Fuss-Free

March 28, 2014



{Ponte Pants ~ INC via Macys / Blush Blouse ~ NY& Co. / Printed Blouse ~ Target / Green Utility Jacket ~ Old Navy / Gray Snakeskin Pumps ~ Isaac Mizrahi for Target / Tan Bucket Bag ~ Just Fab}

Easy, fuss-free dressing during the week is the only way to go for me. Keeping things simple and pulled together is when I am most comfortable.  I have said this before; I am noticing as I get older simple is best. Getting pretty and fancy for a night out is always fun but for days in the office when I am super busy and running around, a blouse, pants, and comfy heels has become my official uniform.  I can't wait to pop on a cute dress without tights though....  whenever spring decides to show its sunny face.

Happy Friday! 

xoxo, thanks for reading! ♥



Welcome, Spring!

March 21, 2014





{Black Ankle Trousers ~ Target / Coral Blouse ~ NY&Co. / Faux Leather Jacket with Printed Sleeves ~ Forever 21 / Black Patent Pumps ~ Nine West / Tan Bucket Bag ~ JustFab / Statement Necklace ~ H&M}

Spring has finally made an appearance and I have been enjoying the {ever so} slightly warmer temps and longer days. Here's to finally being able to wear lighter jackets without freezing to my bones.  Or going without socks and not having frost-bitten toes. Lol! 

Happy Friday!

 

Plaid Pants

March 7, 2014

 
 
 
 
 
  
{Plaid Pants and Red BodyCon Dress {pulled up and worn as tunic} ~ Forever 21+ / Navy Booties ~ Aldo / Camel Coat ~ Thrifted}
 
As much as I love and adore this coat, I am so very sick of having to wear it. Spring, wherefore art thou?
 
xoxo, thanks for reading! ♥
 
 
 
 

Crab Fried Quinoa

March 6, 2014

My husband and I decided to go meatless for the entire month of March and we have been enjoying it so far.  We are adding seafood to the mix which I think makes going meatless for an entire month so much easier.  Last night, after being inspired by Lekeitha on Instagram, I whipped up this dish and it was perfection.  This was our first time trying quinoa and we are now major fans! This was a super fast weeknight dinner, from start to finish only taking about 20 minutes.  It was fresh, flavorful and delicious! 

Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1/2 Cup Diced Carrot {1 medium}
1/2 Cup Diced Green Onion {about 6}
1 Cup Crab Meat
3 Eggs, Beaten
2 Cups Cooked Quinoa
1 Tablespoon Soy Sauce
1 Tablespoon Sesame Oil


{Start by cooking your quinoa.  You could use any variety/brand/flavor you want, I went with this roasted garlic version and it was so good.  I followed the package directions, using 1 1/2 cups of water and cooking for about 15 minutes.}

{While the quinoa is cooking, in a hot pan over medium heat, sauté your green onions and carrots in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until soft.  If you are using plain quinoa, add some crushed garlic here for additional flavor.}

{I used our favorite claw crab meat but you could add in any protein here.  Shrimp would be an obviously delicious choice – I can't wait to try that next.

{After a few minutes of sauteing your veggies, add in your crab meat, stirring everything to warm it through.

{Lightly beat your eggs and season with black pepper, if so desired.}

{Reduce the heat to medium low.  Move your crab meat mixture to one side of the pan and add in a tablespoon of olive oil.}


{Add in your eggs and stir constantly to lightly scramble.}

{Once your quinoa is done, fluff it with a fork to loosen up a bit.}


{Turn off the heat and add your cooked quinoa to the egg/crab meat mixture.}


{Add in your soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring to combine everything.}

{Serve immediately and enjoy!}
 
I have to admit, I wasn't expecting to love quinoa as much as I do.  The texture seemed like it would be slimy and weird but it was so satisfying and is pretty fun to eat. This dish actually really surprised me. ...in a good way.  I love when that happens!  We will be having it in the place of rice often in the future.
 
BUT.  I'm sorry quinoa, some dishes absolutely call for white jasmine rice – like this one here. aaaaand this one. LOL!
 
Do you like quinoa?
 
xoxo, thanks for reading! ♥
 
 
 
 

Double-Duty: One Dress | Two Ways

March 5, 2014

 


 
 
{Maroon Ankle Pants ~ Target / Striped Sweater Dress {worn as tunic} ~ Forever21+ / Navy Suede Booties ~ Aldo / Cashmere Wool Trench ~ Thrifted / Navy Tote ~ JustFab, "Magic Kingdom"}
 
I love being able to wear something a couple different ways  – in this case, as a dress and a tunic over pants.  Stripes will forever be my favorite to wear so snagging this dress a few weeks ago was a no-brainer.
 
 
I also rocked this baby for a night out on hubby's birthday weekend last month and felt perfectly fab.  I wore shimmer tights {my new faves!}, the same navy booties, gold jewels and a coral lippie. Double-duty dressing is the way to go for my budget these days and I am not complaining.
 
 
 
xoxo, thanks for reading! ♥