Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Best of Shrimp: Part I




I am a shrimp-a-holic. Bubba Gump style all the way. So, to kick start summer, I'm bringing you tons of shrimp recipes in as many parts as it takes!


CURRIED SHRIMP TARTS


Curried Shrimp Tarts Recipe

  • 1 cup chopped cooked shrimp 
  • 1/2 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened 
  • 3 tablespoons chopped green onions 
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 
  • 3/4 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
  • 15 mini-phyllo pastry shells
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons jarred mango chutney
  • Toppings: chopped fresh chives, toasted sweetened flaked coconutStir together first 6 ingredients. Spoon mixture into pastry shells. Spoon 1/2 tsp. mango chutney over each tart; sprinkle with desired toppings.
 {Southern Living via My Recipes}


PENNE WITH SHRIMP AND HERBED SAUCE



  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled, and deveined
  • cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus extra for seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus extra for seasoning
  • 1 (15-ounce) can whole tomatoes, drained, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup white wine
  • 1/3 cup clam juice
  • 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Cook, stirring frequently until the shrimp turn pink and is cooked through, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the shrimp and set aside.

Add the tomatoes, 1/4 cup basil, 1/4 cup parsley, and the red pepper flakes. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the wine, clam juice, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 7 to 8 minutes until the sauce thickens. Add 1/4 cup of the Parmesan, the cooked shrimp, the cooked pasta, and the remaining herbs. Toss together until all ingredients are coated. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.

Transfer the pasta to a large serving bowl. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and serve immediately.


{Giada de Laurentis via Food Network}






GREEK-SPICED BAKED SHRIMP


Greek-Spiced Baked Shrimp




  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot red-pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes in juice, drained, reserving juice, and chopped
  • Pinch of sugar
  • 1 1/4 pound large peeled and deveined shrimp
  • 1/4 pound feta, crumbled (2/3 cup)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped dill



  • Preheat oven to 375°F with rack in middle.

    Cook onion and garlic in oil with 1/4 teaspoon salt in a 4-quart heavy saucepan over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in spices and cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Add chopped tomatoes with juice and sugar and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat.
    Season shrimp with 1/8 teaspoon salt, then stir into tomato sauce. Transfer to a 2-quart shallow baking dish and top with feta. Bake until just cooked through, 18 to 20 minutes. Serve sprinkled with dill.


    {Gourmet via Epicurious}

    Friday, May 25, 2012

    Friday Files: Mint





    BLOUSE: Acme, $280
    DENIM:  Paige, $169
    EARRINGS: Fred Flare, $12
    CLUTCH: Topshop, $48
    DRESS: Tibi, $555
    DRESS: Halston Heritage, $225

    DRESS: Halston Heritage

    Wednesday, May 23, 2012

    Baz Luhrman's The Great Gatsby Trailer


    So the fashion world is atwitter (tee hee) - Baz Luhrman's hotly anticipated The Great Gatsby finally released their first trailer. And, it's awesome, totally Baz Luhrman-fied! Check it out below. 




    Online Obsession: Eberjey


    Obsessed doesn't even begin to describe how I feel about this adorable summer set from a perennial favorite, Eberjey. 

    Tuesday, May 22, 2012

    Wendy's Lookbook: I'm Looking and I'm Liking!

    I am usually not a youtube beauty fiend - I am very fortunate to have beauty editor friends who help me with whatever questions I have AND I have such sensitive skin (see my article here) that my product range is so limited. However, while browsing through countless sock bun videos (again), I came across the very charming, very adorable Wendy - love her bubbly personality! Check out a few of her hair videos. Do you cruise YouTube often for beauty videos? Who do you like? 







    Cosmopolitan.com! Wedding-Worthy Dresses

    Check out my "Wedding Worthy Dresses" flipbook for Cosmopolitan.com - sneak peek it below! I had such a  blast doing this post. Please let me know if you have any specific wedding attire questions - I love answering them!


    Monday, May 21, 2012

    30 Hot Summer Dresses Under $130

    A loyal reader approached me asking me about her favorite topic - easy summer dresses. I was more than happy to put together a flip book for her because I knew it would benefit other ladies out there! Check out all the hot summer styles from my favorite online shops, and below the flip book, how to dress up or down two of my favorite summer dresses.

    EASY SUMMER DRESSES - 30 UNDER $130


    Summer dressing is easy, but how do you take it from day to night and back again? 

    Dress A:
    A super casual summer dress


    Dolce Vita, $77

    This awesome deal of a sporty, casual dress comes with the belt! For the daytime, I'd wear it with the below: 

    CASUAL

    SHOE


    Boutique 9, $55.20

    BAG


    R&Em, $75



    DRESSY 


    HAIR




    JEWELS




    Dress B:
    A dressy little number




    CASUAL

    SHOE

    Aldo, $49


    SCARF


    Forever 21, $4.90

    DRESSY 

    HAIR



    JEWELS

    Piperlime, $20



    Hope you got some great ideas for summer dressing! 

    Thursday, May 17, 2012

    Private Discount: Diesel Wants to Let You in On the Secret!


    Huge Diesel Fan??

    Check this out - for WTSTA readers, you get 30% off the spring/summer collection at ANY Diesel store including online which starts today!!


    I'm so hot for this cute little denim mini - which, by the way, I loathe denim minis - but this is so great with the tie front top! Perfect for city or suburbs.



    Diesel, $148
    

    Or this little hot number - perfect for running around in the summer! It has a gorgeous ruffle racer back -two of my favorite words. Me loves. I remember seeing this at a press preview ages and eons and eras ago and I'm so glad that Diesel reached out - reminded me that I wanted it!




    Diesel, $168


    Happy Shopping!
    xo

    Guest Post: Happily Ever BorroWED

    I had the distinct pleasure of being randomly seated next to a girl my age at an event here in New York and we got to talking. She was fabulous and began talking about how she's like me - by day, one thing and by night, a businesswoman. I immediately offered her a guest post on WTSTA when I heard more about her business. 

    For all my brides-to-be out there, listen to this: instead of paying ridiculous amounts of money for a headpiece or barrette or crystal belt you'll wear once, why not rent it from Happily Ever BorroWED? They have brilliant luxury bridal accessories that you can rent from them, a trusted source, (not some sketchy person online) at a fraction of the price. Their pieces are in pristine condition and you can hold to rent a year before to a day before! (Check the website for exact details).
    Brittany Haas is currently the woman behind the scenes of Happily Ever BorroWED. She gained experience as a financial planner for several top Fashion houses (Hermes, Ralph Lauren, Saks Fifth Avenue...), and now brings her business savvy to the bridal industry. She helped plan her three sister's weddings, and has been obsessed with bridal gowns and sparkly things for as long as she can remember. Read on for the scoop!
    My Inspired Wedding says, "From sprays of glittering jewels in the midst of tulle to headbands complete with Swarovski crystals and pearls, the Fall/Winter trend of non-traditional veils is bringing out the best creative minds in the wedding industry!" and we at Happily Ever BorroWED know a thing or two about non-traditional veils!

    Happily Ever BorroWED is the premiere, luxury, e-boutique that RENTS designer bridal accessories to brides for their wedding day.  From modern to traditional, we have tons of gorgeous, designer pieces to make your style explode while keeping your wallet in check. 


    We’re going to break down the current trends in accessories, step-by-step, and hopefully, you can find your non-traditional, drool worthy, dream accessory!
    Feathers


    For those brides who love drama, add some feathers to your look!  These two pieces by Justine M. Couture add a fun and fabulous feel to your bridal accoutrements.


    Fascinators




    How about a vintage look for your special day?  Instead of a veil, how about a fabulous pillbox hat or European inspired fascinator by Kitty Andrews?  What makes her pieces super special on OUR site is that they’re handmade to your specifications – but you can still rent it for a fraction of the retail price!  Whether white or ivory, hat elastic or comb, she can specify your needs just for you!

    Bling





    How about we skip the headwear all together?  Statement jewelry is a great way to make an entrance! These fabulous pieces by Enchanted Atelier are some stunning baubles that will surely bring all the right attention to your wedding day look.



    Belts
    If belts are more of your style, and you want to add a unique element to your wedding gown, then Elle & Jae is your best bet! From crystal rhinestones to black velvet, these belts each have their own personality and can make any gown really "pop". 




    The ideas for unique ways to add your own style to your wedding are endless, and we provide brides the opportunity to explore that style without the cost of buying high-end designer pieces.  Check us out at: http://www.happilyeverborrowed.com/ 





    Tuesday, May 15, 2012

    Southern Classic: Hot Chicken Salad

    Celebrations at Home, a blog I love, posted this Hot Chicken Salad recipe that I just had to repost on a rainy day. Doesn't it just sound delicious even though it's almost summer? Sometimes nothing but a casserole will do! 


    Hot Chicken Salad
    • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
    • 1 cup diced celery
    • 3/4 cup slivered almonds, lightly toasted
    • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
    • 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
    • 1 cup Hellman’s Light mayonnaise
    • 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded parmesan cheese
    • 1 small can Fried onions
    Preheat oven to 35o degrees, and spray a 9 x 11 baking dish with cooking spray.
    Combine all ingredients together except the fried onions. Mix 1/2 the can into the mixture, reserving the rest for topping. Transfer to baking dish and cook for 20 minutes.
    Top with remaining onions and cook for 5 more minutes. Serve with salad and crusty bread.

    Monday, May 14, 2012

    Do You Watch New Girl?


    Because I do. And I LOVE Schmidt. He's what I suppose Chandler was for the previous generation? Anyway, if you're into New Girl, check out this hilarious video of Schmidt's online dating profile. 





    Wednesday, May 9, 2012

    I'm SO Proud! I'm on the HuffPo Style Page Today!

    Hey loyal readers, today is WORLD LUPUS DAY - and in honor of a worldwide pledge to spread awareness and information on my disease, I wrote a little piece for the Huffington Post, which you can read here. Please, please use your social media and pass this along to people - the more people we empower with knowledge, the better we can help them and all work towards a cure someday. 

    S.L.E. Lupus Foundation 

    World Lupus Day

    xo Lauren 

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