Tasty Tuesdays - #40 - Mediterranean 7-Layer Dip

{Recipe via}

If you're tired of taco dip - throw this one into your repertoire.  Trust me - it'll be a hit!

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. hummus
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1/2 cup diced cucumber
• 1/2 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 2 canned artichoke hearts, chopped
• 2 roasted red peppers (4 halves), diced
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tbsp minced flat-leaf parsley
• Kalamata olives, chopped (optional), for garnish

Instructions:

1. In an 8- by 8- square serving dish, spread the hummus evenly on the bottom.  Layer the tomatoes and cucumber over top.
2. Dollop the yogurt over the vegetables, then gently spread with a rubber spatula.  Sprinkle the yogurt with salt and paprika.
3. On top of the yogurt, layer the artichoke heart, roasted red peppers and feta cheese.  Sprinkle the parsley over top and garnish with olives.
4. Serve with fresh vegetables, pita chips or crackers.

J. Crew, I Love You... - #40 - Collection Chiffon Wonder-Dot Blouse

{Available here}

There's nothing better than a delicate blouse paired with a more rugged utility pant!  I think the description J. Crew gave this one pretty much says it all - "better than confetti - it's a party in top form"!

Music Mondays - #40 - Pharrell Williams

{Available here}

The past year has been huge for Pharell.  From his collaborations on "Blurred Lines" and "Get Lucky" to his hit single "Happy" from Despicable Me 2.  His new album finally dropped and the list of friends that joined him on it is equally impressive.  Here's the YouTube link to sample the entire album "G I R L"...

Pep In My Step!

{Top- Asos, Pants- (old, but same style here) Gap, Shoes- (old) Steve Madden, Necklaces- (old) J. Crew}

It's Friday!!!  Thought I'd put a little pep in my step with this oversized peplum tee.  Skinny jeans and flats help to tone down the volume.  Have a great weekend!

Fashion Fridays - #39 - D'Orsay Flats

{Images via}

D'Orsay flats are EVERYWHERE right now!  And why shouldn't they be?  They're comfortable, chic, and flattering to the foot (especially when paired with a cropped or cuffed pant!)  Here are a few options that are currently available.  Are you going to get in on this trend?  I can't lie - several pairs have already come home with me!

{Steve Madden - $79.95}

{Nine West - $85.00}

{Nordstrom - $79.95}

{Dolce Vita - $79.99}

{Sam & Libby - $27.99}

A-Tisket, A-Tasket...

{Top- (old) J.C. Penney, Pants- (old) J. Crew, 

Shoes- (old) Talbots, Necklaces- (old) Anthropologie & Fossil}

Okay so the basket weave pattern of this top isn't brown & yellow like the song, but still...  :)

Splurge {vs} Save - #39 - Floral Cut Out Sweatshirt

{Left- J. Crew, Right- J.C. Penney}

Spring is the perfect season for sweatshirts!  Time to ditch your woolly coats and keep your layers a little lighter!  I love the feminine detail of these floral cut outs.  J. Crew's is on the left on sale for $49.99, while J.C. Penney is offering the one on the right currently on sale for $24.99.  What would you do?  Splurge or save?... 

Thrifty Thursdays - #39 - The Thrill Of Brazil...

{Available here}

Nothing beats a fresh mani/pedi for Spring!  While over the years I have accumulated quite the polish collection - I am always a sucker for a new shade!  For Spring - OPI is offering the Brazil collection.  It has a little something for everyone.  My personal favorite?  Red Hot Rio!  I'm not very good at doing nail art on myself, but this video sure is inspiring...do you think you could do it?

Keep It Simple...

{Top- (old) Forever 21, Pants- (old) Old Navy, Shoes- Target, Necklace- (old) J. Crew}

Nothing wrong with a head-to-toe black outfit - chic, simple, and classic!  Don't you agree?

Wellness Wednesdays - #39 - Oil Pulling

{Article via}

I recently heard about oil pulling and decided to look into it further.  Apparently it has been around for hundreds of years.  So what is all the fuss about? 

What is Oil Pulling?

An ancient remedy for tooth and gum problems that hails from India.  It is renowned for providing natural teeth whitening and strengthening and nourishing the gums.  Oil pulling is the act of swishing a natural oil around in the mouth first thing every morning to clean and nourish the teeth and gums.  It is said to remove plaque and eliminate toxins as well as providing overall health and wellness benefits.  When you search “oil pulling” online, you will find many testimonials from patients who were suffering from tooth and gum problems and found relief with this simple and innovative practice.  These testimonials recount amazing benefits that reach beyond oral hygiene.  People say that the practice of oil pulling has helped clear up infections, headaches, skin conditions, liver problems, arthritis, allergies, asthma and many more problems.  This only makes sense because it is well known that bacteria in the mouth can cause problems throughout the body.

How Do You Do It?

It is really very simple.  You just use a natural oil such as olive oil, sesame oil or coconut oil (I've been using coconut oil because it seems the most palatable as well as it has antibacterial properties).   You swish a tablespoon or so of the oil around in your mouth for twenty minutes.  (I do mine first thing in the morning while I'm getting ready.)  It is important to swish the oil around for the entire twenty minutes to break down plaque and root out bacteria.  As you swish, the oil will pick up saliva and bacteria and work its way deeply into the crevices in your gum tissues.  When you spit the oil out, it will be white.  You should spit it into a trash can rather than into your sink or toilet because the oil can interfere with your plumbing.  Be careful not to swallow the oil because it will be full of bacteria.

Benefits Of Oil Pulling May Include:

• Helping to strengthen the gums, jaws and teeth.
• Helping to prevent gum disease, cavities and even gingivitis
• Helping to prevent bad breath
• Provide a holistic method and remedy for dealing with bleeding gums
• Helping to prevent dryness of the mouth, throat and the lips
• Helping to prevent general soreness around the area of the jaw

Many Believe That The Benefits Of Oil Pulling Go Beyond The Mouth:

• Relief for migraines and headaches
• Reducing arthritic inflammation
• Helping to reduce the signs of eczema
• Helping to reduce insomnia
• Reducing the effects of a hangover after consuming too much alcohol
• Helping to support the normal function of the kidneys
• Helping to reduce the symptoms of bronchitis
• May help to reduce pain
• Some oil pullers have even reported that it helped to improve their vision

While it has only been a week for me - I will say that my teeth have never felt cleaner!  I feel like there is no plaque - like I just left the dentist from a cleaning.  I also think it may be helping to clear my sinuses - I notice after I pull that I am able to clear my nasal passages fully.  Strange - but feels great!  I'll check back in on this this practice in another month or so.  From what I've read, it can't hurt - and it definitely might help!  What do you think?  Will you give it a try?...

 

 

 

 

Red, Dot, & Blue...

{Top- (old) Old Navy, Pants- (old, but same style here) Gap, Shoes- Calvin Klein, Necklaces- (old) Loft}

I'll admit that I own these pants in at least 5 colors - their name says it all "broken in" khakis - sooo comfortable!  Paired with a crisp button down and jewelry though - the perfect work pant!

Brown Baggin' It!

{Available here}

I stumbled across this item on Etsy - and I gotta say - genius!  So simple, yet I love the way the raw leather adds a "grown up" vibe to the old school paper lunch bag - right down to the pinking shears finish at the top.  Sold!

Tasty Tuesdays - #39 - Zucchini, Black Bean & Rice Skillet

{Recipe via}

A quick & easy (yet tasty & satisfying) work night meal!  Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1-1/2 cups quartered lengthwise, sliced zucchini
• 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
• 1 can (15 oz each) black beans, drained, rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes with garlic, undrained
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 cup rice, uncooked
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar and monterey jack cheese blend

  

Directions

1. Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat.  Add zucchini and bell pepper; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Add beans, undrained tomatoes and water.  Increase heat and bring to a boil.
3. Add rice; stir well.  Cover; remove from heat and let stand 7 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.  
4. Sprinkle with cheese & serve.

J. Crew, I Love You... - #39 - Tortoise & Stone Earrings

{Available here}

J. Crew jewelry... I don't need you, but oh how I want you...  These tortoiseshell earrings would be the perfect compliment to my newest glasses - just sayin'...

Music Mondays - #39 - Banks

{Available here}

I found Banks after hearing one of her songs on the Divergent soundtrack (mentioned here).  I love her sound!  So far just a few tracks on her EP, but definitely one to look out for!  Here's "Waiting Game"...

Hey Sunshine!

{Top- (old, but similar style here) J. Crew, Pants- (old) Gap, Shoes- (old) Nine West, Necklace- (old) J. Crew}

TGIF!  Ending this week on a sunny note! 

Fashion Fridays - #38 - 16 Style Lessons Learned From 'Sex & The City'

 

{Article via}

Has there ever been a television character that taught us more than Carrie Bradshaw?  Sex & The City wasn’t merely an HBO show - it was our bible on love, life, and the pursuit of shoes.  And in honor of the birthday of the woman who brought the fictional icon to life, Sarah Jessica Parker, here's a trip down memory lane to review the greatest style lessons Bradshaw taught us all.

1. The right bag can make an outfit.

“Balls are to men, what purses are to women.  It’s just a little bag, but we’d feel naked in public without it.” – Carrie Bradshaw

2. Never compromise your taste.  (If you want to dress up to go to McDonalds, by all means do it)

“I’d like a cheeseburger, large fries, and a Cosmopolitan.” – Carrie Bradshaw

3. Your wardrobe counts as a liquid asset.

“I like my money right where I can see it…hanging in my closet.” – Carrie Bradshaw

4. Shoes can make you just as happy as a man.

“It’s really hard to walk in a single woman’s shoes—that’s why you sometimes need really special shoes!” – Carrie Bradshaw

5. Running to a sale counts as exercise.

“Shopping is my cardio.” – Carrie Bradshaw

6. The higher the heel, the closer to heaven.

“I’m not afraid of heights…have you seen my shoes?” – Carrie Bradshaw

7. Trends are fleeting; friends are forever.

“They say nothing lasts forever; dreams change, trends come and go, but friendships never go out of style.” – Carrie Bradshaw

8. Head scarves: okay.  Scrunchies: not okay.

“I loved it…Except for one huge problem.  You have your leading lady running all over town wearing a scrunchie.  A scrunchie!” – Carrie Bradshaw

9. Never apologize for unconventional outfit choices.

“You shouldn’t have to sacrifice who you are just because somebody else has a problem with it.” – Carrie Bradshaw

10. The perfect fit is worth waiting for.

“A relationship is like couture—if it doesn’t fit perfectly, it’s a disaster.” – Juliette B. from Sex & The City

 

11. Designer labels?  Yes.  Judgmental labels?  No.

“Some labels are best left in the closet.” – Carrie Bradshaw

12. Never be too busy to dress up.

“No matter how fast paced the city is, I always manage to get my clothes on before I leave the apartment.” – Carrie Bradshaw

13. A drop necklace is a great way to emphasize your décolletage.

“Maybe the best any of us can do is not to quit, play the hand we’ve been given, and accessorize the outfit we've got.” – Carrie Bradshaw

14. Take your lingerie to the streets—where it can be better appreciated.

“I’ve never understood sexy lingerie.  I mean, what’s the point?  The guy’s only going to take it off.” – Carrie Bradshaw

15. A Tide pen can be a girl’s best friend.

“I will never be the woman with the perfect hair who can wear white and not spill on it.” – Carrie Bradshaw

16. A classic stripe is always in style.

“This isn’t about stripping, it’s about striping.” – Carrie Bradshaw

Bright White!

{Top- (old) J.C. Penney, Pants- Gap, Shoes- (old) Seychelles, Necklaces- (old) Michael Kors}

With a 40% off code and some rewards $, I finally caved and bought these distressed boyfriend jeans in white (first mentioned here).  White jeans can be tricky - too heavy and they don't feel seasonally appropriate, too thin and they can be sheer.  These feel juuuuust right! 

Splurge {vs} Save - #38 - Gladiator

{Left- Sam Edelman, Right- Candie's}

I love a gladiator sandal!  I've never tried the knee high style, but I'm intrigued.  With a high heel - it borders on dominatrix, but in a flat sandal style - with the right outfit - it can be super cute!  The style on the left is from Sam Edelman and costs $190.  The one on the right is from Candie's and is on sale for $47.99.  What will you do?  Splurge - or save...?

{Image via}

Thrifty Thursdays - #38 - H&M Patterned Scuba Top

{Available here}

Tropical prints seem to be a major trend for Spring.  Whenever I'm not sure of a style's staying power I tend to play it safe by scouring the fast fashion sites.  I love H&M's take on the trend with this scuba material sweatshirt.  At $34.95 - dive in!  :)

Wannabe Artist...

{Top- (old) Forever 21, Pants- American Eagle, Shoes- (old) Jessica Simpson, Necklace- (old) J. Crew}

So clearly I have a thing for painted pants - (seen here & here).  What can I say?  I must be a wannabe artist!