Life Changing Brownies

New Years Day. It's currently 3:48 PM and I'm still in my pajamas. Some people would think that's irresponsible and unacceptable but I really don't care. My energy today is limited. I'm pretty sure the rest of you are in the same boat though. I'm assuming this day is filled with alot of hangovers and regrets from celebrating the New Year. So, I'm bringing something to you that might not totally cure your hangover, but you definitely wont regret making. Brownies.

This recipe is adapted from the Barefoot Contessa herself, the queen, Ina Garten. To me, she's fabulous in every way. I have yet to try a recipe from her that didn't widen my eyes or warm up my heart. I bring her recipes into my home from her amazing cook books and continue to please hungry stomachs with them.   

These brownies don't taste like regular, store bought, box made brownies. I can't describe the looks of happiness I get when anyone bites into these. They are rich, chocolatey goodness that you wont be able to stop eating. They're also super easy to make. No mixer or fancy tools are involved which is great if you're not one to keep any of those gadgets at home. Actually, I lied. You need a food scale to measure out the chocolate. Besides that, it's perfect for a day where you don't want to put any effort in, like today. 

Ingredients

1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter 

8 ounces plus 6 ounces Hershey's semisweet chocolate chips

3 ounces unsweetened chocolate

3 extra large eggs 

1 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa 

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract 

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar 

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided 

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt


Directions 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour a 9 by 12 baking pan. If you don't have this exact size it's okay. It can be a little bigger or a little smaller. 

Melt the butter, 8 ounces of the chocolate chips, and the unsweetened chocolate together in a medium bowl set over simmering water. Allow to cool for 15 minutes. In a large bowl, stir (do not beat) together the eggs, coffee, vanilla, and sugar. Stir the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and allow to cool to room temperature. 

In a medium bowl, sift together 1/2 cup of the flour, the baking powder, and salt and add to the chocolate mixture. Toss the remaining 6 ounces of chocolate chips and the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour in a medium bowl and ass the to the chocolate mixture. Spread evenly in the prepared pan. 

Bake for 35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Don't overbake!

Allow brownies to cool completely before you cut into bars.

If you really want to have a ball, pour some caramel on them. Just pour it all on. Add some marshmallows, nutella, whatever you like. 

If you want an easy recipe for caramel, check back into my posts. I have the recipe in there somewhere. 

Enjoy the deliciousness. I'll be wishing you good fortune into 2016. 

New Years Inspirations

I've really never been one to make any New Years resolutions. I never thought of January being such a  "turn around month". To me, that was September. Once summer was over it meant a new cycle of life. Lately, Ive been thinking about things a little differently. In some ways I've already started my resolutions. In light of the season, I decided to just create a whole list of goals I officially want to put into action. 

With all of these new goals being put into action, I'm trying not to think about "change" in such a big way. I feel like that word scares people so much, or at least me. It has so much pressure behind it that the motivation starts to linger and the goal is completely lost. I'm not really trying to completely change myself either, I like who I am. So at this point, I'm just trying to be the best version of myself that I can be.  

The overall goal for myself isn't to dramatically shift my daily routines to the point where I'm secluding myself of enjoyment. Also, when I try to shift things so much, I just end up reverting to my old ways. A little at a time can go a long way. The point of my goals is make my quality of life and happiness improve. Everyone is always on a journey to find their true purpose and to find what inspires them. In my journey, I hope to continue to do/find what I love and always inspire others in the process. 

Make small changes for big impacts

In the process of thinking about my New Years resolutions, I took the time to write down each of them. Looking at a page of vague resolutions can seem a little overwhelming if you don't have a plan to how you're going to get there. Under each one, I wrote what small changes I can make that wasn't going to shock my everyday routines. When I did it this way, my goals didn't look as unreachable as I thought they were.  

Hopefully, you can connect with some of my resolutions and make them your own. I've already started mine. No use waiting until tomorrow when I can just get started now. So far, so good. 

My Resolutions 

Becoming a morning person

This is probably on a lot of lists. Its such a common resolution. I'm not trying to wake up 3 hours before I already do. It's ridiculous and would never happen. Luckily, I don't have to be at work until 10. My mornings aren't as early as they need to be like everyone else. The earliest I wake up is usually 8. My goal is to start forming a habit of waking up at 7. When I have tried to do this in the past, I would hit the snooze button and just pass back out. Goal ruined. I have found a solution. 

Method - Set my alarm for 7 and then throw my phone across the room. When it goes off in the morning, I'm forced to get up and find it to turn the alarm off. No point getting back into bed from there. Problem solved. 

Drink more water

Drinking more water is something I've already gotten started on. I'm drinking about 20 more ounces then I usually do and I'm already seeing the benefits. I'm constantly battling dry, cracked lips. It's gross and doesn't look cute. In the past few days, I noticed my lips and skin have been more supple then usual. I don't need as much face moisturizer and I'm not applying my Chapstick obsessively. As far as my energy, I've been under the weather with a sore through so naturally I've been exhausted. I haven't seen an improvement in that yet but I'm sure I will soon since I've increased my water intake. 

Meal preparation

 As annoying as it is for some people to hear, I have trouble keeping on weight. I'm so tiny and have easily lost 5 lbs within a week. Missing meals is terrible for me, especially when I'm not getting all the proper nutrition that I need. Prepping a few more meals and puttng my fruits and veggie in separate containers a few days a week is all I need to stay on track. 

Try new recipes

1,700 pins later, I have enough Pinterest recipes to feed myself for 5 months without having anything twice. I thinks its time I actually put them to use. Not that I have never made anything I've pinned, I just want to step it up and enjoy all that food I drool over. 

Getting organized

This is another resolution that has already taken affect. I recently read a book that changed the way I do things. I was never one clean or be organized. I was that kid in school who opened up their binder and dozens of papers fell on the floor. I heard about this book a while ago and I finally made the decision to buy it. One of the best things I've done. I thought that it would just be about how to organize and arrange your belongings to make your life easier. It was so much more then that. The author makes an effort to reach into the reasons why you're holding onto so many things you actually don't need. She helps you let go of old energies that no longer serve you any happiness. She helps clear your mind and makes you feel more at peace in the space your in. After I read it, I went on a rampage to get rid of things I never thought I would let go of in years. My room has actually stayed organized and as the new year comes I intend to organize even more so I can enjoy life and not drown in the unnecessary items that are cluttering my space.

Book - "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up" by Marie Kondo  

Being clean

This is a little different than being organized. Not that I'm dirty, but I've spilled a thing or two in my room. This week I learned my lesson. Since I've been more organized, I thought it would be nice to make room decor more to my liking. I decide to go out and purchase white bedsheets for a brighter feel. The next day, I put my peanut butter shake on my bedside table. I go to pick it up, drop it and it spills all over my brand new white sheets. 

Solution - Never bringing food into my room ever again

Improve work life

I love what I do. Being a hairdresser and having the ability to create and make people feel great about themselves is very rewarding. Sometimes I feel seeing so many different people a week gets me confused on who's who. Most of the time, hairdressers cant remember who you are by name. They will recognize you once they see your face, but the name kind of just goes out the window. I want to start having more of a personal connection with my clientele so that they each feel special, not just that they're apart of the salon assembly line. I would also like to gain 5 new clients a month. This can be done easily by handing out my cards more and making the effort to make connections with people. 

Keep track of my money

I used to have a bad habit of just throwing my tips into my bag and letting them build up in there. Carrying around hundreds of dollars (in 20's, 5's and10's) isn't really the smartest things to do. I've made a habit of putting all my tips into a safe place at home and tracking the amount of each day in a journal so I know how much I'm making. I figure I'm getting to that age where I need to know a thing or two about money.  

Keep track of myself

Taking care of yourself is so important and yet we forget to do it sometimes. Doing little things like putting in a hair mask once a week and making sure I never forget to exfoliate are small things that usually make me feel a lot better.

Blog more

Blogging is something that I really enjoy doing. I don't know who actually reads these posts, but it's fun to think that someone out there is getting some enjoyment out of it. That is my goal, to share the happiness. 

 Create and Experience

For 2016, I wish to experience new journeys and create new inspirations. Lately, I've been living life on the more routine side. When opportunities have shown themselves, I haven't taken them, whether it be big or small. It's time that I start getting back into my groove and enjoying what life has to offer in the little time we are given. In this time, I hope to inspire anyone I can along the way and share any happiness I may receive. 

I really believe that each of these resolutions can be easily achieved with minimal effort. Hopefully, I've inspired you to take a journey to find your happiness and share it with others in the process. 

Happy 2016!

White Egg Nog Hot Chocolate

Considering it's been 60 degrees in New York, my craving for hot chocolate hasn't really been there this season. It's depressing. Usually, I'm complaining about the cold weather, hoping spring would come early. Who would of thought I would actually miss the chill of winter? I guess that's what happens when you're used to growing up with 4 perfect seasons. 

This week has been one big baking binge for me. I have so much left over sweet ingredients that I'm looking for anything to make so they don't get lonely in the kitchen. All that chocolate and sugar needs to be put to good use. I always have my best ideas when I'm laying in bed doing nothing. Even when I'm relaxing, my mind is going. I remembered I had some leftover Egg Nog in the fridge and wanted to do something with it. Egg Nog White Hot Chocolate? Why not?

I cannot stress enough that to make an awesome meal, dessert, drink, whatever it may be, you need to use awesome ingredients. This hot chocolate would not have been the same if I had used some generic brand of Egg Nog and caramel full of preservatives from a jar. Good ingredients are key. 

Let me talk about this Egg Nog for a second. I could drink a whole gallon of it. I actually think I might of on Christmas Eve. My stomach wasn't to happy at the end of the night though. It was creamy and rich but didn't feel like you were drinking cement. Since it was farm fresh and had little to no preservatives, you could see the natural separation in ingredients and had to shake it in order to get that creamy consistency. I highly recommend you purchase this. I also warn you because you wont stop drinking it. 

As for the other Ingredients, I'll list the brands for you. 

White Egg Nog Hot Chocolate

1/2 Cup of Egg Nog - Farm Friend by Trickling Springs Creamery

1/2 cup of Whole Milk - Organic Valley 

1/2 Cup White Chocolate Chips - Ghirardelli

1/4 Teaspoon of Vanilla - Nielsen Massey

1/8 teaspoon of Cinnamon - Frontier CO OP

Marshmallows - Whole Foods Bakery 

Caramel - Homemade (recipe follows)

Caramel

3/4 cup Sugar 

1/4 cup of Water

3 Tablespoons of unsalted Butter (cut into 6 pieces) - Organic Valley

1 cup Whipping Cream - Organic Valley

1/4 Teaspoon Salt

1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla - Nielsen Massey

Directions  

Caramel - Place sugar and water in heavy medium saucepan over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and boil without stirring until syrup turns deep amber, occasionally swirling pan, about 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in butter. Carefully add cream since mixture will bubble vigorously, while whisking constantly. Stir over low heat until smooth. Stir in the salt and vanilla  cool to room temperature. If you need it to cool quickly, you can just put it in the fridge and check occasionally until it's at desired consistency. 

Hot Chocolate 

Pour Egg Nog and Milk into a sauce pan. Turn on medium heat. Once at a summer, stir in chocolate chips, cinnamon and vanilla. Take off heat and let it steep for 3 minutes. Put back on heat and bring back to a simmer to warm through. Pour in a mug, top with marshmallows and caramel. Enjoy!

As you can see, it was phenomenal 

Fall hair color and products to protect it with

Hair color during the fall has the potential to be so much richer than the colors of other seasons. People really get into deepening and warming up the tones in their hair. I like to think the change is getting them ready for new things to come during the holiday seasons. 

Remember to always protect your new color with great products! Using cheap hair care can really wear out your color and loose the luster of it. 

Some of my favorite products for color care:

Bumble and bumble Hairdresser's Oil shampoo and conditioner

Bumble and bumble Color Minded shampoo and conditioner

Kerastase Fluideasliste line

Kerastase Nutri Thermique nectar  

All of these products are sulfate free and have amazing moisture benefits. The lack of moisture in the air during the cold season can leave your hair feeling dry and brittle. I know that has been the case for me lately. I usually switch my products up with the change in weather. As long as you keep a disciplined hair care routine with great products, your hair will continue to shine. 

Always change it up and be inspired!

DIY Hanging Glitter Leaves

Fall decorating is such a perfect way to bring warmth into whatever space is lacking a bit of luster. Don't get me wrong, I love spring and sumer, but there's just something about the holiday seasons that  give you that good feeling inside. 

The other day I was skimming through Pinterst, as usual. I came across this leaf DIY project that looked pretty easy but so adorable and had to try it. I showed my friend Emma the project and we thought why not put it up around The Beauty Box. We want our clients to walk in from the crisp weather outside to the warm feeling and decor of the salon. 

This process can get a little messy, but it's all worth it in the end. Be sure to lay down some news paper if you are doing this inside, however, it's best to take this project outside where you have some room to get a little messy. 

Tools Needed 

Leaves - We got ours from Micheals Craft store

Gold and Brown Glitter - Best glitter to use is Recollections Signature Extra Fine Glitter

Foam Brush

Modge Podge

Brown string 

Hole Puncher 

Metallic Gold and Metallic Bronze NC-Acrylic effect spray - A.I Freidmans 

Directions 

Take each leaf and punch a whole and the top of every one. 

Take a foam brush and paint one side of the leaf with the Modge Podge and then sprinkle the glitter generously over the leaf until the whole thing is covered.

Pick up the leaf and shake off the excess glitter onto a paper plate so no glitter is wasted.

When this process is finished with every leaf, allow to dry over night. 

This part should for sure be taken outside, where a face mask if possible. 

Take the leaves and lay them glitter side down on some newspaper outside. 

Spray with the Metallic colors and allow to dry. 

Once dry, you are ready to string them up and hang them wherever you please!

Happy Crafting!

Pre-season Projects

I feel like were in such an awkward time right now, it's the end of the sumer. School has already started and pumpkin spice is all the rage, even though it's still 90 degrees out. Today was pretty unbearable. Whole Foods already has the outside wall stacked with pumpkins and gourds and all I'm trying to do is not pass out from heat stroke. I don't think its really time to start doing any fall activities yet, unless your that impatient, then go for it. Im waiting for the temperature outside to drop a little before I start getting into the fall frenzy. However, that doesn't mean I can't start preparing. 

Fun things are happening all around during the fall that I'm so excited about! Now is the time to get everything together and plan for whatever is going to come our way. The start of each season is such an opportunity to start wonderful new beginnings and make amazing memories. Although, while all of this is happening, we cant forget to still live in the present and enjoy the journey, even though we are working towards something for the future. While I prepare and plan for all the times ahead, I remember to harness what I am feeling at the moment and smile while I think about all the preparation isn't going to only benefit me, it will benefit others and send good energy to all around me and hopefully will continue to be passed on. 

Exciting things to come

The Beauty Box

 The heart of the fall season will be welcome with opened arms at the salon in October. We are in the process of planning an awesome fall brunch that will give back to the community and show how much we appreciate all of their support in the town of Rye, New York. We will have Hors d' oeuvre's, a raffle, goody bags, product specials and many more fun perks to enjoy. The neighborhood kids will also be painted our salon windows that day for halloween so kids are welcome! We will have exciting specials for them also so they can join in on the fun. The salon will be decorated and our doors will be open to give a warm welcome to anyone who wants to spend the day with us. 

Cookbook organization

When the weather is so hot, the last thing my parents want me to do is turn on the oven. I honestly don't feel like cooking in a hot kitchen either so I don't blame them. I don't cook or bake nearly as much as I would like during the summer, just for that reason. Im currently taking all the recipes that are in my Food Network Magazine subscriptions and organizing them into a cook book binder. I can't wait to try some awesome dishes this fall and I wanted to make sure I had everything in place so I don't miss any recipes. I will for sure be posting some of my favorites on here. 

Business to spread some good energy 

A good friend from the salon and I are starting a little creative business with some new found hobbies. We are in the process of making a name and designing some packaging. The purpose of our products is to send some happiness and good vibes to anyone who wishes to receive good things to come their way. There are so many ways to make the world a better place and we hope to do that by connecting to others around us and giving them the simple feeling of joy. 

Trip to Salem

Some friends and I are going to explore Salem, Massachusetts. Im all about the history of witch craft and spooky things. Call me crazy, but I believe there is some form of magic in this world. All those myths and legends didn't just pop out of nowhere. I'm for sure going to be researching the best places and attractions to see while we are there. Where better to go before halloween then the town Hocus Pocus took place in. I still think that movie was the peak of Sarah Jessica Parker. 

I'm so excited for fall. So many good things and fun events to take place. I will do an updated post about our salon event and hope to see everyone there!

Sundays at the Salon

Sundays at The Beauty Box aren't just like any other day of the week. We turn the music a little louder, the dress code is more relaxed and everybody is winding down from the busy weekend. It's a nice day to book an appointment. Even though our schedules stay busy, it still has a more relaxed vibe since its just a small number of us working that day (most of the time). Don't get me wrong, we have our moments where it's a little chaotic as many salons tend to get, but overall its a great day to come and enjoy the day with us. 

Being the first Sunday of August, I heard a lot of conversations today revolving around fall getting closer and closer. All the clients are planning what to do during the next appointment due to the change of seasons coming. Hair color gets darker and richer. Some of those bright summer blondes are opting for more caramel tones and there at home product regime is changing. My last client of the day was already planning for her next return in september and said shes ready for big chunky sweaters and boots. As much as I love fall, Im not quiet ready for the temp to drop below 80. No, thanks.

Summer isn't quite over yet. Were still getting requests for some bright balayage looks and some bohemian summer braids. Our work family has so much fun getting inspired and making our clients feel beautiful. We put a lot of effort into making sure each client has a great Beauty Box experience and we have a great time doing it. 

Here are some looks from this week 

Here we have Megan who was given a gorgeous medium brown by our colorist Maria and then Lindsey from our styling team finished her off with a great cut and Bohemian braid

This Bright blonde was done by me. This Client has an amazing base color. When she came in her hair was a little compromised so we highlighted and then used Olaplex to put some strength back into it. Lindsey shaped up her hair with a beautiful cut and finished with a blowout. 

Balayage is bring requests are growing everyday. We love it. It lets us be so creative with whats in front of us

More color by me from this week