A Classic Approach To Fun Fashion and Easy Entertaining

If fashion once dictated style (“Here’s the look you’ll wear this season”) , now the opposite is true. Style is our own look, the image we present to the world, and is as personal as a signature.

 When shopping, I look for good quality classic pieces that can serve as a eutral fashion canvas with tons of potential. I also look for unique, colorful shoes and accessories at affordable prices so I will always have a variety of options when putting an outfit together. 

I added fun , leopard pumps and a polka dot bag from http://www.target.com to basic gingham pants and a simple white blouse from http://www.express.com. The necklace is part of the Luluavenue collection from http://www.stylebyalana.com.

This is a classic summer floral dress by Jessica Simpson which I found at http://www.thredup.com , Dingo brand boots, and fun jewelry from http://www.target.com.

I paired a classic Max Studio dress from http://www.nordstromrack.com with gold glitter pumps and a bright red bag from http://www.target.com. I added a leopard ribbon to an ordinary straw hat just for fun.

I wore this dress with tights when it was colder outside. The necklaces are both from http://www.stylebyalana.com. Bracelets are from http://www.alexandani.com.

It’s easy to entertain family or friends when you take the same fun, classic approach to your menu as you do to your wardrobe. 

The following recipes involve classic foods made a bit more interesting and certainly a lot more tasty. 

Marinated Mushroom-Topped Burgers

You will need:

1 lb lean ground beef

1 1/2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning 

2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms 

1/4 cup purchased balsamic vinaigrette 

4 Kaiser rolls, split 

4 slices Swiss cheese 

Steps:

1. Heat grill. In medium bowl, combine ground beef and 1 teaspoon of the lemon pepper seasoning; mix well. Shape mixture into 4 patties.

2. In medium bowl, combine mushrooms, remaining 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning and vinaigrette; toss to coat. Set aside.

3. When ready to grill, place patties on gas grill over medium heat or on charcoal grill 4 to 6 inches from medium coals. Cook 11 to 13 minutes or until patties are thoroughly cooked, turning once. 

4. To toast buns, place cut sides down on grill during last 1 to 2 minutes of cooking time. Place 1 slice of cheese on each patty; cook an additional minute or until cheese is melted. 

5. Place patties on bottom halves of buns. Top each with mushroom mixture and top half of bun. 

Rosemary Corn

All you will need is 12 ears of sweet corn, 1 stick butter , melted , and 2 teaspoons of fresh rosemary, chopped. 

On each ear of corn, pull the husk back without completely removing it. Remove silk and rinse corn and husks thoroughly under cool water. Combine butter and rosemary, blending well. Using a basting brush, coat each ear of corn with butter mixture; pull the husks back over the ear of corn. Place corn on grill over medium heat and grill approximately 20 minutes. Turn ears frequently for even grilling.

Spicy Sea Scallops 

You will need:

2 T. lime juice 

1 T canola oil 

1 garlic clove, crushed 

1/2 t. ground cumin

1/8 t. Cayenne pepper

1 lb. sea scallops 

2 cups cherry tomatoes 

Steps:

Prepare marinade by combining lime juice, oil, garlic, cumin and pepper together in medium sized bowl. Whisk thoroughly. Alternately place scallops and tomatoes on metal skewers and brush on marinade. Place skewers on a platter, cover and refrigerate 30 minutes. Grill scallops 5 to 7 minutes, basting with marinade. 

Who can resist the aroma of fresh-baked cookies wafting through the house? Whatever recipe you choose, you are sure to please guests with these chocolate-filled delights. 

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

You will need:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 

1/3 cup cocoa 

1 teaspoon baking soda 

1/2 teaspoon salt 

1 cup butter 

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup brown sugar 

1 teaspoon vanilla 

2 eggs 

2 cups chocolate chips or use 1 cup chocolate and 1 other flavor that you prefer 

1 cup chopped nuts ( optional )

Steps:

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Stir together flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla in large bowl on medium speed of electric mixer until creamy. Add eggs. Gradually add flour mixture. Stir in chips and nuts. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto ungreased cookie sheet.

3. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until set. Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. 

Best Brownies 

You will need:

1/2 cup melted butter

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla 

2 eggs 

1/2 cup flour 

1/3 cup cocoa 

1/4 teaspoon baking powder 

1/4 teaspoon salt 

1/2 nuts 

Creamy brownie frosting ( recipe follows)

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9 inch square baking pan. Stir butter, sugar, and vanilla in large bowl. Add eggs. Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt; gradually add to butter mixture, beating until well blended. Stir in nuts, if desired. Spread into pan.

2. Bake 20-25 minutes. Cool. Frost with Creamy Brownie Frosting. Add small candies if desired. I like to add different small candies depending on the seasonal or holiday decor. 

Creamy Brownie Frosting 

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons cocoa 

1 tablespoon  honey 

1/2 teaspoon vanilla 

1 cup powdered sugar 

1-2 tablespoons milk

Steps:

1. Beat butter, honey, and vanilla.

2. Add powdered sugar and milk; beat to spreading consistency. 

Strawberry Chocolate Chip Shortcake

You will need:

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup butter

1 egg

2 teaspoons vanilla 

1 1/2 cups flour 

1/2 teaspoon baking powder 

1 cup chocolate chips 

2 cups sour cream 

2 eggs

2 cups frozen non dairy whipped topping 

Fresh strawberries 

Steps:

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9-inch springform pan.

2. Beat 1/2 cup sugar and butter. Add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Gradually add flour and baking powder, beating until smooth; stir in 1/2 cup chips. Press mixture into bottom of pan.

3. Stir sour cream, remaining sugar, 2 eggs, and remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla in medium bowl; stir in remaining 1/2 cup small chocolate chips. Pour over mixture in pan. 

4. Bake 50-55 minutes. Cool completely on wire rack; remove side of pan. Spread whipped topping over top. Cover;refrigerate. Just before serving, arrange strawberry halves on top of cake; garnish as desired. 

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this post. 

I appreciate being able to share this fun, classic approach to fashion and simple entertaining. I hope you found it worthwhile. 

Yours truly,

Jennifer 

Xoxoxo 

Pom-Poms And Legos: Proud Mommy Life

My son was with me when I found this dress at Burlington Coat Factory a few weeks ago. He described it as a big puffy cloud in the sky and thought I should buy it. He also asked me if I had any idea what time it was because it seemed like it was close to his bedtime. It was 4:30pm. 

I’ve worn this necklace over and over since I got it last fall and it’s part of the Lulu Avenue Collection available at http://www.stylebyalana.com . 

Today was William’s Kindergarten graduation ceremony. He is growing up but I’m feeling like a kid in these Pom Pom sandals. They are Sam Edelman from http://www.shoeme.ca. 

There are lots of great Pom -Pom sandals available right now. The assortment above can be found at http://www.matchesfashion.com.

The top 2 pairs are from http://www.forwardbyelysewalker.com. The 2 in the middle row are from http://www.luisaviaroma.com and the bottom 2 are from http://www.withchic.com. 

My little boy is growing up, for sure. It seems like it was only yesterday, not nine months ago, that he was beginning kindergarten. 

Last week my dad went to William’s school and took pictures of the children in his class as they were practicing for the ceremony. 

William’s wonderful teacher, Ms.Rosace, gave them as presents to each family. Each child painted the frame in the school’s colors, maroon and gray. 

Here is Ms.Roscace, trying to shake William’s hand as he quickly runs off the stage. That’s the back of my dad , trying to capture the moment. 

We are lucky to have a really wonderful principal, Mrs.Moschella, at St.Rocco’s. 

Both Angelina and William have had happy experiences at the school. 

Today , all William wanted to do after he graduated was go to Target. There was a Lego set he’s had his eye on and I told him to keep on doing a great job in kindergarten and he could get it. 

Mission accomplished. 

He was excited to come home and open a present from my parents. 

He declared “Graduation is just like Christmas!” 

So, he needed a special treat as well. Most of you know by now that my son is quite obsessed with Legos. He has to always know exactly what’s going on every day so he can plan when he will do his “work.” 

We have seen all the Lego movies a gazillion times. This song : 

and this quote: 

 -will forever be in my heart and mind . 

So, of course , the perfect treat  for a six year old , Lego – Obsessed  kid with a major sweet tooth is : 

Lego brownies !!! 

They are the simplest way to please a sweet boy and also can be a fun activity to do together. You can make your own favorite brownie and frosting recipe or just use a mix and canned frosting. The important thing is to have fun ! 

Use food coloring or flavored icing to make any color Lego and match the m&ms or skittles. 

It’s a fun way to keep a group of kids busy over the summer when getting together with other families for play dates. You could even stick with red, white, and blue for the 4th of July and challenge children to use the brownies to make their own edible creation! 

As I’ve been writing this , William’s been working hard and wanted to show what he’s accomplished from his new kit- 

Thank you all so much, for allowing me to share this special time with you !

I always appreciate your time and attention, especially when you allow me to go on about things so near and dear to my heart. 

Yours truly,

Jennifer 

Xoxoxo

Sunshine and Sorbet: Entertaining In Style

Would you like a little bit of sunshine delivered to your doorstep?

 Are you looking for the perfect outfit to wear while entertaining friends this season?

 Would you like to make a super simple but really fabulous drink to serve guests? 

For the sunshine delivered right to your door , look no further than http://www.SEQCollection.com ! Enjoy free shipping when purchasing any one of the dresses, tops , bottoms , accessories, fitness, or fair trade items in their collection. I discovered the website when I saw many cute items on their IG feed @seqcollection . 

This dress is called the ‘Darcie’ and I paired it with a scarf from http://www.target.com. 

It is a gorgeous feminine mauve color featuring a ruffled bottom and 3/4 sleeves. It is unlined , non-sheer and lightweight. 

The shoes are Guess from http://www.macys.com , bracelets on my right hand are from http://www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com , and bangles on my left hand are from the champagne collection at http://www.alexandani.com. 

This LuluAvenue necklace is called Pebble Beach and can be purchased from http://www.stylebyalana.com . 

Go ahead and visit the Sunshine Equilibrium shop , http://www.SEQCollection.com and I’m sure you’ll find just the right pieces to create a perfect look of your own for entertaining or for attending any casual get together this summer. 

The mauve color of this dress reminded me of raspberry sorbet and that got me thinking about a really quick and easy recipe for Raspberry Sorbet Bellinis, so…

Here’s all you need: 

1. Pink Moscato

2. Raspberry sorbet

3. Fresh raspberries

Here’s all you do: 

1. Add a small scoop of raspberry sorbet to champagne flutes.

2. Top with Moscato and be careful because it bubbles up fast.

3. Garnish with fresh raspberries.

Here’s another great drink ( even though there is no moscato or liquor of any kind involved ) :

Raspberry Lemonade Floats 

You will need:

1. 1 cup fresh lemon juice ( about 10 to 12 lemons, squeezed )

2. 1/2 cup honey 

3. 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 

4. 1/2 cup warm water 

5. 3 cups chilled sparkling water or club soda 

6. Raspberry sorbet

To do:

Combine lemon juice, honey, vanilla, and water in mixing bowl. Use whisk to blend ingredients. 

Pour lemon juice mixture into a large pitcher and add chilled sparkling water or club soda, whisking to combine. Set pitcher in freezer for 5 minutes to cool quickly. Don’t forget and leave it there!

While lemonade is chilling, use a melon baller to scoop 4 to 6 mini sorbet balls per serving. Place them inside each glass and pour sparkling lemonade on top. 

Garnish with fresh fruit and a straw !

And there you have the easy drink ( plus another ) to make and serve ! 

Hope you find yourself surrounded with sunshine this season even if – 



And always remember –

Thanks so much for checking out this post ! Hope you found it worthwhile because I always appreciate your time and attention. 

Yours truly,

Jennifer

Xoxoxo

Uno Giorno Dolce Elegante- One Stylish Sweet Day

Spring couldn’t get any sweeter here in Rhode Island with this long awaited sunshiny weather. 

I thought I’d share some equally sweet stylish deals and one of my favorite, most simple desserts in case you were craving a bit of easy indulgence today. 

This is another Cache brand dress I found at http://www.thredUP.com and I paired it with the Aimee statement necklace from http://www.facebook.com/luluavenueAlana. Yes, it’s the necklace I wear all the time. I really love it. The bracelets were $1.00 each at Joe’s Place on Atwood Avenue in Cranston, RI. ( Facebook – Joesplace) 

I added this little short sleeve cardi from http://www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com to make the outfit appropriate for work. I found it recently in the junior department and they had every color imaginable for less than $10.00 each. 

My shoes are Isaac Mizrahi New York and just like the dress, found at thredUP. The bag was less than $40.00 at http://www.marshalls.com.  

I do have a bit of a sweet tooth , and often like to use sugary , candy scented bath products as a non- caloric indulgence. 

Rinse Bath and Body chocolate soaps, Laura Mercier Creme Brûlée Sugar Scrub, and Philosophy French Vanila bubble bath are a few of my favorite go-tos and also make great gifts. 

However , sometimes you need the real thing , the real decadent goodness of a rich, almost too good to be true, dessert. 

My suggestion would be not to wait until after dinner. 

And here is is –

Gelato Affogato 

All you need is 1 pint of premium quality vanilla ice-cream and 4 shots of hot espresso, unsweetened. 

Chill your glass or bowl and make sure your ice-cream is extremely cold. Mold it into a 2 oz. scoop that will hold up to the heat of the espresso. 

Carefully pour the espresso over the ice-cream , essentially “drowning” the ice-cream.

It’s as easy as that, and it’s great to add caramel sauce, nuts, or chocolate chips too if you desire. 

I can’t post this without saying that my mom would never , ever serve this without an abundance of homemade cookies. 

Hope you have a day full of sweetness ! 

Thanks so much for visiting my blog.

Your time and attention is greatly appreciated!

Yours truly,

Jennifer 

Xoxoxo

That’s All She Wore-My Week, Fashionably Speaking

It’s been a fun week for me, fashionably speaking, as I’ve been able to try some new things and also revisit some of my favorite items from the past. 

Monday I wore a ‘new to me’ VeronicaB dress I found at thredUP.com. I picked up the necklace and bracelets a few weeks ago at Burlington Coat Factory with the dress in mind. The necklace inspired me to pull different shades of green together for this look, which led to buying the Powerpuff girl scarf ( The Rack) to tie on my handbag.

I was so excited to come home Monday to a very special delivery from my friend, Alana . She is a stylist for Luluavenue and also represents Acti-Labs. She sent me the Skyscraper Mascara from Acti-Labs, which I had been curious about. I tried it out right away.

I’ve been using it every day and I’m really happy with the results. It is not too heavy, not too light, and definitely does not clump. It has the optimum brush/formula combination for lengthened,defined, even coated lashes. I was most impressed with it on Tuesday afternoon because I had applied it at around 5:00am and it still looked good at 5:00pm! 

That was 5:00pm at Angelika & Me Salon , which most of you know by now, is my home away from home. 

Early that day, I wore a really old Calvin Klein dress I found at BCF. I remember when I bought it my son was 1 and my daughter was 5 and they helped me pick out lots of pink and purple accessories to go with it. 

When I wore it Tuesday, I decided to keep the jewelry simple with my favorite silver pieces from Luluavenue.com. The necklace is called Modern Girl and was actually my first piece of Lulu Jewelry. 

You can contact Alana for Acti-Labs or LuluAvenue information and purchases on Instagram/ @style_by_alana or Twitter/@wheezie33. 

Have you ever heard of Mai Nyche? It is exclusively handmade jewelry and accessories with attitude and perspective. I was thrilled to discover it on Instagram/ @mainychebycysi. She will make accessories to coordinate with anything in your wardrobe. Visit her etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shopMaiNycheByCysi.com and you will be amazed ! 

I have these three sets –

I paired the red and blue floral set with navy stripes on Wednesday –

I have on the black and silver set today and love how it looks with my favorite striped dress from Target.

I did add a little polka dot cardigan ( also from Target)  earlier in the day , because I was chilly ( what else is new?) . The red scarf was a last minute idea, I had it tied on my bicycle bag and thought I needed a touch of color just for fun. 

By the way , the bicycle bag is on sale today at J.C.Penney!! 

So , friends, I’m going to show you tomorrow’s outfit. How ? Well, when I first got my jewelry from @mainychebycysi , I tried on the blue set with a little patterned cocktail dress from Cache ( found at thredUP ) . 

Of course , I was cold and added a sweater. I took the dress right off after the picture, and figured I’d wear it to go out some time. However , I feel like wearing it tomorrow, so I’ll wear it to work. Of course I’ll add a blazer , cardi , or jacket of some sort to make it work appropriate. I will also have blue flat sandals ready in case these shoes are not comfortable all day. 

That’s all , folks. That’s all I wore, or will wear , this week. 

Thanks so much for allowing me to share it all with you ! 
Hope it inspires you to have some fun with your wardrobe , mixing old and new items! 

I truly appreciate your time and attention.

Yours truly,

Jennifer 

Xoxoxo

Ps. I went with a jacket –

Easy Like…Saturday Morning?

Sometimes you just have a really busy week and can’t wait for the weekend so you can relax, right?  Wait, sometimes? Well, for me, most times. 

What about when you get through a busy week ( for me , teaching , parenting, and all that jazz) and then Saturday comes and you realize it’s so jam packed that you really are not going to get a chance to relax anytime soon? 

I decided to make my day extra simple by wearing this maxidress from http://www.glamourfarmsboutique.com. It’s super easy to look put together with a dress that already has the colorblocking and print-mixing built in, and is about as comfortable as my softest, absolute   favorite  pajamas. 

And, like most Saturdays, I made my day not just easier, but more delightful, by starting out at Angelika & Me Hair Salon, in Johnston, RI.

I know I can always count on treats and a good Lifetime movie every time I visit Susan, Connie, and Bob at the salon. 

It was easy to accessorize this dress by wearing two of my favorite pieces of jewelry. I’ve worn this Luluavenue necklace so many times since I bought it last Fall. It’s a staple in the collection sold by one of my good friends, Alana. She is @style_by_alana on Instagram or you can go directly to her site http://www.luluavenue.com/sites/alanaj to purchase it. 

Quick close-up of the leather and freshwater pearl bracelet you might recognize from my post last week –

It was handmade by Maya Larson -@connectionsbymaya  / etsy , IG, Twitter, FB, Pinterest 

This is an especially busy Saturday because soon we are off to the theater where both of my children are performing in the ‘Beyond The Rainbow’ Spring Show. My son has already informed me I may need headphones/earplugs for one part. 

Fabulous.

However, I’d like to thank Angelina, my 10 year old, for taking time away from practicing her singing and dancing to take my pictures today. 

She’s always my best girl. 

I’d also like to thank my 6 year old for taking time away from his singing and dancing to be quiet so I could type this up. 

My best little guy, aka Lego Kid 

I am looking forward to the performance all the children have been preparing for for so long. The rehearsals were amazing and the music teacher, Ms.Rodi,truly deserves a medal for her talent and extreme patience. 

I am also looking forward to later , when I can be even more cozy ( although this dress is super comfortable) with these new slippers I found at boohoo.com 

and my favorite pajamas from good ol’ Target, which reminds me , I need to go there now. The cartwheel offer on woman’s and junior clothing expires today. 😉

Have a lovely Saturday ! 

Thanks for visiting the blog , hope you find yourself inspired to relax today! 

Yours truly,

Jennifer

Xoxoxo

What is Moissanite ? It is, simply, a gem that easily surpasses the brilliance and beauty of traditional diamonds at a fraction of the cost. Please visit my link : www.luluavenue.com/sites/mommyteacherfashionista to see all items. There is also a line of fashion jewelry in which 70% of the pieces are less than $50.00! You can shop from my web, book a trunk show, or join me!!! Check out the business opportunity section! I’d love to have you on my team!

What is Moissanite ? It is, simply, a gem that easily surpasses the brilliance and beauty of traditional diamonds at a fraction of the cost. by jenquattrucci featuring a white necklace

14k ring
luluavenue.com

Heart ring
luluavenue.com

Pendant jewelry
luluavenue.com

Hoop earrings
luluavenue.com

Sterling silver jewelry
luluavenue.com

White necklace
luluavenue.com

Hoop earrings
luluavenue.com