these things

August 22, 2014

Typically I gather a collection of links for this type of post.  Simple web addresses that have recently made me smile, laugh and sometimes cry.  Whether it’s a product, video, quote or image those things, for whatever reason, made me feel something.  I struggled finding the right fit today and for the longest time I could not figure out why.  Sitting at my dining room table, with towers of baby girl clothes looming over me, it suddenly hit me.  These things are making me smile, laugh and cry.

garage_sale_3Tomorrow is the garage sale I have been dreading since finding out we were having a boy.  Mostly I did not want to face the monstrous task of going through all of Jettie’s clothes (to say I went a little overboard while pregnant with her would be an understatement).  But as soon as the lid came off of the first bin I knew my heart was in trouble.  So many wonderful memories are wrapped up in these tiny onesies, footie jammies and itty bitty shoes.  Saying goodbye to them feels like I am saying goodbye to my baby girl.  My first baby.  The baby we weren’t sure we were ever going to get to say hello to.  Of course I realize they are only things.  But they are things that spark incredible moments in my memory bank.  Her first pair of skinny jeans that had us in stitches over their cuteness.  The onesies Jettie and Adelynn wore their first Halloween together (which is still their favorite holiday).  That porcupine shirt that melted me and Sticky on the spot every single time she had it on.  Item after item my soul goes to these moments.

garage_sale_4But the reality is that they truly are just things.  It is time for another mommy to slip that cute little romper on the baby girl she has dreamed about.  Hopefully someday she will pull a piece of Jettie’s clothing out of her baby’s bin and smile at the memory it triggers (or cry a little).

If you are local and have a baby or toddler girl to shop for we would love to see you (details here)!  Apologies in advance if I am a sobbing hot mess.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

 

brandyjsig

 

 

 

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brass lamp restoration

August 21, 2014

easy_lamp_restoration_2Isn’t she a beauty?? A beauty that looks as though she belongs in the Brady Bunch home, but a beauty none the less. When we moved into our house, this lamp was left behind, so we have been putting it to use. There it sat, in our living room, in all of it’s brass glory.
The thing is- these lamps are so darn heavy unlike the cheap ones you will find at Target. (Not bashing Targets cheap lamps!) I was determined to “upcycle” this lamp and give it a bit of a facelift. With the help of Rustoleum spray paint and a new shade- voila! I’ve got a new lamp.
easy_lamp_restoration_1All I used was painters tape, and a few good coats of paint.  This particular spray paint saved me the hastle of a coat of primer- but depending on the kind of paint you are using you may need one.  Also be sure your paint choice is brass-friendly!  Ours had a bit of a hammered texture, which gave it a touch of personality.  I was so happy with the final outcome!
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Be on the lookout for simple upcycle items- after all it’s garage sale season!! (Speaking of that- we’re having one this Saturday! If you’re local, see details on Facebook and be sure to stop and see us!)

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xo,
shansig

Posted in abode, diy | Tagged | 2 Comments

chocolate coconut scones

August 20, 2014

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I can’t believe we are nearly to 35 weeks.  With Adelynn, I felt pregnant for an eternity, but this time around it has been the blink of an eye.  Seeing September so close on the calendar and knowing that regardless of what our future with Locke holds he will definately be born in the coming weeks makes me both excited and nervous.  Nesting has set in, bags are packed, our bellies have permanent pits in them.

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I’ve also been trying to “prep” as much as possible.  Birthday’s in Septemeber, fall clothes for Adelynn- anything I need to think of I am trying to think of now.  Brandy did a fabulous post on things she made ahead and froze before having Bingham- she was freezing smart things like pizza dough and gnocchi.  I’m freezing scones.  It’s all carbs anyways, right?

For what its worth, these freeze beautifully.  I made a double batch- baked what I wanted of them immediately, and threw the others on a baking sheet in the freeze for a few hours before transfering them to a ziploc freezer bag.  What’s better than pulling homemade scones out of the freezer in the morning and needing  to do nothing but pop them into the oven?  That’s my kind of morning. 

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These scones are made with cake flour- making them light and delicate.  Add the texture of toasted coconut and the depth of dark chocolate and you have a flawless scones.

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xo,
shansig

 

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chocolate coconut scones
 
Print
Ingredients
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 2 cups low-protein flour (cake flour, pastry flour or White Lily)
  • 2½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • ½ cup shredded coconut, toasted, plus more for sprinkling the tops
  • ¾ cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1 egg + 1 tbsp milk
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 425F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the coconut stirring often to keep from burning, until toasted. Remove from pan and set aside to cool.
  3. In a a small bowl combine heavy cream and vanilla, set aside.
  4. In a seperate small bowl whisk together milk add egg, and set aside.
  5. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Work in the chilled butter with your fingers, working quickly until pea size crumbles remain.
  6. Pour in the heavy cream/vanilla, and using a spatula fold together until barely incorperated.
  7. Turn out dough onto a powdered surface, kneading to form the dough completely. Try to work quickly and only knead until dough is loosely formed.
  8. Pat down dough and cut into triangles, or circles, and place on baking sheet. Brush the tops with the egg wash, and sprinkle with coconut.
  9. Bake for 13-15 minutes, until centers are not glossy.
  10. Enjoy warm from the oven!

Posted in breakfast, recipes, something sweet | Tagged | 1 Comment

transitioning your makeup bag for fall

August 19, 2014

It’s always fun to see whats hot for makeup and hair trends with each new season change.  With spring and fall being the biggest  shifts they also bring the most change- and when makeup is involved, change is fun.  This fall we are seeing bold berry stains, hints of metallic (with nails too!), bold lashes, radiant skin and as always, smokey eyes.

Now don’t go tossing your spring shades, but you can definately stash them away with your sandals and sun hats to make room for a few key items that will transition your makeup bag from summer to fall.  Swap out your fun bright lipstick for matte, berry shades.  Trade your light tinted moisurizer in for a bit more coverage with a good foundation.   Add some metallic flair to your style with a bold nail.  Grab for a jewel toned palette next time you’re in Sephora- and have fun creating a smokey eye with green or blue! And last, big bold lashes are taking over- so skip those eyeliner wings.

Here’s some of what’s in, and some of what’s out. 

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As always, do what works best for your own personal style- but remember to have fun this fall by incorperating these stunning darker hues, and laying off on the eye liner!  (Er, this one is hard for me, I’ll admit.  I’m a liner girl through and through!)

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xo,

shansig

 

 

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seeing red for fall 2014

August 18, 2014

Fall is all about bright, bold color with red being one of the must haves. “Aurora Red” is the official Pantone name but I like to call it lipstick red. A timeless shade that works for almost every skin tone – I can’t think of a good reason not to own an item or two. My personal belief is that every girl should have a red coat, pump and dress in her closet. (Although those bright red leather pants sure would be fun if one is looking to splurge.):

red_fall_20141MICHAEL Michael Kors Asymmetrical Walker Coat 2Urbancode Leather Mini Crossbody Bag 3The Limited Ombre Scarf 4ASOS Wrap Plunge Jersey Jumpsuit 5H&M Red Leather Pants 6Mango Side Slit Dress 7DV by Dolce Vita Oaklee 8J.Crew Structured A-line Skirt

xo,

brandyjsig

 

 

 

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