A Blonde's Moment

Buffalo Chicken Wonton Bites

January 31, 2017 by Rachel McCarthy

Can you believe the Super Bowl is only just a few days away? Since my Steelers will not be playing in the big game this year, I’m looking forward to cooking up a few of our favorite football appetizers {I told my husband that if the Steelers did make it to the Super Bowl, we were ordering takeout because I didn’t want to miss a second!}

Buffalo chicken goes together with football like peanut butter and jelly, and this bite-sized recipe is the perfect simple and quick appetizer that will let you sit back and enjoy the game.

If you have been following along for awhile, you may remember that I shared a similar recipe last year around Super Bowl time. And as much as I loved the bite-sized tacos then, these buffalo chicken ones might just take the cake. The buffalo sauce is creamy and the wonton wrapper give each bite the perfect crunch.

I know I’m always looking for quick and easy recipes during the Super Bowl — if you don’t have a team in the game, you at least want to see the commercials! What I love most about these bite-sized appetizers is that the buffalo chicken filling and the wontons can be made and “toasted” ahead of time so it only requires about 10 minutes right before you are ready to serve them.

Buffalo Chicken Wonton Bites

{ingredients}

2 cups Rotisserie chicken, finely chopped

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup Frank’s hot sauce

1/2 cup Ranch dressing

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

24 wonton wrappers

Blue cheese crumbles, for garnish

Green onions, diced for garnish

{directions}

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the wonton wrappers in a mini cupcake pan; cook for 5 minutes to “toast”. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, hot sauce, Ranch dressing and cheddar cheese. Add the chicken and stir until completely incorporated. Add a small scoop of the chicken mixture to each wonton cup and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the wrappers are just golden brown. Garnish with blue cheese crumbles and diced green onions, if desired. Makes 24 wonton bites.

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Do you have any fun plans for the Super Bowl? What food is on your football menu for the weekend? Thanks for stopping by and happy cooking!

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

Leopard in the Winter: Faux Leather Jacket

January 30, 2017 by Rachel McCarthy

Leopard. We all know it’s my favorite neutral, pattern and all-around obsession. With the start of February just around the corner, and feeling more ready for spring each day, I wanted to share a little something different this week. Today, I’m styling leopard for the colder months and on Thursday, I will be talking about how to style leopard as we transition into spring. Leopard can be styled with just about everything, and today’s look is a little more edgy with the most fabulous faux leather jacket that is currently on sale!

Faux Leather Jacket: BLANK NYC {on sale & under $60!} | Tunic: Lush {on sale & under $30!} | Leopard Scarf: J.Crew, old {almost identical HERE} | Leggings: Zella | OTK Boots: Vince Camuto, sold out {similar style HERE}| Bag: Tory Burch | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban | Lips: Kim KW & #200

Ironically, layers are another favorite of mine. They are easy to wear and especially warm for the colder months. I have had THIS tunic for a few years now and it’s probably my favorite starting layer piece. I own it in a few colors and now that they are on SUPER sale, I’m thinking about buying another color or two. One of the things I love most about this tunic is that it’s perfect for casual, but easy to wear to work as well. I’m wearing the ivory color.

As I mentioned, this fabulous faux leather jacket is on sale for less than $60! Although I love it in the black, it is also available in a few different colors, including cognac and dark green. Runs TTS and the perfect topper {you may remember when I last styled it HERE with a turtleneck}.

One of the great things about leopard is that it can be easily paired with both black and brown, two staple colors in your fall and winter wardrobe. I love leopard year-round and I’m so excited to share with you how I am styling leopard as we head into spring on Thursday.

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Faux Fur Stole

January 26, 2017 by Rachel McCarthy

Is there any better combination for winter than faux fur and over the knee boots? And a faux fur stole that can go from jackets to cardigans to sweaters is the ultimate in faux fur pieces.

Faux Fur Stole: Sole Society, this color sold out but still available in black | Black Tee: BP. via Nordstrom | Black Cardigan: Halogen | Leggings: Zella | OTK Boots: Steve Madden {I went up 1/2 a size!} | Bag: Chanel, similar style under $300 HERE | Sunglasses: Karen Walker | Lipstick: Kim KW

As you may know, I’m all about versatile, wear many ways kind of pieces and a faux fur stole is precisely this. I had planned on pairing the stole with a coat for the first time I wore it, but once I found THESE over the knee boots, I knew that I wanted to wear the two together. And all black would be the perfect way to let these two statement pieces shine.

Speaking of THESE boots, I ordered them a half size up because, frankly, they didn’t have my size! I thought I would take a chance and figured regardless, I could wear a thicker sock if I needed to. Amazingly enough, the half size up was the perfect fit! These are a great replica for the Stuart Weitzman Highland boots, with the exception of the heel. I’m always drawn to a chunkier heel since they are typically more comfortable and these shoes are no exception! I will also say that I like the fit of these better than the Stuart Weitzman Lowland boots {flat OTK boot, while the Highland have a heel} because I think it will be easier to tuck jeans into the Steve Madden version. Overall, a gorgeous boots at a fraction of the price! P.S. It’s also available in black 😉

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Do you have any fun plans? We thankfully don’t have much going on. It’s been a rough week in the McCarthy house: my husband was sick all last week, I got it the end of last week until the first of this week and Ella has been sick too! I think all three of us are looking forward to a relaxing weekend. Thanks for stopping by!

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Rose Gold

January 25, 2017 by Rachel McCarthy

After all the pretty blush, pink and red in last week’s Valentine’s Day inspiration post, I wanted to stick with the theme and dedicate an entire Wednesday Wishes to rose gold. If there is one color that makes me think spring, this is it. And it’s something that you can start incorporating into your closet, beauty routine or even home decor now.

I will be the first to confess that I haven’t always been a fan of rose gold. I was first introduced to rose gold when it came to jewelry and it just wasn’t for me — I’ve always liked the classic gold and silver combination. But, over the past few months, I have been taking a serious look at this color and the more I see it, the more I like it! I’m still not fully on the jewelry train {although I do love THESE tassel earrings and THIS gorgeous ring} I have fully embraced other accessories. Here are a few of my favorites:

When in comes to home decor, I don’t think I could love these three pieces anymore than I do. You may remember reading about my obsession with Barefoot Dreams a few weeks ago {see the post HERE} and HERE is another blanket to love. As for furniture, I wish there was a place THIS end table {also available in a coffee table} would fit in my house! If I had the space, it definitely would make a great home office piece. Lastly, decorative pillows are one of my weaknesses and I love THIS bold geometric design.

Rose gold shoes would make for the perfect statement piece and I love that the color can be so versatile: THIS flat can be dressed up while THIS flat is great for throwing on to run errands. I have been searching for a slip-on sneaker to wear on the weekends and I was convinced that black was the way to go until I saw these. Although the black are more practical, it’s hard to resist the rose gold!

How do you feel about rose gold? Do you have any rose gold in your closet? Thanks for dropping by and have a wonderful Wednesday!

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Homemade Pop Tarts

January 24, 2017 by Rachel McCarthy

A couple of weeks ago, I was waiting in line at Starbucks and noticed packaged “pop tarts” near the register. Wow, did that bring back a lot of memories! I’ve never been a huge fan of sweets, but growing up, I did like brown sugar Pop Tarts. After seeing the packaged ones at Starbucks, I had a serious craving for one and figured I would be able to recreate this childhood favorite and it would be at least a little healthier than the original.

These are by no means a healthy food, but I think anything made at home has to be a little healthier, right? Growing up, I only liked the brown sugar Pop Tarts without the frosting {I was always adamant about the no frosting haha!}. But, I figured most people liked the frosting so I would include them in this recipe. If you are like me, you can easily leave the frosting off, which I did with one of them and it was so delicious!

If brown sugar wasn’t your favorite flavor, you could easily substitute another filling, like strawberry or raspberry jam. Check out the recipe below!

Homemade Brown Sugar Pop Tarts

{ingredients}

Refrigerated Pie Crust {2 in a pack}

1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons brown sugar

4 tablespoons flour

1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

3 tablespoon Karo syrup

2 tablespoon water

for the frosting:

3/4 cup powdered sugar

1 tablespoon milk

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon vanilla

{directions}

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Unroll the pie crusts and place on lightly floured surface. Roll to make the edges square. Cut into 12 equal rectangles {6 from each pie crust} and spread about 2 teaspoons of the brown sugar filling on the crust, leaving about 1/4 inch of a border. Top with another pastry rectangle, use a little water to seal the edges together and use a fork to crimp the edges together. Bake for 7-8 minutes or until the edges are just brown. Allow to cool before frosting. For the frosting: combine all the ingredients together and brush on each pop tart. Makes 6 pop tarts.

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What was your favorite Pop Tart flavor? Thanks for stopping by and have a great Tuesday!

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

Valentine’s Day Red Sweater

January 23, 2017 by Rachel McCarthy

When it comes to casual outfits, there is nothing better than a sweater, leggings and over the knee boots for me. Add a scarf and you have a complete look that’s perfect for the upcoming Valentine’s Day holiday.

oversized-v-neck-sweater-leggings-outfit

Sweater: Love by Design {red sold out, other colors HERE, similar red v-neck HERE} | Scarf: old {worn as infinity scarf} similar HERE | Leggings: Zella | Bag: Tory Burch | Boots: old, almost identical HERE | Watch: MICHELE | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban | Lips: Kim KW & #200

It seems like there is always a lot of Valentine’s Day outfit inspiration for dressier events or even just going out to dinner. I wanted to share this more casual look for the holiday that also works as a great everyday winter look.

You might recognize this sweater — I wore it last week in the black and white version! I’m a firm believer that if you find something you like, buy multiple or at least multiple colors! I wore this for a few Christmas events and I love that I can bring it back in anticipation for February and Valentine’s Day. And since the sweater has a deeper v-neck, I added the scarf which also changes up the look of the sweater. On the subject of the scarf, I actually tucked the ends up into the scarf to make it more “infinity-like” instead of the traditional blanket scarf style.

Have a great week, friends and see you back here tomorrow for an all new food recipe. I’m remaking one of my favorite childhood treats, so be sure to stop by!

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Greenery Dress Coat

January 19, 2017 by Rachel McCarthy

When I first heard about the color of the year, I was ecstatic. Not only was green a color I loved all fall, my winter coat from last winter would be right in style. And the list of colors that pairs well with greenery is endless. What color am I most looking forward to? Pink, of course!

green-coat-pantone-color-of-the-year-2017

Coat: J.Crew, last season {same style HERE, green color in different style HERE} | Turtleneck: Halogen | Scarf: J.Crew, old {almost identical HERE} | Bag: Modalu {leather style HERE & HERE} | Ankle Boots: Topshop, leather version HERE | Earrings: J.Crew, sold out | Sunglasses: Prada | Lipstick: #47 & #07

Last year, I waited all winter to find the perfect time to break out this coat for the first time. And would you believe there wasn’t one day that was cold enough without snow, rain or ice to wear it? There was no chance I was going to wear this coat in the snow, so I kept waiting. And waiting. Well, here we are, a year later, and I’m wearing it for the first time! And although this exact combination is no longer available, THIS style is and this gorgeous green is available in THIS different style. The color, the tie belt around the waist, what is there not to love? It was pretty chilly taking these pictures and the coat was definitely able to stand up to the cold.

Needless to say, I’m so excited to pair this green with all the bright and fun colors for spring, but in the meantime, I decided to stick to my favorite, go-to pattern: leopard. And although I bought this scarf from J.Crew several years ago, I found an almost identical version HERE — and it’s a lot cheaper!

Since green is the color of the year, I’m looking forward to incorporating more of this fresh color into my closet, especially as we head into the warmer months. Do you have a lot of green in your closet?

Thanks for dropping by, friends! I hope you all have a great rest of the week and weekend. Any fun plans? I have a weekend full of cooking food posts, so stay tuned for some yummy recipes! And the Steelers game, of course. I’m not expecting much since we are headed to Foxborough this weekend, but hey, maybe I will be happily surprised 🙂 See you back here on Monday!

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Valentine’s Day Inspiration

January 18, 2017 by Rachel McCarthy

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, today I wanted to share some inspiration for the holiday. Whether you are looking for a gift or just outfit inspiration, today’s set has it all…with the prettiest color palette!
Since it is Valentine’s Day, I stuck to the pink/blush/red colors for everything from beauty items to home decor to fashion pieces. Here are a few of my favorites:

Starting with the clothing pieces, I never met a midi skirt I didn’t like, but this pink and white stripe skirt might just take the cake. Paired with a lace blouse, strappy sandals {for those living in warmer climates or for those of us who are already ready for spring} and these must-have earrings. You are Valentine’s Day dinner ready.

When it comes to beauty items, there are a few fabulous things on this list! Diptyque candles are some of the best {this one is my very favorite}. The candle that I have included in this set is another rose based candle and only available for a short period of time. Also, this hand lotion is the lotion that I keep in my bag and I’m constantly putting on my hands throughout the day. It is also a limited edition, so grab it quick!

Last, but not least, there are so many cute home decor pieces for Valentine’s Day, including this “yes way, rose” vase. How cute is that?! And not to mention the “galentine’s day” wine glasses and the heart kitchen towels. I love changing my kitchen towels with each season and holiday, so these are on my list to get in the next week.

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful Wednesday!

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Roasted Cauliflower Winter Salad

January 17, 2017 by Rachel McCarthy

Lately, I have been on a healthy recipe planning kick {you may remember the quinoa pizza crust recipe from last week}. And in today’s post, I am combining a few of my very favorite ingredients to create a healthy and delicious winter salad.

Winter White Jeans

January 16, 2017 by Rachel McCarthy

Pairing a black and white sweater with over the knee boots can make wearing white jeans in the dead of winter perfectly acceptable. Add a pop of pink lipstick for a cute and casual winter white outfit.

Sweater: Love By Design, on sale — more sizes HERE | Jeans: Old Navy | OTK Boots: DSW, similar HERE | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban | Bag: Chanel, buy it secondhand in the single flap HERE {similar style under $300 HERE} | Necklace: Onecklace c/o {wearing XXL size} | Lips: #31 & #205

I had been wanting to share a winter white look with you for a few weeks now and I was trying to decide on the perfect top to wear with these white jeans {which are one of my favorites — they are TTS and the regular are actually a good length, which is difficult to find}. I then remembered that I picked up THIS black and white marble sweater the first of December and hadn’t had a chance to wear it yet — a comfy, high-low sweater that was a great price when I purchased it and an even better price now!

One of my favorite ways to wear a winter white and black look is to pair it with a bright pop of color somewhere in the outfit. Now that the holiday season is over, I’m back to my bright pink lipstick and I couldn’t be more excited! I used THIS lipstick and put THIS gloss on top. It makes for a bright and fun lip color that will last you just about all day.

I hope you all had a great weekend and a fabulous week ahead! It’s an interesting week here in the D.C. area: with Martin Luther King Jr. Day today and the Inauguration on Friday, most people only have a three-day work week! Unfortunately, I am one of the few people in the area that isn’t a government contractor or works directly for the government, so that means a full week of work for me. The one bright side is that hopefully the traffic will be light to start and end the week!

Thanks for dropping by and see you back here tomorrow for an easy and healthy winter salad recipe.

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