FAT TUESDAY

A) Image: Holtman's Donut Shop

B) Image: Southern Comfort's Easy King Cake

C) Image: Cupcakes & Cashmere's Mac n' Cheese Bites

D) Graeter's (duh)

Today is Fat Tuesday.. a day of over indulgences. I wanted so badly to make you a King Cake, specifically the one above, but the snow kept me inside without any ingredients. The next best thing I could do was gather all these indulgent recipes & treats to one place & inspire you to host a Fat Tuesday party. Cincinnati style. 

Click the images above or the links below & start prepping during your lunch break.  Wishing you each a happy Mardi Gras!!

A. Holtman's Donuts 
B. Southern Bite's Quick & Easy Mardi Gras King Cake
C. Cupcakes & Cashmere's Mac Bites
D. Graeter's French Pot Ice Cream
 

COFFEE STRAIGHT UP

It's the casual Friday before Valentine's Day & I have one more outfit inspo for you.  Spend the weekend repping your one true love. (Coffee) (In case that was unclear.)

Do you remember when I found this shirt a few weeks ago? It's Banana Republic & I was completely in love. I stalled for weeks but with a hunch that this perfect tee was soon going to be out of stock, I splurged. Full price. That's unheard of in my books. I couldn't help it.

My love affair with coffee runs deep. It's the original tall dark & handsome in my life (I wish I could say I made up that witty line, but I stole it from a shirt linked below). If you've ever been on the receiving end of my face before 9am you know it best be with  with an extra large coffee in my hand. 

I'm sad to say that you can't all run out & buy this shirt because my hunch was well placed. This shirt is out of stock. Maybe if we all write passionate letters to Banana about why we need this to change, they will oblige. Or.. you can check out my links below to find a similar graphic tee that might satisfy your coffee-loving needs. Until then, wishing you all the BEST Valentine's day. I hope you eat donuts, drink coffee & celebrate love from every facet of your life. I'm actually in St. Louis for the weekend to celebrate another holiday, but more on that later ;D 

xox

Shirt: Banana Republic (sold out) (similar) (similar) (similar)
Pants: Curate Boutique (sold out) (similar)
Cardigan: Open Sweater via American Eagle (sold out) (similar)
Booties: Franco Sarto via Nordstrom Rack
Photography: Jacob Heath 

EASY RECIPES: CROCKPOT CHICKEN TACOS

I'm a major offender of ice cream for dinner. Or cake for dinner. Sometimes I even go for the s'mores. Though it does help me satisfy a major sweet tooth, I mostly go this route because of the major convenience. 

But this year I've rediscovered the crock pot & when I walk up my three flights of stairs & open the door of the studio to smell a delicious dinner, ready to eat, I no longer have an excuse. Today I wanted to share my favorite crock pot recipe to date: chicken tacos.

When I went over to a friend's for the Super Bowl, (salted oatmeal chocolate chip cookies in hand) someone introduced me to these tacos. & my life was changed. You will need:

In the crockpot:

• Three frozen chicken breasts
• Your favorite salsa
• Frozen corn
• 1 can of your favorite beans, rinsed
• 1 package of taco seasoning mix 

For the tacos:

• The crockpot chicken
• Taco sized flour tortillas (did you even know they had these?!)
• Taco fixins' (I used rice, lettuce, cheese & sour cream)

Like all crockpot recipes, this one is simple. Combine all five ingredients & let it slow cook while you're at work. Shred the chicken when you come home & let it sit for another hour while you cook the rice. Then... eat tacos.

So, the consensus:  ice cream for dinner is good, but these tacos are better. What are your other favorite crock pot recipes? I want to try!

BUFFALO PLAID

This is the week! Valentine's... here we come! Last Friday I gave you all an outfit inspo for the casual date (Cincy Beer Fest, holla.) But, usually for me, Valentine's means dressing up for dinner & a ballet with my best friend. Last Valentine's there was so much snow falling that bare legs would not have been an option... jury is still out on this year, but I'm crossing my fingers this buffalo plaid pencil skirt can make an appearance.

Buffalo plaid was already in style by the time I started paying attention. I think it's maybe the only trend that will never quit. I know the print is usually associated with Christmas  (remember these shoes?!?), but... who says it would hurt  to squeeze in one more winter holiday? Red = Love = Valentine's. That's the logic I'm going with.

This is a "fancy" post, so I'm not pairing with a graphic tee. (But I totally think you should.) (Love that look.) & I bet you wouldn't guess it, by my "fancy" skirt is a total thrift find. Score. Mostly I just want to leave you with this  advice: whenever you see buffalo plaid, grab it. It's a timeless, showstopping staple.

I can't wait to hear about your Valentine's weeks! I have a lot of love coming to you from Ida Street, but that wasn't even planned. Just the way it works :D Talk soon, guys! xoxo

Skirt: Thrifted (similar)
Shirt: Mesh Tee via Curate Boutique
Booties: Franco Sarto via Nordstrom Rack (limited sizes... but on a total mega sale) (& similar, for when they sell out) (& similar in case that  sells out)

VALENTINE'S CASUAL

Ahhh Friday, the best day of the week. How I have missed thee!  Happy glorious day, friends! I'm coming at you this week with a casual Friday in a seriously red Valentine's twist.

Valentine's day is coming up (a week from tomorrow!). It's my favorite day of the year. Maybe it's because I'm on a love high all day. Maybe it's actually a sugar high. Maybe it's because I spend the entire day telling all the people I love how much I love them. Yes, actually. I think those are the reasons. I love Valentine's day.

There are a lot of activities going on in Cincy to help you celebrate (see this list from 365 Cincinnati if you need help deciding) (or, my personal suggestion, buy your tickets for Winter Beer Fest) & I wanted to jump in with an outfit suggestion for the "casual" date.

In the sea of black & gray that is my wardrobe, this sweater is one of the happiest things I own. By itself, this bright red is bold enough to pair with muted colors, which makes for an outfit equal levels of comfort & ease. & Valentine's approved, of course.

& p.s. you know what else is seriously red & great for Valentine's day? Our Rebecca Minkoff giveaway. Today is the last day to enter! We will announce the winner tomorrow on instagram. Good luck! I'll catch up with you there! xo

Sweater: TWO by Vince Camuto via Nordstrom Rack (similar by TWO)
Jeans: Madewell (last year) (similar for this year) 
Boots: Diba via DSW (sold out) (similar... for $26!!!!!)
Tote: Madewell Transport Tote
Photography: Jacob Heath