If it’s Friday then it’s time to say hello to Oscar! He’s had a tough week as contractors have been in and out of the house all week long and he’s pooped from asking for love and making sure they’re not up to any mischief in his house. Phew! It is hard being a guard dog. There are deer to bark at, dogs that walk in front of his house, then there’s Ollie… It’s a lot of responsibility for one dog. Can you believe Oscar will turn nine in a few months? He’s still as spry as ever but I have him on special dog food for mobility and supplements for his arthritis to keep him in tip top condition. Y’all know I’m a big believer in doing everything we can to live a happy and healthy life and that goes for Oscar and Ollie too. Today we are all about Cool Blues in the August Heat.
We have a classic New Orleans cocktail to share and I can’t recommend today’s Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad enough. It is absolutely delicious and so easy to throw together. I could have had seconds and even thirds with this salad, but had to refrain. I always look forward to filming FWO now that Kelly has joined in the fun. She always has a new recipe up her sleeve and it’s always A-MA-ZING! Don’t forget she shares a recipe on Sunday’s that’s posted in Kelly’s Kitchen.
Today's outfits feature cool blue tones perfect for the dog days of summer
The outfits are shoppable via a text and image widgets
We are making a classic New Orleans cocktail and a Caesar Pasta Salad
Today’s outfit starts with a blue linen striped shirt from Ralph Lauren that will transition to fall with ease. Wear it alone or pop it over a tee or tie it at the waist. Tuck it in or leave it untucked. That’s the beauty of an oversized button up. And it looks fantastic with wide-leg white denim from J.McLaughlin that I recently paired with a striped sweater from J.Crew. Slide platform sandals from Tory Burch are my go-to’s this summer. I slip them on when it’s time for errands or adding that little extra something to an outfit.
Beth’s Outfit: Striped Linen Shirt | Wide-leg White Denim | Platform Sandals
Kelly’s Outfit: Rumpled Satin Top | Rumpled Satin Top in “Dusk” (Plus Size) | Petite City Short | Skinny Braided Leather Belt | Similar Metallic Fisherman Sandals
Beth’s Outfit: Striped Linen Shirt | Wide-leg White Denim | Platform Sandals
Kelly’s Outfit: Rumpled Satin Top | Rumpled Satin Top in “Dusk” (Plus Size) | Petite City Short | Skinny Braided Leather Belt | Similar Metallic Fisherman Sandals
My outfit today is a perfect example of shopping my closet. You have seen me wearing the Rumpled Satin Top so much this summer! While this color “dusk” was restocked then sold out again, it is still available in plus sizes. But keep your eye on this top because it seems Nordstrom is restocking all the current colors, at least for the summer.
Beth’s Outfit: Striped Linen Shirt | Wide-leg White Denim | Platform Sandals
Kelly’s Outfit: Rumpled Satin Top | Rumpled Satin Top in “Dusk” (Plus Size) | Petite City Short | Skinny Braided Leather Belt | Similar Metallic Fisherman Sandals
The Petite City Short in both black and white has definitely been a go-to bottom for me this summer. I just love the crisp look of these shorts, they’re more put-together than a chino, and a great option when the temps are high.
Metallic silver sandals are a fun option to complete this look. I like the way the reflective silver plays up the cool blue tone of my top. These are from last year, but I found a similar style at Amazon.
The Vieux Carré is a classic New Orleans Cocktail that you may not know. Invented in the 1930s by Walter Bergeron, a bartender at the famous Carousel Bar (then called The Swan Room), the Vieux Carré combines Rye Whisky and Cognac, with Benedictine, sweet vermouth, and Dale DeGroff’s Pimento Aromatic Bitters. It's boozy, smooth, and a little sweet, with an herbal finish.
Makes 2 Cocktails
1.5 oz. Rye Whiskey
1.5 oz. Cognac
1.5 oz. Sweet Vermouth
4 tsp. Benedictine
8 Dashes DeGroff’s Pimento Bitters
Maraschino Cherry or Lemon Peel, for garnish
Add all ingredients except the lemon peel or cherry to an ice-fileld cocktail mixing glass. Stir until well-chilled. Strain into a coupe glass garnish with cherry or lemon peel.
This is a great salad as a side, but we added chicken to make it a main dish salad. Homemade Caesar dressing takes this salad to another level – same with homemade croutons. I made the pasta, croutons, and dressing ahead of time for a super simple, easy-to-throw-together main dish salad.
For the Dressing
6 Anchovy Fillets, oil packed and drained
1 Garlic Clove
Kosher Salt
2 large Egg Yolks
2 tbsp. Lemon Juice, plus more
3/4 tsp. Dijon Mustard
2 tbsp. Olive Oil
1/2 cup Vegetable or Grapeseed Oil (preferred)
3 tbsp. Parmesan Cheese, finely grated
For the Salad
8 oz. Cooked Pasta, like Fusili or Penne
2 Romaine Hearts, chopped
Chopped Rotisserie Chicken
Croutons*
Shaved Parmesan
For the Dressing
Chop together anchovy fillets, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Use the flat side of a knife blade to smash into a paste, then scrape into a large bowl.
Whisk in egg yolks, 2 Tbsp. lemon juice, and mustard.
A drop at a time to start, gradually whisk in olive oil, then vegetable oil; whisk until dressing is thick and glossy. Whisk in finely grated Parmesan.
Season with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice, if desired.
For the Salad
Pour half of the dressing into a separate bowl or measuring cup. Add the romaine, chicken and pasta to the large bowl with the remaining dressing. Use tongs and toss to coat everything in the dressing. Top the salad with the croutons and pour more dressing over the croutons and toss again to mix in the croutons. Top the salad with shaved parmesan and fresh cracked black pepper. Serve any remaining dressing alongside.
*To Make Your Own Croutons
Prior to preparing the salad, preheat the oven to 375°. Tear bread into 1-inch chunks. Toss bread with olive oil in a bowl. Spread on a baking sheet; season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Bake, tossing occasionally, until golden, 10–15 minutes.
Happy Friday, gang! Kelly, Oscar and I wish you a lovely weekend. Cheers!
Beth’s Outfit: Striped Linen Shirt | Wide-leg White Denim | Platform Sandals
Kelly’s Outfit: Rumpled Satin Top | Rumpled Satin Top in “Dusk” (Plus Size) | Petite City Short | Skinny Braided Leather Belt | Similar Metallic Fisherman Sandals
Beth’s Outfit: Striped Linen Shirt | Wide-leg White Denim | Platform Sandals
Kelly’s Outfit: Rumpled Satin Top | Rumpled Satin Top in “Dusk” (Plus Size) | Petite City Short | Skinny Braided Leather Belt | Similar Metallic Fisherman Sandals
Beth’s Outfit: Striped Linen Shirt | Wide-leg White Denim | Platform Sandals
Kelly’s Outfit: Rumpled Satin Top | Rumpled Satin Top in “Dusk” (Plus Size) | Petite City Short | Skinny Braided Leather Belt | Similar Metallic Fisherman Sandals
Yesterday, Kelly shared a summer-to-fall transition outfit. Click the title or image below to read the article.
Loving the classic blue and white ladies!
Will definitely be trying the salad.
Kelly, really liking the side part. Very flattering.
Happy weekend Oscar. 😊
Thanks Kris, have a great weekend! xo Kelly
OSCAR! What a trooper! Great outfits today … and will definitely try the Caesar Pasta …. YUM! Happy Friday~
Love your posts, especially Fridays because I’m a fellow dog lover. Oscar looks great. Love the blue colors, anything to feel cooler in this heat and humidity.
You gals look cute, cool and fresh! Love blue and white paired for Summer.
Beth,we’re the same size,what about sizing on your shirt?
Fabulous recipes.
Happy Friday. 😍