spring and summer scarves

Last week we talked about 6 simple ways to rock a scarf in your hair.  Today I want to take things a tad further by showing some extremely versatile ways to pull them into your warm weather looks.  Lightweight scarves of different lengths are perfect for adding a punch of color and pattern to what may feel like an otherwise boring ensemble.  They also come in handy for tying into your hair later, or wrapping around your shoulders for when the summer air turns a bit chilly.  With some help from my beautiful cousin Raegan, here are a handful of the easiest ways I could think of to wear those beautiful scarves.

Wrap a lightweight scarf around your neck several times.  Tie a knot in back and tuck into a layer so it is hidden.  Fluff scarf a bit after tied:

spring_summer_scarves_1Tie scarf around a handle of your bag (I told you these were easy):

spring_summer_scarves_3Simply drape an untied long scarf on the neck.  This adds length and an ease to your look:

spring_summer_scarves_4Play with pattern by mixing a floral scarf with nautical stripes:

spring_summer_scarves_2Warm weather months are meant to be carefree.  No complicated knots, ties or folding with these looks.  Just throw on your favorite pretty scarf and have fun!

brandyjsig

 

 

 

 

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spring for etsy

Regardless of waking to a dusting of snow this morning it is officially Spring!  Time for fresh air, birds chirping and all things floral.  We’ve put together a few of our favorite etsy finds for this most feel good time of year!

Brandy J:

etsy_spring_finds_2014_11 Currently drooling over this powder room refresh, specifically the to die for wallpaper.  My dining room is begging for something floral and dramatic.  Unfortunately, designer wallpaper is currently not in the budget but this large Flowers Poster by debbiecarlos could fit the bill perfectly.  2 No one rocks floral prints quite like my husband.  Always on the hunt for something to jazz up his blazers and vests this pocket square by pompandceremony would make both of us smile.  3 While I may not possess much of a green thumb, I give it my best effort every gardening season.  Love the idea of some pretty garden markers by daisychestnut to spruce up my bed of soil and pots a bit.

Shan:

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1 Loving this spring floral iphone case by LoveMaeStore2 Brandy’s post on Tuesday inspired me to try more fun headwear- and I have had my eye on several of  these easy headbands by NativeThread. (She makes adorable baby one’s as well!)  This hoop art by MakenziandMadelyn is simple and lovely.  It would be adorable in a nursery!

etsy_spring_finds_2014_3The PPJ Shop and Flour Loves Sugar also offer some fabulous seasonal flavor.  Spruce up your wall with this simply stated Spring printable.  Hungry?  Nothing brightens your palette like citrus, these lemon loves poppyseed cookies are the perfect mix of tart and sweet.

Happy Spring!

double_name

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in etsy shop, web love | Tagged | 1 Comment

waffles and roasted balsamic strawberry sauce

Before our wedding last year, I posted on facebook about registering for the wedding and my dreams of owning a fabulous waffle maker.  (I truly have been obsessed with these thick, belgian waffles for as long as I can remember!)  A week before our wedding a waffle maker appeared at my door, and in the last year we have become pretty aquainted with it.  Waffles are a common breakfast, lunch and dinner in our home- and to be honest this is the only recipe I have tried, because.. well… “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it”.

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This recipe has been called “waffles of insane greatness” all over the internet, and they truly are insanely great.  (So great you’ll never need another waffle recipe!)  The only downside to their perfection would be that the batter has to sit for 30 minutes, which is annoying if your patience level is as low as mine is.  (I’ve learned to plan ahead.  Make them before you get hungry.)  Even with the wait, they are so worth it!

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waffles of insane greatness
 
Ingredients
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1½ tsp sugar
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 large egg
  • ¾ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
  1. Combine the dry ingredients in a medium sized bowl. Whisk together the wet ingredients in a seperate bowl, and then combine the two. Mix well until no lumps remain, and then let the batter sit for 30 minutes to rest before pouring into waffle maker.
  2. Fill waffle wells and cook until lightly golden. Serve warm!
  3. (A few tips- If you dont have buttermilk, simply combine ½ cup whole milk and ½ tbsp white vinegar. Let sit for 10 minutes.
  4. This recipe makes about two large waffles, so double if feeding more than 2 to 3 people!)

Perfect, golden, crisp waffles every time. A new addition to this favorite was the sauce- which we have now determined is the very best way to eat them!! Simple to make, with a perfect savory sweet flavor.

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roasted balsamic strawberry sauce
 
Ingredients
  • 8 oz strawberries, hauled and sliced
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey
Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350F. Chop and haul your strawberries, and place them in a baking dish. Sprinkle with brown sugar and balsamic vinegar, and mix well. Bake for 45 minutes, and then mix in honey upon taking them out. Allow to cool completely before transfering sauce to jar or container. Store in refridgerator for up to a week.

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Cheers to “doing brunch” more often!
shansig

Posted in breakfast, brunch, recipes, something sweet | Tagged | 2 Comments

asparagus, spinach and feta frittata

asparagus_frittata_1We finally brunched again and it felt so right.  Why we wait so long in between these casual get togethers and delicious food I will never know.  This time around Shan made dangerous waffles with an even more dangerous sauce while I went a little lighter with a green packed frittata.  Full of asparagus, spinach and mostly egg whites this dish just feels good to eat.  And let’s not forget about the feta.  Salty bits of goodness packed into every single bite, oh my.  It’s a must try for all of you egg lovers out there.

asparagus_frittata_2Frittatas are basically a quiche without the crust.  They are incredibly versatile and can be made a million different ways.  If you have eggs, veggies and cheese you have what you need for a frittata.  It is important to make this dish in an oven safe pan.  Also please note this particular recipe only serves 4 so if you are making for a crowd you will want to double or even triple the ingredients.

asparagus_frittata_3This bad boy can be served warm or room temperature (2 of my favorite words when entertaining).  If you want to be extra fancy you could pour the egg and veggie mixture into mini muffin tins and bake in oven making bite size frittatas.  It is brunch however, no need to go overboard with the fancy if you are not up to it.

asparagus_frittata_4I know what you are thinking.  “Nice and healthy frittata and all but what about those waffles and strawberry sauce?”.  No worries, Shan will be posting later today (and oh my goodness they are not to be missed).

Happy Brunching!

brandyjsig

 

 

asparagus, spinach and feta frittata
 
Ingredients
  • 6 egg whites
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • ¼ red onion, diced into small pieces
  • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
  • 8 asparagus spears, tough ends removed and cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 2 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • ⅓ cup feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh flat leaf parsley
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg whites and whole eggs. Add a little salt and pepper and set aside.
  2. In a small frying pan, heat up the olive oil on medium-high heat. Add onion and saute for 3 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for and additional 1-2 minutes. Add the asparagus and spinach. Cook until the asparagus is tender and the spinach is wilted.
  3. Pour the egg mixture over the asparagus, spinach, and onions. Sprinkle on half of the cheese. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on medium low heat or until eggs are mostly set.
  4. When the eggs are mostly set, sprinkle the fritatta with the rest of the feta cheese and minced parsley. Put the pan into the oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the fritatta is firm and the cheese is melted.
  5. Cut fritatta into wedges and serve.
Notes
* Be sure to use oven safe pan.
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 4

recipe adapted from Two Peas & Their Pod

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popcorn balls

popcorn_balls_1
Yesterday was a big day in our house- Frozen arrived!!! I’m sure the post man has never been greeted with such enthusiasm- those little hands could not rip open the package fast enough. This week, it was indeed “the little things”.
A special movie release called for a special snack for movie time, so popcorn balls it was! (Jazzed up with some blue sprinkles, of course.) The great thing about these popcorn balls is that they are a cinch to make, and they are soft and marshmallowy, perfect for little teeth. (I’m not sure that “marshmallowy” is a word- but it should be.)

 

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popcorn balls
 
Ingredients
  • ½ cup unpopped popcorn (12 cups popped)
  • 2 tsp cold water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¾ cup light corn syrup
  • ¼ cup butter (1/2 stick)
  • 2¾ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
  1. Pop popcorn and place it in a very large bowl.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the corn syrup, water, butter, powdered sugar, marshmallows, vanilla and salt. Over medium heat, stir until combined.
  3. Pour mixture over popcorn, and use a large spoon to fold in, being sure to evenly coat all of the popcorn.
  4. Line a large baking sheet with wax paper.
  5. Once cooled enough to handle, rub a dab of butter between your hands and quickly form the popcorn into balls. Place them on the wax paper to dry, and sprinkle immediately if desired.
  6. *A few tips- be sure your popcorn is cool before attempting to form balls- it's easy to burn your hands!
  7. If the popcorn is sticking to your hands and not forming well, wash hands, re-butter them and try again. Working quickly helps as well!
  8. You could add M&M's, pretzels, toffee, anything you would like to this recipe! It's great alone, or as a base!

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shansig

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