Summer in a Flash.

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Here are some summer-themed instas from the last little while. I forgot to post so many that a few are a little outdated, but never you mind! I had lots of treats (ice cream and cake as you can see) bought this vintage coffee tin for Father's Day, drank mojitos and smoothies, and had lots of summer dates. <3

Family Time.

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Some of my favourite days just involve hanging around my father's house. When he moved to a completely different city from just down the road, we promised that our time together would be about quality instead of quantity. This seemed like a terrible challenge at the time, as I was so used to spending every other weekend with him, and every Thursday in between. If you're a child of divorce, this probably sounds familiar. I was heartbroken and worried about the strain it would put on our relationship. As it turns out, it was one of the best things for us. We've grown so much closer as a family now that we're limited to certain block of time when everyone is available. During this time we aren't sleeping, out hanging with our friends, or playing on the computer like we used to do when we lived with him. We usually have delicious dinner, watch a movie in the home theatre, and go for walks, nothing crazy. Oh, and drink lots of homemade wine (pictured below is Summer Peach, the perfect cocktail of sugar and alcohol). As a side-note, I also get to hang out with my little step-sister, who in a matter of 26 days will be officially be a teenager. I can't believe it. What is truly unreal, is how much she looks just like me in the bottom photo. I guess if you spend enough time together/know each other for long enough, you begin to look alike even without blood relation! Happy Saturday <3

Little Bites of Heaven Recipe.

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Ever crave something sweet but don't feel like making 20 portions of it? Of course not, that's a silly question. The only reason people bake is to eat all those extra portions. Cupcakes for 24 anyone?

But really. I found this great recipe by Anna Olson for individual brownie cups, though I added some major alterations. I did make one mistake, however - baking soda instead of baking powder. Blerg. So I'd recommend following those key ingredients to a tee without mistakes. Mine turned out a little crumbly, but like a halfway mix between a crumbly cookie and chocolate cake. Worked for me :) I also used 1 medium-sized muffin pan instead of 2 mini ones.

Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 6 ounces white chocolate, chopped
• 2 egg
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions: 

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Butter and flour a mini-muffin tin.

Over a pot of simmering water, melt butter halfway. Add white chocolate and stir until melted. Allow to cool to room temperature.

In a mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (or with an electric mixer), whip eggs, sugar and vanilla until pale and thick. Reduce speed to medium and add chocolate mixture.

In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder and salt and stir into egg mixture. Spoon into prepared pan.

Bake 18-25 minutes.

Sunday Goodies!

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What is a sure-fire way to cure a lazy and rainy Sunday? A trip to the mall with your Mama, of course! I was having one of those days where I literally came to the mall for one thing - plain, black pants. That's it. I ended up finding fantastic things for great prices, which almost never happens. I usually have either no moolah to spend whatsoever, or plan a shopping day and find absolutely nothing I like. The problem with my local mall, I find, is that while it has a generally great selection of stores, everyone owns the same things. I fell instantly/deeply in lust with a peach sundress today. But it was only $20 and on display at the front of the store, meaning that on any given day 200 other girls would have seen/bought/be wearing that dress too. One of my big pet peeves about fashion; it should be unique, individual, exciting. Walking down the street and having everyone know where you got your top from, because they all have the same one = a major buzzkill. 

Today I acquired the plain black pants I was looking for, a plain black v-neck (which I feel I will use a lot of) a red lace t-shirt, and this gorgeous khaki dress. My favourite is the dress - I can't wait to snazz it up with a cardigan and navy tights this fall!

v-neck: Aeropostale, skinny jeans: Garage, lace top: Garage, khaki dress: Smart Set

Happy shopping friends <3

Things I'm Thankful for.

Follow @caraallover Hi friends. Once in a while the universe throws you a day when you wake up and feel the glory of life. I'm in such a good mood day and have so much to be thankful for that I decided to try to keep my good luck rolling and write it all down.

Here's what I'm so thankful for today:
- Starbucks
- My acting experience (it pays off sometimes)
- Good weather (ok, awesome weather)
- Great hair days
- Cool and cheap sunglasses from WalMart
- French toast
- My health 
- Amazing opportunities and exciting possibilities
- My beautiful step-sister for making me aware of said opportunities
- Fresh printed resumes 
- A working printer
- My wonderful boyfriend
- Coffee ( see *Starbucks)
- A genuine smile
- Staying classy


Have a fantastic Friday! <3