Ooey Gooey S’mores Cookies

One thing I did not get the opportunity to do this summer is sit by a campfire, toast a marshmallow, and make a delicious S’more treat.  It’s hard to find a bonfire in the city—I think I will have to tap into my friends living in the burbs for a fall bonfire invite.  

I decided to make these S’more cookies for an office baby shower.  I was able to share more than expected--the morning of the baby shower the Mama went into labor!   These did not last in my office very long.

Now that the summer temperatures are cooling down, you can use the oven to bake this melt-in-your mouth delicious s’more treat.  Here's how:

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup graham cracker crumbs

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 dash of cinnamon

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 eggs

2 cups miniature chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
2 Hershey bars, chopped

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a medium bowl combine the flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking soda, salt, and dash of cinnamon. In a second larger bowl beat together the butter, sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Slowly beat in the flour mixture until smooth. Stir in the chocolate chips. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake for 8 minutes, and remove from the oven. Push 3 to 4 marshmallows and a few pieces of hershey bar into each cookie.

Return to the oven and bake an additional 3-4 minutes until fully cooked. Cool cookies on a wire rack.

Makes approximately 4 dozen cookies.


Yummy-- let me know how your cookies turn out!

Packing for my beach getaway!

I'm sooo excited to be heading to Costa Rica later this week!!! The country has been on my bucket list for years ever since I was in grade school and learned about the tropical beaches, biodiversity, and gorgeous landscapes. 

Because the weather will be 90s at coolest all week (not that it's been that much cooler in Chicago lately), packing for a beach getaway should be easy and quite simple.  Here's what I'm throwing in my bag:

Passport & Travel Docs:  Most important of all and the most commonly forgotten item!

Swimsuits:  I intend to spend countless hours on the beach and by the pool.

Light sundresses:  Coolness and comfort are key to a beach wardrobe.

Sun Glasses: A super cheap pair that I won't have to worry about scratching or loosing down a volcano.

Skin Stuff:  Ultraviolet rays from the sun are much more intense as you move closer to the Equator.  I'm not leaving without plenty of sunscreen, aloe lotion and lip balm!

Flippy Floppies:  & sandals....because Life is Better in Flip Flops, plus one pair of sneakers for a day of a TBD adventure (hiking/zip-lining/off-roading!).  

 As they say in Costa Rica "Pura Vida."  One thing to know about the Ticos, as Costa Ricans are commonly known, is their free spirit and love for life. You will often hear the people greet or salute friends with the phrase "Pura Vida" which translates to Pure Life or "Pura Vida Mae", which translates to Pure Life Dude (usually said among friends or good acquaintances). 

I have a feeling I am going to love this country! Pura Vida readers! 

I'm still dreaming of Akira's bazaar

I've got to say, one of the best events I went to all summer was Akira's 10th anniversary bazaar.  Located in Wicker Park, this festival was complete with amazing Akira sales, street vendors, free drinks, and even a live camel (now that's not something you see in Chicago everyday).  Free of charge to everyone!

I can't decide if my favorite part of the day was winning these Fiebiger Shoes, or getting my new pair of TOMS custom designed by the artists:

 I've always wanted to get a pair of TOMS, and when I saw that they were doing free customizations, it was obviously the perfect time to buy-- absolute brilliant marketing by Akira and TOMS shoes.  The best part is, with every pair of TOMS you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need.

These TOMS are fly as S*%T! 

Well done, Akira.  I'm eagerly awaiting your next festival.

Sockbun!

I've been seeing the sockbun everywhere lately!  I decided I had to give it a go myself.  I quickly realized what all the hype is about-- it's quite easy to put your own hair up in a classic, no-fuss, beautiful hair bun.

All you need for this style is a hair elastic and a sock (I used no products or pins whatsoever, depending on the nature of your hair, however, you may find a spritz of hairspray or bobby pin helpful).

You simply cut the end of a sock, roll into a "doughnut" and use to roll your hair through, starting at the end of a ponytail.  There are countless video tutorials on YouTube.

This may sound like a strange tip-- but I was unable to make the sock bun while looking in the mirror.  Not sure if it was the"opposite effect" that confused me or what, but I was only able to successfully complete the sockbun very well without looking at my reflection.  I also found it easier to do the sockbun with damp hair. 

Some ladies even curl their hair using a sock bun (for the record, this did not work on my pin-straight hair-- but good luck)!

I finished the look off with an elastic flower headband wrapped around my bun a few times, which provided extra support.  Feel free to include your favorite hair accessory for extra fanciness. 

This look is pretty versatile, and it keeps your hair away from your face for hours.  Perfect for a night out, important business meeting, or even a formal event (will certainly save $$ by not using a hair dresser for a chic up-do).

Good luck with your sock bun!  Tweet me a pic-- @DianaRski!