabulous fabric mules are color blocked
 in the best of ways.

Print Sheath
Two toned and terrific with Spandex. That's important for holding everything "in" when wearing this stunning sheath by David Meister.

Up and At Em Sunnies 
Pared Eyewear has created a fun way to wear the trend. Sometimes all you need is sunnies and lip gloss!

Manoush Pommed Slides
Who can resist a pretty pom? These will add a few pops of color to your outfits this Spring and Summer.

Off The Shoulder Top
An effortless off the shoulder style that features dramatic bell sleeves. Now on sale at

Quiz Pink And Red Satin Bodysuit
Bodysuits are back in a big way this season. And they are perfect for this type of pant. Love the print and this top is less than $50.

Tee Shirt Three Pack
This trend is so big that Cédric Charlier has packaged a pretty in pink and red set of 100% cotton tees.

Large Retro Basket Bag
What's old is new again with this retro-inspired jelly bag. Personally, I would line it with a great pink and red scarf. Also available in black and white. Less than $25.

Tory Burch Color Block Espadrilles
Sleek sophistication yet super comfy casual. Available in six chic color combos.

Feeling Baroque Maxi
For those of us who can't give up our black. It's a striking look that's also a budget buy.

Marni Mohair Sweater
It's snowing as I type. So there is still plenty of time to wear this short sleeve sweater. 
It's just so cheerful!

Save 20% with Code: THANKYOU20 Discount 
ends on 4/20

Rebecca De Ravenel Earrings
Made of masai glass, these beautiful baubles will add a bright sweetness to your red or pink Spring outfits.

Brandon Maxwell
I couldn't love a look more. A luxury line that is also denim friendly. Find the chic crepe jacket at Net-a-Porter or Shopbop. The Chiffon Knot Top couldn't be sexier with or without a jacket. See the top at Shopbop, too.

Attico Satin Maxi
Make a style statement in stripes. A very special dress. Find it at Saks or Farfetch

Betsey Johnson

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