tree tradition

December 5, 2013

This time of year brings on so many wonderful feelings mixed in with a giant gulp of guilt.  There never seems to be enough time to absorb all the magic that is there for the taking.  Currently I am in the weeds with editing, staring at a home that has yet to be decorated and wondering how on earth “the list” will ever be checked off.  And even though we end each season with “next year we will do better” it never changes – it is always crazy.  Thankfully what has changed is our attitudes.  No longer will work or others be put ahead of the things that make us a family, the things that make us smile and the things that remind us what living is truly all about.  Because if we skip the memories that solidify us nothing else matters, including work.  Traditions feed my soul and give me the boost I need to get through each of these busy days.  They are my lifeline and my promise – time will always be made for them, no matter what.

The year we became pregnant with Jettie was such a special one.  Our journey to her was not without bumps and to finally be able to tell the world we were pregnant was the best gift we could have ever asked for.  I’ll never forget that picture perfect snowy day that we began our tradition of cutting down our Christmas tree.  Something we had always talked about and officially started when our family was about to grow.

tree_tradition_1 tree_tradition_2The following year our Jettie was here and we were ecstatic to take her to the tree farm.  She of course had no idea what was going on, which was amusing to us.

tree_tradition_3 tree_tradition_4In 2012 we had a walker which meant we had a little extra “help”.  She was so proud to walk with her Daddy after cutting down the tree.

tree_tradition_5 tree_tradition_6And then this year she actually chopped down the tree herself (kidding… her daddy was standing right beside her to grab the saw just in case).  We made the mistake of going on Black Friday – while we still had fun we decided that less busy days of the season are better for us.  Nonetheless a beautiful (undecorated) canaan fir is standing proudly in our living room.

tree_tradition_7 tree_tradition_8We joke that some year time will get away from us and our “tree cutting” tradition will be choosing a tree in the parking lot of a grocery store.  And honestly that’s more than ok, as long as we are together and it is documented is all that matters.  I am not the super photographer mom of capturing all moments with my big girl camera but certain traditions I will always be sure to grab it.  This is one of them.

Cheers to your family traditions!

brandyjsig

 

 

Posted in holidays, personal | Tagged | 6 Comments

gingerbread kiss cookies

December 4, 2013

I know that it is officially December (and believe me, I have Christmas on the brain), but I want to jump back a second and talk about how thankful I am.

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Every once in awile we all have those months where it feels like someone, somewhere, is sitting there with a voodoo doll they have made of you, sliding in pins.  As the punches roll in it’s easy to let each one hurt a bit more than the last.. it’s easy to overlook all of the good, and focus on the bad. It’s easy to throw your white flag.  It’s easy to feel defeated.

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And then something happens.  A random little bouquet of flowers.  A box of your favorite cupcakes.  A cup of coffee.  A package of “sunshine” when you need it the very most.

Love.

Pouring in from every outlet, somehow making all of the grey dissappear.

Thankful. For you my dear friends, each and every one of you, for making my grey dissappear.

Christmas is about pouring love into other’s lives, and reminding people how very much they mean to you.  Our family has vowed to fill this  Christmas season with random acts of kindness- for friends, family, neighbors and complete strangers.  You don’t need a lot of money to show kindness, only a little time.  Bake a batch of cookies, shovel your neighbors snow, surprise your grandmother  with a handwritten letter in the mail.  Pour love into others lives, because you never know when they are feeling clouded out by grey.

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gingerbread kiss cookies
 
Print
Ingredients
  • 3 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp ginger
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature (1½ sticks)
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup molasses
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup sugar, for rolling
  • 30 Hersheys kisses, unwrapped and frozen
Instructions
  1. In your mixing bowl, beat together butter and brown sugar on high for 3-5 mins. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients, and set them aside.
  2. In your mixing bowl (filled with butter/brown sugar), add egg, molasses, and vanilla- scraping down your bowl when needed.
  3. Add dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
  4. Wrap dough in plastic wrap, and refrigerate 2-4 hours, or overnight.
  5. Preheat oven to 350F, and place parchment paper on baking sheets. Roll dough into 1" balls, roll them in sugar, and place on sheet.
  6. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until cookie tops are cracked, and gently place a kiss in the center as soon as they leave the oven.
  7. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely, and store in an airtight container for 4-6 days.

This lovely recipe is by Baked By Rachel.

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gingerbread_blossoms_5 Love,

shansig

 

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beauty gift guide

December 3, 2013

So many can be hard to find the perfect gift for especially if “their thing” is not exactly “your thing”.  While I would not ever consider myself the ultimate beauty girl I do love pretty palettes and fun new products.  Here is a collection of gifts I think any make-up/beauty adoring girl would love:

beauty_gift_guide_20131Stila Art of the Fine Line Stay All Day® Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner Set – the best of the best in creating the perfect line every single time. 2SEPHORA COLLECTION Set of 5 Color Hit Nail Set – love this collection of classic shades.  The warm rich hues will be coveted now while the the more vibrant shades will be a breath of fresh air come the end of winter. 3MAC Stroke of Midnight Face Pallette Cool – this palette has it all – powder, shadow, lip and eyeliner, WOW!  Unfortunately it is currently sold out but you could always check your local MAC store/counter or sign up to be notified when it is back in stock. 4Marc Jacobs Fragranc Rollerball Trio – for the girl who loves to switch up her scent.  Much like his apparel line these fragrances are light, fun and whimsical.  Perfect gift for the youthful perfume lover. 5fresh SUGAR STARS MINI LIP COLLECTION – a festive packaged collection of tinted lip moisturizers. 6Naked 3 by Urban Decay – this is the ultimate in shadow collections which has very recently been released and has already sold out.  Naked 2 is a favorite as well but if 3 happens to come back in before Christmas it is well worth waiting for.  7Sonia Kashuk® Limited Edition “Lavish Luxe” 10 pc Brush Set – seriously gorgeous brush set making a beautiful holiday gift (price is not too bad either).

Hopefully this helps in crossing a person or two off your list!  Happy shopping season!

brandyjsig

 

 

Posted in beauty, give a gift, makeup, nails, product love, web love | Tagged | Leave a comment

cyber monday

December 2, 2013

cyber_mondy_2013Today is the day!  Grab your coffee, credit card and favorite web surfing device because it’s Cyber Monday!  Of course this time of year is all about giving but at these discounts I think you can treat yourself a little as well (too tempting not to).  Here are a list of some of my favorite style specials:

  1. H&M – 40% off entire purchase including extra 25% off sale PLUS free shipping, code 7376 (this is AWESOME and dangerous…)
  2. Gap & Banana Republic – 40% off purchase, code CYBER
  3. Piperlime – 30% off purchase, code CYBER
  4. Old Navy – 30% off purchase, code CYBER
  5. Aldo Shoes – 25% off everything, code CYBERDEAL13
  6. Macys – All kinds of deals from boots at buy 1 get 1 free to 1/2 off outerwear, code CYBER
  7. ASOS – 30% off everything – code GIMMEMORE
  8. J Crew – 30% off plus free shipping – code MONDAY
  9. Julep – 40% off purchase – code 40OFF
  10. Forever 21 – Free Shipping, no minimum plus extra 50% off clearance – code EXTRA 50

If you have any can’t miss style or beauty deals you would like to share please do!  Happy shopping everyone!

brandyjsig

 

 

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thanksgiving tries

November 29, 2013

When it comes to family get togethers I like to try new recipes. I know, so rude to use relatives as guinea pigs but honestly I do not think they mind. Yesterday was Sticky’s family Thanksgiving and per usual I brought a salad, vegetable and dessert. I’d give all these a thumbs up with the brussel sprouts being a definite “will make again” recipe.

thanksgiving_tries1 Apple Pomegranate Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing – simple, refreshing and delicious. The dressing is not low cal but hey, it’s Thanksgiving after all. 2 Apple, Pear and Cranberry Crisp – made this with Granny Smith’s which really elevated the tart value (I enjoy tart even more than sweet). This is even better the next day. 3 Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic and Cranberries Oh my gosh. Pioneer Woman does it again with a incredibly delicious, super easy, yum yum YUM recipe. I am considering making these again for my family’s gathering on Saturday.

Speaking of Saturday not only do we have our other Thanksgiving but there is a certain football game of importance going on. I am not 100% on what I am bringing as of yet. Any last minute ideas would be welcome and appreciated!

And for those of you who are staying home as opposed to braving the Black Friday crowds there are some AMAZING deals to be had including H&M ($4.95 stretchy pants, yes please!!).

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

brandyjsig

 

 

Posted in recipes | Tagged | 2 Comments