Month: January 2013

Advice Wanted: Style Help for A Curves And Coffee Reader

Read All About It!

“Hi Rena, and help please!  My hubby scored us tickets to the NBA All-Star game in a couple of weeks, but I’ve never been to a basketball game before and have no idea what to wear!  I know that style runs high at the All-Star game and I want to fit in.  However, I fear walking the fine line between sexy and overdoing it . . . after all, as hubby reminds me, it’s about the game.  But to me it’s very much about the fashion!  I am a regular reader and I know you are into sports and style, and that’s why I’m seeking your advice.  What the heck is appropriate yet stylish attired for the NBA All-Star game?

Thanks so much!

Jen”

How bout that?! Two of my favorite things…fashion and sports! It doesn’t get any better than this folks!

Hi Jen, I’m so glad you decided to ask for my style help! Definitely came to the right place! It’s easier than you think to be stylish without over doing it. I put together two sets of ideas. I figured you’d want to be sexy but also comfortable. No need to get all dressed up to have fun and you’re uncomfortable! At least that’s what I say. Yes, beauty means pain (sometimes) but not when it comes to sporting events. The hardest thing to plan for is weather! We’ve all had some crazy things happening lately in the weather department but Houston should be a nice mix of warm and cool, nothing drastic. So, with that in mind, here are several ideas for NBA All-Star Weekend.

All Star WeekendIn this first group, I picked a casual outfit that’s both sexy and sophisticated. A pair of jeans and a simple blouse. This should allow for the weather as well. Roll both the sleeves and jeans up for an extra breeze if it gets too warm. Shoes and bags are all preference. I’m both a sneaker head and a heels chick so my closet looks exactly like these choices. Anything goes. The Nike Jordan brand sneaks are perfect if there’s lots of walking involved but the platform heels are just the right amount of sexpot needed in an arena full of athletes.

NBA All-Star Weekend

Next up, the second group of ideas…BLAZERS! A blazer can be worn no matter the temperature outside. Dressed up or dressed down, trust me, it works! Worn with jeans (of course) for the casual look or mixed with a pair of leggings and you’re all set for a night on the town. Now, the tricky part is the choice for shoes…flats, Converse, wedges or even Toms work flawlessly! There’s so much to choose from!

So, there you have it! Two different ways to be stylish, sexy and sophisticated at a sporting event! I gotta say, this was a total blast to do! I’m glad you guys and gals are finding what you need in Curves and Coffee everyday. Definitely a good blend of curves and caffeine to get your fashion fix…with a little bit of sports and stuff thrown in!
Hope this helps Jen and anyone else thinking about how to style a sporty weekend. Happy Shopping!

Super Bowl XLVII: Party Stock Up

 

 
 


Are you ready for some football? With the super bowl right around the corner, it’s time to get the party planning percolating! Now that we finally know who’ll be playing to win the Tiffany Trophy aka The Vince Lombardi Trophy bka The Superbowl, we’re going to switch gears from high fashion to hot athletes. Well, maybe on the next post!

On Sunday, February 3rd, the NFL will have a new champion between the San Francisco 49’ers and the Baltimore Ravens. Jokingly referred to as “The Harbowl” seeing as though the two head coaches of each team are actually BROTHERS! Yes, you read that right, Jim Harbaugh, the head coach for the Niners and John Harbaugh, the head coach for the Ravens are real life brothers. The siblings will coach AGAINST each other for this years championship!





Are you planning a Super Bowl party, going to one or will your hubby/boyfriend/partner/person who sometimes sleeps next to you and snores through the night, throwing or invited to a bowl bash?  I’ve got a few things in store for you! Whether you’re going to a touchdown party or becoming the host for one, check out a few things you’re going to need.



For the party planner:
 
Personalized pitcher and glasses
 

 
 
Walmart


Table Ware & Decor

 


Party City




For the party goer:
 

 

Get your official super bowl gear 
 

 
 
 
 
 
Ladies, will never be out done!
 
 
 
 
 





For the party chef:
 

There’s nothing like some good tasting, finger licking, taste bud appeasing foods to nibble on while watching the big game. From appetizers to dessert, I’ve got you covered with some fun-to-try treats. Now, I have to warn you, these aren’t for anyone who may be dieting. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

 


Buffalo Chicken Cheese Balls

Aaron  McCargo Jr. for Food Network

Ingredients
1 store-bought rotisserie chicken
1/4 cup hot sauce (recommended: Frank’s Red Hot)
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 3/4 cups sharp Cheddar
1/4 cup freshly sliced scallions
1 cups all-purpose flour
3 eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups panko bread crumbs
Vegetable oil, for frying
Blue Cheese Dip:
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
1/2 cup packed blue cheese, broken up
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 lemon, juiced
1 teaspoon chopped garlic
Directions
Have oil heated to 350 degrees F.

Pick the meat from the chicken and discard the skin. Place the chicken in a large bowl and add the hot sauce, pepper, cheese, and scallions, and toss to combine. Roll the chicken into 2-ounce balls, about the size of a golf ball.

Place the flour, eggs, and bread crumbs in 3 separate bowls. Roll each ball in the flour, then the egg and then the bread crumbs. Set aside.

When the oil is hot fry the chicken balls in batches. Cook for about 2 minutes per batch. Remove the chicken to paper towel lined plate to drain the excess oil.

To make the sauce, combine all ingredients in a large bowl and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the chicken alongside the dipping sauce.




Pigskins in a Blanket

 
Food Network Kitchens
Ingredients
One 13-ounce package kielbasa
All-purpose flour, for rolling
One 17.3-ounce package frozen puff pastry, thawed 
(I would use Pilsbury Crescent Rolls…much easier)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/3 cup mustard, such as Dijon, whole grain, spicy brown or yellow, for dipping
 
 
 


Directions
Split the kielbasa in half lengthwise and then cut each half into six 3/4-inch pieces, slicing on an angle. Cook the pieces in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until the skin is crisped and some of the fat has been released, about 5 minutes. Transfer the kielbasa to a paper towel-lined plate to cool.
 
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
 
On a lightly floured surface, roll one piece of puff pastry out to form an 8- by 11-inch rectangle. Using a 3 1/2-inch round cookie cutter, cut out 6 circles from the pastry; cut the circles out as close together as possible and reserve the scraps. Repeat with the second sheet of puff pastry.
 
Wrap a circle of puff pastry around each of a kielbasa, pinching the seams together to seal all the way around so no kielbasa is exposed and gently pulling on the ends to make a tapered football shape. Place on an ungreased baking sheet, seam-side down, and repeat with the remaining pastry and sausage.
 
Brush the rolled sausages with the beaten egg. Use bits of the pastry scraps to make laces on each “football” by placing 1 strip lengthwise on top of each and laying 3 smaller strip crosswise over it. Press down gently to adhere and brush the laces with a bit more egg.
 
Bake until the pastry is browned and crisped, 25 to 30 minutes. Serve the pigskins with mustard for dipping.
 
 
 
 

 
Food Network Kitchens

Ingredients

  • Canola oil
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • 3/4 teaspoon plus 1 pinch kosher salt
  • Twelve 6-inch corn tortillas, each cut into 6 wedges
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded, if desired, and
  • finely chopped
  • 1 plum tomato, seeded and finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup Mexican lager-style beer (such as Corona)
  • 12 ounces muenster or Monterey Jack, grated (about 3 1/2 cups)
  • 4 ounces sharp white Cheddar, grated (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • Directions
  • Pour oil to a depth of 2 inches into a medium saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat until a deep-frying thermometer inserted in the oil reaches 350 degrees F. In a small bowl, mix the lime zest and 3/4 teaspoon salt together. Working in batches, fry the tortilla wedges until golden and crisp, about 1 minute, and transfer them to a paper towel-lined baking sheet with a slotted spoon. Sprinkle the chips with the lime salt while they are still hot. Set aside.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in a 10-inch cast-iron or ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions, jalapeno and a pinch of salt and cook until the onions just start to brown, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato and cook until softened, about 1 minute. Add the beer and cook until all the liquid has evaporated, about 7 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat. Toss the muenster and Cheddar together and add them to the skillet. Stir once or twice to combine.
  • When ready to serve, preheat the broiler. Place the skillet under the broiler until the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned on top, 2 to 3 minutes. Serve hot with the chips.
  • Cook’s Note: Although this cheesy dip should be eaten fresh from the oven, you can have everything ready to go before your guests arrive. You can fry, season and cool the chips and store them for 2 to 3 hours in an airtight container. Cook the vegetables and reduce the beer, then remove the skillet from the heat. Grate your cheeses and combine them. When you’re ready to serve, stir the cheese into the vegetables, broil and enjoy.




Slutty Cheesecake Bars

 
Bakers Royale

Makes one 8×8 pan | Preparation: Heat oven to 350 degrees F.  Line pan with a foil sling.

INGREDIENTS:

8oz. cookie dough (ready-made or homemade)
16 Oreos
12 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
1/3 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
Topping

3 oz.Whoppers, chopped
5 Oreos, chopped



INSTRUCTIONS:

Roll out or using your fingers, press cookie dough to an 1/8 inch thickness and bake until crisp. Place whole Oreos on top of baked cookie crust.
To make cheesecake filling: Place cream cheese, sugar, egg and vanilla in a bowl and beat until blended. Pour mixture over Oreos.
Sprinkle chopped Oreos and Whoppers on top. Bake at 350 degrees for about 35-40 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely before cutting.
*This can be prepared 3 days in advance and kept in the refrigerator tightly covered. Remove from refrigerator 20-30 minutes prior to serving. (Cut while cold for bars with nice clean edges).

 

 

Deep Fried Candy Bars

 
Huffington Post

Ingredients
4 pop sticks
3 cups vegetable oil
4 candy bars, such as Mars Bars, Snickers, and Milky Ways
Powdered sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1/2 tbsp sugar
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
powdered sugar




Directions

Preheat oil in a large, heavy pot over medium-high heat. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Pierce each candy bar with a pop stick, place on the prepared baking sheet, and refrigerate 30 minutes.
Whisk all batter ingredients until little to no lumps remain. One at a time, dip chilled candy bars in batter and coat well.
Once oil reaches 390°F, carefully place candy bars in oil one at a time and fry about 3 to 4 minutes. Drain on a paper towel, sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired, and serve hot.

 



 

Chocolate Rice Krispie Treat Footballs

 
Kellogs

3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 package (10 oz., about 40) regular marshmallows
OR
4 cups miniature marshmallows
1/2 cup peanut butter
6 cups Kellogg’s® Cocoa Krispies® cereal
Canned frosting or decorating gel
Why use Kellogg’s® Rice Krispies®?



1. In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter until melted. 

2. Add KELLOGG’S RICE KRISPIES cereal. Stir until well coated.

3. Cool slightly. Using buttered hands shape mixture into sixteen 3-inch footballs. Decorate with frosting. Best if served the same day.

MICROWAVE DIRECTIONS:

In microwave-safe bowl heat butter and marshmallows on HIGH for 3 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Add peanut butter, stirring until melted. Follow steps 2 and 3 above. Microwave cooking times may vary.

Note

For best results, use fresh marshmallows.

1 jar (7 oz.) marshmallow creme can be substituted for marshmallows.

Diet, reduced calorie or tub margarine is not recommended.

Store no more than two days at room temperature in airtight container. To freeze, place in single layer on wax paper in airtight container. Freeze for up to 6 weeks. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.





Let’s get ready to party!

 

 

 

Hope that helps! Have fun, be safe and always… Happy Shopping!
 

 



Fast and Fashionable: NAIAS 2013

naias audi

Welcome to the weekend stylish sweets!

I’m going to need a few e-cuddles this weekend.

For an entire week my mind was freaking insane! My laptop crashed and it kept crashing (hence why this post is a few days later than I expected) it took a little over a full day to get it fixed by yours truly. Good to know I can remember how to get myself out of a random tech jam. Before I could even finish this sentence, it crashed again *sigh* Just hope this doesn’t mean I’ll be in the market for a new laptop soon…fingers crossed. Besides that glitch in the matrix (literally) I got a chance to take in the sights of the auto show.

 
 

Thanks to WXYZ Detroit (Channel 7) and the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) I was able to attend an Industry Preview before the doors opened to the public. Can you imagine? A sneak peek at all the cars and exhibits while everything is fresh and new OH and still intact! This was perfect timing for me to break out my Christmas gift, test drive it and snap some amazing shots! Ok, LOTS of amazing shots! You can see all the snap happy pics I took right on my Facebook page that you already liked, you did like it already, right?! Curves And Coffee on Facebook

With all the photos of shiny new cars, I decided to try a fashion experiment  All is fair in love, cars and fashion! The pics came out so well that the true colors of the cars popped out at you immediately. That of course, only meant one thing, focus in on the great styles that would match the vehicles. Take a stroll through NAIAS with a fashion and style obsessed curvy shopaholic.

 
 
Weekend errands in an emerald Fiat!
(Pantone would be so proud)
 
 
 
 
Weekend Warrior
 
 
 
 
 
Zooming around town on date night in a Corvette!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date night
 
 
 
 
 
 
Crazy colors hugging the curves in a Camaro!
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mix & Match It




 
 
 




 
 
Have fun at the party in the SRT!
 
 
 
 
Party
 
 
 
 
 
Feeling luxurious in a Lincoln!
 
 
 
 
 
Luxurious
 
 
 
 
 
Fun Times in a Fiat!
 
 
 
 
 
 
Play Date!




 
 
 
 
Ahh that was fun! It was like shopping at the mall and shopping for cars all at the same time! As with everything, all items featured in my Polyvore sets are for those with dangerous curves. Don’t be scared to experiment with color, as you can see, I had lots of fun mixing and matching bright colors in all the outfits. Just gotta find something you like and put your foot on the pedal and accelerate!




Barack Obama Inauguration 2013

Let’s recap Monday, shall we?!

all photos above and below are courtesy of Getty Images
 

The 2013 Presidential Inauguration happened to fall on MLK Day this year. How amazing was that! One can only imagine how our President Barack Obama felt. The festivities kicked off with the first family attending church then making their way to the National Mall where the “replay” of the actual swearing in took place. According to the record books, the president is sworn into office on the 20th day of January each term. Since the 20th fell on a Sunday this year, The POTUS and The Vice POTUS were sworn in a day before Mondays planned occasion.

The celebration started with several familiar faces, including celebrities as well as past and present politicians. Kelly Clarkson shocked us all when she arrived to the podium to sing “My Country, Tis of Thee” and showed off her golden blonde locks! You guys probably won’t believe me if I told you this BUT I used to be blonde. Yep, and I loved it, might actually miss it just a tad…it was the perfect professional blend of hi-lights, low-lights and golden shine. Pretty much how Kelly looked at the inauguration…if she were a tiny bit darker!

I am SUCH a fan of Kelly! Surprisingly, she was included in a season of American Idol that I actually watched and enjoyed. Kelly also just happens to make some good music that pleases my ears, oh and not to mention she has some KILLER curves!

Another famous face that can easily be stared at all day long, Eva Longoria. She is a co-chair for the Obama reelection campaign of 2012 and also spoke at the National Democratic Convention of the same year! Ms. Longoria wowed me! I’m not sure anyone else could pull off a look so casual and simple but the mauve/pink (whatever color your eyes see) leather knee length Bally coat was on point! Her hair, her make-up…everything was just perfect. The Bally coat is part of their 2013 Resort Collection and I haven’t quite nailed a price because it isn’t on their site. Other leather coats featured on Bally.com run from $2,000 and above. I wouldn’t expect this to be any less. If you’re asking me, absolutely and totally worth the splurge.

Speaking of staring…Some of you definitely had eyes on a very curvaceous celeb at the inauguration yesterday, including a few eyes on the grandstand! Beyonce was on hand to sing “The National Anthem” and sing she did! Looking flawless in a Pucci black sheer and brocade dress with flowing side waves to match, Beyonce belted out the song while removing her earpiece that clearly wasn’t needed. Not to be outdone in the coat department by Eva, Bey wore a Christian Dior black fur coat to keep warm. Let us not forget she rocked the Pantone Color of the Year: emerald green in Lorraine Schwartz jewels nonetheless!

Later in the evening, guests attended the Commander-In-Chief’s Inaugural Ball. The First Lady dazzled in a red gown designed by Jason Wu. Michelle Obama also wore a creation by the same designer for the first ball back in 2009. The gown showed off those arms that are the perfect accessory to any strapless/halter style dress. When you look as amazing as the FLOTUS, you tend to look great in anything you wear!

Once the President introduced his wife to the well-dressed crowd, the Obama’s were serenaded by Jennifer Hudson. Hudson performed “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green. The couple danced, shared glances and floated across the stage. My tweet of the night: I love love like theirs!

Congrats to our 44th President of the United States of America
Barack Hussein Obama
and the first family.

First Family

The first look at the first family of the USA
Presidential Inauguration 2013
The Obama’s
photo via associated press
Michelle Obama in Thom Browne
Malia Obama in J.Crew
Sasha Obama in Kate Spade

“Mrs. Obama chose a navy Thom Browne coat and dress with fabric designed on the style of a man’s silk tie. The first lady wore the ensemble as she and her family entered St. John’s Episcopal Church across from the White House for a service, a tradition on Inauguration Day.
Mrs. Obama’s belt and shoes are from J. Crew and the cardigan is designed by Reed Krakoff, according to a White House official. Her necklace was designed by Cathy Waterman.
At the end of the Inaugural festivities, the outfit and accompanying accessories will go to the National Archives.
Malia Obama is wearing a J. Crew ensemble, and her younger sister. Sasha, is wearing a Kate Spade coat and dress.
For the inauguration four years ago, Mrs. Obama wore a glittery lemongrass coat and dress by Isabel Toledo.” ~ The Wall Street Journal Blog

Crashed!

I think I just died a little bit inside…

My laptop may have just reached a sudden and untimely death…

As I was getting ready to post, it needed to be restarted…

It was all downhill from there…

It’s now 5am and I’m blogging from the mobile app…

Would this be moblog as in mobile + blog?!

Eh that’s all the silliness I have in me.

It’s Thursday and I’ll be going to NAIAS (North American International Auto Show) for a lovely meet-up with WXYZ Detroit Channel 7, back channel and hopefully some early risers.

So I’ll be trying to fix my lappy all day til then. Sorry guys and I’ll try my best!!

xo Rena

Tennis Down Under with the Williams’ Sisters

Tennis, anyone?

The 2013 tennis season is now underway down under! Kicking the year off in Australia for the Australian Open, the men and women of the tennis world got busy on the courts. Busy using their rackets you dirty minded people, get your heads out of the gutter!

The very stylish and curvalicious Serena Williams definitely showed us her flare for fashion in Australia.  She won her first match easily 6-0 6-0 despite having a dangerous and scary fall during the first set of the match. As of now she said she’s feeling OK but a little sore after rolling her ankle. I must say, she did take a very stylish fall and I hope she heals quickly and continues to kick butt!

Stylish Sisters Unite
Venus & Serena Williams
At an event in Australia
Let’s take a closer look at her tennis attire for a day down under.
Of course Serena the manicurist had her nails done! So cute with bows and everything!
What’s an outfit without shoes? Nike outfitted Serena with these bright sneaks that have a tribal design.
These are one of a kind so they aren’t available for sale.
We can always dream!
Speaking of tribal, there’s a matching headband!
Here’s the actual tennis dress from Nike.
Very purple but it works with the contrast of colors.
You can purchase any of these Nike items here at the Nike Store and you don’t have to be a tennis player to do so! How great is that?!