bootie help

September 9, 2013

It was two years ago that Shan purchased a hot pair of booties for her first holiday session as a family of 3.  She has since worn said footwear zero times.  That’s right – not a once, not even on a whim.  Typically I would notice something like this.  After all I can’t remember what day of the week it is but if a person wants to know what they wore on any given day since knowing me – there’s a good chance I’ll remember.  Call it what you will (psycho, useless, weird) but I have a remarkable fashion memory.  Such a gift includes having a mental filing cabinet of all my closest friends’ closets.  Have I mentioned I am not crazy?  Somehow these boots slipped through the cracks and Shan has gotten away with neglect.  I love a challenge, especially one that involves a topic I’m passionate about.   Using items she already owns (with just a few accessories borrowed from me) I gave Shan 3 looks she can rock now.

how_to_wear_booties_1Casual, Cool and Professional – I told Shan she looked like “a blogger” in this (a super cute, ultra chic, fabulous one of course).  This combo would be perfect for her outdoor market events.  The top layers give her temperature options while the booties keep her in season blazer or not.

how_to_wear_booties_2 how_to_wear_booties_31 H&M blazer 2 Delias cuffed shorts 3 Forever 21 tassel necklace 4 Forever 21 lace tank 5 London Fog shopper tote

Smart Date Night –  a night with your man does not always have to involve an obviously sexy ensemble or the color black.  A denim shirt pairs with almost any skirt.  Top it off with a statement necklace and the look is chic.  Which is sexy.  Which is hot.

how_to_wear_booties_4how_to_wear_booties_51 H&M denim shirt 2 Material Girl necklace 3 BCBGMACAZRIA clutch 4 J Crew Factory pencil skirt

Fun and Easy – we all need those go to looks that can be thrown on and  feel put together without having to think.  This would be one to keep in the arsenal.  There is nothing easier than a jean jacket and dress.  With booties and a crossbody bag – well that’s just seriously trendy and seriously cute.

how_to_wear_booties_6how_to_wear_booties_71 Forever 21 dress 2 Forever 21 jean jacket 3 Steve Madden crossbody bag

Booties: similar, similar & similar

Obviously it is impossible for Shan to not look amazing.  It does warm my heart to see her looking her impossibly cute self in those booties now.  What else are you not wearing Shan?

brandyjsig

 

 

 

Posted in outfits, style | Tagged | 4 Comments

festival fun

September 6, 2013

A little over a week ago we attended our local county fair.  I don’t know if it was the perfect weather or the fact that our girls could participate more but finally, after many many years, that feeling of why the fair is so great was back.  Shan and I have such fond memories of those late summer days spent at the fairgrounds.  We went home with smiles on our hearts that evening.  Not only did the girls experience what we had always hoped they would but our men had a great time as well.

fair_fun_3 fair_fun_1 fair_fun_2

With all the fair fun out of the way we are now looking forward to our favorite season of festivals.  Locally we have the Hot Air Festival this weekend (September 6th-8th, 2013) and the Apple Festival coming up (October 18th-19th, 2013).  And luckily our fabulous state offers up some of the best celebrations throughout the fall.  A few of our favorites:

  • Johnny Appleseed Festival Fort Wayne, IN (September 21st-22nd, 2013) – ok this is not in Ohio but it is very close to where we live so it sort of counts.  If the smell of all things apple is not enough to lure you in the impressive pioneer vendors will.  It’s a cherished event in the Fort Wayne community, their pride shines through.
  • Columbus Oktoberfest Columbus, OH (September 27th-29, 2013) – it’s hard to beat a great Oktoberfest.  Attend one during football season in the heart of Buckeye country – well, that’s just perfection.
  • Apple Butterfest Grand Rapids, OH (October 13, 2013 | 10AM to 5PM) – a one day celebration my family has enjoyed for the past 6 years.  Nestled in a lovely quaint downtown with many period vendors and of course yummy apple butter.  This year Stephanie Dawn, Flour Loves Sugar and the Messmakerbaker will be there!
  • Sauerkraut Festival Waynesville, OH (October 12th-13th, 2013) – even if sauerkraut is not your thing this is a not to be missed event.  What started off as a small festival now houses more then 450 artisans from more than 28 states.
  • Circleville Pumpkin Show Circleville, OH (October 16th-19th, 2013) – a famous event that attracts 400,000 visitors and then some.  The streets are lined with over 100,000 pounds of pumpkins, gourds and squash.  A spectacular event for the entire family.

Have any not miss festivals on your to do list for fall?  Please share!

Happy weekend,

brandyjsig

 

 

 

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take the leap

September 5, 2013

 

229d0a7b3ab49260ba34bea818b5435aI have a thing for words.  They dance on the page in front of me, linger in my head.. come back to me at the strangest times.   They inspire me, push me to go, hold my hand through change.  I can’t get enough of this quote by Steve Jobs.  For so many, this concept is out of grasp- the thought of changing something as large as your career is petrifying.  But can you truly be happy if you don’t love 8 hours of your day?

I so strongly believe that the chapters of our lives are much like seasons.  Seasons defined by feelings, scents, a place that you lived, people that became part of your everyday.  Your interests change, your priorities change- and honestly the fact that you are suppose to have this all planned out at age 18 is insane to me.  Change your mind, take a chance, embrace change.

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Josh and I moved to Ohio when I graduated from cosmetology school, four months before Adelynn was born.  The season that our lives were in drastically shifted to a new one, and we went through more change in a few month span than most people go through in a year. With those changes came opportunity in leaps and bounds- opportunity that I am so thankful that I took.  Being happy in everyday life is the biggest blessing.  I lend so much credit for being so happy to absolutely loving my career.  Waking up every morning excited about your day beats dreading it ten times over.

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chocolate coffee toffee muffins

September 4, 2013

Sitting here this morning, there are little chocolate muffin crumbs scattered around my computer and a happy little two year old with an (almond) milk mustache dancing around in her diaper.  “A chocolate papcake” she says, which is her way of saying pancake, cupcake and muffin- they are all the same to her.  After her chocolate papcake, and a few laps around the house, she jumps up on the couch and snuggles into me.   This morning I can do no wrong as her mama- she has had chocolate for breakfast, and chocolate is her favorite.  Does anything beat these cozy mornings?

toffee_coffee_chocolate_muffins_4The county fair has come and gone, which always feels like summers end.  I am sad to see summer go, but more excited for the cozy that fall brings.  When planning this post, I instantly wanted to throw a pumpkin recipe out and scream, “IT’S FALL!!”- but I realize that would have been slightly premature, so I’ll wait a few weeks.  Instead, I’ll give you these seriously delicious chocolate muffins.

toffee_coffee_chocolate_muffins_1

chocolate coffee toffee muffins
 
Print
Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ⅔ cup packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon espresso powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1½ cups buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • Topping:
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • ½ cup toffee bits
  • 2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375F and line muffin tin with liners.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, buttermilk, eggs and vanilla. Pour the batter mixture into the flour mixture and fold gently to combine- being careful not to over-mix. Stir in the chocolate chips.
  3. Using a large ice-cream scoop, divide batter into muffin liners. (Recipe yields about 21 muffins).
  4. To make topping:
  5. In a small bowl combine the flour, sugar and toffee bits. Cut the butter into the mixture, creating a coarse and crumbly texture. Sprinkle about a tablespoon over each muffin before baking.
  6. Bake 18-20 minutes, until a toothpick can be inserted and is clean when removed.
  7. Let cool on cooling rack before devouring.

Recipe courtesy of Handle The Heat.

toffee_coffee_chocolate_muffins_2toffee_coffee_chocolate_muffins_3Enjoy,

shansig

Posted in recipes, something sweet | Tagged | 1 Comment

coconut brown sugar body scrub

September 3, 2013

coconut_brown_sugar_body_scrub_1Much like Shan I have enjoyed using coconut oil as a moisturizer for several months now.  It wasn’t until recently I discovered how fantastic of a body scrub it makes when mixed with brown sugar and a little sea salt.  Who doesn’t love the feel of silky smooth skin?  This gives you that wonderful sensation while being 100% all natural (and insanely easy to make).

coconut_brown_sugar_body_scrub_2Simply mix:

  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons coarse sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla (optional)

coconut_brown_sugar_body_scrub_3 coconut_brown_sugar_body_scrub_5

Store in a pretty container with a wide opening.  Simply rub on skin and rinse.  An excellent way to exfoliate skin before shaving or applying self tanner.

coconut_brown_sugar_body_scrub_4I used this 3 hours ago and my skin still feels wonderful.  If you are a body scrub addict like myself this is a must try.  Happy scrubbing!

brandyjsig

 

 

Posted in beauty, diy | Tagged | 4 Comments