blueberry smoothie face mask

July 22, 2014

blueberry_smoothie_face_mask_1Every July our local grocery store sells 5lbs of blueberries for $10.  We bought 5 (and are thinking about going back for more).  Why so many?  Blueberries rank extremely high on the “super food” list.  Loaded with antioxidants these little gems restore cells and keep skin looking healthy whether eaten or applied topically.  Plus they freeze beautifully and make damn good pie (as you’ll find out tomorrow).  Basically you can never have too many blueberries – and this mask is one of the countless reasons why.

blueberry_smoothie_face_mask_2Ingredients:

  • Small handful unsweetened blueberries, fresh or frozen (thawed)
  • 1 Tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed (about half a lemon)
  • 2 Tablespoons unsweetened plain yogurt
  • 3 Tablespoons raw almonds

Blend all ingredients in blender or small food processor until combined well.  Apply to clean, dry face.  Leave on for 15 to 20 minutes and rinse with warm water.  Store leftover mask in airtight container for up to week in fridge.

recipe from Spark People

blueberry_smoothie_face_mask_3When summer fruit and veggies are on sale it’s always smart to stock up.  Eating all that freshness is obviously good for you, but making a mask like this one is just as beneficial.  Go ahead and grab some extra blueberries and do a little summer skin pampering.

xo,

brandyjsig

Posted in beauty, diy, skin | Tagged | Leave a comment

pregnancy, a look back

July 21, 2014

Regardless of how uncomfortable my pregnancy became those last few weeks I would be lying if I said the belly is not missed.  There is just something about dressing the bump that I thoroughly enjoy.  (A sharp contrast to how I feel about postpartum dressing. Stretchy pants, nursing access tops – yuck.)  Something I cherish from Jettie’s pregnancy are the weekly photos that Sticky shot, and of course had to have the same with Bing’s.  Not only is it remarkable to see just how big my belly grew but fun to see the way the bump was dressed.  From snowfall to sultry summer here is a look back at my maternity style:

pregnancyFor all of you expectant mommies I highly suggest taking weekly images.  It does not matter if they are simply selfies with your phone.  Having those will mean so much when your pregnancy is over and you want to do a little reminiscing.  9 months is just a blip in the grand scheme of the timeline of your life after all.  Whether you feel like a blimp, a pregnant unicorn or a combination of both it will be 100% worth documenting.

xo,

brandyjsig

 

 

 

Posted in bump style, personal, style | Tagged | 2 Comments

festival fun

July 18, 2014

Gorgeous weather, good company and two excited little riders. Jettie wants to know why the festival isn’t going on all the time. (Wouldn’t that be grand?!)

three_rivers_festival_1a three_rivers_festival_1b three_rivers_festival_1c three_rivers_festival_1d three_rivers_festival_1e three_rivers_festival_1fThe girls have been into all things spooky since last year’s Halloween.  This “kreepy kastle” had both of them incredibly intrigued.  Luckily they were satisfied with just a view from the outside (although they both suggested that they could take a peek through the front door).

three_rivers_festival_1g three_rivers_festival_1h three_rivers_festival_1iThe families (someday we will have a bright idea and ask someone to take a group shot of the whole gang).

three_rivers_festival_2These girls, we can’t get enough of their smiles and shenanigans.  Who could, really?

three_rivers_festival_3Here’s to a weekend full of silliness!

double_name

 

 

 

Posted in Kids, personal | Tagged | 2 Comments

picnic gear

July 17, 2014

Last night we ventured to the Three Rivers Festival for some caloric food and carnival rides (pics to come tomorrow).  While taking in all the fun we couldn’t help but notice how gorgeous the park itself was.  Which then made us wonder why on earth we have yet to take advantage of it.  Shan mentioned “having a picnic” as something on her summer bucket list.  Looks like we have our spot picked out, now we just need some fantastic gear:

picnic_supplies_july_20141West Elm Color Stripe Picnic Throw – first a foremost you need something to sit on.  This one is a great size and pretty to boot. 2Anchor Glass Clamp Lid Jar – being an advocate of glass food storage over plastic I love these clamp jars.  Keeps things sealed and washes beautifully. 3Ikea Cooler Bag – perfect for keeping all those salads, drinks and chilly treats cold.  4Seventh Generation Napkins – eco friendly is the way to go for convenient and conscious picnic-ing. 5Eco-products Compostable Cold Drink Cups – environment friendly container for your cold beverages. Cheers! 6Bormioli Rocco Giara Glass Bottle with Stopper – keep that lemonade looking pretty with this almost 34oz glass container. 7&8 Bambu Utensil Set and Bambu Plates – certified organic products that biodegrade in 4 to 6 months.  Plus they are super eco-chic. 9Fossil Keeper Tote – carry it all in style with this classic stripe tote.

picnic_supplies_july_2014_2And then there is the ultimate of all kits with this one stop shop Picnic Basket for 4 from Red Envelope.

With summer being the season that seems to be gone before it even starts there is no time like the present to have a picnic.  Hopefully we will be enjoying our very own soon!

xo,

brandyjsig

 

 

 

Posted in products, web love | Tagged | Leave a comment

5 minute strawberry frozen yogurt

July 16, 2014

five_minute_strawberry_frozen_yogurt_1

Last week at my checkup I had my routine glucose screening test that checks to be sure you haven’t developed gestational diabetes with pregnancy.  If you have ever had one you know that they are nasty and miserable.  (If you haven’t, let me nutshell this for you: 5 minutes to chug flat soda that tastes like syrup to the point that your throat burns a bit when you are done, followed by an hour of feeling like you just ate 5 Snickers candy bars, followed by a blood drawl.  Are you having fun yet?)  If you fail the screening you have to come back and do it again, this is time waiting three hours for results.  So anyways, this test has been on my mind the past few days, because to be honest if they called and told me that I am no longer allowed to indulge in a few hot fudge milkshakes every week I would most likely have a complete breakdown.  Seriously, don’t take my milkshakes from me.  (Speaking of these- I know it sounds like a strange milkshake flavor choice, but trust me on this one, and try one next time you swing through Rocky Top.  Game changer.)

Yesterday they called, and yes I wanted to do a cartwheel when they told me I passed, and that hot fudge milkshakes are not being ripped from my world.  (I initially panicked because phone calls are usually bad- but I guess they figured I was due for a good call.)  In all seriousness though, this all got me feeling bad about my sweet tooth, and searching for some healthier ways to satisfy it.  Or maybe just for days that Rocky Top is closed.  I don’t know.  Whatever. 

five_minute_strawberry_frozen_yogurt_4

This frozen yogurt is awesome, you guys.  Four ingredients in your food processor for 5 minutes, and voila! you’ve got this fresh summer treat.

five_minute_strawberry_frozen_yogurt_2
five_minute_strawberry_frozen_yogurt_3

5 minute strawberry frozen yogurt
 
Print
Ingredients
  • 4 cups frozen strawberries
  • 3 tbsp agave nectar or honey
  • ½ cup yogurt (I used plain greek)
  • juice of one lemon
Instructions
  1. Simply add ingredients to food processor and blend for five minutes until smooth!

five_minute_strawberry_frozen_yogurt_5

five_minute_strawberry_frozen_yogurt_6
You could use a combination of frozen berries for a spin on this, that I’m sure would taste yummy!  We loved how fresh it tasted- and it is not over-the-top sweet.  This recipe was found on Just A Taste, where lots of other healthy treats can also be found!

(P.S. It was also Scraddle & Sketts approved.  Our girls gobbled it up!)

XO,

shansig

Posted in healthy eats, recipes, something sweet | Tagged | 4 Comments