Date Night Look Details

"I enjoy getting gussied up for an event or date night." - Olivia Wilde

I love picking out the perfect look for date night! G and I take this special time very seriously, and really make it a high priority to spend quality time together. We will spend time at home, and cook a meal together, but some of our favorite moments are going out and doing something super fun! One of the greatest advice we received during our engagement was, "Never stop dating each other." So, with those words of wisdom, we plan a few date nights each week, and make it an effort to consistently communicate.

Today, I am sharing my date night look details, and some of my favorite items to wear.

The Dress

I'm a sucker for a little black dress (LBD). I think it's the absolute perfect item for a woman to wear. Also, I like to dress it up with bold accessories!

The Fragrance

As you guys know, I love perfume! Picking out my date night scent is so much fun. I will wear certain fragrances on special events, and switch it up sometimes.

The Accessories

For date night, I typically go with a smaller bag - just enough to hold my phone, lip gloss, and card case. Also, the shoes are key, and heels are my go-to for a nice dinner out. I love dressing up my look with hoop earrings and a dainty bracelet or necklace - these pieces really pull the outfit together.

The Look

I am a minimalist when it comes to makeup and hardly ever wear it. Yet, I do love a great lip color and it's a perfect compliment to this look. Also, I love find a bold nail color, and typically gravitate towards reds or soft pinks for a little pop!

What are some ways you dress up your date night look?

Enjoy!

XO, Analise

Dining In

"The most essential part of my day is a proper dinner." - Rachael Ray

Currently G and I are snowed in at our home in Virginia Beach. During this time, we have been testing out some of the new kitchen gadgets I received for Christmas. We love trying new recipes, and the one I'm sharing today is our new favorite!

Earlier this week I made a scallop risotto dish for G, and he absolutely enjoyed it. Today, I am sharing this amazing recipe with all of you!

What You'll Need:

Step 1: Get that risotto going! 

  • In a heavy 2 qt. saucepan, saute rice in ½ Tbsp. olive oil over medium heat for 2 minutes.
  • Add 2 1/2 cups of water and contents of seasoning pouch. Stir well and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to simmer, cook uncovered for 20 minutes stirring occasionally until rice is tender.

Step 2: Now, begin cooking your bacon. Take several pieces of bacon, and cut them into thin strips. Then fry the bacon bits in a small pan over low to medium heat.

Step 3: Next, begin to saute your finely chopped mushrooms and asparagus spears. 

  • Add a ½ Tbsp. olive oil and lemon pepper sea salt into the pan of mushrooms. For the asparagus, add a ½ Tbsp. olive oil, black pepper and ½ Tbsp. olive oil. Both items should be cooked over medium heat.

* Pro Tip: Check on your veggies often to ensure they do not over cook. 

Step 4: Now, it is time for the scallops! Add a ½ Tbsp. butter and ½ Tbsp. olive oil into a pan over medium/high heat. Make sure that pan is hot to ensure the scallops have a nice golden brown sear on both sides. The scallops should cook for no more than 2 minutes on each side.

* Pro Tip: Pat your scallops dry to make sure there is not any extra moisture before searing. Also, season the scallops right before placing them into the pan. I use lemon pepper sea salt - and it is amazing!

* Bonus Pro Tip: Do not cook your scallops too long! Scallops become tough and chewy when they are overcooked.

Step 5: Finally, add your cooked mushrooms and bacon to the risotto. Stir the ingredients together in the saucepan.

Step 6: Plate, serve, and enjoy!

XO, Analise