A Ridiculous Dip & A Reality Check

While Monday usually gives me little satisfaction, this Monday feels incredible.

 Let me explain by starting with our Friday. I had a great day and a fun play date with the kids and after nap time whipped up one of my favorite appetizers (shared to me by one talented friend) and posted this picture on my Instagram at 5pm. 

Life was grand. 

Then the kids would not eat, were whiney, and clearly not themselves. We bathed them and got them ready for bed. 

And then it hit. 

The stomach flu. 

Like a hurricane that rocks your entire house, we had been hit and it was not pretty. 

The parents are spared. 

At first, 

and then it was our turn. 

The entire weekend was horrible and there was nothing to do but survive. 

So while the picture above may look like the perfect weekend image, what happened after was the reality. I considered putting up a picture later, but honestly did not have the strength. 

Luckily, we are on the mend and eating solids again. 

So just a really nice reminder that things are not always as they appear in cyberspace. Actually pretty much never. 

Now back to that dip. I had posted this recipe before if you want to check it out. It is very easy, can be made in advance, and it such a great starter. I highly recommend it. 

I hope your weekend was much more fun than mine! 

xo

Erin 

Little Blue Box

Though Tiffany & Co is one of the most iconic jewelers in all of the world, it has been some time since I have checked out their goods. In college you craved that little blue box so much and hoped it was holding a Tiffany link bracelet that paired perfectly with your black canvas Kate Spade. And while a link bracelet would still look classic with an arm party today (seriously, dig it out), there are some chic and modern options that will be classics for years to come but have a cool factor that works well with today's vibe. 

The new T collection gives us all something to add to our wish list and I am dying over those green braided earrings. There are some real investment pieces (or should I say pipe dream?) scattered in here, but also some great options for every budget. Like those black onyx drop earrings and the horseshoe necklace. And if I lived like Angelina Jolie, I would snap up those green, diamond encrusted earrings in a heartbeat. Have fun exploring! 

xo

Erin 

PS: Don't forget Mother's Day is coming. hint, hint boys. 

Calabrian Grilled Pork Ribs

I am a magazine junkie. I tend to reach for them more than books (which I am trying to change) and often times it is my resource for inspiration. Bon Appétit has always been on the roster, but over the last couple of years it has gotten good. Really good. The content is easy to read and recipes are usually brought down to mortal level from top chefs around the country. Plus the editing and styling is so fantastic and modern. My favorite section (an oldie but goodie) is in the front where people write in for recipes from their favorite restaurants. I love when it is a place I have been and even better if it is a dish I have tried. In March's issue, they shared a ribs recipe from a delicious Minneapolis restaurant, Bar La Grassa, that I loved so much (check out this recipe I already tried at home) and I knew that I had to try it. I never make ribs. But I will be making these again and are such a fresh departure from your usual goofed up BBQ sauced ones. The sauce is so rich in flavor with a surprising lightness and requires very little ingredients. You are to finish these under the broiler, but you could finish on the grill which makes this recipe a summer stunner. 

Calabrian Grilled Pork Ribs

Bon Appétit March 2015

Serves 4

1 rack St. Louis stlye Pork Ribs (2-3 lbs)

Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

5 fresno chilis, seeded if desired (Anaheim work too)

10 garlic cloves 

1/2 cup olive oil

1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar (sub any white vinegar if you want)

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for serving (left this out)

Lemon wedges (for serving)

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Place a double layer of foil large enough to wrap ribs on a rimmed baking sheet (to catch any drips). Set ribs on top and generously season with salt and pepper. 

Pulse chilis, garlic, oil, vinegar, rosemary, and red pepper flakes in a food processor or blender until mixture is almost smooth. Rub ribs all over with the marinade and pour excess over top. Wrap tightly with foil. 

Roast ribs until meat is tender but not quite falling off the bone. 2 1/2 - 3 hours. To check doneness, run a paring knife through 2 or 3 ribs; it should slide easily into flesh. 

Heat broiler. Once ribs are cool enough to handle. Remove foil and reserve juices. Place ribs on a clean rimmed baking sheet and broil until charred in spots and marinade has formed a golden brown crust, 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes. 

Slice meat into individual ribs. Drizzle with reserved juices and top with parsley. Serve with lemon wedges (squeeze them over the ribs, it is heavenly) 

Note: instead of broiling, you could grill over a very high heat for a few minutes as well. 

Enjoy! 

xo

Erin 

Busy watching one of my favorites get married this weekend. That and the thought of Spring has got me all giddy and totally not focused on writing this week. Cheers to a great week and weekend to you and hopefully something fun to celebrate as well. 

xo

Erin 

The Classic Shirtdress Today

Vogue 1967

Audrey knew what was up. A shirt dress is one piece that can look polished and put together with no fuss. For work or errands during the day with flats, then add heeled sandals for the evening. It is the perfect piece. And luckily there are some modern pieces that would look so chic this Spring. 

1. Love the color of this classic style. Asos $68 (on sale)

2. A total investment piece, but this would be a staple from Spring well into Fall.  Love the block print design so much. Ulla Johnson $415

3. You could wear this lose or add a tan belt. The color brings out the utility of it. Asos $40

4. A soft chambray makes you feel like you are wearing your pajamas. But so much better. Velvet $150

5. This peach number would look cute with white sneaks or stripy tan wedges. Splendid $138

6. This dress would look just as great for meetings as it would a dinner out. Black Halo $298

7. A soft fabric keeps the drape really flattering. Also in black. J. Crew $99 (on sale)

8. There is a reason the classic white shirt is a classic. Madewell $118

xo

Erin 

Current Skin Routine

Though I professed my problem with being a product junkie before, I have recently started simplifying my routine. While I used to dabble in dozens of products on a weekly basis, I am currently down to just a few. My skin has seen better results and I feel like I can really see the affects of each product much clearer. Here is my current day and night line up. 

Good Morning…

1. I worship this sunscreen. It packs a punch with plenty of protection, plus a wide range of anti-aging ingredients. It is insanely light and I let it soak in while I brush my teeth. If I only put one thing on, it is this. SuperGoop City Serum $20

2. Glossier is making some kick ass products. I actually love all of them, but this moisturizer is great for daytime. You can layer on based off how dry your skin may feel that morning and it helps with even skin tone. Priming Moisturizer $25

3. One of the best drugstore finds, this BB cream evens everything out without feeling like a heavy make up. The extra SPF is a great bonus. Garnier Skin Renew BB Cream Anti Aging $12

4. You have to find the right color that works for you, but this Bobbi Brown cheek and lip duo lasts and makes me look way more rested than I might be. And it lasts forever. $27

5. Though I am trying to go more fresh faced and make up free, mascara is essential. And Dior never fails. This DiorShow Iconic Overcurl makes you look awake and polished. $28 

6. I discovered this DryBar Detox Dry Shampoo when it was suggested by a lovely lady in this post (one of my favorites) and my old dry shampoo was ditched immediately. My hair can last well into the week with a few sprays each morning. $14

 Good Night…

1. I love a cleanser that is gentle, but can also take off make up and grossness from my day. This Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel does not dry out your skin, but gets the job done. $36

2. My dermo has me on a very strong hydroquinone and rentinol prescription for my melanoma and anti aging right now. Which my skin cannot take every day. On off days I either use no serum or this Algenist Retinol firming & lifting serum. I used it religiously before I was put on a Rx and the results were real. It is pricey, but you use just a tiny bit each night so it lasts. $98

3. And speaking of pricey, nothing make me happier than finding a drugstore gem that I love. Though I am not as good as I should be about natural products, I love this Neutrogena Natural moisturizer. It has tons of good for your skin ingredients and gives me that extra moisture I need at night. $11

4. I switch between the Neutrogena moisturizer and La Mer depending on my current skin condition. Talk about high low! But this one jar of La Mer has lasted a very long time and when my skin is extra dry it feels so great. There is a reason everyone swears by it, but it is really best for dry skin. $85

5. Eye cream can basically save your life. So if you are not patting on any at night, get with the program, lady. My current favorite, which I think does its job really well, is Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Balm. It combats dark circles, wrinkles, and puffiness. $65

6. My hands take a beating each day and regular manicures are just happening right now. I massage in this Glossier Balm Dotcom to my cuticles each night and it helps keep my hands in top shape minus the professionals. $12

Any products you are swearing by lately? You know I can't resist. 

xo

Erin 

Leftover Oatmeal Muffins

Oatmeal seemed like such an easy breakfast for the kids to love. I grabbed the organic steel cut oats from the store thinking #momoftheyear! I made them on the stove after they woke up, drizzled it with agave nectar and cinnamon, then served up waiting for giant smiles of excitement from the deliciousness. 

Which never happened. Instead they were over it and only requested more syrup (lots), which completely negates the entire point of this breakfast. So with a few cups of already cooked oatmeal going to waste I decided to go the baked good route. This recipe uses very few ingredients and has very little sugar. My son thinks everything in muffin form is a cupcake, so we added a couple of sprinkles on top. The muffins are super moist and hearty. They also come together in under ten minutes. See below if you do not have leftover oatmeal, you can use quick cook oats too. 

Oatmeal Muffins 

Imperfect Polish 2015

Makes one dozen muffins 

2 cups cooked oatmeal - or - soak 1 cup of oats in 1 cup of milk for 15 minutes
1 egg
1/4 cup oil 
1/4 brown sugar
1 cup while wheat pastry flour
2 teaspoons baking powder 
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Using a standing mixer or hand mixer, beat egg, oil, and brown sugar in a large bowl. Then mix in the oats. 

Combine all of remaining ingredients in a separate bowl, then add to the wet ingredients. Mix well until combined. 

Spray a muffin tin with cooking spray and fill each cup about 2/3 full. Bake at 425 for 18-22 minutes. You can check when toothpick comes clean out of one of the muffins. 

Enjoy! 
xo
Erin  

Spring Break Finds Under $200

Yes, yes, we keep talking about getting the heck out of dodge, but I cannot help it. And after a few more requests for new pieces for Spring Break escapes, I thought I would share what some of our favorite stores have to offer for under $200. Because a girl needs to save her pennies for all those frosty drinks and sunset dinners...

From Net-a-Porter: These lace shorts are such a great coverup. Wear with a silky tank for lunch $175 / Minimalist leather sandals will work anywhere day or night $185 / A gauzy coral shirt dress is so chic over your suit. Wear back at home over leggings or skinnies $195 / Love a necklace that is super long to wear with a dress or even with your bikini $40

From Nordstrom: Parker makes a killer maxi, this is a great deal if you like the print $131 / 2. Comfy and beachy pants $148 / 3. A retro striped surfer girl romper. Love this $49 / 4. Nautical and sweet striped romper $99 / 5. This dress is a great classic in a fun color. Sexy, but not overtly so $198

From Asos: A cotton maxi that goes anywhere day to night $34 (more colors) / This strapless is also an easy throw on anywhere dress (more colors) $28 / Love the delicate lace on this sweet dress $67

From Shopbop: Love the touch of delicate lace on this maxi $152 / A beaded and embroidered tunic is something you would wear forever $148/ An easy fun tank dress for over your suit $90 / I am a sucker for a stripe, and I love the black and white of this dress $65

From J. Crew:  Pair these over a suit or with your favorite white tank Cabana Pant $69 + 25% off (also comes in white and black)  / Obsessed with this Mara Hoffman romper $185 / Classic Embroidered Tunic  to wear as a cover up or at night with sandals $78 + 25% off

I have both of those hats and live in them on vacation. The floppy straw hat ($25) is easily packable and large to block the sun. The panama hat ($68) is such a great look, but you have to carry it on or wear on the plane. Which is really a great look, actually. 

xo

Erin 

The Layered Look: Necklaces

Do you follow Jen Meyer (aka Mrs. Tobey Maguire) on Instagram? She is pretty much friends with all the cool girls in LA and seeing all her GNOs with them and how they sport their jewels is really fun. Her line is gorgeous and my favorite thing about her pieces is how you can layer them. 

This look could probably be achieved with some necklaces you already have, but putting them together properly can sometimes be trickier than it looks. Luckily some lines have taken the guessing out of it and layered them for you. And at price points that we can all enjoy. 

1. Love the asymmetry of this one from Bauble Bar $36

2.  The different lengths of this Madewell is fun $58

3. Who doesn't love horns? Bauble Bar $20 (on sale)

4. This one has a little pave action Bauble Bar $42

5. Gorjana is a favorite of mine. This bar necklace is perfect $95

6. Simple and chic from J. Crew $34

And if you really want to have some fun, Bauble Bar helps you create a layered look where you can pick each pendant yourself. $78 

Happy layering this weekend, ladies. 

xo

Erin 

Homemade Chai Tea Latte

Do you drink coffee or tea? 

I have never been a coffee drinker. Think I tried for a bit in college (mostly mocha frappaccinos) and it was not my jam. I have been drinking green tea in the morning for a few years now and in the summer I drink the iced stuff all day. But when I finally was introduced to the chai latte, I feel like I finally have a beverage that I can get excited about. 

Chai is a black tea with a bit more caffeine then green (still not even as close to a cup of coffee) so it gives me a little boost in the morning. And when it is mixed with a little sugar and milk it basically becomes a meal on the go when needed. 

But a trip to Starbucks for my fix gets way more complicated with two small people to bundle up, get i the car, keep happy, and cart around town. So I have been making them at home. 

These are my ingredients, which can be switched up in many ways. I brew a bag of chai in a large mug about 3/4 of the way up. You could use loose leaf or any tea you like for that matter. I add a tablespoon of agave nectar to sweeten it up, but you could use sugar, splenda, stevia, honey, whatever you prefer. 

For the milk, I use whatever we have around. Sometimes skim, sometimes whole. You only use 1/2 cup, so calorie wise we are not talking a huge difference. You could also use soy milk or almond. We have a frother that came with our Nespresso machine and if you make lattes at home the frother is so worth it. But if you do not have one, just add warmed up milk.

I dump the the frothed milk in the tea and add extra cinnamon because apparently it is super good for you. Then I enjoy the heck out of it. If I am lucky I get to enjoy it slowly and while it is still warm. But usually I am gulping it down or drinking the last half luke warm. 

It is still good though. 

xo

Erin 

Spring Weddings: What to Wear

They are starting to arrive. All those perfectly calligraphy filled envelopes with gilded invites to a day full of love. And while those of us in the cold can barely get out of our pajamas (if you are wearing short sleeves right now, I hate you), it is really nice to imagine life in a flirty dress in a little sunshine toasting the happy couple. And there are some really great options for all you might need. Rehearsal dinners included. 

Love a black and white, which can be surprisingly "springy" and versatile year round. 

From Left to Right: Worship this graphic Parker $211 (on sale) / Preppy stripes are so fun by Line & Dot $149  / This silk Rachel Zoe is so chic $350 / Love the fringe on this Michael Kors $195

A nice drape in a light fabric always feels great and can flatter

Left: Love this print and ruffled Anna Sui $340 / Right: soft lilac and pretty drape by Asos $83

Florals get a modern touch this season and I would sport any of these 

From Left to Right: I have been on eyeing this Parker $184 (on sale) / A digital print in rad colors Hunter Bell $325 / Love a sleeve and this print is so fun Tracy Reese $298 / This Parker would be so flattering and fun $319

Going long can be hard, but these could be dressed up or down. 

Left: This Shoshanna is both elegant and preppy $395 / Right: Cannot say enough about this Rachel Zoe. LOVE $350

Yellow was a standout on the runway for Spring

Left: The lace and ruffle is so flirty BCBG $268 / Right: This Alice + Olivia is a classic you can wear forever $198

There is also a huge Shopbop sale happening right now (a lot of the above is from there) until Saturday. Use code BIGEVENT15 at check out. 

If you need help for a specific event and want more options email me! Erin@ImperfectPolish.com

Always here to help you with styling and nothing makes me happier!

xo

Erin