Spicy Quinoa Salad Bowl

This Spicy Quinoa Salad Bowl is super delicious.

Make it in just a few easy steps with ingredients you probably already have around the house!

During my recent trip to my hometown in upstate New York, I discovered a delicious restaurant named Core in Liverpool. They served salads, rice and quinoa bowls and broth soups. Basically the type of food you crave after a great workout. I'm not ashamed to tell you that I ate there 2-3 times a week during my month and a half hiatus.

I only regret I didn't eat there MORE!

So yesterday, as I racked my brain in front of the fridge trying to come up with a simple and tasty dinner solution... It hit me! Why couldn't I make one of those delicious quinoa salad bowls?!

Here is the recipe:

Spicy Quinoa Salad Bowl

You will need:

- 2 cups chicken broth (vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)

- 1.5 cups quinoa

- 2 tsp garlic powder

- 1 tsp chili powder

- 1 tsp cayenne powder

- 2 handfuls of spring mix salad

- one carrot

- 1/2 cup black beans (from a can)

- 1/4 cup cilantro 

- 1 avocado 

- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes

- dollop of sour cream

- dollop of garlic hummus

What to do:

1. In a small sauce pan, at medium heat, fill pan with your chicken (or vegetable) broth. Season the broth with garlic, chili and cayenne powder. Immediately after put rinsed quinoa into the pan. Cover and let simmer until liquid has gone.

2. While your quinoa mixture is simmering wash and peel your carrot, rinse and warm your black beans, chop your cilantro, dice your avocado, slice your cherry tomatoes.

3. Once your quinoa is cooked, filled a single serving bowl with a handful of spring mix, arrange your toppings in sections around the outer edge of the bowl. Place your quinoa in the center and place a dollop of sour cream and hummus on top. 

4. Enjoy your deliciously healthy meal!

Thank you for following me and for your support. It makes me feel so great when I hear from readers that they look forward to my posts. Blogging is a difficult task, but you guys make it more than worth it! Stay tuned for more fashion and lifestyle posts.

If you aren't already doing so, follow me on instagram @xoxorachelleblog and on my FB page, link found here.

Get the Look: Ash Brown Smoky Eye

I have been testing out vampy and sultry looks for my Halloween costume this weekend.

Want to achieve this beautiful golden/ashy brown smokey eye?

Read on to find out what products I used.

Primer // E.l.f Mineral Eyeshadow Primer

I have always used Urban Decay primer, but decided to give this one a try. It works fairly well, especially considering I can purchase 6 of these for the same price as one Urban Decay primer.

It is great at camouflaging creases and (in my personal experience) lasts up to 8 hours! 

Highlighter Shadow // Lorelei Extra Dimension Eye Shadow

The great thing about this eye shadow is that it doubles as a face highlighter if yours goes MIA. I have used it to highlight my cupid's bow and to define contour lines.

Matte Shadow // MAC Satin Toupe Eyeshadow

I am obsessed with MAC shadows. I especially love their matte shades. They are definitely a little pricey. However, worth every penny. E.l.f has some great alternatives however, so if you're in Target go browse the cosmetic aisles.

Contour Shadow // MAC Embark Eyeshadow

I cannot emphasize how much I love mac shadows. Your contour shadow should be no more than 3 shades darker than your skin tone. If you have a brown shadow that you'd like to use that is darker than three shades, use it in place of the matte black shadow (spoken about below).

Matte Black Shadow // Maybelline Metal Black Eyeshadow

I typically use the black shadow to create a backwards "Mini C" at the outer corner of my eye. I then use a cosmetic sponge or my pinkie finger to blend.

Eyeliner // Maybelilline NY Eye Studio Master Precise Black Eyeliner

If you have pale skin like me, sometimes the black liner can seem a bit harsh. If that is the case you can always try a dark brown eyeliner in place of black.

Mascara // Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara

So, yeah, maybe the name is a bit risque... but it works amazingly well. I save it for special occasions (a bottle is $29 for .30 ounces) but whenever I wear it people ask me where I get my eyelash extensions done. If you think of it that way, these are the cheapest falsies you'll ever get!

I'm thinking about substituting the ash brown with an emerald green shade. Can you tell who I am going to be for Halloween? Leave a comment below with your guess. There may or may not be a special prize to the person who gets it right!

Fall Boho Style Inspired by NYFW Collaboration with Shopbop.com

Boho Style Inspired by Fall NYFW
All items featured c/o Shopbop.com



I don't know if I have mentioned this before, but Fall is my favorite season for shopping. Perhaps it's because I'm fairly pale but I feel like Fall is my season. I just look better in Fall clothing. I've been doing some wish list shopping in my free time lately and pulled together some fall-ish looks that I'm eyeing. 

1. Medium Wash Mid Rise Flare Jeans

2. Cut-Out Wedges

3. Fringe

4. Eye Lit/ Laser Cut Long Sleeved Tees

ONE // TWO // THREE // FOUR

I'm so glad flared jeans are making a comeback even as a taller girl, I will never disregard extra help to appear more slender and tall.  These jeans are just great at elongating legs. Fringe and boho are two other faves of mine and I'm a huge fan of all of these pieces. 

I have been greatly inspired by all of the looks at the recent NYFW and will have more looks coming soon. What's on your wish list this Fall? I'd love to see what you are excited to snatch up for your closet. Post a comment below!

Don't forget to follow me on instagram and FB @xoxorachelleblog!!!

Vintage Floral Pants

Chilly Weather + Halloween Festivities = Flirty Fall Fashion.

Even though the first official day of Fall was ages ago, living in a desert the true feeling of Fall gets delayed. I get so excited when I smell burning fireplaces, crisp crunching of leaves at my feet and a brisk chill in the air. It means Fall is finally really here. As you may have recall, I mentioned in my Halloween Activities blog post, that Cornbelly's was having a great promo code. Click on the link, here, to get the promo code that extends through October 31st.

We had the opportunity to go tonight and my little family loved it!

I love my vintage floral love fire pants. The creme color of the jeans helps transition smoothly to Fall. White is sometimes too bright and simply not practical for the colder months of Fall and Winter.

Love fire currently does not have much of an online presence, however by clicking on the link above, you can find out where to purchase their clothing near you. Two places I can always count on to snag a pair of their jeans is at Nordstrom and Macy's. 

To purchase a similar pair of jeans click here and here.

This grey knit infinity scarf is my favorite "go to" scarf this season. I purchased mine from OVS in Florence, Italy and lucky for me (and you) they do have an online presence. Their shipping fees can be a bit pricey so if you're going to place an order you might as well get many pieces to make the order worth it.

Don't want to wait for it to ship? I found similar scarves here and here.

Jill Martin, from the Today Show, (Yes, the beautiful blonde fashionista who assists in the Ambush Makeovers) has stated multiple times, "If you want to invest money in a statement piece-- you invest money into a leather jacket. It is cross seasonal, it is versatile and it can dress any ensemble up or down."

Want several options in multiple price ranges? Click here, here and here.

I know it's hard to see, however, I am wearing a cream, vintage and lace camisole from RoseGal. (It's just peek-a-booing out of my jacket color)! I'll be sure to do a blog post on it soon. But here is a sneak peek to build the anticipation!

I had to post a picture of my little girl. I was shopping in NY and found the exact replica of my vegan leather asymmetrical leather jacket in navy blue. It was a bit pricey but I couldn't bear the thought of letting it slip through my fingers. Now she and I have matching "mommy and me" jackets and I just think it's a hoot. 

For a similar option from Target, click here.

What are your favorite types of Halloween and Fall activities? How do you decide on an outfit when the weather is completely Bi-polar?! Let me know in the comments below. I would love to hear from you!

**ALSO-- if you aren't already, start following me on my FB page. Get instant updates when I create a new post. I will soon be creating an email sign up, so stay tuned for that as well!

Fall Fashion Finds- Part 1

If you are like me, you want to know the best fashion finds for the money but you don't have time to research and compare prices all day long. I still have to do it.. but lucky for you, you don't! Below are several Fall Fashion Finds that are trending this week. Hurry up and snatch them before they're gone.

1.  Extreme Circle Hem Tunic.

All sweaters are currently 40% off at Express. I fell madly and deeply in love with this one however. It comes in a variety of shades and is now selling for the amazing price of $35.94!

Are you in love yet?

2. Wool-Blend Boucle Coat.

There is just something about a heather grey wool coat that makes me feel cozy. I love the single button and length of this particular one from Forever 21. Purchase today to get free shipping off of all orders over $21!

3. Middleton Lace Skirt.

Inspired by Kate, the Duchess, herself this lace skirt is the epitome of ethereal. I am literally putting on my shoes as we speak to rush out and purchase this one. I simply cannot fathom the idea of passing this up- and for less than $15... this deal should be keeping you up at night!

4. Pixie Snap Front Pant.

If you are in need of a tailored and tapered pant with a little bit of flare- look no further.

These pants from J.Crew are incredibly comfortable and fit immaculately. The metallic zipper adds the perfect amount of functionality and edginess. 

Need more incentive? Originally priced at $110 these pants can be yours today for less than $40!

Last but not least,

5. Metallic Pointy Toe Flats.

If you know me at all, and you want to entice me to do something, you know a metallic shoe is your best bet. I want them all! I especially love a gold or bronze metallic shoe this time of year. I love how the shimmer seems to dance among the crisp colors of fall foliage. They are truly a beautiful Autumn union. Get yourself a pair now from loft for less than $50!

You know I always have your best interests at heart so stay tuned for more Fall Fashion Finds as this won't be the last you've heard of them!

What types of fashion finds are you looking for this season? I'd love to keep a watchful eye out for you! Let me know in the comment section below and let my investigation begin!

Nail Polish Trends for Fall 2015

Nail Polish trends for Fall 2015.

6 Shades you NEED to try this season!

1. Oxblood

Oxblood is a rich deep colored red shade that screams fall. I love OPI Lincoln Park After Dark. I'm happy to see that others have caught onto the trend and now there are a variety of different shades of oxblood to choose from at all price points.  


2. Holographic

Holographic nail polishes are such a fun, futuristic trend—these color-shifting shades actually appear to change as your nails move and catch the light. I especially love those that mix a classic base color with a metallic-holograph finish, which keep it feeling chic and sophisticated.

3. Textured

When I first started seeing textured polishes, I didn’t expect them to stick around for long. But instead of going away, the trend is growing with brands adding ornate glitters, fuzzy finishes, caviar, and even "sugar" coats to their collections. If you're going for raised and vibrant, go for it! But we also like the more subtle "dots" options. Just stay patient when removing the polish!

4. Nude

The antithesis of textured and holographic shades, some may find these super subtle shades boring—but they're so chic, and go with everything! Plus, when they chip, it's way less noticeable.. WIN-WIN!

5. Metallic

Gunmetal shades are perhaps the statement-making mani of the season this season. Dark silvers, golds, coppers, and bronzes aren’t as subtle as a neutral color or as bold as a holographic polish, but strike the right balance between edgy and sophisticated. 

6. Hunter Green

Polishes in this distinctive deep-green have recently caught attention left and right. Hunter is surprisingly versatile and even though it's dark—that hint of color coming through is all we need. My hunch is that this shade will be the new black, at least for the season.

Accessories for Dummies- Reader's Request Katie E.

The Golden Rule of 7:

Accessories for dummies.

Not that I think any of you are dummies, but it's a common question. The world of accessories can be overwhelming, even daunting to some.

What are the rules?

Am I wearing enough?

Am I overdoing it?

First and foremost lets define accessories:

Accessories are any item of clothing or jewelry that enhance the basic staples of an outfit.

They include (and are certainly not limited to) hats, scarves, watches, handkerchiefs, cufflinks, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, purses, clutches and the list can go on forever. 

Basically an accessory is anything that is added once you are fully clothed.

While you may agree or disagree, I have a guideline I personally like to stick to: 

The Golden Rule of 7

I tend to wear no more than 7 pieces of clothing/accessories at once. 

For myself, 7 is my comfort level number. Any more and I, personally, feel like I am overdoing it.

Others may be comfortable wearing more than 7. Some of you may be reading this and be thinking, "7?!? That's a bit much, I think I'll go with 5."

To each their own. In my conversations with friends and acquaintances, they agree that 7 seems to be the lucky number.

I am very much a visual person so let's go ahead and "break down" a few examples:

Casual:

1. Baseball Tee

2. Skinny Jeans

3. Hoodie

4. Sunglasses

5. Hat

6. Tote

7. Shoes

The only thing I might add to this outfit would be a pair of simple stud earrings and subtract the hat. But, I've never been a fan of hats anyway.

Day to Day:

1. Chambray

2. Cardigan

3. Scarf

4. Leggings

5. Boots Cuffs

6. Boots

This outfit allows to also include a fun pair of statement earrings or a bracelet if you wanted to.

Night Out:

1. Pea coat

2. Long sleeved Tee

3. Earrings

4. Skirt

5. Tights

6. Shoes

7. Clutch

Special Occassion:

1. Dress

2. Earrings

3. Bangles

4. Clutch purse

5. Shoes

You don't always have to wear 7. The golden rule is up to seven. 

If you feel this outfit is a little "bare" for your taste...

Add tights: There's 6!

Add a vintage hair piece or a broach: There's 7!

If you still feel like you might be overdoing it, stand in front of the mirror and take off one thing.

Looking on pinterest for outfit ideas is always a great way to see how other fashionistas accessorize. While I was searching for photos to use in this blog post, almost every photograph had 7 items or less so I think the rule is fairly universal.

As always, I hope you have a fabulous day. 

If you have any questions or comments regarding this post let me know. Do you have any fashion or lifestyle questions? I would love to hear from you. Please post a comment or question below!