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!

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!

Scarf Season

Scarf fashions

It's officially scarf season.  Here's a fantastic visual of how versatile a scarf can be!  Keep your neck warm using one of these fancy styles.  

I wore Number 9 today, how about you?

Warm

Oh hey there, Starbucks Salted Carmel Mocha, you naughty little devil!  I had the pleasure of sipping a cup of this goodness while commuting on a business a few weeks ago and it quickly turned around my attitude.  What a tasty, delightful treat!

Consider yourself warned, this beverage has the potential to put a huge smile on your face for no reason at all.

So, if you are looking for a seasonal and indulgent treat--look no further than the Starbucks Salted Carmel Mocha.  Plus, everyone knows after the 20th cup of Pumpkin Spice Latte of the season, you are looking for alternatives.  Try something new!