We've got a nice mix of recipes in this roundup of treats I made. Cobbler, muffins, cookies, bread, brownies and cookie bars! YUM! It's been SUPER hot these past few weeks which means baking has made our already hot house even hotter (no central AC and can't really have an AC unit in the living room.) But nothing can stop me from making tasty treats!
Oreo Chocolate Cobbler
I saw this on Instagram in May and made a mental note to surprise Christian with it because he LOOOOVES Oreos. I usually bake on the weekend but decided to make it on a random Tuesday so he would still be working while I baked. After dinner I pulled it out and he was like "WHAT'S THIS?!!!" Mission accomplished! Ha ha. It was kind of the texture of a mug cake up top and then gooey and fudgy on the bottom. We served it with some ice cream as recommended in the recipe....mmmm. I didn't use the hot coffee and opted for water instead, I definitely think the coffee would have helped bring out more chocolate flavor but we don't drink coffee so I never buy it.
Almond Flour Brownies
This recipe was a surprise hit! I wanted to use up some almond flour that had been in the freezer forever and I had all the ingredients handy. I made the non-paleo version so I used butter and sugar instead of coconut oil and coconut sugar. The inside is super gooey and delicious and the outsides are firmer, just how Christian and I like them (I eat the mushy inside he likes the edges.) I've heated up my pieces so it becomes lava-cake like but Christian ate them straight out the fridge. Will definitely be making these again.
Chocolate Pan de Cristal
This is one of the more interesting bread bakes I've done. It's Chocolate Pan de Cristal or "Glass Bread.” You start by doing what is called a “bowl fold” followed by doing a “coil fold” three times before adding in some chocolate chips with two letter folds and then doing a double rise (one rise all together and one after dividing the dough into 8 different pieces.) I started making it at 9am and finished at 3:20pm, so definitely a weekend bake. I did pretty good for my first try, but my shaping and dividing could use some work. They’re a bit uneven and odd sizes.
Brown Butter Blueberry Muffins
These were sooo good! I had some blueberries left after making pancakes for Brinner and went straight to Tessa's blog for a recipe because she never disappoints. The streusel topping on this was sooo good, I almost wish I made more. I also left the batter in the fridge for about 8 hours before baking as suggested in the recipe to make them bake taller, pretty cool! I waited to put the blueberries in until after, so the color wouldn’t bleed, but then it was hard to get them into the batter. Next time I'll just add the blueberries anyway, I don't care if the muffins turn blue.
Ultimate Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
I decided to make these on National Chocolate Chip Cookie day but I hadn't taken butter out early enough so I tried to soften it quicker by putting it in the microwave (not turning it on, just in because it's warmer in there) and kind of warming it with my hands. The dough is supposed to be chilled in the fridge for 24 hours but we wanted some cookies that day so I baked off 4 even though I knew the dough was too soft and they would spread....they basically filled up the whole quater sheet pan and flattened worse than pancakes, haha! After the 24 hours I baked the rest of the cookies and they were still really flat. Still tasted delicious though! I think it's how hot it was in the house because I've never had an issue with a recipe from this baker.
Birthday Cake Confetti Cookie Bars
Another recipe from Tessa at Handle the Heat! This time it's a recipe exclusive to her book, The Ultimate Cookie Handbook. After the sort of fail I had with the cookies above I wanted to bake again over the weekend and decided cookie bars may be the smarter choice because they can't flatten! I was in the mood for something whimsical so the confetti cookie bars were the perfect choice (even if I had to buy and use cream cheese - EEW! Not a fan of the smell or taste, haha! Luckily it mostly disappears in the flavor)My brother's puppy decided to hop in at the end of my outfit photos. Isn't he the cutest?! My siblings and I do a Secret Santa every year and if I had him I would totally want to get one of Mr&MrsPaw's hilarious renaissance pet portraits so we could always remember how adorable he was as a puppy. He's growing bigger every week so I'm sure he'll be HUGE soon. I'll miss being able to have him sit on my lap for pets.
I could even do one for my sister's dog, Shiba Inu's are pretty classy (especially the black and tan colors like Teddy) so it would be super funny to see him in a renaissance pet portrait. I've already done a Cuddle Clone of Layla, but maybe she could use a portrait too! And don't worry, they do cats as well, which would be a funny gift for Christian's Mom.
Dress: ELLE Poppy Zip Up Dress (Kohl's)
Sandals: Ancient Greek Sandals AGS x Gas Bijoi Stephanie Charms (bought in Santorini)
Sunglasses: Chanel
Bag: Purple Prada Cahier in Viola
*This post was made in partnership with Responsival. Thank you for supporting brands I feature*
How are we halfway though the year/Summer already?! I made it through another month not spending money on clothes. I did get a new pair of sandals as part of a partnership with Aetrex, check out this post see what I wore it with on our camping trip earlier this month.
I don't really have much on my shopping list these days, apart from the teal Gucci Marmont bag I've wanted for quite a few years now. But It's probably going to wait a few more years before I finally get it. With work being a little slower than usual it's hard to justify spending around $1000 on a bag. I WILL get it eventually, though!
Just because there's nothing on my list of wants it doesn't mean I don't window shop. I still constantly check secondhand sites in case something amazing pops up, but so far I've resisted any temptation. Anyone else just shop for the fun of it and not really intend on buying anything?
THE (modified) RULES
- Be mindful of purchases
- Quality over quantity
- Basics are best
MY PROGRESS
Clothes:
- None yet
Basics:
- mīere the label "Frankie" knit sweater in Faded Black ($56.92, $32.15 if we omit shipping)
Shoes:
- Ancient Greek Sandals Kore of Berlin ($365, used Shopbop gift cards + ad money + 15% off)
Handbags:
- None yet
Accessories:
- None yet
Activewear/Swimwear:
- Ryka "Belong" Walking Shoe in Plum Red/Burgundy via DSW ($26.58, $79.99 retail)
Gifted from Brands:
- Pearl and Gold Bar Duo Stud Earring - Rose Gold c/o Aurate
- Gold Bar Stud Earrings - Rose Gold c/o Aurate
- Gold Bar Stud Earrings - Yellow Gold c/o Aurate
- *NEW!* Janey Sport Sandal - Pewter c/o Aetrex
Spent in June: $0
Spent in 2022: $83.50
Earlier this month we went our our annual camping trip that I've been going on since I was about 7. There were a bunch of years during High School that I didn't go and during College but after that I went with my friends a few years and then Christian and I started going together with my Aunt & Uncle. The past couple years my parents and siblings joined back in too. So it's nice to keep the tradition going!
I shared some of these outfits on Instagram yesterday as part of a partnership with Aetrex, but figured I should share all the outfits photos I have. Camping is obviously not a fashionable vacation so these are super comfortable casual looks.
Also turning this into a mini travel guide of sorts since I'll chat about the activities we took part in on our long weekend.
P.S. Use code MEGAN20 at Aetrex for 20% off a full price pair of shoes through 7/23!
Shopping Outfit: Wore this for our morning trek over to The Vermont Country Store in Weston, VT. A must-do on every trip. We arrived and had lunch at Mildred's Grill, shopped at the Vermont Country Store and then walked across the street to browse the Weston Village Christmas Shop and Weston Village Country Store. Then it was back to the campground!
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| Romper: Greylin 'Osten' Romper (Gilt), Bag: Etienne Aigner (thrifted), Sandals: Aetrex 'Janey Sport Slide' (gifted) |
An Evening Walk: One evening we took a little stroll outside the campground to Jamaica Village and did a quick walk around the block. We didn't want to get bit up by mosquitos so we changed to jeans, ha ha. The village has a small grocery store, yoga studio and a couple galleries.
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| Tee: A New Day (Target), Jeans: Michael by Michael Kors, Sneakers: Ryka "Belong" Walking Shoe in Plum Red/Burgundy (DSW) |
Swimming at Salmon Hole: The swimming at West River was a little crowded the weekend we went, it was the 4th of July, so we didn't actually do any swimming but I did take a morning walk along the river and stuck my toes in. Can't go camping here without at least touching the water! Back in the day there used to be a spot a little up river where the rocks were placed in such a way that if you sat in the right spot you'd have little waterfalls giving you a nice back massage.
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| Bathing Suit: All in Motion Zip-Front Racerback Laser Cut Back One-Piece in Black Floral (Target), Jean Shorts: Madewell, Sandals: Aetrex 'Janey Sport Slide' (gifted), Sunglasses: Ray Ban 'Erika' c/o Shopbop |
Hiking up to The Overlook: No trip is complete without a hike on the Overlook Trail. There are two ways to get up here, we usually take the shorter route that has a bit more rock climbing involved and usually takes a half hour. There is a longer trail that has a more gradual uphill walk as well. The campground has other trails but I'm usually too lazy to do the longer ones these days. My new sneakers were very comfy and perfect for the hike.
Fun Fact: This is where Christian proposed to me in 2018, after I was attacked by mosquitos the whole way up, ha ha.
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| Tank: American Eagle, Leggings: Fabletics (old), Sports Bra: Fabletics (old), Sneakers: Ryka "Belong" Walking Shoe in Plum Red/Burgundy (DSW) |
Hanging at the Campsite: Our main activity over the weekend was just hanging out at our campsites, chatting, enjoying a fire and eating too much food. I hate getting bug bites on my feet so I sport the super fashionable "socks with sandals" that I would be embarrassed to be seen in outside of camping, ha ha. I also wore this to the Newfane Flea Market where Christian and I splurged on some delicious sausages from A Crooked Barn Charcuterie. Going to have to buy more next time we're in VT, unless the owner adds online shopping before then!
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| Top: Fabletics 'Savannah Top' (old) Shorts: Old Navy 'High-Waisted Textured Twill Shorts' in Copper Moon, Sandals: Aetrex 'Janey Sport Slide' (gifted), Sunglasses: Ray Ban 'Erika' c/o Shopbop, Socks: Target |
Drive Home & Stop at Retreat Farm: On our drive home we decided to finally stop at Retreat Farm after saying "we should stop here" every other year. Christian bought a bunch of cheese at Grafton Village Cheese before we walked the grounds of the farm and said "hi!" to various animals including a HUGE bull named Carlos. We were there on the Fourth of July so it was not crowded at all, just how I like my activities! Before leaving we grabbed some strawberry and lemon gelato made with local ingredients.
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| Tank: American Eagle, Shorts: Old Navy 'High-Waisted Textured Twill Shorts' in Copper Moon, Sandals: Aetrex 'Janey Sport Slide' (gifted), Sunglasses: Ray Ban 'Erika' c/o Shopbop |
Here it is, the blog debut of my newest pair of Ancient Greek Sandals! They are part of the 10th anniversary collection that was released earlier this Summer. Each piece is inspired by a piece of art in a museum. These are the Kore of Berlin sandals inspired by the patterned robes worn by the Kore of Berlin in the Altes Museum in Germany. I still want the Victory of Samothrace feather-embellished metallic sandals (inspired by The Winged Victory of Samothrace at the Louvre in Paris) because they're a callback to my first ever pair of Ancient Greek Sandals - the winged Ikaria.
I now own TWELVE pairs of Ancient Greek Sandals. You can definitely say I'm a super fan. If I didn't limit myself to one pair a year (with a few exceptions) I'm sure I would have many more. I did a favorite things post back in 2020 featuring each pair of sandals and talking about my love of the brand so I won't do a whole repeat here.
When I got these in the mail I spent a good chunk of time making a Reel featuring every single pair of Ancient Greek Sandals I own. Sadly it didn't take off like I hoped it would. Apparently Instagram prefers when my Reels feature food and doesn't show my fashion Reels to people. *eyeroll*
Jeans: Stella McCartney Wild Cat Skinny Ankle Jeans (eBay - linked pair is more of a straight leg)
Bag: Purple Prada Cahier in Viola (Rebag via Vestiaire Collective)
Sandals: Ancient Greek Sandals 'Kore of Berlin' Embroidery Sandal - 10th Anniversary Collection (Shopbop)
Sunglasses: Gucci Aviators
Necklaces: AURATE X KERRY Lioness Pendant & Acanthus Jewelry 'Gemma' Amethyst
This shirt hasn't appeared on the blog often but it's one I don't think I will ever get rid of. The print is super fun and the can be worn a lot of ways. I do always wear the same tank top underneath but I can wear it with jeans, shorts, skirts, etc. I think the last time it appeared on the blog was way back in 2018 when I wore it to Animal Kingdom in Disney World. Funnily enough, the first time it was on the blog (in 2014) I wore it with the same necklace!
Everyone kept thinking I was my sister's dog Teddy when I was walking around the house in these. Christian even thought we had a dog in OUR house when I walked downstairs, ha ha. I do feel weird walking around stores when I'm jingling so I do avoid wearing them to the grocery store but I still love these sandals, especially because the name of the sandal is my middle name (and my late Grandmother's too!)
Animal Print Top: Studio 1 c/o ThredUp
Jeans: FRAME 'Le Skinny de Jeanne' (Shopbop)
Bag: Madewell Medium Slim Saddle Bag in Croc c/o Shopbop (smaller size)
Sandals: Ancient Greek Sandals 'Faye' embellished sandal (Net-a-Porter Sale)
Sunglasses: Gucci Aviators
Necklace: Geoclassics
Well, I finally did it. I used up the last of my gift cards from my Shopbop partnership. Still very sad that it had to end due to the pandemic, but maybe they'll bring me back soon (wishful thinking, ha ha.) You may recall from my May wardrobe update that I mentioned Ancient Greek Sandals' launched their 10th Anniversary Collection. I was torn between 2 pairs - and the high price - so I was debating if I could even justify purchasing a pair. Luckily for me, one of them, the Kore of Berlin sandal, popped up on Shopbop and I decided it was time to use the remainder of my gift cards (plus a tiny bit of blog advertising money) to get them! I also found a 15% off coupon to help a bit more.
The other pair I wanted, the Victory Of Samothrace Metallic Wing Sandals, sold out fairly quickly on the Ancient Greek Sandals site and everywhere else they were in stock. I haven't seen them anywhere else yet but still going to keep my eyes open. Those were fitting for me because the first pair of Ancient Greek Sandals I bought almost 10 years ago were their Ikaria winged sandals. These were actually $20 cheaper than the Kore of Berlin sandals I bought.
THE (modified) RULES
- Be mindful of purchases
- Quality over quantity
- Basics are best
MY PROGRESS
Clothes:
- None yet
Basics:
- mīere the label "Frankie" knit sweater in Faded Black ($56.92, $32.15 if we omit shipping)
Shoes:
- *NEW!* Ancient Greek Sandals Kore of Berlin ($365, used Shopbop gift cards + ad money + 15% off)
Handbags:
- None yet
Accessories:
- None yet
Activewear/Swimwear:
- Ryka "Belong" Walking Shoe in Plum Red/Burgundy via DSW ($26.58, $79.99 retail)
Gifted from Brands:
- Pearl and Gold Bar Duo Stud Earring - Rose Gold c/o Aurate
- Gold Bar Stud Earrings - Rose Gold c/o Aurate
- Gold Bar Stud Earrings - Yellow Gold c/o Aurate
Spent in June: $0
Spent in 2022: $83.50
