Rachel McCarthy, Author at A Blonde's Moment

Homemade Peanut Butter Granola

March 7, 2017 by Rachel McCarthy

One of my favorite ways to mix up yogurt is to add granola. In the past, I was quick to purchase store bought granola because homemade granola seemed too daunting. But after sharing THIS granola recipe with you last year, I decided to switch up the ingredients for a different twist on this yogurt topping.

After realizing how simple it was to make homemade granola {and how much healthier it is than the store-bought version} I decided to experiment with different flavors. I’m sure I have mentioned my love for peanut butter at least once or twice — I’m truly addicted! I thought why not take this obsession to a completely different level and make peanut butter granola! I typically eat vanilla yogurt so the peanut butter worked well with it. I haven’t tried it with a fruit flavored yogurt so I can’t say how that would taste. And although this is probably not as healthy as the original homemade granola I made, it compliments my morning routine {that is, before I went on the no carbs, no sweet diet yesterday!} perfectly. Just a heads up: the peanut butter flavor is pretty intense — it’s definitely a recipe for the peanut butter lover! Check out the simple recipe below. It’s freezer friendly so you can store it there until you are ready to eat it!

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Peanut Butter Granola

by Rachel McCarthy March-7-2017

Ingredients

3/4 cup honey
3/4 cup smooth peanut butter
4 cups old fashioned oats
1 ½ cup peanuts, chopped
1 cup almonds, sliced

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium-sized saucepan, mix the peanut butter and honey together over low heat until smooth and combined. Add the old fashioned oats, peanuts and almonds to a large bowl. Pour the peanut butter and honey mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well. Spread the mixture out onto a baking sheet that has been lightly sprayed with cooking spray. Bake for 15 minutes, stir the granola and then bake for an additional 10 minutes. Allow the granola to cool before storing. Top your favorite yogurt with peanut butter granola. Granola can be stored in a plastic freezer bag for up to 1 month.

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Thanks for stopping by, friends! Have a great Tuesday!

This post is linked up with: Tasty Tuesdays | Tickle My Tastebuds Tuesday | Two Cup Tuesday | Weekend Potluck | SITS Girls

Springtime Green

March 6, 2017 by Rachel McCarthy

Happy Monday, friends! Today, I’m continuing my love for this year’s Pantone color of the year. While shopping my closet, I discovered this tunic that I bought back in the fall of 2015. It’s one of the famous Lush tunics from Nordstrom and while the solid colors are on constant repeat in my work wardrobe, I completely I forgot I had this green patterned tunic in my closet…perfect for this year’s color of the year!

Jeffrey Campbell perforated wedges outfit

Tunic: Lush {old, see the entire Lush tunic selection HERE — on sale for under $30!} | Jeans: similar HERE | Hat: Tobi c/o {under $25!}| Bag: Sole Society {also HERE} | Wedges: Jeffrey Campbell {updated style for this season HERE} | Bracelets: David Yurman HERE | Lipstick: Kim KW & YSL #200

It’s funny. When I bought this tunic, I figured it would make a great tunic for late summer and spring {if you have been following around for awhile, you may remember when I styled it HERE with flared jeans}. But, after all this talk of the Pantone color of the year and seeing the tunic hanging in the back of my closet, I thought it could easily be paired with white jeans and beige accessories. And when I saw THIS hat from Tobi, I knew it had to be added to my collection. Not only is it perfect for styling as we head into spring, but will be fabulous in the fall, too.

I hope you all had a great weekend! It was absolutely freezing here. Shooting spring outfits when the weather decided to drop for two days is no fun! Today marks the first day of our two week no carbs and no sugar diet. If you know me, you know this is going to be ridiculously difficult for me. I love all carbs: pasta, bread…you name it. I was busy with some serious food prep over the weekend which will hopefully make the weekdays easier. Once these two weeks {which I’m sure will go SO slow!} are over, I’m going to recap the results and some of the recipes and food plans we followed. Although it’s going to be difficult, I’m looking forward to the challenge! Have a great week, friends!

This post is linked up with: B Loved Boston | Fizz & Frosting | More Pieces of Me | Lipgloss & Crayons | Start the Week Stylish | Still Being Molly | Pink Sole | Fashion Frenzy | October Fashion Series | On Trend Tuesdays | Style Me Wednesday | Layers and Lipstick | Mix & Match Fashion | Twenties Girl Style | Stylin in St. Louis | Living in Color | Pumps and Pushups | Thursday Fashion Files | Rachel The Hat | Fashion Friday | Friday’s Fab Favorites | Daily Style Finds | East Coast Chic | Friday Favorites | Casual Friday | My Refined Style

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Spring Trench & Blush Pink

March 2, 2017 by Rachel McCarthy

The season of trench coats is officially upon us. Although I love wearing trench coats {I got mine last spring, but you can find this year’s version HERE} in the fall, it seems so much more appropriate as we head into spring. It’s the perfect layer for a cool, spring morning and it’s styling possibilities are endless. And since blush has been leading the way as my spring color crush, I can’t think of a better way to style this classic trench.

Trench Coat: J.Crew {from last spring, this season HERE} | White Tee: Nordstrom | Jeans: Old Navy | Scarf: J.Crew {blush is not available, but almost identical color HERE} | Blush Pumps: Ivanka Trump | Bag: Sole Society, other colors HERE {under $60!!} | Earrings: BaubleBar, sold out {similar blush stone HERE} | Sunglasses: Karen Walker | Lipstick: Snob & Turkish Delight

The classic trench is a staple in anyone’s closet. Since the time I was in middle school I had some type of trench coat in my closet! One of the reasons it’s such a classic is because it is so versatile. You may remember when I styled it casually with a striped tee and black jeans HERE, slightly dressed up with a dress and Hunter boots HERE and most recently in the fall with black jeans and a leopard bag HERE. In the past, I have always gravitated to more neutrals like black and white when styling this trench. But, with spring on the horizon, I decided to pair it with blush for a fresh and soft look.

If you have seen my last few posts, I’m sure you have noticed my obsession with blush lately. For me, there is nothing like blush pink in the spring and with all the warm weather we have been experiencing, it has allowed me to push my blush start date up! I have to tell you, I’ve been wearing these blush pumps constantly. There are so many things to love about this pumps besides the gorgeous color: the thicker heel for comfort, slightly pointed toe isn’t too harsh on your toes and the heel height. I have typically come to expect a “break in” period with most shoes I buy but I have yet to experience that with these! Obviously, I’m infatuated with them, so excuse the fact that you’ve been seeing them a lot recently!

I hope you all have a great weekend! Any plans? Nothing much for us, we are looking forward to a weekend at home and catching up on cleaning and errands. It was 80 degrees yesterday and there is a chance of snow showers tomorrow. Talk about crazy weather! See you back here on Monday, friends!

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Marching Into Green

March 1, 2017 by Rachel McCarthy

green outfit inspiration for march and spring

Since “greenery” was announced as the Pantone color of the year, I’ve been looking forward to incorporating more of this springy color into my wardrobe. Whether it be accessories, jackets, shoes or home decor, shades of green can be found everywhere this spring and I couldn’t be more excited.

When it comes to accessories, I love statement stone jewelry pieces, such as THIS ring and THESE drop earrings. Both pieces can instantly dress up a look all while being perfectly on trend with the color of the year.
Speaking of color, doesn’t it seem like the shades of green are endless? From THESE rain boots in a mint color to THIS scallop skirt in teal, there is a shade for everyone!

What are your favorite green pieces for spring? Have you added any green pieces to your wardrobe? Happy March, friends!

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Mexican Chicken Burrito Bowls

February 28, 2017 by Rachel McCarthy

easy mexican chicken burrito bowl recipe crockpot

After reading through the reader surveys {thank you again for filling those out!} there was definitely a trend when it came to food posts: make ahead lunches and quick dinners were the clear winners. I can’t say that I’m too surprised about this because this is the stuff I’m always trying to come up with too! In this spirit, I came up with a Mexican Chicken Burrito Bowl that is not only a make ahead lunch, but also the perfect crockpot dinner!Read More

Floral Bell Sleeve Blouse

February 27, 2017 by Rachel McCarthy

Happy Monday, friends! Another week means another floral on ABM! Although florals in the spring are by no means a new, hot trend, it is one of the things I look forward to most when picking out my spring wardrobe. However, bell sleeves are a hot trend for spring and the sleeves on this floral blouse are just about perfect.

Floral Bell Sleeve Blouse: cabi c/o | Black Cropped Jeans: cabi c/o {from the fall 2016 season, similar HERE} | Sunglasses: Le Specs {under $60!} | Bucket Bag: Mark and Graham c/o | Espadrilles: Marc Fisher | Watch: MICHELE | Ring: David Yurman | Lipstick: Angel & #200

I first saw THIS blouse when cabi was teasing the new spring line on Instagram a few months ago. I instantly fell in love with the bell sleeves, but who wouldn’t? Fittingly named the “la-di-da blouse”, I love the darker floral colors, perfect for transitioning to spring. You can easily pair this blouse with black pants or jeans on these cooler spring days and white jeans as the warmer temperatures begin to arrive. And speaking of colors, I had originally planned to pair this blouse with blush shoes {since I’ve been all about the color lately: exhibit A, exhibit B} but since I wore this outfit to dinner last Friday and the temperatures we virtually summer-like, I went with my favorite espadrilles from last spring. Needless to say, this blouse can be paired with both blush and orange accessories, as I did here.

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! Just a funny story about these pictures. I was heading down to my parent’s house Friday after work and we had planned to photograph this outfit right when I arrived. Just to make sure I made it before sunset, I left work at 2:30pm, giving me plenty of time to travel the 60 miles to their house. Unfortunately, route 95 south had different plans. I should know by now that 95 is bad no matter what time of the day, but especially on a Friday afternoon…when the temperatures are in the upper 70s. Thankfully, I did make it with a little daylight to spare, but it was a long, stressful drive with some serious road rage on my end! haha!

Have a great start to the week and see you back here tomorrow for a make ahead lunch or dinner recipe you won’t want to miss!

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Floral Ruffle Top & Navy Blazer

February 23, 2017 by Rachel McCarthy

Happy almost weekend, friends! Don’t you just love these short weeks? Today I am sharing two of my favorite pieces from cabi’s new spring collection and I couldn’t be more thrilled. If you aren’t already excited about the new season ahead, this floral ruffle blouse and navy blazer are sure to get you in the mood!

Floral Ruffle Blouse & Navy Blazer: cabi c/o | Jeans: Current/Elliott | Monogrammed Clutch: Mark & Graham {suede version HERE} | Shoes: Ivanka Trump | Sunglasses: Karen Walker | Earrings: Kate Spade | Lipstick: Snob & Turkish Delight

Don’t you just love when a piece of clothing “calls your name”. That might sound a little crazy, but can anyone else relate? We all strive to find that piece of clothing that is the epitome of our style. Whether it be a jacket, a pair of jeans, an accessory, or in my case, a top. I’m always a sucker for a good floral print, but add pink and specks of gold with a ruffle around the top, you pretty much have my ideal top. And although you can’t see it from these pictures {it’s been warm, but not quite that warm yet!} this top is actually a cold shoulder style. Hold. The. Phone. The exposed shoulder with the draping just makes this top all the better. Needless to say, I cannot wait to style it with white jeans and my hot pink high heels once the temperatures get a little warmer.

Since it is still February, I paired this fabulous top with the classic, with a hint of fun, navy blazer. Navy blazers are one of my go-to layers as we transition to spring — I also love styling the blazer with a colored pair of jeans or even dressed up for work. And although this blazer is a classic, I love the element of fun: striped ribbed cuffs! This unexpected detail makes the blazer anything but ordinary, yet it still gives off that classic vibe.

To complete the look, I went with my hot pink monogrammed clutch {because I carry it just about every chance I get!} and THESE gold smoking slippers. I instantly became obsessed with these when I first saw them online — they are also available in hot pink, royal blue, black and a bright chili color — and knew that I had to have them. It was tough to pass on the pink, but I have quite a few pairs of pink flats and figured the gold was more of a neutral and would go with more things in my closet. Originally, I was concerned about the width — I have a wider foot and the toe box looked SUPER pointy. But, I’m happy to report that they are true to size and no width issues here. These flats are quickly becoming a favorite in my closet — I wore them twice over last weekend!

I hope you all have a great weekend! Any fun plans? See you back here on Monday!

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Spring Break Inspiration

February 22, 2017 by Rachel McCarthy

Now that we are approaching the end of February, I think dreaming of warm temperatures and tropical vacations is completely appropriate. And since I don’t have any warm weather vacations planned in the next month or so, I will have to live vicariously through those that do and make wish lists in the meantime!

There is something about the recurring spring nautical trend that I just love. Not only is it a great way to kick off spring, but it also works well for vacation style. Two pieces dictated today’s color palette: THIS dotted navy dress and THESE adorable slide sandals {how cute are they?!}. Blue has never been my favorite color, but I do seem to be attracted to it as we head into each and every spring. Here are a few of my favorite spring break essentials:

I don’t think there is anything more vacation appropriate than tassels. Granted, I wear them pretty much all year, but there is something so fun and colorful about this trend that makes you instantly think of a warm weather getaway. I love the way THESE tassel earrings add just about every shade of color to an outfit, along with THIS bracelet set. Whether you are sitting by the pool or headed out for dinner, both of these accessories instantly dress up a look.

Gingham, ruffles and bell sleeves! Since these are three of my favorite trends for spring, I wasn’t going to miss a chance to share some of these cute pieces. I bought a gingham dress last year {you may remember it from THIS post} and I’m so glad to see the trend is still going strong. The fact that there is a gingham swimsuit makes my heart skip a beat! And an off the shoulder style?! It’s too good to be true! If you caught Monday’s post, you know that I have officially jumped on the bell sleeve trend and I couldn’t be more excited about it. THIS dress not only has short bell sleeves but also polka dots. I’m sold! Last, but not least, I love the subtle ruffle around the hem on THESE shorts. It would look so cute paired with a white shirt and sandals for a casual vacation look.

Speaking of sandals: how gorgeous are THESE gold gladiator sandals? Also available in tan, these fun sandals would be the perfect accessory for shorts, skirts and dresses from vacation to spring and all the way into summer. Although they are a little on the expensive side, I think that both the gold and tan colors would work with so many pieces in your closet, you might be able to justify the price 😉

Do you have any spring break or vacation plans in the next month or so? Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful Wednesday!

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Make Ahead Frozen Smoothie Packs

February 21, 2017 by Rachel McCarthy

make ahead smoothie packs A Blonde's Moment @rachmccarthy7

Smoothies are one of my favorite weekend treats. I love mixing and matching with different fruit and trying different ingredients. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to get my act together during the weekdays to enjoy them but I recently thought of a shortcut to make healthy smoothies during the week and I had to share it with you!

how to freeze spinach for smoothies A Blonde's Moment @rachmccarthy7

I know there really isn’t anything revolutionary about a smoothie, but not only did I want to share the idea about dividing all the frozen fruit up right when you come home from the grocery store, but also taking care of the spinach and greek yogurt ahead of time too. I can’t even begin to tell you the number of times I have bought a bag of spinach for smoothies, forgot about it, and discover it in the fringe once it has gone bad. To try and avoid this waste, I decided to puree the bag of fresh spinach, with a little water to help with the consistency, and freeze the liquid in mini muffin tins and add those to the bag of frozen fruit! I also divided the greek yogurt into the muffin tins to freeze and add to the packs as well.

This made the smoothie prep SO much easier! When you are ready to enjoy a smoothie, grab a fruit, spinach and greek yogurt pack out of the freezer, toss it in the blender with a little almond milk and you are set! I’m always looking for shortcuts on weekday mornings, and I’m so glad that I now don’t have to wait for the weekend to enjoy a healthy drink.

how to make smoothie packs A Blonde's Moment @rachmccarthy7

make ahead smoothie bags recipe A Blonde's Moment @rachmccarthy7

easy weekday morning smoothie recipe A Blonde's Moment @rachmccarthy7

Make Ahead Frozen Smoothie Packs

{ingredients, for one smoothie pack}

1 cup variety of frozen fruit {I used berries and bananas}

2 frozen spinach discs

1 frozen greek yogurt disc

1 cup almond milk, once ready to eat

{directions}

To make the frozen spinach discs: Add fresh spinach to a blender or food processor and turn it on. Gradually add water to the spinach while the blades are running until a smooth liquid mixture forms. Transfer the liquid spinach to mini muffin tins, filling almost to the top. For the frozen greek yogurt, add the greek yogurt to the mini muffin tins, smoothing the top. Place the muffin tins in the freezer until the spinach and greek yogurt have had a chance to set, at least 30 minutes. Once the spinach and yogurt discs are frozen, divide the frozen fruit into plastic bags, placing in each bag: 1 cup frozen fruit, 2 frozen spinach discs and 1 frozen greek yogurt disc. Place in the freezer until ready to use. To make the smoothie: add the contents of the plastic bag to a blender with 1 cup almond milk. Blend until smooth and enjoy!

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You can customize how many spinach and greek yogurt discs you add to the plastic bags — I went with the 2:1 ratio because I really like spinach in my smoothies. If you aren’t a huge fan of spinach, you can reverse the ratio and have a creamier smoothie with more greek yogurt.

Thanks for stopping by and happy smoothie making, friends!

This post is linked up with: Tasty Tuesdays | Tickle My Tastebuds Tuesday | Two Cup Tuesday | Weekend Potluck | SITS Girls

Printed Bell Sleeve Blouse

February 20, 2017 by Rachel McCarthy

cute spring outfit - A Blonde's Moment - @rachmccarthy7

Happy Monday, friends! Spring is in the air here in Northern Virginia and I couldn’t be more excited! After enjoying 70 degree temperatures on both Saturday and Sunday, it’s safe to say I’m in a spring state of mind and will be severely disappointed if we get any snow in the next month or so! Now, on to today’s springy look…

printed bell sleeve top - A Blonde's Moment - @rachmccarthy7

madewell printed blouse - A Blonde's Moment - @rachmccarthy7

bell sleeve printed spring top - A Blonde's Moment - @rachmccarthy7

casual spring outfit ideas - A Blonde's Moment - @rachmccarthy7

le specs cat eye sunglasses - A Blonde's Moment - @rachmccarthy7

blush stone earrings - A Blonde's Moment - @rachmccarthy7

rose gold stacking ring - A Blonde's Moment - @rachmccarthy7

spring outfit ideas - A Blonde's Moment - @rachmccarthy7

blush pink pumps - A Blonde's Moment - @rachmccarthy7

ivory satchel handbag - A Blonde's Moment - @rachmccarthy7

cropped flared jeans for spring - A Blonde's Moment - @rachmccarthy7

Bell Sleeve Blouse: Madewell {runs small, size up}, also HERE | Jeans: cabi, fall 2016 style {similar HERE} | Bag: Sole Society, also HERE | Pumps: Ivanka Trump | Sunglasses: Le Specs | Earrings: BaubleBar, sold out {similar stone HERE} | Ring: Kristin Perry Accessories c/o | Bracelets: David Yurman cuff, link| Watch: MICHELE | Lipstick: combined Kim KW & Snob, Turkish Delight gloss on top

I wore this look on Saturday to The Blog Societies Workshop in D.C. I wanted something comfortable for sitting in for a few hours and something casual, but not too casual, and fun for a blogger event. I spotted THIS peplum blouse with the bell sleeves online and instantly knew it would be great for wearing as we transition into spring. I loved the blush accents in the print and was excited for the opportunity to wear THESE blush pink suede heels again {they are incredible comfortable!}. I actually purchased this blouse in store on Friday {nothing like waiting until the last minute!} and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to try it on. I found the sleeves to run extremely small and went up a size for a better fit. I think the larger size also helped with the length which is a constant problem for me when buying tops.

Since I was looking for something a little more than casual for the event, I paired the blouse with the cabi cropped flared denim from the fall season. Although the jeans are no longer available, I linked a super similar pair above and HERE. I have been loving the cropped and flared trend and especially looking forward to this style in the spring. I’ve had my eye on a few lighter wash cropped jeans to add to my closet, too! Lastly, a spring outfit wouldn’t be complete without THIS faux leather satchel. I mentioned this bag in last Wednesday’s post as an amazing save option for the YSL designer satchel. I carried this bag for the first time this weekend and I have to say I’m obsessed! Plenty of space, zipper closure, interior pockets and with a price tag of under $60, you just can’t beat it!

Just a quick thank you to everyone who filled out the reader survey last week. I cannot thank you enough for your input and I’m looking forward to implementing some of your suggestions! As for the winner of the $25 Nordstrom gift card giveaway — congratulations to Lisa F! Thank you to all who participated!

Have a great start to the week, friends! Thanks for dropping by!

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