The Smart Pack

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!! 

It's hard to believe we are already more than half way through March! This is a super popular time of year for travel. It pretty much kicks off travel season. Sometimes a weekend getaway can work wonders and be so good for the soul. Something else good for the soul? Knowing what you have packed is EXACTLY what you need. Nothing more, nothing less. Being a big traveler I like to sip while I pack but who doesn't need a drink when doing such a task? 

Here are my weekend packing tips that I've picked up along the way. 

-This one might seem super easy and you've probably heard it already but always roll your clothes. They will be so much less wrinkled and you'll be able to fit more.  

-Actually plan out each outfit for each day

-Try on your outfit to it's entirety so that you know everything fits right, looks good together, and you like it. 

-Have a color palette in mind. Doing this you can interchange pieces if need be.  

-You know me, I've gotta talk about a shoe! Make sure you take a pair of shoes that will go with all of your outfits. Taking too many shoes will weigh you down. Usually snakeskin or leopard will work.  

As you may know green is my favorite color and it's a holiday so I couldn't miss the opportunity to make a green drink!

 

Honestly this drink is DELICIOUS! I just kind of went back and forth with the Blue Curacao and O.J. to get my desired color and then added the Triple Sec. I used a very small amount of icing to rim the glass and added sprinkles.

Shake in a mixer over ice, strain and enjoy! 

I hope everyone has a fantastic St. Pattie's Day! Cheers!  

xoxo

 

Chic & Cozy

Let me start off by saying two things. First, this was not meant to be a Kilgore dog photo shoot but it just kind of happened because they must be in my face at all times. Second, before I start this post I know damn well none of us need to love our beds any more than we already do. Having said that lets talk about things you can do to make your bed your one true oasis. Even with my dressing room, my favorite place in the house is in my bed. Here are my tips for making your bed so cozy chic.

  • In the winter, flannel sheets. In the summer, Egyptian Cotton. Do it you won't regret it.
  • I've said it once, I'll say it again. Make your bed every day! There is nothing better than crawling into bed that is made and pretty than sheets all over the place and sloppy.
  • Splurge on pretty throw pillows.
  • A faux fur throw will add chic, cozy and it so soft!

 

  • Fold your sheets under your mattress. This way at night you won't get tangled in sheets.
  • Tuck your comforter so that you can see the details of your bed (if there are any).

Seriously guys, my bed is life. I think at this point it's too comfortable...

On to this week's drink recipe. I'm about to get sappy ...  

This week, I'm making a "Whiskey and Wine". When I was perusing drink recipes I came across this and thought "It's mine and MK's favorite drinks made into one!". You see, as I sound completely cliché, that man completes me. So I'm cheersing to him this week for being the amazing man he is.

Here is how you can make this drink: 

4 oz red wine

2 oz whiskey  

1 tbsp Triple Sec

1 tbsp lemon juice

Simply mix everything and serve at room temperature.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

xoxo
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Get Fancy

,

Sometimes it doesn't take too much to make a fancy canapé. My go-to is always a crab cake because it's simple, chic, and the most important part, delicious. Also I can't hear the words crab cake and not hear Vince Vaughn from Wedding Crashers.  

Anywho, not only is this totally perfect for a gathering, it's also skinny. As it is from the cookbook Skinny Taste. Seriously go get a copy because it's fantastic!

Here is what you need: 

1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

1 large egg

1 large egg white

2 tbsp finely chopped red bell pepper

1 tbsp light mayo

2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

a few dashes of hot sauce

salt

1/8 tsp pepper

9 oz crabmeat

Combine panko, both eggs, pepper, mayo, parsley, hot sauce, sprinkle some salt and pepper. Add crab meat. Shape into 8 patties or if serving as appetizers make 16 balls. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 425, spray baking sheet with cooking spray and place the crab cakes. Bake until golden, turn once, about 8 minutes on each side. Serve with lemon wedges or tomato. 

Happy Hump Day! I swear I can almost see the weekend in the distance.

xoxo