spiced pomegranate apple cider

November 1, 2013

pomegranate_apple_cider_1Lately all I have wanted to do is curl up in a comfy blanket and sip something warm and tasty. Apple cider is my go to drink these chilly days and I love to find ways to spruce up the taste level a bit. This recipe is right up my ally with the addition of fruity pomegranate, spicy ginger and cloves. It fills your home with the most wonderful aroma and warms your belly at first sip. A must try for any cider lovers out there.

pomegranate_apple_cider_4

spiced pomegranate apple cider
 
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Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Ingredients
  • 6 cloves
  • 3 thin slices ginger
  • 5 cups apple cider
  • 1 cup pomegranate juice
  • 6 sticks cinnamon
Instructions
  1. Stick 2 cloves into each slice of ginger.
  2. In a large pot over high heat, bring the cider and pomegranate juice to a boil with the ginger. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Pour into mugs and serve each with a cinnamon stick.
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 6

recipe from Everyday with Rachel Ray

pomegranate_apple_cider_2 pomegranate_apple_cider_3 pomegranate_apple_cider_5Add an ounce or two of pomegranate liquor to this for those nights you need a little more than just cider. This would also be a perfect beverage to serve on low in a crock pot for holiday parties or fabulously fun events like tree trimming – your house will smell absolutely amazing for all your friends and family. Talking about how fabulous this drink is has me thinking I need to warm up a mug immediately. Cheers to these festive months and something soothing to sip on!

brandyjsig

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a “white christmas” happy halloween

October 31, 2013

MV5BMjA0Mzg0OTU0OF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwNTM4MjY5._V1._SX337_SY475_Several costume ideas have been swirling around since September but it wasn’t until about 3 weeks ago that we officially decided on the holiday classic “White Christmas”.  There were a few hurdles this time around (like a little girl dress not arriving on time) but with the help of Brandy J’s talented mom and a lot of hot glue we somehow pulled it off.  Regardless of most people thinking we were “Santa and the Mrs” this was a fun theme, especially for “White Christmas” fans like ourselves.

white_christmas_halloween_1 white_christmas_halloween_2The girls were “Betty and Judy of  The Haynes Sisters” from their endearing song and dance of Sisters, Sisters.  Judy unfortunately skipped her nap that day and had a shaking performance while both sisters ate far too much sweets.  Those girls….

haynes-sisters white_christmas_halloween_3 white_christmas_halloween_4 white_christmas_halloween_5 white_christmas_halloween_6 white_christmas_halloween_7Bing, Rosemary, Danny and Vera would like to wish everyone a Happy Halloween (and Merry Christmas)!!!

 

Posted in costumes, halloween, holidays, personal | Tagged | 3 Comments

black candy apples

October 30, 2013

witchy_candy_apples_2Candy apples are always popular this time of year- but this twist on them is so fun for Halloween.  A bit of black added to the hard candy shell and you’ve got witchy black apples that every bit as tasty.  With the help of a candy thermometer these could not be more simple to make!   The entire process only takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.

witchy_candy_apples_1

black candy apples
 
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Ingredients
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup water
  • ⅔ cup light corn syrup
  • 1¼ tsp black food coloring
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon
  • 6 8-inch sticks
  • 6 apples (I used Honeycrisp!)
  • parchment or wax paper
  • cooking spray
  • candy thermometer
Instructions
  1. Begin by lightly spraying your parchment or wax paper with a coat of cooking spray so that your apples can be removed from it easily once set. (This step is important!! The first time I ever made caramel apples I missed this one, and believe me- prying my apples off of the wax paper was NOT fun. )
  2. Place the sticks securely in the apples, placing them at the stems. (I usually use a hammer to lightly tap the stick into the apple, and I remove the stems!) Set aside.
  3. In a saucepot over high heat, combine the sugar, water, corn syrup, food coloring and cinnamon. Stir to combine, and then insert your candy thermometer. (Follow the directions on your thermometer for correct placement.)
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-high, and boil until the thermometer reads 300F, about 15 minutes.
  5. Once at 300F, remove from heat and quickly dip the apples into the syrup, rolling to evenly coat. Place the candied apples on the prepared wax paper and allow to cool. Apples can be made up to 6 hours in advance of serving.

witchy_candy_apples_4 witchy_candy_apples_3

We have found that the best way to enjoy these pretty apples in by slicing them, to protect your pearly whites from biting into the hard shell.  However you decide to serve them, they certainly make a fabulous centerpiece for your Halloween feast!  Enjoy!

Happy Halloween Eve!

shansig

 

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winter skin essentials

October 29, 2013

Winter can be especially cruel on our skin.  Drinking lots of water, eating healthy and getting  plenty of rest are the first steps in maintaining healthy skin year round.  For extra help during these dry and cold months I turn to these favorite products:

winter_skin1Eucerin Intensive Repair Hand Cream for instant dry hand relief that doesn’t leave you feeling greasy. 2Cuticles can become especially dry and brittle during the cold months – Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream protects the delicate skin around your nails. 3I have a very bad habit of biting my lips while sleeping, especially when they are already dry.  Kiehl’s Lip Balm soothes the pain and repairs the damage left from my bad habit and the cold air. 4Coconut Oil is an essential in our home for many reasons including skincare.  This gently moisturizes Jettie’s delicate skin while I often use it for a eye makeup remover. 5Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is a celebrity favorite for it’s deep cleaning power that leaves the skin feeling refreshed and hydrated – not tight and dry.  6O’Keefe’s for Healthy Feet protects your feet from the dry harmful air that can often cause cracking and pain. 7Vaseline Cocoa Radiant has been a favorite moisturizer of mine for many years.  Apply at night for that soft buttery skin feeling in the morning.

What do you use to battle the harsh winter air?

brandyjsig

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his style | sticky

October 28, 2013

his_style_sticky_2It wasn’t long after meeting Sticky I knew he had a passion for style.  Granted his most cherished possessions were a green pair of low profile sneakers and a collection of thrift store tees (one donning the phrase “aged to perfection”).  But his curiosity was there and it was not long into our relationship he was asking for my opinion.  Like many well dressed husbands he takes no credit for looking put together.  “She dresses me” is his common reply to someone telling him he looks good.  When it comes down to it though he is the one who is wearing the heck out of the clothes and is willing to take chances.  I absolutely love his classic metro style with a twist, but I also love that he can throw on a grubby hat and some camo waders and look just as comfortable.  The man for the most part feels good in his own skin which is what style is all about – a valuable lesson he has taught me over the years.

Today is Sticky’s birthday.  A man with a heart of gold who knows no stranger.  We are so lucky to have such a genuine and honest man in our world.  He has far exceeded any husband I could have ever dreamed of and could not be a more loving father to our Jettie.  Cheers to our guy!  We love you!

his_style_sticky_3 his_style_sticky_1 his_style_sticky_4|WEARING|denim blazer similar/octagon pattern shirt similar/jeans similar/polka dot pocket square similar/tonal shoes similar

brandyjsig

Posted in outfits, style | Tagged | 3 Comments