thanksgiving sweets

November 20, 2013

Pinterest is swarming with Thanksgiving dessert ideas that break the mold of the classic pumpkin pie. (Not that there is anything wrong with that good ‘ol pumpkin pie- they call it a classic for a reason!)

If you are feeling ambitious this Thanksgiving, and want to treat your family to something extra special, here are a few ideas I really love.

thanksgiving_desserts_20131. Salted Caramel Apple Dumplings with Dried Cherries and Hazelnuts.  Oh. my. heavens. and. stars.  These have me drooling.  I’ve never seen a better looking apple!

2. Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie. I love cookies, and I love pie- so this combo looks pretty incredible.  (Beats out pumpkin, if you ask me)

3. Sweet Potato Pecan Pie Doughnuts. Doughnuts seem to be everywhere at the moment- and when they look like this who can complain? YUM.

4. Buttered Popcorn Crunch Brownies.  I’m obsessing over these brownies!  What a great combo and awesome texture.

5. Pomegranate, Red Grapefruit and Pistachio Tart. A bit more ambitious, but yum yum yum.

6. Mini Apple Pies. Everything is better mini- and these pies certainly are cute.  These would be fun for kids, or even for dessert to-go.

Happy baking,

shansig

 

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bb cream for you

November 19, 2013

BB creams (which stands for beauty and blemish creams) have been around for quite some time now.  They are an all in one tinted moisturizer with anti-aging ingredients, broad-spectrum SPF and skin evening powers.  Many women have traded in their tried and true foundation for a daily dose of these creams.  But just like foundation not all creams are created equal.  It’s important to find the right product for your skin.  Here is a rundown of some of the most popular BB creams out there (and who they are most suited for):

bb_creamsmature skin Stay All Day 10-in-1 HD Beauty Balm provides more coverage than your average cream while also reducing (and treating) fine lines and wrinkles. dry skin Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream contains hyaluronic acid and glycerin that easily glides over skin leaving a boost of moisture.  This is a favorite of mine for it’s light coverage and punch of brightness (plus you cannot beat the price). oily skin L’oreal Studio Secrets Magic Skin Beautifier B.B. Cream has the magic of “beauty beads” that release pigment into the skin as you apply.  Not only does this cream leave a smooth, matte finish but you’ll feel moisturized without feeling greasy. sheer finish Maybelline Dream Fresh BB 8-In-1 Beauty Balm Skin Perfector for those days when you want the lightest of coverage.  Brightens skin tone, packs an SPF 30 and hydrates all at once. acne prone Estèe Lauder ‘DayWear’ Anti-Oxidant BB Creme Broad Spectrum SPF 35 is oil free and loaded with antioxidants for younger looking, healthy skin.  Decreases shine as well. sensitive skin Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Beauty Balm SPF 25 a cream with niacinamide that calms the inflammation and sensitivity in the skin.  Contains ZERO sulfates or phthalates and is 50% water based.

If you have yet to jump on the BB Cream wagon now is the time (there is already a CC cream cousin to try as well).  One important tip to the cream is to apply with a foundation brush or blending sponge – this provides much better coverage and smoothness than using your fingers alone.

What’s your favorite BB (or CC) cream and why?  We would love to know!

brandyjsig

 

 

 

Posted in beauty, product love, skin | Tagged | 4 Comments

boot list

November 18, 2013

I had a plan for this post, I swear I did.  This past Saturday we were invited to an event celebrating the grand opening of our local art center’s new (and fabulous) location.  My parents were watching Jettie and Sticky had to work which meant I had all afternoon to myself to primp and prep.  Of course I was running late, as was my date and by the time we arrived a photo session was not to be had.  I plan on wearing my new favorite a-line dress again soon – you can be sure of that.

For now I thought I would share my boot wish list.  A list I compile every gift giving season which includes items Santa may be able to afford and items he may not (hey, a girl can dream).  This year I am all about sensible heeled over the knees, casual booties and thigh highs.

boot_wish_listOver the Knee 1Vince Camuto Bedina Over-the-Knee Boots 2Fergie Metro Over The Knee Boot 3Chinese Laundry Women’s Veracruz Leather Knee-High Boot  Booties 1Rag & Bone ‘Harrow’ Boot 2Aldo Josseline 3Sole Society ‘Kaila’ Bootie Thigh Highs 1Pleaser Legend 2Stuart Weitzman Highland 3Sixtyseven Enrica Over-The-Knee Boot

If you are a boot girl like myself I hope I have helped you out with your wish list.  I’m fairly certain we have both been good enough to deserve at least a pair (or two).

brandyjsig

 

 

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loving lately

November 15, 2013

It’s the weekend again!  We are in the middle of moving- but here are a few things that have caught my eye this week:

loving_lately_november

 

1. The Innovation of Loneliness. This video came at a really good time for me.  In a world where we seem to have lost touch with what real relationships and conversations feel like- this video really puts things into perspective.  2. A good friend of mine drug me out of my box-filled house last weekend for “Ladies Night Out” hosted by this little gem of a store nestled in a small town by ours.  I will be visiting Betsey’s Boutique Shop again and again- its fabulous! 3. I’m absolutely loving all of the kimono’s and oversized sweaters that this fall is flaunting.  This is right up my alley- so comfortable!! 4. I’ve been lusting after this metallic twine for awhile now.  Seriously, how pretty is it?!  I’m hoping to incorporate it into some gift wrapping this holiday season! 5. Homemade apple cider has been all over my IG feed and I’m dying to make some!  I can’t think of a better way to make our new home smell wonderful!

If you missed our giveaway yesterday- it doesn’t end until next Friday.  Be sure to enter!!  Have a great weekend!

shansig

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green mountain mini baked giveaway (closed)

November 14, 2013

donut_giveaway_2

One of the very best aspects of being a seller on Etsy, is the ability to connect with other shop owners and find millions of fabulous products that can be mailed right to your doorstep.  Debbie Mast, of Green Mountain Mini Baked, specializes in unique mini-donuts that  are nearly too adorable to eat.  (But go ahead and indulge, because they are equally as yummy!)

donut_giveaway

A bit from her Etsy shop:  “Green Mountain Mini Baked is a mini donut bakery located in the Green Mountains of Vermont.   If you are inclined, please try Green Mountain Mini Baked… you will be hooked!!   ❤  NEVER made with preservatives!!  Baked with as many FRESH Vermont and New England products as possible.  For example I use Vermont cage free eggs, King Arthur flour, Kate’s Real Butter Milk (from Maine), Booth Brothers Milk (the farm is 2 houses down from me), VT apple cider, VT made maple syrup, Cabot butter, and Cabot sour cream.  I  bake all my donuts in an industrial donut maker.  This ensures uniform shaped donuts, without all of the grease that comes with frying!”

Now for the fun- Debbie is graciously giving away 1 dozen of her holiday donuts to one lucky PPJ reader!  Here’s how you can enter:

1. Leave a comment sharing your favorite donut flavor.

2. “Like” Green Mountain Mini Baked on Facebook.

3. Share this giveaway on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, and tag #ppjminidonutgiveaway

Giveaway is open to US winners only, you have until Friday, 11/22/13 at 11:59PM EST to enter.  Winner will be contacted via email and will have 72 hours to respond or another winner will be selected.

Good luck!

WINNER!

Congrats to Shannon (Painting Paris Pink)! Thanks to all who entered the giveaway!

Posted in Giveaway, holidays | Tagged | 22 Comments