BLT salad with creamy peppercorn dressing

Since I've been trying to "spice up my salads," I've tried to become more creative in toppings, dressings, etc. In fact, I've become one of those people that likes to make their own salad dressings (hey, it's healthier, right?!) When my parents came to visit a few weekends ago, we went to this popular pizza place in downtown DC and my mom ordered this delicious creamy peppercorn salad. I've been dreaming about recreating it since. It's almost just as good, and perfect with a wedge of head lettuce. I've listed the recipe for both the salad and the dressing below. 

P.S.- Find my other recipes for salads here!

BLT salad with creamy peppercorn dressing

- 1/4 of a head of lettuce, cut into a wedge

- 1/4 cup of bacon bits

- 5 cherry tomatoes, halved

Creamy peppercorn dressing (makes one cup)

- 1/2 cup mayonnaise

- 1/2 cup sour cream

- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 1 medium lemon)

- 2 tablespoons milk (not nonfat)

- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

- 2 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped

- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Place all of the ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk until combined. Refrigerate in a container for up to 4 days.

The Brompton Hobo

On my list of 101 things to do in 1,0001 days, I made the pledge to invest in one good bag. Upon first moving to DC at the start of April, I quickly learned that I was going to need a crossbody bag, and one that could sustain a lot of wear. I wanted it to be something I could bring into work as well as use on weekends when I'm out with friends, which meant that it had to look professional, but at the same time seem casual in style. I knew I wanted a cognac color, and I was pretty adament about it being leather (I meant it when I said invest!) but I could not bring myself to spend over $200. Tory Burch is an investment, but I cannot imagine spending $500 on a purse.

In the end, I settled with the Brompton hobo bag from J.Crew. I knew I wanted a hobo bag, and I fell in love with the color of it. Plus, J.Crew was having a huge sale, so I got $100 off! I've been breaking it in all week, and am so happy I decided to go with this one.

Do you own a bag that you saved up for?

Elasty

When it comes to iPhone cases, I've been loyal to Incipio's dual Silicrylic case for my iPhone 4s. I'm always head over heels for the witty, colorful cases by Kate Spade and Tory Burch. But those only come in the snap on plastic cases (which I know will not save my iPhone from a fatal drop) or the all-silicone kind that stretch out over time and don't fit on my phone. The Silicrylic has a silicone cover and a hardshell that snaps on over, without looking too bulky. Am I picky? Absolutely. I won't deny that. Protection comes first for my $200 phone! (But I do think Otterbox cases are a little over the top!). So while I love my Incipio case, I've got my eye on the Elasty. How neat are these?

It's a silicone bumper with elastic straps across the back -- perfect for creditcards, folded bills, or pens. Or, you can tuck your earphones under a strap without wrapping them around your phone.

As of now, it's still in the rendering phase, but Belkin granted the case with a design award, so keep your fingers crossed that the company picks it up!

Menswear Wednesday: A turn on the classics

Ray-Ban Wayfarers are arguably the most popular style of sunglasses ever manufactured. John F. Kennedy and Roy Orbison constantly donned the frames, originally created in 1956. They created a break from the metal eyewear style of the past, and were only ever challenged by Aviators as being the best-selling sunglasses designed in history. While I love a good pair of Wayfarers on a guy, I'm currently loving this pair more. A mix of Wayfarers and Aviator look, the Ray-Ban Clubmaster's design was inspired by the lifestyle of he '50s and '60s.

They're popular for both men and women, but I think the men below pulled it off pretty well. Hey, even the guys from Reservoir Dogs donned 'em.