mix it up

Until recently, it was a fashion faux pas to wear the colors black and brown together. Mixing a brown belt and black shoes gave the impression you got dressed in the dark! I am happy to say the times have changed and this "rule" has been tossed out the window. This color combination is beautifully chic and I am obsessed. It takes a little work to make this look appear effortlessly thrown together, but the results are worth it. Happy mixing! xo.

1. 1969 Always Skinny Jeans, GAP. 2. AE Sequin Scallop Tank, American Eagle. 3. 3/4 Sleeve Ruched Cuff Blazer in Camel, Forever 21. 4. Knit Animal Print Scarf,Banana Republic. 5. Dimpled Teardrop Earrings, Forever 21. 6.Ciao Bella Tabby Two Tone Riding Boot, DSW. 7. Front Pouch Pocket Tote Bag, Urban Outfitters.

holiday party outfits

I don't know about you but I just LOVE a good excuse to get all dressed up! This time of year is usually filled with a few parties and family gatherings so I have put together a few outfits that are sure to dazzle this season! xo

Mesh Insert Sparkle Sheath Dress, New York & Company. Dimpled Geometric Bracelet, Forever 21. Mossimo Prue Satin Platforms, Target.

Off Shoulder Metallic Stripes Top, Forever 21. Classic Skinny Jeans, Forever 21. AEO Glitter Ballet Flat, American Eagle.

One Shoulder Flutter Dress, Express. Chain Fringe Earrings, Forever 21. GO MAX Suedette Platform Pumps, 15dollarstore.com.

healthy baking tip

Okay people... I just made some cookies for the Thanksgiving luncheon at work tomorrow, so I'm declaring the holidays are officially upon us and it's time to talk about baking. (They are half peanut butter, half double chocolate chunk if you were wondering.)

You can't taste the difference::

If it isn't apparent already, it should be noted that a.) I LOVE sweets, namely the carb-y kind and b.) I try very hard to make healthy eating choices. I'll admit sweets are my weakness and my downfall--I can't ever give them up! So what do I do? I make ingredient substitutions.

An excellent way to cut some calories and unnecessary fat from your baked goods is to substitute half of the called-for oil with unsweetened applesauce. Hallelujah! It's pretty much a given that most baking recipes will call for vegetable oil, and that stuff has a ton of calories.

 Non-fat yogurt is also a great option to substitute for butter or oil. One more healthy substitute is avocado. Yep! Check it out. I promise that you will not be able to taste a difference in your baking but you will feel great knowing you cut out a bunch of calories! *Make sure you check out the links to learn what the ratios of the substitutes should be. Normally, you only substitute a portion of the called-for ingredient rather than all of it.

Let me know if you try this out and how it worked out for you! xo.

thai peanut chicken lettuce wraps

Love Asian cuisine but looking for a meal on the lighter side? If so, I'm about to make your day! :) I have a quick, EASY dinner recipe that is relatively healthy and has just a few ingredients.

Ingredients

2 servings

2 chicken breasts or 6-8 tenderloins*

1/4 cup Soy sauce or Sesame Ginger salad dressing (optional)

1/2 cup Thai peanut sauce

Peanuts

1 head of lettuce, washed

Rice noodles (optional)

*Ground turkey can be substituted for the chicken.

Directions

1. Marinate the chicken overnight in the soy sauce or dressing. This step is optional but it gives the chicken a little extra flavor.

2. Once the chicken is thawed and marinated, cut it into small, bite-sized pieces.

3. Toss the chicken on a frying pan and cook on medium-high heat until no longer pink in the center.

4. Turn off the heat. Put about a handful of peanuts (or however many you like) into the pan along with the peanut sauce. 

5. Stir the chicken around with the peanut sauce and peanuts so everything is nicely coated.

6. Serve immediately on pre-rinsed lettuce leaves. Sprinkle some rice noodles on top for extra crunch, if desired. White rice and broccoli would be the perfect complement to this dish!

DELISH! xo.

holiday gift guide

It may be a little too early to hear the sleigh bells ring-a-linging but it's not too early to start thinking about gift ideas for the holidays! This time of year seems to fly by and somehow I always end up scrambling on Christmas Eve with the rest of America searching for the perfect gift. Avoid the mad rush this year and start a little early!

I have created a gift guide for the guys and gals in your life of gifts they are sure to love! Happy shopping! xo

1. Kindle Fire, $199, Amazon.com. 

2. Essie Winter 2011 Mini Cube, $17, ULTA.

3. Taylor Swift Wonderstruck Rollerball, $18, ULTA. 

4. Carson Trifold Wallet, $30, Fossil.

5. Babycakes Cupcake Maker, $29.99 (sale), Kohl's.

6. American Eagle Suede Moccasin, $39.50, ae.com.

7. GQ Magazine subscription, $15 one year, GQ.com.

8. Dogeared 'Sisters' Reminder Pendant, $68, Nordstrom.

9. Angled Rim Crackle Stemware, $4.99 each, Pier 1.

10. Orka by Mastrad Half-Moon Fondue Set, $38.89, Target.com.