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Wednesday, February 29, 2012

My Sick Soup

Well, its flu season..and I've caught it. The only thing that made me feel better today, was a hearty bowl of tomato basil soup my mom brought by. Soup and Mom when you're sick, what's better than that? It certainly made my throat feel better and was soothing enough to help me fall back asleep. If you find yourself not feeling well, I highly suggest this recipe...


Easy Tomato Basil Soup
3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons of Olive Oil
2-14 oz cans of crushed tomatoes
1- 14 oz can of whole tomatoes
2 cups of stock (chicken or vegetable)
1 tsp of sea salt
1 tsp of sugar
1/2 tsp of fresh ground pepper
1/4 cup of heavy cream
3 tablespoons of fresh basil, julienned
parmesan cheese

In a saucepan, saute garlic in olive oil on medium heat for one minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add crushed tomatoes. Add whole tomatoes one at a time, squeezing them int the pan to break them up. Add the juice from the whole tomatoes, as well. Add stock, salt, pepper and sugar. Cook the soup on medium at a simmer for 10 minutes. To finish, reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and basil. Top with parmesan and served with grilled cheese!


Stay healthy!
-Katie

Monday, February 27, 2012

Oscars Fashion

Here are some trends that showed on last nights Academy Award's red carpet...


Bright Whites 


Pastel Hues


Dazzling Reds 


Metallic Golds


Off the Shoulder or One Shoulder gowns

I was surprisingly struck off guard with some of my favorite actresses in my not-so-favorite gowns, however there were a few starlets, whose fashion I absolutely loved. Just to name a few.... Gwenyth Paltrow in Tom Ford, Angelina Jolie in a custom Versace gown, Viola Davis in Vera Wang, Milla Jovovich in Elie Saab, Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji, and Guliana Rancic in Basil Soda Couture.

Hope you enjoyed the Academy Awards!

-Katie

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Dishing on the Academy Awards



Well, its Oscars Sunday! The 84th Annual Academy Awards premiere this evening.  I adore awards shows, mostly because of the fashion that comes along with each celeb gracing the Red Carpet. I think it would be just fabulous to have an Oscars party, hosting the girls, wine and some cooking. If you're having an Oscar's party, you have to check out Ezra Pound Cake's Oscars Menus. Rebecca Crump has done it again with these amazing movie themes menus perfect for your Oscars Viewing Party. They highlight food that compliments some of the major pictures being recognized tonight. Some of the Movies and food highlighted are..

The Artist - with swanky recipes that include Puff Pastries, Ribeye, New Potato and Portobello Kabobs, Strawberries Romanov, and a Pomegranate Champagne Punch!

The Descendants- a hawaiian throwdown with recipes that include Coconut Shrimp with a pineapple-habanero dip, Huli-Huli Chicken, Island Pork Tenderloin, Pork Egg Rolls, Coconut Cupcakes, Pineapple-Coconut Sorbet, and Mai Tai drink recipes!

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close- a NY inspired menu including recipes for a Deli Platter, Bagels, Grandma Pizza, Hot Dogs, Meatball Sliders, a NYC Baked Brownie, Black and White Cookies and a recipe for Dr. Brown's Soda!

The Help- (my favorite!!) A Southern spread with recipes including Cheese Straws, Cheddar Biscuits, Deviled Eggs, Pimento cheese, Chicken Salad for Company, No fail-Fried Chicken, Caramel Cake- a deep south dish, Strawberry Cream Cheese Cupcakes, and of course a Chocolate Pudding Pie! Drink Recipes include an Alabama Slammer, Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka and lemonade!

Hugo/Midnight in Paris- a French-Inspired Fete with recipes that include Cheese and Fruit Plates, Sausage stuffed Mushrooms, Savory Palmiers, Tomato and Goat cheese Tarts, Creme Brulee, French Chocolate Brownies, French Yogurt Cake with Whipped Cream and Berries, and of course Champagne and Cafe au Lait!

Moneyball- with ballpark favorite recipes and ideas including, Shelled Peanuts, Soft Pretzels, Chorizo Bean and Cheese Nachos, Beer Brats, Hot Dogs, Cracker Jack,  Beer and Soda. 

War Horse- a menu with European favs that include Turnip and Potato Soup Shooters, Beer Brats, Fennel and Mushroom Pie, Lentil Shepherd's Pie, Apple Turnovers, Black Forrest Cake, Chocolate Haystacks, and drinks, French 75 and Shandys.

The Tree of Life- a retro midwestern dinner with recipes that include Pan Fried French Onion Dip, Deviled Eggs, King Ranch Chicken (so yum!), Mini Meatloaves and Mashed Potatoes, Sirloin Sliders with Horseradish Mayo, and World Peace Cookies.


You can check out the recipes here! Between the eats and cocktails, be sure to watch the Red Carpet on E! You can find all the behind the scenes information and fashion, including pictures and live streaming video, here on E! Live from the Red Carpet. Cant wait to dish out the Do's and Don'ts from this Red Carpet Event! Enjoy :)

-Katie

Friday, February 24, 2012

Trina Turk

One of my favorites, Trina Turk has done it again with a beautiful Spring Line. With bright bathing suits to tailored cocktail dresses perfect for Carolina Cup or the office, Trina Turk has got you covered. Be sure to stop by the Trina Turk Trunk Show tomorrow at Monkee's in Lumina Station from 12-5pm. 


Happy Shopping!

 -Katie

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Gone Fishin'

If I had mermaid hair, this would be my go-to style. I cant wait to grow my hair long enough for the "fishtail". It simple, yet fun and elegant. I love to fishtail peoples hair and envy the result. My biggest tip if you want the tight look, would be to make sure you pull tight all the along the way. Also, a tip for the end is once you have secured the hair tie, grab a little piece of hair full of a couple strands from the middle of the un braided tail with one hand, then with the other hand, grab the hair tie and push up. The small strand should stay and the hair "scrunch", this leaves you with the messy and fat fishtail with a more couture look (seen on the model in the first picture). Pull the tie back down a bit and style as you wish as far as thickness and length! Here are some fishtails I love...









 Here is a step by step chart, showing how to fishtail! 

Good luck!

-Katie


Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Covering the Bases

I absolutely love the pastel trend for this Spring. I have posted previously about Pastels covering the Spring runways, catalogs and campaigns, however this trend can be incorporated in other ways. A lot of kitchen ware are neutral or dark colors so hints of pastel color can make your kitchen bright and inviting. 





Here are some options for incorporating Pastels into your kitchen!





Have a bright and happy day!

-Katie

Monday, February 20, 2012

Color

Have you seen J.Crew's new spring campaign? Neon galore, mixed with classic & simple closet staples such as the cardigan, high wasted skirt, oxford and the skinny belt. All of these make for a classy but daring outfit equipped with the color-blocking trend. I love the spark of color, mixed with prints, solids, and everyday wear.  Adding a subtle neon accent, will still allow you to wear this fashion to work. I love the models simple hair and makeup with the focus on the clothes. I will be spending my day drooling over the new spring catalog!



Request your catalog here.

-Katie

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Cold & Rainy Sunday

Its such a dreary day today, but I am actually excited for the chance of snow tonight! One of my most favorite simple pleasures is a heaping bowl of warm pasta on a cold day. So tonight, I am making Chip and his roommates one of the best comfort foods, some Baked Ziti to warm us up. My favorite website for recipes has a rendition here. I will be using these ingredients along with some spices. garlic, and extra cheese...


Stay Warm!

-Katie

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Words Cant Describe

I had the most magical Valentine's Day ever and it was everything I could ever imagine and more. Chip did such a good job planning our first Valentines Day together and made me feel so special and loved. He drove down to spend the evening with me and we had such an amazing night. He surprised me by taking me to Indochine, one of my favorite restaurants because I absolutely love Thai food. The waiters there surprised all the females by bringing them a single stem rose. We had a fabulous dinner, paired with wine and lots of laughs. 


He graced me with the sweeeetesstt homemade card (which are the best) and this gorgeous gold nautical ring. Its dainty and nautical, so of course I absolutely love it. It symbolizes that our love runs 'mer a l'autre" or sea to sea. He is so kind and thoughtful and knows me all too well. 



As if it weren't already the perfect night, we changed into sweats and Chip took me to see The Vow, after I've been swooning over the trailer for what seems like forever now. And of course, as I figured, I sobbed the entire time. I loved it though and cant wait to see it again. The plot of the movie is sad but is also inspiring knowing love like that still exists, after all it is based on a true story. When we got home, there was another surprise...he really out did himself. Chip told me to go inside and get bundled up and when he called to come meet him where he was. 

He called and told me to walk out of our beach access. When I did, I saw Chip holding what looked like two white towels in the distant, behind his back. When I got up to him, he explained for our first Valentines Day together, he wanted us to start a tradition. He pulled out 2 white Chinese Lanterns. I always talk about how beautiful they are and how cool it would be to do one. We talked about our new tradition and watched them float away forever, until they were so far, the light glimmered and eventually faded away. It was one of the coolest things to watch and such a special moment.



Thank you Chip for the most amazing night ever! Im so thankful and blessed!
Hope you all had a great Valentine's Day as well!!

-Katie

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Valentines Day



Happy Valentines Day! Cant wait to spend mine with my sweet boy.  Enjoy today and celebrate the ones you love! Xo

-Katie

Monday, February 13, 2012

Sweet DIY

I absolutely love this idea. Here is a super easy way to dress up a room or door, and make it more lovable, just in time for Cupids Day!


My suggestion...maybe add some gold glitter if you're wanting a bolder, more glamorous look ;) The heart punch can be found at AC Moore or Michaels for about 8 bucks. I use them to make labels and little notes as well!

Happy Monday!
-Katie

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Lazy Sunday

I always love a Lazy Sunday and today, I am taking time to spend time with the ones I love. This morning I made Chip a Valentines breakfast surprise, crawled right back into bed and am going to enjoy an afternoon of errands with my Mom. 


Hope your Sunday is as amazing as mine!


-Katie


Friday, February 10, 2012

Fedora Fashion

Last night I enjoyed a fabulous fashion show put on by  Fedora Boutique. Fedora began as a small boutique in Cary in 2001 and has transformed to one of the top boutique chains in the area. It carries the latest trends with handpicked items at the most affordable prices that you will just love. Last nights fashion show was at the Dirty Martini and benefited Women of Hope! My sweet friend Betsy assisted Meghan Cheek, the manager of Fedora on planning the event and even modeled some of their threads. Thanks to Betsy, we were front row to catch the action. With swag bags for the first 25 people, a killer DJ, raffles,  Fedora-Tini's, and sweets, we had a nice little girls night! 


Me and Betsy, the fashion show queen

 Elizabeth, Mackenzie and I

My sweet roommate and friend, Elizabeth and I


All da girls


The venue was beautifully decorated and it made for a nice event! Here are some of their fashions from the show...

This red number is perfect for Valentines Day!

 I love the Kimono sleeves

 Betsy struttin her stuff

 Color blocking!

Polka dot trend paired with a high wasted skirt

Little black dress

Love the lace detail 

Neon brights...and even better, this shirt was completely backless

Geometric/tribal print trend

All of these pieces and more can be found at Fedora Boutique. Add them on Facebook here and Twitter, here !

-Katie
 
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