SAG Award Fashion Wrap Up...

Lovvvvving awards season, it's SO much fun! I'm going to keep this short and sweet, here are my favorites from this years SAGs and my top pick of the night is last!

Emily Blunt in Oscar de la Renta, LOVE the color...

via MTV Style

Rose Bryne in Elie Saab, she took a risk and a departure from the "norm" dressing of these events and I am loving it. I know a lot of people won't like this, but I think it's fun and hip.

via MTV Style

Julianna Margulies in Calvin Klein, love the texture and the color looks gorgeous on her skin. I do think she should of thought about a different hairstyle and doing different earrings. I also like that this dress is a slight departure for Calvin Klein, don't you all think too?

via Red Carpert Fashion Awards

Amber Heard in Zac Posen, WOW, SEXY is all I have to say and she can totally pull it off!

via Red Carpert Fashion Awards

And last, but not least we have my absolute favorite from the night, Jessica Chastain...that color on her is AH-mazing and I'm obsessed with her look from head to toe. She hit it out of the park in my book!

via Red Carpert Fashion Awards

Would love to hear your favorites too!!

The Dirty Dozen

I'm sure most of you all already know this information, but I thought I would blog about it as well in case you don't. I've seen posts about this topic on two of  my FAV blogs, The Southern Eclectic and Apples & Onions (You all should check out both blogs STAT!). Basically, the dirty dozen are the dozen fruits and veggies that you should buy organic if your budget allows. I'm not a shopper that buys everything organic because of the cost, but am happy to purchase the dirty dozen orangic since its allover better for your health and food safety.

The Dirty Dozen

1. Apples
2. Celery
3. Strawberries
4. Peaches
5. Spinach
6. Nectarines (imported)
7. Grapes (imported)
8. Sweet bell peppers
9. Potatoes (not including sweet potatoes, which are part of The Clean Fifteen)
10. Blueberries
11. Lettuces
12. Kale and collard greens (a tie)

Dirty Dozen Cheat Sheet

Along with the Dirty Dozen they have the Clean 15, for the 15 items where you are totally ok to NOT buy organic. 

The Clean 15

1. Onions
2. Sweet Corn
3. Pineapple
4. Avocado
5. Asparagus
6. Sweet peas
7. Mango
8. Eggplant
9. Cantaloupe (domestic)
10. Kiwi
11. Cabbage
12. Watermelon
13. Sweet Potatoes
14. Grapefruit

These lists do change from time to time, the EWG's (Enviromental Working Group) website is a great resource to stay up to date on this information.

Karen Walker for Anthro

Have you all heard of the New Zealand designer Karen Walker? I'd only heard of her designing sunglasses and had no clue she did clothes too. Well it turns out she is designing a more accessible line for Anthropologie that is set to debut this MARCH. I learned about this over at Glamour and Refinery29. I LOVE both these two dresses and am eagerly awaiting the chance to see these in person and get to try these one. I think both would be perfect for many a wedding shower and bridesmaid luncheon that I have coming up this spring and summer.

Target Does It Again...

You all are going to think I'm crazy about this coverup, but I PROMISE the pictures doesn't do it justice, go to your local Target and try to see this in person. It looks so much more expensive (in person) than it really is. And here is a little tip, snap up swimmies and coverups now while they are all still in stock in an array of sizes in the stores. Seriously, go get this steal of a deal ASAP! This would also be a great piece for any ones honeymoon wardrobe! And while it also does come in black, I really prefer the white.

Converse Womens Adria Coverup

WOW...IN LOVE with PREEN

Are you familiar withe the label Preen? If not you should be. Man, they are pulling out some AH-mazing pieces. While I sadly can't add any of their pieces to my wardrobe due to their $$$ price tag, I still love love love to look at what they are designing. This dress was my absolute favorite from their Pre-Fall 2012 collection. I'm loving the color combination and the lace, I swear lately if its colored and lace I'm in love with it.

Hope you enjoy this eye candy on this Wednesday evening!

PREEN Ingrid Dress

Rocky Road Goodness

Hiiii there! Happy Rainy Tuesday night to you...I'm loving this weather!

I made these EASY Rocky Road bars for a work luncheon event that we had today and I got rave reviews from everyone so I had to share here on the blog too. They are from one of MY favorite food blogs ever, Eat, Live, Run...you all should be reading this blog daily, it's so great. And the best part about these is that they are NO bake!

The only change I would recommend is leaving the bars in the fridge for longer than it calls for to firm up even more, I had a few fall apart on me. Oh and use a SHARP knife to cut them into bars, that will help too.

Enjoy!

No-Bake Rocky Road Bars via Eat, Live, Run

No-Bake Rocky Road Bars

makes about 12-14 bars

Ingredients:

4 cups graham cracker crumbs (You can buy boxes of already ready to go crumbs just FYI)

2 cups miniature marshmallows

1 cup chopped nuts (I used pecans)

1 cup powdered sugar

1 12-oz bag semi-sweet chocolate chips

3/4 cup evaporated milk

Directions:

Mix together the graham cracker crumbs, marshmallows, nuts and powered sugar in a large bowl. Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Add the evaporated milk to the chocolate and stir until smooth and incorporated. Pour chocolate over graham cracker marshmallow mixture and toss until well combined.

Press mixture into a well-greased nine inch pan and pat down (easiest to do with wet hands!). Place in fridge until firm (about an hour). Dust with powdered sugar and slice into squares.

Time:

1.5 hours

Easy Monday Night Dinner Idea!

Happy Monday friends! I usually always try to cook on Monday nights, we really like to be home to start off the week and I usually am always cooking up something healthy. (Usually because I always over indulge on the weekends, this weekend I have my friend Katie's AH-mazing iced sugar cookies to blame!!!)

So on tonight's menu are my Baked Turkey Meatballs with a VERY easy Homemade Tomato Sauce. I found the meatball recipe over at The Healthy Housewife (LOVE this blog!) and its a keeper. The sauce recipe came from the back of a pasta box that my Mama gave me. I usually get the meatballs all prepped and rolled the night before and then bake them right before dinner. While the meatballs are baking I make the sauce and then usually also saute some zucchini and squash for a veggie side.

Turkey Meatballs via The Healthy Housewife

Baked Turkey Meatballs from The Healthy Housewife

Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey
1/3 cup diced onion
1/3 cup Italian breadcrumb
2 tablespoon granulated garlic (Using fresh minced garlic is fine)
1 egg
1 tablespoon milk (Doesn't matter what kind, I usually use 1% because its what I drink)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1/2 teaspoon basil (I use dried)
1/2 teaspoon oregano (I use dried)
1 teaspoon sea salt
pinch of pepper

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine all ingredients for in a bowl. Mix thoroughly with your fingers to make the mixture as uniform as possible, without overworking the meat. Roll into approximately 1 inch balls and place on cookie sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Serve as is, or with your favorite sauce!

And here is the recipe for my favorite tomato sauce, its SO easy!

Easy Homemade Spicy Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

1 can crushed tomatoes (the larger can is what I usually use)

EVOO

Minced Garlic

Red Pepper Flakes

Heat a large skillet or pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. I usually just use enough to coat the pan, once the oil has a sheen to it and is hot drop in a few cloves of minced garlic (The more the better in my opinion!) and let it saute for a bit, but don't burn. Then add the can of crushed tomatoes and a few shakes of red pepper flakes (Careful with the flakes, a little goes a long way!) and bring to a boil. Once boiling reduce to a simmer for 20 to 25 minutes and then you are DONE.

Serve the meatballs with the sauce and sprinkle a little fresh parm cheese over for a nice touch!

In Need of Recipe Cards

I've been invited to a few recipe showers lately, you know the kind of shower where you bring the bride-to-be your favorite recipe...anyway I would love to have some precious recipe cards to bring my recipes on. It's all about the presentation people! Here is a roundup of a few I've found!

via Squirrel and Fox via ETSY

Whitney English Ikat Chevron Recipe Cards via Getpapered.com

via interprintations from ETSY

via Yellow Owl Workshop

I LOVE BLACK BEANS!

Who is with me?! I just love them! First off they are very nutritious and filling and second they are so cheap. I always try to find the canned versions that are reduced sodium too. The thing I make most with black beans is my my black bean dip/salad, it's always a crowd pleaser and is healthy! This recipe is very adaptable (Corn, diced jalapeno and diced onions could all be good additions) to whatever you have on hand too, but below is the way I usually make it!

My Black Bean Salad/Dip

Ingredients

 - 2 cans of reduced sodium black beans (Rinsed & Drained)
 - 1 bell pepper diced (Any color works)
 - 1 container of cherry tomatoes (Sliced)
 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
 - 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
 - 1 lime juiced
 - 1 teaspoon cumin
 - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
 - Salt & Pepper to taste

Put everything in a bowl and stir it all up and you are DONE!

I like to make it the night before I need it to let all the flavors come together and this will last for a few days in the fridge.

When I serve this as a dip I use tortilla chips with it, and when I make it for lunch or dinner like I did this week I usually add a little avocado each time I eat it, that really makes it yummy. Enjoy!

Muffin Gooooodness!

I'm sure by now most of you all have realized my love for cooking and baking. Muffins are one of my all time favorite things to bake for people! They are easy, transport well and everyone could use something for breakfast, right? After all breakfast is the most important meal of the day!

I had some leftover bananas in the freezer that I needed to use up so that's where these muffins came into play. A little tip here, when your bananas start getting too brown and mushy slice them up and put them in baggies in your freezer and keep them for smoothies or baked goods. Any who back to the muffins,YUMMY is all I have to say.

Low Fat Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffins

Low Fat Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffins from Food.com

Makes 12 regular size muffins

Ingredients

• 3 large bananas , mashed
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 egg , beaten
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup flour (you can use whole wheat for a change if you like)
• 1/2 cup rolled oat (instant is fine)
• 1/3 cup applesauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

***My Changes

 - Whole Wheat Flour instead of regular

 - Increased the applesauce from 1/3 cup to 1/2 cup

 - Added 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

 - Used cupcake liners for easy clean up

Directions:

1. 1
   Add sugar to mashed bananas and mix.
2. 2
   Add beaten egg and mix.
3. 3
   In a separate bowl mix all dry ingredients.
4. 4
   Add dry ingredients to the banana mixture and mix well.
5. 5
   Mix in applesauce.
6. 6
   Add chocolate chips and Stir.
7. 7
   Spoon into medium size muffin tin (I use paper muffin cups so they won't stick) and fill 3/4's full.
8. 8
   Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350.
9. 9
   Enjoy!

Enjoy!

I'm backkkkk with coverage of the GG's!

Hiiii people, sorry I've been MIA, I was out of town all last week and then a dear friend of mine got married this past weekend so I've been enjoying all the fun wedding festivities!

However, I definitely have had time to peruse all the hits and misses of last nights Golden Globes fashion choices. Here are my favorites of the night!

This is my favorite for sure, just love it. J. Mendel is a genius! I love classic black and white color combo, but the silver metallic accents just make the dress. Claire looks stunning.

Claire Danes in J. Mendel

It was SO hard for me to pick between Claire or Jessica for my fav of the night. Ultimately, Claire is my favorite like stated above, but I still love Jessica's look. Its very vintage glam to me, and while some people might think this look is too "sweet", I think its perfection and fresh. It also doesn't hurt that my current fav handbag designer Givenchy designed this dress as well.

Jessica Chastain in Givenchy

I dont' know if its the emerald green tassel earrings or the black Chanel ruffled dress she is wearing but I'm in love with this complete look. 

Julianne Moore in Chanel

 I know some people wouldn't agree with this choice, but I love the unique and playful feel this dress has just like Zooey appears to be in real life. And its custom made Prada people, whats not to love.

Zooey Deschanel in Prada

And I had to mention Julianne Margulies's GORGEOUS earrings, I love a statement earring and these Lorranie Schwartz jewels are no exception, just stunning.

Next Time GAP Has a Promo, I Want This...

Morning everyone!! I have just a quick little post today. I came across this cardigan yesterday on GAP and had to share it with all of you. GAP actually did have a promo yesterday, but I totally forgot to order it. So, I'm waiting on pins and needles for when GAP has their next one so I can scoop up this cardi. Love the mix of a classic color with a neon, that was a huge trend on the S/S runways.

Neon Ruffle-Trim Cardigan

New Favorites at Forever 21

Hiiiii everyone! Sorry I've been so MIA the past few days, I've been hitting the slopes in Beaver Creek and taking a little break from the blog, but I'm back today with some great frugal finds from Forever 21. I know a lot of people have a love-hate relationship with Forever 21 but I LOVE it. I always find things their that I love and that I wear repeatedly. I know the store can be very overwhelming so I'm hoping some of my pics today can help you find some things you love. All these items are from their LOVE 21 collection which I find to be more classy and mature. Whats your favorite? I think the ruffled cardigan is mine! And they also have free shipping for any orders over $50!

High-Low Hem Tunic

Ruffled Open Cardigan

Prismatic Shirtdress

Linen-Blend Paperbag Skirt

Feather Fringe Geo Earrings

Whose Up for a Honeymoon?!

Does everyone else have a TON of friends getting married in the coming months?! Well the hubs and I do which we LOVE because who doesn't love weddings? So in honor of some of my friends who I know will soon be stunning brides I'm showcasing a precious Tory Burch cover-up today. Your honeymoon wardrobe is important people. If I was going on my honeymoon again (Wouldn't that be awesome!) I would definitely snatch up this cover-up. So simple and chic and it could even work over skinny jeans, would be especially cute with all the fun bright colored skinny jeans that are out there right now, like these!

Tory Burch Embroidered Linen Tunic

Anyone Need a Background?

Ummmm have you all heard of the ETSY seller McKinley Margo? My friend Emmy just told me about this seller yesterday and I LOVE her stuff. Who knew these precious monogrammed iPhone and iPad backgrounds even existed?! And Amber (the shop owner) can also turn any of these backgrounds into actual stationary or note cards, how great is that. I've already contacted Amber about some stationary and she has been so quick to get back to me and seems like she will be great to work with. My favorite pattern is definitely the gold ikat!

Gold Ikat

Navy Greek Key

Aqua Moroccan Tile

Sorel Chicness

Are you all familiar with the brand Sorel? They make great all weather boots that are actually chic! Since I live in Texas I wouldn't wear a pair of these on a daily basis during our winter months but, I do visit the mountains usually once a year so I purchased a pair to take on my ski trip next week. And OMG, they are so cute in person and I'm so excited to wear them. Sorel has been around for years and their boots are favorites of many celebrities too. I hope I look as chic in my boots as some of these lovely ladies below do!

Elle Macpherson

Aerin Lauder

Demi Moore

I bought this pair/color on SALE (Yay!) at Zappos. 

Sorel Joan of Arctic Boots