From the girlguide recipe book to yours... Perfect Cookie

Need a go-to recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookies? Try my favorite from the Martha Stewart!

2 1/4 CUP all-purpose flour
½ TSP baking soda
1 CUP (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
½ CUP granulated sugar
1 CUP packed light-brown sugar
1 TSP salt
2 TSP pure vanilla extract
large eggs
2 CUPS (about 12 ounces) semisweet and/or milk chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter with both sugars; beat on medium speed until light and fluffy. Reduce speed to low; add the salt, vanilla, and eggs. Beat until well mixed, about 1 minute. Add flour mixture; mix until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.

Drop heaping tablespoon-size balls of dough about 2 inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.

Bake until cookies are golden around the edges, but still soft in the center, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven, and let cool on baking sheet 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack, and let cool completely. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week.

Yield: Makes about 3 dozen


Posted on April 28, 2011 .

Isabella Oliver

www.isabellaoliver.com

Whether you need casual wear or something special for an evening out, one thing is for sure: it's not easy dressing when you are pregnant. These days just about every denim brand has their own twist on a maternity jean, but where do you find the perfect top or stylish dress? If your looking for something other than your husband's twenty year old Rolling Stones tee, check out THE GIRL LOOK BOOK's favorite online one-stop maternity shop.

A favorite to celebs like Angelina Jolie and Gwen Stafani, Isabella Oliver offers a chic and well priced wardrobe for the mother-to-be. Don't forget to check out their "maternity no nos" section! Not pregnant? Check out Isabella Oliver 365, the brand's new collection of womenswear.

Here are THE GIRL LOOK BOOK's top picks for mothers-to-be!

Wrap Around Top: $115

Order this in every color!

Get it at IsabellaOliver.com

Ruffle Wrap Dress: $195

Get it at IsabellaOliver.com

Bracelet Portrait Top: $119

Get it at IsabellaOliver.com

Hooded Sweater Dress: $209

Get it at IsabellaOliver.com

Belle Epoque Dress: $679

Get it at IsabellaOliver.com

Posted on April 21, 2011 .

Riding Boots

If you didn't know already, Kelly Rutherford plays chic Upper East Side mom Lily van der Woodsen on the hit showGossip Girl. She is a wealthy divorcee with two kids and enough drama to always find herself in the tabloids. Off-screen, Kelly's life is not too different. Both have mastered a classic feminine New York look. Every girl needs a pair of riding boots. Kelly's Hermes Jumping boots are timeless, elegant, and a whopping $2,050.

Check out THE GIRL LOOK BOOK's pick for the best choices at every price:

SPLURGE

Hermes Jumping Boots: $2,050

Stacked heel with stitched outsole. Kelly strap in ruthenium hardware.

www.hermes.com

Ralph Lauren Serana: $1,100

Choose cuoio (brown) or black calf leather. Round toe. Stirrup accent with buckle and horsebit. Pull tabs. Leather sole.

Check them out!

 

MIDDLE OF THE ROAD

Burberry Haymarket Riding Boot: $750

Rich Italian supple leather with buckle detail for a hint of attitude.

Get them at Saks...

Vince Camuto Karena Boots: $198

Leather, Manmade sole. Shaft measures approximately 17" from arch.

www.amazon.com

Posted on April 21, 2011 .

iPad Cases

With the recent release of the thinner, faster, iPad2, its clear that like the iPod, Apple has succeeded again at getting in our purses. Here is a look at THE GIRL LOOK BOOK's top picks for keeping this years hottest electronic safe and stylish.

Business Sleek: $570

Smythson Crocodile-effect leather iPad Case.

www.net-a-porter.com

Ivy League: $390

Ferragamo calfskin iPad case (also available in light blue and black).

www.ferragamo.com

Mommy Chic: $350

Mulberry Bayswater iPad sleeve in Petticoat White pebbled leather (also available in black and blue patent leathers).

www.mulberry.com

Jetsetter: $450

Burberry metallic leather iPad case (also available in gold).

Get it now!

Fashionista: $135

Graphic Image python embossed iPad sleeve.

Get it from Barneys

Girl Guide Pick: $170

Also available from Graphic Image: Suede crocodile embossed iPad case. We love that you can personalize this one!

www.neimanmarcus.com

Posted on April 14, 2011 .

Axel Vervoordt

The Belgian design philosophy of "less is more" has been mastered by the country's most well know designer Axel Vervoordt. His use of earthy tones and natural fabrics can bring warmth to any room whether it be a castle in France or an apartment in New York. In his own words, "There's an art to occupying a house. Practical concerns matter above all else. Aesthetic questions enter the picture only at a later stage. The emotional aspect is important. A house should reflect its occupants' lifestyles and personalities."

I myself have been inspired by Mr. Vervoordt from a very early age. I can remember visiting my Grandfather's house in Knokke on the Belgian coast thinking this is true beauty. The large stone floors and linen draped windows leading to a perfectly manicured lawn. Axel had created a balance between nature and the home. His design to me, certainly reflects a sense of tranquility and peace. But it is his eye for the new and love for the old that allows him to transform any space into a masterpiece. The Axel "look" is one that many have tried to mimic but will never succeed in replicating.


Posted on April 7, 2011 .