casual sunday

August 19, 2013

lazy_sunday_1This is one of those posts where I beg of you to look at me as little as possible.  Last night I realized that this needed shot because Sticky had early morning plans so my casual Sunday look would have to do.  Prepping consisted of running my fingers through my hair and dabbing some chapstick on.  I was however very excited to wear my wide knit coral sweater – the perfect something to throw on when the sun starts to set and it’s not hot but not cold but just chilly enough in the shade.  It looks a lot better with jeans I am now realizing.  In fact there’s many things I could have done to make this look a lot better.  But wait it’s casual Sunday, I am not suppose to worry about those things right?

lazy_sunday_2 lazy_sunday_3Let me explain the random shoe shot above.  Our usual assistant needed assistance (see below) so the shoot was abruptly cut short.  Kisses on ouchies come first after all.  Of course I later realized we had very little shots taken so I snapped a quick one of my shoes before the sun completely went down.
lazy_sunday_4|WEARING| coral sweater similar/white shorts similar/polka dot flats similar

brandyjsig

 

 

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loving lately

August 16, 2013

Brandy J:

brandy_loving_lately1 Neil Hilborn’s reading of his own poem.  Beautiful and tragic.  This is not about understanding or relating to his extreme case of OCD.  This is about a man who fell in love and then lost the girl.  A powerful reminder that we all have real feelings regardless of our disabilities. 2 A sexy black jumpsuit.  I can’t get it out of my head.  One must be had for a date night look.  If I can pull it off I am fairly certain Sticky would love it.  My eye is currently on this one and this one. 3 Emails to Jettie.  We started sending her emails shortly after she was born thinking it would be a nice thing for her to have as an adult.  Turns out it’s a nice thing for me to have now.  I find such comfort in talking to her – I can only hope she finds comfort in them someday as well.  4 Is it just me or are tea towels sweeping the nation?  I swear they have been everywhere lately and goodness they could not be cuter.  Love this set by Blackbird Tees.

Shan:

shan_loving_lately1. Rosebud Strawberry Lip Balm I already told you about my balm obsession- but this one is a bit more than that.  I gifted these sweet little balms to my bridesmaids & closest friends and they could not have been a more perfect addition to their bags.  2. Shopping for little pink onsies again. No, these are not for me- but in the next few months THREE little girls will be born (two step sisters and one dear friend are all expecting girls!) and I couldn’t be having a better time picking up itty bitty pink things again.  3. A new handbag. I finally cracked and bought myself a much needed new bag– and I am loving it! 4. Ashton Kutcher’s viral video.  I know, this video is everywhere right now.  But for good reason- what an awesome message that we all need to hear from time to time.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

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a night at the drive-in

August 15, 2013

drive_in_1Some of the best things in life are the simplest. An old drive-in off a quiet highway has been the simple warm fuzzy spot for us this summer. As children we remember grabbing lawn chairs, blankets, snacks and heading to a movie (maybe two if we were able to stay awake). We would pull up to the ticket booth and get our first view of the humungous white screen. Tires slowly crunched through gravel as we chose just the right spot to watch our movie in the stars. Snacks, games and laughter would ensue while waiting for the sun to sink into the horizon. Then that first flicker of the screen would come on and faces lit up – it was movie watching time. We now know that it was the moments leading up to the movie that makes the drive in so special. Spending time with people you love in the gorgeous light of a setting sun. It is magically simple and something we certainly plan on making “a regular habit”.

We made a few quick and simple snacks for our most recent trip to the drive in. Of course there is nothing wrong with the old movie theater stand-by’s but it is fun to mix it up (not to mention cost effective).

BBQ Popcorn – sweet, smoky, salty and oh so good. Easily make individual sizes by placing in brown paper lunch bags.

drive_in_barbecue_pop_cornSpiced Crispy Chickpeas – these were crispy until packaged but still good in taste. Many spice variations could be used in this including the above BBQ spice rub. A tip – make sure the chickpeas are completely dry before tossing with oil and spices.

drive_in_salty_roasted_chick_peasSweet & Salty Snack Mix

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pretzel & caramel stuffed chocolate cookies

August 14, 2013

After taking a break from cookie orders for our wedding, I’ve been anxious to get back in the kitchen this week.  Things have not slowed down much, and my house certainly doesn’t look like it’s been nearly a week since the wedding.  There seems to be clutter everywhere- gifts, picture frames, decor, more gifts.  A never ending pile of laundry.  The air is different though.. the stress is gone.

chocolate_flipz_caramel_cookies_3

Josh and I have lived together for close to three years now.  People always ask if things feel any different once you’re married if you have already lived like you are for so long- and I can now tell you that somehow, they do.  It’s not found in the word “husband” or the ring on my finger, it’s something intangible that doesn’t even have a word.  Whatever it is, it’s happily floating around our house, and I hope that it’s here to stay.

chocolate_flipz_caramel_cookies_4

Something that is not different in our house, is the familiar smell of cookies in my oven.  I always joke that for Adelynn the smell of “home” will probably be the smell of cookies. Truthfully,  I think it is for all of us.  Someday, she will understand that home is not a place, but a collection of people, memories, scents and that feeling.  That feeling that we are so lucky to have found.

chocolate_flipz_caramel_cookies_1

pretzel & caramel stuffed chocolate cookies
 
Print
Ingredients
  • 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
  • 1¼ cups sugar
  • 2 eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • dash of espresso powder (optional)
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • 1 (11 oz) bag Kraft Caramel Bits
  • 1 bag of Flipz White Fudge Pretzels, chopped
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350F, and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time. Scrape down sides of bowl, add vanilla extract.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine all dry ingredients and whisk to combine. Add to wet ingredients, and mix until just combined, being careful to not overmix.
  4. By hand, fold in caramel bits and chopped pretzels.
  5. Drop by rounded tablespoon (I use a small ice cream scoop) onto cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes until set.

chocolate_flipz_caramel_cookies_5chocolate_flipz_caramel_cookies_2shansig

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lip favorites

August 13, 2013

I’m a self-acclaimed lip junkie.  At any given time, at least ten tubes of chapstick, lipgloss and lipstick can be found floating around in my purse (I don’t discriminate, I love them all!), along with a few more in my car, my makeup bag, and a few in each diaper bag.     Chapstick is more so part of my daily survival- like water.  People who don’t depend on it need to let me in on their secrets!  I panic a bit and feel like my lips are shriveling away without a good coat on them.   These are among my very favorites!

lib_balm1. Blistex Berry Lemonade Blast  The flavor this little tube packs is incredible.  It’s nearly impossible to not eat it off your lips the second it goes on. 2. Very Voluptuous Lip Plumper by Victoria’s Secret This gloss gives you a bit of extra volume but is still light and not sticky.  3. Philosophy Red Velvet Cake A bit of a thicker gloss, this one has a slight tint and last all night- love! This flavor is yummy- but I love all of their flavors!

What are your favorites?

shansig

 

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