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!

Easy Fried Rice

I have to have a few Asian recipes up my sleeve right? This dinner is a regular at our house. It's easy and pretty quick to make! You can always alter it by using the meat and veggies you like best, or not using meat at all. This recipe makes quite a bit so feel free to half it. Ty and I always have leftovers, but we don't mind!

Ingredients
3 cups cooked rice
2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (optional)
4 eggs
1 1/2 cup vegetables (I used a bag of mixed veggies)
3 tablespoons sesame oil
1/4 cup soy sauce
 pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder to taste

Directions
While you are cooking the rice, begin cooking the chicken in a wok or a large pan. Once the chicken is cooked, toss the vegetables with the chicken until they are cooked through. Turn heat off for this pan. In a separate pan, scramble the eggs. Once the rice is ready, combine it in the wok along with the eggs. Now that everything is in one place, turn on the stove again to medium low and add sesame oil and soy sauce. Start mixing, and do it at a quick pace to avoid burning rice at the bottom. Remove the pan from the heat and add pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder to your taste. P.S. it tastes better with chopsticks. Makes about 5-6 servings.

Chocolate Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Anyone who knows me knows that I have a sweet tooth! I love baking desserts and then, of course, eating them. However, I took a little break from baking when the nausea came my first trimester of pregnancy. Not only did I not have the energy to bake, but I lost interest in eating desserts (WHAT?) I know, crazy. At least it was better for my diet. Well now that the nausea is gone and the energy is back, I can get back into it. This cupcake recipe is not too shabby if I do say so myself. Hope you like it! Chocolate + cream cheese = yum!

Chocolate Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting:

CUPCAKE:

½ cup butter

1 ½ cup sugar

2 eggs

1 ½ cup flour

½ cup baking cocoa

¼ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ cup milk

½ cup water

FROSTING:

4 oz cream cheese

¼ cup butter

½ teaspoon vanilla

2 ½ - 3 cups powdered sugar

Cream butter and sugar together. Mix in the rest of the ingredients. The batter is a little thicker than cupcake batter usually is so don't worry about that. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15-18 minutes. Makes 20 cupcakes.

While cupcakes are baking, make the frosting! Mix cream cheese, butter, and vanilla. Add powdered sugar a little at a time until it is the consistency you like. I like the frosting thick, so if this frosting is too thick for your taste, add a little milk. Also, if you like lots of frosting, then double the frosting recipe (or 1.5 it?). Wait for cupcakes to cool before applying frosting. Enjoy!