fall book list

October 17, 2013

I’m always searching for a good book list, and wanted to share my fall finds!  It’s going to be a jam-packed busy one for us, but reading is such a relaxer for me.  I have made a habit of getting in a good half-hour of reading while getting Adelynn down for naptime each day, and I truly cherish that half hour.  The perfect way to unwind and get some reads in.  Here are a few that have been creating a buzz online that I can’t wait to get my hands on!!

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The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert– Written by the best-selling author of Eat. Pray. Love.- this story takes you across the globe.  A rich story with lovable characters, this is at the top of my list.

Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist – Quick, uplifting reads are my favorites.  This one promises both, and has been recommended by so many!

Bossy Pants by Tina Fey – I LOVE Tina Fey.  Who doesn’t?  What’s better is that this is suppose to be a step up from the many, many, “funny” chick-lits that have been in circulation the last few years. Leave it to Tina to do it better.

A Million Little Ways by Emily Freeman – A good read on living better, this one has rave reviews.

The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling – Yes, I admit it.  I was totally a Harry Potter nerd.  It has been many years since reading them, and I can’t wait to see what this one has to offer.

Please share your reviews!!

shansig

 

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spookalicious snack mix

October 16, 2013

Was that name dorky enough, or what? It was a toss up between “Halloween Snack Mix”, “Monster Crack”, and “Spooktacular Party Mix”. Whatever you want to call it, it’s quick and easy a perfect snack for a Halloween party!

spooktacular_mix_3spooktacular_mix_1

spookalicious snack mix
 
Print
Ingredients
  • 2 cups coarsely broken pretzels
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup dry milk powder
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 regular bag Reese’s Pieces
  • 1 Hershey bar broken up into small pieces
Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 275F, line a small baking sheet (or lightly butter the pan) and set aside.
  2. Melt the butter and pour it into a large bowl. Stir in the sugars and milk powder until fully combined. Stir in the pretzels and spread them on to your baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes until light brown and fragrant.
  3. Allow the pretzels to cool completely before breaking them apart and adding them to a small bowl and tossing them with the Reese’s Pieces and Hershey Bar pieces. Gobble up!

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All of my favorites in one snack mix? Yes, please!

shansig

Posted in halloween, holidays, recipes, something sweet | Tagged | 1 Comment

diy pumpkin mask

October 15, 2013

pumpkin_mask_1Pumpkin, pumpkin, pumpkin.  It’s a favorite fall flavor for a good reason –  It’s yum.  What you may not know is that this orange delight is also good for your skin.  Pumpkin contains healing power and natural glow with it’s high content of vitamins A and C.  The natural enzymes allow those vitamins to absorb and do their job at hydrating and repairing.  This is also a simple mask to make (and yummy to boot).

pumpkin_mask_2Ingredients:

  • 1 cup pumpkin
  • 3 tbs plain yogurt
  • 2 tbs honey
  • 2 tbs brown sugar
  • dash of cinnamon (optional ingredient to help wake up the skin – some may be sensitive so test before using)

Instructions:

Mix all ingredients.  Apply evenly to a freshly washed face.  This mask works best with moisture, use during a bath for best results.  Leave on for 15 minutes and rinse.  Store leftover mask in a glass airtight container.

pumpkin_mask_3 pumpkin_mask_5Try this mask the next time you have had a long day of fall fun.  Enjoy!

brandyjsig

 

 

 

Posted in beauty, diy | Tagged | 5 Comments

my pinterest closet

October 14, 2013

Before Pinterest existed I would thumb through J Crew catalogs and “shop my closet” to create similar looks.  What a high it was to have a whole new look from pieces I already owned.  Now an iPad and Pinterest are my never-ending catalog.  If I feel like wearing a shift dress I simply type it in the search and POOF – a plethora of inspirational pins right at my fingertips.  It has become such a valued tool, one that I am not sure how I ever survived without.

A few times a week I also pin to the Pretty Plain Janes boards.  You will find everything there from home decor to fashion to inspirational words to food.  My favorite board is the Style for Everyday.  Pins that can inspire those “blah I don’t know what to wear days”.  Below are a few of my favorites.  Everything in the pin is something that can be worn for years – a great place to start adding versatile and timeless pieces to your closet, or shop the existing ones you already own.

pinterest_looks_1original pin

printed shift dress/thigh high black boots/blue chain strap bag/cat eye sunnies

pinterest_looks_2original pin

vertical stripe shirt/distressed jeans/leopard wedges/black tote/aviator sunnies/stud cuff bracelet/chain pendant tassel bracelet/long pendant necklace

pinterest_looks_3original pin

striped top/leather skater skirt/distressed jean jacket/silver pumps/leopard print purse/oversized sunnies/black bangle bracelet/gold chain bracelet

Do you have a favorite style board you follow?  We would love to hear about it!  And don’t forget to follow PPJ on Pinterest!

brandyjsig

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apples of my eye

October 11, 2013

apple_2It’s Friday!  Apples seem to be everywhere lately, and I am loving the modern twist on the ugly apron prints that used to be around.  Speaking of apples, this weekend is the Applebutter Fest in Grand Rapids, Ohio.  So anxious for my first festival outside of this area for Flour Loves Sugar! Today and tomorrow will consist of nothing but baking, but I couldn’t be more excited.

Some of the loveliest uses for apples around:

apple1. Blue Moon Caramel Apple Spiced Ale.  Being a Blue Moon girl anyways, this spiced ale has me starry eyed.  YUM!  2. Apple serve bowl by Pottery Barn. The perfect dish to serve up apple crisp, baked apples, apple anything.  3. Apple socks by Forever21. Okay really, how cute are these? 4. A recipe I’d love to try.This looks like it stepped right out of Panera Bread.  Apple butter, turkey & cheddar panini; get in my belly.  5. Apple Tea Towels, by TinaProduce on Etsy.  Even  more cute than these towels is their presentation- what a perfect fall gift.  6. The best way to serve cider.  These filled apples are so fun and festive!

Wishing you all a great weekend!

shansig

 

Posted in Uncategorized, web love | Tagged | 2 Comments