White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies

{White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies}

Another twist on my infamous cookies, I made Greg's favorite: White Chocolate & Macadamia Nut. These turned out so delicious, we considered not sharing...but the recipe made 6 dozen! Spreading the love to our co-workers! Check out the recipe below!

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cup flour

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 instant vanilla pudding package

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup butter (2 sticks), softened

2 large eggs

2 cups Ghiradelli white chocolate chips

1 cup macadamia nuts, chopped

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt. Set aside.

In a stand mixer, beat together butter and sugars until creamy.

Add vanilla. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Slowly add flour mixture. Add package of vanilla pudding mix.

Add white chocolate chips and nuts until thoroughly combined.

Evenly space 1-inch balls of cookie dough on a non-stick baking sheet.

Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes. Let stand on baking sheet for 1 minute after cooking.

Carefully remove cookies from baking sheet and cool on a wire rack. Enjoy warm with a glass of milk!

{See another version of this recipe with pistachios here!}

70's Revival

If the Fall 2015 runway shows taught us one thing, it's that the 70's are back! 70's inspired collections dominated New York Fashion Week - seen at Altuzarra, Karen Walker, Zimmerman, Chloé, BCBG Max Azria, and Gucci, just to name a few. I'm absolutely loving this trend, which is just as relevant now, as it is for this upcoming fall season. Hippie-chic looks are perfect for music festivals: think crop tops, cut-offs, kimonos, flower crowns and anything with fringe. Wide-brimmed hats paired with lace & printed chiffon maxi dresses are ideal for hot summer days. Then come fall, layer those looks with some high-waisted flares, a fur-trimmed vest, or chunky knit cardigan.

Just to get you in the free-spirit, flower child vibe...

☮

{all images via Pinterest}



Currently Obsessed

{afternoon light + Revlon "gray suede"}

I love nude nail polish - it's so effortlessly chic.  This one matches my skin tone almost perfectly and creates a neutral palette for my mixed metal rings. One of the things I love most about nude nail polish is that it works all year round, no matter the season.

See some of my fave spring nail polish picks here & here.

Must Have: Gladiator Sandals

{Chloé Spring 2015: my favorite show this season!}

Gladiator sandals are having a major resurgence on the runways as of late, and they are my favorite accessory for the spring & summer season. Whether you choose a dramatic lace-up knee-high style or test the waters with an ankle strap version, you'll be right on trend in these must-have shoes. Can't wait for the pair I ordered online to come in this week!

Check out some major celebrity outfit inspiration & more runway styles below...

{Mary-Kate Olsen}

{Stella McCartney}

{Hilary Duff}

{Michael Kors}

{Kourtney Kardashian}

{Valentino}

{Vanessa Hudgens}



Date Night

I scored this Hervé Léger skirt at the BCBG corporate boutique over a year ago, and it's one of my favorite finds to date. It's so perfect for making a normal date night a little more dressed up. I paired it with other neutral pieces and a red lip for a classic look. The movement of this ruffled top is so fun & feminine, especially in a windy brick tunnel. 

Black Ruffle Top - Zara (old)

Ivory Bandage Skirt - Hervé Léger

Brown Suede Strappy Sandals - Zara (also seen here and here)

Cognac Clutch - Divas & Devils Boutique (worn here too)

Gold Watch - Michael Kors

Lipstick - NARS "cruella"

My Nightly Skin Care Routine

 One of my New Year's resolutions this year was to start a skin care routine of washing my face every single night. I used to fall asleep on the couch with a full face of makeup at least one night a week, but now I don't wait to do it before bed. Instead, I wash my face right after getting home from work so that my products actually have time to soak in and don't end up on my pillowcase. I've been sticking to my resolution for 2 months now, and I am really seeing a difference in my skin! Others have even noticed too: three people have stopped me to say my skin was glowing! I almost cried - I've never had good skin, I've struggled with acne since I was 9. While my acne isn't like it was when I was when I was a teenager, my nightly routine keeps my skin clean, healthy, smooth and moisturized. See below for my full skin care routine:

Step 1: Remove Makeup

{Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes}
These are gentle enough to use all over my face - even around the delicate eye area! See my other favorite drug store buys here. 

Step 2: Cleanse         

{Boscia Sponge and Cetaphil Cleanser}

After rinsing the sponge in warm water, I apply my cleanser to the sponge and massage my face in circular motions to get rid of any remaining traces of makeup, dirt or oil.

Step 3: Tone

{Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner}
I use a toner-soaked cotton ball all over my face to help balance  and even my skin tone.

Step 4: Eye Cream

{Olay Total Effects Eye Cream}
I started using an eye cream since turning 25 as a preventative measure, and to help with those stubborn dark circles.

Step 5: Night Cream

{Philosophy Miracle Worker Overnight}

I apply this overnight anti-aging moisturizer to my face and neck in soft upward strokes. Remember to always use your anti-aging products on your neck too, as many women show more signs of aging on their neck than their face!


What is your nightly skin care routine? If you have any tips or fave products, please share in the comments below! 

MC-gram

{Boho OOTD: Zara olive green lace romper & Steve Madden chocolate brown fringe sandals}

 

{Dinner at Bestia in downtown LA with the besties}

{Truer words have never been spoken}

 

{My all black look for the floorset walk thru at Century City Mall: Zara faux leather pencil skirt / Express button down / Coach bag / Zara strappy sandals (similar)}

{SoulCycle Malibu for an intense Saturday sweat session}

 

{2 years after adopting our kitty Zoey, she has found her new favorite spot in my lap}

 

 

 

Follow MC Squared on Instagram @meghanconard