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.
Shop the Post
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.
January is quickly coming to an end, with February hot on its heels. It’s the month of love, and we’re gonna focus on self-care. If we don’t take time to love ourselves, our tank will hit empty pretty darn quick. And who wants that? Said no one, ever. So grab your best gal, hubs, or fam and plan a FUN Valentine’s or Galantine’s party. It doesn’t have to be fancy; use what you have on hand, head to your local bakery but set time aside this Valentine’s Day to spread the love.
But before we leave January completely behind, Oscar is here today for his weekly gig. We’ve got a Love Struck cocktail on the menu, and I threw together a cute outfit that celebrates Love. Literally the cutest Valentine’s sweater. So come on in and stay awhile. Hopefully, you’ll leave with a bit of inspiration tucked up your sleeve. (Oh, and make sure you read to the end of the post. We’ve got some changes coming to the blog.)
The cutest Valentine’s sweater
Last year near Valentine’s, I featured a gray and white love sweater in this post. This year it’s shades of red, pink, and cream: I mean, how cute is this Love sweater from Loft? Gotta say I never tire of red and pink. Maybe that’s why I love Valentine’s day, as it’s infused with this color scheme. Loft and Talbots have the best selection if you’re looking for Valentine-specific sweaters or tees. I picked out a few of my favorites. Take a look below.
Don’t reserve your plaid pants just for the holidays. Instead, recycle them all winter long. Add a jazzy sweater for an upbeat look, or pair them with a navy blazer to tone to look down.
There are some new and fun things coming your way in February!
We’re going to be creating a new section explicitly devoted to my daily outfits—I think we’ll name it Daily Outfits… how’s that for originality!
Every week, I’ll share selfies with that day’s ootd (5x outfits in all) with a shopping widget, as many of you stop by the blog to shop my outfits. The Daily Outfits will have a specific space on the main page of the blog for shopping ease. The web designer is working on that now. In the meantime, it will be shared as a featured blog post.
We’re also going to expand and refine our long-form content. So continue to expect topics ranging from health & beauty to fashion tutorials anything and everything that helps us age with grace, strength, and beauty. If there’s a topic that’s of interest to you please leave a comment with your suggestion.
In the meantime:
You can also follow my LTK Shop for up-to-date outfits; and
I recently opened my Amazon Shop, so stop by and take a peek.
TGIF! Oscar and I wish you a lovely weekend!
TGIF! We made it through another week. This week the weather has bounced from rain to snow to sleet and back again. Today is dry, but gray skies swirl overhead. It’s a great day to stay inside, whip up a tasty meal and cocktail, and binge-watch TV. I think you’re gonna like today’s OOTD too, as I’m throwing in a few tips to look chic casual
What shows have you been watching? I stumbled upon Emily in Paris that has mixed reviews. Personally, I think it’s a cute show. Darren Star the creator of Sex in the City is at the helm of this series. There are definite similarities between the main characters Carrie and Emily respectively who tend to make dumb life decisions. But we wouldn’t have the conflict necessary to move the plot along if they didn’t. Any movie, book, or television show needs conflict and lots of it. The fashion inspiration alone is worth tuning in for and it’s lighthearted fluff so I’m hooked!
Tips to look chic casual
Oscar was definitely in a mood during our photoshoot. The mood of no more photos, please, it’s naptime. I think he just might want an early retirement… isn’t he a hoot! Ollie just might have to step in and steal your thunder buddy. Ha!
Today’s outfit is fitting for Friday: walking that line of chic casual, with a bit more on the casual side. What’s easier to throw together than a t-shirt (yep, it’s one of my wardrobe basics. Don’t miss part 2 of our Wardrobe Basics Seris Essential Tops) coatigan, and blue jeans? It’s an easy-style recipe that works! A coatigan adds chicness to the outfit, and paired with a neutral tee and a classic pair of denim—you’re all the way there. The tee is old from Vince (similar here and here), the coatigan is from Jenni Kayne, and the blue jeans are from Frame.
Anyone remember clogs? They’re back! And I’m loving it. All through high school, you would find me on any given day wearing a pair of brown or blue suede clogs. This pair was purchased from Ann Taylor last fall. If you’re looking for comfort try Dansko clogs that have a memory foam footbed. Tory Burch has a shearling clog and Steve Madden carries a faux fur-lined clog that looks adorable. The clogs push this outfit to the casual side of things, but swap them out for, say, wedges or ballet flats, and you’re headed back in the classic chic direction.
2tablespoonslemon juicesqueezed from about 1 lemon; or more to taste
1tspdried thyme
1tspdried rosemary
salt and black pepperto taste
2teaspoonscornstarchmixed with 1 tablespoon cold cream OR milk OR water
1tablespoonbutter
lemon slicesto serve (optional)
Instructions
Brown meat: Set instant pot to sauté. Add oil to pot and add thighs skin-side down. Cook, in batches if needed, until golden and crisp. Flip and cook until browned on the other side. Remove chicken from pot.
Start sauce: Add onion and garlic to pot and cook until starting to soften, about 1 minute. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, herbs and seasoning. Stir, scraping the browned bits off the bottom of the pot.
Pressure cook: Place chicken thighs back in the instant pot. Secure lid and set the pressure valve to “sealing”. Choose “pressure cook” (or “manual”) and “high” for 12 minutes (for large thighs, about 2 thighs per pound; cook for 8 minutes if chicken thighs are small, about 4 thighs per pound). Naturally release pressure after cooking time is up (just switch off the instant pot and leave it alone until pressure is gone).
Finish sauce: Carefully remove thighs. Set the Instant Pot to sauté. Pour cornstarch slurry into pot, stir well and simmer until sauce has thickened. Stir in butter until melted, then serve sauce over chicken with lemon slices, if desired.
Combine the Aperol, prosecco, and cranberry in a glass with ice. Add in an orange wedge and a twist. Pop in a sprig of rosemary for festiveness. It’s so pretty and easy!
Uncommon Threads
If you’re looking for something besides TV Uncommon Threads is offering Style Your LIfe series that consists of three virtual workshops. The series costs $95 for all three workshops: charcuterie board making, wine experiencing, and herb garden growing. All proceeds from this series directly benefit Uncommon Threads a non-profit organization that helps low-income women see and feel their true potential.
If you’ve ever wondered where my clothes go after a closet cleanse it’s Uncommon Threads. You can even shop online and just might stumble upon an item or two of mine! You will be hearing more about Uncommon Threads in the future as I’m partnering with them to raise awareness and money.
If you missed the Anti-aging Skincare post please check it out. 100% of the proceeds raised from your purchase from Georgia Skin Cancer will go directly to Uncommon Threads. And your skin will look a-ma-zing after using their medical-grade skincare products from their Curated line. Use code BETHD until February 19th for 15% off your purchase.
It’s Friday, gang, time to usher in another weekend. While Fridays are for Oscar, my favorite German Shepherd, it’s all about the Bulldogs this weekend. Georgia Bulldogs that is who won the National Football Championship last Monday night. Yep, Kirby and the gang finally beat their nemesis Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide. GO DAWGS! It was an exciting game, to say the least, that didn’t end until midnight. Final score 33 – 18! The festivities began shortly after we clinched the win with the students filling the streets of downtown Athens. Yours truly was fast asleep by that time, but the celebrations continue this weekend with a parade scheduled at 12:30 pm, Dawg walk at 1:00 pm, and program at 2:00 pm. Tickets are sold out, but there will be a live stream on georgiadogs.com, Facebook, and SEC Network+.
What I love about living in a college town is the energy the students bring, the opportunity to cheer for the Georgia Bulldogs, no matter if it’s football, basketball, baseball, or the sport of your choosing. Plus, we have a vibrant arts program that hosts plays, ballets, string quartets, choirs the list goes on and on. It’s a vibrant town that’s just plain fun with more than one nationally recognized restaurant for all those foodies out there. Moving to Athens was the best decision Mr. Style and I made six years ago. I can’t even believe it’s been that long. Where does the time go?
Best sweater joggers
Since Fridays are always about casual ease, I slipped into my favorite sweater joggers (limited, similar here and here) on sale for $49 from Banana Republic, popped on a ribbed turtleneck (limited sizes, similar here and here), added a windbreaker (old, similar here), and polished off with white sneakers (similar here). It’s a monochromatic outfit that can be replicated in any color. All I know is that it’s cozy, cute, and comfy.
Muddle together the berries and 1 tablespoon of the pomegranate. Pour the orange juice over the top and let sit for 20 to 60 minutes to infuse. Pour into a glass, top with ice, and sparkling water. Mix well. Garnish with remaining pomegranate seeds and a lime wedge.
On the menu, today, we’ve got a healthy Taco Spaghetti Squash. Who doesn’t love tacos? This version is a Southwest blend of ground turkey, black beans, red pepper, and green onions. Tweak the veggies to suit your taste, but the filling is deliciously stuffed inside spaghetti squash instead of a taco shell.
1bunch scallionsabout 6, chopped, with white and green parts divided
1red bell peppercored and chopped
1 1/2tablespoonsground chili powder
2teaspoonsgarlic powder
2teaspoonssmoked paprika
1/2tablespoonground cumin
1/2teaspoonkosher salt
1/2teaspoonblack pepper
1canblack beans(15 ounces), rinsed and drained
1candiced tomatoes in their juices(14 ounces)
3/4cupfreshly grated sharp cheddarMonterey jack, cheddar jack, or pepper jack cheese, divided
For serving: chopped fresh cilantrodiced avocado, plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
Instructions
Place a rack in the center of your oven and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Cut the end off the spaghetti squash and slice in half. Scoop seeds out from the center. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle salt and pepper over the top. Place face down on a baking sheet and bake for 20 to 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F.
Meanwhile, make the filling: Heat the two teaspoons of olive oil in a large, deep saucepan over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, all white parts, and half of the green pieces of the green onion, bell pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat until it is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender for about 5 minutes. Stir in the black beans and fire-roasted tomatoes. Increase the heat to high and cook until the mixture is thickened and most of the tomato juice has cooked off about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
Once the squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to shred and fluff the inside flesh, so it’s no longer attached to the walls and makes a “nest.” Divide the taco filling evenly among the boats, using a fork to mix it with the spaghetti squash lightly. Arrange the stuffed squash on baking sheets and sprinkle it with the remaining cheese.
Bake until the cheesy is bubbly, about 10 minutes. Let cool for a few minutes, then serve hot, sprinkled with any desired toppings.
Enjoy a fabulous new beginning…celebrating this New Year with abandon!! Whether you are celebrating safely with friends or an intimate day – evening at home…ENJOY!! There are sooo many ways to be joyous….and for sooo many wonderful reasons!!
Of course, dressing up and theming your event is always fun…maybe you are having a Black & White Ball with or without costumes, masks, like Truman Capote’s famed annual soirees! Or, simply black and white with hearts and stars or traveling theme of France or Italy? Maybe you are combining a special friend’s New Year’s Birthday as your theme, with balloons and candles for a Bonne Anniversaire Fête!!
Or, a frosty, snowy theme – all white, silver, and gold perhaps?! In any event, libations abound…. Classic, effervescent champagne, prosecco, or sparkling waters and wines! Cocktails of all sorts are so ceremonial, fun, and beautiful! A little Caviar,Blinis, Crème Fraîche, Foie Gras, and Pâtés are fabulous too! Especially, if made by my dear, French friend Monique!!
If you need a cocktail refresh, Old Mister Boston knows a thing or two about the classics …tried and true. It has been updated for the times, in hardcover too! A gold metallic, leather-bound volume of BUBBLY or 2022 Diary would be wonderful New Year, Birthday or Valentine gifts!!
Anyone who knows me, knows of my passion for bubbly and celebrating – everything, life, and love!! We all have sooo much to celebrate! Champagne is so festive, joyous, for important days and every day…birthdays and anniversaries of all kinds and, of course, New Year’s Day 2022, so full of potential!! It is optimism at its best!! One simply cannot be unhappy with bubbles in hand! It is a celebration of life in a bottle! It’s said, “Champagne is the only wine that may be served with any course and at all times during the meal.” How wonderful…I concur!! Every party becomes special with the simple POP of the cork! The host is happily pouring, with thumb nestled in the bottle bottom, to steady it, as my entertaining friend Steve taught me! His adorable dog, Channing, runs frantically upon hear the familiar sound…and plays happily with the cork all night, licking away!! Too cute!!
My champagneflutes are my favorite collection. Each one continues to make me smile ~ giving great joy! Through them, I remember dear friends who have gifted them, countries I love, special occasions and happy memories sharing toasts in many of my different home cities over the years!! Many are designed by my beloved Italian glass artist, Carlo Moretti. Some are engraved with tiny stars, some have whimsical colored and shaped bases. Recently, I celebrated the birth of my dear, Irish friend’s grandbaby. Sharon was visiting from New York, one of my many former homes, and chose the beautiful, Moretti kelly green, clover leaf footed flute for our toasting celebration! Such special, memorable fun! Welcome, baby Walker!! Flutes are so elegant and their shape helps the bubbles last longer, as their surface is small. With such minimal, sleek profiles, many more glasses fit onto a serving tray or shelf!
The coupe, however, is quite dramatic! It is chic to hold and enjoy with pinkie in the air! Desserts are very elegant in the coupe! Think luscious raspberries, with a dollop of fresh whipped crème and sprig of mint! Voila!! Champagne bottles and labels are very beautiful too!! They incorporate the best if Art and Design…love!
From the golden yellow of my favorite, La grande dame Veuve Clicquot, to LOUIS ROEDERER,MOËT, KRUG and elegant Dom Pérignon’s Limited Editions, created as a tribute to Andy Warhol’s bold colored graphics, with Central Saint Martin’s College of Art & Design in London. Veuve Clicquot actually has a charming history, as well. Founded in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot, his son François eventually joined him. Following François’ untimely death, his young widow, Barbe Ponsardin, took over the family business at just 27 years of age. The House was renamed in her honor: ‘Veuve Clicquot’ means ‘The Widow Clicquot.’ It is now, one of the largest champagne houses!
Until we meet again…. I wish you a wonderful, bubbly new beginning…2022! Enjoy with a little champagne truffle and maybe football, too! Cheers and a Very Happy, Healthy New Year 2022! xoxo MMK
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Style at a Certain Age Saturday guest editor Marlene M. Kristoff shares luxury retail, home, and design ideas.
hi gang! this week’s fridays with oscar has us nearing the end of october. my neighborhood is looking the part too. some neighbors have elaborate halloween scenes set up in their yards, complete with skeletons, spider webs and jack-o-lanterns. others have harvest-themed porch decor with fantasy pumpkins, leafy wreaths and pots of mums. all of this festive decor and the crisp evening air make oscar’s after dinner walks just that much more enjoyable! so sit back and enjoy a cocktail and appetizer with us, all together now!
casual fall outfit of the day
it’s easy to put together a casual outfit when the base is a pair of comfortable boyfriend jeans (similar here, here). add a touch of sophistication with a light and airy printed button up top, like this one from Ann Taylor. and then bring it back to casual with a warm and soft cardigan. this sweater is several years old (similar here, here).
today’s appetizer is super easy to whip up at a moment’s notice. it’s a delicious mix of sweet and savory flavors. it’s gluten free and overall not an unhealthy indulgence.
figs with gorgonzola and prosciutto
8-12 fresh figs
crumbled gorgonzola
1 package sliced prosciutto
preheat oven to 375 degrees.
slice the stems off the figs and slice lengthwise to create quarters, leaving the figs attached at the bottoms.
fill centers with crumbled gorgonzola.
slice the prosciutto slices in half lengthwise and wrap each fig with prosciutto, leaving the tops exposed.
bake for 10 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and prosciutto is slightly crisp.
all wrapped up and ready for the oven. meanwhile, oscar and pax are hoping for a piece of prosciutto to hit the floor.
hot out of the oven, i topped these delicious bites with toasted chopped walnuts. they added a perfect amount of crunch and flavor to cut through the soft and sweet fig.
the Mott & Mulberry
this cocktail is a wonderful fall drink, thanks to the apple cider and the slightly bitter Amaro, it’s just the ticket for a crisp fall cocktail. and don’t skimp on the garnish! Gala apples are particularly good in Athens this season. the fanned apple slices are a pretty topper for a delicate fall drink.
Mott & Mulberry
1 oz Rye
1 oz Amaro
3/4 oz apple cider
1/4 oz pure maple syrup
1/4 oz fresh lemon juice
apple slices for garnish
In a shaker, combine everything except the ice and apple slices. Fill the shaker with ice, cover and shake well. Using a fine sieve as well as a cocktail strainer (preferably a Hawthorne), strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe. Garnish with the apple slices.
doesn’t that just look so tempting! a perfect fall cocktail.
all together now! fridays with oscar and ollie
it’s days and weeks like this in athens that we make full use of the three-season porch. the air is fresh and crisp. the sun is warm and keeps the chill in the air at bay.
many of you have been asking after ollie. she is always with us on fridays with oscar. but she often prefers to remain behind the scenes, batting around my fall decor or otherwise being mischievous while our concentrations are elsewhere.
this week though, her curiosity and interest in watching oscar and pax play in the yard brought her front and center. and junior style was right there with his camera to catch her.
well ladies, another week in the books. in case you missed monday’s post, the Talbots friends and family sale is in full swing until october 25, so be sure to head over there to take advantage of great sale prices. as always stay tuned to the blog for all our upcoming posts. we are heading into the holiday season; beginning next week, we will kick off the season with our annual gift guides. think of style at a certain age as your one stop shopping guide for the holidays! oscar, ollie and i wish all of you a wonderful weekend!
hooray for friday! oh wait…it’s thursday. this is a special thursday edition of fridays with oscar. this week we are mixing things up a bit with an early delivery of everyone’s favorite german shepherd, oscar. not to mention, a recipe, a cocktail and a great casual outfit. fall in athens has been beautiful so far with nice mild temps. oscar and pax had a great time chasing and playing today. i know they must appreciate the cooler days. we have a fun and easy appetizer. along with a classic cocktail that is definitely worth revisiting. it’s a fine fall day on this special thursday edition of fridays with oscar!
outfit of the day
today’s outfit is easy and comfortable. this mockneck sweater from Talbots is a cotton blend and has a slight waffle pattern. i love the button detail at the shoulder. the dark olive color is so perfect for fall.
these jeans are by Wit & Wisdom. they are a raw hem version of my favorite Ab-solution jeans (last seen here). they are so comfortable and i like how the rinse is right between light and dark.
these suede flats are old (similar here), but i could see styling this outfit with a leopard print flat. how about a croc or snake embossed smoking slipper? really, the sky’s the limit because with a neutral sweater and jeans, you can have some fun with your footwear.
this dish is fun to make! they are baked rather than fried and you can make your own pastry crust, or go for the store bought. i opted for store bought, and that made it all the easier. the filling is tangy from the sun-dried tomatoes and rich thanks to the caramelized onions and goat cheese.
Sun-Dried Tomato Goat Cheese Empanadas
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium sweet onion, halved and thinly sliced
4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and diced
1 pastry for a single-crust pie (9 inches)
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until softened, 4-5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown, 30-40 minutes. Remove from heat. Let cool slightly. Gently stir in goat cheese and tomatoes.
Preheat oven to 400°. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 3-in. round biscuit cutter. Place circles 2 in. apart on baking sheets. Place 1 heaping tsp. of filling on 1 side of each circle. Brush edges of pastry with water; fold circles in half. With a fork, press edges to seal. Bake until golden brown, 15-20 minutes.
once you’ve placed a tablespoon of filling, wet the bottom edge with a little water. then gently fold one side over and press the dough to close.
use a fork to make indentations and close up the empanada.
classic whiskey sour
the classic whiskey sour calls for a little egg white to create the light foam on top. but this is optional. the egg white does nothing to the flavor, but i do recommend shaking a lot to get the froth right.
whiskey sour
2 oz bourbon
3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
1/2 oz egg white, optional
Angostura bitters or bourbon cherry for garnish
add all ingredients into a shaker and dry-shake (no ice).
add ice and shake again.
strain into a coupe glass.
garnish with 3 or 4 drops of Angostura bitters or bourbon cherry
we are full steam ahead on holiday content, so be sure to stay tuned to the blog all season long! coming up we will have home decorating for the holidays, new holiday recipes, fashion and gift guides. so you don’t want to miss it! oscar, ollie, and i wish all of you a wonderful rest of the week! cheers to a fine fall day!
it’s easy to put together a casual outfit when the base is a pair of comfortable
these driving moccasins are old, but there are always similar options (
all wrapped up and ready for the oven. meanwhile, oscar and pax are hoping for a piece of prosciutto to hit the floor.
doesn’t that just look so tempting! a perfect fall cocktail. 
