Venus Review + Coconut-Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies

I receive multiple circulars in the mail and I always make sure to browse them, which is why this is a good marketing tactic to target people like me. I tend to see something that catches my eye every so often that almost always leads to some impulsive purchases, especially if there's free shipping offered. It doesn't hurt to try it if you can return it right? One circular that I've noticed I've just started to receive in the past year is Venus, though they seem to have been around for a while, though primarily as a swimwear retailer. Venus unfortunately doesn't offer free shipping but they do have promo codes from time to time. I decided to give them a shot by purchasing their Faux Leather Sleeve Sweater, which surprised me by being very fitted. Though it flares out a bit at the bottom when zipped up, I like the fabric, fit, and cowl neck of this light jacket enough to keep it. The sleeves are made of a faux leather fabric that is soft and doesn't hold wrinkles at the top of the sleeves and the bottom of the sleeves are made of a stretchy knitted fabric, which is why the sleeves are nice and fitted. The only alteration I did to it was to shorten the sleeves a couple of inches. I actually liked this so much as a layering piece that I also bought it in Black, which they offered as a new option after I bought the grey.

Venus Faux Leather Sleeve Sweater in grey zipped up, open, and in black. Pants: H&M. Shoes: Christian Louboutin Simple 100 Patent Pumps

Another piece that caught my eye recently is their Studded Maxi Dress. Ever since I tried on a maxi dress from A/X a few years ago in Miami that I purchased but then returned in New York, I've been keeping an eye out for another one to keep. This one has adjustable straps, which is always a must for someone my height. This dress fits a bit big on me in the chest area but I like it enough to keep it since the color helps to disguise any excess fabric, at least from a distance. I look forward to warmer weather and an occasion to wear this out. 

Venus Studded Maxi Dress

My company had their second annual cookie bake-off a few weeks ago, which I participated in and didn't win, but I came in third and my cookies were a hit with my colleagues. :)
Here's the recipe for those of you who like moist cookies with coconut, almonds, and chocolate:

BRIETTA'S COCONUT-ALMOND CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

Prep: 25 minutes

Bake: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

1 cup sliced almonds

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

19 tablespoons (2 sticks plus 3 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 cup packed light brown sugar

1/2 cup sugar

2 large eggs, beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon almond extract

1 cup white chocolate chips

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

2 cups sweetened flaked coconut

Directions:

1. Place almonds in a single layer in a dry skillet; cook over medium heat, stirring often, until lightly toasted and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Transfer almonds to a bowl to cool. When cool enough to handle, roughly chop almonds.

2. Place racks in upper and lower thirds of oven and preheat to 350 degrees. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment, In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat butter with both sugars until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down sides of bowl and beaters. Beat in eggs and extracts. Stir in flour mixture on low speed until combined. Stir in almonds, all chocolate chips and coconut.

3. Spoon dough by rounded tablespoons, 2 inches apart, onto baking sheets. Bake until edges are brown, 12 to 15 minutes, switching sheets from top to bottom and front to back halfway through. Let cookies cool on sheets on wire racks for 5 minutes, then transfer cookies to cool completely. Repeat with remaining dough.

Yields about 4 dozen cookies.

Nutrition per cookie:

182 calories

10g fat (6g saturated)

20 mg cholesterol

1g fiber

2g protein

21g carbohydrates

79mg sodium

Also, just want to quickly share that there is a deal going on now for a Monogram Pendant Necklace, which I've been coveting ever since I saw one in a magazine on Taylor Swift but didn't want to spend too much on it. After seeing this, I purchased one with the letter "B" right away in rose gold. Looking forward to receiving it and will snap a photo of it as soon as I do.

Leaving you with the fortune cookie quote, "You are busy but you are happy. :)"