A Little Colorful Chaos: 2016

10.21.2016

Double Chocolate Fudge Cookies

IT'S FRIDAY!! HOLLA! Does anyone actually ever say that anymore? No? Oh well. This week has felt particularly long so I am ready to take a breather from work. We don't have a lot planned for this weekend & I'm totally OK with that. I'm always looking at my blog & trying to find ways to improve it. I once had visions of a big makeover, but I simply do not have the time nor the energy. But what I did notice last weekend is, I haven't baked in a LONG time. To remedy that, I decided to make these cookies. I mean...one look & why wouldn't you want to make these?

Overall, it was a relatively easy process. The one thing I would recommend is using parchment paper to line your baking sheets instead of tinfoil. A few of my cookies got a little burned on the bottom & I'm 100% sure it's because I used tinfoil. I will FOR SURE be making these bad boys again! Have a great weekend everyone!

ABOUT
Makes: 20-25 depending on your scoop size
Prep/Cook time acc to me: 45 mins
How difficult was this recipe for me? Not bad, it would have helped if I'd followed some of the directions I'm now reading as I reread the original recipe.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup + 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup + 2 tbsp light brown sugar, tightly packed
2 large eggs at room temperature
2 tbsp whole milk
1.5 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup milk chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS

Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees. SUPER IMPORTANT! You will be turning down the heat when you put the cookies in (I missed this step)

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper & lightly spray with non-stick spray. Set aside.

Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips & butter in a small microwave safe bowl. Heat them in the microwave for 15 second increments of time, mixing in-between each, until butter & chocolate are completely melted & can easily be whisked smooth. Set aside. (You can also do this stovetop)

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder & salt. Set aside.

In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the sugars, eggs, milk & vanilla.

Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients & stir to combine. Be careful not to over mix. As soon as they are mixed together, stop!

Apparently I didn't take a picture of this step. Moving on.

Fold in the chocolate/butter mixture.

Add in the milk chocolate chips

Scoop 1/4 cupfuls of the batter on prepared baking sheets

Place pans in oven & REDUCE HEAT TO 300 DEGREES. Bake for 16-18 mins.

DO NOT remove cookies from baking sheet until they've completely cooled! This is super important!

Serve!

10.17.2016

{Design} Inexpensive Ways to Fall-ify Your Home

There is a high of 99 degrees this week & all I can think about is fall. Growing up in the midwest, fall was THE BEST. Cooler temps, the beautiful colors, trips to the cider mill, tailgating & college football games, hooded sweatshirts, the smell of burning leaves...do I need to go on? Given that southern California doesn't really have fall, it's a slight problem for me. We have summer where it's my-face-is-melting-off hot for like 2-3 months, then we have winter where it's ~~freezing~~ chilly (ya know, like low 60s) & then the rest of the year is a solid 70-80 degrees. I know, POOR ME.

I've never been one to really theme out my home based on a particular season. However, this year I'm really feeling the urge to bring in a few fall accents without covering our home in gourds, straw & burlap. Given that I traditionally steer away from warmer tones when decorating, but I've actually found some pieces I am LOVING. So if you're like me & not into the super themed out decorations, but want to add just a touch of fall, here are 5 in-expensive ways to do so.

1. Throw Pillows
One of the easiest & most fun ways (in my opinion) is swapping out your throw pillows. Dark metallics, faux-fur & leather are IN & I am LOVING it. Also, how FUN & versatile is that blue pillow? Seriously, crushing on ALL OF THESE. (I should apologize, the fringe pillow is actually kind of pricey, but it's SO cute, I had to include it!)

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2. Throw Blankets
Next to pillows, blankets are one of my favorite home accessories. They're pretty & perfect for snuggling up on those 60 degree days (insert the crying/laughing emoji). These colors have me swooning.

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3. Scented Candles
We tend to ALWAYS have candles burning in our house. Fall scents can be a tad overwhelming if you don't want your house to smell like pumpkin pie. These are some of my favorites that remind me of fall but don't overpower your nose. Plus, the containers are so pretty!

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4. Fall Blooms
I love having fresh flowers in the house. It's even nicer when I don't have to buy them *cough* *cough*. Tulips are my favorite flower & my usual go-to at the grocery store since they're relatively inexpensive & I love all the colors. But they aren't always the best in fall. Don't want to spend a lot? Our local grocery always has pretty full arrangements for under $20. Buy one arrangement & divide them up amongst multiple mason jars. Ta-da! Multiple arrangements! Also, can we talk about the baby pumpkins in the vase??

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Which brings me to #5.

5. Pumpkins. Yes, Pumpkins.
Ok, so I've never actually bought a fake pumpkin, or anything shaped like a pumpkin, or anything that had pumpkins on it (for the interior)...until now. I'm OBSESSING over the studded pumpkins from Target & might have bought ~~one~~ three. Homegoods also has copper pumpkins that I'm dying to get my hands on, I've just yet to find any in stock at any of the stores near us. I've also failed at finding a picture of them, but take my word for it, they're awesome. I love the idea of metallic pumpkins because besides my love for metallics, it takes what can be a hokey decoration up a notch.

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There you have it. My top 5 ways to fall-ify your house. Is there anything you like putting up fall or have any tricks of your own? I'd love to hear them!

10.13.2016

{Design} Serious Office Envy

Anyone else's week just DRAGGING? Only one more day people. ONE MORE DAY. So I may have mentioned once or twelve times how we're planning on moving. Originally we were hoping to move this fall, but the timing was off, so while we stay put, I'm going to continue to dream about our next home. One of the things I cannot wait to have is my own office/workspace since I don't currently have one. I love looking at pretty pictures of other peoples spaces to draw inspiration from so here are 12 swoon worthy office spaces.

10.21.2016

Double Chocolate Fudge Cookies

10.17.2016

{Design} Inexpensive Ways to Fall-ify Your Home

10.13.2016

{Design} Serious Office Envy

10.12.2016

{Recipe} Southwestern Steak Salad

10.11.2016

2016 Popular Reading Challenge - Check In

10.06.2016

Recipe Round-Up: 17 Slow Cooker Soups For Fall