Dark Chocolate Pistachio & Sea Salt Cookies

I came across a dark chocolate chip & pistachio cookie recipe on Pinterest (where else?) that inspired me to remix a recent favorite: chocolate chip cookies with sea salt. I used the same recipe, but simply substituted dark chocolate and added a cup of chopped pistachios. The end result was sinfully delicious. 

Ingredients:

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup brown sugar

2 sticks of butter

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

2 1/4 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 package of vanilla instant pudding

2 cups dark chocolate morsels

1 cup chopped pistachios

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°

In a medium bowl combine flour, baking soda, salt. Set aside.

In a stand mixer, cream together butter & sugars. Add eggs one a time. Add vanilla. 

Slowly pour flour mixture to combine with the butter/sugar mixture. 

Add pudding mix. Stir in dark chocolate and chopped pistachios. 

Spoon 1 inch balls onto cookie sheet. Bake at 350° for 9-11 minutes. 

Sprinkle with sea salt promptly after removing from oven. 

Enjoy!

Easy Weekend

Silk Stripe Dress - Joie (similar - on sale!)

Military Jacket - Zara (similar)

Brown Suede Booties - Dolce Vita

Cream Leather Fringe Crossbody - Joie (black version)

Brown Belt - Express

Red Carpet Style: Oscars 2014

I've always loved seeing the red carpet fashion every year, but as an Assistant Buyer for dresses, now it's part of my job to know the trends in evening gowns. Some of my favorite trends from this year's Oscar red carpet were metallic & embellishment, pretty pastels, edgy black, and crisp white. Peplum, illusion details, and plunging necklines continue to be popular season after season. I also loved the shift toward minimal jewelry. See my picks for Best Dressed below. Who was your fave of the night?

MC Home: Kitchen

{I love these aprons: "little black apron" with lace and pearls + a colorful & quirky one from Anthropologie}

{coffee station}

{orange oven timer + owl cookie jar from my sister}

{one of the three handmade vases from my parents' honeymoon in Mexico}

{I love this industrial knife holder that adds a masculine touch}

{bar corner}

{quatrefoil chalkboard and cards from family & friends}

My Perfect Red Lipstick

Lipstick is arguably my favorite makeup product. I have a pretty extensive collection, but as it grew, it had become apparent I was missing my perfect red lipstick. Every girl has one; that red lipstick that not only compliments your skin tone, but also adds that extra bit of confidence. When my mom was in town for my birthday, we went on the hunt to find it. While at the MAC counter trying on all their reds, I put on one that my mom and I both immediately loved: Ladybug. It was so perfect. My mom has always called me ladybug (we even have matching ladybug tattoos!) Now every time I put on Ladybug, I smile.

Beauty Blender

I decided to try the Beauty Blender based off of rave reviews from my co-worker. I was a little skeptical that it would make much of a difference compared to my usual foundation application (my hands), but after the first use, I was hooked. The coverage is flawless and leaves a slightly dewy finish. I love the pointed end for targeting blemishes and dark under-eye circles. I am also using a lot less product - always a plus! I went with the Beauty Blender Pure for sensitive skin after reading Amazon reviews of the original hot pink sponge bleeding color, so beware if you try it!

Currently Obsessed

{Joie Bucket Bag}

I found this cream leather crossbody bag at the Joie sample sale yesterday for $25 (a steal compared to the $388 price tag!)

I'm in love with the rose gold hardware & fringe details. This bag will definitely be my go-to all summer long.