what to wear...

what to wear... by jonesforfashion featuring lace sandals

Delicious Recipes for the Beginner Chef

I am no experienced chef and probably don't know alot of cooking basics, but it certainly doesn't keep me out of the kitchen! I am a recipe follower, and would absolutely fail in the show 'Chopped', but I know the more I cook and try new things, the closer I can get to that place where I can whip up a meal off the top of my head, no measuring needed. With that said, I have a few easy to follow recipes for the beginner chef, that deliver gourmet taste. Enjoy!

 1. Sicilian Inspired Blood Orange Salad- Courtesy Recipes From The Kitchn

Sometimes I have a hard time experimenting with my salads, they always seem like an afterthought to my main dish. But when I saw this colorful blood orange salad (on Pinterest of course), I had to give it a try. I didn't have pistachios but I added roasted pine nuts instead as well as added avocado, for obvious reasons. I always use a homemade vinaigrette dressing, store bought dressing can be expensive! This dish may be fine with just a drizzle of olive oil, but for your other dinner salads, try my Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe as follows:

1 clove garlic minced

1 t. dijon mustard

2 T. balsamic vinegar- or combination fresh lemon juice and vinegar 

1/2 t. sugar, or sometimes I use honey

1/2 t. salt

1/4 t. pepper

6-8 T. extra virgin olive oil

*Whisk together to emulsify. TASTE. If its too tangy, add more oil or sugar. If too oily, add lemon juice. 

2. Spicy Chicken Thighs with Rhubarb-Cucumber Salsa- Courtesy Bon Appetit

I love everything spicy, so of course I had to give this chicken thigh recipe a try. I actually did not make  the rhubarb-cucumber salsa, mainly because I was feeling lazy, but I am sure it would have been a nice compliment. I did pair it with a creamy coconut rice (recipe here) though, which balances the spice nicely!

3. Smoky Sweet Potato Burgers with Roasted Garlic Cream and Avocado - Courtesy of www.howsweeteats.com

Another Pinterest find...it wasn't long before I turned this 'pin' into a party in my mouth. The best part is that it really required no kitchen skills, however I roasted my first garlic heads (I felt fancy). Because I was just making this dish for two, I kept the remaining patty mixture in the fridge until we wanted to make it again a day or so later, I noticed it was easier to form the patties the longer it was refrigerated. We served the patties over a bed of greens the second time around and it was delicious!

4. Blackberry Jalapeno Glazed Pork Tenderloin- Courtesy Guy Fieri and The Food Network

This is the best pork recipe that I have ever made. I can't wait for the Summer to try it again! I do remember the glaze making somewhat of a mess on the grill but it is so worth it (plus I never have to be on grill duty) :) It came out cooked just right and juicy and the glaze had just the right amount of kick. 

5. Coconut Shrimp with Marmalade Dip- Courtesy of Skinnytaste.com

For most of my life, I was terrified of shrimp, but when I tried this dish for the first time, I couldn't stop eating it! I think I was originally not a fan of the texture of shrimp, but fried in a crunchy sweet batter? What's not to love (now I can eat it in any form). The attached recipe is the closest I could find to my usual, they just choose to bake the shrimp and I fry them in a pot of oil... There are also several dipping options you can try. I usually do two, an orange marmalade and rum mixture and a sweet chili sauce dip. This is a great party pleaser!

6. Spicy Pasta Salad with Smoked Gouda, Tomatoes, and Basil- Courtesy of www.thepioneerwoman.com

I just made this dish last night and it was the easiest thing to make and great for leftovers! This is a great dish you can make ahead as it tastes better cold, straight from the fridge. I added a touch more of the Adobo sauce, because I like heat, but make sure to taste your sauce first before pouring it over the pasta. Now I have almost a whole can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce that I can use for another recipe this week... any suggestions? I also added some kalamata olives and sun dried tomatoes because I had some handy. You could easily add shredded chicken pieces if you want as well. The website thepioneerwoman.com has tons of delicious looking recipes, I will be going back for more! 

I have many more recipes that I wish I could have added to this post, but will save for another time. Let me know if you give these recipes a try and how you made them your own! 

http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/quick-recipes/2012/04/spicy-chicken-thighs-with-rhubarb-cucumber-salsahttp://www.howsweeteats.com/2012/09/smoky-sweet-potato-burgers-with-roasted-garlic-cream-and-avocado/http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/guy-fieri/blackberry-jalapeno-glazed-pork-tenderloin-recipe/index.htmlhttp://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/12/skinny-coconut-shrimp.html

Brand Awareness: Wildfox Couture

A large part of my wardrobe consists of graphic tees and cozy sweatshirts. Thanks to Wildfox, I can expand my options with their selection of quirky pieces, all made of the softest fabrics and most flattering bodies. This LA based knitwear line is a favorite among celebrities like Katy Perry, Vanessa Hudgens and Halle Berry. 'Wildfox is for the dreamers, for the lovers, for skinny dippers, for barefoot explorers, for late night chocolate eaters; it is for people everywhere who believe in love and believe in themselves.' -www.wildfox.com. Sound like you? Prepare to fall in love with the below :) 

1. Bianca Jagger Lennon Sweater
2. Let's Make Out Lennon Sweater
3. I Hate Mondays Destroyed Sweater
4. Desert Rose Santorini Dress
5. Wildest Heart Muscle Tank
6. Inside Out Dress- Grunge Maxi
7. Paris Je T'aime Roadtrip Tunic
8. Addicted Hippy Crewneck
9. Sequin Make Out Crewneck Sweater
10. Classic Fox Mirror Frame
11. Popfox Mirror Frame
12. Bel Air Frame

Images courtesy of www.wildfoxcouture.com

Trend to Try: Gladiator Sandals

The gladiator sandal is going to new heights this Spring. Bringing edge to any outfit, this look is certainly for those who want to stand out. You can take your own subtle approach to the trend by trying a pair that hits half-way up the shin and by choosing a nude color as apposed to a stark black. The trend will certainly transfer into Fall so keep that in mind when in search for the perfect pair.

Strength in Numbers: The Benefits of Group Fitness

When it comes to working out, I am no example to follow. I seem to enjoy sleeping in and sipping my morning coffee a little too much. Some may call me lazy, but I like to say I enjoy the finer things :). I know I can't live a healthy life without exercise, so I decided I needed to take a different approach. For me, that's through group exercise.

I recently found the most amazing deal on Living Social for $20 for 20+ classes at Diva Den Studio, a women's only boutique fitness studio that offers classes ranging from Zumba to yoga and even pole work. At first it was the amazing discount that caught my eye, but my love for dance and recent complaints about not having it in my life made it seem like a match made in heaven.

After my first class, I came to the realization that there is strength in numbers. Working out solo was not nearly as effective as working out with my peers. And below are my reasons why.

1. Diva Den Studio's sign up structure and cancellation policy forces me to make a bigger commitment to my classes, as apposed to hitting the snooze button and putting it off til tomorrow. 
2. You're more likely to push yourself. When you're working out solo, you may be more inclined to end early only when you start to feel tired. Taking a group class will force you to push yourself past tired, because who walks out (quits) in the middle of a class?
3. It's more motivating and empowering. The instructors and other women in the class are energetic and make you want to bust your buns by cheering you on and letting you know when you're killing it on the dance floor. 
4. It's more fun! After my first class I was so excited about how much fun I had had and how good I felt afterward that I immediately went home and signed up for classes for the rest of the week. 

Because I just started my new workout plan, I have yet to SEE results, but I can already feel them. I have taken a complete turn around with my action and view on exercise, all with my realization of what work out plan works for ME. Working out along side other women of all shapes and ages makes you realize that you're not in this fight alone, that they too found this to be the best way for them to get exercise and have fun doing it!

Group exercise may not be everyone's thing, but if you don't jump for joy on the thought of your morning run, or know the best weight lifting techniques, then it is definitely worth a shot! There are always Living Social and Groupon deals out there for different types of workout facilities and exercise programs in your city, so look around and see what fits your budget and excites you! 

Feel free to share your own tips and tricks on how to get motivated to live an active lifestyle. 

Style Icon

I get alot of outfit ideas from street style looks and always seem to be most inspired by certain fashionistas. Below are a few of my fave go-to style icons that never miss a fashion beat. 

Miroslava Duma: Russian 'it' girl and former Harper's Bazaar Editor; this pint sized girl has some major street cred. 

Olivia Palermo: We all know her from the hit MTV series The City as the 'socialite snob', but her real life street style sure is sweet. 

Poppy Delivigne: This British model has an off-duty style all her own. She has the edge that every girl envies. 

Miranda Kerr: Always effortlessly chic. Besides our ridiculously good looks, another thing this Victoria's Secret model and I have in common is our obsession with skinnies, booties, and scarves. 

Obviously there are many more style icons out there, celebs and anonymous street walkers alike. So who do you look to for fashion inspiration?

Dress over Pants

{T. Babaton Bennett Dress- Aritzia; Sold Denim Faux Leather Pants- House of lolo (buy here); Elizabeth & James Clair Heels-Shopbop.com (buy here or similar here); Contrarian New York Destin Coat- House of lolo}

It's funny how I end up putting things together. Today, this outfit came about because I noticed my last pair of tights had a huge run down the leg... solution, pants! 

Happy Home, Happy Life

Have you ever looked through an interior design magazine and dreamt that you lived in one of the perfectly decorated rooms? I have always loved interiors and firmly believe that a home that is put together and decorated in a way that represents YOU, can make you feel happier. While furnishing and decorating a home can be expensive, there are many little things that you can do that can make a huge impact in your space. I am always on the hunt for pieces that are affordable and are still high on style. Check out my list of favorite finds!

1. Suburst Mirror; Target; $35 : www.target.com 

• Bold sunburst mirrors are a great way to add glamour to your space, you can find them anywhere and at every price point! I have one one hanging over my bar table.

2. Pendant Lamp; Ikea; $50 : www.ikea.com

• Feminine and airy, this large pendant adds texture to your dining or living area. 

3. Assorted Art from top to bottom; Andy Warhol Lips Print- Art.com; Chanel No. 5 Poster- etsy.com; 

Andy Warhol Dog Print- Art.com; Lichen Wall Art; Worldmarket.com

• A great way to fill up wall space is to create a collage of assorted wall art. Look for prints and frame it yourself for a look that's more expensive OR paint your own abstract painting!

4. Nate Berkus Box; $20; target.com

• Stylish table or vanity decor that provides extra storage and organization. I have this box placed on my desk for extra jewelry storage. 

5. Fur Toss Pillow; $18; target.com

• Another way to add texture: fluffy faux fur pillows soften up any room, plus they're cozy! 

6. Hexagonal Wine Rack; $30; worldmarket.com

• I have this rack on my kitchen console, I love the hexagonal shape which is a little more modern than your traditional wine rack, if only I could keep it stocked! 

7. Natural Cowhide Rug; $330; worldmarket.com

• I love the organic shape of cowhide rugs and this one is a great price point! 

8. Philippe Starck Style Louis Ghost Chair; $142; amazon.com

• When I found this replica of the high-end Kartell Louis Ghost Chair ($400) I could't help myself! It adds a modern touch as my desk chair and I've added a feminine pillow to soften it up. 

9. Lydia Dining Chair; $260 Set of 2; worldmarket.com

• I've always loved the tufted dining chair look, but they can be so expensive. These chairs sit at the ends of my dining table while white cross-back chairs fill in the sides. I like the look of mixing chair styles, it still makes a glamorous dining look without the high budget. 

10. Gold Lotus Ceramic Stool; $45; worldmarket.com

• Mixing metallics into your space will add depth and a sense of luxury. This stool is great as a side table and the price is hard to beat! 

11. Marble Top Coffee Table; $329; cb2.com

• I have been dreaming of owning this coffee table for years. I love the round shape and luxe look of the white and grey marble. I can just see my fashion coffee table books and vase of flowers sitting pretty here. 

12. Ernest Chrome Bar Cart; $179; cb2.com

• I have an obsession with bar carts, which is unfortunate for me as they typically run $300+... I was lucky enough to find one at an antique shop for $60 but if you don't feel like scouring for a deal, this chrome bar cart is a chic smaller option! 

13. Espresso Romeo Dining Table; $500; worldmarket.com

• I love the legs and curves of this dining table, it would also look awesome painted in a white lacquer.

14. Hara Upholstered Screen; $170; worldmarket.com

• I have this screen and use it as a  headboard! It works great and adds good height and drama to our bedroom, the length worked well with our Queen size bed. 

I hope you're now feeling inspired to create a space that is cozy, stylish, and functional! Our homes are an extension of who we are, so fill up those blank walls and add depth to your space with texture, pattern, and shine. Remember, happy home, happy life.