Salty and Sweet

Have a craving for something salty and sweet? This past weekend I made Peanut Butter Pretzel Brownies. It reflected the mood I've been feeling lately. Nope, salty and sweet doesn't apply to just food.

Salty and sweet applies to life as well.
I want the best of both worlds, always. Not in a greedy sense, but in a 'why can't I have it.'
This brings me to astrology and personalities. I'm a true believer in astrology. I believe this quality, of wanting it all, is the Taurus in me. The issue I have is wanting it all, NOW. It's going to take time and patience, which I understand but have trouble believing. I'm referring to my everyday career.
How do people get into careers that they love and enjoy right from the start? Have they always known? Have they been mentored by others? Do they not know better?
Do you believe that sometimes knowing too much isn't always great for you? For example, being exposed to all these wonderful opportunities and being told to never settle could sometimes be a downfall. Yes, striving for excellence is one thing, but when do you stop? When do you know enough is enough?

Until I figure it out... I'll be enjoying these delicious "Best of Both Worlds" brownies.

Best of Both Worlds Brownies

1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
1/3 powdered sugar
2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
1 3/4 cups crushed pretzel pieces
6 tablespoons butter, melted
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour an 13×9 baking dish and set aside.
Combine melted butter and pretzel crumbs in a bowl until moistened. Press pretzels into the 13×9 pan making a crust.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then add vanilla. With the mixer, add in cocoa, flour and salt, mixing until combined – about 2 to 3 minutes. Using a spatula sprayed, evenly spread brownies on top of pretzel crust. Set pan on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until brownies are baked through.
When brownies have about 3 minutes left baking, melt peanut butter and butter in a sauce pan or microwave in a bowl. Once melted, blend in 1/3 cup powdered sugar and mix until no lumps remain. Spread over warm brownies and spread evenly. Refrigerate brownies for 1-2 hours, then cut into bars and serve.

Fall into it...

Reflection is so important to your mind and your spirit. It's important to pause and gather your thoughts, answer the question "where am I going" and understand your decisions. Recently, I've been doing just that. Trying to figure out my next move and wondering where time as gone. Why, you might ask...I'm approaching 30. Not tomorrow, not next week, but in about 8 months. Yes, this is a long time, I understand this. But I want to do so much in that time frame so that I can look back and say, "WOW my 20's were awesome because...."

So at this point, I'm reflecting. Yes, my 20's have been awesome. I've accomplished so much. I've made awesome friends, met a wonderful man, got married, bought a house, traveled to some of the most beautiful places, met some interesting people, got into trouble, started my own side baking business, maintained a healthy life and work balance..etc.
Most people seem to reflect in January, the start of the New Year. For me, Fall seems to be my time to reflect and start something new.
This Fall, I plan to start back up on my blog, I know I say this often, but this time I mean it. I plan to write more and really enjoy moments. When you live in NYC, or any busy city, you get caught up with the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Going with the emotions and not really understanding why or how.

It's time for me to fall into it ...

What's to come:

Baking ideas and tips
Entertaining advice
Travel content
Fashionable details
Everyday adventures

Sit back, grab your libation of choice and enjoy Café au Chloé!

Passion for Skin Regime

I love anything that will keep my skin looking young and fresh. I was recently told about this great oil: Pure Maracuja Oil which is made from Passionfruit seeds. I was told about the brand Tarte but I found the same product for much less online. I've been using Maracuja Oil on my face for about a week. My skin does seem smoother and moist.
I gave out a few samples to some friends and they love the effects. They went ahead an purchased their own bottle. I feel this will be the next wave in skincare.