Amazing Cookies

"Just another chocolate chip cookie recipe?" you ask? No! These cookies are so deliciously buttery and chocolaty, you can't just have one. This is my go-to recipe when given the dessert assignment. I got the recipe from my mom who got it from her friend who got it from another friend...so who knows where it really came from but it's pretty good. People always ask me for this recipe so it's about time I post it for all to see. My friends named it "Amazing Cookies" so there ya go. Enjoy!

1/2 C butter

3/4 C sugar

3/4 C brown sugar

1/2 C shortening (Crisco is the best)

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 ½ C flour 

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 bag chocolate chips (I usually don't use the entire bag, but it's up to you!)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cream together butter, sugars, and shortening. Add eggs, vanilla, flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix just until mixed all together - do not overmix! Stir in chocolate chips with a spoon. Roll dough into balls and place on greased cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 min.  Yields 24 cookies.

Church History Trip

Tyler and I (and my in-laws) had the incredible opportunity this past week to go on a little LDS Church history trip to Missouri and Nauvoo. I had been once before with my family back when I was a itty bitty tween and I even loved it then as I loved it this time. The only thing that could have made the trip better was if it wasn't freezing cold (haha). I recommend seeing these sites at least once in your life. It's such an amazing experience. As I learned more and more about all the people that sacrificed so much in order to make this church what it is today, my testimony grew. I am so grateful to be a part of this gospel; it brings so much happiness and I don't know where I'd be without it.

I've attached pictures of some of the sites we went to. Have a look!

Adam-ondi-Ahman

It's a lot more beautiful in the summer time when it's all green, but definitely a must see!

Liberty Jail

Carthage Jail

Woman's Garden

Again, more beautiful in the summer when there are actually flowers, but I really liked this. It's a garden dedicated to women; the statues represent the different stages of a woman's life.

Burial site of Joseph Smith, Jr, Hyrum Smith, and Emma Smith

 Joseph Sr and Lucy Mack Smith's graves

 Monument to the 3 witnesses

Nauvoo Temple

One of the highlights was doing a session in the Nauvoo temple, didn't get to do that last time I went!

The Church is true!

Spring 2014 Fashion Trends

I decided to compose a list of a few style trends for this spring - just if you need any help deciding what to add to your wardrobe this season!

Sandals
 I know flip flops are comfy and all, but why not have cute AND comfy? These are just some ideas of some cute flat sandals that are trending this year.

 

photo credit: shop.nordstrom.com, polyvore.com, fabulourafter40.com, yourstylejourney.com

"Thong" sandals are still a big thing so make sure you get a pair of one of those! Metallic and bright colored sandals are what you'll find most of this season.

 

photo credit: urbandarling.com, shopnordstrom.com

If you want to dress it up a little more, a wedge sandal is the way to go! Orange and coral are popular colors this year but you can't go wrong with nude either! Although it's a heel, it's easy to walk around in unlike other high heeled shoes. 

Blazers and Cardigans
Spring means warmer weather but it is still a little cool, so blazers and cardigans are a must.

 

 

photo credit: fashionoid.info, womens-trends-fashion.blogspot.com, peta2.com

Longer cut or cropped, a blazer can dress up any boring outfit. I personally like the cropped one (right) for springtime since it covers less. Among the always popular whites and blacks, I've been seeing a lot of different blues this season in blazers.

Dresses

 

photo credit: macys.com, starglammagazine

Maxi dresses are a must this spring. Looks really cute with a jacket or cardigan over it as well!

 

photo credit: shop.nordstrom.com, fashionattractive.com

Floral print is hot this spring, especially in dresses. I've been wanting to buy a new dress and I think I know what design I want!


Scarves

 



photo credit: shopdestinstars.com, sassysteals.com, jwholesale.com, etsy.com

Put away those thick winter scarves and make room for spring scarves! Still a popular accessory and obviously available in your favorite styles: wrap, infinity, square, etc. Scarves are a great accessory to enhance any outfit.

Hope this gives you some ideas of what to look out for next time you go shopping! Thanks for stopping by!