Plan a Winter Buffet With Style: Sophisticated and Time Saving Entertaining Inspiration

My enthusiasm for dining and entertaining well can be rather extreme yet my time is often limited. This party is designed to keep the jitters down and celebration up. The time-saving strategies provide a relaxed, foolproof plan of action. From drinks to dessert, you will see how this can be an easy, but special way to entertain friends on a quiet winter Sunday. It could be a great idea for Super Bowl Sunday or even a mid-winter, February-March leisurely weekend. 

Before I start with the actual plan and recipes that will save time, let’s take a look at this gorgeous timepiece I received from JORD Wood Watches. It’s from the Cora Series and the lively Rose is such a perfect accent to the wild and natural grain of Zebrawood. Jord has an amazing selection of wood watches. You can win one of your own by entering my giveaway here https://www.woodwatches.com/g/mommyteacherfashionista on Sunday, January 29,2017. The giveaway will only be open for 24 hours and will begin the moment I post a special video on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mommyteacherfashionista/  Even if you don’t win, you will actually still win! Everyone that enters will receive a $50.00 gift certificate to JORD and all my followers may use my special code : mommytohtbtv for 15% off! 

They really do have an amazing collection. Go ahead and check out their vast variety https://www.woodwatches.com/. I’m sure you will agree that they have an option for every occasion and outfit. 

I loved how my Cora Watch coordinated with my Lizzie Dress https://dizzy-lizzie.com/ from thredup.com. 

My hat is from target.com, the scarf was a gift, and the boots are https://www.google.com/search?q=inc%20international%20concepts which I recently found on sale at http://www.macys.com. 

Let’s get back to the party. Invite guests to arrive in staggered hours, especially if your place is small. Invite some at one, others at three, and at 5:00. Obviously if you are doing this for Super Bowl Sunday, you can’t stagger times, but it’s a great idea for entertaining on a quiet non- event day. Plan to have a selection of stews. One variety is fine if you are having less than 50 people but this collection of recipes is perfect for that amount. Have pots of the stews simmering on the stove. The breads, which you can make the day before, can be piled in baskets. Scatter bowls of mixed nuts and platters of of sliced apples and cheese throughout your apartment or house. Select a friend to play bartender- it will take the heat off you. Suggest that friends eat whatever they want in whatever order they want. For example, the apples and cheddar cheese make a good dessert or an appetizer. If some have already eaten, just Chocolate Walnut Pie will fit the bill for them. Have all the food accessible. Use plastic or paper dishes and plan for recycle stations that are easy to get to but still out of the way- in a niche in the kitchen or in a corner is a good idea. 

Beer Beef Stew 

You will need:

8 lbs. lean stewing beef, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces 

Salt

Freshly ground black pepper 

About 2 c. flour 

About 2/3 c. vegetable oil

8 medium onions 

7 13 3/4- oz cans beef broth 

1 1/3 c. dry red wine 

1 1/2 6 oz. cans tomato paste 

Bouquet garni: 3 bay leaves, 12 sprigs parsley and 1 tsp. dried thyme leaves 

2 lbs. new potatoes, peeled and quartered 

2 10 oz pkgs. frozen peas 

2 lbs. baby carrots, trimmed and peeled 

Pat beef dry with paper towels, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour. Set aside. In a large sauce-pan over medium high heat, heat 3 tablespoons oil. When very hot, add just enough beef to cover bottom of pan without crowding. Brown beef well on all sides; remove to colander to drain while you drain remaining beef, adding more oil as needed. To oil remaining in pot, add onions and cook over low heat 15 minutes or until soft. Return beef. Add broth, wine, tomato paste and bouquet garni. Over high heat, heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for 2 hours or until beef is tender, stirring occasionally, adding more liquid if necessary. Skim and discard fat. Add potatoes, peas, and carrots and simmer 25-30 minutes or until tender. Makes about 4 gallons.

Peasant Fish Stew

You will need:

2 lbs bacon 

8 medium onions 

14 garlic cloves 

8 medium sweet green peppers 

8 medium sweet red peppers 

8 8oz bottles clam juice 

6 13 3/4 oz. cans chicken broth 

4 c. dry white wine 

Generous pinch saffron threads 

1 qt. (4 cups) heavy cream

4 lbs. medium fresh or frozen fish such as cod or haddock 

4 lbs. medium fresh or frozen shrimp 

4 lbs. fresh or frozen scallops 

In large, heavy skillet over medium-low heat cook bacon until golden but not browned. Drain bacon on paper towels. Set aside. Pour off all but 1/3 cup bacon drippings from skillet and reserve remaining drippings for later use. In skillet with 1/3 cup bacon drippings over medium heat cook onions uncovered about 10 minutes or until soft and golden. Add garlic to the skillet and cook 1 minute   over low heat until garlic just releases its fragrance. Remove onions and garlic to a large kettle. Add 1/4 cup of reserved bacon drippings to skillet. Add peppers and cook over low heat about 5 minutes or until tender. Add bacon, peppers, clam juice, chicken broth, wine, saffron and cream to kettle and bring to a boil. Add fish, shrimp, and scallops and simmer about 5 minutes or until just cooked through. Taste for seasoning. To keep warm, keep soup just below a summer as it sits on the stove so seafood will not become tough or overcooked. Makes about 5 gallons. 

Cheddar-Beer Biscuits 

You will need:

2 1/3 c. buttermilk baking mix

3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese 

2/3 cup flat beer 

Flour 

Heat oven to 450 degrees. Combine baking mix and 1/2 cup cheese. Stir in beer until soft dough forms. Beat vigorously 30 seconds. Turn out onto floured board. Roll to 1/2 – inch thick. Cut with 3- inch cutter dusted with flour. Transfer to ungreased baking sheet. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup cheese. Bake 8 to 10 minutes. Makes 1 dozen biscuits. For best results do not double recipe. To make enough for open-house party make biscuits three times. 

Focaccia 

You will need:

6 -6 1/2 c. all-purpose flour 

2 T. sugar 

4 tsp. salt 

2 pkgs. active dry yeast 

2 c. water 

3/4 cup olive oil 

2 tsp. salt

1 1/2 tsp. dry rubbed sage 

2 garlic cloves 

With mixer on low speed combine 3 cups flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. In saucepan over low heat, heat water and 1/4 cup oil until very warm. With mixer on low speed, add liquid to dry ingredients. Beat 2 minutes. Add 2 cups flour and beat on high speed 2 minutes. Stir in enough additional flour to make a stiff dough. Turn onto floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, 8 to 10 minutes. Place in greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover; let rise until doubled in bulk, about 45 minutes. Punch dough down. Divide in half. Spread each half into a jelly roll pan. Heat oven to 425 degrees. Cover; let rise 30 minutes. Make lots of indentations on dough with thumb. Sprinkle each pan of dough with 1/4 cup olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, sage, and garlic. Bake 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Makes 2 loaves.

Prosciutto Bread 

You will need:

2 T. sugar

4 tsp. salt

2 pkgs. active dry yeast 

6 cups flour 

2 c. water 

1/4 cup olive oil 

1 1/2 c.chopped prosciutto or ham 

1 1/2 tsp. dried basil 

1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano 

Olive oil 

In large bowl with mixer on low speed, combine sugar, salt, yeast, and 3 cups flour; mix well. In saucepan over low heat, heat water and oil until warm. With mixer at medium-low speed, gradually add liquid to dry ingredients. Beat 2 minutes. Add 2 cups flour and beat on high speed 2 minutes. Stir in enough additional flour to make a stiff dough. Turn onto lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, 8 to 10 minutes. Place in greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover; let rise until doubled in bulk. Punch dough down. Knead in prosciutto, basil, and oregano. Divide dough in half. Roll each piece into a 15 inch-long loaf. Transfer to baking sheet. Make diagonal slits along top of loaf. Cover; let rise 30 minutes. Bake in a 425 degree oven for 20-25 minutes. Remove from oven and brush with olive oil. Makes 2 loaves.

Chocolate Walnut Pie

You will need:

3 squares semisweet-baking chocolate 

2 T. butter or margarine 

4 large eggs 

1/2 c. sugar

1 c. light corn syrup 

3 T. Kahlua 

2 c. walnuts 

1 9 inch unbaked pie crust

Heat oven to 350 degrees. In top of double boiler over hot water, melt chocolate and butter. Remove from heat and set aside to cool completely. In a medium bowl with fork, beat eggs with sugar and corn syrup until light and fluffy. Blend in chocolate. Stir in nuts and Kahlua. Pour into pie shell and bake about 40 minutes or until center is set. A toothpick will not come out clean when inserted in center. Pie will firm up as it cools. Let stand at least 1 hour at room temperature before serving. Can be made 3 to 4 days in advance. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. For a party of 50, make 5 pies.

Whether you entertain a lot or a little, you want to do it well. Hopefully these suggestions and recipes will inspire you to put together a delicious, elegant get together in a minimum of time. 

And speaking of time, don’t forget to be on the lookout for my video on Sunday, which is when you can enter the 24 hour giveaway. Everyone that enters will receive a $50.00 gift certificate and 1 person will win a watch. I’m excited for everyone that enters! 

Thank you so much for your time and attention. It is truly appreciated. 

Yours truly,

Jennifer

Xoxo

Sassy and Satisfying Simple Pleasures: Budget and Calorie Saving Fashion and Food Inspiration

Simple pleasures- that’s what people most often feel like they are missing when they are trying to save money or eat right. I will show you a few options to for saving money and eating healthier that will also allow you to look your best and enjoy flavorful, lightened up classic foods. The recipes will warm your heart and soothe your soul. The fashion tips will keep you slaying and keep money in the bank so you can finally plan that trip you’ve always wanted to go on or that home-remodeling job you have been thinking about. 

Let’s start with fashion. Think secondhand first. As the thredup.com motto states: “Save time, save money. Live consciously, live well. Look good, feel good.” I couldn’t have stated it better myself. It’s all true. 

Right now on the thredup.com site you will see winter layers up to 75% off, activewear starting at $3.00, and top kid’s brands for less than $10. I also saw Anthropology, J.crew, and Banana Republic suit separates for less than $30.00 each today while browsing on the thredup app. They have many items in perfect condition with tags still on! 

Did you just clean out your closet and want to earn credit at thredup.com or cash to pay off a bill? Order a free clean out bag here http://support.thredup.com/hc/en-us/articles/203414936-How-do-I-order-and-ship-a-Clean-Out-Bag-with-thredUP- You will be amazed at how easy it is. 

This Cache dress was less than $20.00 at thredup almost 2 years ago. I’m sure some of you are thinking “Oh,that dress again!” I’ve worn it so many times and posted it quite a few times as well. However, that brings me to another money-saving tip: Shop your closet, of course!! 

Find cute, trendy accessories at affordable prices at like these OTK boots and this faux fur vest at places such as burlingtoncoatfactory.com , marshalls.com and target.com.  Both my vest and boots are from BCF. I also visit http://www.polyvore.com and use the price filter to only look for the most affordable items. I found all of these faux fur vests and OTK boots today. They are all steals rather than splurges. 

You can find affordable, on-trend accessories many places, add them to your favorite pieces in your closet and you won’t have to wait for a sale or dig into your vacation fund to look amazing! 

See ? Sassy enough and you don’t have to feel sad about digging into any of your savings.

So, are you ready for flavorful, lightened up classics? Do not feel like you are missing out on simple pleasures when you are trying to eat right. That hearty pot roast and slice of chocolate cake can be all you crave when the wind starts whipping and faux fur weather begins. Luckily, these recipes all include the right blend of ingredients and a few lighter substitutions so you can still enjoy your all-time favorites in a healthier way. 


Maple Orange Pot Roast

You will need:

1 boneless beef rump roast 

1/2 cup orange juice 

1/4 cup sugar-free maple-flavored syrup

1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth 

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon grated orange peel 

1 bay leaf 

1/2 teaspoon salt 

1/4 teaspoon pepper 

1 1/2 pounds red potatoes, cut into large chunks 

5 medium carrots, cut into 2 inch pieces 

2 celery ribs 

2 medium onions, cut into wedges 

4 teaspoons cornstarch 

1/4 cup cold water

In a large skillet coated with nonstick cooking spray, brown roast on all sides; drain. Place in a roasting pan coated with the nonstick cooking spray. In the same skillet, combine the orange juice, syrup, wine or broth, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, orange peel, bay leaf, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently; pour over meat. Place the carrots, potatoes, celery and onions around the roast. Cover and bake at 325 degrees for 3 hours.

Remove meat and vegetables and keep warm. Pour pan juices into a measuring cup. Discard bay leaf and skim fat. Pour into a saucepan. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water until smooth. Gradually stir into juices. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Serve with pot roast and vegetables. 

8 servings 

1 serving = 335 calories/ 8 grams of fat 

Simplicity can also apply to a classic feel-good favorite like this, almost like a security blanket for the soul.

Chicken and Dumpling Soup

You will need:

3/4 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper 

2 teaspoons olive oil

1/4 cup all-purpose flour 

4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth, divided

1 cup water 

2 cups frozen French-cut green beans 

1 1/2 cups sliced onions

 1 cup coarsly chopped shredded carrots 

1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram 

2/3 cup reduced-fat biscuit/baking mix

1/3 cup cornmeal 

1/4 cup shredded reduced fat cheddar cheese

1/3 cup fat-free milk 

Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. In a nonstick skillet, sauté chicken in oil until browned and juices run clear. 

In a large saucepan, combine flour and 1/2 cup broth until smooth. Stir in water and remaining broth. Add the beans, carrots, onions, marjoram, and chicken. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the biscuit mix, cornmeal and cheese. Stir in milk just until moistened. Drop batter in 12 mounds onto simmering soup. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into a dumpling comes out clean. 

1 1/4 cups soup with 3 dumplings =353 calories and 8 g fat 

Do not skip dessert. No one will believe this but this ooey-gooey chocolate cake is actually light.

Caramel-Pecan Chocolate Cake 

You will need:

1 package (14 ounces) caramels 

1 can (14 ounces) fat- free sweetened condensed milk 

1/3 cup butter 

4 squares ( 1 ounce each) unsweetened chocolate, melted 

1/3 cup canola oil 

1 1/2 cups water 

1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce 

2 egg whites 

1 egg 

2 teaspoons vanilla extract 

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour 

1 1/3 cups sugar 

1/3 cup sugar blend 

1 teaspoon baking soda 

1 teaspoon salt 

3/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted 

1 teaspoon confectioners’ sugar 

In a small heavy saucepan, heat the caramels, milk and butter over low heat. Set aside and keep warm.

In a large mixing bowl, combine chocolate and oil. Beat in the water, applesauce, egg whites, egg and vanilla. Combine the flour, sugar, sugar blend, baking soda and salt; gradually add to chocolate mixture until blended. 

Pour half of batter into a 13 inch x 9 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 16 minutes. Spread caramel mixture evenly over cake; top with remaining batter. Sprinkle with pecans. 

Bake 18-23 minutes and then cook on a wire rack. Sprinkle with confectioners’ 

sugar. 

24 servings 

1 serving = 318 calories and 13 g fat 

This is a rather comforting little pleasure that can be served before or after dinner.

Hot Bourbon Orange Tea Toddy 

Your will need:

1  (3 inch ) piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced 

1 lemon, cut into 8 wedges 

1/4 cup honey 

1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes 

3 regular size orange pekoe tea bags

1/2 cup bourbon 

Bring first 4 ingredients and 1 quart of water to a boil. Remove pan from heat and add tea bags. Let steep 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove and discard solids. Whisk in bourbon and serve warm or hot. 

Thank you so much for visiting my blog today. I appreciate your time and attention and hope you found the post useful and enjoyable. 

What are your favorite ways to save money, stay stylish, and stay on track with your healthy lifestyle? 

I’d love to hear from you ! 

Yours truly,

Jennifer 

Xoxo 

That’s Amore : Holiday Fashion & Gift Inspiration for the Pizza Lovers in Your Life

That’s Amore 

“In Napoli where love is king

 When boy meets girl here’s what they say

When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie

That’s amore

When the world seems to shine like you’ve had too much wine

That’s amore 

Bells will ring ting-a-ling-a-ling

And you’ll sing “Vita Bella”…”

Dean Martin 

This may not be a holiday song, but to me a true family classic, and isn’t that what holidays are all about? Remembering special traditions and most importantly, special people, who add meaning to my life each and every day is what inspires me to want to savor each moment and put a little creativity into my wardrobe, meal planning and also into my gift giving. 

This is one of my favorite dresses. It is Laundry by Shelli Segal from http://www.thredup.com. I love the cheerfulness of the bright red color and it’s so easy to dress up or down. I’ve worn it with sandals in the summer, a tweed blazer in the fall, and my new favorite way to wear it ( now that it is so cold) is with a blanket scarf from http://www.target.com. 

My hat is from Target and I recently found the boots at http://www.burlingtonstyle.com. 

Now back to the song… and that pizza pie! You must have a pizza lover in your life, right?  What’s a better way to show them you care than to take the time to put together these fabulous and also extremely useful ( and stylish) items for them to create their own pizza ? 

 If the pizza lover you know is a child you can even prepare this gift and spend a few hours teaching him or her how to make their own pizza! 

I was inspired by this gift basket found at http://www.gourmetgiftbaskets.com to try to put together my own pizza lover’s gift, so I could design and cater it to the needs of the person or family I would present it to. 

I do think it is a fabulous basket and a bargain at under $100.00 for so many great quality items. 

If you want to make your own, start with a reasonably priced basket set such as this one from http://www.worldmarket.com.

Look for special kitchen towels to match the style of the recipient for lining the basket such as this one from http://www.crateandbarrel.com.

You can have a personalized mixing bowl made at http://porch.com/gigglesgalore/personalized-mixing-bowls-gift-idea-bakers/

Find a special pizza cutter for just about any personality type-

I know my son would love the Darth Vader Light Saber version from thinkgeek.com. 

Add a pizza peel , which can also be personalized at lillianvernon.com and current.com.

Include a bottle of your favorite extra virgin olive oil. 

And of course , pizza spices, which can be easily found at your grocery store or you can order specialty versions. 

There are lots to choose from online and also some organic versions on etsy.

Add your own homemade pizza sauce and dry dough mix . They are really easy to make and you will feel so good being able to present these homemade products! 

Homemade Pizza Sauce 

You will need: 

1/4 cup olive oil 

1/2 medium yellow onion, diced 

2 tablespoons minced garlic 

3 cans chopped tomatoes 

1/2 teaspoon salt 

1/2 teaspoon pepper 

1/2 teaspoon ground pepper 

1 teaspoon sugar 

1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme 

1. In a large saucepan or skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until onion is translucent, 5-7 minutes. Add chopped tomatoes; summer over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. 

2. Season sauce with salt, pepper and sugar, if desired. Continue cooking. Stirring occasionally, until sauce is thickened, about 45 minutes.

3. Spoon off any clear liquid and discard; stir in thyme and cook about 10 minutes longer. Let sauce cool.

4. Using a funnel, pour cooled sauce into a decorative jar;refrigerate until ready to place in the basket. 

Dry Dough Mix for No-Knead Deep Dish Pizza 

Mix together in small bag or small container:

2 3/4 cups all purpose flour

1/2 cup semolina flour 

2 teaspoons yeast 

1 1/2 teaspoons salt 

Write down on an index card the following instructions:

Add 1 1/4 cup warm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the mix. Combine all ingredients until they form a slightly sticky soft dough. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes, then place in greased pizza pan and let it rest for 20 minutes. Pat it and stretch it to cover the bottom of the pan. Preheat oven to 425 degrees, add sauce and desired toppings. Bake for 15 minutes.

Enjoy ! Wait… the song says something about wine, right ? 

Here are some great choices that are perfect for pairing with homemade Italian pizza : 

Barbera d’Asti

Ceresuoio di Vittoria DOCG

Chianti DOCG 

There you have it. Fashion, Food, Wine. I couldn’t have said it better than the one and only Dean Martin. “That’s Amore.” 

Thank you so much, for taking the time to read my little blog today. I hope you found it worthwhile and hope it made you smile. 

Whatever you do, put your imagination and heart into it, and you will never go wrong. You will create your own special moments, memories, and traditions. 

May this season bring you only the most delightful moments.

Yours truly, 

Jennifer 

Xoxo 

Baby, It’s Cold Outside: Warm&Cozy Ideas For You and Your Loved Ones

“I really can’t stay

Baby it’s cold outside 

I’ve got to go away

Baby it’s cold outside”

Louis Armstrong | Baby, It’s Cold Outside 

This is such a classic song and what better way to stay cozy and also stylish this time of the year than with a classic cocktail dress and cozy accessories at very affordable prices. 

I found this WHBM ( White House Black Market) cocktail dress, the hat, and boots all at http://www.thredup.com. The jacket, scarf, and faux fur lined tights are from http://www.target.com.

At this time of the year, I like to give presents that really show people I love how much I care about them. I try to put time and effort into presents that are meaningful as well as useful. 

Here is an idea that you can make and give to someone or enjoy with your family after a fun day at a tree farm or while you are out sledding or ice-skating. 

Hot Cocoa Gift Box

I found these adorable mugs and provided a link- 

http://www.retroplanet.com/PROD/43818.html

The hot mugs can be great hand warmers. 

Enjoy creating this box and when giving or using don’t forget to include a thermos of milk and homemade cookies for dunking ! 
These marshmallows make a nice addition- 

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/m/products/9424545/?catalogId=27&sku=9424545&cm_ven=Google_PLA&cm_cat=Shopping&cm_pla=default&cm_ite=default&kwid=productads-adid%5E49385482183-device%5Em-plaid%5E94125425143-sku%5E9424545-adType%5EPLA&gclid=Cj0KEQiA4JnCBRDQ5be3nKCPhpwBEiQAjwN1brb84xPjpZIAWr3Acq0Ik1ZjkcUQywhSIOi1ElqA4-oaAt2B8P8HAQ

For more sophisticated drinkers, spice hot chocolate with a teaspoon of raspberry or preferred liqueur.

If you want a different option, include instant coffee to make Hot Mocha Cocoa.

Fresh cinnamon makes a nice festive touch as do trimmings from nature-

Make your own hot cocoa mix- 

You will need: 

3/4 cup sugar, divided

1 vanilla bean

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1 package ( 3.2 ounces) dry milk

1. Put 2 tablespoons sugar and vanilla bean into a coffee grinder or blender. Process to a fine powder.

2. Combine remaining sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and dry milk in a plastic bag; add ground sugar mixture. Shake well. Transfer powdered mix to an airtight container. 

3. To make a cup of hot cocoa, stir 1/4 cup of the cinnamon -flavored dry cocoa mix into 8 ounces of hot water. 

You might want to gift it in a special container such as this one- 

Tala cocoa shaker and other retro inspired cookware can be found at amazon.com . 

Make your own Chocolate Orange Syrup

You will need:

1/2 cup heavy cream 

6 ounces semisweet chocolate 

1 cup light corn syrup

3 tablespoons orange juice concentrate 

1 tablespoon orange extract 

1. In a medium saucepan, set over medium heat, bring cream to a boil. Add chocolate; whisk constantly until blended and smooth.

2. Add corn syrup, orange juice concentrate and orange extract to the sauce pan. 

3. Remove from heat. Cool completely. Pour syrup into jar with a tight fitting lid. Store in the refrigerator. To make a cup of cocoa stir 3 tablespoons of the syrup into 8 ounces of hot milk. 

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 

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees F.

2. Stir flour, cocoa, soda, and salt. Beat butter, sugar , brown sugar, and vanilla in large bowl on medium speed of electric mixer until creamy. Add eggs; beat well. Gradually add flour mixture, beating until well blended. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto ungreased cookie sheet. 

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

Makes 5 dozen cookies 

Thank you so much for visiting my blog today. I truly hope you found it worthwhile and inspiring. 

Wherever you are, whoever you are with, stay cozy and happy all year long. 

Yours truly,

Jennifer 

Let’s stay in touch 

https://www.instagram.com/mommyteacherfashionista/

https://mobile.twitter.com/jenquattrucci

Facebook: Jennifer Lee Quattrucci 

Xoxoxo 

Cape Cod Charm: Fashion And Food Inspiration

I’ve always been fortunate to live close to beautiful Hyannis Port, Massachusetts and spent lots of time there as a child. It’s always so nice to be there when the Art Show is going on. 

I really liked the Gyotaku artwork by Patrick Hogan. It made me excited to try this kind of art at home with the kids and with my students during September when we start our Scientists’ Notebooks and talk about animal observations. 

Although the art exhibits were so wonderful to see, we quickly found beauty everywhere we went during our time in Cape Cod. 

I loved this little garden, which was outside The Brewster Bookstore. 

We got a little exercise exploring Nauset Beach, which is a picturesque area with a lighthouse and other amenities. This is actually the lighthouse used on the Cape Cod Potato Chip bags ! We were also saw The Three Sisters Lighthouses. I thought it was really interesting that they were named ‘Three Sisters’ because someone, back in 1836, thought they looked like ladies wearing white dresses and black hats.

I was definitely channeling the ever so elegant Jackie O, who spent her golden years in Hyannis Port, when I choose this outfit for my last day exploring the ‘Cape.’ 

All the dresses were found on http://www.thredup.com. Accessories worn with these looks were found at http://www.burlingtonstyle.com , with the exception of the leopard bow hat which I created with my own ribbon and a hat from a local craft store. 

Being in Cape Cod reminded my daughter, who was an awesome photographer as well as companion last weekend,  of all the wonderful seafood we make at home this time of year. My mom has a few favorite recipes which she has perfected and passed down to her daughters. 

Ready to prepare a seafood feast ? 

Cape Cod Clam Chowder

Chowder made from quahogs, large hard shelled clams, has long been a tradition on Cape Cod.

You will need:

2 dozen quahogs

6 ounces meaty salt pork 

2 large red or Yukon gold potatoes 

1 large onion 

1/3 cup flour 

1 cup light cream or half-and-half

Salt and white pepper 

1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons butter 

Chopped parsley, for garnish 

Steps:

1. Scrub the clams well and rinse in cold water. In a large, heavy stockpot, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil. Add the clams, cover, and boil until they are open, about 35 minutes. 

2. Strain through a colander set over a large heatproof bowl to catch the clam cooking liquid. Strain this liquid through a sieve lined with cheesecloth. Boil to reduce by about a third. Measure out and reserve 8 cups of the clam broth.

3. Rinse the clams under cold water until they are cool enough to handle. Remove the clams from their shells, rinsing them briefly to wash off any grit. Coarsely chop the clams, cover, and refrigerate. 

4. Rinse the salt pork, dry, and cut off the rind. Finely dice the salt pork. 

5. In a medium saucepan, boil the diced potatoes 8 to 10 minutes.

6. In a large soup pot, cook the salt pork over medium low heat until it begins to render it’s fat, about 5 minutes. Add the onion, raise the heat, and continue to cook, 5 to 7 minutes longer. 

7. Sprinkle the flour over the onion and salt pork and cook, 1 to 2 minutes. Pour reserved 8 cups clam liquid and half-and-half and bring to a boil, stirring until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 

8. Add the diced clams and potatoes to the soup base and remove from heat. Ladle into bowls or large mugs, top with butter and a dusting of parsley. 

Cape Cod Clam Boil

A clambake is great when you begin with clam chowder and end with watermelon. Serve this clam boil with cole slaw and cornbread. Be sure to put out nutcrackers and you may even want to purchase disposable bibs!! 

You will need:

6 live lobsters 

6 dozen soft shell clams

6 ears of corn

18 small red new potatoes

6 knockwurst

Melted butter 

Steps:

1. Fill each of 6 pans with a handful of fresh seaweed and 1 inch of water. If you don’t use seaweed, increase water to 2 inches and salt it lightly. 

2. Place 1 lobster, 12 soft shelled clams, I ear of corn, 3 potatoes, and 1 knockwurst in each pan. Cover with the lid or with a double thickness of aluminum foil and crimp tightly so no steam can escape. Refrigerate for up to 3 hours.

3. About 45 minutes before you plan to serve, light a medium-hot fire in your charcoal grill or preheat a gas grill to medium. Cook for 25 minutes. The lobsters should be bright red with curled tails. Serve with plenty of melted butter. 

Cape Cod Mimosa

We certainly can’t leave this classic out.

For each drink:

1 part cranberry juice

2 parts Dom Perignon or other champagne 

Pour the cranberry juice into a glass. Then fill the glass with the sparkling wine. 

Ready to host your own Clam Bake ? 

What will you wear ? You can dress down a little black dress with a denim vest like I did here- 

Dress: thredUP

Jewelry: Burlington Coat Factory

Sunglasses : polarized Polaroid from Sun Time Grossmont –  https://www.sunglassesandwatches.com
Or go nautical-casual like I did here. 

Top: Lauren Moshi

Skirt: UK style 

Sandals: Target

Bracelet: connectionsbymaya (etsy)

Sunglasses: polarized Polaroid from Sun Time Grossmont  https://www.sunglassesandwatches.com

Looking for new good quality sunglasses that are also affordable ? Sun Time Grossmont carries all the best brands from Luxottica, which is the largest worldwide distributor of sunglasses. Luxottica also owns Sunglasses Hut and LensCrafters but you will never see prices like Grossmont offers at either of those locations. I’m not sure why , but I’m glad I found this site –  https://www.sunglassesandwatches.com

They offer free standard shipping.

Use my code: FASHIONISTA at checkout  to receive 20% off the already low prices. 

Look for the company and their story:

IG: @suntimegrossmont

FB: @SunTimeLaMesa

Twitter: @suntimelamesa 

Thanks for allowing me to share some of the beautiful sights I saw on Cape Cod, a few favorite family recipes, and this great new site I found for sunglasses ! 

Hope you found this post worthwhile and hope you are having a wonderful summer! 

Yours truly,

Jennifer

Xoxo

Sequins Are Always A Good Idea…and So Are Hors D’oeuvres and Rum Punch

A cocktail party in which the hors d’oeuvres become the meal is a great way to offer a nibble of everything on the menu, and it is a very easy way to entertain. You don’t need a huge dining room table, matching set of dishes or room to seat all of your guests to pull off this festive cocktail dinner party. Foods that easliy go from hand to mouth without worry about spilling on a silk dress or pale rug are best. Also, appetizers that don’t require silverware and can be hand-held in a napkin make it easier to juggle drinks. Design your appetizers as you would a dinner party-in courses. Serve a first course of cold appetizers, ready when guests arrive. Garlic shrimp, the blue cheese dip and chorizo on bread all taste best cold or at room temperature. The second course is the hot appetizers. Complete the meal with light, sweet nibbles for dessert. Count on about twelve to sixteen appetizer servings per person for a substantial appetizer dinner. Make your invitations specific. Tell your guests you plan to serve a meal of appetizers. This way guests will arrive on time and won’t make dinner plans for later. 

Thinking about what to wear ? Nowadays, anything goes when entertaining at home, but I think sequins and lots of sparkle are always a good idea. 

I found both of these Express brand dresses at http://www.thredup.com. The tassel bracelets are part of a stack available at http://www.candycourtboutique.com. I also found this Express Design Studio vest at thredUP. It’s easy to build a wardrobe with lots of variety when shopping at thredUP because the prices are 70% off retail all the time. 

This dress is called “The Julia” and I was fortunate to receive it from Kayrana Nuzzolese. She runs her own LuLaRoe Clothing business and there is a giveaway going on now for her Facebook group. Join at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lularoekayrana and visit her boutique at http://www.lularoe.com. 

Now that we got some fashion inspiration out of the way, here are some great easy recipes to pull off your own cocktail dinner buffet. 

Garlic Shrimp

You will need:

1 1/2 pounds medium fresh shrimp, or 3/4 lbs. cleaned frozen 

1/4 cup olive oil 

2 T butter 

4 garlic cloves, sliced 

2 T minced onion 

1/4 tsp. Hot red pepper flakes 

3 T fresh lemon juice 

1/4 tsp. salt

2 T fresh parsley

Peel shrimp, leaving tails on, and devein. In larger skillet over low heat, heat oil and butter. Add garlic and onion and cook 3 minutes without browning garlic. Add shrimp and pepper flakes. Increase heat to medium and cook, tossing constantly 3 minutes or until shrimp turn pink and begin to curl. Transfer shrimp and sauce to bowl. Add lemon juice, salt, and parsley; toss well. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate shrimp for at least 2 hours before serving to blend flavors. Makes 45-50. 

Blue Cheese Dip 

You will need:

2 T olive oil

2 tsp. red wine vinegar 

1 large garlic clove 

2 tsp. grated onion 

1/4 lb. crumbled blue cheese 

1 cup sour cream 

Fresh fennel and Belgian endive for dipping 

In a small bowl combine oil, vinegar, garlic, and onion; mix well. Add cheese and beat until almost smooth. Stir in sour cream. Serve with fennel and endive for dipping. Makes 1 1/2 cups. 

Beef Kabobs

You will need:

2 to 2 1/2 lbs. London broil

1/2 c. Olive oil 

3 T. Vinegar

3 T honey

2 1/2 tsp. Ground cumin

1 tsp. Paprika 

1/4 cup minced scallions 

1/2 tsp. Salt 

Slice meat into 1/4 inch thick strips, place in large bowl. Combine oil and remaining ingredients. Pour over meat. Cover and marinate in refrigerator at least 3 hours, tossing occasionally. Skewer meat by placing on onto long bamboo skewers that have been soaked in water for 20 minutes. Heat broiler. Place skewers on broiler pan. Cook 3 to 5 minutes, basting with marinade. Serve hot. Makes about 40. To reheat: Place on baking sheet, cover loosely with aluminum foil and heat in 350 degree oven for 20 minutes, or microwave for 1 minute. 

Spicy Chicken Wings 

You will need:

20 chicken wings

Vegetable oil for frying 

3 T fresh lime juice

3 T dry sherry 

1 T fresh chopped parsley 

1 tsp. grated onion 

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 

1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper 

1/8 tsp. salt

Cut chicken wings at joints. Cut off and discard wing tips. Pour 1/2 inch oil into a large skillet; heat over medium high heat until almost smoking, about 375 degrees on deep fat thermometer. Add as many chicken wings as will fit in the skillet without crowding. Fry until golden, about 6 to 8 minutes, turning once. Heat oven to 250 degrees. Keep chicken warm in oven while frying remaining wings. When all wings are cooked, transfer to serving platter. Combine remaining ingredients; mix well. Drizzle over warm wings. Makes 40 pieces. To reheat:microwave on HIGH for 1 minute or heat in 350 degree oven for 20 minutes. 

Tuna Empanadas 

You will need:

2 T olive oil

1 small onion, chopped 

1/2 sweet green pepper, chopped 

1 -6 1/2 oz. can oil-packed tuna

1- 8 oz. can tomato sauce 

1 T chopped fresh parsley 

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 

1 hard cooked egg, chopped 

Dough:

2 c. flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 c. shortening

5-6 T cold water 

In a skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and green pepper. Sauté 5 minutes and add tomato sauce, parsley, salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer , uncovered, for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add chopped egg. Set aside. In medium bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle in water and mix with a fork until dough forms a ball. Divide dough in half. On a floured surface roll each half out about 1/8 of an inch thick. Using a 3-inch biscuit cutter, cut 20 circles. Repeat with remaining dough. Spoon one teaspoon of tuna filling onto each dough circle. Using your finger, dab water around the edges of pastry. Fold over and press edges together with a fork. Pour 2 inches of oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven. Heat to 375 degrees. Fry a few at a time, until golden brown. To reheat : 350 degrees in oven or 1 minute on HIGH in microwave. 

Chorizo On Bread 

Slice , brush with olive oil and assemble. Season as desired. 

Ginger Shortbreads 

You will need:

1 cup flour 

1/2 cup butter 

1/3 cup brown sugar 

1/4 cup candied ginger 

2 tablespoons cornstarch 

Pinch salt 

4 ounces semisweet  chocolate 

1 tablespoon shortening 

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Combine butter, brown sugar, ginger, cornstarch, and salt in food processor. Whirl about 25 seconds. Press mixture into 8 inch square baking pan. Bake for 26 minutes. Melt chocolate and shortening in small bowl. Dip cookies diagonally into chocolate and lay on wax paper. Refrigerate until firm. 

Mini Fruit Pizzas

Use prepared cookie dough, such as Pillsbury refrigerated sugar cookie dough,to make this extra easy. Roll 3/4 inch balls and bake in mini muffin pans at 350 degrees for 6 minutes. When they are cool, spread with cream cheese or cool whip and your choice of fruit. 

Rum Punch

You will need:

3 c. unsweetened pineapple juice 

2 c. fresh orange juice 

Juice of 4 limes 

1 cup dark rum 

1-1 1/2 c. grenadine 

Combine juices, rum, and grenadine and serve. For a layered effect, mix all ingredients except grenadine and pour into glasses, then add 2 to 3 tablespoons grenadine to each glass. The grenadine will sink to the bottom of the glass; juices will float on top. Makes 8 servings.

Hope you enjoyed this post and that it inspires you to have your own cocktail dinner buffet , or even just add a little sparkle to your style. 

Thank you so much for talking the time to check this out. Your time and attention is always greatly appreciated. 

Yours truly,

Jennifer

Xoxoxo 

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 

Savouring the Last Days of School:Effortless Fashion and Food

I’ve always loved the unique selection and impeccable quality of the Boden brand and was thrilled to find this Boden dress (new with tags)for 70% off at http://www.thredup.com. 

The hat is from http://www.llbean.com , earrings are on sale now at http://www.kohls.com , and bag is available at http://www.yoins.com. The phone case has recently been reduced in price at http://www.neimanmarcus.com. 

My necklace and bracelets were all recent purchases at http://www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com. 

The jacket is Lauren Ralph Lauren from http://www.macys.com.

The shoes I’m wearing here, out on the playground, are Madden Girl, purchased years ago at http://www.cohoes.com. 

These similar styles are available at http://www.zappos.com, http://www.oasis-stores.com, and shoemall.com . 

It’s been an amazing year in my classroom with a group of very spirited, inquisitive little friends. I love how my students are easily engaged and eager to participate in all our learning activities. 

These last week few weeks have been extra busy for my students. They are  preparing for  kindergarten graduation and getting ready to become full -fledged first graders. 

After a busy morning working on proper sentence formation, we did take a little bit of extra time to play outside and appreciate the beautiful weather. 

We also took a few minutes to visit the gymnasium to check out the new equipment our principal , Mrs.LeMar, just purchased. 

Isn’t this the coolest thing you’ve ever seen? I might get one for my own backyard. Kidding. 

Meanwhile, back in the classroom… 

We all got back to work ( I promise, Mrs.LeMar 😉and Mr.Piccirelli 😉 ). 

By the end of the day – 

True Story. 

Perfect time for a very simple, but very flavorful dinner: 

Peppered Beef in Parsley Crust

Ingredients: 

2 T. peppercorns

4 T.butter, softened 

1 cup parsley, chopped 

2 lb. tenderloin roast 

To do: 

Grind peppercorns until coarse in texture and spread evenly on a large platter. In a small mixing bowl, blend butter and parsley well. Spread butter mixture over roast, covering all sides evenly. Place roast on platter and roll in cracked peppercorns until roast is coated. Bake at 425 degrees for 1 hour. Serve thinly sliced with creamy horseradish on the side. 

Melon Salad with Honey Dressing 

Ingredients:

1 cantaloupe melon

1 honeydew melon

3 T. lime juice 

2 T. balsamic vinegar 

3 T. honey 

2 cups lettuce 

2 cups arugula 

To do:

Slice melons in half, peel and cut into chunks. In a small bowl, mix lime juice, vinegar, and honey together, blending well. Pour over melon and toss. Place torn lettuce on salad plates. Using a slotted spoon, remove melon from bowl and place on lettuce, drizzle dressing over top. 

Need a special drink to complete your meal? 

Watermelon Martini 

You will need:

1/4 cup sugar

 1/4 cup salt

6 oz. fresh watermelon juice 

2 and 1/2 oz. vodka 

2 and 1/2 oz. limoncello 

1 oz. fresh lime juice 

Ice 

Watermelon slices for garnish 

Chill 2-3 glasses in freezer 10 minutes before making. Mix sugar and salt and spread on flat bread plate. Dampen rim of glass with water or lime juice and dip into salt mixture. Combine watermelon juice, vodka, liqueur, and lime juice in a shaker. Fill with ice and shake 6-8 times. Strain and pour the mixture into prepared glasses and garnish with watermelon wedges. 

Thank you !

Hope you enjoyed this little glimpse into my day.

I always appreciate your time and attention. It means so much to me that you take the time to check out these posts. 

I truly hope you found this worthwhile, and all feedback is appreciated. 

Yours truly,

Jennifer 

Xoxoxo 

Fashionably Sweet: Popsicles and Lace

I fell in love with this dress because of the lace overlay on top as well as underneath, making it have a swirly, twirly party kind of feeling. It’s by the White House Black Market brand but I found it on http://www.thredUP.com for 70% off the retail price. 

I love to pair black and white with a ‘pop’ of color and this time I decided to add a purple necklace from http://www.jcrew.com. I have to admit it is my daughter’s and from the children’s store. The color reminded me of a grape Popsicle, which led to the addition of this Betsy Johnson keychain. 

The keychain, hat , and handbag were all from http://www.macys.com. Shoes are Isaac Mizrahi New York , but found on thredUP.

My lipstick is actually a gloss with Martha Stewart glitter from http://www.michaelscrafts.com on top. It’s such a great quality glitter to blend easily with makeup and also washes off easily. 

“Self confidence is the best outfit, rock it and own it.” 

I came across this quote the other day and it got me to thinking about self confidence. We tell our children and those we love to believe in themselves, we support their successes, and we encourage them to keep trying when they struggle. 

Is all that enough to make someone feel confident enough so they can truly be themself in a world that seems to want people to just fit into some sort of mold? 

I know that my own mom and dad encouraged both me and my sister to choose careers and make life decisions that we truly desired and taught us to not let others affect our decisions. 

I think that both at home and in the classroom it is important to allow children to do as many things that they can on their own. As much as I want to jump in and help a child with a task , I know it is in their best interest to let them try , even if they struggle a little bit. 

True self confidence , I feel, comes from a collection of experiences in which a person is successful at reaching a goal or expressing themselves in a way that makes sense for them, and only determined by them. 

Cooking with kids is a great way to encourage self-confidence. I try to emphasize the fact that we want our food to be good for us but it can also be fun and delicious at the same time. 

I love Guy Fieri’s theory –

Teaching them to take control of their own health and also the skills to prepare something on their own is something I believe in. 

This is one of the first recipes I made with Angelina. She always loved berries and yogurt and was fascinated by the blender so it was a natural choice to share this cooking experience with her. 

Berry Yogurt Popsicles

Make 3 separate smoothies:

Purple: 1 cup blueberries 

               1/2 cup blackberries 

               6 oz blueberry yogurt 

                1 cup crushed ice 

White: 14 oz vanilla yogurt 

               2 tablespoons sugar

                1 cup crushed ice 

Pink:     3/4 cup raspberries 

                3/4 cup strawberries 

                6 ounces strawberry yogurt 

                1 cup crushed ice 

Blend each color smoothie separately in a blender and set aside. Pour 1st color into mold 1/3 of the way down and freeze for 30 minutes. Remove from freezer and insert sticks. Freeze for 1 hour. Add white smoothie , freeze another hour. Add purple smoothie and fill to top of the mold. Freeze until ready to eat. 

Hope you enjoyed this post. It includes  one of my favorite dresses and one of my most adored summertime treats, so thanks for allowing me to share these things with you!

Your time and attention is great appreciated , as always. 

Yours truly, 

Jennifer 

Xoxoxo 

 

Loving That Lemon: Fashion and Cuisine

Today the sun is shining bright where I live, which is the little town of Johnston, Rhode Island. I think it’s the perfect day for a bright little dress and fun accessories. 

As soon as I put it on, my son said “Let’s make lemonade!” and that’s what inspired this post. 

I found this Dolce Vita dress at http://www.thredUP.com last summer. I wanted it for September , for the first week of school. As a kindergarten teacher, I try to wear bright , fun clothes to liven up the days and keep my five year olds cheerful. 

Today I decided to pair it with a scarf from http://www.claires.com and Italian Shoemaker sandals , which I found at http://www.marshalls.com. 

I’ve been loving this Kate Spade bag and keychain all season.

And as a lot of you already know , I do love hats and always have one handy, especially this time of year . This one is from Steve Madden, found at http://www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com. The sunglasses are from http://www.lanecrawford.com. 

 I love the scented body sprays from http://www.victoriassecret.com and especially this one, with its refreshing clean scent. Too-faced is my absolute favorite brand for face products and this is a great lip balm from dermstore.com. 

Ok , we all know – 

and you CAN , if you want to. 

How about trying this ?

Sparkling Ginger Lemonade

You need:

2 cups water 

1 cup honey

2 tablespoons minced fresh gingerroot 

2 cups club soda, chilled 

1 cup lemon juice

In a small saucepan , bring the water, honey, and ginger to a boil. Remove from heat; cover and steep for 10 minutes. Strain, discarding ginger. Cool. 

Transfer to a pitcher; stir in soda and lemon juice. Serve immediately over ice. 

Yield: 5 servings.

You don’t have to make lemonade just because you have lemons. Here are a few other easy ideas. 

Chicken Fingers with Lemon Sauce

You will need:

1 jar lemon curd 

1/4 cup chicken broth 

1/2 teaspoon soy sauce 

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1 cup buttermilk 

1 tablespoon grated lemon peel 

1 cup flour 

1/2 cup cornstarch 

1-1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts , cut into strips 

In a small saucepan, combine the lemon curd, broth, soy sauce and ginger. Cook and stir until combined and heat through; keep warm. In a shallow bowl, combine buttermilk mixture, then coat with flour mixture. 

In an electric skillet, heat oil to 375 degrees. Fry chicken, a few strips at a time, for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Serve with lemon sauce. 

Yield: 4 servings.

Tossed Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette 

In a large bowl, combine 1 bunch of romaine, 1 medium head iceberg, 10 bacon strips , 2 cups cherry tomatoes, 1 cup almonds, 1 cup Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup salad croutons. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 3 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, 2 garlic cloves , 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and gradually whisk in 2/3 cup of olive oil. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately. 

Yield: 21 servings 

Lemonade Meringue Pie

You will need:

3 eggs , separated 

1 package (4-6 ounces) cook and serve vanilla pudding mix

1 1/4 cup milk

1 cup sour cream 

1/3 cup lemon concentrate 

1 teaspoon lemon juice 

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar 

6 tablespoons sugar

1 pastry shell 

Place egg whites in a small mixing bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Meanwhile , in a large saucepan, combine the pudding mix, milk and sour cream until smooth. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat,cook and stir 2 minutes longer. 

Remove from heat. Gradually whisk 1 cup hot filling into egg yolks; return all to the pan. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat. Gently stir in lemonade concentrate; keep warm. 

Add lemon juice and cream of tartar to egg whites; beat on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar , 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. 

Pour warm filling into pastry shell. Spread meringue over filling, sealing edges to pastry. 

Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Cool on wire rack for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving. 

Yield 6-8 servings.

Other options:

And remember :

However , I hope your day is more sweet than sour and hope you know how much I appreciate your time and attention while you are visiting my blog! 

Thanks so much !

Yours truly,

Jennifer 

Xoxoxo