All You Need is Tea & Warm Socks

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Words of Wisdom

Oh, Monday.

Baking is usually a weekend activity for me but I have an urge to bake some homemade chocolate chip cookies.  Chocolate chip cookies are my absolute favorite and I am very excited to use my red KitchenAid hand mixer I got last weekend to bake my French fruit tarts.  

And really, it is quite simple.  All you need is tea, warm socks... and chocolate chip cookies.

Best-Ever Chocolate Chip Cookies

barely adapted from Anna Olson, Food Network Canada

Ingredients: 

3/4 c. unsalted butter, softened 

3/4 c. brown sugar 

1/4 c. granulated sugar 

1 egg 

2 tsp. vanilla extract 

2 c. all purpose flour 

2 tsp. cornstarch 

1 tsp. baking soda 

1/2 tsp. salt 

1 c. bittersweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2.  In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together butter and sugars until fluffy and light in color. Add egg and vanilla and blend in.

3.  Mix in flour, cornstarch, baking soda and salt. Stir in chocolate chunks.

4.  Using a standard-sized cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto a prepared baking sheet.  Bake for 8-10 minutes, until barely golden brown around the edges.  (The tops will not brown, but do NOT cook longer than ten minutes.)

5.  Let cool, on the sheet, on a wire rack for five minutes.  Remove from baking sheet and let cool completely.  Makes approximately 3 dozen.  Try not to eat them all.

I will let you know the level of heavenly these cookies turn out to be.  

To the kitchen I go!

Color Blocking

GlitterGirl

Color blocking: a styling trend that used to be fashion/styling "no-no" is now taking front and center stage.  And thank God, right?  How cute are both of these Spring 2012 outfits from J Crew? 

How to: pair like-colors from head to toe.  And, feel free to incorporate other colors! Color blocking doesn't necessarily mean using all mono-color schemes; you can combine colors into blocking patterns, too.

Main objective: have boatloads of fun and don't be afraid to go wild and crazy.  The bolder you go, the more your outfit will make sense. Start subtle; but daring is always exciting, right?

Start time: NOW!  Let your inner-eccentric take charge and be creative.

GlitterGirl

Do you have any color-blocking success stories?  Please post!

Winter Brights!

Going West Blog

Atlantic Pacific Blog

Winter brights. . .not blues!  I don't know if it's the warm weather most of the country has been experiencing (including Flagstaff, AZ); but, I just can't wait for all the spring fashion trends!  Fifty plus degrees outside means I can wear skirts without tights, right?

I am getting really excited for pastels to make their grand appearance in the spring fashion scene.  I am a little nervous sporting the trend because I don't think I've worn light pink, canary yellow or baby blue for approximately a decade or so.  I'm looking forward bringing pastel hues back into my wardrobe and having a little fun with it! 

I am getting starry eyed looking at all of the fantastic turquoise, bright corals and flashy electric blues hitting the scene as of recent. Including, neon!  I do enjoy integrating playful and unexpected bits of color into my winter wardrobe.

Bring on the brights and the sunshine.  I'm ready for you, sweet Springtime!

Back to the Basics

Today I had a styling epiphany.

So, this summer I decided to give in and buy an expensive non-clipping hair styling wand as a replacement to my 1” classic curling iron (that costs $10 at Target, honest).  I have been doing the soft wave styling on my already naturally wavy (and sometimes unpredictable) hair for quite some time and figured making the upgrade to the wand would be the perfect solution. 

Boy was I misunderstood!  I will tell you, I have been using this expensive styling wand for the last 6 months and something was just never right with it! The curls often seemed kinky and unpolished but I continued to use the wand despite my disappointment with the results. To my amazement, I borrowed a friend’s basic 1” curling iron to put a few extra curls in my hair before going out and I was blown away by how subtly sweet the curls turned out.  I learned my lesson.  Expensive and trendy beauty supplies don’t always get the job done!  I have packed away my styling wand for another day.  It’s back to the basics for this girl!

What are your essential hair styling tools?

Neck Candy

Shopbop

Particularity Blog

Stella & Dot

The statement necklace is an investment and a power-piece in any woman's wardrobe.  The statement necklace provides the finishing touch and the perfect element of pizazz to make an outfit pop!  Therefore, I honestly believe you should own at least three key statement necklaces and wear them religiously (I am not kidding, wear them everyday).  

Statement necklaces do not have to be overly gaudy or bulky; they just need to serve their primary purpose: to make you feel unique and confident.  A common misconception is that the statement necklace should only be worn for special or "dressy" occasions.  In fact, the opposite is true.  You can take an incredibly causal look and enhance it with an outstanding piece of neck candy.  Yeah, I said it . . . neck candy.  

Available in so many mouthwatering colors and styles; it's an accessory you shouldn't be without.  Try paring a statement necklace with a basic cotton tee or chambray button-up.  Go ahead, treat yourself to a beautiful statement piece.  You won't regret it!

Zumba!

Great article, check it out!

So, Tuesday I went to the most invigorating Zumba session and I have fallen in love with going back to the gym.  Let me set my story straight, I've never really fell out of love with Zumba, I simply needed a really enthusiastic and high energy instructor to motivate me to show up to a class (instead of doing the at-home version).  

Anyway, it is the NEW year... so, try something new!  Or better yet, rekindle an old passion of yours to stay motivated through (what can be) the non-stimulating winter months.  Your body and general attitude will thank you come spring.  And always remember to have fun.  That is why Zumba exists.  I really can't wait to shake it, again, in just a few hours.  

Find Zumba class near you!

Zumba!

A Nude Palette

Perfect nude eye shadow palette

Bobbi Brown 'Ultra Nude' Eye Palette, $45

Nordstrom

Here is yet another neutral eye shadow palette that has hit the ground running.  Featured in Bobbi Brown's new collection, Neons & Nudes, this comprehensive compact looks as if it can deliver everything you'd ever want in a nude eye shadow palette. . . and more!  This 'Ultra Nude' palette comes equipped with a dual-end eyeliner/angled eye shadow brush and mirror for convenient application.  With six fresh colors to blend and play with, you simply can't go wrong!  

On another note, it is LIME TAG sale at Piperlime for another 3 days.  Get up to 40% name-brand, designer clothing, shoes and accessories with an additional 20% off using the code: LIME at checkout.  

And for those looking for a fresh new start in the undergarment department, look no further than the Victoria's Secret Semi-Annual sale that started in-stores Monday.  You can also buy online and all orders over $50 ship free.

As for me, Santa royally hooked me up this year and so shopping isn't quite on my immediate agenda but a slamming deal is a deal.  Right?

Be Kind to Yourself

30 Things to Stop Doing to Yourself

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Excuse me for the prolonged absence from writing a post!  I spent a gorgeous few festive days in the Pacific Northwest catching up with friends and spending quality time with family.  I worked for a mere day before continuing my holiday vacation into the New Year in Pagosa Springs, Colorado with my boyfriend and our great friends.  We made big meals, drank plenty of spirits and skied for days. 

I am now settled back into the ol' homestead and knocking back piles of "to do's" at work while trying to formulate my New Year's resolutions.  In light of another New Year, I think these words of wisdom must be shared.  I have seen this article passed around by a few family and friends but I continue to be impressed by the inspirational content and feel it is worth sharing, too!  I really hope you enjoy reading and reflecting on this article.  I also hope you had an incredible holiday season and are looking forward to a prosperous, positive New Year!

Be kind to yourself and to others.