their wedding style | shan and josh

August 12, 2013

maxey_wedding_4They did it!  Friday was the day and my goodness was it a gorgeous wedding.  From the venue to the weather there could not have been a more perfect scene setter for Shan and Josh to say “I do”.  But my absolute favorite part was the styling – romantic and whimsical with an eclectic combination of colors.   Very fitting for a young couple in love and true to their own playful and sweet personalities.  I wanted to share just an itty bitty sneak peek since I know so many of you are dying to see the gorgeous couple.

maxey_wedding_2 maxey_wedding_3 maxey_wedding_1 maxey_wedding_5What a magical day and beautiful couple.  Sticky and I were honored to be there.  Congratulations to our dear friends!  We wish you a lifetime of laughs, love and adventure together.

brandyjsig

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wedding day!

August 9, 2013

Wedding Day is here!! Yesterday we spent the day traveling down to Cincinnati and visiting a flower farm (and yes, cutting down flowers in sundresses and wedges- but we had so much fun!)  Last night, flower prep was in full gear and we think we are all set for tonight.

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Let the festivities begin!

shansig

 

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easy pizza dough

August 8, 2013

easy_pizza_dough_63 years ago I tried what was claimed to be the “easiest pizza dough recipe”.  Already intimidated by anything with the ingredient “active dry yeast” I was certain failure would be in my future.  And it was.  Right from the start the dough was dense and thick.  A jackknife would have been needed to lift it off the pan after baking.  I swore off ever trying to make my own pizza dough again.  Of course time heals all wounds and recently when I came across Martha’s recipe claiming the same ease I couldn’t help myself and had to try.  Martha, you are my favorite.  Not only is this indeed easy for a dough beginner like myself but it is super tasty as well.

easy_pizza_dough_1There is something about active dry yeast that scares me.  I think it is all the stories you hear when bread makers discuss things that went wrong with their recipes.  Seems like a lot of mess and work for something that may or may not turn out.  I like recipes that you can “fudge” a bit.  Where weather, humidity or preciseness does not effect it to the point of total disaster.  That is why this dough is for me – fool proof.

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easy pizza dough
 
Print
Ingredients
  • 2 packets (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • ¼ cup olive oil, plus more for bowl and brushing
  • 2 teaspoons coarse salt
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus more for work surface
Instructions
  1. Pour 1½ cups warm water into a large bowl; sprinkle with yeast and let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.
  2. Whisk sugar, oil, and salt into yeast mixture. Add flour and stir until a sticky dough forms.
  3. Transfer dough to an oiled bowl and brush top with oil. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm, draft-free place until dough has doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
  4. Turn out onto a lightly floured work surface and gently knead 1 or 2 times before using.
Notes
Recipe makes 2 regular size pizza crusts. Roll/stretch dough to size and bake in a 425 degree oven (place toppings on first) for 18 to 22 minutes. Or form dough into ball, wrap in plastic wrap, place in freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Recipe from Martha Stewart

easy_pizza_dough_4Absolutely loving our daily harvest of sweet little cherry tomatoes.  Paired with basil it is a simple combination but one that is truly hard to beat.  We cut our tomatoes in half and toss with one minced garlic clove, olive oil, salt and pepper before tossing on pizza.

easy_pizza_dough_5I have made this three times since first trying 2 weeks ago (6 pizzas in 2 weeks for 3 people, one of which is a toddler and only take 2 or 3 bites – yeah, Sticky and I like us some pizza).  The fact that it makes 2 crusts is such a time saver – someday I would like to make 3 or 4 batches and have those perfect balls of dough waiting for me in the freezer on busy evenings.  As far as taste and texture it is not the best dough I have ever had but it is the best dough that has came out of my kitchen and that is certainly good enough for me.

brandyjsig

 

 

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lemon truffles

August 7, 2013

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I’m starting to really grow fond of truffles.  Fancy name, bite size, and now that I have found a box of those cute little skewers I’m really in.  (Speaking of those- I have been searching for some FOREVER.  Apparently one trip to Dollar Tree of all places would have ended my search.)  Like most things, they look far more complicated than they really are and quite honestly don’t take much to make!  These truffles in particular, are lemon- my favorite.  (I am that weirdo who slices a lemon and eats it without puckering- I really love them.)

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lemon truffles
 
Print
Ingredients
  • Filling:
  • 4.5 oz quality white chocolate, chopped
  • zest of 1-2 lemons- depending on how powerful you want the flavor
  • 3 tbsp heavy cream
  • Coating:
  • 6 oz white chocolate, chopped
  • 2 tsp vegetable or canola oil
Instructions
  1. Place the chopped white chocolate and lemon zest in a heatproof bowl. Using a small sauce pan, heat heavy cream to a simmer- and then pour over chocolate/zest and let sit for about 2 minutes until chocolate is nearly melted. Whisk to finish melting the chocolate. Cover and refrigerate for a few hours- until mixture is firm and workable.
  2. Once mixture has set, scoop and roll into balls. Place balls on parchment lined prepared baking pan, and return to the refrigerator for 30 more minutes.
  3. To coat the truffles- melt the chocolate and oil in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Once completely smooth, place skewer in truffle, and dip it into the coating. (If topping with sprinkles, do this now!) Set dipped truffles back on the parchment, and once all are finished return to refrigerator for another 30 minutes.

Recipe courtesy of Annie’s Eats.

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It’s wedding week, so things are crazy around here!  Sweet and simple was just what I needed.

shansig

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emergency “getting ready” kit

August 6, 2013

With Shan’s wedding only 3 days away (can that be possible) all of the last minute prep is in high gear.  Things that are often forgotten leading up to the wedding can cause immediate stress the day of – especially when the bride is getting ready and nerves may be on edge.  A caddy full of “all items a girls may need while primping” is essential.  It will fend off any freak out moments so the bride and her maids can enjoy getting ready (while sipping mimosas, those help too).

emergency_kit_1First you will need something to store all your goodies.  A caddy is great because it’s portable and the items are visible making it easy to find and grab something quickly.  You will then need to make a list of must have items.  I like to break things down into categories and then head to the store with an open mind in case I spy something else that would come in handy.  Be sure to visit a store that carries a travel section of smaller items.  The price is right and they will not take as much room in the caddy.

emergency_kit_3Health and Hygiene
1. Breath mints
2. Bandages
3. Blister protection
4. Antacid
5. Pain reliever
6. Deodorant
7. Tampons
8. Tissues
9. Snacks
7. Dental Floss/Toothpicks
8. Anti-Bacterial Gel
9. Baby Wipes
10. Eye Drops
11. Sunscreen

emergency_kit_2Beauty
1. Hair Spray
2. Chapstick
3. Fake Eyelashes
4. Bobby Pins
5. Tweezers
6. Q-Tips
7. Nail Polish in your shade
8. Clear Nail Polish
9. Baby Powder
10. Body Lotion
11. Nail Polish Remover
12. Nail Clippers
13. Nail File

emergency_kit_4Wardrobe
1. Sewing kit
2. Body Tape
3. Hemming Tape
4. Safety Pins
5. Spot Remover (tide to go)
6. Wrinkle Release
7. White Chalk (can cover up a stain on a white gown)
8. Lint Roller
9. Crochet Hook (for pulling little elastic loops over delicate ivory buttons)

Miscellaneous
1. Pen and Paper (trust me, it comes in handy)
2. Scotch Tape
3. Double Stick Tape
4. Scissors
5. Room Deodorizer/Candle
6. Matches
7. Straws (usually against these but they will save perfect lipstick so I make an exception for bridal occasions)

Honestly the list could go on and on but these are the basics that will get you through most emergency situations.  Looking forward to putting this little pink caddy into use very very soon.

brandyjsig

 

 

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