Incorporating some cute vintage pieces into my wardrobe

Guest post written by Chelsea Newman

I'll be the first to admit that I probably don't need to buy any more clothes, but I really love shopping and coming up with all kinds of new outfits to wear. I guess that it also helps that I purge my wardrobe every once in a while and sell the clothes I don't want any more to consignment shops.

I was online looking up some great thrift shops because I think it will be a lot more cost effective to find pieces there instead of brand new ones. While I was online looking that up, I ran across the website clearwirelessinternetservice.com. After I looked through it a little bit I decided to change over my home internet to it.

I've been browsing some local vintage and thrift shops. I've already bought a really cute maxi skirt at a vintage store. It couldn't be any more in style right now. I also picked up a couple of cute long sleeve shirts at a thrift shop that will be great for layering in the fall and winter months coming up.

check out Ellos Store

With fall upon us and winter just around the corner, I have been searching for a great coat to rock this season. An awesome option for readers in the UK is Ellos Store. Here are three awesome coats:

Ellos doesn't just have coats. They have awesome shoes, sweaters, and even stuff for your dudes or the little ones in your life. If you are searching for a coat or other stylish autumn clothing, be sure to check out Ellos Store for ultra cute items at great price.

tunage tuesday: damien rice "9 crimes"

Well, kids, I am officially moved. I am living in Syracuse for a 5 week period and I am super stoked about it. Not that I love Syracuse with a passion, but do you ever feel stuck in a rut? I was so there. A 5 week sojourn may be just what the doctor ordered. Since I will have a bunch of time on my hands, expect some major blogging action on BBV. And your tune for the week:

tunage tuesday: chris isaak 'somebody's crying'

I am being quite terrible about blogging this month, so I thought I would ease back into it with a tune that I love. Chris Isaak. Such a guilty pleasure. 

So check it out and check back for posts on more regular basis.

recipe wednesday: caramel apple pancakes

 Danielle is back with an amazing autumn recipe!

There is nothing more fall to me then the combination of apples and caramel. My grandmother was in town for an afternoon this week and we got to talking about how we love breakfast foods and it got me to thinking about making an amazing "breakfast for dinner" recipe using my favorite fall flavors! I decided to make a whole wheat cinnamon pancake with lots of apples and walnuts baked right in with a super simple homemade caramel sauce on top. Last weekend my husband and I got a bushel of Zestar apples from our local farmer's market that were just incredible. Zestar apples are an early season apple that are light and crisp, have a slight hint of brown sugar and are so good! You can use whatever apples are your favorite and feel free to experiment to make the perfect pancake!

Caramel Apple Pancakes

Caramel Sauce:
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 stick unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
pinch of coarse salt

 

Pancakes:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
2 eggs
2 cups fat free milk
2 tbsp canola oil
1 medium apple chopped
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (plus more to sprinkle on top)

Maple Sryup and Whipped Cream for topping, if desired.

First, make the caramel sauce by combining the brown sugar, butter and cream in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, reduce to a simmer and cook stirring occasionally for 5 minutes. Stir in the vanilla and salt and set aside.

Make the pancakes by combining all of the dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a small bowl combine the eggs, milk and oil. Add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and then fold in the apples and the walnuts. Butter your griddle and pour batter 1/4 cup at a time to make your pancakes. Flip once bubbles start forming on the top and cook until the second side is golden brown. 

Drizzle the caramel sauce over the pancakes and sprinkle leftover chopped walnuts on top. You can add a little pure maple syrup to your pancakes, although they don't really need it. I also made some homemade whipped cream which went really well.

recipe wednesday: garbage cookies

Today, Anne brings you some garbage cookies!

(Variation of Momofuku's compost cookie)

The title refers to throwing your favorite junk food into your favorite cookie, chocolate chip.  This cookie is meant for people who love all or none and always go for the all.  When it comes to deserts I'm an all-in girl.  You should see my sundaes, more toppings than ice cream.  If you eat it and you need a glass a milk to wash it down, then its perfect.  Don't be afraid to experiment with this one.  You can add in different snacks, who knows, you might be the next Martha!

Ingredients:

1 cup butter softened (that’s two sticks, unsalted)

1 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup light brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 large eggs

2 cups all purpose flour

2 tsps baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsps Kosher salt

1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

1 1/2 cups your favorite snack foods crushed up (crunchy potato chips (like Cape Cod brand), pretzels, heath bar crunch, dark chocolate Reese's peanut butter cups)

Mix butter, sugar and brown sugar until a yellow light fluffy consistency.

Add eggs and vanilla on a low speed mixing.

Mix at medium speed until dough looks white and creamy.

In separate bowl mix flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

Add dry ingredients into wet ingredients in small increments mixing completely between additions.

Next add in chocolate chips and mix.

Finally, add in your favorite snack foods that have already been crushed up and mix.

Refrigerate cookie dough for one hour.

Place on cookie pan 2 inches apart with an ice cream scoop.

Cook at 375 degrees for 11 minutes.  The cookie should look slightly brown on top and edges and be puffed and cracked throughout.

Wait till they cool to eat and store.

Enjoy!!!