Happy Friday, ladies! We made it through the week, finally. The weather in Athens has been wonderful—we hit 80 degrees yesterday! I spent the afternoon cleaning my patio and hosted happy hour with my son and daughter-in-law Kelly. Had to take advantage of the weather, because it looks like we’re in for a week of rain next week! My son was in such a good mood, he decided to order tickets to The Black Crowes in June. I’ve never really listened to them, but I haven’t seen live music since 2019. I’m looking forward to it. To get you into a good mood, I’ve got a colorful Spring sweater from LOFT that I know you’re going to love.
I’ve got a really easy recipe for you today that’s perfect if you’re inviting a small group over for appetizers and cocktails: grilled bread with ricotta & tomatoes.
A recipe from Bon Appétit that’s perfect for a light spring dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
1 garlic clove
Kosher salt
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
6 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3/4 pound assorted small tomatoes (such as cherry, Sun Gold, or green), halved, quartered if large
Freshly ground black pepper
8 slices 3/4”-thick country-style bread
1 cup (loosely packed) coarsely chopped mixed tender herbs (such as basil, parsley, small dill sprigs, and/or chives)
10 oz whole-milk ricotta
Instructions
Step 1
Finely chop garlic, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, then mash with the side of knife to a fine paste. Transfer to a medium bowl and whisk in vinegar and 2 Tbsp. oil. Add tomatoes; season with salt and pepper and toss to coat. Let sit, tossing occasionally, at least 15 minutes.
Step 2
Meanwhile, prepare grill for medium-high heat. Brush both sides of bread with remaining 4 Tbsp. oil and grill until lightly charred, about 2 minutes per side.
Step 3
Just before serving, toss herbs with tomato mixture. Spread ricotta on toast and top with tomato mixture; cut toast in half.
Step 4
DO AHEAD: Tomato mixture (without herbs) can be made 12 hours ahead. Cover and chill.
Nutrition
Serving Size:8 servings
Calories:240
Sugar:2 g
Sodium:210 mg
Fat:16 g
Saturated Fat:4.5 g
Carbohydrates:17 g
Fiber:1 g
Protein:7 g
Cholesterol:20 mg
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Bichon Frise
A vodka-based cocktail is on the menu this week: a Bichon Frise. I love St. Elder liqueur, so it was hard to not pass along this recipe. Here’s to Friday, ladies! As my mother used to say, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere in the world.
1ounce red grapefruit juice, plus strip of grapefruit peel for garnishing
1/2ounce elderflower liqueur
1/4ounce lemon juice
Instructions
Spread sugar on small plate. Moisten rim of glass by running grapefruit wedge around outer edge. Roll moistened rim in sugar to coat.
Add vodka, grapefruit juice, liqueur, and lemon juice to cocktail shaker, then fill with ice. Shake until well chilled about 30 seconds. Double strain cocktail into prepared glass. Garnish with grapefruit peel.
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Fridays with Oscar
Well, that’s a wrap for us over here at SAACA. From Oscar, Ollie, and myself, enjoy your weekend. And try to spend it with someone you love!
One of our readers’ favorite retailers is Talbots. You probably noticed we snuck in a white button-down from them in addition to the Spring sweater from LOFT. In case you missed it, yesterday, we focused on the Talbots Spring Collection and featured a striped sweater that I just love. Make sure to check it out.
Daily Looks
We just posted a new DAILY LOOK, so make sure to check it out. Daily Looks is a really simple feature: a dedicated photo feed of my daily outfits. And you can shop those outfits easily through the shop the widget below the picture.
Hey, gang! Today we’re continuing with our Spring Preview series with a focus on Spring colors 2022. Simply stated, Spring colors this year are bright and arguably bolder than recent years. “Very Peri”—the new shade of periwinkle—took Pantone’s 2022 color of the year. But bright yellows, orangey-reds, and blues are on-trend. Stylecaster has colors like
tangy lime;
hot orange;
cerulean; and
radiant yellow
as in-for-Spring. If you poke around other fashion magazines and websites you’ll see similar palettes.
Spring colors 2022
Today’s post is super simple: I’ve rounded up 5 bright colors I’m loving this year and dug into the archives to show you different ways to style each color. Those (general) colors are:
purple;
yellow;
pink;
orangey-red; and
blue.
Anyone who follows me regularly knows I love neutrals. But I have and will continue to embrace color any chance I get. No doubt “bright and bold” can sometimes be difficult to incorporate into our wardrobe. But remember, there are a lot of ways to introduce color pops into your classic wardrobe. If you’re not a fan of colorful tops or bottoms, try a handbag or scarf. If you’re on the fence about “yellow”, try pairing yellow shoes with a pair of black or white pants.
Have fun this Spring looking for new and interesting ways to introduce color into your closet. And as silly as it sounds, remember: a little color goes a lot further than we might think in a world that often seems dark.
2022 new arrivals
For each featured color, I’ve rounded up 12 new arrivals I’m loving from 3 retailers:
I’m really enjoying each’s Spring collection. You can shop my picks by clicking on the widgets at the end of each section. You’ll see many of my picks in the upcoming weeks.
Purple
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Yellow
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Pink
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Orangey-Red
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Blue
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In case you missed it
Our Spring preview series is in full swing. In case you’ve missed any of our posts, make sure to check out
We just posted a new DAILY LOOK, so make sure to check it out. Daily Looks is a really simple feature: a dedicated photo feed of my daily outfits. And you can shop those outfits easily through the shop the widget below the picture.
Happy Friday, gang! We made it through another week. Can you believe this is the last weekend in February?! Spring truly is just around the corner, even if the snow may be falling in your neck of the woods. Oscar is by my side once again, and we’re dishing up a delicious Caesar Salad and scrumptious cocktail. Come on in and stay awhile!
Halsbrook
It’s been a moment since I’ve partnered with Halsbrook, a company dedicated to style, quality, and fit. Their assortment of American and European designers is not available anywhere else online. Max Mara, Veronica Beard, Vince, and Eileen Fisher are all represented at Halsbrook. What I love best about this online retailer is their styling point of view, that’s sophisticated sensibility. Every piece found at Halsbrook is on-trend, not trendy. Amen! But what I think I love most about Halsbrook is the backstory of the founder, Halsey Schroeder. Here’s a soundbite:
Halsey Schroeder has her mother to thank for many things, not the least of which is the inspiration for Halsbrook. Halsey grew up watching her mother carefully build her wardrobe – choosing beautiful pieces that would stand the test of time. Having acquired the same sense of style, Halsey soon discovered how underserved this market was. “Everything was too flashy and trendy.” And just like that, Halsbrook was born.
Women influencing women – especially mothers and daughters. Now, that’s a brand I can stand behind.
Must-have Eileen Fisher Boucle Sweater
For some of us, winter is still here; and for others, it’s basically here. That’s why I’m always on the hunt for that perfect transition weather sweater. That’s why I’m easing into the season with a pair of Veronica Beard off-white stretch cotton pants that fit like a dream and this must-have Eileen Fisher cotton boucle sweater. It’s a comfy sweater that’s just the right weight for Spring temperatures.
They’re both available online at Halsbrook, a company that offers style solutions for your everyday look with the convenience of online shopping. Don’t you love it!
Today’s recipe is a fun and easy take on an old favorite—the mighty Caeser salad. Give this Tahini dressing a try to put a new spin on an old favorite.
12ounces2 or 3 heads Little Gem lettuce or hearts of romaine, washed and dried
Instructions
Make the dressing
Combine the tahni, lemon juice, garlic, 3 tablespoons olive oil, yogurt, 1/4 cheese, water, salt and cayenne pepper in a blender or mini food processor until smooth. (Makes about 1 cup).
Make the breadcrumbs
Spread the bread on a small baking sheet and drizzle with the olive oil. Toss until evenly coated. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the bread is brown and crisp. When cool enough to handle, roughly chop the cubes on a cutting board or in a food processor to make pea-sized crumbs.
Assemble the salad
Pull the green leaves off the lettuce and cut the inner core into wedges. If using romaine hearts, separate the leaves and tear into large bite-size pieces. Keep the inner core intact and cut into small wedges.
Put the lettuce in a bowl or serving platter and toss with about 1/3 of the dressing. Sprinkle half the breadcrumbs and the remaining grated cheese over the salad. Serve with additional dressing and breadcrumbs on the side.
Notes
I tossed my breadcrumbs with olive oil and set them in a stainless steel skillet over high heat tossing them until brown.
Southside cocktail
Alright—a big shoutout to America’s Test Kitchen (ATK) and their bookHow to Cocktail. ATK is one of my favorites and their recipes appear regularly on my daughter-in-law’s blog Djalali Cooks. They always have great recipe ideas, kitchen hacks, and product reviews. If you’re not checking in on them regularly, you should be.
Add gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and mint to a cocktail shaker, then fill with ice. Shake mixture for 30 seconds. Strain cocktail into cocktail glasses. Garnish with mint.
Fridays with Oscar
Happy Friday, ladies! From Oscar, Ollie, and me to all of you—have a wonderful weekend!
A big thank you to Halsbrook for this sponsored post. Companies like this although me to bring to you items like a must-have Eileen Fisher sweater. So fun. And thank you, lovely readers, for supporting the brands that allow me to bring you these new ideas.
In case you missed it
We’re continuing with our Spring previews over here on the blog. Yesterday, we took a look at the 5 shoes trending this Spring. So make sure to check it out!
Daily Looks
We just posted a new DAILY LOOK, so make sure to check it out. Daily Looks is a really simple feature: a dedicated photo feed of my daily outfits. And you can shop those outfits easily through the shop the widget below the picture.
Happy Friday, ladies! We’ve made it through another week, and in all honesty, I cannot believe February is almost halfway over. Where is the time going? I think we’re all ready for Spring to arrive, that’s for sure. And although the weather here in Athens has warmed considerably, we’re just not quite there yet. So in hopes of moving Spring alone more quickly, I’m going full technicolor today—in stark contrast to yesterday’s neutral OOTD. We’re featuring a cozy striped funnel-neck sweater and one of the easiest (and most delicious) recipes yet!
Cozy striped funnel-neck sweater
Today’s OOTD is a super simple colorful way to make the transition from winter to spring. This cozy striped funnel-neck sweater is from Ann Taylor but already sold out! (Like so many things these days.) So, I’ve rounded up similars here, here, and here. I went matchy-matchy with these red pants from Frances Valentine. My ballet flats are old, but again, I’ve found similar here, here, and here).
Want a deliciously healthy and simple recipe this weekend? Well, here’s one for you: a Greek chicken & hummus wrap. Whether you cook the chicken fresh or pick a rotisserie one up at your local grocery, you really can’t go wrong with this recipe.
Preheat your grill over medium-high heat to 425 degrees. Pound chicken to an even thickness using the flat side of a meat mallet.
Brush chicken breasts lightly with about 1 Tbsp olive oil, season with salt and pepper.
Brush grill grates lightly with oil, and grill chicken, rotating once halfway through cooking until it registers 165 in center, about 6 – 8 minutes.
Transfer to a plate, cover with foil, let rest 10 minutes then dice into cubes. Transfer chicken to a bowl, pour vinaigrette over chicken, and toss to evenly coat.
To assemble wraps spread about 3 Tbsp hummus over each tortilla, top with chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese, then wrap tortillas.
Notes
I substituted the chicken breasts with a rotisserie chicken. No muss no fuss.
We just posted a new DAILY LOOK, so make sure to check it out. Daily Looks is a really simple feature: a dedicated photo feed of my daily outfits. And you can shop those outfits easily through the shop the widget below the picture.
Friday is finally here, and this weekend is Super Bowl weekend? Will you watch? Who are you rooting for? I’ll definitely put on the game, even though I don’t have a dog in this fight. (Except Oscar, of course.) That’s OK, though. Georgia had a great run in 2021: the World Series and National Championship ain’t bad. For those of you looking to make it through the weekend in one piece and (maybe) show up for work on Monday, we’ve got 2 things you need 2 survive the big game: an Aperol cocktail and a super simple take on nachos good for one or more! And, of course, it wouldn’t be Friday without that smart-casual style we’re known for around here.
Anyone who follows me regularly knows my love affair with Aperol cocktails. Today, I’ve got a real simple grapefruit Aperol cocktail that’s perfect to satisfy this weekend. If you’re looking for other Aperol cocktails, check out my introduction to Aperol. But also check out this winter Aperol cocktail. If you love Aperol, you’ll love this too.
A light and refreshing alternative to grapefruit margaritas with an edge.
Ingredients
UnitsScale
16ounces tequila
4ounces Aperol
12ounces freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
8ounces triple sec
4ounces freshly squeezed lime juice
4ounces simple syrup
Fresh grapefruit and limes slices for garnish
salt for rims
Instructions
Fill a pitcher with ice and add tequila through simple syrup. Stir well to combine.
Place salt on a small plate. Run a grapefruit wedge around the edge of the glass and dip in salt on plate. Fill glasses with ice and pour cocktails into prepared glasses.
Garnish glasses with fresh grapefruit and lime slice.
If you’re not spending this weekend with a large crowd, but you still want to get in the Super Bowl spirit, then this recipe is for you. I put together these mini nachos: a super simple way to make delicious nachos for a few. I mean, you can’t go wrong with shredded chicken, but substitute for any protein (or not), and these things are just as delicious.
Preheat your broiler on low. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
On the baking sheet, build a small spiral of 15 chips, stacking them close together in a 3-inc circle. Repeat to make a total of 6 piles.
Sprinkle 1/4 cup chicken and 2 tablespoons black beans on top of each pile of chips. Top each with 1/2 cup shredded cheese.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and cook until the cheese is totally melted, about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven.
Top each pile with 2 tablespoons scallions, a few jalapeño slices, 2 tablespoons avocado, 2 tablespoons salsa and 1 tablespoon sour cream. Serve immediately.
Sometimes it’s easy to forget just how much fun sneakers can really be. They don’t get featured that often over here on the blog, but how cute are these snakeskin slip ons from Vince? (Similar here and here.) Animal print adds visual interest to any outfit. And when you already have something fun going, why not make it that much more fun-er? (Double comparative for emphasis only!)
Happy Friday, ladies! And enjoy the big game this weekend with friends and loved ones.
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Daily Looks
If you haven’t checked out our new addition to the blog, DAILY LOOKS, make sure to do just that. Daily Looks is a really simple feature: a dedicated photo feed of my daily outfits. And you can shop those outfits easily through the shop the widget below the picture. Today’s look is below.
We’re continuing Yellowstone week over here on the blog. Yesterday was a big success, and it was nice to know that I’m not alone in my love of the show. Honestly, it shouldn’t be that surprising given what a cultural phenomenon this show has become. Everything from the music (Ryan Bingham anyone?) to the fashion is quietly (or not so quietly) becoming iconic. And if you haven’t checked out the official podcast hosted by Jefferson White who plays Jimmy, you should. With that, I’ve got another Yellowstone-inspired outfit for you—the key piece being a cardigan.
Yellowstone-style cardigan
I love, love, love both Monica’s and Beth’s fashion. It seems like in every episode at least one of them is rocking a chunky cardigan with a unique and beautiful design and pattern. Today, I’m featuring a Yellowstone-style cardigan from Banana Republic. (Nope, not Pendleton.) I’ve layered it on top of this mono-colored Vince sweater, which nicely accentuates the cardigan’s pattern. Combine that with a pair of slim jeans also from Banana Republic, you’ve got a simple but striking outfit. Really don’t want to take away from the cardigan itself—that’s the key.
Jackets and boots, boots and jackets. They’re what make winter dress so much fun. And they’re half the bulk of capturing the essence of Yellowstone-inspired dress. Yesterday, I featured a pair of suede boots from Banana Republic. Today, I’m featuring another pair of suede ones from Frye. I’ve had these for a while, so I pulled two similar boots (and similar).
Loving this Patricia Nash handbag, so much so that it’s the second day in a row that I’ve featured it. Perfectly complements the boots adding to the Western-style feel of the whole outfit. If you’re looking to invest in a handbag, make sure to check out our deep dive into bags from this past Sunday.
Today’s Yellowstone-style Cardigan is a winter favorite. And if you’re looking for more Yellowstone-inspired fashion, make sure to check out the faux suede jacket I featured yesterday.
Hey ladies! Happy Monday. We’re wrapping January and heading straight into February—2022 is moving fast. Did anyone else catch a wild NLF playoff weekend? Hard to believe the Bengals are going to the Super Bowl! Crazy times. Anyway, we’re kicking the month off right with a fun week over here on the blog: it’s Yellowstone week. Anyone else loving this show as much as I am? I finally caught up over the past few weeks, and I can’t wait for season 5. And the fashion? Yes, please. So much so that I’ve put together a full week of Yellowstone-inspired outfits. I’m gonna show you how to dress like Yellowstone characters.
How to dress like Yellowstone characters
It’s winter, so putting together a Yellowstone-inspired outfit is going to center primarily around jackets and hats. Today’s outfit really just is a timeless classic and features a faux suede sherpa-lined jacket from Ralph Lauren (similar and similar 2). I absolutely love sherpa-lined anything—perfect for those cold winter days. Going with faux suede is easy on the budget, and there are a lot of good options out there. The jacket is complemented perfectly by a wool fedora. This one comes in multiple colors, so if you’re in luck if you’re looking for something other than tan.
Absolutely loving this cable-knit sweater from Vince (but check out this similar and similar 2 at different price points). It’s warm and cozy—everything I’m looking for in a winter sweater. It’s the perfect foundation for this outfit. I went with cream, but any color would pair perfectly with the tan jacket.
The backbone of this outfit truly is these boot-cut jeans from Ann Taylor paired with the suede boots from Banana Republic. Hard to really capture that ranch aesthetic with any other type of denim but wide-legged. The boots come in three different colors, including black. I’d love to see this outfit redone in black, honestly. Less Beth Dutton, more Rip.
It’s Yellowstone all week on the blog, and I’m going to be giving you inspiration on how to dress like Yellowstone characters. If you’re looking for a 360-degree view of today’s outfit, check out our YouTube short. And make sure to subscribe to the channel for all of our latest videos first.
Happy Monday, ladies. Winter is really here in Athens, and by “really”, I mean really. We had snow yesterday! A rare event down here, and all the more reason to bundle up. With winter in full swing, it’s really easy to get stuck in neutral. I’ve said it before, but it’s worth bringing up again.
While blacks, whites, and greys serve as the backbone of our wardrobes, it’s easy to get in a fashion rut where our outfits start looking exactly like the wintry sky. So let’s change things up a bit today: let’s inject some color into our wardrobe. Today, I’m going to be bold with a pink sweater: sometimes I want to reflect outwards what I’m feeling on the inside.
Be bold with this sweater
Today, I’m highlighting an oversized merino-cashmeresweater from Banana Republic. Super soft and super comfy. And that’s what winter at home is all about, right? The sweater comes in three colors: ivory, navy, and pink. I chose pink because like I said, I’m feeling bold today. I’ve paired it with a pair faux leather pants (similar) and lug sole Chelsea boots. It’s a really simple combo that packs a punch. If you’re not feeling the leather pants, not to worry.
Oversized sweaters work well with a pair of trousers and of course your favorite denim. Try pairing the sweater with a pair of skinny jeans for contrast; or if you’re lounging around the house, reach for your favorite boyfriend jeans.
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Lug sole Chelsea boots
Chelsea boots are a classic essential in my book and always make my must-have lists for fall and winter. Today, I’m wearing lug sole Chelsea boots (similar, J.Crew). The lug sole has a little more oompf than your standard pair, and I like that. Really makes going “bold” that much bolder.
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Faux leather pants
Ok, I know what you’re thinking, “You featured faux leather pants last week on the blog.” And you would be correct. I’m really feeling the leather vibes this winter, and I’m seeing what new and interesting combinations I can come up with. Last week dressed up the leather pants(similar) and paired them with a blazer. This week, we’re going more comfy-casual. And I’m feeling it.
every woman should have in their wardrobe. This is a great series to help you build a well-founded wardrobe that will last throughout the years. So, don’t miss it!
Fridays with Oscar is always about the celebration of simplicity and comfort. Since it’s Friday, I chose a casual outfit to kick off the weekend. Fridays are always about casual ease, whether it’s what I wear or what I eat. Today, I’m sharing a quick and easy version of chicken noodle soup and a refreshing, healthy mocktail instead of the usual cocktail. So come on in and stay awhile, even if it’s only virtually. And I do love to whip up a cocktail to sip and savor and enjoy come five o’clock.
Striped hoodie from Madewell
December, January, and February are the months I slip into my winter uniform: a sweater and jeans (or some variation thereof). Who doesn’t love an oversized sweater when it’s cold outside? Or maybe you prefer a cardigan, crewneck, or v-neck? Today I’m showcasing a striped hoodie and a pair of green chinos (that can act as a neutral) from Madewell. And if where the temps are dropping where you are, make sure to tuck a button-up or long sleeve tee underneath the hoodie for an extra layer of warmth.
Ok, ok. I’m sure you’re asking yourself, “Is there room in my closet for yet another striped sweater?” The answer is “yes,” especially when that hoodie is color-blocked with neutral shades of green and ivory. I’m loving this lightweight hoodie from Madewell because of its neutral color scheme. The power of neutrals is that they mix and match with so many other items in your wardrobe.
Blue jeans are always a good choice on any given day, but I also like variety. That’s when a pair of chinos come into play. They have the comfort and casual feel of blue jeans with a little extra something. This utility pant from Madewell exudes casual ease. Add a pair of suede loafers from Ralph Lauren (limited sizes similar here and here), and this OOTD definitely harkens back to my prepster days and ways.
Today, I’m bringing you an old family favorite: chicken noodle soup for the soul. It’s the perfect winter dish: super simple and unbelievably tasty. The recipe calls for rotisserie chicken. If you can find organic go for it, but remember you can swap a whole chicken for chicken breasts only if you’re so inclined. And be sure to make extras: this soup freezes and will be waiting for you with open arms if you catch a winter cold.
Place the carrots, celery, onions, butter in a large stock pot on medium high heat and saute until the vegetables are tender, about 5-10 minutes
Place the entire chicken on top of the vegetables and then pour the broth over the top. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer for 30 minutes.
While the soup simmers, mix the cornstarch and water until the cornstarch is completely dissolved. At the end of the 30 minutes, remove the chicken from the soup and pour the cornstarch mixture into the broth slowly while continuously stirring. Once it is all combined, stir in the noodles and let them cook 6-8 minutes or until just tender.
While the noodles are cooking, remove the chicken meat from the bones and chop it into bite-sized pieces. When the noodles are tender, stir the chicken in and mix well.
Mocktails for Dry January
This month is dry January. So, I’ve hopped on the bandwagon as they say, as this month is all about reset, refresh and renew on the blog. So… mocktail anyone? Today we’re featuring a sparkling raspberry lemonade. This drink is refreshing and easy to make. Make sure to garnish with a lime wedge or mint, and voila! You won’t even miss the booze.
