freefall to fly – what i’m reading

January 30, 2014

In the midst of “Snowmageddon ’14” (you know, that snow and temps that chained us to the confines of our homes for three days?) this lovely book somehow made it’s way to my doorstep, thanks to a sweet friend of mine.  It’s been too long since I have really let myself dive into a book, and this one came at a time when I had no excuss not to.  So in I dove.

freefall_to_fly_1Freefall to Fly is a memoir written by Rebekah Lyons, where she full-heartedly dives into finding her purpose and using it to help others.  Somehow, she touches on anxiety, unreached goals, faith, finding purpose, channeling your purpose, community, vulnerability and transformation- all in a quick read.  Can we all relate with this?  On some level, I believe yes.  She asks the hardest question, of why are so many women facing anxiety and depression?  Are we failing eachother as women?

freefall_to_fly_2

So many chapters were read with tears streaming down my face.  Not always for myself, but for every woman that I know.  Her writing is beautiful, and her words were incredibly refreshing, each page better than the last.

freefall_to_fly_3
I closed this book with renewed hope; hope in humanity, in friendships, and in fulfilling my very own purpose.  It takes all of three days to read- so go grab yourself a copy!  What are you reading?

shansig

Posted in personal, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

diy ombre sugar hearts

January 29, 2014

ombre_sugar_cube_hearts_1
Who knew ombre could come in the form of sugar cube’s? And who knew they were so darn easy to make?? Not that I am one to munch on a sugar cube, but they certainly make for a festive Valentines Day gift or garnish.  I stumbled across this DIY on Wedding Chicks, and thought it was too good not to share.

Here’s what you will need:

1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, divided

1 tsp meringue powder mixed with 1 tbsp warm water

paste food coloring (available at craft like Hobby Lobby or Michaels)

a flat surface lined with parchment paper or a silpat mat, along with another baking sheet lined

a small cookie cutter

To get started, grab a small bowl and add 1/2 cup of sugar.  Drop in food color paste.  I combined a dark purple and pink.

ombre_sugar_cube_hearts_2

Using a spatula, completely mix the color into the sugar, creating the darkest of your ombred colors. (This step takes a few minutes, but keep working it in.  It will eventually blend!)

ombre_sugar_cube_hearts_3
Next, add in a teaspoon of your meringue powder/ water mixture, and use your spatula to combine. The mixture should resemble wet sand during this step, so add a bit more if it still seems too dry.

ombre_sugar_cube_hearts_4
Next, scoop the sugar out onto the prepared flat surface, and use your hands to compact it as tightly as you can. Use a rolling pin to roll the surface out flat, and cut out your desired shape. Transfter them to your baking sheet.  If the shape does not hold, add a bit more of the meringue mixture and try again.

To make the next color:

After your shapes are all cut out, throw the remaining colored sugar back into the bowl, add 1/2 cup more sugar, and combine.  Add 1 tsp meringue mixture, and mix again.  Roll out sugar on flat surface, and repeat the process.

Once all of your shapes are cut out, bake at 200F for 10 minutes, and then let them set overnight.

ombre_sugar_cube_hearts_6
There are so many fun options for these sweet treats. Use them to top cupcakes, wrap them up all alone, or dress up your cup of tea.

ombre_sugar_cube_hearts_7
ombre_sugar_cube_hearts_8
Oh ombre, you’ve stolen my heart- again.
shansig

Posted in diy, holidays, recipes | Tagged | 1 Comment

flirty easy updo

January 28, 2014

Valentine’s day calls for date night, and date night calls for fun, flirty hair. This side-bun is fairly simple and works on several hair types and lengths, making it super versatile- and I promise it takes all of 10 minutes to do.  (Plus some curling time if your hair is straight like mine!)  When styling any updo, start by using whatever “hold” product works best in your hair.  Lately I have been using Tigi Small Talk from about an inch off my scalp through the ends, along with root pump directly on the scalp, before blow drying.  If your hair is naturaly curly, you’re ready to go- if not go ahead and curl your hair.  Be sure to direct the curls away from your face, not forward towards it.  Using your favorite teasing comb (or a regular comb will do), tease the crown of your head, and a bit at the section where your bun will sit to give your pins a better hold.  To begin your updo, grab a few good bobby pins, extra hold hairspray, and shine spray if  you have some.  No biggie if you don’t!
flirty_easy_up_doLets get started!
1. First, gather all of your hair to one side.  If your hair is parted on one side, choose the side with the most hair.  Twist hair in that direction, right at the nape.

2. Insert a bobby pin (or two, depending on how much hair you have), until your twist feels secure.

3. Loosly braid your hair, but do not tie it when you finish.  If your braid seems too tights, pinch small sections and tug them out of the braid.

4. Hold tightly to one small strand, and push the rest of the braid up.

5. With your braid pushed up, it should resemble a loose bun, and you can begin pinning it into the base, where you would like the bun to sit.  Your hair type and the look you are trying to achieve (a loose, messy bun- or a tighter bun) will decide how much you need to pin.  Just keep pinning until it feels secure and looks how you would like it to!

Finsh your style with hairspray, and smooth pieces with shinespray.

There are so many fun variations of this style.  If you know how to fishtail braid, that makes for an awesome bun as well!  Most of all, have fun with it!!

shansig

 

 

Posted in beauty, hair | Tagged | 2 Comments

enjoy being frozen

January 27, 2014

Tonight I sit here with the comfort of knowing my husband’s rolling travel bag will be taking a break for awhile.  The past 3 weeks have consisted of several business trips for him.  All far from home and all happening over a weekend.  Sticky leaving has some sort of effect on mother nature, or at the very least really ticks off the gods of appliances .  There has been a gustnado, power outage, fridge gone bad and broken down furnace in the middle of winter.  This time around a polar vortex found it’s way into our world.  One day the snow fell, the next temperatures dropped to an unfathomable negative number.  This meant me, Jettie, our home and countless hours of one on one time.  It was an opportunity.  One worth grabbing with no hesitation.  One I realized almost too late was not to be missed.

Being a mother, wife, having two jobs and this blog I feel as if my mind is being pulled in a million different directions.  I am absolutely without a doubt not complaining.  Each and every one of those things fulfills me in a different way – with two of them being the most abundant reason I smile everyday.  What I struggle with is turning off  all these aspects of my life while focusing on only one.  Specifically this past month of quality time with my baby girl.  I am ashamed to admit it does not always come natural to give her 100% of my undivided attention.  Whether it’s the summoning phone or my own thoughts stealing the present it can feel impossible to turn it all off.  Then there are those moments when the only thing I focus on is drawing a requested killer whale (with no fish in it’s mouth of course).  These times are my true livelihood, the food that feeds my soul.    The key to surviving the chaos.  Without these little snippets in my life nothing else would be worth experiencing.  It’s amazing how much genuine one on one time with a 2 1/2 year old makes me a better wife, friend, photographer and all the other roles I play from day to day.  It forces me to show up and not miss what is right in front of me.  The past few weeks have unveiled so many of my weaknesses yet showed me the importance of being “frozen” with someone I love.

(obligatory sleepy smile photo sent to daddy every morning)

frozen

brandyjsig

 

Posted in personal | Tagged | Leave a comment

trend alert | bold florals

January 27, 2014

We are not even clear of January and I am already experiencing the winter blues. May have something to do with the fact that it looks and feels like Antarctica outside. I don’t even think I would flinch if the abominable snowman strolled by. Sure would liven up the day at least.

A good way to brighten a cold polar day is by infusing a little spring into your look. Bold florals are a big trend for the coming season and something that should be worn now. If they are not growing outside we may as well be wearing them.  And goodness there are some pretty pretty options available out there:
spring_2014_floral_trend1H&M Treggings do not think, breath or hesitate just purchase yourself some treggings.  These florals are great but they also come in denim.  The best version of jeans meet leggings I have ever encountered. 2Forever 21 Garden Chic Blazer this would be adorable over a denim shirt with statement necklace. 3Target Floral Shift Dress a bright and fun little dress that would easily pair with a chunky black cardigan sweater and boots. 4Dorothy Perkins Red Floral Tee slip this under a black or white blazer for a little winter pick me up.  Would be perfect for Valentine’s Day. 5Forever 21 Pixelated Floral Skirt freshen up an oversized sweater by throwing it over this daring skirt. 6ASOS Grunge Floral Maxi Dress so yeah, I’m obsessed with this too.  Topped with a moto jacket and scarf for wearing now capability. 7Forever 21 Floral Haze Sweatshirt it’s simple two-tone pattern would pair perfectly with another floral (if you have that sort of gumption).  Would also work well with a high waisted skirt.  8Forever 21 Matelassè Drop Waist Dress hi date night.  Isn’t this just so sweet?  Make it office ready with a white button up layered underneath.

Stop and shop the florals!

brandyjsig

Posted in style, web love | Tagged | Leave a comment