the perfect chocolate chip cookie

Go now. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and then come back to the computer.... oh and while you're at it. Set out two sticks of butter, you're going to need them.

There's a possibility I may have found it. The perfect chocolate chip cookie.

This is not something I would ever say lightly. I say this with extreme conviction. I have never. ever. liked a chocolate chip cookie that came from my oven.

Too crispy. To thin. Too limp... You get the picture. I am not usually a fan of the cookies I make. Even when others tell me "oh, what delicious cookies," I'm prone to roll my eyes and sigh. But this recipe. It causes me to say: "I know, they're amazing right!?"

I have served these to several people in the past weeks. I think I mentioned in a previous post that I've been keeping a batch at all times for impromptu get-togethers. These freeze (and ultimately) thaw at room temperature very well (in a matter of about 20 minutes.) They make a wonderful complement to a glass of milk. (I have some great short glasses that make them perfectly dunkable.) They're wonderful dipped into black coffee. And they even pair very well with a nice cabernet sauvignon. Although, I wouldn't recommend dunking them into the wine. (Red wine and chocolate, good for the heart. Even if there are two sticks of butter involved. Right?)

Brandon's mom gave me this recipe. Hence the name. I love a family recipe, so I renamed these "Debbie's Cookies." Thanks Mrs. Debbie!

The woman has made these legendary. I think I gained 20 pounds upon beginning my relationship with her son almost three years ago. She keeps a batch made at most times and has a knack for finding great deals on crazy/unique chocolate chips. (We've had mint swirled chips and cappucinno chips in the cookies to date.) These cookies also complement pecans very well. The sweet and somewhat savory butter flavor of the cookie echoes my favorite aspect of a pecan.

As if you needed more convincing, here's a testimonial from my friend Marjo's husband Billy: "These taste like they're from a cookie factory in the best possible way!" (And Marjo says he REALLY likes chocolate chip cookies!)

Without further ado: Here is the recipe for Debbie's Cookies:

Debbie's Chocolate Chip Cookies:

(Makes: a whole bunch!)

1 Cup Brown Sugar

1 Cup Granulated Sugar

2 Sticks of Unsalted Butter (at room temperature)

2 Eggs

Dash of Vanilla Extract

3 1/2 Cups All Purpose Flour

1 teaspoon Baking Soda

1 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder

1 1/2 teaspoon Salt (I love using a fine sea salt for these, but table salt will work as well)

1 Bag Semisweet Chocolate Chips (This is completely subject to your personal preference! I like more, some people like less. Feel free to experiment with different flavors. I've been using a great 70% cacao chocolate chunk lately. Wow.)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream together the sugars and butter. Add the eggs and vanilla. Mix together the dry ingredients (excluding the chips) in a separate bowl. I like to whisk them together in order to sift them and combine the ingredients. But, my friend Claire is partial to sifting straight into the bowl. Your preference entirely. Combine the wet and dry ingredients. (I don't have to tell you that the Kitchen Aid is your friend. Or, a hand mixer. These are just nearly impossible to do by hand!) Then add the chips. If I remember, they seem a bit crumbly. Simply push them together when forming into balls. Form into GOLF BALL sized balls and flatten slightly. (I said slightly, don't make cookie pancakes!) Bake at 350 degrees for 10- 12 minutes. I love a soft cookie, so I usually do them for less time. This is another matter of preference! They are so substantial that they can be removed from the tray almost immediately without breaking (this makes the baking process go quicker.) Cool them on parchment or on cooling racks. Enjoy! (Everyone else seems to!)

(The above photo is from a party the family I work for threw. My boss specifically requested Debbie's Cookies for the dessert bar.)

Speaking of the cookie, here are a few photos of my dear goddaughter Cailyn when she came over on a Wednesday night to bake with me while her parents attended the Wednesday night teaching at church. This has become one of our weekly traditions, I love getting to hang out with her. She is already showing quite a talent in the kitchen!

Further confirmation, that not only do we share almost identical names and a Patron Saint; we also share a love of cooking. I love this kid!

These were not the famous Debbie's Cookies, but rather some fasting friendly cookies. They're not quite as impressive, but will do for a fasting day!

Check out the nesting doll apron Cailyn is wearing. Mrs. Debbie gave it to me not too long ago. So precious!

Happy baking dear friends!

you're invited:

To my new apartment!

Yes, this is terribly overdue. Thankfully I have been slammed with clients and tons of work! Be happy for me, don't hate me for not posting until now.

The above photo is your view upon entering the apartment. (The living room)

These are the chairs I got for Christmas 2 years ago from my parents. They have pretty great taste, huh?

My fireplace and very first Craigslist find, my super cheap television armoire.

We have an entry staircase and it was BEGGING for some color. I found this piece at the Cooper-Young festival this past weekend. I love.

I got this green chair (and another identical one at ThriftCiti on Summer Ave.) And yes, I haggled. I bought both of them for a grand total of $50. Not bad!

My most favorite (yet, vastly under-decorated) room, my dining room. My Amy Butler fabric was going to be backordered indefinitely so I am having to regroup. It definitely needs color.

My amazingly inexpensive dining table from the West Elm outlet.

Boring bedroom. I am working on a headboard solution right now.

I love our teeny bathroom. We actually have to sit sideways to use the toilet. I know, I know T.M.I.... But it makes me laugh out loud to think about it.

I made this bookshelf and wall hanging a few years ago. I really love newsprint.

Is this not eye candy? I love staring at my open shelves with white dishes. They make my day. I love love love my walk-in pantry!

Brand new gas range. Ahhhh... it's beautiful!

Kind of organically my kitchen became a red kitchen... and I love it!

Please come over. I've been keeping batches of chocolate chip cookies ready at all times for visitors. I love to host people. So far I've hosted: Margarita night, Girls' night, my parents and grandparents over for Sunday dinner, an impromptu wedding after party (many years Barbara and Mikael!) I've had a crepe making party, an Office season premiere watch party, lunch dates, an evening of cooking with a friend, a cookie baking date with my sweet goddaughter Cailyn and several other get-togethers... And I haven't even been here a month!

I can think of nothing that makes me more happy than to have people over almost every night! I have had to discipline myself to not have people over on nights when I'm extremely exhausted. Because otherwise I would never take a break.

I'm loving having my own place, and I couldn't ask for a better roommate. Ashley is the sweetest person ever!

Please come over. Consider this post your open invitation.

packing music...

No apologies. I haven't even attempted to post anything since my last two posts. I have been so busy doing my dream job and another job too (it's pretty great as well!) I have some of the best bosses in the world! I love the crazy busy. No complaints here.

I promise to post some more info about The Ruffled Apron soon. It's going pretty well. I still can't believe I get to do what I love... and get paid for it!

I move this Saturday. {!}

I just started packing last night. (Yes, I know, I'm behind.) My poor mother is left with nothing in her kitchen. I have amassed so many cooking tools over the years, and I'm taking them all with me. I filled up several boxes with kitchen gear. Obviously, there isn't much I need to buy immediately.

Ashley and I went to looked at the apartment this past Thursday. Ashley is my roommate, for those of you who don't know her. She'll live with me until she and her fiance Nathan get married (sometime around January or February.) Then she'll move in to Nathan's house. I think she liked the apartment.

I took some photos for those of you who are curious. I'm calling these the "mid-before" pictures. There has already been a lot of work done, these pictures are a such a stark contrast to what Claire, Trish, and I saw only 3 weeks ago! Thanks fabulous crew! (They're mostly all members of my Church, along with Fr. Nikolai.)

The whole place has gotten a fresh coat of paint, the hardwood floors have been refinished, and the kitchen floors are being replaced. Plus it was given a thorough scrub down. It's pretty much ready for us to move in.

On to the photos: The apartment is the upstairs of a duplex. It kind of feels like living in a tree-house. It was built circa 1920. Hello charm!

This is the living room. The doorway on the right leads into the dining room.

Yes, this is my romantic fireplace. To the left is a nook for my fabulous Craigslist television armoire, and to the right is the entrance to the apartment.

Living room again, from the front door.

I kind of really love this vintage light fixture. It's in my dining room.

Hello sweet dining room, I cannot wait to host a party!

Teeny little bathroom.

They were working in here, but you get the idea.

Yes, these curtains will be replaced. (They are currently terry cloth with cats all over them. Ahhhhh!) The oven was just replaced. (And yes, thankfully it's a gas range!)

This is my walk-in (yes, walk-in) pantry! Don't get too jealous. These open shelves face the kitchen and then after walking through the door there is a large pantry cabinet, these glass doored cabinets and space for a washing machine.

PS: Anyone looking to sell a washing machine? We need one. A cheap one preferably!

Don't worry, I cannot wait to post some fabulous AFTER pictures.

While I should be packing, I've created a playlist for packing. The most basic rule is that all music has to make me happy.

Artists: Fruit Bats, Good Old War, Andrew Bird, Bowebirds, Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins, Joe Purdy, Noah and the Whale, Ben Folds, Regina Spektor, Sufjan Stevens, and a little bit of Cat Stevens. Now, I hit play. And I pack... actually I need to go run some work errands. So, I pack tonight. But either way, I'll have some fantastic music to pack with!

designing fool!

Here's a picture of the fabric I just purchased for my dining room chairs. I want to reupholster the seats since they're bland. My dear friend Mindy is giving me a great dining table that will be painted to somehow coordinate... any ideas for the color? I think I like the eggplant color.

This is Amy Butler Nigella Twill "Water Lotus, Ivory" for those of you who keep up with fabric designers. Thank you fabric.com!

It coordinates with my Ikea fabric for the den. And since the den and dining area open into one another, it had to look good together!

I bought 2 lamps very similar to this from Target the other day. Isn't it fabulous!?! They are for the "buffet table." Aka- my old dresser to be used as a buffet.

Here's the rug I bought for the den with my VERY GENEROUS birthday gift cards!

I also bought a "vertical organizer" to serve as end tables. The one I got is a bit different, it has a back on it and looks more substantial. I'll be using fabric drawer cubes in the shelf for a bit more storage. I really hope it looks OK. Otherwise, I'll use it for it's intended purpose ... in a closet!

OK, gotta run. Nap is almost over. Talk to you soon!

the sign of a content life?

Don't get too excited. I really only have about 20 minutes to compose this post.

Wow. Life is crazy, hectic, and pretty nice these days. I would like to think that the reason I haven't posted is because of my general contentment with the way things are going nowadays. Maybe it's the sign of a content life.

Here's a list of things that are going on, excite me, and generally take up my time...

1. I have been bombarded (or blessed) with a ton of babysitting work this summer. Not bad!
2. I start working for a wonderful family from church in the next few weeks, I'll be their nanny AND chef!
3. I also start chef-ing for my dear friend Susan and Fr. Basil next Monday. The Ruffled Apron is really happening. I am absolutely thrilled! (Check out this post Susan wrote about our initial planning session.)
4. I got Ruffled Apron business cards! My friend Ben designed the logo for me, and I love the way it turned out! (Sorry I don't have the file with me right now, I'll show the logo to you later.)
5. I'm probably going to get to move out soon!!! My friend Ashley and I have found the perfect apartment, with a pretty nice landlord (our priest.) I will DEFINITELY show you photos soon.
6. I have spent hours upon hours looking at home decor. I know that most people wouldn't consider renting to be a great situation for decorating, but I do. I'm thrilled to make the apartment beautiful... even if I can't paint the walls. I while the evenings away looking for great items and on design blogs. Design*sponge has become a favorite, thanks for introducing it to me Andrea!) I've also made some fun purchases for the apartment, including dining room chairs (hello, I have to be able to host a party) an incredible rug, and the prettiest two acrylic stacked ball lamps you ever did see!
7. Sally and Jason got married! I got to help decorate the Hi Tone for their reception, fun venue huh!? I don't know that I've had that much fun at a wedding reception ever! Many years Mr. and Mrs. Boyle! (Very exciting, and sad. They moved to Jason's house in WI.)
8. The Harveys are moving. Charlie got a job as an administrator and teacher at an Orthodox school. How awesome is that!? The only problem, is that they're moving to Yakima, WA. NOT AWESOME! (But exciting for them nonetheless.)
9. Trisha, my sweet goddaughter Cailyn's mom, is going to do Meribeth's job as church secretary. Congrats!
10. The O'briens hosted a pretty awesome going away bash for them. They're pretty sweet.
11. I'm housesitting this week. It's fun.
12. Brandon is on a pilgrimage to Holy Cross Hermitage in WV. He's more than welcome to come back ASAP. I haven't been able to talk to him at all since Sunday afternoon. (No cell phone reception at the Monastery.) It's tough when you're used to being able to call or text someone (for the past two and a half years) and suddenly you can't. But, I'm so happy he got to go, he hasn't ever been to a Monastery before. They are wonderful places to go!
13. Hannah, Matthew, Peter, (and not yet born little Ada) are here for the summer. (Exciting indeed!) (Except for when they have to go back to St. Tikhon's when seminary starts for them again.
14. Stacy came to visit. She's been living in Africa. It was great fun to have her here. I only got to know her a bit when she lived here 2 years ago, but we've gotten to know one another even more since she's been gone. (Exciting.)
15. Clark made me a St. Phanorious cake! Thanks Clark, and St. Phanorious for helping Clark find 7, yes 7 pairs of shoes. Also, congrats to Clark for finding a job!!!
16. Brandon took me to see Wicked and to Circa for my birthday. Good grief, could I ask for a better boyfriend?
17. We went to Smithville, TN for the Fiddler's Jamboree and to visit Brandon's grandparents. It was so much fun. We even made a pit stop at the Appalachian Center for Craft and also at the Russel Stover's outlet. Two very nice excursions on a very fun trip!
18. Ashley and Nathan got engaged! Many years you two crazy kids. I'm so glad I've gotten to know you two, I love you both dearly. Nathan, I'm a little mad that you're taking away my roommate.
19. New friends, and old friends. I have gotten to spend a lot of time nurturing relationships with my girlfriends lately. I love it! And, I've made quite a few new friends this summer. I love a new friend! I also really love girls nights and dinners out with the girls!
20. Shell concerts. They may be over, but they're coming back in September. Goodness I love them!
21. Rhode's pool parties. I love this summer tradition at St. John. It's such a great way for our Parish to bond outside of church!
22. Some good friends are going to have a baby! I'm so thrilled for them! (Not totally sure it's public yet...)
23. Claire and Ethan got a house. It's awesome, and is starting to look better and better every day. (The house needed a bit of work, and the ever industrious Van Drims were willing to do it!) It's going to be an awesome house. That Claire, she's got style!
24. <--- That's how old I turned on my birthday this Saturday. Abby was in town for once. (She's been out of town for my past several birthdays.) She took me to Target to buy some bathroom accessories for my new apartment. Bestest best friend... EVER! Brandon took me to Brother Juniper's on my birthday morning. Brandon's mom made a fabulous birthday lunch for me. And the night before the girls took me out to Noodle Doodle Do (ridiculous name) and then to The Beauty Shop for caramel cake. Such a fun birthday. Thanks for all my presents and birthday wishes everyone! Basically birthday=pig out!
25. Ooooo, Andrea had a birthday too! It was so fun to catch up with everyone. We also got to see their new house. We're so happy for them, it's beautiful! (PS- Happy 3 year anniversary Andrea and Aaron!
26. Life is generally pretty great.

Ok, so you all see why I haven't had time to blog. This is why!!! Things are busy, wonderful, and lots of fun.

Talk to you soon. Maybe this time, sooner than two months!

PS- Look at how much I wrote in 20 minutes. INSANE!

ikea.... ya!?

We're here in Atlanta!  We'll be home tomorrow.  I've had a great time at the beach.  My sunburn is almost completely healed, and I have a pretty nice tan.  

My favorite "Patricia" fabric was not to be found.  I QUICKLY regrouped.  For only $7.99 a yard, I was able to get this amazing fabric.  Honestly the picture doesn't do it justice.  I hated it online, but I love it in person!  The green is perfect, and it's a really funky pattern.  To me, it looks a bit dated in the photo, but it looks really decorator-y in person.  LOVE IT!

My parents recently finished the renovations in my bedroom and were sweet enough to e-mail me photos so I could see it on vacation!  I love those two!  

Note: All of the items purchased on this Ikea run were to outfit my current bedroom are also for my future apartment....  

Meet Majken.

Say hello to my accent fabric: Katrin.  They look amazing together.  I promise.  These two together will make throw pillows, maybe a cushion for a bench, and I think I'm going to stretch a few over canvasses to make some accent wall art.  

My curtains: Matilda.  They're kind of sheer, not usually something I'd go for, but they're neat because they have this little bit of texture.  There are these little knots throughout that look really cool in person and the color is more off-white that bright white.  (Again, you're going to have to trust me on this.)

I got my lamps.   They're awesome! 

I don't have a ton of storage space, so I bought these boxes in lots of sizes in green and black (don't worry, they're currently collapsed, I promise I'm not squashing the Harvey fam too much with all of my purchases!)

This is a quilt to use as a bed-spread.  It's very plain.  I plan to accent it with the throw pillows.  I bought taupe colored sheets, but I figured you didn't need a picture to understand those.

How much do you LOVE these pillow covers?!  Meribeth found them.  I bought two.  They're absolutely perfect for what I need.  They're embellished with crewel embroidery that complements the very 2D fabrics.  

I would like for you to meet my impulse purchase for the trip.  Come on, it's perfect and it was only $6!  I can't wait to invite you all over (at least with photos) to my beautiful new bedroom. 

We ate at the cafe at the store.  They serve Swedish meatballs!  (Don't be too disappointed in me, I tried them.)  It was a pretty cool/ intimidating place to visit.  I can't wait to come back when I have a whole lot more car space, time, and money (I sort of spent WAAAAAAAY too much.)  The place is simply daunting.

don't i owe you at least 1,000 words?

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then this post pays you back in several thousand words.  Sorry I haven't been up to blogging lately. 

Well, I'm pretty sure my camera is kaput.  I'm devastated about this, because I really love being the friend who takes pictures.  This summer has already meant a few Redbirds games, the free concerts at the Levitt Shell, other great shows, Memorial Day festivities, the farmer's market, Greek Fest, and a few memorable meals I'd love to photograph.  I recently ordered a bunch of prints from iPhoto because I love being surrounded by photos of the people I love.  (I could totally turn this into an argument for the reason why I pray with icons, but this is not the time.) 

Here are a few photos from some recent events.  Some have been shared by others and some of these are from my photo booth application on my mac.  

Enjoy:

During Bright Week, Claire invited a few of us to participate in her yearly Bright Week tradition of getting a pedicure.  Most of us got both mani's and pedi's!  It was so much fun, and we ate at The Happy Mexican afterward.  Delicious!

Speaking of buying prints, I ordered the one of the 5 of us above in a 5x7 and now it's in a frame.  Isn't it precious?

Marjo, Claire, and Christine all took an online class together this semester.  They were kind enough to invite me to have celebratory end of the semester margaritas at Marjo's.  She made Texas Margaritas.  Very yummy! 

Sadly, my euphoria (aka, really silly face) in this picture was premature.  Since I later found out I had not, in fact, completed my semester.   Oh well, the celebration gave me the strength to go on!  

Pardon the narcissism.  My friend Ashley Newton gave me this wonderful haircut.  I really love it!  She is a great hairdresser, and you should call her.  (She works at Allusions Salon in Bartlett.)

Ashley and her boyfriend Nathan have been visiting St. John for a little while now.  I think they're just great!  We met up with them on Friday night at a show, and we had the best time hanging out together.  

I wish I had a picture to show you, but I have a new goddaughter.  Her name is Cailyn (yes, just like mine without a T, isn't that neat) and she is 9.  Her family enrolled as catechumens recently, and she asked me to be her godmother!  She is absolutely wonderful.  She has already decided to take St. Catherine as her Patron Saint.  I was thrilled to hear this, because St. Catherine is my Patron as well!  (Caitlyn is the Welsh form of the name Catherine.)  

I ordered this book for Cailyn.  It's from a really neat company that sells Orthodox children's books.  I love the illustrations.  They are based on St. Catherine's icon!  So cool.  (Also cool, they shipped the books, yes I ordered one for me as well, all the way from Greece!)

Remember sweet Cailyn in your prayers, she broke her finger this week while hanging out at her uncle's house.  Poor thing!  

Team Harvey/ Camp Caitlyn went to swim in my family pool this past Friday.  It's nothing much, mostly cool and wet!  

My sister Clare and Grace now have matching swimsuits.  So sweet!

Little Fiona.  I could just eat this child up!!!

Male model Pavel.  He really enjoyed my mom's hammock.  I thought his godmother, Claire, would appreciate this!

En route!  I got to come to the beach with Team Harvey this summer, poor Charlie couldn't come because he just started a new job.  These are some pictures from the car ride from my laptop.  Sweet Fiona is so happy to be on her way to the beach, and poor Gracie is not happy that I'm taking her picture.  

Meribeth.  Seriously, this woman is a Saint!  Two days in the car with 3 kids and a babysitter.  She's insane.  We stopped and got Gigi's cupcakes in Nashville, of course, and then went to Alektor Cafe.  Pretty funny, we made my typical Nashville rounds! 

Pretty typical for the car ride.  We stopped in Atlanta on Saturday night and ate at The Varsity.  The Harveys are pretty genius for NOT attempting to make the 12 hour+ trip in one day!  We'll be spending the night in Atlanta again this next Saturday on our way back, complete with an Ikea run!  My mom said "watch out bank account!"  

Here's what I want from Ikea so far.  (Since I spent most of the day yesterday indoors, I made a pretty lengthy wish-list.)

How much do we love this lamp!?  I'm not crazy about the shade, too small in my opinion, but for $39.00 I can afford to buy another shade in the future.  
I love this fabric, it's called Patricia (my mom's name.)  I just want to see it in person.  The pattern may be too large, and the green may be too yellow for my liking.  

This is my backup print.  I like it, but I'm not totally sure about the flowers, but I think it's smaller than the other one. 

We're here at Amelia Island.  We all have sunburns somewhere.  I have one on my face, even though I wore SPF 50 on my face and only donned SPF 30 everywhere else!  Fiona has a pretty rough burn all over, so Meribeth is going to pick up some medicine for her this morning.  Gracie got a pretty bad burn.  Pavel, the one who never burns, has a nice shade of pink.  Meribeth has a nice burn on the tops of her feet.  Even though she was adequately sunscreened, a "sand treatment" on her feet (by a certain pre-teen) removed the sunscreen.  Oops!    

Sometimes, no matter how many precautions you take, you get a burn.

We're having fun regardless.  I'll keep you updated.