A Blonde's Moment

Casual #OOTD

March 21, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

Shein striped cardigan c/o | black tank | black jeans | Urban Expressions fringe ‘Arizona’ bucket bag {obsessed!} c/o | Ray-Ban sunglasses | tan mules, mine are from last year {super similar here & they are under $100!} | monogrammed earrings | lipstick {210}, lipgloss {turkish delight}

Happy Monday! Hope you all had a fabulous weekend! We thankfully didn’t see much snow {and nothing stuck to the ground!} but it was a pretty rainy and dreary weekend. We actually got these pictures done right before the rain started Saturday morning! Whew!

There is nothing like a good, casual outfit. Something that’s comfortable, cute and could be worn all day while running errands is my definition of a good casual outfit. What about you? As I talked about in last week’s post, layers are essential with the changing spring temperatures, and this striped cardigan from Shein is a great layering piece that can be styled with just about any color in your closet. I love the slight waterfall style of the cardigan, which I think adds to the casual style of the entire look. Doesn’t the waterfall cardigan just scream comfort?!

I paired this black and white look with my go-to spring and summer tan mules and this FABULOUS fringe bucket bag from Urban Expressions. When I first spotted the ‘Arizona’ fringe bag, I knew I had to have it. Not only was it a perfect match for my favorite mules, it combined two of my favorite trends for spring: the bucket bag and fringe! I wore it with the regular handbag strap, but it also comes with the crossbody strap, which is ideal for running errands {especially the grocery store!}, right?! I’m definitely looking forward to carrying this “bag of the moment” all spring, but with it’s neutral, tan color, it can easily carry you into summer and fall, too!

Thanks for dropping by and be sure to stop back tomorrow for a fun Easter recipe you will not want to miss! Have a great start to the week!

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My Favorite Spring Jacket

March 17, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

green utility jacket {mine is last season, this is current version} | similar shirt {mine is old!} | Current/Elliott jeans {my very favorite!} | leopard pumps, sold out {similar style & only $80} | pearl earrings | Tory Burch tote {updated version} | Kate Spade watch | Karen Walker sunglasses | lipstick {creme cup}, lipgloss {turkish delight}

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! The warmer temperatures we have been experiencing the last week have me thinking all things spring. Alas, the weather has different plans with snow flurries in the forecast for Sunday. Snow flurries?! How is that even possible when we had temperatures in the 70s yesterday? Since we do have a few weeks left of these crazy, fluctuating temperatures, there is one thing that needs to get on my mind: layers.

Layering with a lightweight jacket is the best way to combat this awkward spring weather. And with so many spring jackets to choose from, there aren’t many things that beat this utility jacket in my closet. I bought this utility jacket last spring {I’ve linked the current version of this same jacket above} and I literally have worn it each season. Pair it with shorts on a cool summer night, riding boots in the fall, layered over a chunky sweater for winter {you may remember it from my #snowzilla post} and of course in the spring with a light shirt.

Not only is it season versatile, but it’s also closet versatile! The green is a great neutral {it also comes in a khaki} and can easily be worn with jeans, white jeans, skirts…you name it, you can probably wear this jacket with it! I also love the idea of pairing it with a floral dress or more feminine pieces — the perfect way to achieve a fun juxtaposition!

Spring jackets are a great way to transition into the new season, and there are so many cute styles to pick from right now! I’ve included some of my favorites below for you to browse, and they are all under $100! What is you favorite jacket for spring? I don’t know about you, but denim jackets definitely come in a close second for me 😉

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! I’m hoping to possibly see some of the Cherry Blossoms {peak bloom is happening soon thanks to the warm weather!} and catch up on some food posts this weekend to share with you in the coming weeks. See you Monday!

P.S. If you are looking for some St. Patrick’s Day recipes, here is a great, simple dish for dinner and a fun treat!

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BEST SPRING JACKETS

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Spring Accessories Under $100

March 16, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

Beige:

handbag | mules | nail polish {naked} | lipgloss {glisten}

Blush:

crossbody bag | flamingo espadrilles | nail polish {#25} | lipgloss {fashion scoop}

Coral:

mini tote & wristlet {only $38!} | lace-up sandals | nail polish {jolly good} | lipgloss {carina}

Crimson:

envelope clutch | lace-up flats {on sale!} | nail polish {#999} | lipstick {dangerous}

Happy Wednesday! A little different Wednesday Wishes for you this week, what do you think?! My intent for this collage was just simply my favorite handbags and shoes for spring, because, I don’t know about you, but those are two of my favorite kinds of accessories in my closet! But, as I was adding items I liked to the board I was creating, I noticed some serious trends in the colors I was picking. So instead, I decided to incorporate my picks for spring accessories with my favorite colors of the season while keeping each item under $100! That’s a win-win-win, right?!

There are so many things I love about these spring pieces, it’s hard to know where to start. As you know from Monday’s post, I have a serious crush on blush for spring, but who doesn’t! Blush lipgloss and nail polish are my go-to during the season, and I love both of these shades. Although, the brighter shades of coral and crimson also have my heart — how cute is this mini tote and wristlet and the vibrant red envelope clutch with the zipper detailing?! I have the tote and wristlet in a larger version {taupe/pale pink} that I bought last year and I get so much use out of it — it’s great for work, travel and even serves as my laptop, camera, cords, etc. bag at times!

Besides these gorgeous colors, this collage also features two of my favorite trends for spring: tassels and lace-ups. I’m so glad both are sticking around for at least another season because both trends add the perfect pop of detail {is that a thing?}. You can’t beat this blush tassel crossbody bag or the tassel handbag with two strap options. I love that both are very neutral shades that will take you all the way through summer and can be worn with virtually anything in your closet. And speaking of summer, I think I will definitely be adding these lace-up sandals to my closet — they are the perfect color and style for spring/summer!

One last thing! Did you catch these cute flamingo espadrilles?! I just recently discovered Soludos — how did I not know about them before this?! They have the cutest designs and I am already eyeing these {I mean, way too appropriate after yesterday’s post!} and these {since my obsession is real}!! Have any of your tried these espadrilles? I would love to know what you think of them!

Thanks so much for dropping by and have a wonderful Wednesday!

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Cheeseburger Pizza

March 15, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

I know I am normally all about the healthier recipes, but I couldn’t resist sharing this delicious, and not so healthy, pizza recipe with you! For those of you who have been following along for awhile, you know Friday night is pizza night in our house. I love experimenting with different ingredients for fun, new pizzas {Two of my all-time favorite are here {just made this Friday night!} and here {my husband’s favorite combination}.

I’m not a huge meat person but I do love a good burger — I know, crazy right?! I don’t cook meat too often at home truthfully because I don’t like handling it, but I know how much my husband loves it so I do try to make it occasionally. I started experimenting with the idea of a cheeseburger pizza at the end of last year {if you follow me on Snapchat {rach.mccarthy7} you may remember seeing a few pictures of it!}. But, I wanted to make it a few times to get the recipe down before I shared it with all of you! And, let me just say, this pizza is AMAZING. It literally tastes like you are eating a burger. I feel like I am pretty well-versed when it comes to pizza making and I think this might be my favorite one yet — says the almost vegetarian 🙂

Like with many of my recipes, you can totally customize this to how you would create your own burger. Although I would never want pickles on a burger, I did add them to the pizza and it gave the entire pizza an amazing flavor!

Print Recipe Here

Cheeseburger Pizza

{what you will need}

1 pound ground beef {I used 90/10}

2 tablespoons + 1/3 cup ketchup

2 tablespoons low fat mayo

1 teaspoon yellow mustard

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons barbecue sauce

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 pint grape tomatoes, chopped

1/4 small red onion, chopped

1/3 cup hamburger dill pickles, chopped

1/3 cup shredded lettuce

Store-bought pizza dough

{directions}

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Begin by browning the ground beef over medium heat until it is cooked through and no longer pink. Reduce the heat to low and add 1/3 cup ketchup, yellow and Dijon mustards and the barbecue sauce. Mix to combine completely and set aside. In a small bowl, mix the remaining ketchup {2 tablespoons} with the mayo to create the pizza’s “sauce”. Place the pizza dough onto a pizza stone or pan and spread the ketchup and mayo mixture over the dough. Add the ground beef on top of the sauce and continue with the remaining toppings: cheddar cheese, tomatoes, red onion and pickles. Transfer to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Remove the pizza from the oven and top with the shredded lettuce. Allow to sit for a few minutes before cutting and serving. Enjoy!

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Thanks for dropping by and happy cooking!

Blushing for Spring

March 14, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

Mark and Graham bucket bag, zip pouch & monogram cuff bracelet c/o | grey tunic {$58 & super soft, true to size} | white jeans | blush lace-up flats {under $100!} | sunglasses | nail polish {romantique, I did 3 coats} | lipstick {creme cup}, lipgloss {turkish delight}

Happy Monday, hope you all had a wonderful weekend! As I hinted last week, there was going to be a lot of blush in today’s post — isn’t it a great way to welcome spring?! There is something so fresh and clean about this spring neutral, and I love that I am finally able to start incorporating it into my wardrobe.

Combine this gorgeous, springy color with one of the hottest handbags of the moment, the bucket bag, and you are well on your way to creating the most gorgeous spring look. Not only is this bag the prettiest blush color, it’s a super functional bag as well: with two sizes of straps, wear it as a crossbody or as a handbag — it’s so versatile! And this cute zipped pouch is the perfect accessory for your purse to hold lipgloss or even your iPad, or carry it alone as a clutch for a night out. And, the one thing that makes this bag, pouch and cuff even better is that it’s monogrammed! There is no denying my love for plastering my monogram over anything and everything, and Mark and Graham will do just that! I have several pieces {you may remember this bag} and their collections just keep getting better and better!

As we start to move our winter clothes out of our closets to make room for all the pretty spring tones, it’s a great time to break out the white jeans {even though Easter is still a little over a week away!}. Pairing white jeans with a darker grey top and the blush accessories is spring appropriate, but isn’t overdone for mid- to late-March. And I love the way the white and grey mix to allow the blush to be the real star of the show!

Incorporating the blush bag with the blush lace-up flats is a fabulous way to get spring off to a great start, don’t you think?! Have you started to add these soft, neutral tones into your outfits yet? I would love to hear in the comments section below. Hope you all have a wonderful start to the week and see you tomorrow!

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Spring Floral

March 10, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

Design History cardigan c/o {no longer available} | J.Crew floral blouse {on sale! I sized up for length} | Current/Elliott jeans | Rebecca Minkoff red bag | Karen Walker sunglasses | Tory Burch flats {I sized down 1/2 size} | earrings | Lancome lipstick {#110}

Happy Thursday! Today’s floral blouse is definitely not the soft and feminine florals that we typically see in the spring. Don’t get me wrong, I love blush for spring {just wait until Monday’s post!} but there is something unexpected about these bright florals this time of the year.

I decided to pair this floral number with the cozy Design History cardigan. {Unfortunately, the cardigan is from the fall collection and is no longer available, but there are so many fabulous pieces in the spring collection, you will have to take a look!} Since it still is the beginning of March, the navy cardigan was the perfect balance for this vibrant top. But, what I love most about this blouse is that I will be able to wear it all summer with shorts, skirts and white jeans. And it’s the perfect way to achieve a patriotic look for Memorial Day and the Fourth of July!

I’ve been wearing a lot of brown and tan accessories as of late, and these Tory Burch flats are the perfect way to complete the look. Just a heads up on these flats: I have had the black version of the Reva flats for a few years now and they have the elastic in the back of the shoe. I got the tan flats around Christmas and these do not have the elastic! Apparently, they changed the design and I had to size down a half size in the new Reva. Just an FYI if you are looking to buy these!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Not much planned for us, but I’m so looking forward to getting some house work and errands done and maybe even some outside work! The weather has been absolutely gorgeous here in the DC area this week. It was in the 80s yesterday! I don’t want to get my hopes up, I’m sure our usual March weather will be back next week.

Thanks so much for dropping by and be sure to stop by on Monday for an exciting, all new post you won’t want to miss! Happy Friday Eve!

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mint green

March 9, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

tunic sweater {extra 30% off with code SHOPNOW} | chevron swimsuit | sunglasses | nail polish {blossom dandy} | beaded necklace | scallop wallet {love the matching bag, too!} | floral iphone case {on sale!} | tassel scarf | watch | floral skirt | bucket bag | over-sized stone bracelet | statement earrings | pointy toe flats

Today’s Wednesday Wishes is all about my latest color crush. And, since it’s March, the timing could not be more perfect! This color crush actually originated with this mint green nail polish. My polish of choice is typically something in the nude to pink range with red over the holidays. Let’s just say I don’t get too crazy with nail polish colors! The fact that I picked up this nail polish to examine it closer was SO outside the box. Granted, I haven’t purchased this color yet, but it’s on my list of spring colors to buy 🙂

Since seeing this color at Target the other week, I have been seeing it more and more and it’s really growing on me! I think it is such a pretty shade for spring and pairs so well with other colors, like blue, yellow and even my favorite, pink! I love the softer mint in this tunic sweater {it comes in a few other colors too and is currently an extra 30% off!} but the brighter shade of mint mixed with blues, greens and yellows in this skirt is also gorgeous!

And, what I love most about this color, is that it looks fabulous in clothing and accessory form! When I first started researching mint green pieces to include in this collage, I was concerned that the color would be too “in your face” and overpowering for clothing and that I would have to stick to sharing mint accessories. But, I have to say, I really love it the clothing form too!

What is your latest color crush for spring? I would love to hear in the comments section below!

Have a wonderful Wednesday and I’ll be back tomorrow with an all new outfit post!

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Rosemary Focaccia Bread

March 8, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

I don’t think I am alone in saying that sometimes I find recipes to be intimidating. But, when you give a challenging recipe a try and it turns out perfect, isn’t it the most amazing feeling?! I recently conquered my fear of homemade gnocchi {you can see the post here}, but, up until now, I have found homemade bread to be so intimidating! As much as I love bread {and let me tell you, I love it way too much!} I haven’t really made it that often, mostly because of time. I am more of a quick recipe kind of girl and all that resting, waiting, kneading…I just don’t have the patience for that!

Over Christmas, my mom told me she found a recipe for rosemary focaccia bread in one of her Southern Living Cookbooks and had wanted to give it a try. Focaccia bread is one of my favorites, and add rosemary in and I’m sold! I thought this would be a great chance to review a different kind of bread recipe with you and let you know how it went. And, let me just say, it went fabulously! I would highly recommend this Southern Living recipe — it was relatively quick for homemade bread and the added rosemary made for the most amazing flavor. The only suggestion I would have is to use one pan instead of the two that the Southern Living recipe suggests. We used the two pans and I found the bread to be a little too thin for my taste.

Although, since we used the two pans, we ended up with two flatbreads…meaning I still have one in the freezer! Without any problems to report, I would definitely give this recipe a try again. Have you ever made homemade bread? What kind is your favorite? I would love to hear in the comments section below!

**recipe adapted from Southern Living Christmas Cookbook**

Print Recipe Here

Rosemary Focaccia Bread

{what you will need}

2 envelopes active dry yeast

2 cups warm water

6 cups all-purpose flour, divided

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup finely chopped fresh rosemary, divided

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup olive oil, divided

2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon ground pepper

{directions}

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine the yeast and warm water in a 4-cup glass measuring cup; let stand 5 minutes. Place 5 cups flour in a large bowl, making a well in the center. Add the yeast mixture and stir until a soft dough forms. Cover and allow the dough to rise in a warm place for 45 minutes or until doubled in size. The dough will be super spongy. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup flour on a flat surface. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface and knead until the flour is incorporated to make a firm dough. Gradually knead in the butter, 1/4 cup rosemary and 1 teaspoon salt. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 9 minutes, adding additional flour if necessary. Brush 2 {or if you would like the bread to be thicker, 1} jellyroll pans with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Divide the dough in half and press dough into the pan. Cover and allow the dough to rise in a warm place for 30 to 45 minutes or until the dough has almost doubled in size. Using your fingertips, dimple the dough all over and sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup rosemary. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with the kosher salt and ground pepper. {The recipe calls for adding minced garlic at this point as well, but I skipped that.} Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cut or tear into squares or triangles.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great Tuesday! See you back here tomorrow for an all new Wednesday Wishes!

International Women’s Day

March 7, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

cabi siena blouse {flowy style & runs large, I’m wearing a small}, cabi destructed boyfriend jeans {looser, boyfriend style, size down for more fitted look} & cabi helios cuff c/o | Tory Burch bag | Tory Burch flats | Karen Walker sunglasses | earrings | Lancome lipstick {#200}, NARS lipgloss {turkish delight}

Happy Monday, friends! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! After a whirlwind few days in Ohio, I am back with a special post for you today.

Tomorrow, March 8th, is International Women’s Day, where we celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. And with as much progress that has been made, there is still room for improvement in many places throughout the world. I am so excited to be teaming up with cabi to not only discuss IWD and cabi’s efforts to help women, but also my journey as a female entrepreneur.

To celebrate this special day, I am wearing a soft and springy look with the Siena blouse, the destructed boyfriend jeans and the helios cuff to finish the look. Not only is this boho style blouse a gorgeous print, but also has a wonderful back story. A portion of the proceeds of the Siena blouse go to the Heart of cabi Foundation, who’s mission is to encourage and empower women in need. One of the efforts of this foundation is the W.E. are cabi program, a one-for-one micro lending and mentorship program. For every new cabi Stylist, cabi will fund a small business loan in her name for a woman entrepreneur in a developing country who is building her own business.

As a female entrepreneur myself, I understand the benefits and challenges of running my own business. Since beginning A Blonde’s Moment in November of 2013, I have faced many challenges. Like any business, there have been trials and tribulations along the way — from launching a website to figuring out the best way to promote my blog for the most exposure, it has been a lot of experimenting, researching and learning. Apart from the “behind the scenes” of the blog, time always seems to be a challenge, as I’m sure everyone can relate to. Working a full time job, being a wife and puppy mother and cooking dinner every night {I usually take Saturdays off ;)} all while running a blog can be exhausting. In the past two years, there hasn’t been much time for taking a day off or free time. But, I honestly wouldn’t change it for the world.

As an entrepreneur, I love seeing what I have created become a success, and I think that is something any entrepreneur can relate to. The countless hours and, for lack of a better phrase, “blood, sweat and tears” that have gone into this project has brought so much joy, excitement and accomplishment. And, although those feelings have been and will continue to be wonderful, the connections I have made with other women has been something that is so special. It truly has been a blessing getting to know so many amazing women, sharing our stories and having the support of such a wonderful community. And I believe that this truly represents the success of a female entrepreneur: it is through the help of other women that we have success, a perfect description for cabi’s foundation.

Have a wonderful start to the week and thanks for stopping by!

Coral & Kicks

March 3, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

Shein coral blouse c/o {I sized up — available in 6 colors!} | distressed denim | New Balance shoes | Tory Burch tote | Karen Walker sunglasses | David Yurman link bracelet, cuff, one-station bracelet | earrings | Lancome lipstick {#310}, lipgloss {turkish delight}

Nothing says spring like a bright and cheerful color. If you caught my posts from earlier this week {here & here}, you know that I’m completely ready to embrace spring with open arms. Who isn’t?! And what better way to welcome spring than with this pretty coral top! This loose and airy blouse {priced at $17!} will be a great addition to your wardrobe for spring and summer {I wore a cami under it because the fabric is pretty light}. With the adjustable sleeve length, it’s a great shirt for both upcoming seasons! {It’s definitely light enough to wear throughout summer and it would be so cute with shorts, too!}

I have been loving neutral shades as of late, and these accessories are no exception! I bought these New Balance tennis shoes last year and I get so much use out of them during the spring and summer months. Not only are they comfortable, but the gold accents give the otherwise ordinary tennis shoe a little pizzazz, am I right?!

Lastly, I finished the look with the perfect color coral lipstick/lipgloss combination. You probably know how much I love matching my lipstick/lipgloss with my outfit and this color is a perfect match for the blouse! I have this Lancome lip crayon in a few colors and I wear them all the time. They are super easy to apply and adding the lipgloss on top gives the prettiest sheen. I would definitely recommend these crayons, such great colors to pick from too!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! I’m heading back to Ohio for a quick trip to visit with my grandmother and celebrate a sweet little girl’s first birthday! See you back here on Monday for an all new post and, as always, thanks for dropping by!

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