Wide Stripes

Photos courtesy of Sung Shin

Shirt-Loft

Skirt-H&M (old)

Necklace-Alexis Bittar

Cuff-John Hardy

Purse-Chanel

Shoes-Michael Kors

Sunnies-Karen Walker

Hi everyone! Sorry for not posting my usual Weekend Snapshots this past Monday but I  decided to take a short break from it. It's starting to become a bit much on the weekends to remember to document everything I did and quite honestly, I'd rather much enjoy being in the moment with out having to remember to take a food pic, get good lighting, edit, etc, especially when I'm in the company of my friends (most of them are not bloggers). I also find myself getting annoyed if I forgot to take a pic of something I did over the weekend because then I can't really include that into the Monday post. I suppose I could but let's be honest here...an entry with out a picture is boring.

For the next couple of weeks or month my usual Weekend Snapshots posts might be replaced with either more food/outfit posts until I figure out what I want to do. Since it's become a surprisingly popular post, I don't know if I want to take it away just yet; but, in the meantime I'll be taking a break from it. Thanks in advance for being patient with me.

Wishing you a great week! Xo.

NomNom: Couscous with Apricot Vinaigrette

One of the many things I love about being in the kitchen and researching recipes to experiment with, is to be reintroduced to foods I may not have liked before. Truth be told, I was never a fan of couscous until I came across today's recipe. The ones I've come across prior to this recipe had a grainy, dry, texture to it and there wasn't much of a impressionable punch in taste. Not exciting therefore was never very interested.

I wanted to make a quick, easy, and light side dish for dinner and came across this recipe within my food magazine stack. I took a quick glance at the ingredient list and realized I had everything on the list (minus the couscous) which I took as a sign to the beginnings of a refound relationship.

Fluffy and flavorful. That's what couscous should be like and this recipe delivers just that. I'm not sure if I just got unlucky with the couscous dishes I've come across in my life because this dish is truly outstanding. There is so much going on with this super simple dish starting from the texture you get from the almonds to the slightly sweet and tangy sauce that's weaved into the couscous. The fact that you just pour hot water over the couscous and let it stand for 5 minutes to "cook" is kind of amazing in itself. I mean, how easy is that? (said in my best Ina Garten's voice).

Have a great weekend. Xo


Recipe (Adapted from Real Simple mag: Easy, Delicious Meals): Serves 6
1 10-ounce box couscous (1 1/2 cup)
1/4 cup apricot preserves
3 Tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
Salt and black pepper
2 scallions, chopped
1/4 cup roasted almonds, chopped

Procedure
1. Place the couscous in a serving bowl. Pour 1 1/2 cups hot tap water over the top. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, warm the preserves in a small sauce pan over medium heat. Remove from heat and whisk in the oil, vinegar, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

3. Fluff the couscous with a fork and toss with the scallions almonds, and vinaigrette.

Summer Brights

Photos courtesy of Sung Shin

Blouse-Loft

Shorts-Banana Republic (old)

Sandals-Jessica Simpson (old)

Belt-J.Crew (similar one at J.Crew factory here)

Purse-Celine

Sunnies-Celine

Hi everyone! Summer in the east coast could be brutal (humidity here is no joke) so comfortable, light weight material clothes are my go to staples. This recently purchased button down shirt is the perfect blend of cotton/silk so the fabric is very light and breathable. Pairing it with stark white shorts adds just the amount of bright punch for the summer;)

Hope you're staying cool in this heat. Xo.

Weekend Snapshots

This weekend I....

1. Started looking up vacation getaways for next month (pic from my Bahama vacation last year). I have a couple of weeks off from work in August and half that time will be used as a staycation to rest, sleep in plenty, and take care of little things I've been putting off. Hopefully the rest of the time will be for a quick getaway to either Mexico or The Caribbean. Still looking up for last minute package deals.

2. Started to plan recipe ideas for the next couple of weeks while enjoying my favorite summer salad, caprese salad. Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, home grown basil, all drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze is perfection.

3. Received my online order from Cusp I placed early last week. I was hoping that these DVF leather shorts and Clover Canyon dress would work out but both items will unfortunately be going back. The leather shorts were a bit loose on the waist and the dress made a weird billowy shape around the midriff area when worn. I purchased a Clover Canyon dress (their cut and prints are amazing btw) with sleeves about a month ago, which fit nicely, so was a bit surprised that the sleeveless version didn't fit right.

4. Had dinner at Mussel Bar in Bethesda, MD. Fortunately the humidity died down after the sunset so we decided to sit outdoors. I just love dining al fresco during summer evenings.

5. Perfected my green smoothie game. I've been testing different green smoothie recipes and decided to add dates to my usual green smoothie. Unbelievably good. Trust.


How was your weekend?

Like a Lady

Photos courtesy of Sung Shin

Top-Dolce Vita

White denim-Zara

Shoes-Pour La Victoire (suede version here)

Purse, sunnies-Celine

Necklace-J.Crew

Ring, bracelet-Alexis Bittar (here and here)

 

Nothing like a pretty little ombre lace number to make you feel feminine and lady like;)

Have a great weekend. Xo.