beauty gift guide

December 3, 2013

So many can be hard to find the perfect gift for especially if “their thing” is not exactly “your thing”.  While I would not ever consider myself the ultimate beauty girl I do love pretty palettes and fun new products.  Here is a collection of gifts I think any make-up/beauty adoring girl would love:

beauty_gift_guide_20131Stila Art of the Fine Line Stay All Day® Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner Set – the best of the best in creating the perfect line every single time. 2SEPHORA COLLECTION Set of 5 Color Hit Nail Set – love this collection of classic shades.  The warm rich hues will be coveted now while the the more vibrant shades will be a breath of fresh air come the end of winter. 3MAC Stroke of Midnight Face Pallette Cool – this palette has it all – powder, shadow, lip and eyeliner, WOW!  Unfortunately it is currently sold out but you could always check your local MAC store/counter or sign up to be notified when it is back in stock. 4Marc Jacobs Fragranc Rollerball Trio – for the girl who loves to switch up her scent.  Much like his apparel line these fragrances are light, fun and whimsical.  Perfect gift for the youthful perfume lover. 5fresh SUGAR STARS MINI LIP COLLECTION – a festive packaged collection of tinted lip moisturizers. 6Naked 3 by Urban Decay – this is the ultimate in shadow collections which has very recently been released and has already sold out.  Naked 2 is a favorite as well but if 3 happens to come back in before Christmas it is well worth waiting for.  7Sonia Kashuk® Limited Edition “Lavish Luxe” 10 pc Brush Set – seriously gorgeous brush set making a beautiful holiday gift (price is not too bad either).

Hopefully this helps in crossing a person or two off your list!  Happy shopping season!

brandyjsig

 

 

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cyber monday

December 2, 2013

cyber_mondy_2013Today is the day!  Grab your coffee, credit card and favorite web surfing device because it’s Cyber Monday!  Of course this time of year is all about giving but at these discounts I think you can treat yourself a little as well (too tempting not to).  Here are a list of some of my favorite style specials:

  1. H&M – 40% off entire purchase including extra 25% off sale PLUS free shipping, code 7376 (this is AWESOME and dangerous…)
  2. Gap & Banana Republic – 40% off purchase, code CYBER
  3. Piperlime – 30% off purchase, code CYBER
  4. Old Navy – 30% off purchase, code CYBER
  5. Aldo Shoes – 25% off everything, code CYBERDEAL13
  6. Macys – All kinds of deals from boots at buy 1 get 1 free to 1/2 off outerwear, code CYBER
  7. ASOS – 30% off everything – code GIMMEMORE
  8. J Crew – 30% off plus free shipping – code MONDAY
  9. Julep – 40% off purchase – code 40OFF
  10. Forever 21 – Free Shipping, no minimum plus extra 50% off clearance – code EXTRA 50

If you have any can’t miss style or beauty deals you would like to share please do!  Happy shopping everyone!

brandyjsig

 

 

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thanksgiving tries

November 29, 2013

When it comes to family get togethers I like to try new recipes. I know, so rude to use relatives as guinea pigs but honestly I do not think they mind. Yesterday was Sticky’s family Thanksgiving and per usual I brought a salad, vegetable and dessert. I’d give all these a thumbs up with the brussel sprouts being a definite “will make again” recipe.

thanksgiving_tries1 Apple Pomegranate Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing – simple, refreshing and delicious. The dressing is not low cal but hey, it’s Thanksgiving after all. 2 Apple, Pear and Cranberry Crisp – made this with Granny Smith’s which really elevated the tart value (I enjoy tart even more than sweet). This is even better the next day. 3 Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic and Cranberries Oh my gosh. Pioneer Woman does it again with a incredibly delicious, super easy, yum yum YUM recipe. I am considering making these again for my family’s gathering on Saturday.

Speaking of Saturday not only do we have our other Thanksgiving but there is a certain football game of importance going on. I am not 100% on what I am bringing as of yet. Any last minute ideas would be welcome and appreciated!

And for those of you who are staying home as opposed to braving the Black Friday crowds there are some AMAZING deals to be had including H&M ($4.95 stretchy pants, yes please!!).

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

brandyjsig

 

 

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grateful

November 28, 2013

“[Gratitude] turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity…it makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”      – Melody Beattie

thanksgiving_2013We hope today is filled with the ones you love and the joy of being together.  Happy Thanksgiving!

double_name

Posted in holidays, personal | Tagged | 6 Comments

cranberry orange buttermilk cake

November 27, 2013

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We’re finally settling into our new house, but just as we are unpacking we are packing right back up for a trip to South Carolina to spend Thanksgiving with Josh’s family. As chaotic as the last few weeks have been, I am excited to get away- to lock work away in a corner of my mind and not peek at it again until Monday. To just spend time being thankful- thankful for my little family, and all of the ways that we are blessed. When we return it will be December (how crazy is that?) and the real crazy will begin- so for now I am going to soak up the little joys and this time with my family.
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This is the best little cake I have made in awhile. Perfect for Thanksgiving, it is light and festive and filled with cranberries that just scream holiday. I liked it best served warm- but those jammy cranberries are good at any temperature.
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cranberry orange buttermilk cake
 
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Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Ingredients
  • 1¼ cup granulated sugar + 1 Tablespoon for sprinkling
  • zest of one medium orange
  • 12 oz bag of fresh cranberries
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour + 2 Tablespoons for coating the cranberries
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 egg, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup well-shaken buttermilk
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 F, and grease a 9-inch springform pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper, grease the parchment and then lightly flour the entire pan. Gently tap out any excess.
  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the sugar with the orange zest. Use your fingers to rub the zest into the sugar until it's moist and aromatic; set aside for a few minutes to marinate. In a separate large bowl, toss the cranberries with 2 Tablespoons of flour until evenly coated, and set them aside as well. Grab one more bowl, and whisk together the 2 cups of flour, baking powder, and salt, and set aside.
  3. Next, add the butter to the stand mixer bowl and beat until light and fluffy, about 3-5 mins. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the egg and vanilla and beat until well-combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. On low speed, alternate between the flour mixture and the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour, and only mixing until each addition has been incorporated. Grab a wooden spoon (or spatula) and gently fold in the cranberries.
  4. Scrape the batter into prepared pan, using a spatula to smooth out the top. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 Tablespoon of sugar.
  5. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. (The top can look deceiving so be sure to test the center! Mine baked for about 4 more minutes after the top was browned!)
  6. Remove the pan from the oven and onto a cooling rack. Cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 8-10 servings

This recipe was adapted from Une Gamine Dans La Cuisine.cranberry_orange_cake_5

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Happy baking,
shansig

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