Recipe Request! - Cajun Shrimp Boil with Andouille Sausage (Recipe and How to's)

Hello Lovelies! 


Today, Per a request on my Instagram account and on my twitter I am posting the recipe and how tos from my dinner last night, (one that everyone on IG seemed to go crazy over!!) 

Cajun Shrimp Boil with Andouille Sausage and the (coordinating) Butter Sauce 

Note: I used a modified version of the "Old Bay Seasoning Recipe" found here.
There are several versions of this online found here.


INGREDIENTS: 

4 quarts water (16 cups)
1/2 cup OLD BAY® Seasoning
1 Tablespoon of Hot Hungarian Paprika
2 Tablespoons of Lemon Pepper seasoning
1/2 a Garlic (minced)
2 tablespoon garlic salt
2 - Loose Bay Leafs
3 tablespoon Tony Chacheres Original Creole Seasoning
2 Large Lemons (quartered)
8 medium red potatoes,whole
1 extra large yellow onion, cut into wedges
2 pounds lean smoked Andouille sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 ears of corn, ( I used the frozen ones that are already cut into 6 pcs)
2-3 pounds unpeeled jumbo shrimp (16 to 20 count)



DIRECTIONS: 
Bring water, OLD BAY Seasoning, the other seasonings along with the quartered lemons (after they have been squeezed into the water) to a boil in 12-quart stockpot on high heat. 
Allow water mix to simmer for two minutes.

Add potatoes and onions. Cook 10 minutes.  

Add pre cooked smoked Andouille sausage (bake in oven for 10 minutes while the potatoes and onions cook.)

Add the sausage to pot, Cook 5 minutes. Add corn. Cook 7-10 minutes.

Stir in shrimp. Cook 2-3 minutes or just until shrimp turn pink.

Pour contents of pot into large serving bowl or platter. Or, mound on paper-covered table. Sprinkle with additional  Seasoning, if desired. ( I drain out a little bit of the juice but not all of it.)

Now for the Butter sauce: 

2 Sticks of pure unsalted butter 
1 tablespoon of OLD BAY seasoning
1 teaspoon of Cayenne pepper seasoning
1/8 a cup of "cooking liquid from the shrimp pot"

simmer and stir frequently until all flavors meld. 

take off heat and transfer to a serving dish. 

This can be altered if you are making more shrimp or if you want more or less butter!


I ladled  the butter mix over my bowl and corn (which was served separate). 


If anyone makes this, please comment so I know how it went!


Happy Cooking!! 

-A

MAC x The Rocky Horror Picture Show LE collection

Hello Lovelies! 

I have to share this, partially because I am bursting with excitement and anticipation!!
As you know MAC always does a limited edition collection around Halloween. Of course this year is no different, however this year it's extra special. They are celebrating the 40th anniversary release of the 1970s cult classic, the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Perfect for holloween right? 

Now I am an absolute sucker for RED LIPSTICKS, and this collection is bursting with them. Now there are a few permanent shades like SIN being repromoted, so I likely won't she'll out the extra $1.50-2 to buy them with special packing. I will however be stalking the blogs to see the early swatches, and take inventory of my REDs before I buy ;-) 

So until then here are some images to make you swoon!

(Photos Courtsey of Temptaila ) 

..........and for more details check out her site, its one of the best on the internet, IMO!!

   

If you end up picking anything up please comment and let me know if you LOVE it or HATE it! 

I will do an update post if I end up purchasing anything when it rolls out later this month!! 

Happy Saturday 

-A

Under $40: 5 Awesome Sweaters to Buy Now Without Breaking The Bank!

Hello Lovelies,

Although the weather is still warm in many places we cant help but turn our attention towards the next season. There is nothing like New York Fashion Week to remind us that the seasons are changing. 

Now the weather may not be suitable for sweaters right now, at least where I live it is still 90 degrees. This only make me anticipate the colder weather and when it comes I will be prepared! Here are my picks for current sweaters that will keep you warm and fashionable all the way through winter!!

My Top Five (on trend) Sweaters Under $40: 

1. Love 21 - Patterned Shawl Collar Cardigan- 29.90 
Awesome dark blue and black cascade sweater with a timeless print that will take you into winter. 

How to wear it Now: Layer it over a light tee with distressed skinny jeans and black ankle booties.

How to wear it Later: Layer it over a long sleeve layering Jacquard or jersey knit sweater, pair it with skinny jeans and suede over-the-knee high heeled boots. 


2. Charlotte Russe - GEO KNIT CASCADE CARDIGAN SWEATER - $32.99

This navy and white sweater  is totally on trend, with the light vs dark parings. It makes a great statement piece when paired with neutral bottoms. Its warm and causal yet it makes a visible statement.

How to wear it Now: Layer it over a graphic tee, Pair it with a pair of distressed  dark denim skinny jeans and tan/brown ankle booties.

How to wear it Later: Layer it over a white long sleeve tee, pair it with dark wine/maroon skinny jeans and black flat leather riding boots.



3. Charlotte Russe - GEO-CHEVRON CASCADE CARDIGAN SWEATER - 26.99

This one is a  thick knit cardigan that cascades from a collarless neckline into an open, waterfall front. The print on this sweater is amazing. I love how it blends fall richness colors with a muted coral which is hanging around from summer! This sweater will defiantly brighten up your everyday casual.

How to wear it Now: Layer it over a white tee, Pair it with a pair of distressed  white  skinny jeans or shorts (depending on your weather) and a pair of single-strap heels. 

How to wear it Later: Layer it over a white long sleeve tee, pair it with white or dark navy skinny jeans and black knee high flat boots or high heeled boots. 

4. Urban OG Snake Arrow Stripe Sweatshirt - $37.90

Although this is technically a sweatshirt, it is an amazing piece. One that I might just have to purchase myself. One of the unique qualities of it is the faux-leather trim. Personally I think this "makes" the top. 

How to wear it Now: Layer it over a white cami, Pair it with a pair of distressed black skinny jeans or a faux-leather mini  skirt (depending on your weather) and a pair of single-strap heels. 

How to wear it Later: Layer it over a warm white tank top, pair it with a pair of black leather leggings  and black Over-the-Knee suede high heeled boots, for a look that is rich in texture but is still warm. To add to this look, top it off with a red plaid peacoat or a camouflage utility jacket. 




5. Old Navy Leopard-Print Crew-Neck Sweater- $32.00

This sweater has a gorgeous timeless print. I love that its a muted leopard print that takes neutrals to whole other level. Leopard print has always been a staple of the A/W season and this year is no different. This sweater showcases how one can wear the trend without looking out of place.

How to wear it Now: Layer it over a black cami, Pair it with a pair of distressed grey or black skinny jeans or even a black skater skirt (depending on your weather) and a pair of black peep toe booties.

How to wear it Later: Layer it over a warmer knit tank top, pair it with a pair of burgundy or deep red skinny jeans and black Over-the-Knee leather high heeled boots, for a look that is rich in texture but is still warm. 






So there you go, 5 amazingly gorgeous sweaters that don't break the bank. They all have the ability to transition from moderate temps, to down right cold winter nights.  



Questions or comments please leave below. I would love to hear about your fab fall finds!



Happy fall shopping!!


-A

Budget Buys: Alternatives to the Urban Decay Naked 2 and Naked 3 Palettes

Hello Lovelies,

For this post I am  doing another budget buy alternative. I normally do this for fashion or jewelry but today I am doing eyeshadows. 

Now I love makeup and eyeshadows especially, but sometimes the expensive is not always feasible  some times were are stuck on budgets.

Ok, so in my recent hunt for a budget palette, I came across the Reveled Palettes from Coastal Scents. 


So  here is a comparison by photos only ( i don't own either one yet..) 





the Reveled 1 VS the Naked 2: 

Now for the Revealed 2 VS the Naked 3: 

Now granted they are not 100% .........Now by first glance here is a rundown: 

 The Reveled Palettes                       

• have more shadows  -- 20 
• Lower price point - 19.95 each
• Free shipping is offered after spending $50
• Discounts can be found online for Direct purchases
• is found on Amazon (with prime its free 2 day shipping) 

  The Urban Decay Palettes 

• Higher price point - 54$ each
• Can be bought at many locations
• highly popular
• comes with extra gifts
• no discounts or at least not at Ulta. Sephora only with VIB card. 
• Direct purchase is available from UD. 

Over I would splurge for all four, simply because I love playing with shadows. They are different but both beautiful in their own ways.

                                                                    

What is your opinion? if you own the reveled palettes please share their comparisons!

Happy Shopping!

-A

UPDATED!!! Fall Nails and little bit of Leopard....

Hello lovelies,

So today I am sharing my new fall manicure. I was inspired by a post that Carli Bybel had recently posted (link included).

I loved the idea of incorporating a fall pattern into a fall toned manicure. For my "version" I choose to add in gold, sparkles and a little bit of mink brown.

Here is the finished look..... Please forgive my  inability to do "fabulous nail art" its not really my specialty.)

(The link to purchase the various shades is below)

The photo is courtesy of my instagram page.

From Left to Right (in Middle Photo) 

Sally Hansen Salon Formula in Touch of Mink (from the Tracy Reese Fall 2010 Collection) -- SOLD OUT but is available online on eBay-> here

Revlon Nail Enamal in Gold Coin - SOLD OUT-- but is found on Amazon -> here

Ulta Salon Formula Nail Lacquer Glitter in Golden State -- found at ULTA -> here

Sally Hansen Hard As Nails in Blackheart -- found at Walmart -> here

Sally Hansen Salon Formula in Nude Now (From 2011)SOLD OUT but is available also on eBay -> here

China Glaze in VII -- found online at several places --best price is  Amazon -> here

Maybelline Color Show in Clear -- Amazon -> here and Target -> here

Another view of the polishes:

----------------------------------------------

UPDATE:

Today I decided to update my nail post from a couple of days ago. Today I painted my right hand with red leopard, and added a pretty shiny red on my index fingers. Check it out and tell me what you think! 

..... And Here is the final result: 

Hope you enjoy! 

Happy Fall!

-A