A Blonde's Moment

Snow Day

January 12, 2017 by Rachel McCarthy

We had our first official snowfall of the year on Saturday. It was the perfect chance to break out all the warm clothes, beanie and cute gloves. As you can see, this is the face of one happy northern-at-heart girl!

Cardigan: Barefoot Dreams | Beanie: Burton | Tee: BP. via Nordstrom | Leggings: Zella | Boots: Sperry | Gloves: J.Crew, old {similar HERE} | Lipstick: #310

I had been checking the weather all day Friday, hoping that we would get at least a dusting. By Friday evening, I was monitoring the hourly forecast to see when the snow would start. I was trying to plan my day around getting pictures in the snow, Pure Barre class at 8:30am and running errands the rest of the day. The snow was suppose to start at 7am, so I figured we could get the pictures done and I could still make it to barre on time. All in all, the hourly forecast was pretty spot on — the snow started right at 7:15am, the sunrise at 7:30am, we headed out to take the pictures and I made it to barre with time to spare. Things don’t typically work out this well! Just a little behind the scenes for this set of pictures 🙂

As you can tell from the pictures, the wind was really blowing the snow around when it first started, which made for some pretty shots. Growing up in Ohio, snow was a part of our daily life in the winter; it was just something we were use to. Now, living in Virginia, snow is less frequent and the majority of people FREAK at the sign of a snowflake. I guess it’s understandable when the roads aren’t plowed, but this snow wasn’t more than an inch! Let’s just say I appreciate the snow a lot more now living further south, but I can only fully enjoy it when I’m home and not on the roads.

Nothing says snow day like cozy and warm pieces. My obsession with Barefoot Dreams is beginning to be a problem. I have THIS cardigan (pictured above), THIS cardigan I wear around the house, THIS blanket and THIS robe! I cannot get enough of the soft and warm Barefoot Dreams fabric: it has even turned into my standard “after work uniform” because of it’s cozy texture. Ella has even fallen in love with Barefoot Dreams — not only does she hog the entire blanket but she takes her two front paws and rips the blanket off of me, bunches the fabric and burrows down to create a little bed for herself! They make a baby blanket and I am considering order that one for Ella for her birthday, since it’s smaller and would be more her size. Crazy dog mom over here but I would like my blanket back!

Any fun plans for the weekend? Not much on our agenda, but looking forward to relaxing and watching the Steelers play on Sunday. Thanks for stopping by and have a great rest of your week and weekend!

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Favorite Fashion Finds of 2016

January 11, 2017 by Rachel McCarthy

Suede OTK Boots, no longer available {similar & on sale HERE} | Reversible Tote | Studded Sandals {available in black, sand & silver, too!} | Monogram Necklace | Pink Hunter Boots | Red Coat with Faux Fur Hood | Blush Bucket Bag | Tassel Earrings | Platform Espadrilles

Last week, I shared a few of my favorite beauty finds from 2016 and this week, it’s all about fashion. By the looks of it, 2016 was definitely the year of shoes!

Suede OTK Boots {similar HERE}: I had these OTK boots on my list since the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale back in July. Needless to say when I got them for my birthday in November, I was thrilled! The color, style and heel height are all perfect. I have a hard time saying no to suede boots and with this OTK style, it’s easy to pair with leggings or jeans. See them in a post HERE.

Reversible Tote: Where to start with this tote. The color, the price {under $50!} or it’s multipurpose style? I love it all and have found myself carrying mine on a daily basis. It has become my “work bag” for car travel and what I carry my laptop, camera, cords and agenda in daily to work so I can work on ABM during my lunch hour. Although I love the fact that it’s reversible, I’ve never reversed mine — duh, it’s pink! Available in several colors, it doesn’t get much better than this tote. There is even a clutch on the inside! Seen on the blog HERE.

Studded Sandals: I have swooned over the Valentino Rockstud Sandals for what seems like years, so when these designer dupes hit stores, I knew I had to have them. They were my go-to flat sandal this summer and with the sandal’s blush color, it can go with almost everything in your closet. While these sandals were a lot less than the designer version when I purchased them, they are even less now! I found them super marked down and still available HERE & even more colors HERE. See these designer dupes on the blog HERE.

Monogram Necklace: Oh, monograms. If you have been following along for awhile, you probably already know about my obsession with anything monogram. But if I had to pick one monogram piece that I wear the most, it would probably be THIS necklace. I wear the XXL size, but also have a variety sizes in other monogram necklaces {I know, I’m obsessed!}. See the monogram necklace on the blog HERE.

Pink Hunter Boots: While Hunter Boots are not a 2016 find, the pink color is. I love my red Hunter boots and wear them a lot in the fall, but I think that I will completely embrace the pink version this spring. Since I got them over the summer, I was only able to wear them a few times this fall. I’m definitely looking forward to all the spring outfit possibilities with these bright boots. See them styled on the blog HERE.

Red Coat with Faux Fur Hood: Arguably my favorite purchase of 2016 {at the very least, my favorite purchase of the second half of the year} was this red coat. I hardly even took it off for the month of December — there were so many ways to style it during the Christmas and holiday season! I had loved the coat when I saw it at J.Crew a few years ago and could never justify the price. But, when I saw the style at J.Crew Factory, priced below $150 {when I bought it} I couldn’t pass up the deal!. At last check, a few sizes remain and it’s marked down to $134! See it styled on the blog HERE & HERE.

Blush Bucket Bag: I fell in love with this blush monogram bucket bag last spring and carried it so much during the warmer months. Bucket bags are one of my favorite handbag styles — they are spacious and you can wear this particular bag either over your shoulder or crossbody. And you can’t beat the personalized touch of the monogram 🙂 See the bag style on the blog HERE & HERE.

Tassel Earrings: Tassels were a big part of my life in 2016, I bought several items {including a few pairs of earrings} that fit this trend. I love the rich blue hue of THESE long tassel earrings. I originally bought them to wear in the summer, but they act as the perfect vibrant pop of color for the winter months and as we transition into spring. See them styled on the blog HERE.

Platform Espadrilles: Last, but certainly not least, are these platform espadrilles that I loved wearing all summer. Another designer dupe {see the designer and much more expensive version HERE} these are the epitome of cute and comfortable {yay for platform shoes!}. They were available in a few colors {I own the “orange suede”} and patterns earlier this year and are still available HERE. You can see how I styled these statement summer shoes HERE & HERE.

Did you have a favorite fashion find of 2016? Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful Wednesday!

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Healthy Pizza Recipe: Quinoa Crust

January 10, 2017 by Rachel McCarthy

With the start of a new year, it’s a great opportunity to begin incorporating healthier dishes into your weekly meals. Friday is pizza night in our house and in an effort to make healthier meals throughout the week, I decided to swap out the traditional crust and replace it with an unusual ingredient: quinoa.

Pizza Friday is something we look forward to each week, it’s always the perfect ending to a long week at work. While the toppings typically vary from week to week, I usually use store bought pizza dough because it’s easy. And who doesn’t want an easy dinner on Friday night? {You can see my entire collection of pizza recipes I’ve shared on the blog HERE} The only other time I didn’t use a traditional crust was almost two years ago when I made THIS cauliflower crust, which was delicious!

But, in the spirit of healthy eating, I made the traditional caprese pizza with a quinoa crust and wow, was it good! I used an 9 inch round cake pan to make them more “personal pan” size. And although this is healthier than traditional pizza, the personal pan slices allow you to limit how many slices you consume 😉 And although I didn’t use many toppings on this pizza, the crust is pretty durable so feel free to dress this healthy pizza like you would regular dough.

**I will say that the crust does really taste like quinoa. If you don’t care for quinoa, know that the baking and toppings {at least the toppings I used} don’t really mask the quinoa taste. It’s pretty tasty if you are a fan of quinoa like me though!**

Overall, an easy and delicious substitute for regular pizza dough. It is a little more time consuming than the store-bought version {what wouldn’t be!} but it is definitely better for you and more filling! Check out the recipe below.

Personal Pan Quinoa Crust Pizzas: Caprese Toppings

{what you will need}

for the crust:

3/4 cup quinoa

2 – 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup water plus more for soaking

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

for caprese toppings {per individual pizza}

1/4 – 1/2 cup pizza sauce

1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

6-8 cherry tomatoes, halved

3-4 fresh basil leaves, roughly torn

{directions}

Soak the quinoa overnight with water covering the quinoa by at least one inch. When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a 9 inch round cake pan with parchment paper and drizzle 1 – 1 1/2 tablespoons of the olive oil into the center, spreading the oil around with your hands to make sure the parchment paper and sides of the pan are covered. Rinse the quinoa that has been soaking overnight with cold water and transfer to a food processor. Add 1/4 cup water, baking powder, salt and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Blend until the mixture is smooth. Pour the mixture into the prepared cake pan and bake for about 15 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and flip the quinoa crust. Bake for another 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just brown. To make caprese pizza: top with sauce, cheese, tomatoes and basil and bake for another 12 minutes, or just until the cheese has melted. Allow to cool for 2 minutes in the cake dish before transferring to a cutting board. Slice, serve and enjoy!

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

Boots with the Fur

January 9, 2017 by Rachel McCarthy

When it comes to finding a comfortable outfit on a cold winter day, I can’t think of anything better than a cozy, oversized cardigan and UGG boots.

Overzied Cardigan: Free People | Tee: BP. via Nordstrom | Jeans: Current/Elliott | Boots: UGG | Necklace: Onecklace {XXL size} c/o | Bag: Tory Burch | Sunglasses: Karen Walker | Lips: Snob, Petal Ice

You might not be able to tell from the pictures, but it was a chilly and snowy weekend here in Northern Virginia. Although the snow was a Saturday morning and early afternoon event {and I don’t think we even got an inch} the cold temperatures continued through yesterday and it was about 20 degrees when we took these pictures. And that was without the windchill!

Needless to say, I was reaching for my warmest and coziest pieces all weekend long. I had this sweater on my wish list for a few months and I was so excited when I found it under the Christmas tree from my parents. I love oversized sweaters and this one is no exception. I can’t get over how warm it is!

And speaking of warm, although UGG boots get a bad reputation, these are probably the shoes I wear the most in the winter and rank pretty high on my list of favorite shoes. They are comfortable, super warm and are easy to throw on when running to the grocery store, errands or when I’m outside with Ella!

This is definitely my definition of a cozy weekend outfit. What is your ideal winter weekend look? Thanks for stopping by and have a great start to the week!

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Blue Shawl Vest

January 5, 2017 by Rachel McCarthy

I never met a layer I didn’t love. And just because fall is over doesn’t mean you have to put those layers away. Arguably, winter is an even better time for layering — especially when the cold temperatures hit, it becomes a necessity!

Shawl/Vest: lou lou boutique {similar style HERE, similar color HERE} | Turtleneck: Halogen via Nordstrom {great staple piece, available in several colors} | Leggings: Zella | Earrings: BaubleBar | Ring: David Yurman | Watch: MICHELE | Bag: Chanel, buy it pre-owned HERE | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban | Ankle Boots: DSW {similar & on sale HERE} | Lipstick: #47

A convertible shawl/vest layered over a turtleneck and leggings is my idea of the perfect layered winter look. Although, I can’t take credit for finding this fabulous vest {I’m wearing it as the longer style here, but if you flip it around, it can be shorter too!}. The credit goes to my sweet cousin and his fiance for picking out the perfect Christmas gift. I love the draped front and this blue-ish grey color, which has winter’s name written all over it. When I reverse the vest to wear it in the shorter style, I will be sure it’s a sunny day so you can see the color better.

In other news, you might have seen my post on Snapchat {rach.mccarthy7} a few weeks ago about an unfortunate incident I had with a deer on my way home from work. I am so happy that I finally got my car back after some extensive repairs and it’s as good as new. With snow in the forecast for tomorrow, there was no way I was taking the rental car for a spin…quite literally! I’m so happy to be back in my SUV!

Any fun plans for the first full weekend of 2017? I’m secretly excited for the first potential snowfall of the year, as long as it starts once I’m home for the night! See you back here on Monday!

This post is linked up 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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Favorite Beauty Finds of 2016

January 4, 2017 by Rachel McCarthy

At the start of each year, I like to review a few of my favorite beauty and fashion finds from the past few months. These are just a few of my top discoveries of 2016 and products that I use either daily or weekly.

ONE // Dior ‘Crème de Rose’ Smoothing Lip Balm: A recent discovery, this lip balm not only tastes good but leaves your lips feeling so soft and smooth. Although I just started using this at the beginning of December, I have been religiously wearing it each night and cannot believe how hydrated my lips feel. In the winter, my lips are constantly chapped and I have yet to experience that dry feeling since using this lip balm. A little on the expensive side, but totally worth it!

TWO // Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery: This oil is one of my favorites. I apply this concentrate to my clean skin every other night {to make it last longer!} and have noticed a huge difference in my skin. By morning, my face feels and looks smoother and more radiant. Originally, I bought this last January to wear only in the winter months when my face was feeling dry, but I continued throughout the summer and fall because it was that good. You only need about two drops — I’m still on my first bottle that I purchased almost a year ago! **If your hands are super dry like mine, you can put a drop of the oil in your hand cream before massaging into your hands.**

THREE // IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer: I was introduced to IT Cosmetics in 2016 and I use their products each day. I love everything I have tried! {you can read a full review of the latest line from IT Cosmetics HERE} For the purposes of this post, I had to limit myself to my two favorite products: THIS under eye concealer and THIS mascara {see below}. This concealer can really hide it all — use it under your eye or over blemishes. A little goes a long way and I typically apply the concealer using THIS concealer brush or the beautyblender {see below}. For reference, I wear the “light” color.

FOUR // Simple Foaming Face Cleanser: For an everyday face cleanser, you can’t get much more practical than this foaming cleanser. I first tried this brand at a conference in Chicago and loved their makeup removing wipes. But, I actually discovered the foaming cleanser by accident. I had run out of THIS Clarisonic cleanser and while at the grocery store, I saw the familiar Simple packaging. I didn’t have time to stop at Ulta that day, so I picked up this foaming cleanser — it was designed for sensitive skin and I had loved the makeup wipes, so why not? Priced at under $6 {!!!} this is my go-to, everyday face wash. I sometimes mix it up with other formulas {see THIS post} but for an everyday /two times a day cleanser, this is awesome. And perfect for sensitive skin!

FIVE // Beautycounter Hand Cream: I was first introduced to Beautycounter back in 2015, but it took me until 2016 to discover the hand cream. As I have mentioned countless of times, my hands are terribly dry in the winter. I keep THIS hand cream {I use the citrus mimosa scent, but it’s also available in rose neroli} by the side of my bed and put it on each night before going to sleep. Although I keep other hand creams around the house, at my desk and in my purse for moisturizing throughout the day, this is my favorite to use at night.

SIX // Jouer Long-Wear Liquid Lipstick: I am always looking for new lipsticks to fall in love with {you know how I like to match my lipstick with my outfit!} so when I discovered Jouer and all the pretty colors they have to offer, I was definitely intrigued. The first color I bought was cabernet {pictured above} which was perfect for fall and the holidays. I also have cassis, another fall favorite. I have never been a huge fan of matte lipsticks, but I love these. The colors are gorgeous and they are super long lasting. Next on my “to try list”: THIS lip topper from Jouer and their line of hydrating lipsticks, specifically the Whitney color — perfect for spring!

SEVEN // beautyblender Makeup Sponge: Before purchasing the beautyblender for myself, I had heard SO many people rave about it. I finally broke down and purchased one for myself. As I mentioned above, I like to use it to apply concealer to my under eye area {along with the concealer brush} for easy application. For me, I think the beautyblender takes a little more time, so I typically only use it when I have plenty of time for applying makeup aka not on workdays!

EIGHT // Drybar ‘Hot Toddy’ Heat & UV Protectant: After running out of the usual heat protectant my hair dresser uses, I happened to be at Nordstrom when I came across the entire Drybar section of products {if you haven’t checked out their line, I would highly recommend it. Next on my list: THIS dry shampoo — because I use dry shampoo just about every other day!} I love that this is not only a heat protectant but also UV, perfect for summer days. I apply this to my wet hair before drying each time I wash my hair. It protects your hair up to 450 degrees!

NINE // IT Cosmetics Superhero Mascara: The second of my top 2 IT Cosmetics products goes to THIS mascara. I had been using the same mascara since high school, it was in my comfort zone and easy for so many years, why change? But after trying this Superhero Mascara, I haven’t looked back. This formula not only lengthens your lashes but also makes them look fuller. For simple makeup days, I usually just wear an everyday eyeshadow {THIS is my favorite in retrospeck} with this mascara. The mascara gives your lashes such a dramatic effect, you really don’t need much more for a casual look.

TEN // Tula Exfoliating Treatment Mask: I have had the opportunity to try quite a few face masks over the past year and THIS exfoliating mask from Tula is definitely a favorite. I use it mainly in the colder months when my face is in serious need of exfoliating and purifying. Although the mask can be used up to two or three times a week, I only use it once a week during the winter months. I apply a thin layer of the mask to my clean, dry face and allow it to sit for about 5 minutes before massaging the mask into my face with damp fingers and rinsing it off with cool water. I love how soft my face feels after using it!

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That’s a wrap on my favorite beauty products from 2016! I’ll be back tomorrow with an all new outfit post so stay tuned. Thanks for stopping by and see you tomorrow!

The Best Healthy Recipes for 2017

January 3, 2017 by Rachel McCarthy

Happy New Year, friends! To start the new year, I compiled a list of a few of my favorite healthy recipes to start 2017 off on the right track. I will be sharing a few new healthy recipes in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!

Homemade Granola

{original post HERE}

The perfect way to top your yogurt and it’s easy to customize!

Cauliflower Mac & Cheese

{original post HERE}

Mac and cheese is one of my favorite comfort foods, so it was so fun to create a healthier version of a favorite. See another spin on mac and cheese below!

Freezable Breakfast Sandwiches

{original post HERE}

Weekday breakfast can be challenging, but these freezable breakfast sandwiches can be made ahead of time and when you are ready to eat them, pop them in the microwave and breakfast is done!

freezable-egg-white-breakfast-sandwiches

Quinoa Caprese Salad

{original post HERE}

Quinoa is one of my favorite foods — it’s healthy and super filling! I love finding new ways to incorporate quinoa into recipes and this caprese salad was no exception. This was my go-to lunch for work over the summer. You can’t beat a healthy, make ahead lunch!

Mediterranean Cauliflower Rice

{original post HERE}

Speaking of healthy lunch ideas, this mediterranean cauliflower rice is easy and can be made over the weekend and divided into containers for a weeks worth of lunch.

mediterranean-cauliflower-rice-packable-lunch-idea

Peanut Butter & Berry Breakfast Smoothie

{original post HERE}

I tried recreating one of my favorite smoothies I discovered while visiting Rehoboth Beach last spring with a healthier peanut butter!

healthy-breakfast-smoothie-peanut-butter-berry

Overnight Oats: 3 Ways

{original post HERE}

Another recipe for an easy weekday morning, these overnight oats are made the night before. I made three different combinations in this post: carrot cake oatmeal, berry oatmeal and my favorite, peanut butter banana oatmeal!

Zoodle Mac & Cheese

{original post HERE}

Another healthy mac and cheese recipe {I told you it was my favorite comfort food!}. A Pinterest favorite, this zoodle mac and cheese is super simple and tastes just like the real thing {minus the calories!}

Quinoa Salad with Pesto

{original post HERE}

Last, but not least, another packable lunch idea. Any ingredients would work for this salad, but I recreated one of my favorite salads from a local restaurant. A much more cost effective way to enjoy this healthy lunch!

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Whew! I’m hungry now! I hope these recipes helped with food planning for a healthy start to 2017. See you back here tomorrow for an all new Wednesday Wishes!

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

Ringing in the New Year with Fringe

December 29, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

2016 was a year of many trends. And one thing is for sure: fringe would definitely be included in this list. There is no better way to celebrate the end of 2016 than with one of the year’s hottest trends.

Sweater: Moon River | Cropped Jeans: cabi c/o {similar HERE} | Ankle Booties: Topshop, last season {leather version HERE} | Bag: Chanel, classic in jumbo {used HERE, similar style under $300 HERE} | Rings: David Yurman, Nordstrom {similar HERE} | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban | Lipstick: #47

I shared a dressier NYE outfit idea last week {you can see that post HERE} and today I wanted to share a look that was slightly more casual. I have had my eye on THIS sweater for a few months now. I love the fringe hem, chunky knit style and the cuff sleeves are also a great detail. And as much as I love it, I was surprised about the length. When I read THIS review, the model is listed at 5’9 and wearing a size small. I had planned on wearing it with leggings so I figured the medium would be plenty long since I am about 5’8. Well, the measurements seem to be a little off. The sweater was much shorter on me and since leggings were out of the question, I went with THESE cropped black jeans {similar style HERE}. They sit a little higher, which worked well with the unexpected length of the sweater.

Although I was surprised about the length, I still really like the sweater! The fit otherwise is perfect and true to size. I went with the black and white theme for this look not only for New Year’s Eve, but also to allow the fringe to be the star of the show!

Thanks so much for stopping by and have a wonderful and safe New Year’s Eve! See you back here in 2017!

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Winter Skincare with Orogold

December 28, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

Now that the holidays are over and winter is officially here, it’s the perfect time to talk beauty routines for winter. It’s been a few months since I shared a makeup or skincare post with you, so I wanted to update you with a brand that I recently discovered.

NYE Champagne Sugar Cookies

December 27, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

If you are still in the baking spirit after Christmas and you are looking for a different dessert for New Year’s Eve, these champagne flute shaped sugar cookies are not only cute, but fun to make. And, this sugar cookie recipe is the BEST ever. And, perfect for any occasion!

I first shared my mom’s sugar cookie recipe last year. We make sugar cookies for multiple occasions throughout the year, but especially around Christmastime. To switch things up this year, we decided to make champagne flute shaped cookies that are perfect for NYE. I used gold glitter and edible pearls to give the effect of champagne bubbles on the cookies, which was such a fun touch. Check out the recipe below, it really is the best sugar cookie I have ever had!

New Year’s Eve Champagne Sugar Cookies

{what you will need}

3 cups flour

1 teaspoon powder sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup butter

3/4 cup sugar

1 egg

2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

{directions}

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Mix all of the ingredients together. Wrap in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator overnight. Roll dough and cut into desired shapes. Bake 5-7 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool completely before icing.

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