Best Chocolate Chips Cookies
Friday, November 30, 2012
Best Chocolate Chips Cookies



Does Jacques Torres ring a bell to you? Surely you have and if you haven't well let me give you a quick intro. He is a major chocolate connoisseur and I mean major. So when it comes to anything chocolate no one does it better than him, even this baby right here.

Yes, the very classic chocolate chip cookies we all know growing up has gotten better thanks to Mr Jacques. Everyone who have tried it said it's the best and I couldn't wait to try it.

The infamous Jacques Torres chocolate chip cookies.
Ingredients
  • 2 cups minus 2 tablespoons cake flour
  • 1 2/3 cups bread flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
  • 2 1/2 sticks (1 1/4 cups) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 1/4 cups light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/3 pounds bittersweet chocolate disks or fèves, at least 60 percent cacao content
  • sea salt or fleur de sel, for sprinkling
Instructions
  1. Sift together the cake flour, bread flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into a medium sized bowl and set aside.
  2. In the bowl of your mixer, cream together your butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Add in the eggs, one at a time, until combined, scraping down the bowl as needed. Add in the vanilla and mix. Gradually add in the dry ingredients, until just moistened. Fold in your chocolate until evenly added throughout the dough. Press plastic wrap against the dough, making sure it is completely covered, and refrigerate for at least 24 hours, or as long as 72 hours (I left mine for 36 hours).
  3. When you are ready to bake, bring the dough to room temperature so that you can scoop it out, and preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line and/or grease your baking sheets. Scoop your dough out onto the sheets. I used a #40 ice cream scoop, which is about the size of 2 tablespoons, but you can make them even larger, if you like. Do not press the dough down – let it stay the way it is. Sprinkle the cookies lightly with a bit of fleur de sel or sea salt. Bake 10-12 minutes for smaller cookies (mine took about 11 minutes), or 18-20 minutes for larger cookies.
  4. Allow the cookies to cool slightly on your baking sheet, then move them to another surface to cool completely. You can enjoy these warm, room temperature, or cold. Store in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

image and recipe via
see More »

10 New Party Hairstyles To Try
Thursday, November 29, 2012
10 New Party Hairstyles To Try

With all the parties lined up for the holidays we all know that we need to look our best. Aside from finding that perfect outfit, having the right hair style is a must. Whether you have long or short hair, there's a lot of ways you can spice up your look. So here are 10 new party hairstyles for you to try.


Loose Retro Wave


Braided Hairline Braided Bun


High Ponytail


Glamourous Waves


Low Ballerina Bun


Side-Swept Chignon


Mixed Proportion


Greek Goddess Twist


Waterfall


Spiked Pixie


Voluminous Bun


image via
see More »

Holiday Outfit Ideas
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Holiday Outfit Ideas

Holiday parties are one of those events that I really look forward to every year. Whether it be a social gathering or just a night out with friends, it's always the perfect reason for me to grab a new dress. Sometimes I just need an excuse get a hold of something pretty but doesn't everyone? I mean who could resist feathers, sequins and cut out dresses just like these? It's too gorgeous to pass up and if you're like me, looking all glammed up is just what you wanted.

Feathers
1 / 2
Sequin

3 / 4
Cut Outs
5 / 6

see More »

Everything Happens For A Reason
Monday, November 26, 2012
Everything Happens For A Reason



Someday everything will make perfect sense. So for now, laugh at the confusion, smile through the tears and keep reminding yourself that everything happens for a reason.  - Anonymous


image via
see More »

Baroque Style For Less Than $100
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Baroque Style For Less Than $100

From the catwalks to the streets, baroque is becoming one of my favorite trends this season. With victorian patterns and shiny accents, it just screams festivity all together. While we may not have thousands of dollars to drop on a designer piece, these are the perfect alternatives and it only cost less than a hundred dollars. 
see More »

Lusting Over: L.A.M.B Oxley Heels
Friday, November 23, 2012
Lusting Over: L.A.M.B Oxley Heels


I've been dying to get this L.A.M.B Oxley Heels for quite sometime now. I find it simple yet classy enough to pair well with any type of wardrobe. Whether you opt to wear something girly or edgy, you can't go wrong with this. It also comes in different colors like navy black and wine but I personally love the black. It's very minimalist yet it adds a touch of class to any outfit.

image via
see More »

Celebrate Thanksgiving In Style
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Celebrate Thanksgiving In Style

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and celebrating it in style is a must, especially if you're a fashionista like me. We wanted to look our best while entertaining and sharing this moment with our families. Whether you are a preppy chic or a rocker, there's always a look for everyone. I have chosen a couple of my favorites. Happy Thanksgiving!



The Lady Like


The Rocker


The Artist


The Preppy Chic


The Minimalist

image via
see More »

Protect Your Rights, Livelihood and Freedom
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Protect Your Rights, Livelihood and Freedom


Sometimes we just need someone to protect us whether it's physical, emotional or most importantly our rights and freedom. As much as we think we can deal with this on our own, let's face it, we can't. And it's important for us to have someone who would give us their full attention, advices and help as act on it and DWI Attorney Atlanta does just that. They are driven to give you the best quality, customer service and proven results so you don't have to stress things out on your own.Their attorneys are experienced and dedicated to achieve the best possible result for your needs.

So when you're arrested or charged with a crime in the State of Georgia call DWI Attorney Atlanta. They can protect your rights, livelihood and most importantly your freedom.

image via



see More »

Winter Nail Art Ideas
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Winter Nail Art Ideas

Every year I make sure I get my nails dolled up for the season. If you follow me on instagram, you'll see what design I went for. But in case you're planning to do the same, here are some of my favorite design ideas you might want to consider. I love anything dark and glittery or a classic red. What's your favorite?








image via
see More »

How To Take Care of Yourself More
Monday, November 19, 2012
How To Take Care of Yourself More


After two weeks of depression, with that means I've been mindlessly eating and practically blowing up everything that I can think of, I'm back to my sanity. I realized I have to stop before it goes out of proportion. Suddenly I was reminded that I'm going to the beach in exactly 6 weeks and I can't be going around eating carbs all day. We know that's a major sin and I'm back to eating canned tuna while writing this.

So over the weekend I decided to eat better, get my first gelish manicure, work on a new project and that Starbucks is my second home. It kept me sane for the most part and I realize I need to treat myself with care, whether it be a luxurious day in a spa or just doing things I'm passionate about.

We can't rely on other people to take care of us can we? For the most part, we need to be independent and value ourselves. Here are some things I've been trying to do that you do as well.

1. Eat healthy - Eat a mix of protein, fruits and vegetables. Everything in moderation.

2. Work out - Run or do yoga or pilates. Anything that would get you moving.

3. Listen to feel good music - I personally love a good sexy R&B song. 

4. Do things you're passionate about - Blogging keeps me sane, sometimes.


5. Read more - Been reading a lot of chick novels lately. I'm currently reading Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

6. Pamper yourself - Spend a day in a spa or just get your manicure done. 


image via
see More »

Trends from the 2012 CFDA Awards
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Trends from the 2012 CFDA Awards

In the recent CFDA awards we saw lot of the most prominent names in fashion. But what's more exciting is the outfits they wear. From Anna Wintour to the Victoria Secret models, we've seen it all. And here are the trends we've seen so far.

Jewel Tones




The Sheer Number




The Cut Out




images via
see More »

Why Not Hire A Legal Lawyer?
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Why Not Hire A Legal Lawyer?


Let's admit, we get into trouble sometimes right? Am I right? Yes. But whenever we find ourselves stuck in a rut and not knowing that to do, especially when it involves something serious then you might consider hiring a lawyer, for real. DWI Lawyer Buffalo, NY can easily help you out with anything you need, legal matters of course. They are a civil and criminal trial firm committed to providing competent and cost effective legal service to client throughout Western New York for over 31 years. They are highly reliable and you don't have to fret about facing matters on your own.

So when you need help, get in touch with DWI Lawyer Buffalo, NY. You will thank yourselves for it.

image via
see More »

Cropped Sweater Street Style
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Cropped Sweater Street Style

Cropped sweaters has taken up a notched and it's no longer something that you'd wear showing your navel off, though you could still totally do that if you want to. But now that the weather is starting to cool down, using it to layer an existing outfit makes perfect sense. Whether you layer it with a button down shirt or mix it up with stripes or leather skirt, you can still get a way with it. Besides there aren't any rules in fashion, are they?







image via
see More »

When someone decides to move on
Monday, November 12, 2012
When someone decides to move on


"Do you know what happens when someone lets go of your hand? You get it back. It's a good thing... It means you have time... not to wash the dishes. To do something with it, to get out there, to take it to the next level... you got to get out there. Do something and don't look back." - Grey's Anatomy

We've all been there; someone decides they want to move on and we find ourselves frightened. Frightened because of the sudden change we are not accustomed to and the schedule you keep is no longer dictated by someone else. And while it can be difficult, we need to find the strength and look at what we are gaining instead of what is lacking.

There are many things in life we can't control. In this case, we can't control someone to feel the same way as we do and we can't force them to stay if they don't want to. I'm sure you all heard the saying, "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." Try to keep that to heart and remind yourself of that whenever you dwell on all the good times you once shared with someone you love.


Even now as I'm writing this, I can't help but look back on those instances that I was happy with someone that decided to move on. It's not a bad thing, in fact it reminded me a lesson I should have learned a long time ago; to not give myself completely. 

I learned it the hard way but now I try to look at it as an opportunity to grow myself, develop my strengths and seek out new experiences. And I encourage you to do the same thing. "Because while you're going about your business, chasing your dreams, you'll be surprised who life has in stored for you to have the opportunity to meet." - Shanon Ables.


image via
see More »