boot salvage

I’ve got a pretty bad history of ruining boots.  Last winter, I wrecked two pair within one week.  Both grocery store incidences, the first involved my beloved over the knee grey suede boots and a slippery jar of salsa that was no match for the floor.  The second, my go-to Steve Maddens that are so comfortable you could run a marathon in them, that I so gracefully dumped a mango smoothie on. (Not that I’m really one to run a marathon or anything.  But you get the picture.)  It was a sad week.

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I had written my boots off and thought that they were goners (and that suede pair is still in question)- but after some pinteresting I came across this watermark rememdy and gave it a go on my leather boots.

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Here’s what you need:
vinegar
a sponge
cold water
ruined boots

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In a small bowl, mix equal parts cold water and vinegar.  Dab your sponge into the mixture, and rub in circular motions over the watermarks on your boots.
Wait for them to dry, and go over troublesome areas a second time if needed! All of my spots came out!

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My boots are like new!  Now, to figure out how to de-salsa the suede pair….
shansig

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peanut butter and jelly muffins

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Ohhhh, these muffins. The biggest issue I had making them was choosing which flavor jam to put in the middle. And they were so so good.
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Last night I had scotcharoo’s on the brain, but woke up in a very muffin mood. (Do muffin moods happen to everyone, or is that just me?) My muffin mood combined with my giant bag of fresh jams I got on Friday lead me to hunting down a good pb & j muffin recipe. So those scotcharoo’s may be seen next week. Unless a brownie mood strikes or something, you just never know. Okay, back to these muffins.

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peanut butter and jelly muffins
 
Ingredients
  • Topping:
  • 4 tbsp flour
  • 4 tbsp sugar
  • 4 tbsp creamy peanut butter
  • Muffins:
  • 2 cups flour (I used one cup whole wheat, one cup all-purpose)
  • 1½ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ cup jam or preserves
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375F, and line muffin tin with 12 liners.
  2. First, make your topping by whisking together the 4 tbsp of each flour and sugar. Next, add your peanut butter and crumble together. Set aside.
  3. In a seperate bowl, sift together flour, salt and baking soda. In another bowl, whisk milk, eggs, vanilla, sugar, peanut butter and oil.
  4. Fold wet ingredients into dry until just incorperated.
  5. Add 1 tbsp of batter to each muffin liner, followed by 2 tsp of jam, and then topped off with remaining batter. Top each muffin with a generous amount of topping, and press down just a bit.
  6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, let cool and enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Anecdotes and Apple Cores.

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Nom nom nom,
shansig

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hair color trends for spring

Today’s the day!  Hair appointment day, that is.  It’s been a few months and my hair is in desperate need of some attention, so I’m excited to say the least.  My strands are aching for some change, although I probably won’t stray too far from my normal shade.  Spring has brought out some fun color trends for the daring, however:

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1. Brandy J tried for a few months to convince me to to follow this fun trend, and to be honest I put some serious thought into it. Brunettes going platinum is huge this spring- and the drastic change is so fun- I love it! Very tempting but I’m not willing to take on the damage it would require, nor the ugly shades that surely come with the process.
2. PASTELS! I love this subtle take on the wild colors that we saw last spring. Aveda has a new Pastel Blonde Series that creates these hues perfectly.
3. Another new color trend- called “Splashlights”. A refresher for ombre- this trend leaves the ends matching the scalp- with the highlight being only around your face. I will say- to make this look work you would want a stylist that has a lot of experience with color, because the look and placement are so exact.
Okay, I lied. After writing this I’m really thinking about those splashlights…
shansig

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four words (and 21 weeks)

Midnight.  Pulling out of my granny’s driveway.  Tires crunching in the snow.  “I Will Wait for You” is in chorus very low on the radio.  A tiny sleepy voice from the backseat, You look pretty mom.  I smile and reply thank you through streaming tears.  She falls fast asleep.

After an evening, week, month of self doubt and melancholy those four words from my daughter were exactly what I needed.  The next day I typed them in a note on my phone.  Saving for those times when I become frustrated while getting dressed, or am just feeling less than fantastic.  You look pretty mom.  I hope to never forget those words and that special moment.

21_weeks_tough_stripes_1 21_weeks_tough_stripes_2 21_weeks_tough_stripes_3 21_weeks_tough_stripes_4Today we are preparing for another look at our little man.  This time a more in depth ultrasound just to make sure his home is as safe as it can be.  Regardless of the circumstances that have led to this appointment I am always excited for a peak at my growing baby.  Hopeful for a great report and a more than ready to show off babe (he hasn’t disappointed yet).

21_weeks_tough_stripes_5|WEARING| Forever 21 dress/faux leather jacket similar/ASOS maternity jeans/grey scarf similar/black hobo bag similar/sleeved boot similar

brandyjsig

 

 

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a valentine morning

valentine_2014_1Sprinkle donuts, a glass of milk and your best gal.  We can’t imagine a sweeter way to spend this February 14th morning.  These girls brighten every single day.  What a gift it is to have lovely little holidays like this one to make special for them.  Their appreciation is written allover those glazed crusted faces.

valentine_2014_2 valentine_2014_3 valentine_2014_4Husband, boyfriend, best friend, mom, dad, sister, brother, cousin, aunt, grandparent – whomever your valentine may be, we hope you are able show them a little extra love today.

Cheers to Valentine’s Day (and donuts)!

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