favorite baking tools

January 8, 2014

I’ve never been much of a “gadget girl”, but I’ll admit I own (and love) a Keurig, respect  fancy can openers and have occasionally insisted on needing things like an emulsion blender that I have now had for three years and used a total of three times.  Really though, it is important to have a few things in your kitchen that prove to be timeless and get the job done effortlessly, everytime.  In search of “the best” I have tried just about every cookie sheet on the market, own about 20 spatulas and use the same one every time, and legitamately shed tears over my lost measuring spoon from my beloved William Sonoma set.  Looking for guidance for baking essentials, I’m your girl.

Here are my can’t-live-withouts, and where you can find your very own:

baking_essentials

1. Oxo Cookie Scoops– The best quality I have found- and believe me they have been put to the test.  Millions of scoops later, I’m still in love with these.

2. Microplane Zester– Essential for zesting lemon, oranges & limes, this is the perfect tool for the job.  Easy clean up gives it five stars in my book!

3. NordicWare Cookie Sheets– 5 million cookie sheets later, I have found the one.  An even bake, easy cleanup, and best of all- they are made right here in the USA.

4. Oneida Spatula– Josh randomly gifted me this spatula one Christmas, and it has truly stood the test of time (and hard labor. Like seriously.) I have paired this guy with amounts of dough no spatula should be able to handle, and it has never let me down.  The day I finally snap it in half will be a sad, sad day.

5. Williams Sonoma Measuring Cups & Spoons– Oh, these measuring cups.  If I told you I love them, it would be an understatement.  Get a set for yourself- but they also would make a really great gift!

6. Kitchenaid 6 Quart Pro Series Mixer–  Before buying a mixer there are so many things to think about.  First of all, they are an investment, so be sure to get the model that best fits your needs.  Be sure to explore your options!  The Artisan series is great if you just need it for light use, but if you are an avid baker, I would strongly recommend looking at a “Pro-Series” bowl that features a bowl lift instead of a tilt head.  They also come in different quart capacities- so again, think about what you will be using your bowl for.  Also look around for good deals! Brad’s Deals features sales frequently, and low prices can also be found on Amazon.

7. Cuisinart Stainless Bowl Set with Lids– The lids of these bowls make them super convenient for throwing things in the refridgerator- and the sizes of them are perfect.  They get a ton of use in my kitchen!

These are my staples, what are yours!?

shansig

Posted in something sweet | Tagged | 8 Comments

homemade cold remedies

January 7, 2014

Like many other parts of the midwest, here in Ohio we are completely snowed in. This crazy weather has locked us in our house for two days now, and I would be lying if I said that we weren’t enjoying it. Yesterday our day was filled with Monopoly, movies, soup, and I even took a few hours to really get lost in a good book (more on that later- you must, must, must read this book!). The only scary part of all this is that you really, literally, can not get out of your house, let alone your driveway if you need to get somewhere. I’ve been wanting to make and feature a few of these DIY’s, but the timing seemed perfect to share them now.

It’s always smart to have a few homemade remedies up your sleeve, for those times that you need something and can not get to the store- not to mention the peace of mind you get knowing that there are no dangerous additives involved.

Here are a few things to have on hand to create multiple remedies, straight from your kitchen:

natural_remedies

essential_oils

DIY Vicks Vapor Rub by Wellness Mama:

  • 1/2 cup coconut oil, almond oil or olive oil
  • 2 level tbsp of beeswax pastilles
  • 20 drops of Eucalyptus oil
  • 20 drops of Peppermint oil
  • 10 drops of Rosemary oil
  • 10 drops of Cinnamon or Clove oil (optional)

Directions:

  1. Melt the beeswax with oil of choice in a double boiler until just melted.
  2. Add the essential oils, using only half of the amount if making baby rub. (You can also just dilute with more coconut oil before using if intended for baby!)
  3. Stir until well mixed, and the pour into container with lid for storage.
  4. Use as needed for cough and congestion.

Ginger Honey Lemon Tonic by The Kitchn:

  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1″ or so, roughly chopped ginger root
  • 1 organic lemon wedge
  • 1 tsp honey, or to taste

Directions:

  1. Bring the water and ginger to a boil, then lower the flame.
  2. Add the lemon (squeeze it into the water then drop the whole thing in) and keep at a low simmer for a few minutes.
  3. Pour into your favorite mug, and stir in honey to taste.

Thyme and Honey Tea by Whole Green Love:

  • 2 tbsp of fresh thyme
  • 8 oz. boiling water
  • 1 tablespoon raw honey

Directions:

  1. Pour the boiling water over the thyme, and let steep for about 5 minutes.
  2. Pour through a strainer into your mug, and stir in honey.

These remedies are all awesome for the common cold, but don’t forget about simple remedies, like sleep, dark chocolate, peppermint & green teas, power foods (like oranges, garlic, blueberries, walnuts, spinach & salmon), and lots and lots and lots of water.

shansig

 

 

Posted in health & fitness | Tagged | 1 Comment

let it snow

January 6, 2014

Yesterday was one of those days that we do not experience every winter.  The snow fell, and fell, and fell.  And just when we thought it would stop it fell some more.  Big fat flakes perfect for snowball fights and snowmen construction.  Everything was softened by a layer of white.  Everything became quiet.  Everything became calm.  I swear I can “feel” the blanket of snow on my house.  As if mother nature covered us before bed knowing today would be unforgivably cold.  Which it is.  But yesterday, well, yesterday was magic.  Thankful we ventured outside to experience a little bit of it first hand.

plaid_stripe_1 plaid_stripe_2 plaid_stripe_3 plaid_stripe_4

Another little bit of magic makes it’s official debut today. The bump certainly popped earlier this time around. Hopefully this is just my body already knowing what it is doing (and not a sign I will be on the news for giving birth to a 14lb baby). Love this growing belly so much and looking forward to styling what will more than likely be my last pregnancy.  This striped dress screamed my name when I spied it at Target.  Comfy casual is my maternity winter motto.  Topped off with a lovely plaid gift from Guest Jane Lisa and I was snug as a bug in the winter wonderland.

plaid_stripe_5|WEARING| Target striped dress/cable knit cardigan similar/scarf similar/hat similar/gloves similar/Hunter boots

For everyone affected by the arctic chill today and tomorrow please stay safe and warm.  It’s a great time to snuggle, work on a puzzle (yes I am 80 and I love myself a good puzzle) or catch up on your favorite show.  Keep cozy!

brandyjsig

 

 

 

Posted in bump style, outfits, style | Tagged | 6 Comments

blood orange cocktail (and mocktail)

January 3, 2014

blood_orange_cocktail_4

On New Year’s Eve I had the best time with some beautiful souls. We ended up missing the 1st showing of the movie we had planned to see and opted to go to the later one. This meant we needed to pass the time and what better way to do that than a warm booth in a cozy bar. The establishment we chose has a fantastic martini list but of course none for me due to a little baby bump. It then dawned on me that I could ask for a mocktail and a few minutes later a virgin strawberry basil martini was in my possession. It was refreshing, sophisticated and oh so very good. Truly kicked my glass of water’s booty. From that moment on I cannot stop thinking about this most delightful drink. Unfortunately basil has been hard to come by the last few days so I decided to make a concoction of a different kind. Blood oranges are my star ingredient – these gems are fairly easy to get your hands on right now. The juice is ridiculously delicious making the perfect faux cocktail for this pregnant lady (and with vodka the perfect cocktail for my man).

blood_orange_cocktail_1

blood orange cocktail (and mocktail)
 
Print
Ingredients
  • 2.5oz fresh squeezed blood orange juice
  • 2.5oz white grape juice
  • 2oz vodka (exclude if making a mocktail)
  • sparkling water (or club soda, lemon lime soda)
Instructions
  1. Fill glass with ice and pour in blood orange juice, grape juice and vodka (omit vodka if making mocktail). Give it a little stir and top with sparkling water. Use lemon lime soda if you prefer a sweeter drink. Enjoy!

blood_orange_cocktail_2 blood_orange_cocktail_3This is a great way to brighten up a cold winter day. We will certainly be hunkered down this weekend considering we are already snowed in with more on the way (not to mention the below zero temps). Not one to get down because of weather I will happily sip my mocktail.

Cheers!

brandyjsig

 

 

Posted in cheers!, recipes | Tagged | 4 Comments

best of 2013

January 2, 2014

Just shy of 250 posts graced our blog in 2013.  From fashion to desserts to beauty to cooking we have enjoyed composing every single one of them.  Here is a collection of some of your favorites from several different categories:

best_of_2013cocktailFall Sangria savoryCrunchy Black Bean Tacos sweetSalted Caramel Mini Apple Pies fashionDIY Neon Pumps beautyDIY Makeup Brush Cleaner homeDIY Striped Curtains (Why no part 2 to this post yet?  Brandy is still deciding whether or not she wants to stripe the rest of her curtains – the verdict is still out because the mix of stripe and solid curtains looks pretty great as is.)

In 2014 we are looking forward to more sweets, cocktails, beauty and fashion.  Sharing our journeys into making our homes our own, as well as taking the time to craft.  Our lovely Guest Janes will be back with hopefully some new faces in the mix.  Of course you’ll see our little ladies and handsome men, a new baby come summer and all things that we love in life.  We also want to get more personal.  Really dig down and share our passions, fears and deepest thoughts.  It’s proven more difficult than we could have ever imagined but the release and reader response is incredibly therapeutic.  We are grateful to this blog and all of you for that.

Looking forward to the future and what’s in store for PPJ.  We would love to hear what you would like more of or a post you’ve been hoping see (please comment below).  Being satisfied with where this blog is at is never an option.  Growth and improvement are always on our minds.  The possibilities are extremely motivating and exciting.

Thanks to all of you for following along!

double_name

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