overnight oats

overnight_oatmeal_1Overnight oats have been on my mind for a long time.  It seems like everywhere I turn there is someone on social media claiming a mason jar of goodness has changed their lives.  Yes there may be a bit of exaggerating there but regardless I wanted in on this proclaim to breakfast happiness.  Now having made my very first batch I have jumped on the overnight oat bandwagon.  This certainly is a jar full of yum, yum, yum.  And it is too easy not to try at least once.

overnight_oatmeal_2The base for this recipe is very simple – milk (of your liking, almond for me), plain yogurt (I use greek), whole oats and chia seeds.  These seeds are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, antioxidants and fiber.  They also hold 9 to 12 times their weight in water which is key to making you feel full for longer.  Great to consume before workouts as well.  Basically they are an amazing little super food, eat them.

overnight_oatmeal_3There is no science to this.  Simply put all the base ingredients in a jar with an airtight lid.  Stir or shake after sealing and store in the fridge overnight.  Remember this is just the base recipe.  How creative you would like to get is totally up to you.

overnight_oatmeal_4With this batch I made one basic recipe and one blueberry maple concoction.  The basic is perfect for transferring to you favorite bowl in the morning and topping with fresh fruit, honey and something crunchy (like nuts or granola).  You could also add flavors before storing in the fridge (such as frozen blueberries and maple syrup here).  This is ideal for eating straight out of the jar when on the go.  Other fantastic flavor boosters include bananas, peanut butter, cocoa powder, jam, cinnamon, agave syrup, berries of any type, applesauce, etc.  It is all about what you love and have on hand.  There are no rules.  I love that.

overnight_oatmeal_5With spring and summer just around the corner I cannot think of a better cold breakfast to fuel you through a busy day.  Sticky, who is always hungry, commented on how he didn’t need his mid-morning snack because the oats left him feeling satisfied for hours (a small miracle).  Delicious, filling and easy – you gotta go try this out for yourself.  Enjoy!

brandyjsig

 

 

 

overnight oats
 
Ingredients
  • ½ cup whole oats
  • ⅓ cup milk (any type)
  • ⅓ cup plain yogurt (I prefer greek)
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
Instructions
  1. Place all ingredients in 8oz container with an airtight lid. Stir or shake well before placing in the fridge overnight.
  2. Top with fresh fruit, honey and walnuts before serving. Or add toppings before storing in fridge for eating straight out of container.
Notes
Possible flavor boosters: bananas, berries, cinnamon, agave syrup, honey, granola, nuts, cocoa powder, maple syrup, jam
Posted in breakfast, recipes | Tagged | 7 Comments

chex scotcharoos

Chex Scotcharoos
Cabin fever is running rampid over here.  Entertaining toddlers that have been stuck inside for weeks is getting more and more difficult by the day.  Where are you spring?

We are filling our days with little projects, chores around the house, big dinners and soaking up and embracing the lazy.  I spent a solid four hours organizing the toy room the other day, followed by two hours of forcing myself to let the kids play and mess it up again (because after all, that is the point of a toy room.)  A few good reads, lots of mugs of hot tea, and little treats from the oven are pulling me through.

Scotcharoo’s are such a nostalgic dessert for me.  Simple to make, simple ingredients, simple process.  (And if you have a microwave it’s even easier.  We don’t have one (gasp!))

4.2 from 5 reviews
chex scotcharoos
 
Ingredients
  • 6 cups Chex cereal
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1½ cups peanut butter
  • 2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 cups butterscotch chips
  • ½ cup peanut butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
  1. Butter a large bowl, and measure out 6 cups of Chex cereal. Set aside. Butter a 9x13 dish, OR line a baking sheet with wax paper if you would like freeform scotcharoo's like the ones I made that are pictured.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine the corn syrup and sugar over medium heat. Once boiling, immediately remove from heat and stir in 1½ cups of peanut butter. Pour over cereal and fold together. Pour cereal into the 9x13 dish, or use a large cookie scoop to drop cereal onto wax paper, and use your hands to press together and form them.
  3. Using a microwave safe dish or a double boiler, melt together chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, ½ cup of peanut butter and vanilla. If microwaving, heat in 10 second intervals, stirring in between to prevent the chocolate from burning.
  4. Once smooth, pour over cereal, or scoop onto the piles you have created.
  5. Allow to cool completely at room temperature.

Chex Scotcharoos

Chex Scotcharoos
Chex Scotcharoos
Soaking up “the little things” in these (hopefully) last weeks of winter, anxiously waiting for the first peek at spring. Is it March yet?
shansig

 

 

“http://prettyplainjanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/chex_scotcharoos_pin.jpg”>chex scotcharoos
Posted in recipes, something sweet | Tagged | 72 Comments

eyeshadow repair

diy_shattered_eye_shadow_repair_1

First your boots, now your favorite eyeshadow.  But seriously, whats better than salvaging something that you thought was a goner?  Especially when that something is a MAC eyeshadow that cost you a pretty penny, and then hurtled towards the floor one day and shattered right before your eyes.  Not a good way to start your day.  The good news is, Petit Elefant featured a DIY on this, and we have tested and concur that it indeed works!  (Go ahead, do a little victory dance.  And then go get that broken shadow!)

diy_shattered_eye_shadow_repair_2

To get started, you’ll need:

  • shattered eyeshadow
  • a quarter, or coin of similar size
  • rubbing alcohol
  • tissue
  • butter knife
  • medicine dropper
  • plastic bag (or plastic wrap)

diy_shattered_eye_shadow_repair_3
Step 1:  Place your shadow in a plastic bag.

Step 2: Using your butter knife, mash the broken shadow into an even powder.

Step 3:  Remove your shadow from the bag.  (This is what it should look like once mashed.)

Step 4:  Drop about 3 drops of rubbing alcohol into the shadow, moistening it.

Step 5:  Place your tissue over the top, and press a quarter into the shadow to reform it.

Step 6:  Allow your shadow to dry.  (Don’t worry!! The rubbing alcohol stench will dissapear when the shadow dries!)

 

diy_shattered_eye_shadow_repair_4

Voila! Your pretty shadow is (almost) good as new!

shansig

Posted in beauty, makeup | Tagged | 1 Comment

night out in knit (22 weeks)

A perfectly tidy bedroom is no match for a girl who does not know what to wear.  Dress after dress, top after top, nothing felt special, nothing felt good.  The carnage of clothing strewed across the room made for the saddest scene.  With frustration setting in and time ticking I needed to decide on something.  Grey knit dress it is.  It was a celebratory date night after all, there was no time for a “what to wear” meltdown.  Add a pretty necklace, a little animal print and all of the sudden grey knit is more than acceptable for an evening out.

leopard_coat_grey_dress_1 leopard_coat_grey_dress_2 leopard_coat_grey_dress_3 leopard_coat_grey_dress_4When sporting a bump in public people are going to stare, it is only natural.  In most cases the stare is immediately followed with a warm smile, which is so nice.  Makes me wish we did that to each other regardless of pregnancy status.  What isn’t nice is to ask a woman when she is due and then to look astonished that it is so far away.  No one needs to feel more massive then they already do.  My 22 week bump is just the right size (thank you very much lady in the bathroom).

leopard_coat_grey_dress_5|WEARING| Forever 21 dress/H&M maternity tights/leopard coat similar/necklace similar/Target pumps/bronze clutch similar

brandyjsig

 

 

 

Posted in bump style, outfits, style | Tagged | 10 Comments

link love

link_love_0221141SOS Children’s Villages Norway “Would you give your jacket to Johannes?” Video regardless of language it’s impossible to watch this and not be moved.  Children all over the world are freezing, there is never a bad time to donate warm clothing. 2Why Sex and the City Is Still Important, 10 Years Later fabulous article about my all time favorite television series.  SATC will always be relevant because it brought fashion, a city, designer shoe awareness and women empowerment to mainstream America.  I will forever and always love Carrie, Charlotte. Miranda and Samantha. 3And speaking of shoes Spring Booties are all the rage this season.  Light tones and airy cutouts are perfect for this transition season.  4Dinner A Love Story a blog and now book dedicated to helping busy families get meals on the table.  Encouraging parents and children to prepare meals together and use food as an everyday bonding tool. 5Bringing Up Bèbe is a book gifted to me by my sweet man during my first pregnancy.  Being the awful procrastinator I am it was never read until now.  French parenting is interesting and something worth learning about especially from the perspective of an American.  No matter one’s parenting style I think there is something everyone can take from this book. 6Lil Man Apparel – believe it or not I have yet to purchase more than a clearance pair of lounge pants.  I am however getting more and more intrigued by what is out there, especially as summer styles roll into stores.  Now having one of each I will admit that there are far less “non-typical-cutesy” options for boys than girls.  These pieces from Old Navy however have me swooning.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

brandyjsig

 

 

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