A Blonde's Moment

Cauliflower Potato Salad

May 16, 2017 by Rachel McCarthy

With Memorial Day weekend less than two weeks away, I have had grilling, BBQ and all those delicious summer sides on my mind. One of my all-time favorite side dishes to have with burgers and other grilled dinners is potato salad. My mom has been making this recipe for years and it is always something to look forward to in the warmer months. I wanted to try a healthier spin on this recipe so I substituted the potatoes for cauliflower for a just as delicious spin on the classic.

I’m always cooking with cauliflower. It is one of my favorite foods and makes for a great alternative to potatoes, pasta and even rice. {You can see a few of my other cauliflower recipes HERE} Of all the cauliflower substitute recipes I have made, I think this recipe is probably most like the original. The cauliflower mac and cheese was pretty good, it tasted pretty similar to the original, but you still felt like you were eating cauliflower. I think the secret here is that the cauliflower is soaked in the Italian dressing so the cauliflower becomes super flavorful. Of course, the sour cream and mayo also don’t hurt with the flavor. You can use the low fat version of the sour cream, mayo and Italian dressing if you are looking for a super healthy alternative. Check out the recipe below!

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Cauliflower Potato Salad

by Rachel McCarthy May-16-2017

Ingredients

1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
1/3 cup Italian dressing
1/2 cup mayo
1/4 cup sour cream
4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup celery, diced
1/3 cup green onions, sliced
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon horseradish

Instructions

Place cauliflower in a saucepan and cover by 1 inch of water. Bring the water to a boil and simmer until the cauliflower is tender, about 15 minutes. Once cooked, pour the salad dressing over the warm cauliflower. Chill for 2 hours. Mix the remaining ingredients and fold into potato mixture. Serve and enjoy!

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Thanks for stopping by. Have a great Tuesday!

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

The Ruffle On Repeat

May 15, 2017 by Rachel McCarthy

Happy Monday, friends! Lately, this ruffle sleeve top has been on serious repeat {you may remember it from THIS post a few weeks ago}. White tops are always easy to style and when they have a cute ruffle detail, it just makes me want to wear it more and more!

Ruffle Top: Endless Rose | Jeans: J.Crew | Wedges: Jeffrey Campbell {updated style HERE} | Bag: Sole Society | Sunglasses: Le Specs | Earrings: Sheila Fajl | Watch: Kate Spade | Bracelet: David Yurman | Lipstick: Kim KW & Lip Slip

The last time I wore this top, I styled it with jeans and flats. This time, I wanted to incorporate a different spin on the fall favorite combination of black and cognac. I always love the contrast of black and cognac, so to make it a little more spring-y, I went with the lighter beige/blush accessories. Speaking of accessories, I did find a few sizes left in this style of wedge. If you are interested in shopping the updated style for this year, you can see them HERE.

I have to get as much wear out of this top before the temperatures warm up for good — with the longer sleeves and extra fabric on the arms, it will be difficult to wear this in the heat of the DC summer. I’m definitely getting my money’s worth out of it now! It is also available in black and under $80!

I hope you all had a great weekend! We spent the weekend in Ohio for my cousin’s graduation and the weather turned out perfect. Actually, so perfect that everyone got sunburned! We never even considered bringing sunscreen because the forecast was for rain and clouds, if we were lucky. Needless to say, there will be a lot of aloe in my future. I never get burned because I avoid the sun at all costs haha!

Hope you all have a great start to the week and see you back here tomorrow!

This post is linked up with: B Loved Boston | Fizz & Frosting | More Pieces of Me | Start the Week Stylish | Pink Sole | Fashion Frenzy | Fashion Series | On Trend Tuesdays | Style on the Daily | 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 | Friday Favorites | Casual Friday | My Refined Style

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Off the Shoulder Chambray

May 11, 2017 by Rachel McCarthy

Oh how I love off the shoulder tops. Since sharing the stripe off the shoulder top last week {you can see that post HERE} I’ve been on a real kick with the off the shoulder trend. I was going through my closet “rediscovering” all my spring and summer pieces that have been packed away in another closet all fall and winter and saw this chambray top from last year. I thought I would restyle it this year with different accessories for a different spring look. P.S. Excuse my hair blowing in these pictures. The wind was crazy on Sunday when we shot this outfit!!

Cute Off the Shoulder Tops for Spring and Summer

Chambray Top: Shein c/o {last year but still available — see sizing note below} | Jeans: old {similar HERE} | Sandals: BP. {under $60!} | Bag: Sole Society | Earrings: Sheila Fajl | Bracelets: David Yurman | Sunglasses: Karen Walker | Lipstick: Kim KW & Lip Slip

If you have been following along for awhile, you may remember when I first shared this top last year {post HERE}. It has pretty high slits on the sides of the shirt, so I sized up for length purposes. Wearing it this year, it feels bigger than last year I think. I usually love oversized sweaters and tops, but this one probably is a little too big. As for sizing, if you are shorter or taller and don’t mind the side slits, you can probably stick to your true size. For reference, the slits come up to the top of my jeans {I have higher rise jeans on} and I’m 5’8. All in all, it is a cute chambray shirt {I just wish mine was a little smaller!} and I love the off the shoulder and bow sleeve details. And with a price tag of only $13, I guess I can’t complain too much 🙂

Last year when I shared this top, I went with pink accessories, but I wanted to keep things more neutral for today’s look. I’ve been wearing these beige sandals a ton lately because they not only are perfect with skirts and dresses, but look fabulous with jeans and other pants too. Another plus: the heel is low enough that you can wear them for an extended period of time. They are so comfortable! I also have them in black {last seen HERE} and they are available in several other colors, too. Best part: they are under $60!

Any fun weekend plans? We are off to Columbus tomorrow morning for my cousin’s college graduation! Tomorrow’s weather looks rainy, but hopefully the skies will clear in time for graduation on Saturday morning. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and see you back here on Monday, friends!

This post is linked with: 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 & Summer Whites

May 10, 2017 by Rachel McCarthy

Summer White Outfit Inspiration @rachmccarthy7

Although this week has been chilly for us on the east coast, summer temperatures are just around the corner. Memorial Day, the unofficial start to summer, is less than 3 weeks away which means it’s time to break out {if you haven’t already!} the spring and summer whites. Today, I’m rounding up a few of my favorites white pieces of the season. Of course, I couldn’t resist sharing two pieces that have a little color as well. I can never say no to fringe or pom poms!

I have had the opportunity to break out the white jeans {last seen in Monday’s post} but I will have to stick to mostly white accessories until I get some sun. But when that summer glow does arrive, I especially have my eye on this eyelet one shoulder top and these scallop shorts. Both are so fun for summer! Until then, here are a few of my favorite accessories:

Starting with two of the more colorful pieces, even though they are not pure white, I couldn’t resist include these fun summer pieces in the round up. The fringe sandals would be such a cute addition to your summer shoe collection and the pom poms on this panama hat are so different from the usual sunhats, and it’s under $45!

Every summer, I seem to have this thing for fun clutches. Although this white bamboo clutch isn’t necessarily a statement maker, it is different and would be the perfect clutch to carry with your sundresses all summer long. If you are looking for a color, this clutch is also available in natural, blue and black.

Have you started incorporating white into your wardrobe yet? Do tell! As always, thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful Wednesday!

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Mother’s Day Coconut Cream Pie

May 9, 2017 by Rachel McCarthy

Happy Tuesday! I know, two dessert recipes in a row! {I made Churro Cupcakes last Tuesday if you missed the post!} I apologize for all the sugar in last week’s and this week’s recipes, but with Mother’s Day on Sunday, I wanted to share this coconut cream pie recipe that my mom has been making for years. And since it’s her very favorite, it seemed only right to share it for Mother’s Day!

Easy Coconut Cream Pie Recipe @rachmccarthy7

How to Make Coconut Cream Pie @rachmccarthy7

This coconut cream pie has appeared at countless holidays, birthdays and other celebrations over the years in my family. With the creamy filling and the flaked coconut on top, one piece never seems to be enough. The flavor and texture of this dessert will make you forget all the calories you consumed because it’s that good. And since we typically only splurge on this pie for special occasions, it’s perfectly acceptable to have more than one piece, right?! 😉

Check out the recipe below. This is one of our favorite, go-to pies that makes for a light and fluffy spring and summertime dessert. Recipe from Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book.

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Coconut Cream Pie

by Rachel McCarthy May-8-2017

Ingredients

3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups milk
3 slightly beaten egg yolks
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 9-inch store-bought pastry shell
1 1/3 cup flaked coconut, divided
3 egg whites (for meringue)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In saucepan, combine sugar, flour and salt; gradually stir in milk. Cook and stir over medium high heat until bubbly. Cook and stir 2 minutes. Remove from the heat. Stir a moderate amount of the hot mixture into the egg yolks; immediately return to hot mixture; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat. Add the butter and vanilla. Stir in 1 cup of the flaked coconut. Pour into pastry shell. Spread meringue on top of the pie and sprinkle 1/3 cup coconut on top. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Cool and serve. (Whipped cream can be substituted for the meringue, if desired.)

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Thanks for stopping by. Have a wonderful Tuesday!

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

Casual Weekend Outfit

May 8, 2017 by Rachel McCarthy

A cold front arrived this past weekend and although it was nice to have the windows open, it was chilly! Although, I can’t complain too much. It gave me an excuse to break out this knotted tee one more time before the warm temperatures are here to stay!

Knotted Tee: Bobeau | Jeans: old {similar HERE} | Sneakers: New Balance | Bag: Longchamp | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban | Watch: Kate Spade | Necklace: Onecklace c/o | Lips: Kim KW & Lip Slip

You may remember the last time I wore this tee when we visited the beach for Ella’s birthday. One of the things I love most about this tee is that this comfy style is not only appropriate to dress up with jeans and wedges, but also dress more casually with sneakers for a weekend of errands. This tee comes in several colors {I’m thinking about stocking up on a few for the fall months!} but I can never resist the opportunity to wear the classic black and white.

I hope you all had a great weekend! We were busy with running errands and preparing for a lot travel in the coming weeks. We took a break from the running to head into D.C. to visit the new Laduree in Georgetown! Visiting their NYC location is one of my favorite stops, so I’m excited to have a location much closer. Although, this could be dangerous! Have a great week, friends!

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Stripe Off the Shoulder Top

May 4, 2017 by Rachel McCarthy

In last week’s nautical dress post, I warned that there would be more stripes appearing on the blog soon and I wasn’t kidding! Today, I am styling another piece from cabi’s latest collection which launches today!

Spring Date Night Outfit Ideas Off the Shoulder Top

Off the Shoulder Top: cabi c/o {collection launches today! see it HERE} | Cami: Kurve {available in several colors} | Cropped Jeans: cabi c/o {fall season — similar HERE} | Bag: Chanel {similar HERE}| Earrings: Sheila Fajl {these are smaller and thicker hoops than the gold ones last seen HERE} | Sunglasses: Le Specs {under $60!} | Sandals: BP. | Watch: MICHELE | Lipstick: Kim KW

I promise to give the stripes a rest after today’s post, but when I saw a stripe off the shoulder shirt, I just couldn’t resist! Two of my favorite spring trends in one shirt, it was almost too good to be true. Since this silk off the shoulder number is perfect for dressing up, I paired the top with black cropped jeans and my black sandals {they are under $60!}. I had originally planned to style the top with white jeans but that will have to wait until later in the summer for this girl — let’s just say I need some sun before I try to dress in white!! One of my favorite details of the shirt is the pleated cuffs. Isn’t that a cute detail?

One warning about the silk fabric of this shirt: it’s pretty thin. You may notice it from the pictures, but I paired THIS strapless cami under the top and it was the perfect solution. It’s actually a fabulous concept that I didn’t even know existed until this shirt. The cami is available in several colors and would also be perfect for layering!

Any fun plans for the weekend? This is my last weekend at home before my crazy travel schedule starts so let’s hope I can be super productive around the house and get all my errands done! Have a great rest of the week and weekend, friends!

This post is linked with: 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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Graduation Gifts Under $200

May 3, 2017 by Rachel McCarthy

For Her: pearl stud earrings | perfume | watch | cable classics ring | initial necklace {1 or 2 letters} | black tote | canvas weekender bag

High school and college graduations for the class of 2017 are just around the corner and today I’m rounding up a few of my favorite gifts for the graduate that are all under $200!

Graduation gifts can be tough. I think high school graduation can be a little easier since some people like to buy necessities for the graduate’s college dorm room. But when it comes to the college graduate, they will be heading into the real world and will definitely be in need of some adult essentials. Although money is always an option, some people {including me!} like to give a gift that will actually serve a purpose for the graduate down the road, so here are a few of my favorites:

Girls are a lot easier than guys, at least in my opinion. Jewelry is always a fantastic gift idea and something like these pearl studs or this initial necklace are a great way to remember the exciting day. Watches are also a great gift, especially for graduates that are heading to the 9-5 real world. And that works for both girls and guys!

Personalized gifts are some of my favorites — both to give and receive! — and I love the idea of these custom city cufflinks and custom city tie. Whether the graduate is off to a new city post-graduation or just to remember his college town, the cufflinks and/or tie would make a memorable gift.

Lastly, a work bag will be essential for the girls and guys that are heading to an office job. A spacious tote is perfect for the girls {and I love the name of this one!} and a sturdy briefcase for the guys.

And just one note about this perfume: I think perfume always makes for a special gift whether it be Mother’s Day, a birthday, anniversary or even a graduation gift. The reason I included this particular scent is because it’s my new obsession! I received a sample from Nordstrom and used it for the first time this weekend and absolutely fell in love. A citrusy, floral scent with a touch of basil makes for a great fresh spring and summer perfume. I’m not one to ever change up my perfume, but I could really see myself wearing this one!

Do you have any graduates to shop for this year? Thanks for dropping by and have a wonderful Wednesday!

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Churro Cupcakes: Cinco de Mayo Dessert

May 2, 2017 by Rachel McCarthy

Who else can’t believe it’s May and Cinco de Mayo is on Friday?! This year is flying by! To celebrate, I thought I would share a spin on a favorite Mexican dessert: churro cupcakes.

Cinco de Mayo Dessert Recipe @rachmccarthy7

Long before A Blonde’s Moment existed, cupcakes were my hobby. I loved trying out different combinations and flooded my office with all sorts of cupcake creations nearly once a week. I even had dreams of opening a cupcakery but, with all the cupcake shops around DC, I was a little behind the “cupcake movement.” Although I don’t make them nearly as much, I still like to experiment with different flavors and toppings so these churro cupcakes were the perfect excuse to do so!

When I was planning out food posts a few weeks ago, I knew I wanted to share a Mexican-inspired recipe for Cinco de Mayo. I originally had something else planned — a healthy dish, actually — but these churro cupcakes came to me in the middle of the night and I knew I had to make them. Don’t worry, I still made the healthy Mexican dish and will be sharing it in a few weeks 🙂

Churros are one of my favorite Mexican desserts so it was an easy choice to recreate this dessert in the form of a cupcake. I didn’t get too crazy with the batter, I just used a cake mix box and added some cinnamon to give it that churro flavor. I did, however, make my favorite buttercream frosting and added even more cinnamon. This buttercream is my go-to when it comes to frosting and good news, it makes more than enough for the cupcakes and will leave you with a little extra to eat by itself, with a spoon, if you are like me that is 😉 I finished each cupcake with a bite-sized churro for the topping and used festive cupcake wrappers to give the cupcake that Cinco de Mayo feel! Check out the easy recipe below.

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Churro Cupcakes

by Rachel McCarthy May-2-2017

Ingredients

1 box golden vanilla cake mix (plus cake ingredients on box)
1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon
4 cups powdered sugar
1 cup butter, softened
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon milk (I used almond milk)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
24 bite-sized churros, topping if desired

Instructions

Prepare and bake cupcakes according to cake mix instructions, adding 1 ½ teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry ingredients. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting. For the buttercream: Mix the powdered sugar and butter together in a mixer on low speed. Once combined, gradually add the vanilla, milk and cinnamon; mix until completely incorporated. Frost the cinnamon cupcakes with the cinnamon buttercream and top each cupcake with a bite-sized churro, if desired. Enjoy!

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Thanks for stopping by, friends! Happy Cinco de Mayo cooking!

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

Ruffle Sleeve Top

May 1, 2017 by Rachel McCarthy

Happy Monday, friends! I don’t know about you, but I’ve never met a ruffle top I didn’t like. And this spring, I haven’t been able to get enough of the trend! When I spotted this top during the Shopbop sale a few weeks ago, I knew that it was something I couldn’t miss out on.

I don’t have a lot of white tops in my closet and I love this one is a dressed up version of a basic tee. It is easy to style with jeans or other pants and you can’t beat the white color for spring and summer {also available in black}. The high neckline and statement sleeves make for a fun and easy way to instantly elevate a look.

Speaking of dressing up a look, how cute are these open toe flats? As soon as I spotted them on French Sole‘s website, I knew it would be perfect to pair with spring and summer outfits — casual and work wear. When it comes to my work week wardrobe, I wear flats almost everyday. And although I have several pairs of black and printed {mostly leopard!] flats, I don’t have that many neutral pairs to wear in the spring and summer. What I love most about these flats is the open toe. Definitely a fun way to mix up your everyday and work day flats!

I hope you all have a great start to the week, friends! See you back here tomorrow for an all new Cinco de Mayo-inspired recipe!

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