Today marks the end of my birthday month (yes, it's a whole month celebration....is that too excessive?), and I have come across the recipe to one of my absolute favorite birthday treats: Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake.  These typically round, enormous chocolate chip cookies, decorated with decadent and colorful icing and heartfelt birthday wishes are the best.  Here is a version of a cookie cake, which I made in a rectangular pan and didn't ice (I was too impatient to ice it, and I didn't have a circular pan at the time).  This version of the cake is even better, because you can break it up by cutting it into little chocolate chip cookie bars!  Like granola bars, but less healthy (but more delicious).

Recipe adapted from: Food.com Birthday Cookie

1/2 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup brown sugar

3 tbsp sugar

1 large egg

1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

3/4 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 1/4 cups chocolate chips

icing (again, I was too impatient for this step!)

1.  Cream butter and sugars together

2.  Once butter and sugars are creamed together (as pictured above), add in egg and vanilla.  Mix on low speed (as pictured below)

 

3.  Add dry ingredients and mix well

5.  Once all the dry ingredients are mixed in, add in your chocolate chips!

6.  In a greased baking pan (rectangular or circular will work...I used 13x9 rectangular or you could use a 12 inch round pizza pan...I also used tin foil so it is easy to get out!), spread cookie dough evenly

7.  Bake at 325 for 15-20 minutes or until light golden brown

8.  When cool, decorate as desired or cut into cookie bars and enjoy!

Perfect for any birthday celebration, or just for an easy snack for the family!

Enjoy!

Chevron has become one of the hottest patterns of the year and it is a must have for any girl's summer wardrobe.  Check out these awesome chevron looks--all for less than $50!

Going to a wedding this summer?  Unsure of what you could possibly wear?  Check out some of these fashions ranging from elegant and flowy to short and lacy.  You are sure to find the perfect summer look that will help you stand out in the crowd!

 This white/mint hi-lo strapless dress is fun, flowy, and elegant.  Paired with nude heels or sandals and a light accessory, you will steal the show with this simple and summery look.  You can find this dress at Windsor Store for $36.90.  Get it here: White/Mint Hi-Lo Strapless Dress

This light pink strapped hi-lo dress from Humble Chic is the perfect blank canvas to dress up for any occasion.  Paired with a chunky statement necklace and colored shoes, you can take this look up a few notches to bold, or pair it with lighter accessories to keep it subtle and pretty.  You can find this dress at Humble Chic for $64.  Get it here: Spaghetti Strap Chiffon Allie Hi-Lo Dress

 This bright coral maxi dress is a polished and simple way to dress for any fancy summer occasion.  Be sure to get a chiffon maxi, however, and steer clear of cotton for a dressy event! You can find this dress at Lulu's for $71.  Get it here: Strapless Coral Maxi Dress

For a beautiful short dress, try this navy wrap-around dress.  The deep V neckline is flirty and fun, and the fabric belt adds a nice touch to the look of the dress.  If you are into darker colors, be sure to go with something like a deep navy as opposed to black--you are going to a wedding, not a funeral!  You can get this dress from ASOS for $54.30.  Get it here: ASOS Sleeveless Wrap Dress

Lace is coming back with a vengeance and a hint of lace is perfect for any summer look.  While a full lace dress (long sleeve or 3/4 sleeve especially) is probably more suited for a formal winter event, a touch of lace in a warmer or lighter color can go a long way for a summer wedding.  Check out this white lace top with a dulled pink bottom dress from Mod Cloth for $62.99.  Get it here: The Lace for Romance Dress

Not into the pastel colors or dull tones that have been taking over this season?  Don't be afraid to go bold with a brightly colored short dress.  You will stand out, and the vibrant color will highlight your sun-kissed summer skin.  If you are going bold, however, try to avoid maxi dresses, as it may be a bit overwhelming to have both color and length.  Try something like this JCPenney Alyx Dress for $25.  Get it here: Alyx Solid Red Sheath Dress

What's your favorite summer wedding look?

I just love this casual look worn by Julianne Hough.  She definitely doesn't over-accesorize, and the simplicity of just the black hat and bag definitely works with this outfit.  It also doesn't hurt that she's flawless, but hey, I think anyone can rock this outfit pretty well!  Here's how you can get the look (with all of the items being under $50!)

1. Yes Style Open Thread Sweater in White - $25.20

2. Charlotte Russe Tribal Camo Shorts - $9.99

3. ThreadSence Midnight Guard Boots - $44

4. Lori's Shoes Wool Fedora - $32

5. Forever 21 Faux Leather Woven Crossbody Bag - $27.80

What's your favorite part of Julianne's Look?

I'd like to welcome my guest blogger for the day: Emma Watson