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Setting the Mood: True Blood (Red)

By |August 16th, 2011|Setting the Mood|

Alright, well I don’t watch True Blood or Twilight or any of the other 35,000 shows about vampires, but all that blood leaves me seeing red– in a good way. There is nothing more sexy or chic than a really saturated red. You may opt to deck yourself out in the hot hue, or just punch up some neutrals with a pop or crimson. Even just a red lip can add a little something to the average outfit. I can’t wait to pick out the perfect shade of red to lacquer up my fingers and toes. There is just something about a little bit of red that can get you all fired up. Vampires or not.

xx,

WhyDid

Handbag: Alexander McQueen

Shoes: Dolce & Gabbana

Ring: Solange Azagury-Partridge

Chemise: Rosamosario

Why Did You Eat That: The Easiest (Most Delicious) Lasagna You’ll Ever Make

By |August 15th, 2011|Recipes, Why Did You Eat That?|
I know many blogs have all kinds of fancy pants couture culinary treats, but I like to keep things much more simple.  Call my palate unsophisticated, but I like to think that I know what type of food pleases people.  I also like recipes that are easy to make (with ingredients that are easy to track down).  So when you combine Italian with comfort food, I’m sold. Who doesn’t like lasagna?  No, really, who?  Below is the easiest, yet most impressive lasagna recipe under the sun.  You’re welcome!
Ingredients:
  • 1 box of Barilla no-boil lasagna noodles
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
  • 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1 lb browned ground beef
  • pasta sauce (I love Rao’s if you can find it)

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375.
  2. In a medium sized bowl, combine beaten eggs, ricotta cheese and TWO cups of the mozzarella cheese and parmesan.
  3. Set aside.
  4. In a 13x9x3 pan, spread 1 cup of pasta sauce on bottom of pan.
  5. Layer 4 uncooked lasagna noodles (it’s okay if they overlap), then 1/3 of the ricotta cheese mixture, half the browned meat, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, and 1 cup of spaghetti sauce.
  6. Next layer, 4 uncooked lasagna noodles, 1/3 of the ricotta cheese mixture, and 1 1/2 Cups sauce.
  7. Next layer, 4 uncooked lasagna noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, remaining meat, and 1 cup of sauce.
  8. For top layer, 4 uncooked lasagna noodles, remaining sauce, and remaining 1 cup mozzarella.
  9. Bake covered with foil for 50-60 minutes.
  10. Uncover and continue cooking until all the cheese is melted on the top (about 5 minutes).
  11. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.
  12. If you are using a shallower pan, make 3 layers rather than 4 to avoid boiling over.

How easy was that?

xx,

WhyDid

Monday Mashup: Brangelina’s New Baby?

By |August 15th, 2011|Monday Mashup|

Wait a second…  You. just. wait. one. second.  Did Brad and Angelina adopt another child without us knowing it?  No?  So, you mean to tell me that Maddox is not responsible for smash hits like Grenade and The Lazy Song?  Hmmph.  Bruno Mars, you got the short end of the stick.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Layering Up

By |August 14th, 2011|Look for Less, Why Did You Wear That?|

Three of my favorite looks from this week all have something in common.  They are all great transitional outfits.  As much as I hate to say it, summer is in its final stretch and fall is fast approaching.  During this time of year, it’s always tricky trying to figure out what to put on– or take off.  The weather is as temperamental as a woman with PMS and no M&M’s.  The only way to get your look right during this time of year is by layering up.  From Olivia Wilde’s cozy and casual look to Emma Stone’s red carpet Chanel Couture, these lovely ladies have mastered the art of layering and you can too by following these easy to put together layered looks (if you need a layering refresher course, click here):

1. All Saints Departed Hoodie, $67.50, 2. Mossimo Jersey Knit Maxi Skirt, $17.99, 3. Kashmere Blue Double Floral Print Cashmere Scarf, $138, 4. Forever 21 Cay Eye Sunglasses, $5.80

1. BCBG Emma Button Down Silk Chiffon Blouse, $168, 2. GYPSY 05 Carmen Twist Skirt, $99, 3. MICHAEL by Michael Kors Jenna Wedge Sandals, $145, 4. Staring at Stars Embellished Eternity Scarf, $32, 5. Elliot Lucca Millana Camera Snake Embossed Crossbody Bag, $64.90, 6. Urban Outfitters Tortoise Trim Aviator Sunglasses, $16

1. Matty M Pearl Metallic Crocheted Sequin Top, $43.99, 2. American Apparel Chiffon Full Length Skirt, $46, 3. M. Flynn Chandelier Cluster Earrings, $88, 4. Diane von Furstenberg Harper Evening Flap Shoulder Bag, $450, 5. Stuart Weitzman Nude Patent Daisy Pumps, $140.25

Keep cool. Stay hot.

xx,

WhyDid

Friday Frocks: Oh Baby, Baby!

By |August 12th, 2011|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

Since we’ve been on the topic… The last thing I feel like doing when I have a “friend in town” is squeezing myself into a dress tight enough to cut off all blood circulation and then shoving my poor undeserving toes into shoes that could serve as a form of ancient torture.  Whether you’re feeling the bloat like me or you just want to indulge in dessert at dinner, the babydoll dress is the answer to all of our problems.  Flowy and romantic, it is feminine enough not to be frumpy.  While you wont’ be able to see the outline of your organs, you’ll still look pretty.  Guys probably won’t be a fan of this one… but your tummy will.

1. Urban Outfitters Laine Dress, $19.99, 2. Jen’s Pirate Booty Pandora Babydoll Dress, $145, 3. Betsey Johnson Rose Chiffon Short Babydoll Dress, $298, 4. Plastic Island Rose Babydoll Dress, $158, 5. Black Poppy Flirty Bustier Dress, $29.50, 6. Style Stalker Scale Print Cut Out Babydoll Dress, $77.58, 7. Rampage Sleeveless Striped Babydoll Dress, $20.99, 8. Twenty8Twelve Dorris Babydoll Dress, $156.99, 9. Patterson J. Kincaid Olivia Pintuck Dress, $109.99, 10. Alice + Olivia Cammie Trapeze Dress, $257

xx,

WhyDid