Get lost

Today I looked at the stars--really looked at them--for the first time in a while. It was so still and so vast and so lovely. You should try it sometime. :)

-Chelsea

(Image source)

The pursuit of happiness

We all pursue happiness, almost constantly.

Yes, I understand there is a difference between happiness and joy. Joy is far preferable to happiness, as it actually lasts, withstands the turmoil of life, and exists beyond our circumstances. I would rather have joy any day.

That doesn't mean I don't want happiness. We all do, I think.

But I agree with Apollinaire on this one. We seek so frantically for happiness that we don't take the time to actually enjoy it when we have it. I think this is particularly true for our Western/American culture: we focus intensely on work and achievement. Doing-doing-doing constantly, it is rare to slow down the hectic pace of life. 

I'm making an effort to really take time and enjoy the blessings I've been given... they are many! In this Christmas season especially, we can be so busy with present-buying, party-going, baking, decorating, planning, traveling, etc. that we are always thinking about the next thing, not taking time to focus on the present (no pun intended). 

Maybe I'm the only one who feels this way... conflicted, over-committed, hectic. I can be lame like that. But for this next month especially, I am taking time out to pause, reflect, and thank God for each small happiness that He gives me by enjoying it as much as possible. Because He is good, and what He gives is worthy of my time.

(photo source)

Aaaand.... we're back! A beautiful mess...

So the blog has been getting lonely as of late! This happened because of...well, life. Real life gets messy, doesn't it?

But in the midst of all that chaos, it can be inspiring to pause and appreciate the beauty of it.

(image credit)

Sometimes a mess can be beautiful.

Take note. Breathe deeply. Open your eyes.

-Chelsea

Facing Fears: Moving Day

Yesterday my very best friend and blogging partner--yes, Brandie--realized a lifelong dream in moving to the beach!

I would like to take the time to say a few words on this momentous occasion:

First of all: YAY! I cannot explain how happy this makes me. Brandie and I are both beach girls at heart, and being close to the ocean is an absolute pleasure.

Also, I am trying hard not to be jealous. Something that helps with this is the thought of visiting her cute little ocean-side house ridiculously often. I get to sleep on her couch like a vagabond whenever I want!

And last but certainly not least, Brandie deserves to be commended for this move, as she is facing her fears in a big way. It takes a lot of bravery to relocate to a place where everything and everyone is new, leaving behind your comfort zone. I am proud of her for following God's lead in her life and taking a leap into the unknown.

Basically, to use the beloved old adage: you go, girl.

<3 Chelsea

P.S. --Brandie, I miss you already. It's just too weird for words that we aren't shouting out delirious conversations across our shared bathroom in the middle of the night or laughing about the nicknames we've given unsuspecting strangers over yogurt at Tango on a daily basis. But luckily when I visit you next week, we can wake up to the sound of waves, hike the bluffs and drink tea while the fog rolls back from the harbor. And I am totally into that.

Millions of Peaches

This time of year, peaches are absolutely perfect. Sweet, colorful and juicy. And plentiful.

A dear friend who owns a farm always brings boxes upon boxes of peaches to church to give away before they spoil, and I excitedly grab them up to make pies, muffins, cobblers, and these cupcakes.

They are heavenly. Divine. Inspired.

And the frosting--brown sugar cream cheese frosting--yes, you heard that right--the frosting takes it to a different level of delicious.

They're not difficult to make. Find the recipe here and follow it to the letter. If you like cupcakes at all, these won't disappoint you. Until they're gone.

Bits of happy

I'm making a habit of carefully noting the small things that are really beautiful, fun and lovely about life. The silliest things can bring me a lot of happiness. Why not enjoy it and share it with you? Why not, I tell you!

Here they are. This week's happy little things:

Making my own bubble tea. Note the bright happy colors of the cooked boba. Just bubble tea in general really, but making my own boba is especially satisfying.

This impressively cool chandelier made from medicine bottles hanging in a San Francisco store window.

Frozen yogurt dates with biological sisters and sisters-at-heart.

Walks through the country. Also the color green.

Food art at In-N-Out. I know this is funny, but really, it just makes me smile.

Mochi from Trader Joe's. They're so pretty and so cool and refreshing. You can't not be happy about that.

I just noticed that many of the things on this list involve food. Such a simple and universal pleasure, no?

Many happy returns,

Chelsea

Welcome to the new site!

You found us! Yay!

It makes us so happy to have our new blog up and running. We're still working out some kinks and changing the design up a bit, but the basics are here and ready to go! Yippee for new projects.

We've got some exciting stuff coming up in the next couple of weeks, including but not limited to the following:

• New details about how we're facing our fears
• A shark week post, including information that could save your life
• Introduction of a new feature: Ways to Wear Vintage
• Food posts! Recipes! Life-giving manna!
• How we're being challenged to live radically
• Giveaways
• And more!

We are just brimming with excitement and can't wait to share our inspiration, things we've learned, and things we love.

Subscribe via Bloglovin or email on the right-hand side of this page. And don't hesitate to comment and let us know what you think of the new design. Suggestions for new features? Throw 'em our way.

Peace and love,

Brandie and Chelsea

Live every week like it's shark week.

This is our favorite time of year. Shark week. It's the week when we huddle around the television in rapt attention, poring over every detail as the Discovery Channel unfolds the mysteries of the great white, the mako, the tiger shark, the hammerhead, and their more obscure cousins.

We have a collective obsession with these majestic and terrifying creatures. They frighten and fascinate us.

So, in honor of shark week, we had a shark party. And watched Jaws. And ate these cupcakes:

We call them "Blood in the Water" cupcakes because of the surprise strawberry jam centers. Blue vanilla cake, blue buttercream, fondant shark fins. Heh. Gruesome, yes. Artificially-colored, yes. But fun.

And in light of this week's festivities, a short public service announcement:

We have several guidelines for ocean safety--developed over a lifetime of beach-going, surfing, paddling, boating, swimming--which can help all you beach-goers avoid any unwanted marine life interactions.

• No bleeding in the water. Obviously. 
• No touching. Do not touch your friends while swimming in the water. Especially if you are trying to be conscious of sharks, your friends will react in an unsavory manner. Just don't do it, no matter how funny you think it will be.
• Camouflage.  Avoid wearing red, yellow, and anything shiny. These colors excite sharks. Instead, wear ocean colors to blend in with your marine surroundings. 
• Turn 360 degrees at regular intervals. And don't just turn: look. Being aware of your surroundings could give you more time to reach shore safely should an unfriendly beast appear. 
• Silhouettes are not your friends. If you see a dark silhouette in the distance under water, swim away from it. NOT toward it. 

Trust us... we are experts. Remember these things, and live longer. Sharks will show you no mercy.

Swim away,

Brandie and Chelsea

Things I don't have to do

I don't know about the rest of you out there, but I find myself often weighted down with obligations. My life is full of great pursuits and great people, and I am so grateful for those many blessings I have. But I am also frequently beset by the impression that I "have to" do certain things in order to be a good person/daughter/friend/Christian/employee/sister/student. Like I have to work to earn the blessings that -hmmm- have already been given to me.

I guess I feel like I have to conform to what everyone expects of me. The expectations that because I went to a good school and got my degree that I should be working a high-paying corporate job. The oh-my-she's-26-and-not-married-yet-will-she-ever-be attitude that I know is out there. Even the assumption that I should be conservative, or liberal, to be on the "proper" side. Some of these impressions come from outside sources, from my culture, from family or friends. But the desire to meet those expectations comes from my own sinful self. I see those "norms" and want to live up to the standard out of my own pride, or out of the fear of disappointing people.

This struggle to appease others and soothe my own ego leaves me feeling pulled in so many directions that my mind, body and spirit are exhausted.

But I'm realizing more and more that these pressures are destructive. I am learning the difference between striving after holiness because of love (which really leaves me free and full of joy) and striving to be good for selfishness (which imprisons me with my own failures). I need to not only stifle but thoroughly extinguish this second mindset if I want to live a life that brings God the MOST glory.

And I do want that. I want to radiate joy, to do what fulfills my ultimate purpose--to worship the Creator and point others to Him. He has already redeemed me, and my gratitude overwhelms me, pushing me to act, to serve, to love. The other things--these "expected things"--don't matter.

So I decided to make a list of things that I don't need to do. I appear to be in a list-y kind of mood lately. ;)  This one was a valuable little exercise for me, to admit to myself that these things are not critical.

(Disclaimer: I may in fact want to do some of the things on this list. Perhaps I will do them. The thing is, I don't HAVE to do them. And putting them in that perspective helps.)

I don't have to:

*work 9 to 5
*make more money than I need
*look perfect
*own things
*use my degree
*get married
*have children
*be stylish
*care about celebrity news
*go to grad school
*stay home
*strive to please everyone
*diet
*be calculating and planned-out
*have a plethora of friends
*compete with coworkers
*be outgoing
*be afraid

Now, this isn't just a way to excuse lackadaisical behavior. If you know me, you know that I work hard and will strive for excellence in all my pursuits. It's about my motives and the source of my direction, which I hope will continue to be more and more pure as the days go by.

Oh how happy are we,

Chelsea

Map by Amy R

30 New Things

illustration via anachronism

Trying new things is the best way to learn and grow. We love learning, we love growing and we love newness, so we're making a list of 30 New Things we want to do before we turn 30. Inspired by the lovely Sarah Von of Yes and Yes, our list is collaborative. Some of these things are new for only one or the other of us, but most will be new for both of us, so we're going to try to do these things together. It's kind of like a 5 year plan, but much more.... scattered? Piecemeal? Whimsical. Yes.

Just to be clear, neither of us is 30 years old yet. We have several years to go before we cross that particular milestone. We're still young, dang it!

Some of these are silly little things. Others are giant adventures or permanent decisions, hence the niceness in giving ourselves more than just one year to accomplish it all. The list is still a work in progress. Take a look.

30 New Things Before 30

*see the tops of the redwood trees
*learn how to make cheese
*write a fan letter
*go snowshoeing
*participate in traditional Catholic confession
*go rappelling
*go camping (for real, as an adult, with no fire-making/tent-pitching assistance)
*submit a poem or short story for publication
*perform at an open mic night
*visit South America
*visit Africa
*visit Australia (this will attain the over-arching goal of seeing all continents)
*start an Etsy shop
*swim with sharks... but in a protective cage, please
*hike Half Dome
*eat a truffle (the mushroom, not the candy)
*skydive
*climb a glacier
*see the Grand Canyon
*visit NYC as adults, not just 8th-grade-field-trippers
*go to the toy tricycle race in San Francisco
*attend a music festival. How have we not done that yet??
*go to a comedy club
*karaoke, for real. Wait, what is real karaoke?
*ride a dogsled
*try public speaking
*carry out an epic New Year's Eve plan (we talk big about NYE but never follow through)
*get a tattoo
*learn to knit

Anything new you want to accomplish this year? Or over the next couple of years? Have any suggestions for us? We still need to add a few things to this list. Inspire us!

Enjoy this rainy weather while we have it. It'll be 120 degrees before you know it.

Love,

Chelsea and Brandie

P.S. -We will keep you updated on our progress through these activities. Posts are promised for each completed activity, including the ones we've already crossed off. Yes, we started early. The early bird catches the worm, you know.

On Reading and Writing

Writing and reading decrease our sense of isolation.  They deepen and widen and expand our sense of life: they feed the soul.  When writers make us shake our heads with the exactness of their prose and their truths, and even make us laugh about ourselves or life, our buoyancy is restored.  We are given a shot at dancing with, or at at least clapping along with, the absurdity of life, instead of being squashed by it over and over again.  It's like singing on a boat during a terrible storm at sea.  You can't stop the raging storm, but singing can change the hearts and spirits of the people who are together on the ship.
---Anne Lamott

Why Pessimists Make the Best Optimists

Maybe pessimism isn't such a curse if multiple pessimists join forces. Somehow we pessimists turn our natural negativity around for good when we're together.

Quick disclaimer: Be warned, this opinion comes from the perspective of a serious pessimist. Two of them, really (so take it with as many grains of salt as you see fit).

We are two pessimists who’ve lived under one roof for several years now.  And when we say pessimist, we mean all the lovely second-hand glasses at our house are almost always half empty. You might think that this would be a recipe for miserable disaster. Picture two girls at home alone wallowing in despair, egging each other on into deeper depression, uselessness, and weepy movie marathons... terrible! 

But it’s not like that.

Just because we’re pessimistic does not mean we can't see the bright side. We can see it, and we like to see it. And just because we’re pessimists doesn’t mean that we don’t have joy. We laugh every day, and we love it.

And the thing is--even though we naturally take a negative viewpoint--there is another instinct that takes over sometimes, particularly if one of us is feeling down. We want to help each other feel better, so we instinctively take turns at holding a positive view.

Love is stronger than pessimism.

As fellow pessimists, we understand what it’s like to feel negative and why we react to situations the way we do. We also understand each other pretty well after 14 years of friendship.

For instance, when Brandie is giving a depressed Chelsea very reasonable advice and Chelsea glares at Brandie, Brandie understands that that glare means that she is listening, and she knows that her friend is right. If Chelsea lived with an optimist, that optimist friend might interpret that glare differently and have her feelings hurt, deciding to stop giving Chelsea advice (and thereby leaving Chelsea to wallow in her negativity). Brandie is neither offended nor deterred. She simply smiles back at her. And vice versa. 

We are so thankful that when one of us is down, the other is almost always ready to pick her up and shine some perspective on the situation.

In our experience, optimists always looks at the bright side, often making nice but largely-unhelpful statements like “this is happening for a reason,” or “it’s always darkest before the dawn,” or “this is a season,” or “I’m sure it’s not all bad,” or “don’t worry, be happy." This is sweet and well-intentioned, but pessimists like us don’t respond very well to nice generalizations like these.  Instead, we respond to reasonable arguments exposing the flaws in our own outlooks. Because we’re not just spouting off happy sayings at each other, we can logically determine what might be effective and helpful advice.

We love optimists. In fact, we depend on a few key optimists in our lives that bring us joy. We couldn't manage without them. But don’t count the pessimists out when you’re looking for the bright side. We can see what's in that glass just as well as you. :) 

--Brandie and Chelsea

Suggested Road Trip Playlist

Sometimes you just need a new music suggestion. So here's a post to get you out of your musical rut. Perhaps. Or maybe you already own all these songs. They're mostly old, but we think they're a great soundtrack for roadtripping. In any case, give them a listen in honor of the recently-concluded Railroad Revival Tour.

It's a long list, but can you really have too much good music?

The Cave--Mumford and Sons
Repo Man--Ray LaMontagne
Everlasting Light--The Black Keys
Shark in the Water--V.V. Brown
Murder in the City--Avett Brothers
The Way You Make Me Feel--Michael Jackson
Science & Faith--The Script
Closer--Kings of Leon
On Fire--Bruce Springsteen
Orange Sky--Alexi Murdoch
The Book of Love--Peter Gabriel
Cosmic Love--Florence + The Machine
Hard Sun--Eddie Vedder
Electric Feel--MGMT
Sigh No More--Mumford and Sons
Sweet Disposition--The Temper Trap
Fresh Feeling--Eels
Big Jumps--Emiliana Torrini
Lemonworld--The National
Equally Skilled--Jon Foreman
Home--Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

Facing Fears: Being Spontaneous

Is it silly to be afraid of spontaneity? Perhaps it is. And perhaps we would't admit it or care to bring it up. But when it comes down to it, both of us are chronic planners and ponderers, carefully considering all possibilities before acting. 

We plan because jumping into things scares us. I guess we are either control freaks or very, very timid about the unknown. It seems like a silly thing to be afraid of, but hey, don't judge! Is it really any sillier than being afraid of, say, spiders? Well... yes, it is. Anyway. Reasonable or not, it's a fear. So we must conquer it.

Our Easter weekend road trip was the first truly spontaneous thing we've done together. We had kicked around the idea of visiting the Grand Canyon... "someday"... but when Brandie found that the previously-sold-out tickets to the Railroad Revival Tour had become available because of a venue change, Arizona beckoned. Brandie bravely answered the call and snapped up two tickets before I could even look at my calendar. What?

--

Brandie was determined, but a little concerned. "What if this doesn't work out?" was a question that ran repeatedly though her mind. We were committed to be in Tempe, Arizona on April 23rd with no plans how to get there or where to stay. *deep breath, deep breath, deep breath*

As scary as this leap of faith was for us chronic-planners, it ended up a wonderful success! Things fell into place that we could not have possibly orchestrated through the most careful planning.

Sure, we drove an obscene number of hours in a ridiculously short amount of time, and we didn't have a clear plan. But you know what? Nothing bad happened for our lack of planning. In fact, we were rewarded with one of the most unique concert experiences of our generation, a day at the marvelous Grand Canyon, a visit with a friend in Mesa, a stop at Joshua Tree, and plenty of road trip singalongs and bonding time.

So...as we've consistently discovered about the things that freak us out (big or small), stepping out of your comfort zone can be rewarding and memorable. Opportunities tend to present themselves to those who take risks (again, big or small), so giving up some control can be a beautiful thing.

We enjoyed this so much and can't help but think about what we would have missed if we hadn't just gone for it. We're planning to be more spontaneous in the future... ;)

How are you embracing spontaneity?

I don’t know about you, but I like to be certain.  Certainty is comfortable. I search for it and cling to it when I think I find it.

And yet I find myself in a perpetual state of upheaval and lack of knowledge, particularly as it pertains to my future, my purpose, my life. I often feel like I’m descending into a maze I have to navigate without a map. How little in this world I actually know!

So when I came across this little devotional by Oswald Chambers, it floored me. I have now determined to pray for an attitude of “breathless expectancy” instead of the sighs that usually accompany my uncertain state. Because I know that my Father is certainly good.

Peace,

Chelsea

It doth not yet appear what we shall be. - 1 John 3:2 

Naturally, we are inclined to be so mathematical and calculating that we look upon uncertainty as a bad thing. We imagine that we have to reach some end, but that is not the nature of spiritual life. The nature of spiritual life is that we are certain in our uncertainty, consequently we do not make our nests anywhere. Common sense says - “Well, supposing I were in that condition …” We cannot suppose ourselves in any condition we have never been in. Certainty is the mark of the common-sense life: gracious uncertainty is the mark of the spiritual life. To be certain of God means that we are uncertain in all our ways, we do not know what a day may bring forth. This is generally said with a sigh of sadness, it should be rather an expression of breathless expectation. We are uncertain of the next step, but we are certain of God. Immediately we abandon to God, and do the duty that lies nearest, He packs our life with surprises all the time. When we become advocates of a creed, something dies; we do not believe God, we only believe our belief about Him. Jesus said, “Except ye become as little children.” Spiritual life is the life of a child. We are not uncertain of God, but uncertain of what He is going to do next. If we are only certain in our beliefs, we get dignified and severe and have the ban of finality about our views; but when we are rightly related to God, life is full of spontaneous, joyful uncertainty and expectancy. “Believe also in Me,” said Jesus, not - “Believe certain things about Me.” Leave the whole thing to Him, it is gloriously uncertain how He will come in, but He will come. Remain loyal to Him. -Oswald Chambers

photo by Andre Arment 

Road Trip!

We are road tripping through the Southwest right now, with plans to see Mumford and Sons perform live tonight. We are having a lovely time! More to come on our travel adventures, but for now we leave you with a gorgeous thought-provoker from the Grand Canyon. Happy Easter!

"Her Morning Elegance"

This stop-motion animation is so cool! In a creepy, quirky kind of happy way. 

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Facing Fears

(photo credit)

We've talked a bit about fear on Words and Whimsy before, but the subject keeps rearing its ugly head in our lives; and now we're prepared to take a (more) serious tone. 

Seriously, guys, this is important.

Fear can't dictate our lives if we want to live them fully, with love and abandon.

And yet I find that I've allowed fear to hold me in a death grip much too often. I avoid making decisions that will put me in a position to be vulnerable or face something scary. I desperately evade disappointing people because I'm afraid of being wrong or of being accused of being wrong. Sometimes this leads to actual wrongdoing. Other times it simply takes me down the safe path, where I don't have to grow spiritually, emotionally, mentally. 

Giving in to fear keeps us from intimacy with other people. 

Giving in to fear keeps our growth stunted.

Giving in to fear causes us to miss out. 

Fear happens to even the bravest soul. It's natural and human to be afraid. But what we do with it determines where we go, who we know and how we grow.

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." -2 Timothy 1:7

Brandie and I have decided to face our fears deliberately, to ask Why am I afraid of this? If the root cause is not something mindlessly dangerous, we will put ourselves in a position to encounter that fear and defeat it. 

(photo credit)

This means doing more of the things that scare us. Branching out, trying new things, being assertive, taking chances. Saying prayers and taking leaps into the dark.

What will this look like for us? Maybe it means taking a solo road trip, being open to a new relationship, going somewhere new, or pursuing what we love instead of what's safe and expected. Or maybe it's something seemingly-insignificant, like trying a food that's always sounded disgusting, striking up a conversation with a stranger or registering for a full-length triathlon.

Whatever it means to you, try facing up to your fears alongside us. I'm willing to bet that we'll find that there's no truth behind the terror, and we may just be stronger and more godly as a result. Bring on the growth, knowledge, newness and (maybe even) fun!

Cheers,

Chelsea

P.S. --Mom, I know you don't want us skydiving or base jumping. But as part of this anti-fear project, we just may have to face the terror of jumping out of a plane at 13,000 feet. ;) More to come on that...

Why I love this insane weather. And...giveaway winners!

So Spring is here. And yet, the rain continues. Rain, wind, hail, lightning. Truly wintery, gray, “I-don’t-want-to-go-out-in-this” weather. Complain about it all you like—You are entitled. It’s pretty nasty—but in spite of all that, I love it.

No, maybe it’s because of all that. I love curling up inside with a warm cup of tea, listening to the rain beat against the house. I love walking about in the rain—umbrella or not—and getting that fresh, sharp, cool air into my lungs. I love the smell of the wet earth. I love clouds and rainbows. I love the way we can have spring and winter simultaneously, as though this little corner of the world were a bit bipolar. I love seeing bright pops of color in the brave little flowers that insist upon blooming through the gale. I mean, even if you’re longing for the summer sun, surely the bursts of flowery color can bring you a little cheer.

Bring on those wild weather changes. I’ve got my rainboots, layered clothing, and a cup of tea. I’m ready. Plus, summer will be here all too soon and we’ll be moaning about the ridiculous heat. Let’s enjoy some wet weather while we have it. :)

Thank you all for your comments on our giveaway post via tumblr and facebook. We have selected a winner! celery, for your inspiring, summery post about salad with avocado, you win a dozen banana chocolate chip cookies! Yay! And we will definitely attempt your tropical salad recipe very soon. (Note for summer-loving readers: This salad is quite possibly a cure for the winter-is-too-long-blues, if you’ve got them. Check out the comments section on the last post for a quick taste of island goodness.) And celery, email us at wordsandwhimsy@gmail.com to claim your delicious prize. 

Thanks for participating, folks, and if you didn’t win, don’t worry. We’ll have more giveaways soon. 

--Chelsea

Are you a cook or a baker?

It seems like everyone who likes preparing food is always either a baker or a cook. Rarely both.

We are a perfect example of this dichotomy. Brandie and I both love to eat, and we love to prepare food. We take turns cooking dinner and each bake desserts frequently.

However, we do not have equal talents.

I can bake, and I love it. I can make simple cookies and complicated cakes, triple-layer cheesecakes and delicate tarts. I’m pretty undaunted by any task involving baking. Perhaps the ability stems from my deep love of all sugary foods.

However, get me to cook something as simple as, oh, say, rice, and I blanch. I literally cannot prepare rice. Something in my genetic code renders me helpless when faced with that simple task. Similarly, eggs and I don’t get along either. They end up chewy or slimy or just plain wrong. It’s not that I can’t cook at all or that I don’t enjoy it… it’s just that it takes a lot of work, and often the result is unsatisfactory.

For Brandie, the opposite is true. She looks at a recipe for Irish cream pie and gets a look of disbelief on her face. She has a habit of burning chocolate chip cookies. She can bake, but she doesn’t enjoy it much.

But boy, can she cook! Brandie makes the best breakfast I’ve ever eaten, and she’s great at experimenting with ingredients. Her rice comes out perfectly; her chicken is perfectly moist; her eggs are magically fluffy and creamy at the same time. You can’t teach that kind of perfection. I’m convinced some people are just born with it.

So, which are you? Luckily for us, we’ve figured out how to fill in the gaps for one another. Thank God, because I can’t stand my rice burned, and Brandie loves a perfectly-gooey cookie. :)

Check back tomorrow for one of our favorite easy recipes, Spicy Caribbean Tilapia. It’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Happy Valentine’s Day Eve!

-Chelsea

Experimental cookies and a delicious giveaways

Bananas and chocolate are a perfect pair. Indeed, even the most hard-hearted person melts a little bit at the taste of a chocolate-dipped frozen banana or a slice of fresh-from the oven banana bread with a cup of hot chocolate. And you know that there has got to be a reason that banana split sundaes are so famous.

So, logically, adding a mashed banana to a batch of chocolate chip cookies is the perfect way to jazz up an old favorite. One day we found ourselves with an over-ripe banana that we didn't want to waste, and banana chocolate chip cookies were born.

They're warm, gooey and perfectly sweet. Why didn't we think of this before?

We've experimented a lot with these cookies so far, adding oatmeal for a heartier cookie, adding cinnamon or more banana for a heightened banana-bread-esque taste. The last time we made these, we chopped up chocolate bars instead of using chips. They're really delicious in any variation.

Make these cookies yourself by following our recipe below (or experiment with your own chocolate chip cookie recipe).

And as our last (and regretfully belated) food-month giveaway, WIN a dozen fresh-baked handfuls of experimental perfection. Just comment on this post (tell us about a cooking experiment gone right or wrong) for a chance to win!

1 cup butter, softened

¾ cup brown sugar                                                                 

¾ cup granulated sugar

1-2 mashed ripe bananas

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 ¼ cup flour

1 cup quick oats (optional)

1 or 1 ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips

---

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat butter and sugars till fluffy. Add banana, eggs and vanilla; beat till smooth.  Add flour, salt, baking soda and mix thoroughly. Stir in chocolate chips and oats.  Drop batter in rounded spoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.

The first time I heard about these milkshakes, they were featured on a Travel Channel foods show. The description floored me. Could there really be such a thing? Toasted marshmallows are hot. Milkshakes are frozen. Intrigued by the contradiction, I determined instantly to make my own version. Brandie wasn’t so sure. The thought of sipping marshmallows through a straw, frozen, seemed too wrong. But I think I convinced her with this recipe.  Give it a try! You won’t be disappointed.

—-

Toasted Marshmallow Milkshakes

Like the ones from The Stand in NYC

(recipe adapted from this one at Gourmet.com)

One half gallon of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream (you may use more or less than a half gallon)

20 jumbo marshmallows plus more for garnish

One half cup of milk (more or less depending on desired consistency… I like mine super-thick, so I might use a little less)

Whipped cream

Seriously, that’s it!

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Toast the marshmallows. You can do this the old-school (and better) way, over an open fire. Or you can toast them in the oven on the broiler setting. Make them a deep golden brown. The toastier they are, the more potent the flavor (but don’t burn them).

Immediately blend the hot, toasted marshmallows in the blender till smooth. Whip them with about half the milk.

Add the vanilla ice cream and whip till blended.

Pour into glasses and garnish with whipped cream and a toasted marshmallow or two on top.

Sip slowly and enjoy!