Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies

Fall is here!  (Does 80 degree weather count as fall...?)  I have been craving some of my favorite comfort meals and desserts and one of my all-time favorite baked treats are Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies.  Seriously, they are so incredibly good!

My beautiful friend Micah, who also happens to be an amazing cook and pastry chef, helped me create this fun dessert!  We usually have these cookies with a cold glass of milk and a side of Harry Potter.  Oh and did I mention how easy they are to make?  Super easy! 

Ingredients

1 box of red velvet cake mix

1/2 cup of butter 

2 eggs

1 tablespoon vanilla

6 oz of chocolate chips

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.  

Make sure your butter is room temperature and using a mixer, 

blend together the butter and eggs.

Next, add the vanilla.

Then, pour in the red velvet cake mix.

Mix for about 2 minutes.

Add in your chocolate chips and mix for 15 seconds.

Using a small ice cream scoop, place cookie dough on a baking sheet.  

(Tip:  As with any red velvet batter, it can stain!  

Make sure to wear an apron when making these.)

Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes at 350 degrees. 

(Tip: It is hard to tell when these cookies are done baking because 

they do not change color.  Place a toothpick in the 

middle of a cookie and if it comes out clean, they're done!)

Allow cookies to cool on a baking rack.

Enjoy!

Happy Baking Season!

A Season Full of Change

I took a little hiatus from blogging over the past 6 weeks and I totally understand the term, "writer's block" now.  More so, I just didn't feel inspired to post because our family was walking through a lot of changes.

To catch you up a little: I am a Californian again, I don't have a permanent address, my husband is starting school this winter, and for the first time since childhood, I don't have a church to call home.  I have cried a lot, prayed a lot, laughed a lot, but most importantly I have made new memories.  By the sweet grace of God, I truly am at peace.

Here are some iPhone snapshots from the last month...

 

For the first time, probably ever, I am taking each day as it comes.  One at a time.  Hour by hour.  It feels good and I trust God's leading.  I am excited for the fall and all the wonder it will bring.  Stay tuned for some fun posts ahead!

"This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." -Joshua 1:9

"Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.  Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:6-7

SYMI'S STYLE: Casual and Girly

The other night we ran out of milk and if you have a toddler, that is not a good equation.  As soon as Symi woke up the next morning, we got dressed, jumped in the car, and headed for Dunkin Donuts - obviously!  Symi (and Daddy's) donut of choice: jelly filled donut holes!

Mommy's dount selections! 

This girl loves flowers!  Yellow ones are her fav.  

Headband: Target  Shirt: Target  Leggings: Gap  Shoes: Target

First Friday

Living in Los Angeles for almost half my life, I really had lost hope that Las Vegas had any culture at all.  Charley and I love art, museums, food, music, and mostly love to explore new places and new things.  Last night my little fam, along with some good friends, checked out First Friday in Downtown Las Vegas for the first time.  I have to say, we were pleasantly surprised!

First Friday is held the first Friday of each month (imagine that!) in the Arts District of Las Vegas.  More specifically, it is held on Casino Center Blvd between Colorado Street and California Street.  It begins at 5pm and goes until 1am.  You can expect young and established artists selling their work, multiple music stages, tons of food trucks (yum!), special art installations, live performance paintings, and more!  First Friday is free to attend and there are several free parking options.  We parked at the Government Center on S Grand Central and jumped on a shuttle.  It was super easy!  

In my opinion, First Friday is a great alternative to the Las Vegas strip.  It's perfect for all-ages and especially families!  If you want more info, check out: www.firstfridaylasvegas.com.  Our family had a blast and the weather was b-e-a-utiful!

Snuggling on the shuttle.

FRIED OREOS!  Yes please!

Oh, you know.  Me and SLASH.

3 Men and a Baby.

Peace and Love!