Simple Pleasure Sunday: Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Cookies a la Mode

I just knew that when I saw this recipe on theKitchn that I had to make it!

theKitchn

Doesn't that look like the best idea ever?

I like that it's an individual portion as well.

As soon as I could figure it into my budget, I ordered four small round ramekins from Crate&Barrel. They are 5.5 oz. and 3.5 inches in diameter. They're nice and I can see them being very versatile. I need to buy more, four at a time at least.

Crate&Barrel

They arrived before my Paris planning night with Elizabeth. After stuffing ourselves with delicious delivery pizza and wings, I asked her if she wanted to at least hear my dessert idea. The second I explained this wonderful idea, she wanted it too. I knew that she would like the idea though because I really think we've shared one of those skillet chocolate chip cookies from Uno's before. I was like, "a la mode" is French! (By the way, the pizza and wings (with wine of course!) we kept raving about was the perfect meal for the evening. Usually I cook or at least artfully arrange non-cooked Italian antipasti when I invite people over, but it was great not to take the time to cook since we had so much planning to do, which went well.) 

Instead of making the chocolate chip cookie batter from scratch, we prepared it from a Betty Crocker mix. (I remember baking from scratch growing up and as late as high school, but in college, mixes were easier and I haven't gotten out of the habit yet.) We topped the baked cookies with a scoop of Vanilla Bean ice cream. They were wonderful... You don't even need chocolate syrup on top since the chocolate chips are melted.

After rising during baking, I felt like the ramekins were much too full on my first attempt with Elizabeth, so I knew I wanted to make them again so I could blog about it for a Simple Pleasure Sunday post. I also wanted to be more exact about the process when I did share. So, I made them again last night. This time, I filled each ramekin with 1 3/4 ice cream scoop full's. (One of those "Trigger" ones that scrap the product out when you squeeze the handle. I use that for everything (to easily form chocolate chip cookie dough on a sheet, to ladle soup, and here to measure) and the one I was given by my German roommates in Italy in 2005 just broke. Target wanted $10.39 for a really nice OXO brand one, but I wanna comparison shop at Bed Bath & Beyond or HomeGoods first. I do use it enough to upgrade to that nice one though...) Next, I smoothed the surface. I found my fingers work way better than the back of a spoon.

After that, I baked them for 18 minutes until the edges were starting to turn golden brown. 

Then, you let that cool for as long as you could possibly wait. Try to stall at least five minutes. In that time, they fall a bit on the middle, just asking for a scoop of ice cream. 

theKitchn

This was my dessert last night...

It was, again, delicious. Even though it is messy, this is definitely my kind of dessert as I got warm, gooey cookie and cold, melty ice cream on each spoonful. 

Plus, it was a part of a sweet night since after reading through this list of French films (that Haven in Paris posted on facebook), I spontaneously rented Romantics Anonymous on my Kindle. This chick flick in French with English subtitles is about how a man and woman suffering from severe social anxiety fall in love. They share a passion for chocolate. I enjoyed it, laughed out loud many times. It was well worth the $2 I paid to rent it. It kinda reminded me of Amelie since these characters need to get over their fear and be open to love. I recommend it.

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Style Saturday: Some Sparkle

I love to wear cubic zirconia earrings, especially studs. Although I hope to graduate to real diamond studs someday... With my birthday during April, it is my birthstone after all. They are very 'me' and I find them classic. Simple yet sophisticated. The cheaper cubic zirconia variety are my 'go to' earrings right now.

The Limited

I also adore a tear drop shape...

 Bouman Online via Pinterest

Paired with a round stud it's even more perfect. I own something like this as well...

Nordstrom via Pinterest

These are twice as nice...

Ana Rosa via Pinterest

Lately, I've been wanting a more detailed stud like this...

Weddingdress Bee via Pinterest

Or this...

 J.Crew via Pinterest

A gal needs a chandelier for special occasions or you know... Saturday night. And these are called "Eiffel!"

 Nordstrom via Pinterest

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Winter 2013-2014 Capsule Wardrobe

As a planner, I always like to publish about the current season's capsule wardrobe just as the season begins, but this time, I simply didn't get around to it. Instead, this post is inspired by Jennifer L. Scott's latest ten-item wardrobe update which I recommend you view here. I felt like writing about my own on my day off and this day of inclement weather (which is a wintry mix of rain, sleet and wet snow).

My capsule wardrobe for Winter 2013-2014 consists of the following...

1. Black cross-over sleeveless top with lace on front upper part from Ann Taylor Factory Store
2. New deep red sweater with entire black lace top portion and short sleeves from Ann Taylor
3. White 3/4 sleeve shirt from New York & Company
4. White long sleeve shirt from H&M
5. Lavender and white vertical striped long sleeve shirt from H&M
6. Chocolate brown cross-over 3/4 sleeve sweater from Ann Taylor LOFT
7. New dark gray glittery scoopneck sweater with keyhole cutout on the back from Ann Taylor
8. New deep red faux-wrap sweater from The Limited
9. Black faux-wrap sweater from Ann Taylor Factory Store
10. Purple v-neck sweater from The Limited
11. New short black pants by Alfani from Macy's
12. Dark gray pants from Ann Taylor Factory Store
13. New short dark blue 515 bootcut jeans by Levi's with buttoned back pockets from JCPenney
14. Regular dark blue bootcut jeans by Levi's from Kohl's
15. Dark blue bootcut jeans from Ann Taylor Factory Store
16. Brown wool skirt with line design from Ann Taylor LOFT 
17. Black pencil skirt by Banana Republic thrifted from Second Time Around 
18. Black flirty skirt from The Limited

That's five tops, five sweaters, five pairs of pants and three skirts for a total of eighteen pieces. I realize that this is larger than a ten-item capsule wardrobe, but this number has worked well for me since I work a full-time job with a business casual dress code and have a life outside of work including dressing up during the holiday season. For example, I wore that red sweater with black lace yoke and sleeves tucked into my black pencil skirt and felt sophisticated for Christmas dinner with my family. I also only do laundry at my parents' place once a week, so I need more than ten items. 

There are many new items since I bought clothes during November. Shopping sprees are rare for me however. I care for pieces properly and so I tend to keep things for awhile, for many seasons in fact, but do replace them as needed. I like white a lot which tends to discolor quickly. With so much wear, my last pair of black pants only lasted nine months, so I picked up another at the end of December. My button-down shirts and particularly my purple v-neck sweater that I currently own won't last much longer. 

This is the right side of my left bedroom closet 

which is where I neatly organize my capsule wardrobe 

and many of the extras like tees and camis. 

See it all!

I'm wearing my navy boatneck 3/4 sleeve tee with white stripes and bootcut jeans.

This limited number is made more doable with the following extras...

T-Shirts:
1. White cross-over 3/4 sleeve tee by Merona from Target
2. New reddish purple cross-over 3/4 sleeve tee by Merona from Target
3. New royal teal cross-over 3/4 sleeve tee by Merona from Target
4. Navy with white horizontal stripes boat neck 3/4 sleeve tee from H&M
5. Navy cross-over 3/4 sleeve tee by Merona from Target
6. New dark gray with white horizontal stripes boat neck 3/4 sleeve tee from H&M
7. Charcoal gray v-neck long sleeve tee from H&M
8. Black cross-over 3/4 sleeve tee by Merona from Target
9. Black scoop neck long sleeve tee from Express
10. Black v-neck long sleeve tee from H&M
11. New black henley-style long sleeve tee with regular ivory polka dots all over and black buttons and ruffle trim at neckline

Cardigans:
1. Black 3/4 sleeve cardigan by Cherokee from Target
2. Ivory 3/4 sleeve cardigan from New York & Company
3. New dark pink azalea 3/4 sleeve cardigan from Ann Taylor LOFT Outlet

Outerwear:
1. Black single breasted long wool winter coat by JLo from Burlington Coat Factory 
2. Khaki single breasted belted trench from Banana Republic Factory Store
3. Black single breasted trench from H&M
4. Black suit blazer from The Limited
5. Dark gray suit blazer from Ann Taylor Factory Store

Others:
-15 camisoles (including 5 of the same one: white everyday cami by Sonoma Life + Style from Kohl's, which I am slowly replacing with new ones of the same. This total number is down from 18 during the fall as I have decluttered and then donated them.)
-16 scarves (this is one more than my count for the fall because my sister gave me a black one with white polka dots for Christmas and I wear it often. I couldn't bear to donate one of my beloved scarves!)
-Black gloves (It's very cold and snowy this winter.)
-3 belts
-Many pairs of shoes including my go-to pair of black ballet flats with a patent cap toe by Naturalizer and tall black and brown leather heeled boots. That black pair of boots is new.
-1 new pair of black herringbone patterned tights 
-Many pairs of patterned black trouser socks
-Few other black, dark brown and white socks
-Bras and panties
-Jewelry including 28 pairs of earrings that have been recently decluttered, a new set of slim silver bangles, bracelets, necklaces and a watch by Anne Klein
-2 pairs of sunglasses including a new pair (one black and the other brown featured below)

This is what I bought to replace my long lost pair.

-Chanel No. 5 Eau Premiere perfume from Macy's
-Patent wine colored handbag by Coach from eBay
-Black signature print handbag by Coach from Coach Outlet
-Other bags including clutches and totes

Sleepwear:
-2 pairs of pajama pants including a new pair in gray print by Gilligan & O'Malley from Target
-Black cotton jersey hoodie with full zipper by Champion (that I must replace with my next paycheck. This season's here. I tend to throw this on during the day as apron too!) 
-Sleepwear tees including a Winthrop [University] long-sleeve tee from Jansport, the thick material kept me warm on cold winter nights here in Maryland

I chose to share a lot about the extras, i.e. sleepwear, so you can see that I apply the same concept there as well. I don't own a large collection of anything. Only what I love and actually use. I often wear a tee for day, so much so that I kinda feel like they should be among my core items! It'd be nice to dress up more though... I'll have to try to remember that! I also wear extras on occasions. For example, on New Year's Eve, I wore the pink cardigan over a black camisole with my black flirty skirt and black herringbone tights with lots of jewelry for some sparkle and shine. Of all of that, the skirt is the only one I label as a core item. Also, I made that sleeveless black lace top work for winter by layering my black cardigan on top and buttoning it halfway up. I love a touch of femininity the lace (now peeking out as a neckline) gives. 

I know that the groundhog predicted six more weeks of winter, but here's to an early spring and some warmer weather! I prefer spring clothes.

...and maybe I'll be wearing a cashmere item next winter!

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Simple Pleasure Sunday: Time at My Favorite Coffee Shop

I love my favorite coffee shop! It's an independently-owned one that I've written about before here and here. Unfortunately, I rarely get there anymore due to my reduced means of transportation. On my day off on Friday, I did borrow my mom's and brother's vehicle and proceeded to drive two towns away to it. I think this is the second time that I've been there over the last few months. I went with Kate and her daughter in January but I do not believe that I made it there in December... Even though I no longer visit weekly but more so monthly instead, I'm still recognized and met with "How have you been?! Haven't seen you in awhile!" sort of talk by the incredible staff.

I may even savor my time there even more since it's a rare indulgence, rather than a habit anymore. In addition to the warm atmosphere, I thoroughly enjoy their large cappuccino served in a mug and chocolate croissant. The coffee is made well and the pastry simply doesn't last very long. I sit and read, putting down my book completely every so often to give my full attention to my delicious food and drink, for about 45 minutes. This time I was reading A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway. I also play around on my smartphone at times, pinning on Pinterest, scanning my news feed on facebook and reading my favorites on my blogroll. I adore this time with something Italian and something sweet. I feel satisfied that I found such a wonderful thing to do and place to do it for some "me" time. I feel happy leaving, and I don't think it's all that caffeine that truly impacts me! This experience is what this blog series is all about. Something little that I devote my attention to gives me so much joy.

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New Year's Resolutions Update

Four weeks into 2014 today, I thought I would provide some sort of update or plan of attack regarding my New Year's Resolutions which you can read about here.

Since I am a very goal-oriented individual, it grieves me to report that I plan to delay trying to accomplish one of them. Here it is... I need to attempt to land a job and move to Philadelphia after my birthday trip to Paris in April because I simply cannot afford to move plus have spending money for my trip which is only 10 weeks away. I have to be realistic with my finances. I felt like a failure since I want it so badly and it hasn't happened yet and on top of that, I can't afford to make it happen when I want. I told two friends about this possibility when we were out on a Saturday night weeks ago and they comforted me that it was a fine plan. Plus, I just told Elizabeth, the friend accompanying me to Paris, on Monday evening and she agreed with my logic as well. (All old high school friends as a matter of fact. Love them!) I truly take comfort in that support. It's sunk in now that it's OK. As a result, I even submitted my vacation request at work yesterday since I hadn't yet, thinking I might be giving notice before then. Hopefully I can find employment and easily move back to a city in the cool springtime weather. I cannot wait to have a completely new life and update this very blog with all that city has to offer, all those wonderful things and places like a well-made cappuccino at an independently-owned coffee shop that I don't require my own reliable transportation to get to. I am so done being stuck in the suburbs and often inside my apartment, with a lemon of a car I am too afraid to drive or asking to borrow a vehicle that two people share already in order to arrive anywhere interesting. (Even though I make the best of any situation!) I can instead take public transportation or simply walk to whereever. As soon as I come back from Paris, I can truly commit myself to applying, like to about a half a dozen jobs a day like I did to land my current Leasing Professional gig. It's not like I can't perfect a resume posted online or simply keep an eye on the job market in the meantime.

Another resolution was to enjoy my 30th birthday in Paris. Like I mentioned, I called my travel partner Elizabeth Monday after work. She's coming over Saturday night so we can plan for Paris, likely over pizza and wings from an independently-owned place where I score a small discount since I advertise so much for them at work. Elizabeth and I have exchanged multiple long emails, but it will be great to meet again in person. She can borrow another France-related book of mine as well as look at all my travel items and luggage I already own. We don't need to buy something I already own since I could pack it, she could borrow it or we can share it. We've already come up with an optional itinerary, but I want to prepare for our meeting, coming up with several discussion points ahead of time so that it is productive. Things like sharing our airline's baggage restrictions. I also think I remember reading that we need to make a reservation for something months in advance. I look forward to hearing all the details about what she's come up with for even more things to do. Ah... we are so excited...

Pinterest

I already shared my thoughts about what to take with Elizabeth. I plan to bring the clothing, travel stuff and luggage that I already own, but I also hope to budget for four new items: shoes, a battery for my digital camera, an umbrella, and a new Kindle book. Firstly, I already purchased this pair of black ballet flats on Monday night. I ordered them online immediately when I noticed the best price in weeks. They feature the "N5 Comfort System" support from Naturalizer, so I can go forever in them. Plus, for comfortable shoes, they look nice. I bought the same ones that are my go-to pair for work, just in a better width for me, so I feel confident that I made the perfect selection. (Sidewalks in the apartment community still wear down these quality shoes quickly, so my current ones that are not even new now would be positively shabby by then.) Secondly, my old camera battery is completely dead and I have to look into buying a replacement. Thirdly, I've always wanted a black Samsonite Windguard umbrella and my trip to Paris where they apparently they have spontaneous downpours, would be the perfect excuse to pick one up. I installed the cheaper automatic open one on my amazon.com wish list Monday night, but might wanna spring for the auto open and close one... And, finally, I may have found a good book for the flights, Julia Child Rules: Lessons in Savoring Life by Karen Karbo. This author wrote a book in a similar style, The Gospel According to Coco Chanel: Life Lessons from the World's Most Elegant Woman, which I enjoyed. You can read the review I posted back on August 4, 2011. I've had the Kindle edition on my amazon.com wish list for over a week now. I'm not promising that I won't add to the list or buy something in addition; this is simply the plan.

I promise to update all about my packing when it's closer to my departure date since with practice as a traveler, I have learned to pack lightly. I hope to take a carry-on with a non-wheeled duffel inside, so I can check that bag full of clothing on the way back, keeping most of my souvenirs with me safely in my carry-on. To hold you over, view my research so far in the form of my How to Pack for a Trip Pinterest board. As you can see layers in neutral colors is key. If you have any advice for me, then please comment. I would love to hear it.

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Links I Love: Today's Blog Post Finds

I wanted to quickly change my desktop image at work this afternoon 

and found this image at the top of my Pinterest webpage.

Paris. Perfect.

Just a quick post to share the following wonderful blog posts I had the opportunity to read today...

* Venice [foxyoxiesupernova.blogspot.com]: Venice will always be one of my top five favorite places on the planet and the lovely Oksana highlights this beautiful destination in her Travel Tuesday series. I love balconies too!
* Shopping and Eating in South Granville [hostessofthehumblebungalow.blogspot.com]: I read every post from the Hostess. Her day sounded so wonderful that it makes me wanna take a small trip to shop, wine and dine!
* Parisian Decorating [hipparis.com]: This girl's living a dream by decorating a classic Parisian apartment!

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Simple Pleasure Sunday: One of My Dad's Specialties for Dinner

My simple pleasure today was savoring my dad's homemade Beef Vegetable Soup for dinner. It was perfect. ...especially after a rather dull day of chores. I'll explain...

I've been pretty productive today... First, I washed my dishes while making my morning espresso. After applying my makeup, I also washed my powder/bronzer and blush brushes using this simple method, which I strive to do weekly now. Now air drying, I keep my brushes, my current favorite lipstick (Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Black Honey), and a black eyeliner pencil I never use in a little clear glass vase on my vanity. While getting ready for my day, I received a text from my boss asking if I could work tomorrow since she was sick. Of course. So that changed my Sunday-Monday "weekend" as I had to accomplish all my chores, shopping and errands in a single day, instead of leisurely stretching them out over two. I walked to Target and shopped a bit there, saving some money by using the app Cartwheel. I got everything on my list but one item, the e.l.f. Face Primer. I want to try a primer for the first time and this one's only 6 bucks. It's the second time that I looked for it and it's been sold out. Unfortunately, it's not sold online by Target. Oh well, perhaps I can try again after my next paycheck. Then, my mom graciously drove me to get my hair cut. Not yet time for a cut, I didn't get my long layers trimmed, just had my length shortened an inch and a half to shoulder length. I loved my length, but really wanted a bit of a change more, and apparently couldn't wait any longer! Luckily, it looks fabulous! While doing several loads of laundry at my parents' place, I picked up my library book I had placed a hold on, A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway. After reading The Paris Wife, I cannot wait to devour this! In addition, I did a bit of grocery shopping, only a single bagful on my budget, since I had to buy a bottle of red wine a few doors down too! If the next week is anything like the crazy busy last two, I'd go crazy without it!

So, it's fantastic to have a warm, comforting meal on such a cold day. (We even had some flurries.) This meal was such a treat growing up. I've always loved it. Chock full of vegetables, just the way I like it! And I get to have more because after dinner tonight, I probably have a serving and a half left over. The weather forecast shows a low of 8 degrees F tomorrow night! After running around today, it's nice to slow down and savor this delicious dish and the perfect way to start a much more leisurely, quiet evening. A chance to quickly recharge since my Monday is actually Monday and not Tuesday this week.

In case you missed it, here's another Simple Pleasure Sunday post.

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