Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Stripes and Crop Tops

My love for stripes is pretty intense.  More often than not I have to stop myself from buying another item of clothing with stripes on it. However, one item I did not have in my closet was a striped crop top.

Now I should start by saying I don't LOVE crop tops. I like them, I just think they look better on other people than they do on me. But, like most trends I believe you can make them work for your body and that's exactly what I did with this top. Notice the jeans are high enough where you can barely see any stomach. Just the way I like it so I can eat and drink without worries :)


Similar crop top here
Similar purse here; Shoes here

Jeans here

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Pineapples

Pineapples are having a moment. I love the print of this dress because it's fun but not too obnoxious to wear to a more formal event. I wore this dress to Mother's Day Brunch at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens. As you can tell, spring is the perfect time to go! Just look look at the those flowers. The grounds of the garden were gorgeous. If you're looking for something to do in Cleveland this is worth a trip!

Did I mention this dress is $13 dollars?? Material is really good for the price. I sized up for a longer length. It also comes in a palm tree print, I might need it :)

Thanks for reading!



Dress; H&M
Flats; here
Similar purse here

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Dressy Rompers

This summer I'm on the hunt for the perfect romper. While I love the idea of a romper (just throw it on and your outfit is complete), I also find it challenging to find one that fits and doesn't look too causal.

I've rounded up my top 'dressy' rompers that could easily be dressed up with a pair of heels and statement jewelry or dressed down with sandals.

Now if only I could find a romper that isn't challenging in the bathroom department..

Thanks for reading!




Nordstrom
Madewell

Lulu's
Topshop
Forever 21


Friday, May 8, 2015

Chicken Nachos

We probably have Mexican food for dinner at least once a week, obviously I had to make something for Cinco de Mayo. I normally make tacos or enchiladas; however, I wanted to try something different but something just as easy. This recipe was just that, so simple and easy. You could make it even easier and buy the pre-cut vegetables, don't worry I thought about it while I was at the grocery store.

The toppings you could put on these nachos are endless. I would suggest adding queso in to the mix. Kevin isn't a huge fan of cheese (no I'm not ok with this) so I didn't add it...this time.

On a completely different topic, check out my article in Cleveland. com
http://www.cleveland.com/style/index.ssf/2015/05/nikki_stracensky_embraces_tren.html#incart_river

Thanks for reading!

Ingredients:
1 bag of Tortilla chips
1 package of shredded cheese of your choice
1 can of salsa
1 red onion
1 white onion
2 jalapenos 
1 can of chili peppers
1 rotisserie chicken (or 2 cooked chicken breasts if you aren't lazy like me)
1 package of fresh cilantro
1 package of taco seasoning
Tin foil
Cooking spray
*I made guacamole as a side. I just used 2 ripe avocados and a prepackage mix and added in some cilantro.

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and cut up all the vegetables and cilantro; set to the side.

2. Shred the chicken and put in a pan; along with the can of chili peppers, 1 cup of salsa, and the chopped up white onion.

3. Stir the chicken mixture for about 10 minutes, then add in the taco seasoning. You may need to add more salsa then so that the mixture isn't too dry. Stir for another 5-10 minutes.

4. Put tin foil on a cookie sheet and spray with cooking spray to avoid sticking.

5. Spread out tortillas. Then layer them with a layer of cheese.

6. Then layer with the chicken mixture. Top with your chopped up vegetables and cilantro and another layer of cheese.

7. Bake for 15 minutes.

8. Enjoy with extra salsa, guacamole, or sour cream on the side.





Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Derby Day


Derby day was a perfect excuse to wear a hat. And this hat is great for all occasions and fits the budget. Forever 21 has a lot of great hats and today is free shipping NO MINIMUM. You're welcome.

I also want to mention this midi skirt. While I was trying on outfits with this skirt I found so many different options. Pair it with a chambray button up, a fun crop top, or a basic tee, it all works.


Thanks for reading!


Similar skirt here; Tank top here

Hat here; Shoes here

Purse here
Love this skirt here