beauty for anti-stress

It’s the most wonderful time of year – well, for the most part.  We do our best to enjoy the holidays, make everything just so for our families and cross off that list with thoughtful “make you feel special” gifts.  But there is a sort of rush feeling that goes along with that, especially during the year Thanksgiving came a week late (I would like to be in on the meeting the next time someone decides that is a good idea).  While I look forward to December it does cause some unavoidable tension and stress.  Besides the fact that work is at an all time rush this month I am also a wife and mother who want the holidays to be as perfect as possible for my family.  Obviously there are things I can change on a day to day basis – learning how to not say “yes” all the time would probably be at the top of the list.  Thankfully there are also products out there that can help me unwind.  I’m fairly certain I am not the only girl who wouldn’t mind Santa throwing one of these in her stocking:

beauty_priducts_for_stress1Lancome Hydra Zen Neocalm Multi-Relief Anti-Stress Moisturising Cream 2Kava Kava Root Extract by 1Hour Break 3Kiehl’s Since 1851 ‘Skin Rescuer’ Stress-Minimizing Daily Hydrator 4Earth Therapeutics Microwavable Anti-Stress Sinus Pillow 5Freeman Feeling Beautiful Dead Sea Minerals Facial Anti-Stress Mask 6Pevonia Essential Oils Bath & Shower Gel- Anti-Stress

Until I get a chance to try any of these products I will do my best to drink lots of water and get as much rest as possible.  At the end of the day it is the people we love that make this season so grand.  Being 100% in the moment with them means more than any gift ever will.  Learning to take deep breaths and not worry so much about all the things that do not matter (or we have no control over) is a lesson to last throughout the entire year.

Here’s to our health and well being!

brandyjsig

 

 

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sparkle for the holidays

sparkle_2013_1image by the talented and beautiful Shay Cochrane

After 7 years of having our pictures taken for the holidays I cannot believe this is the first I have added sparkle.  There may never be another session without them.  And I’m totally not kidding.  Already thinking about next year.  Why do I love them so?  Because they just make you feel good, and fancy and a little glamorous.  Sequins, worn appropriately, are now acceptable year round (thank goodness) but there is nothing like being sparkly this festive season.  Dress them up, dress them down – they are as versatile as your favorite pair of jeans yet way more flashy (because it’s fun to be flashy sometimes).  If you have yet to own a piece or two of glitz and glam I suggest you do so immediately.  I have collected some sparkle that is available now all for $50 or under – some being under $25.

sparkle_20131Forever 21 disco sequin top 2H&M slim-fit pants 3J Crew Factory striped draped sequin tee 4Mango leopard sequin dress 5Old Navy sequined tank 6Forever 21 sequined statement shift dress 7New York & Company sequined pencil skirt 8H&M sequined cardigan 9H&M chiffon dress 10Forever 21 tribal sequin dress 11Old Navy sequined tank

My personal belief is that every woman should own at least a sparkly top for throwing on with a pair of jeans and blazer.  The next essential would be a dress or skirt.  A dress is so easy with just a pair of tights and pumps while the skirt can be worn with any essential top (crisp white button down, denim button down, messy tee, tucked in lightweight sweater, etc…).  When it comes to accessorizing your glam keep your jewelry simple so that the piece can speak for itself (plain hoops are my go-to).

More images of our holiday session to come.  And don’t worry I didn’t make my man wear a sequin ensemble.

Have fun shopping for your sparkle!

brandyjsig

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moscow mule gift kit

moscow_mule_1You know those people who always give such fabulous gifts?  Packaged perfectly and filled with things you didn’t know you wanted yet love.  My mom is that person.  Year after year she manages to put together the most thoughtful gift sets that are impossible not to feel special receiving.  A particular favorite would be her cocktail kits.  A fun container filled with everything you need to make one heck of a drink.  This year I decided to have a go at it.  Say hello to the “Moscow Mule kit”.

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Items you will need:

  • ginger beer
  • vodka
  • lime
  • Moscow Mule mug (found here, here or here)
  • container large enough to hold all items (TJ Maxx and Home Goods are good stores to check out for boxes)
  • newspaper

Fill the bottom of container with newspaper and place items on top in a visually pleasing fashion.  The recipe for a Moscow Mule could not be simpler (squeeze lime, pour vodka over ice and top with ginger beer).  And because this is the gift giving season here is a free printable of the recipe just for you!

moscow_mule_0 moscow_mule_3Guys are often hard to buy for – this would please any man who loves beer or spirits.  Would also make the perfect host gift.  If the Moscow Mule is not your thing chose another concoction (vodka, olives and a martini comes to mind).  Most importantly these drink sets are easy and gorgeous and something many would absolutely adore.  There is still plenty of time to put a kit or two together for the cocktail lovers on your list!

moscow_mule_4Cheers!

brandyjsig

 

 

“http://prettyplainjanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/moscow_mule_pin.jpg”>Moscow Mule Gift Kit
Posted in cheers!, diy, give a gift | Tagged | 16 Comments

holiday traditions

This Christmas marks the 5th Christmas Josh and I have spent together.  The first, we had not been dating long and he was 600 miles away.  The second, he flew up on Christmas eve after a series of unfortunate events for his car.  The next we had a crawling baby, a tiny little house, and a giant hand-me-down tree.  (Things get a little smoother from here.)

Last Christmas was the first that felt real to us.  Our home felt like ours, Adelynn had a dim idea of who Santa Clause was, and the growing pains were gone.  Our tree was real, and so was the fuzzy feeling we had surrounding us.

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Each year brings on more change, and this year has been no different. My favorite part about Christmas has been growing in to our own traditions, figuring out the kind of memories we want to create.

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On this fifth Christmas, we have figured out that an elf named Cupcake was sent here by Santa to watch us.  That cherry cordinal kisses are the best thing you will ever eat in your life.  That you can never have enough Christmas books.  Or movies.  That the grinch is indeed a good guy, and that there is no ornament that can not be mended by hot glue.

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Traditions are something that you grow in to, and we are certainly still growning.  But as of now, we are loving our Christmas- broken ornaments and all.

shansig

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christmas cookie recipes

Big, magical snowflakes have been falling all day, and I have been cooped up in my kitchen baking.  There is something about those snowflakes that is so nostalgic- staring out the giant window in my kitchen I can’t help but feel wrapped up in them.  Christmas is two weeks away, and if I look past the workload that lies smack dab in the middle of here and there, I am dreaming all of the baking that will happen in those few days right before.  Holidays seem to bring even the most unlikely into the kitchen- because something about this cozy season makes you want to whip up a batch of homemade cookies.  They make the perfect gift, the perfect carry-in item, the perfect scent to fill your home.  Here is a round-up of a few great holiday cookie recipes that you should try next time your kitchen is calling you home.

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1. Peppermint Butter Cookies by Taste And Tell 2. Mint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies by Knead To Cook 3. Toffee Speckled Snickerdoodles by In Katrina’s Kitchen 4. Turtle Cookies by The Kitchen Is My Playground 5. Iced Gingerbread Cookies by A Family Feast 6. Cherry Chocolate Kisses by The Curvy Carrot

Happy Baking,

shansig

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