Another Friday another fashion tip…

We are in full holiday mode, the stockings have been hung, the tree is decorated and there are parties galore! This week’s fashion dilemma, what to wear for an afternoon of celebrating with the girls?

This is a pretty easy one, you want to be comfortable. Your afternoon is going to consist of lots of food, lots of wine, and lots and lots of chatting; no one wants to be in an uncomfortable outfit for all of that. But, of course, you still want to be fashionable.

There is really only one option for this particular situation. The tried and true, oldie but a goodie, everyone’s favorite item…leggings. For those of you loyal followers out there, you will remember the very wise woman I quoted early on in my blogging career who said “leggings are just sweatpants in disguise”. And let’s be honest, when you are catching-up with the girls, who wouldn’t want to be in sweatpants?

Now, since we all know, sweatpants are not an option as outerwear, leggings are the perfect alternative! My suggestion, pair your leggings with a sweater-dress or tunic, pull on a pair of great boots (heel or no heel, your choice), layer on a scarf or some fun necklaces and you are ready to celebrate this festive time of year with some of your favorite ladies.

Have a wonderful, and well-dressed, weekend!

Fashion tip Friday...Oops! Monday

Sorry for the delay, this time of year just gets busier and busier, so Friday’s fashion tip from last week was moved to Monday.

Today’s topic: how to dress for work or a holiday party when the weather is truly frightful.

This is a dilemma that if like me, you live in the Midwest, we have all dealt with today. So what does a fashionista do? The answer is simple, be prepared.

Let’s use today as an example, the high today is 22 degrees, at 7:00 a.m. the snow was falling and the wind has been blowing all day long. Any of these alone would make for a challenging day, but together! You might as well throw on a parka and be done with it. But fear not, this is no longer your only option.

Here’s what you do: First, grab a bag that is large enough to hold several items, but small enough that it can be stowed away once you arrive at your destination. Next pick out your outfit. Don’t let the weather play too big of a part, wear what you want! Once you have assembled your outfit, decide what items you will need to stay warm during the commute. First and foremost should be your feet, you do not want to be walking to work in your black leather pumps, slip on some ice and fall (believe me, I’ve been there, it’s not a great way to start your day). Instead, throw the pumps in your bag, pull out your warmest pair of Ugg boots and your tootsies will be plenty toasty during that walk from car to office.

Second road block, you want to wear a skirt, but holy cow, your legs will freeze! Easy fix, go over to your closet and pick out a fun pair of tights or leggings, these keep your legs warm, while still looking great.  

Last but not least, outerwear. Essential items include: wool pea coat – there are so many fabulous options for coats, use the cold weather as an excuse to buy more! Scarf, hat and gloves - all of these items can be pops of color and pattern against the backdrop of your coat. Have fun with it!

Just because the weather’s gloomy doesn’t mean your wardrobe has to be.

Stay warm everyone!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…

This time of year there are so many wonderful recipes to try, who can keep up? Unfortunately, most of these recipes are not so wonderful for our waistlines J But what if I told you there is a Christmas Candy recipe that combines chocolate, almonds, dried cherries, and requires absolutely no baking? Sounds impossible, right? Oh, my friends, it is possible indeed.

This decadent treat combines just the right amount of chocolate with just the right amount of crunch for a candy that I guarantee will be a hit at any holiday party. And at only 68 calories a piece, set aside a few for yourself to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.

Chocolate Almond Cherry CrispsCourtesy of Cooking Light Magazine
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup white chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups oven-toasted rice cereal (such as Rice Krispies)
3/4 cup dried cherries
1/3 cup slivered almonds
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Cover a large baking sheet with wax paper.

Place semisweet and white chocolate chips in a medium glass bowl; microwave at HIGH 45 seconds. Stir, and microwave an additional 45 seconds or until almost melted. Stir until smooth. Add cereal and remaining ingredients; stir quickly to combine. Drop mixture by tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet; chill 1 hour or until firm.

Yield:  36 servings (serving size: 1 crisp)CALORIES 68 (44% from fat); FAT 3.3g (sat 2g,mono 0.8g,poly 0.2g); IRON 0.3mg; CHOLESTEROL 0.0mg; CALCIUM 7mg; CARBOHYDRATE 9.7g; SODIUM 6mg; PROTEIN 0.6g; FIBER 0.7g