biscuits and bubbly

There are few things I love more than putting a celebration together.  In the beginning I was not sure about having a sprinkle – this time of year is so very busy with both Adelynn and Jettie’s birthdays in addition to other birthdays, Mother’s day, graduations and weddings.  Spring (specifically May) is simply a crazy, crazy month.  But then we found out we were having a boy and all reason went out the window.  Being the party control freak that I am, my mom happily hosts the party while letting me have full creative reign (it’s a good system we have).  Deciding on the same date as the Kentucky Derby I wanted to take it a little Southern, hence the “Biscuits & Bubbly” theme.  Once the invitations were designed it all fell into place.

biscuits_bubbly_sprinkle_brunch_001(Invitation can be found at the PPJ Shop!)

One thing I knew from the start is I wanted to keep things small and casual with a sophisticated flare.  Inviting only immediate family, my mother’s side (who we typically celebrate Derby with) and a couple of local friends made for the ideal size guest list.  The only thing I “slaved” over were the biscuits (which were seriously so easy – especially since they were prepped and froze ahead of time) and some butter spreads.  (Recipes to come soon.)  All of the other delicious baked items came from specialty stores. Messmakerbaker also provided some AMAZING jam goodness for the biscuits and favors.

biscuits_bubbly_sprinkle_brunch_002 biscuits_bubbly_sprinkle_brunch_003 biscuits_bubbly_sprinkle_brunch_004 biscuits_bubbly_sprinkle_brunch_005 biscuits_bubbly_sprinkle_brunch_006 biscuits_bubbly_sprinkle_brunch_007 biscuits_bubbly_sprinkle_brunch_008Ever since my “Bebe Shower” my mom and I have been collecting dishes and frames for events such as this.  Having pieces in different heights and sizes make creative displaying simple and quick.  Creating signs and labels provide a lot of visual impact for very little cost (I had almost everything printed at a FedEx Kinkos for less than $30).  It’s also more than ok to stray from the main party colors a bit.  Mint and navy were the stars but throwing in some red roses in honor of the Derby made for a fun unexpected twist.

biscuits_bubbly_sprinkle_brunch_009 biscuits_bubbly_sprinkle_brunch_010 biscuits_bubbly_sprinkle_brunch_011 biscuits_bubbly_sprinkle_brunch_012 biscuits_bubbly_sprinkle_brunch_013 biscuits_bubbly_sprinkle_brunch_014 biscuits_bubbly_sprinkle_brunch_015 biscuits_bubbly_sprinkle_brunch_016 biscuits_bubbly_sprinkle_brunch_017Looking back at these images I could not have be more thrilled with the way everything came together.  Not too girly for a boy yet just girly enough for everyone to feel a little fancy with their biscuit and champagne glass.  My only regret (which seems to be the running woe with all my parties) is that there are no pictures of the event itself – you know, with people in them.  For whatever reason I always feel so uncomfortable asking someone to snap a few pics during my celebrations.  It is high time I get over that.

Of course later we placed our bets and cheered on the “horsies”.  Derby has been an annual get together in my family for several years now.  I cannot imagine a better ending to such a lovely morning of celebrating.  Especially since I was a big winner – woo hoo!

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A huge thank you to all the friends and family already loving on this little guy! Until the next party (in less than two weeks…)!

 

brandyjsig

 

 

 

Posted in etsy shop, Kids, let's celebrate, personal | Tagged | 1 Comment

pancakes on a stick

pancakes_on_a_stick_1
Everyone needs a great pancake recipe. First and formost- you do not need a premade mix to make increcible pancakes! There are tons of good recipes online, and you more than likely have everything you need already in your pantry. I never stick to the same recipe- I always figure out what I have on hand and then find a recipe or tweek a recipe to match! (No greek yogurt? Not making those today. No ripe bananas? Not that one either..) On a good day, when I have everything I need- this is our hands-down favorite recipe!

pancakes_on_a_stick_4I originally had meant to post this last week after posting Adelynn’s birthday party, but it slipped my mind. We used our favorite recipe- made them mini, and stacked them with bananas and strawberries. They are also delish topped with balsamic strawberry sauce, or of course just maple and butter!These pancakes are too yummy not to share, so- here they are!

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pancakes on a stick
 
Ingredients
  • ½ cup milk
  • 4 tbsp white vinegar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 4 tbsp melted butter
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
  1. Combine milk and vinegar in a bowl, and let sit for 10 minutes. (Buttermilk can be used in place of this- but this combination makes the pancakes a bit more fluffy!)
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients.
  3. After 10 minutes, add eggs, melted butter and vanilla to the milk/vinegar bowl.
  4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix- small lumps are okay!
  5. Melt a small amount of butter in the pan, and over medium/low heat, cook pancakes by pouring about ¼ cup batter for each, or a tablespoon if making pancake stacks.

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Enjoy!
shansig

Posted in breakfast, recipes | Tagged | 3 Comments

legs, legs, legs

It’s that time of year when we can no longer hide behind tights and pants.  When skipping a shave is not an option.  It’s time to find out who worked out over the cold months and who well, did not (guilty).  Those legs are making their bare 2014 debut ladies.  Are you ready?

summer_legs_may_2014_1While we may not all be blessed with Carrie, Blake and J Lo legs there are some simple tools and tips that can help us make the most of what we’ve got:

  • Prepare your skin – always shave at the end of a warm shower so the skin is at it’s sofest.  Also better to shave at night as opposed to first thing in the morning when skin is at it’s puffiest.
  • Shave with the grain – it can be so tempting to go against the natural growth direction of your hair.  Shaving with the grain however prevents the unwanted bumps and redness from stubborn ingrown hair.
  • Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate – removing dead cells refreshes your skin right before shaving.  Skin will have more of a glowing effect as opposed to when you just cleanse the skin.  (It’s so easy to DIY your own exfoliate, like our coconut brown sugar body scrub.)

Here are some of my favorite products for shaving and making those legs look their best:

summer_legs_may_2014_21Gillette Venus & Olay Razor – if you are shaving with a single blade razor please stop immediately.  This razor has five blades for a close shave and contains extra moisturizer for softness. 2eos Ultra Moisturizing Shave Cream – a paraben-free and phthalate free cream that is dermatologist approved.  I especially love the fragrance free version because let’s face it, we put far too much perfumed crap on our skin. 3Johnson’s Baby Oil Gel – Cocoa Butter – best used immediately after shower this gel leaves the skin so incredibly soft. 4Fake Bake Flawless – Shan and I are still using and obsessed with this self tanning wonder.  Used one to two times per week this easy to apply product will take those legs from blinding white to just vacationed in Rio bronze.  5Champneys Mediterranean Bliss Body Oil – if you prefer a little shimmer this oil is made for you.  A celebrity favorite because of it’s “just visited the spa” fragrance and effect. 65 lb weights – if you truly want to make the most of what you’ve got then you will have to get off your booty and do some squats.  40 to 50 a day will help those legs tone up (not to mention firm the bottom).  For serious results try Jillian Michaels Killer Buns and Thighs.  (Call me crazy but I miss her annoying antics and can’t wait for my green light to exercise post baby.)

Whether it’s an a-line party dress or booty shorts you’re daring to wear hopefully these tips will have you feeling a little more confidant about your gams.

 

brandyjsig

 

 

 

Posted in beauty, health & fitness, skin | Tagged | Leave a comment

stripes and pink (32 weeks)

To a pregnant girl there is nothing better than a cotton comfy maxi dress.  Especially to a really pregnant girl.  I believe I have worn one 5 of the last 7 days.  They simply feel too good not to wear.  If you want to make a pregnant friend very happy gift her a maxi dress for the summer.  She will love you forever and ever, trust me.

maxi_stripes_matenrity_scarf_32_weeks_1 maxi_stripes_maternity_scarf_32_weeks_2Baby boy has been growing (obviously) and moving like crazy.  My belly makes all sorts of wild shapes in the evening hours.  Fun to wonder what exactly he’s doing in there.  Right now I am just trying to slow down and take in these last two months.With this being our last it is really hitting me that this will all be over soon.  Officially closing a chapter in our family story.  And gosh what an amazing chapter it has been thus far.

maxi_stripes_maternity_scarf_32_weeks_3 maxi_stripes_maternity_scarf_32_weeks_4|WEARING| stripe maxi dress similar/jean jacket similar/pink scarf similar/brown platform sandals similar

 

brandyjsig

 

 

 

Posted in bump style, outfits, style | Tagged | 1 Comment

love

With my mind on Shan and her sweet little family this morning I cannot help but be reminded of the power of love – and love they do. Josh and Shan live every single day with their whole heart. It’s simple and absolutely beautiful. Witnessing this family together is witnessing true happiness. They are such a blessing to have in our lives.

This video makes me smile. So sweet, so simple, so perfect. Much like our dear friends.

Shan, Josh, Adelynn and Baby Maxey – You. Are. Loved.

brandyjsig

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