Lemon Brownies

It's no secret that I love lemon desserts, and ever since I tasted some lemon brownies at a local fair I've been trying to find a recipe that tastes as delicious as those did, and this recipe has been the best from all I've tried. In the tropics lemons grow almost year round depending on the variety , so I can't say that I'm exactly baking with what's in season, but I am recommending that we should all do that during spring. There's something about baking with fresh ingredients from a local market that makes it feel even better and more exciting and it could actually be a family outing. I would love to go apple picking and bake a pie with those apples picked by me! I love being outside, so I can just imagine a nice lunch in a beautiful garden and serving these lemon brownies as a dessert and maybe having also some lemon sherbet . Hope you like this post & the recipe!

Xo
Flor

Recipe:

3/4 cup all purpose flour

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup butter, softened

2 large eggs

2 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Lemon Glaze

1/2 cup confectioners sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 teaspoons lemon zest

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 8x8 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.

Zest and juice 2 lemons and set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the flour, sugar, salt and softened butter until combined.

In a second bowl whisk together eggs, lemon zest and lemon juice until combined. Pour liquid into the flour mixture and beat at medium speed until smooth, about 2 minutes.

Pour into baking dish and let bake about 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 

When brownies have cooled completely, make glaze by whisking all ingredients together.

Source: Rita's Recipe

Emerald

Emerald is officially one of the hottest colors for spring, it evokes freshness and newness, so it's no wonder that I was super excited to try out this trend! When trying out this trend you don't have to limit yourself to just Emerald, you can use any variation of this color. I decided on these DKNY pants that have the perfect green hue and they're fit embodies simpleness and ease. I matched them with one of the blouses from the Prabal Gurung Collection for Target, this blouse screams out spring with its mix of vibrant colors and orchids print. I chose to complete the look with this white tasseled clutch to bring out the white of the blouse and use nude sandals to keep with the fresh and simple look! How would you rock the Emerald green trend?

Xo

Flor

Pants: DKNY, Blouse: Prabal Gurung for Target, Bag: Michael Kors, Shades: Tom Ford, Sandals: Laundry

Shades...

It's official, Spring is here!!! I wish I could write something like "put your coats & gloves away..." but winter is still holding strong. It doesn't hurt to day dream about warmer days, so as to help you with your vision I rounded up some of my favorite sunglasses to help you with the sunny days to come. My favorite type of sunglasses are without a doubt oversized, they're perfect for those mornings when you don't have a single drop of makeup on and just don't want to show your face yet, or they also work on protecting a larger portion of your face from the sunlight while looking incredibly chic! I tend to prefer rounded sunglasses, but it really depends on the shape of your face. The star of this post are definitely these Louis Vuitton Holly shades, they have this wonderful retro feel to them that I just love, but they are quite expensive, but an affordable option that would give the same effect would be these Tory Burch Print sunglasses. 

Everyone should have a great pair of sunglasses, they can be expensive, but if you take good care of them you could have them for a couple of years and you'll have a high ROI since you'll be wearing them almost everyday. I'm always obsessing over sunglasses, my mom always tells me that I would be happy walking around naked with an oversized bag and oversized shades, so that pretty much sums up my affection towards them! To those still battling with winter... hope you get sunnier & warmer days soon enough! Hope you liked the post!

Xo

Flor

Louis Vuitton Holly, Karen Walker Harverst, Miu Miu Noir, Ray Ban Aviator, Tory Burch Print Sunglasses, Prada Sunglasses, Ray Ban Collection Sun

A Parisian Flair

 I think that every fashionista or aspiring fashionista should have a perfect white t-shirt in their closet, be it really fitted or loose (whatever you prefer) to dress up or down. When I find a pair of jeans or white t-shirt (yes, that specific) that I like I buy two. I'm ridiculously picky over these t-shirts and jeans, and I know that I'll save hours if not days of helplessly searching without success if I just buy a second one when I find them. I know that jeans and a t-shirt can be a pretty common look, but when you spruce it up it can work wonders. By choosing skinny black jeans and adding the cut out booties you automatically give it more style, but the clue to finish off this look with a Parisian feel was the short sleeved jacket. This jacket adds texture and interest to the look because of its industrial type zipper and cracked detail fabric, its details like this that take your look to another level! Let me know what you think about the look and how you would style your t-shirt!

Xo
Flor

 

Skinny Jeans: Mango, T-Shirt: Max Azria, Jacket:Ryu, Clutch: Alexander McQueen, Shoes: Calvin Klein, Shades: Tom Ford

Spring Break Anyone?

It's pretty common to think that Spring Break is almost synonymous to Beach, so with that in mind this post is dedicated to that possible trip you have plan out or at least to that day dream of spending an entire day soaking up the sun in some beautiful beach. Obviously, swimwear is the number one thing you think of when it comes to this; my go-to's when choosing are fit, prints and colors. Fit is really important when choosing swimwear, if that Brazilian cut or tiny bikinis aren't your cup of tea there are many other options. I'm particularly loving the vintage bottoms, they're super flattering and they'll help you stand out since not many women are wearing them. There's also the one piece, it's no longer the boring "momish" piece that sends out the message "I'm not skinny or fit enough"or "I'm trying to hide my  body", there are amazing options, with cutouts, different shapes and prints. 

Prints & colors are the first thing I look at when choosing, I'm really into prints right now, so that would be what lures my eyes to a specific piece. Prints in swimwear give the feeling of an exotic and pricey, which are great things to have but you don't necessarily have to pay the price. If you have a hefty budget, this We Are Handsome bikini is AMAZING, think of Amazon goddess with its print, but if not  Roxy has teamed up with non other but Diane Von Furstenberg( A.K.A. print perfection). Billabong also has some great options, and if you have a tighter budget this Target bikini has the trendy neon colors, amazing shape and a super affordable price! Going to the beach should be relaxing and fun, don't stress about swimwear, there are many great options in terms of shapes, prints, cover and price points! 

Xo

Flor

Mara Hoffman Frida Printed Bandeau Bikini

We Are Handsome- Messengers Corset Bikini

DVF loves Roxy

Billabong Baja Bikini

Target Two-Piece Swimsuits

Tori Praver

Zimmermann Collision One Piece

Mara Hoffman One Piece Pow Wow

Radiate Love Monokini

Cozy

Finally, it rained! It hadn't rained for about 3 weeks give or take, and today a light rain graced our surroundings. I wasn't expecting to blog this look today, at all..., but it rained and got pretty cold outside so I thought that what I was initially going to post today would be sort of out of character. It was super pleasant outside, a light breeze was about and it felt really nice to be outside. I have a big love for oversized tops like this sweater, and when I'm not pairing them with shorts I always choose skinny jeans, to balance out the equation. I hadn't worn my moccasins in a long time but thought they would look great with this, and would tie in the comfy/laid back look and of course the fact that fringe is peeking in on the trend forecast was a total bonus. Let me know what you think about the look!

Xo

Flor

Jeans: Levis, Sweater: BCBG, Bag: Botkier, Shades: Tom Ford, Mocassins: Idore

Chocolate Chip Cookies

There's something really comforting in going back to basics, case in point Chocolate Chip Cookies. For the first time I've found a Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe where I prefer the baked cookie than the batter.   These cookies are really buttery and chewy, the recipe also asks for 2 cups of chocolate chips, so you can imagine how chocolatey they are. If you want to go back in time, to a moment where you were about 5 and wanted to eat cookies before eating your meal, this is your recipe! I included a photo that shows why I enjoy so much taking photos outside, while prepping to take the picts a pair of butterflies joined me and one stood right on the bowl while I was working... Hope you enjoy the picts & the recipe!

Xo

Flor

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temp

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 cup packed light-brown sugar

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

2 large eggs

2 cups semisweet and/or milk chocolate chips ( I used all semisweet)

Directions

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, whisk together flour & baking soda; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter with both sugars; beat on medium speed until light and fluffy. Reduce speed to low; add the salt,vanilla, & eggs. Beat until well mixed, about 1 minute. Add flour mixture; mix until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.

2. Drop heaping tablespoon size balls of dough about 2 inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.

3. Bake until cookies are golden around the edges, but still soft in the center, 8-10 mins. Remove from the oven, and let cool on baking sheet, 1-2 mins. Transfer to a wire rack, & let cool completely.

Recipe from Martha Stewart