Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

Strawberry shortcake is one of my all time favorite desserts, but until this weekend I had never heard of it coming in the form of a cookie.  Once I came across this recipe, I had to make them right away.  I used a mixture of dried strawberries, cherries, and blueberries because that's what I had so technically mine could be called "Berry Shortcake Cookies".  They were chewy, fluffy, sweet, and a little salty.  They were excellent.

Finally Friday

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After a very busy week, I'm happy to say I made it to Friday and the weekend is upon us.  It's supposed to be rainy and cold most of the weekend and I'm looking forward to catching up on the my recorded dvr shows and relaxing at home.  I'm also excited about going to a girlfriend's bridal shower and a dinner banquet for Gabe's work.  Have a great weekend!  What are your plans?

The Help

As many of you know, I love the library and reading.  I mostly keep my recreational reading light with fictional "chick-lit" books.  But I do occasionally read for substance, most recently with The Help.  Although I had heard rave reviews, I didn't know what this book was about until I started reading and it took me a few chapters to get into it.  But once I did, I couldn't put it down.  It's an eye opening account of the civil rights movement, told from the perspective of both the maids and their white employers.  The stories are shocking, heart-breaking, and touching, showing the irony of the time period.  Stockett did an excellent job of drawing you in with her skilled writing style, powerful stories, and developed characters.  I can't remember the last time a book made this much of an impression on me.  Have you read The Help?

Cinnamon Crumble Coffee Cake

Since I started this blog, I've made a valiant attempt to make everything from scratch.  But don't be fooled, I'm no stranger to mixes and "semi-homemade" recipes.  I've had this William-Sonoma Cinnamon Crumble Coffee Cake mix in my cabinet for a while and finally decided to make it.  And I'm so glad I did!  It took a matter of minutes to mix everything up and throw it in the oven, and the result was buttery, gooey, sweet, and satisfying.  I could (and did) eat it for every meal.  Here's a similar recipe if you can't find the William-Sonoma mix.  Are you a "strictly homemade" cook/baker or do you sometimes take shortcuts in the kitchen?

Chevron Stripes

1. Ella Moss Stripe Maxi Dress $169
2. Julie Brown Phoebe Sequin Chevron Dress $134.99
3. Haute Hippie Sequined Chevron Stripe Dress $348
4. Delias Chevron Stripe Dress $39.50
5. Blue Bijoux Orange Chevron Drop Earrings $43
6. Whiting and David Chevrons Framed Clutch $126.40

Over the past few years, stripes have been a huge part of my wardrobe.  I'm starting to wonder if people think that's all I ever wear.  In order to mix it up, I've recently been adding chevron stripes to my closet.  I love that they're both classic and current and add a bit of variety to my "uniform" of mostly stripes.  Are you wearing stripes this season?

Potato Chip Capital of the World

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Gabe and I are visiting Detroit this week (I've never been and Gabe went once a long time ago).  To be honest, I haven't heard the best things about it, but we're going in with an open mind and hoping to have a fun week!  These are a few interesting facts I've found about the city.  If you know Detroit well and have any recommendations, I'd love to hear them!

-it's the potato chip capital of the world, based on consumption (my kind of place)
-has the most registered bowlers in the US
-it's the home of Madonna, Eminem, and Tom Selleck
-has the largest theater district in the US next to New York
-built the nation's first urban freeway in 1942 (the Davison)
-is the home of Motown

Tory Burch Eddie Flats Review

After searching for the perfect nude flats for years, I've finally found them in these Tory Burch Eddie Ballet Flats.  I posted them on my "Spring Wish List" and ordered them that day (this color has since sold out at Shopbop, but you can find them here).  They're soft and flexible with a cushioned foot bed and by far the most comfortable flats I own (why is it so hard to find comfortable flats?).  They're exactly the color I've been wanting and they go with everything.  I feel like I hit the jackpot on this one.  If you're in the market for a great pair of comfy flats, check these out.  They come in a ton of other colors as well.  Have a great weekend!