Slim-Fast® Strawberries ’N’ Cream Shake Cocktail

Make your own Slim-Fast! Sassy Strawberry Cocktail

3 oz. Slim-Fast® Strawberries ’N’ Cream Shake

1 oz. coconut rum 

2 fresh pineapple chunks

2 fresh whole strawberries

3 ice cubes

strawberry for garnish

Click to see more Slim-Fast cocktail recipes.

SlimFast is the perfect base for deliciously creamy summer cocktails/mocktails. SlimFast has partnered with DR Mixologist, Darryl Robinson, host of “Drink up” on The Cooking Channel, who created four exclusive recipes featuring some of the tastiest and trendiest ingredients of the season. With just 130-190 calories in every delicious cocktail, you won’t have to worry about enjoying the summer in your favorite teeny bikini.

I invited over my pal, Jen and we whipped up a whole pitcher of Slim-Fast! Sassy Strawberry Cocktail! We tripled the recipe ingredients listed above and had two cocktails each! Which admittedly defeats the purpose of drinking a cocktail for a diet. The cocktails were pretty tasty for a low calorie alcoholic drink and I would keep them in mind if I was on a strict diet. Jen and I did run into the issue of the drink being very milky because we are both lactose intolerant. You have been warned! Grab some Slim-Fast yourself and have a #SlimFastSexySummer! 

This post was created in connection with my appointment as a SlimFast Ambassador.

Denim Moto

                  

After a few month hiatus, I am back! The major heat wave has finally tampered off and the temperatures are pretty pleasant. FINALLY I can get back to pretending it's spring or fall outside. Spring and fall are my favorite dressing seasons because the temperatures are acceptable for good layering. My fav. Winter you have too many damn layers and summer well, you're just wearing nothing. So imagine my pleasure when I realized I can wear a dress and my latest obsession piece, my denim moto jacket. No matter what season a moto style jacket is my security blanket. Sadly pleather is too hot for summer, this denim moto jacket from Gap completely redeems the season. If it was acceptable to wear it everyday I would, what's your comfort piece?

Graffiti Off the Streets

Coral Plural

Hello Spring! Finally breaking out of my black bubble! My roomie was tossing out some old clothes and I was gifted with this adorable colorblocked top from Ann Taylor. The rest of the outfit naturally came together to match the tan and coral in the top. The comfy tan Lauren Conrad motorcycle jacket is the tan version of my black winter jacket. Yea, I can't be trusted to branch out sometimes. My peach sunglasses where given to me by a friend and I am so glad they didn't fit her face! The unique circle frame is a look I may not have tried myself and I love the retro color. Looking forward to playing with more color this spring!

Fade to Black: Dip Dye

My trip to Topshop in NYC, was a major success in the accessories department. One of my favorite pieces were these black dip dye tights. When paired with this peter pan collar dress from Lauren Conrad's collection from Kohls, they appeared amazingly office friendly! At first I feared these tights were going to make me look like a freak show. Flashbacks of high school mockery creeping into my mind. The dip dye tights and skeleton cameo necklace give a conservative dress a hint of edge when you take a closer look. Dressing for the office doesn't have to be a total snooze! 

POW POW! Comic Book Style

Sometimes wacky trends come into style that you couldn't be more grateful for. Of course I'd seen the adorable comic inspired fashions featuring my fav Batman floating around on Etsy, but I hadn't seen anything wearable in the mainstream. In the recent months, comic inspired clothing has been hitting the racks. I find the eye catching crop at Topshop, I felt the short crop offered the perfect amount of comic pattern. Just a little peak of such a loud print I really feel goes a long way. No way was I wearing a belly baring crop top, so I paired my crop top with a black long sleeve tee and high waisted body con to give the illusion I was wearing a dress. Go put a little POW in your wardrobe!

Pretty Pastels on Pretty Girls

I've been hearing for months light pink and mint are the hottest colors for spring. These pretty palette can be seen spread across the windows of any fast fashion company. Just to point out how hot this light hued color palette is, this post features to pretty ladies in pastel! Jen is representing mint not only with her colored denim but also with her eye-catching necklace. This eBay find features both mint and salmon which is pretty close to blush pink! Once again Jen accents her pastels with blue and tan, a combination I probably never would have thought of. Girl, doesn't have a stitch of black on her! Amazing to me at least! She keeps it light and pretty all the way down to her complimentary manicure.

I can be seen slowly trying to crawl out of my black bag by wearing a light tan and salmon sweater with a white scarf that has salmon accents! You can believe I almost didn't buy this sweater because it wasn't black and white. However nothing is more comfy and easy to wear then an baggy, drapey sweater, the aztec print saves it from being to "mom" if you know what I mean!

My Week Via Instagram: Vol. 1

Testing out Amy Winehouse on my brand new Crosley Record Player.

Poppin' In Peplum

Every once in a while I dream up pieces of clothing that I swore I've seen for sale before, so when I want to buy them I am positive they exist. When I began my hunt weeks ago for black and white pieces I had a vision of a black and white striped peplum top, that eventually transformed into a striped peplum dress. Destiny called and I stumbled upon this beauty at Target one day during lunch. The only way I was squeezing into a form fitting body con silhouette would be with some belly hiding from a peplum. I choose to keep everything black and white for this outfit, but it was hard to resist throwing in a good pop of color. 

Go Green or Go Home: St. Patrick's Day Style

St. Patricks Day: Color Block by betsy-step featuring an envelope clutch

When it comes to drinking holidays you have two choices if you're going out to party. Classy or Trashy. It's not that hard to figure out the trashy uniform of booty shorts and green knee high socks, the real challenge is looking cute on St. Pat's with your clothes on. Check my St. Patrick's Day inspiration boards for a more sophisticated take on the holiday! Drink up!

Cool as Cara: Aztec Print with a Leather Vest

Ah, the vest. Many of us own them but how often do we wear them? I've found myself rocking my fur vest frequently this winter, probably due to its bulk, it feels like a jacket. However when it comes to leather vest and denim vest, what the hell do you do with it? What makes you say, you know what this top needs over it..a vest! Weeks ago I saw the amazing photo of Cara Delevingne wearing a closed denim vest on the Just Cavalli SS 2013 runway, and knew I had to do that. This morning when I was once again feeling too lazy to put together an outfit and reached for a cozy flannel shirt, I thought , "No, you can't wear just a flannel shirt to work like a bum." That is when I saw my old faux leather studded vest hanging in the closet. Unfortunately I couldn't pull of Cara's cool closed vest look because, let me be honest, this vest is too small and can't close. Maybe one day I'll be that cool. 

Hello Kitty

I bought this black pleather Hello Kitty embossed skirt months ago, and lacked the inspiration to wear it. Maybe I was intimidated by the high waisted a-line cut that might make my ass appear even larger. Finally after seeing so many girls rocking pleather skirts adorably, I sucked it up and comforted myself by pairing it with a flannel shirt. This style of skirt could easily be paired with a sheer or formal button up shirt for a business casual look. Typical me I chose to take the hip business route ( probably just made that term up) by wearing a plaid flannel shirt. To play off the yellow shirt and black skirt, I stuck with gold and black accessories. Now I am ready to get more use out of this skirt!

Festival Fashion Inspiration

Festival Frocks for the Boho Girl

Festival Frocks: Boho by betsy-step featuring colorful sunglasses

Last year I had the pleasure of going to Coachella. My first time in the beautiful Southern California and my first major music festival. I , of course spent a lot of time making my outfits as hip as possible. A few personal photos are sneaked in at the end of the post! This year I am still deciding what festival I will be attending. However it is never too early to start plotting out your festival wear. If you have never been to a festival before, be prepared to see a wide array of styles. Some festival-goers will be barely dressed in what I affectionally call "stripper wear". I am here to help you avoid that with my festival wear inspiration for girls of all styles!

My Picks: Best Dressed Oscars 2013

I've previously mentioned my disappointment in the stars dressing for award shows this season. I feel like all the stylist play it safe and no one dares to take risk anymore. That is why I must warn some of you that your favorites maybe missing from this list. No Charlize Theron, No Anne Hathaway I want to see dresses with exciting colors, patterns, and silhouettes. These are my favorites from the 2013 Oscars, not  everyone else's picks. 

Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Haute Couture

Red Boots & Stripes

Ever since the black and white stripe trend popped up I have been obsessed with finding some quality pieces. Unfortunately finding cute, affordable stripes wasn't as easy as I thought for such a popular trend. Luckily I hit the jackpot at H&M with this black and white striped dress for under $15 and a thicker striped black and white body con skirt for $5. I wanted to keep it chic and minimal so I added a bold silver statement necklace and a pop of fun with my favorite red Francoise boots from ShoeMint. You can achieve many looks wearing stripes and I am looking forward to wearing some more!

Play It Up: Tribal Print Emroidered Pants

I first encountered this pair of embroidered pants on my roommate. I instantly looooved them. Then destiny helped a girl out by featuring them as an amazing sale item in a Refinery 29 article. I snapped up these popping pants for just $20 from Urban Outfitters! The detailing on the pants is extravagant enough, that I played it safe with the rest of my outfit. I felt a little bit like a cowboy in my chambray shirt, tribal inspired pants, and boots popping out, I was just missing some spurs. These pants would look amazing with a colorful shirt as well. I am definitely looking forward to experimenting more with the embroidered, printed pant trend, look out for some black and white stripes and florals!

Fashion Week RTW 2013 Trends Part 1: Fur & Statement Necks

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week is here! The Ready to Wear collections are pouring down the runways and I am scouring the collections to pull out my favorite looks! Seems the designers were in tune this year because I am noticing a lot of trends popping up in everyone's collections. This is the first post of many, stay tuned... 

Fur or Faux Fur for the animal friendly

When I see a great fur, I can't help but love it. Sure I may not work an extravagant fur coat into my everyday wardrobe, however the designers are showing a lot of small fur neck wraps to provide a hint of elegance. I love how a tiny hint of fur takes an outfit to a whole new level. Also note the designers use of gloves, another underestimated accessory!

St. John RTW 2013

Carmen Marc Valvo RTW 2013

Monochrome & Leopard

Leopard print harem pants? Skull Scarf? Metal tipped flats? Why yes these can all be part of your business casual outfit. Alright some of your dress codes may not allow a skull scarf, but black, white, and leopard is a classic combo. Black blazers and white button ups are standard business wear, spice it up with a pair or printed harem pants or printed pants of any kind for some stylish flare. Metal accents and a scarf are just even more fun!

My Experience on the GM Diet/ Cleanse

Since the new year ( yea, yea new years resolution style ) I had been following the 1,200 calorie weight loss plan. Basically I was calorie counting and between diet and exercise I was to consume no more then 1,200 calories a week to lose 1-2lbs a week. I had previously lost weight this way before. It seemed to have been working but I'm not sure I never actually got on a scale. One night, my co-worker mentioned she was thinking about doing a cleanse were you were supposed to lose 10+ pounds a week! When she mentioned it involved still being able to eat food and not just liquids I was instantly in. Getting a kick start on my weight loss I knew would be further motivation to keep losing weight because let's be honest, I like to see quick results. As I waited for Sarah to send me the cleanse info I went searching on my own and discovered this cleanse on Pinterest. It sounded similar to what Sarah described but was actually a slight variation. Sarah had found the GM Diet. Click to view the full diet plan and further explanation of how it works. I used my diet version for the 5th and 6th day that suggest chicken and turkey instead of beef like the GM diet says. Also I will be using the GM Diets day 7 which consist of brown rice rather then the miracle soup all day. Let me tell you about my 7 day journey!

The Next Big Social Media?

Earlier this week my boss started insisting my co-worker and I make a video for the latest hot social media. "Here we go again," we thought.  Yet another one of the hundreds of social sites to pop up everyday and hope to make it. I had these thoughts until I figured out how to work the app and checked it out. Three days later and I am obsessed, literally I keep thinking "Ooo I could Vine that!" Hell, this morning before heading to work I made two Vine videos.

A Pop of Pretty

I woke up and wanted to try to wear a little pretty. I reached for this lace number I bought from Target over the summer and have probably only worn twice. Paired it with tan wedges from ShoeMint that I know for sure I've only worn twice. What can I say my pretty wardrobe items just don't call to me. Naturally I edged it up with my favorite faux leather jacket and braided headband for a look that one of my co-workers called "70's chic". I swear I'm really trying to break out of my all black box!

Superbowl Swag

Superbowl Outfit: Baltimore Ravens by betsy-step featuring a faux fur vest

Please, don't take me as someone who gives a shit about the Superbowl. Football is one of my least favorite sports, mostly because no matter how many times I've tried to understand it, I can't retain the rules. Plus I can't see hot players faces with those helmets on so what is the point?! Regardless the Superbowl is a huge social occasion, being the most watched television event every year and all. I am sure I will find myself in front of a TV with it on just so I don't feel like a loser.

Valentine's Day Outfit Inspiration

Valentine's Day is fast approaching, many couples and singles already have their plans lined up! However most importantly, do you have your outfit picked out? I've put together Valentine's Day outfits for all types of styles; classic, modern, pretty, and edgy.  Don't you worry all these dresses can easily fit some sexy lingerie underneath ; ).

Valentine's Day with a twist for the classic girl: 

Add some fun with subtle pops of color in your accessories, while staying classic in a LBD and pearls like your icon, Audrey Hepburn.

Classic with a Twist for Valentines Day by betsy-step featuring a zipper dress

One Day, Two Girls, Two Outfits

Today I bring you an outfit from myself and my pretty, minimalist stylish friend Jen. First up, I didn't really feel like getting dressed this morning so I needed to raise the bar on my standard jeans and flannel comfort outfit. Thus enters my Kravitz by Jeffrey Campbell boots, faux fur vest, and high bun. It's amazing how much a top knot and some more luxe wear can make it look like you actually tried. I go by the motto that if you feel like shit, just put on a dress, no one will ever be the wiser. *Side Note: It ended up taking me about 20 minutes to put on those boots and I ripped two straps off. I was NOT a happy camper. Make your damn expensive shoes easier to put on JCam!*

Now onto Jen...

Clean Up in Aisle...

The Best Kind of Evolution: Rooney Mara

Mix Match

If you live on the East Coast you know it's freezing out. This morning I had to dress with the challenge of walking a few blocks to my car then scraping snow and ice off the windshield while still appearing stylish. As well as drawing inspiration from all the Tory Burch - Mix Your Print's emails I have been getting. I love, love, love this floral blazer from Lauren Conrad's Kohls collection, while pairing it with my tie dyed American Apparel skirt seemed like an odd choice I went for it anyway. Hell, a random co-worker told me I looked nice today so I think it worked. Next time you're getting dressed mix it up!

Wish List: Prabal Gurung for Target Collection

The lookbook of Target's Prabal Gurung collection recently popped up online and I instantly started racking up items I wanted to buy. Given there are too many items on my wishlist to actually afford, I've narrowed down my final choices a bit from the 80 plus piece collection. Lucky for us, the collection is reasonably priced, much more so then that failure Neiman Marcus x Target Collection. Most dresses and shoes cost between $30 - $50. The most extravagantly priced item is a blue leather jacket for $200. If you are loving these abstract floral prints as much as I am set your alarm for February 10th when Prabal Gurung for Target hits stores and online! View the entire Prabal Gurung for Target collection complete with pricing here.

 Parabal Gurung is a fairly new designer whose first collection premiered at New York Fashion Week in 2009. He released his own collection after spending years working for Cynthia Rowley and Bill Blass. His designs have been worn by the likes of Lady Gaga, Michelle Obama and Kate Middleton. View his high end line here.

Inside My Make Up Bag

Any stylin' outfit needs to be complete with some fab hair and make up. Don't even get me started on the hap hazard look of a stunning outfit on someone who couldn't be bothered to put their face on. I  love make up and wear it religiously, but am admittedly not one to really play with it. I've been wearing one signature look for a while now. It makes application quick and easy in the morning! 

Here's a look into my make up bag:

This Outfit is a HOOT

I was looking for a new way to wear my maxi skirt when I stumbled upon a picture of a girl in a sweet graphic tee tucked into her skirt with a thick belt at her waist. BAM! Outfit inspiration! Add in a thick cozy headband to try to hide that I need to wash my hair and you have yourself a pretty hip outfit. I chose the denim jacket to break up the monotony of all the black I was rocking. The denim jacket actually has a bit of studding on the collar done by yours truly. I need to add more ( maybe a DIY to come! ) Anywho, isn't this outfit a hoot? ( There's an owl on my shirt. get. it. )

Liebster Awards

This morning I found out I'd be chosen for the Liebster Awards by Alicia at Sophistified! Thank you so much Alicia for the opportunity! Click here to check out her fabulous blog!

*EDIT* Also thanks to Kumbear XO for her nomination!

Update: I was also nominated by Morgan at I wish it were Anthropologie, but... , please check out her blog also and support!

Rules of the Liebster Awards:

1. List 11 facts about yourself.

2. Answer the 11 questions given to you.

3. Ask 11 new questions for the bloggers you nominate for the award.

4. Choose 9 bloggers with 200 or less followers to nominate. 

5. Go to each bloggers page and let them know about the award.

6. Thank the person who nominated you and link back to their blog.

11 facts about me:

- I am a graphic designer for the fast- fashion company Deb.

- I was born and raised in the middle of nowhere with a 30-45 minute drive to the nearest mall or decent place to eat. I've always been a city girl at heart. Dreaming of moving to New York kept me motivated for many years when I was younger. Even though now I live in Philadelphia. It is still a vast improvement over my hometown.

- I am a natural blonde, even though you can see a good inch of dark root on my hair. When I was 16 I dyed my hair burgundy, thus beginning many years of hair color play. I always return to blonde, anything else feels wrong after a while. My hair has been red, brown, blonde, and included parts of blue and purple.

- I have five tattoos. Back, wrist, stomach, thigh and feet. Some mean things, others don't. I don't regret them yet. I hope to work on getting a half sleeve.

- I have been friends with my best friend the entire 24 years of my life. We have matching chain link wrist tattoos, classy.

- I once went to a Lauren Conrad book signing and waited for two hours to see her. I spent the entire time thinking of what to say to her and when I got up to he, I choked. Amazingly she understood my question about her ombre hair between my stammering.

-Up until the end of my Junior year of high school I thought I wanted to be a journalist. Deciding to go to college for Graphic Design, luckily happened at the last minute. I'm a much better designer then I am writer.

- Buffy the Vampire Slayer is my favorite show of all time ever. I've watched all 7 seasons multiple times. I even have some creepy Buffy dolls. I like to tell people how I sharpened sticks and tried to stake trees when I was a kid.

- I absolutely love going to see movies in the movie theater. Mostly since I love movies, but I really love the previews. I've made my friends wait until the next showing so we could see the previews. You could say I appreciate the art of a well edited trailer.

- I saw The Dark Knight five times in theaters.

- I've traveled out of the country to England, Ireland, Wales, Barcelona, the Bahamas, and of course, Canada. Many more to come I hope! My family loves baseball, when I was a child we went on two vacations watching baseball games all around the US. This allowed me to visit more places in the US then I otherwise would have.

Epic Style: Kerry Washington

I hoped to be doing a Golden Globes post today but honestly I wasn't too impressed with any of the looks last night. Don't get me wrong, of course all of the stars looked gorgeous, but nothing was awe inspiring. My favorite look of the night was Kerry Washington, thus reminding me of all the fashion risks she had taken on the Django Unchained Press Tour. That is why I bring you a round up of stunning couture looks from one talented, beautiful actress. This small selection of look's from Kerry beats out the entire Golden Globes red carpet combined.

A Camo Afternoon

I wandered over to spend the afternoon with a girlfriend in Haddonfield, NJ where I was treated to delicious fish and chips with a spot o' tea! In typical me fashion, I pulled together some of my favorite pieces of the moment for what I call a "casual" camo look.  Quotes around casual because spiked heeled boots wouldn't exactly qualify for some people. However when you aren't a jeans and tee girl what's more comfortable then oversized layers with an attention getting shoe to stop things from becoming ordinary.

My friend took me to a number of cute boutiques around town, our favorite was the accessories shop, Flair. Tucked down a side street, this new boutique offered some unique finds at prices I would actually consider. I picked up a gold claw ring ($18) which I promptly put on (I can't help it matched). If you are near the area it is definitely worth a look!

Guest Style: School of Colorblock

My friend and co-worker , Jen, is the style opposite of me. If I am black then she is white, well more like pastel. Pretty and minimal are qualities I admire but can't often pull off myself. I was in love with this simplistic colorblock dress paired with solid plum tights as soon as she walked in the door. This gorgeous dress doesn't need tons of accessorizing to shine, and Jen was keen enough to recognize that.

Fur, Black & Blonde

Fur can be an intimidating piece to wear. Believe me. I have had my share of male friends tell me we weren't going out in public if I wore THAT fur jacket. Regardless of these fools opinions, wearing fur makes you look classy and confident. Not any regular gal is slipping on a fur or lets be a honest a faux fur because they can't handle how it feels to be so pimp. (cue Jay-Z)

Inspired By: Studs & Skulls

Inspired By: Studs & Skulls by betsy-step 

Ever since high school when I was stumbling around trying to find my individual style, I've loved a look with a little edge.  Since then my go to comfort zone is anything black, studded, and if possible will include a skull. I'd like to thank Mr. Alexander McQueen and the popularity of his Classic Skull Scarves for bringing skulls back to the mainstream. Though I can't quite afford a real one ( wink, wink mom if you read this ) the rise of the rocker look as a trend makes shopping that much easier for everyone with an inner punk.

Rocker Chic Goes to Work

'ello! My name is Betsy aka blondiecat, named for my love of blonde hair and precious kittens. My first post features many of my favorite things: black, leather, skulls and studs. As a graphic designer I can get away with rocking a more casual look to the office, but I still like to keep a tad of professionalism. Pairing my LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's black blazer with an otherwise casual H&M skull skater dress   takes this look from the crowd at Coachella (in my dreams) to office appropriate. Word of advice: Don't listen to your co-workers who tell you skulls are just for Halloween!