these things

March 14, 2014

these_things_march_brandyj1A beautiful package arrived last weekend with the softest, most gorgeous robe tucked inside.  Plum Pretty Sugar you made my entire month with this amazing gift!  If you are shopping for a girlfriend, mom, mom to be, bride, bridesmaid or want to treat yourself with something fabulous be sure to check out their site (they have a blog too!). 2Starbucks Iced Lemon Cake – whatever you do DO NOT click on this link if you find this cake to be as tasty as I do.  Not a pretty calorie count (thank goodness I usually share).  3For over a year Jettie Jean would only eat the black olives off of pizza.  Being frequent visitors of 816 Pint&Slice we could not have been more pleased when she grabbed a slice and went to town.  Granted she did not eat the whole thing but at least we can breath a sigh of relief that she is indeed our child.

these_things_march_shan1This Adorable 3-Year Old Girl Will Give You The Lesson Of A Lifetime  This video made me smile from start to end- there is nothing quite as innocently beautiful as how simple things are through the eyes of a 3 year old.  2Ben & Jerry Cores As if they weren’t already packing heaven in those little tubs, they outdid themselves and came out with these.  Drool.  3 Adelynn has been so sick this week, but besides her raging temperature and a few rough nights, you wouldn’t know it.  Her sqeaky little cough-ridden voice doesn’t tell you about how she isn’t feeling well, but instead about how excited she is for swim class next week and is still begging for ballet.  I wish I handled sickness with her grace! She amazes us every day.

We would like to add one more amazingly fabulous item to our list of things we are obsessed with – you guys!  This week has included scads of new friends on facebook, pinterest and instagram, 10,000+ views in one day (a new record for us) and the first sale of printed invitations from the PPJ Shop!  Loving every moment of putting this blog together we always wonder if people out there enjoy what we are posting.  Weeks like this are inspiring.  It’s the icing on the cake and something we will use to fuel better and bigger ideas for the future.  From the bottom of our hearts, thank you all!

Now let’s all salivate over SJP, her home and the fact that she is simply SJP:

Cheers to the weekend!

double_name

 

 

 

 

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avocado pudding

March 13, 2014

avocado_pudding_1Shan and I have discussed posting “healthy” recipes since, well, December.  While we both enjoy indulgent dishes (which include things like butter), we are also well aware they are not kind to the waistline or our overall well being.  For me, eating healthy has almost always came naturally.  As a young child I often ordered salad over pizza and preferred fruits and vegetables over processed snacks.  With being pregnant however, my sweet tooth has been in overdrive.  Constantly finding myself scavenging for sugar I needed a satisfying option that does not include a million calories.  This pudding fits the bill in more ways than one.  It is the perfect amount of sweet wrapped up in a luxurious creamy texture.  Avocado for dessert?  Yes please.

avocado_pudding_2This dish is very adjustable to taste.  If you prefer things on the sweeter side add more honey.  Want more flavor?  Add coconut extract or additional vanilla.

avocado_pudding_3And then there are those times when only chocolate will do.  Cocoa powder is your best friend in this situation.  This chocolatey pudding with strawberries for dipping is my new must have craving.

avocado_pudding_4Clearly avocados are not just for guacamole.  After trying this pudding I am thinking pie – key lime pie to be precise.  The hunt is on…

 

Enjoy!

brandyjsig

 

 

 

avocado pudding
 
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Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Ingredients
  • 1 very ripe avocado, halved and flesh removed
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons raw honey (more or less to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon chia seeds
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • ½ cup almond milk
Instructions
  1. Place avocado, honey, chia seeds and vanilla in blender or food processor. While blending slowly pour in almond milk. You may need to scrape down sides a couple of times.
  2. Evenly divide pudding into 2 ramekins or dishes and chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes (no need to cover). Top with something crunchy (such as chopped walnuts) if desired.
Notes
Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder for a chocolate version.
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 2

recipe from The Iron You

Posted in healthy eats, recipes, something sweet | Tagged | 2 Comments

st patricks day sweets

March 12, 2014

This St Patrick’s Day I have been drawn to recipes that celebrate true Irish traditions and foods, instead of the lucky-charm inspired, green-food-color-filled variations popping up all over Pinterest.  (Although I’m sure Adelynn’s vote is for those colorful fun treats!) We seem to be passing around a cold in our house this week, so I have been doing more gawking than actual baking, but here is a roundup of great Irish inspired desserts, from cake to cookies.

irish_recipes_2014
1. Irish Apple Cake with Custard Sauce 2. Irish Shortbread Toffee Bars  3. Irish Shortbread Cheesecake 4. Irish Cream White Chocolate Chip Cookies 5. Irish Scones 6. Irish Car Bomb Cupcakes  

All of these recipes look incredible, but don’t forget last weeks Guinness Chocolate Cake, these yummy Guinness Truffles, or our Homemade Irish Cream!

shansig

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diy deodorant

March 11, 2014

Slowly over the last few years I have been putting much more thought into not only the things that I put in my body, but the things that I am applying every day as well.  After all, our skin is the very largest organ that we have, and we have been conditioned to think that if it smells good and makes our skin soft, it’s a good thing.  Sadly, that couldn’t be more false!

diy_deodorant_1

Deodorant is something that we apply every single day, something as essential as toothpaste that quite honestly I could never cut out- no matter how bad it may be.  After a circulating post on the dangers of the alluminum content and parabens that we are so generously applying to our skin, I started looking for an alternative.  Our family also just invested in DoTerra’s “Family Physican Kit”, so I dug into my kit in search of an answer.

A simple combination of Essential Lemon oil, cornstarch, baking soda, and coconut oil- and voila! You’ve got a safe, non-toxic, aluminum free deodorant!   I’ve been using this combination for the last month and can honestly say that it works as well as my trusted deodorant. (And I really love the smell!)

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To make your own, simply combine 1/4 cup of cornstarch, 1 cup of baking soda, 2 tablespoons of pure, organic coconut oil, and 5 drops of essential oil.  Mix until you have a paste-like texture, that will harden a bit as it sits.  Apply after shower, using your fingertips!

(You guys, I know I spelled deodorant wrong on my lid- don’t make fun of me.)

shansig

 

 

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goodbye ceej

March 10, 2014

Sixteen years ago I welcomed a teeny tiger kitty into my life. He was ornery and needy. Had this annoying habit of licking skin and photographs. He played fetch like a dog and had some seriously bad breath. Snuggling was his favorite, vacuums were his least favorite. This cat needed me to save him and I was more than happy to oblige. Little did I know how much of my heart he would occupy. Little did I know how much comfort he would bring. Little did I know that at certain times I needed him more than he needed me.

IMG_1062Today we are saying goodbye to our beloved CJ. I kept telling myself this would be easier. Three years ago we said goodbye to his buddy Stew, in almost the exact same circumstances. I was pregnant, he was suffering, it was hard. Last night as I looked at my poor frail kitty it hit me all over again that this was the end. No more CJ snuggles, no more purrs, no more excited welcome homes. A link to a past of living by myself, failed relationships and countless moves will fade away. The cat that somehow burrowed his way into Sticky’s heart will be gone. But the absolute, very worst of all is that I’ll never see this sweet scene again:

IMG_8259Oh CJ how you won the hearts of so many. Thank you for being such a wonderful companion in a roller coaster ride of life changes. But most of all thank you for loving our girl in a way that only you could. We are blessed to have those precious memories of you and her. We are blessed to call you family.

Say hello to Stew for us (try not to annoy the old boy too much). Love you CJ!

xo,

brandyjsig

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