Wishlist: Spring Forward

To say that this has been a brutal winter would be an understatement. Even those who love winter and snow are begging for spring at this point. After a fantastic run along the Potomac and a cookout this past weekend, I'm reminded of all the fun and happiness that warm weather brings. The number one thing on my spring wishlist is that these warmer temperatures stick around. The rest of my wishlist is packed with furniture, florals, and light pastels and neutrals.    

1. Voluspa Linden & Dark Moss candle  2. Deborah Lippmann 'Build Me Up Buttercup' nail polish  3. Arden B Watercolor Floral Midi Dress  4. Joie Clayton Heels  5. Tibi Cluster Beading Dress  6. Anine Bing Quilted Leather Jacket  7. JCPenny Picnic Blanket  8. J.Crew Merino Tunic Sweater  9. Macy's Sanibel Nightstand  10. Tory Burch 'Cat's Meow' Lip & Cheek Tint  11. Banana Republic Floral Sequin Peplum Top  12. Tibi Raffia Organza Full Skirt  13. Tory Burch 'Kaley' Dress  14. French Connection City Grid Cropped Trousers  15. Target Threshold Tufted Bench  16. Gorjana 'Elea' Cuff Bracelet  17. Giorgio Armani 'Blush' Eye Palette

New Orleans Style Shrimp Po'boys

Happy Fat Tuesday! New Orleans is one of my favorite cities, and one of the many things I love about it is its food culture, which is so unique from anywhere else in the country. From seafood gumbo to beignets, there's no shortage of rich decadent flavor when eating your way through New Orleans. The first thing I ever ate in New Orleans was a shrimp po'boy and it remains one of my favorite meals to this day. My fiance and I have nearly perfected this New Orleans staple, and it's been on heavy rotation in our house for several years. There's no better time than Mardi Gras to try the recipe for yourself.

NEW ORLEANS STYLE SHRIMP PO'BOYS

Yields: 4 Po'boys

Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

1 egg

2 cups flour

salt and pepper

2 cups canola oil

1 pound of uncooked shrimp, peeled

3 tablespoons mayonnaise

pinch of cayenne pepper

½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon lime juice

2 French baguettes

1½ cups iceberg lettuce, shredded

1 large tomato, sliced

Instructions:

1) Crack the egg into a small bowl. Fill a mixing bowl with the flour, mixing in a pinch of salt and pepper.

2) Heat the oil in a large frying pan on medium-high heat. Once warm, dip the shrimp first into the egg and then into the flour, coating the shrimp completely. Place the shrimp in small batches into the frying pan until golden brown, roughly four minutes. Remove shrimp from pan and place on a drying rack.

3) Mix together mayonnaise, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and lime juice in a small bowl, then spread mayonnaise mixture over each half of the baguette. Top with shrimp, shredded lettuce, and sliced tomato. Your New Orleans Style Po'boy is ready to serve!

Academy Awards: Best Dressed List

{ Kate Hudson in Atelier Versace }

The fashion gods were at work at the 2014 Oscars. I have never been so floored by award show fashion than I was last night. From everyone's new girl crush, Lupita Nyong'o, to seasoned "best dressed list" veteran, Cate Blanchett, there was no shortage of jaw-dropping moments on the Oscar red carpet. To top it off, Ellen was hilarious, Lupita danced with Pharrell, and Jennifer Lawrence fell on the red carpet...what more could you ask for out of an award show? Anyway, back to the fashion, here are my favorite looks of the night.

{ Lupita Nyong'o in Prada }

{ Olivia Wilde in Valentino and Jason Sudeikis in Prada }

{ Naomi Watts in Calvin Klein Collection }

{ Cate Blanchett in Giorgio Armani }

{ Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Couture }

{ Camilla Alves in Gabriela Cadena }

{ Emma Watson in Vera Wang }

{ Portia de Rossi in Naeem Khan }

Photo credit: E!Online