What Fall Brings – 3rd Edition

Banana Republic’s Mad Men Themed Collection/ Fall 2011 Line In General

While I don’t think promotions that combine clothing and TV shows is classy whatsoever, I have to admit that the Fall 2011 Mad Men Collection for Banana is just adorable from start to finish. I also love a bunch of pieces not part of the Mad Men line. I think the collection is old school yet feminine and fun. I can’t wait to purchase some of the skirts/dresses/coats this coming fall.

 Butternut Squash Risotto

I’m working on making dishes with various vegetables I never have before – i.e. I’ve been making Taylor concoctions with leeks/kale/baby artichokes this summer… In case you’re wondering, I’m very proud of myself. I think risotto is a cooking obstacle I may or may not be able to tackle this fall. I’d certaintly like to – it’s hearty…delicious…and easy to incorporate truly whatever you want into the dish. I’m thinking butternut squash, rosemary and scallops… Get back to me mid September.

Thank you RecipeGirl

All Things Tartan – Duh.

So in case you weren’t aware… I am partially Scottish. And, well, I spend most of my days with Scottish brand ambassadors for MMC clients The Glenlivet and Chivas Regal. I have a rough job, no need to rub it in #client. Regardless, I somehow lost my tartan skirt I purchased when last in Edinburugh – this makes me very sad. Hopefully, I can splurge on one nice tartan “something” this fall. It’s only fitting.  

Photo courtesy of Shopbop

Leather Jackets, Reinvigorated.

Boy do I love me some leather jackets! I have one that I adore – it’s a funky Miss Sixty Bomber Black Jacket with a great collar. I’m now on the prowl for a new one — surely, it’s not necessary I purchase one but when in reality is shopping truly “necessary?” COME ON. I am digging a few different ones – I don’t think I’ll be able to branch out enough to get a tan leather jacket though, I must stick to what I’m used to…. any and everything BLACK. Ann Taylor, oddly enough, is making some great looking, semi affordable jackets for the fall. Also, I love some of the jackets being featured on ShopBop.

Photo courtesy of Shopbop

Starbucks Pumpkin Spiced Latte

I love Starbucks … well, let me rephrase that. I love Starbucks’ seasonal options. I do not, however, like their actual coffee WHAT-SO-EVER. Who really does? If you’re one of the 10 people in the US who go to Starbucks for their “good” tasting coffee? Please rethink your life values, soon. Their Pumpkin options are just amazing — their hot lattes and their iced options. In addition, I love their Apple Cider and Hot Chocolate picks as we get closer to winter.

Industrial Heels

These are funky. A bit obnoxious. Not work appropriate. I love them. I think this would match so well with a fun skirt and black tights with a chunky sweater. I think the Oxford heels never caught on in my book but these? These, I can most definitely work with. I think the shoes may also be hot with tight denim jeans and a white blouse.

Photo courtesy of Lord and Taylor

Sweet Potato Pancakes

I’ve become SO addicted to sweet potatoes over the past year. Westville turned me on, specifically, to sweet potato fries. I DIE IN HAPPINESS. For some reason, I feel like these fries are so much creamier, tastier and less starchy than regular fries for the most part. I’ve been incorporating sweet potatoes into a bunch of my own recipes at home – most recently a chicken/feta/rosemary/penne/arugula dish that I reworked from Eat Well With Others. The recipe below incorporates sweet potatoes into weekend pancakes, gone foodie. I dig it…. BIG TIME.

Thank you La Fuji Mama

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Pizza A La Working Woman

I’ve seen so many mouth-watering pizza recipes lately I couldn’t help but think it would be cost and time effective to give it a try. MIND YOU I have never made a pizza – yes, laugh all you want. I have, however, made countless batches of pasta in the past so have no fear. As per usual with my odd cooking ways, I didn’t follow any of the delicious recipes I found online and thought to go with what I was in the mood for. When are you NOT in the mood for feta? Let’s be serious.

With no further adieu, I give you Pizza A La Working Woman:

Ingredients:

• Thin crust cheese pizza crust
• Sliced button mushrooms
• Sundried Tomatoes
• Basic marinara sauce
• Chicken tenders
• Fresh baby spinach
• Feta crumbles
• Red onion
• Garlic (minced)

Directions:

• Heat your oven to 450 degrees – once hot enough, place the pizza crust in the oven to get an initial crusty finish (bake for 5 min)
• Poach and or sautee your chicken (poach chicken by placing cut up pieces in water until fully cooked or sautee with some salt/pepper/EVOO)
• In an individual skillet, begin caramelizing your red onions — add in garlic minced, chopped sundried tomatoes
• Once the onions are fully cooked, incorporate the mushrooms until both are fully sauteed and browned
• Add in a handful of fresh baby spinach for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is fully cooked
• Take the pizza crust out of the oven – top with marinara sauce, mushroom/spinach/onion mixture
• Heavy cover the entire pizza with fresh crumbled feta
• Bake in the oven at 450 degree for a maximum of 10 minutes

ENJOY!