black is best (39 weeks)

June 23, 2014

Ask me last Friday if I would still be pregnant this morning the answer would have undoubtedly been no.  I was certain my water was going to break that afternoon (at a car dealership no less).  Yet here we are a few days later and baby boy is still rolling around in my belly.  I guess I could be bouncing up and down on a ball, eating my weight in pineapple or walking laps around the reservoir but I am opting to take it easy and enjoy these final days.  Besides, I have enough black maxi dresses to get me through another week.

maternity_style_fashion_39_weeks_1 maternity_style_fashion_39_weeks_2 maternity_style_fashion_39_weeks_3Already having a toddler at home has made this pregnancy significantly different than my first.  I felt like I had the time to really savor and focus on simply being pregnant, whereas this time around most of my focus is on the little girl looking up at me.  Many people have said to us not to worry about loving the second one as much as the first – it will come naturally the instant he is born.  Funny thing is of all the anxiety I have had this pregnancy (and believe me there has been a lot) that has not been one of them.  Jettie has loved the idea of a baby brother before she even knew for certain there was a baby brother in there.  Her frequent “How’s the baby doing, mommy?” and belly bump kisses melt me on the spot.  She beams with pride while claiming to strangers that she is going to change poopy diapers (yeah, right…).  Of course there will be adjustments, hiccups to officially being a family of four once he is here.  But I can’t help but beam with my own pride at how accepting and sweet she already seems to be to him.  No pregnancy will ever be like the surreal experience I had with my first.  And no pregnancy will be like the one I am experiencing now, with an extremely excited Jettie Jean by my side.

maternity_style_fashion_39_weeks_4 maternity_style_fashion_39_weeks_5 maternity_style_fashion_39_weeks_6|WEARING| black maxi dress similar/hat similar/necklace similar/Old Navy flip flops

 

brandyjsig

 

 

 

Posted in bump style, outfits, style | Tagged | Leave a comment

watermelon sangria

June 20, 2014

watermelon_sangria_1“His head is right there.”  This statement at our most recent doctor’s appointment sent Sticky’s face from nervousness to straight up terror.  I of course am well aware that baby boy’s head is right there.  When a likely 8+ pound baby is pushing down on your pelvic area you know it, trust me.  What we do not know is when, which can put a husband slightly on edge (it does mine at least).  In order to help the poor guy out I figured it was high time for a cocktail post.  He was more than agreeable to helping me with anything I needed for this shoot in order to get that glass in hand.  Hard to believe the next time one of these rolls around I will be able to cheers along with him.

watermelon_sangria_2 watermelon_sangria_3Some sangria recipes can be rather complicated as far as ingredients and how long it needs to “marinate”.  Of course these complex, more traditional versions are well worth all the fuss.  But there are times when we need to keep things simple.  This is your unassuming and delightfully refreshing version of sangria.  Perfectly acceptable for lazy summer afternoons.

watermelon_sangria_4 watermelon_sangria_5Next time you are chopping up a watermelon reserve a few pieces and reward yourself with a drink.  You won’t regret it.

Cheers!

 

brandyjsig

 

 

watermelon sangria
 
Print
Ingredients
  • 1 (750 ml) bottle crisp dry Rosé
  • 3 tablespoons Triple Sec
  • 3 tablespoons agave nectar
  • 1 cup raspberries
  • ½ cup cubed watermelon
  • ½ peach, thinly sliced
  • 5 to 6 thin slices lime
  • Ice, for serving
Instructions
  1. In a large pitcher, combine the Rosé, Triple Sec, and agave nectar. Add the raspberries, watermelon, peach, and lime, and gently stir to combine. Chill for 3 to 4 hours.
  2. Serve cold, over ice.

recipe from Yum Sugar

Posted in cheers!, recipes | Tagged | 2 Comments

big sibling kit

June 19, 2014

Brandy is so so close to meeting her precious boy- and we are all over the moon with anticipation and excitement!  Hard to believe we will be adding a little man to our crew, when for so long it has been the four of us and our girls. Jettie and Adelynn were born a mere three weeks apart.. I can still remember the very first time we laid them down next to eachother.  We used to guess what their personalities would be like and wonder if they would like to play together as much as we hoped they would.  Three years later, and these girls are truly like sisters. A friendship and love so genuine that I know regardless of what the future holds for them they will always be connected by this special bond. To watch them grow and learn together has been the biggest gift- to see them laugh together still makes my heart leap.

Adelynn has been working on putting something special together for Jettie for when her brother arrives. A “big sister kit” that could be personalized for any big sibling to be sure they feel special and important on that big day, too.

new_sibling_kit

A few things to keep her busy, a camera to capture memories from her point of view, some snacks, and of course a baby of her very own.
1. Fancy Nancy Reuseable Sticker Book for quiet time in the hospital.  2. Baby Stella Boy doll–  I got the girls the girl version of this doll when they were babies, and they still tote them around.  I also love this doll because it is the only cute boy doll I have seen!  3. Lately Lily Flash Cards to keep her little mind busy!  4 & 6- Yummy snacks! (Grab something from the dollar isle at Target!)  5. Disposable Camera– Remember these?!  I can’t think of many uses for them- but how perfect for capturing moments from a big sisters view. (Or taking pictures of the walls. Whatever floats her boat!)   7. Big – A book not just about being a “big” sister, but about being the biggest, best version of yourself.  Love!  8. A cute kitty backpack to put it all in!

You’re going to be the best big sister, Jettie Jean!  We are so excited to meet this little guy!

XO,

shansig

Posted in give a gift, Kids | Tagged | Leave a comment

strawberry citrus pie

June 18, 2014

strawberry_citrus_pie_1

A few weeks back I posted about gathering around the table, and sharing meals with those we love more often.  The last few weeks have been filled with just that for us, and what a better time than when summer is breaking through, filling our days (and our backyards) with sunshine!  For Father’s Day we sat around a card table under the trees, and enjoyed a really yummy meal, honoring our favorite guys with their favorite foods.  Pineapple pulled pork, brie stuffed mushrooms, caprese salad and this yummy strawberry citrus pie.  Our bellies and our hearts were full!

strawberry_citrus_pie_2

This pie has a unique taste- it is truly a strawberry pie to knock the socks off all other strawberry pies.  The unexpected zing of the orange zest makes it taste far more complex than it really is, and definately feels a bit more “summer” than a strawberry pie you would serve for Thanksgiving.

strawberry_citrus_pie_3

My crust could have been prettier, but 1. Adelynn insisted on doing most of the rolling out, and 2. as long as my crust tastes yummy I couldn’t care less how ugly it is.  (Sorry if you are cringing at my ugly crust!)

strawberry_citrus_pie_4

strawberry citrus pie
 
Print
Ingredients
  • Crust:
  • 2½ cups all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 2 sticks cold butter, cut into chunks
  • ¼ cup ice water
  • Filling:
  • 3 lb strawberries, chopped
  • ¾ cup sugar, plus 2 tbsp separated, and another 2 tbsp separated
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp orange juice
  • zest of one medium sized orange (about 1 tbsp, but dont worry about measuring here!)
  • 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
Instructions
  1. For your crust:
  2. Pulse 2 cups of flour, sugar and salt in a food processor, or whisk together by hand. Add butter, and continue pulsing until large crumbles appear. Add remaining ½ cup flour, and ¼ cup ice water, and pulse until a ball of dough forms. (Do not overwork the dough! If you are making by hand use a pastry cutter to cut in butter and form dough.)
  3. Split dough in two, and wrap discs to be refridgerated for at least an hour.
  4. For the filling:
  5. Place 2 tbsp sugar in a small bowl. Add orange zest and mix to combine. Next, using a sharp knife split open the vanilla bean, and scrape the inside of the bean placing the seeds into your sugar/zest bowl. The seeds will be sticky, so use your fingers to really mix them into the sugar and separate the seeds so that they are not clumpy. Set aside.
  6. In a large bowl, combine strawberries, cornstarch, sugar, and orange juice. Add the sugar that has the zest and seeds in it and mix well.
  7. Line the bottom of your oven with foil to catch the juice that boils over while your pie bakes, and then preheat your oven to 425F. To prepare your pie, roll out one disc of dough to fit your pie pan. Fill with strawberry mixture, and then roll out your second disc of dough. We chose to use a cookie cutter to make hearts for the top, but you can top your pie however you like. Be sure to leave a few holes for ventilation.
  8. Brush the top of the crust with heavy cream and sprinkle with the remaining 2 tbsp of sugar. Bake for about 50 minutes, until crust is lightly browned.
  9. Serve warm!

For the crust, I used the recipe from The Pioneer Woman: Food From My Frontier.  The pie recipe was adapted from Saveur.

strawberry_citrus_pie_5
XO,
shansig

Posted in recipes, something sweet | Tagged | 2 Comments

easy scarf updo for summer

June 17, 2014

Let’s face it ladies, when it’s hot and humid outside the hair has no place being down.  This scarf up-do keeps you cool while being a fun break from the typical ponytail or bun.  Try it the next time you find yourself reaching for the ponytail holder.

easy_scarf_updo_1Voilà!  Mix this look up by making the back section a little messier or braiding a few pieces before tucking in.  This hair is meant to be fun and easy – just how summer should be!

 

double_name

 

 

Posted in beauty, hair | Tagged | 6 Comments