easy does it

The other day I wanted to whip up a batch of brownies that were a bit more special than the boxed variety while still being just as easy. My solution? Embellishing. I started with a boxed mix (my favorite is Betty Crocker's Fudge Brownies) and prepared it according to the directions on the package. Then I poured half the batter into my pan and topped it with toffee bits, broken-up chocolate bars, and caramel pieces before pouring the other half of the batter on top. I popped them in the oven, baking them for a couple more minutes than I usually do. When the brownies came out, they were a hit, and I don't think anyone cared that they were less than homemade.

 {topped and ready for the second half of the batter}

{fresh out of the oven}

road trip ready

{sephora trend tips in cheetah sparkle + vintage hotel room keychain}

Tomorrow I'm hitting the road for a little trip to Minneapolis to visit two of my very best friends. After making it through 14 finals (I'm not exaggerating), I must say I feel this trip is well-deserved. I anticipate lots of catching up, walks around lovely lakes, and treasure hunting at our favorite antique and vintage stores. Hopefully I'll have some great pictures to post when I get back. Until then... XO.

pancakes

Yesterday I mentioned my love for weekend breakfasts, so I thought I'd share one of my favorite pancake recipes. I usually make a big batch of these and freeze the leftovers. Then they can be warmed up in the microwave whenever I feel like having something special without the extra work.

BANANA-CHOCOLATE CHIP PANCAKES

INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 C. Flour
1 Tbsp. Sugar
2 tsp. Baking Powder
1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
1 1/4 C. Milk
1/2 C. Banana, mashed (about 2 small ones)
1 Egg, lightly beaten
1 tsp. Vanilla
1/2 C. Chocolate Chips
DIRECTIONS:
Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Mix well. Add milk, mashed banana, egg, and vanilla and stir until well combined. Fold in chocolate chips. Cook pancakes in a butter-greased pan over medium heat (I usually like to make little pancakes and cook them for a few minutes on each side). Enjoy!

happy weekend

When school is in session, I live for the weekends. After five long days of schedules and studying, a free weekend feels like such an indulgence, and I usually treat it as such. I love to lounge around, have real sit-down breakfasts, enjoy some time outside, and generally just slow down. This weekend has been particularly relaxing so far, which is a welcome change from the past few that have been chock-full of textbooks. Here are some specific reasons I'm feeling so cheerful:

{tiny green leaves on the trees in our backyard}

 {a new favorite lip balm to further my addiction}

 {a bright bunch of tulips in my favorite color}

 {a sweet trinket from a friend asking me to be in her wedding}

fit and flare

Lately I've been searching for lovely casual cocktail dresses- I'm trying to be proactive for the multiple weddings and special occasions I have coming up soon (like my brother's graduation and my white coat ceremony!). Until recently, I've been sorely disappointed with my options. It seemed like I just couldn't find a thing that I was excited about. Just when I thought I couldn't stand the sight of one more bland silhouette or pattern, I found just what I'd been looking for. Enter the fit-and-flare dress. The shape is sweet, flattering, and a little bit retro. The option below updates the silhouette with an of-the-moment pastel color and smart cutouts. When I saw it online, I ordered it immediately and am happy to say was completely delighted with the fit and entire look when it arrived.

{anthropologie rolo dress, back view}

And here are a few others I found. Once I started searching for this type of dress, I realized many websites, like Nordstrom and Piperlime, have entire sections devoted to them. With all these pretty options around, I wouldn't mind starting a fit-and-flare collection.

{kate spade geometric sonja dress}

{topshop cap sleeve flippy tunic}

{paper crown angelica dress}