pretty plain janes

fight the brassiness

March 4, 2014

Blonde, blonde, blonde. It is all the rage right now, especially for brave brunettes who have always wanted to take a walk on the lighter side. I recently infused some lighter tones into my hair and left the salon feeling absolutely fabulous. A week or so later however there was a brassiness creeping into my otherwise perfect ashy tones. Not having the time or funds to frequent the salon every 2 weeks for a tone, I decided to research what could be done at home.

1 Shower Filter – admittedly I have yet to make the investment in one of these but it is quite tempting, especially if it saves precious salon color. This takes out the chlorine, synthetic chemicals and heavy metals, replacing them with healthy, pH-balanced potassium ions. The iron found in water specifically attacks blonde strands leaving them more of a brass tone. A purification filter will banish the brass and bonus, it’s great for skin as well! 2 Violet Toned Shampoo – when I asked my fabulous stylist Alex how to keep the brass out she suggested Shimmer Lights shampoo by Clairol Professional. Having just purchased this item I can only attest to one use. It definitely toned down some of the brassiness but it is (as she warned) very drying so spare usage is advised. There is also a smell that reminds me of Zest bar soap, which may be offensive or not depending on who you are. All that said I will continue to use the product on an every other shampoo basis (I wash my hair every 3 days in the winter). 3 Color Protection Shampoo and Conditioner – you paid for a professional color, only makes sense to protect it. Invest in good color protection products to keep those locks safe in between salon visits. 4 DIY Home Toner Rinse – I was feeling daring and decided to try this simple at home toner made with apple cider vinegar and food coloring (yes I said food coloring). I used more of a blue/green mix than the violet suggested. After trying this twice my hair was a little less brassy and a lot more shiny (due to the vinegar). I URGE you to do a test strand if you are going to give this a go. Many of the reviews complained of their hair having a pink tone to it. For me though it was a great little trick that I am sure will be put into use again and again. 5 Coconut Oil – no, coconut oil does not attack brassiness per say but it is a lifesaver when it comes to the inevitable dry hair that dyeing and toning will leave you. Simply rub a fair amount into your hair (focusing on the ends) the night before you plan to wash. Sleep with a cap to protect pillow and allow the oil to do it’s thing overnight. Wash like normal the next day.

Hopefully these tips will help you fight your war on brassiness. I am hoping I become skilled enough to tackle it completely and maybe (just maybe) go even lighter.

Posted in beauty, hair, product love | Tagged Post by Brandy J | 6 Comments

oscar fabulous

March 3, 2014

Last night was the night. Fashion’s main event. The Oscars. It’s an evening of class and sophistication. Risks are taken but in a tasteful way. There is an old Hollywood vibe that will always hold true for the Oscars. I for one appreciated the obvious thoughtfulness that went into what this award show represents. And my goodness were the gowns amazing!

My absolute favorites!

Lupita perfection in a plunging powder blue Prada with gold headband. Kate knows how to take risks and keep it classy all at the same time. She again hits it out of the park with this Atelier Versace. Cate oh how I wish this gown photographed as good as it looked on television. There were many nude gowns but this Armani Privè was a sparkly stunner (if you watched her walk up the stairs to accept her award you’ll know what I mean).

Charlize in Dior, need I say more? She is as perfect as an Oscar statue, true goddess. Some worst dressed lists say she looks like an evil queen, an absolutely gorgeous one if you ask me. Jennifer wore a simple Dior but in a stunning red color. The peplum made it’s appearance several times but this was my top choice. Amy was expected to wear a pale princess dress but surprised everyone by showing up in this navy gown by Gucci. She will be ridiculed for being boring but I loved seeing her in something structured and timeless.

Had to include the pregnant girls:

Elsa in Elie Saab, Olivia in Valentino and Kerry in Jason Wu. Any girl who can rock the bump at the Oscars is a hero in my opinion. I am partial to Olivia’s look however. Elsa’s is not working for me and Kerry’s we have seen before, but the the elegant black Valentino with surprise of white has me salivating. Olivia looks flawless (and so did all those navy suits on the guys).

When it is all said and done though it was Lupita’s night. And for good reason. The queen of award season could not have had a better finale:

all images E! Online

Posted in bump style, outfits, style, web love | Tagged Post by Brandy J | Leave a comment

homemade irish cream

February 28, 2014

There are certain ways of getting around the guilt that comes along with drinking before noon. Slipping some Irish cream into your coffee would be one of them. Of course you could purchase the infamous bottle of smooth and creamy Baileys. Or, with a handful of ingredients and a blender, you could save a few bucks and make your own. Either way there will be booze in your morning cup of jo. You win.

When choosing an Irish whiskey do not be afraid to bargain shop. Brands like Jameson’s, Bushmills and Tullamore Dew are more than capable of becoming delicious Irish cream. Save your 20+ year old single malt whiskey for when Gerard Butler comes to visit. (Although I am pretty sure he’s Scottish – no matter, just get him drunk so he’ll dance for you.)

Unlike many other homemade liquors this one literally takes a minute and you’re ready for consumption. A real “impress your guests” recipe. Or bottle it up and send them home with the goodness.

Irish cream is not only reserved for coffee. Simply serve over ice for a cool, velvet sipping drink. Or include in a rich chocolatey dessert recipe (yes, Shan already has her eye on this ingredient – stay tuned).

In case you were wondering the answer is YES – it is complete and total torture to make something so delectable that I cannot consume while pregnant. That said, I do not feel so bad sending Sticky out for late night ice cream when there’s a jar of this sitting in the fridge just for him. Besides, I’ll be indulging in a spiked weekend coffee soon enough. For now I’ve got baby kicks making my mornings extra special.

Cheers!

homemade irish cream

Ingredients

1⅔ cups Irish whiskey (Jameson's, Bushmills or something similar)
1 cup half & half or heavy cream
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon instant coffee or espresso

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in blender and blend on high speed for 30 to 60 seconds.
Pour mixture into an airtight container or glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. Shake well before using.

Notes

Feel free to adjust ingredients if too strong by adding more half & half or cream. May also add additional flavors such as mint or caramel.

recipe from Brown Eyed Baker

Posted in cheers!, holidays, recipes, St Patrick's Day | Tagged Post by Brandy J | 4 Comments

overnight oats

February 27, 2014

Overnight oats have been on my mind for a long time. It seems like everywhere I turn there is someone on social media claiming a mason jar of goodness has changed their lives. Yes there may be a bit of exaggerating there but regardless I wanted in on this proclaim to breakfast happiness. Now having made my very first batch I have jumped on the overnight oat bandwagon. This certainly is a jar full of yum, yum, yum. And it is too easy not to try at least once.

The base for this recipe is very simple – milk (of your liking, almond for me), plain yogurt (I use greek), whole oats and chia seeds. These seeds are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, antioxidants and fiber. They also hold 9 to 12 times their weight in water which is key to making you feel full for longer. Great to consume before workouts as well. Basically they are an amazing little super food, eat them.

There is no science to this. Simply put all the base ingredients in a jar with an airtight lid. Stir or shake after sealing and store in the fridge overnight. Remember this is just the base recipe. How creative you would like to get is totally up to you.

With this batch I made one basic recipe and one blueberry maple concoction. The basic is perfect for transferring to you favorite bowl in the morning and topping with fresh fruit, honey and something crunchy (like nuts or granola). You could also add flavors before storing in the fridge (such as frozen blueberries and maple syrup here). This is ideal for eating straight out of the jar when on the go. Other fantastic flavor boosters include bananas, peanut butter, cocoa powder, jam, cinnamon, agave syrup, berries of any type, applesauce, etc. It is all about what you love and have on hand. There are no rules. I love that.

With spring and summer just around the corner I cannot think of a better cold breakfast to fuel you through a busy day. Sticky, who is always hungry, commented on how he didn’t need his mid-morning snack because the oats left him feeling satisfied for hours (a small miracle). Delicious, filling and easy – you gotta go try this out for yourself. Enjoy!

overnight oats

Ingredients

½ cup whole oats
⅓ cup milk (any type)
⅓ cup plain yogurt (I prefer greek)
2 tablespoons chia seeds

Instructions

Place all ingredients in 8oz container with an airtight lid. Stir or shake well before placing in the fridge overnight.
Top with fresh fruit, honey and walnuts before serving. Or add toppings before storing in fridge for eating straight out of container.

Notes

Possible flavor boosters: bananas, berries, cinnamon, agave syrup, honey, granola, nuts, cocoa powder, maple syrup, jam

Posted in breakfast, recipes | Tagged Post by Brandy J | 7 Comments

chex scotcharoos

February 26, 2014

Cabin fever is running rampid over here. Entertaining toddlers that have been stuck inside for weeks is getting more and more difficult by the day. Where are you spring?

We are filling our days with little projects, chores around the house, big dinners and soaking up and embracing the lazy. I spent a solid four hours organizing the toy room the other day, followed by two hours of forcing myself to let the kids play and mess it up again (because after all, that is the point of a toy room.) A few good reads, lots of mugs of hot tea, and little treats from the oven are pulling me through.

Scotcharoo’s are such a nostalgic dessert for me. Simple to make, simple ingredients, simple process. (And if you have a microwave it’s even easier. We don’t have one (gasp!))

4.2 from 5 reviews

chex scotcharoos

Ingredients

6 cups Chex cereal
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup sugar
1½ cups peanut butter
2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
2 cups butterscotch chips
½ cup peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

Butter a large bowl, and measure out 6 cups of Chex cereal. Set aside. Butter a 9x13 dish, OR line a baking sheet with wax paper if you would like freeform scotcharoo's like the ones I made that are pictured.
In a small saucepan, combine the corn syrup and sugar over medium heat. Once boiling, immediately remove from heat and stir in 1½ cups of peanut butter. Pour over cereal and fold together. Pour cereal into the 9x13 dish, or use a large cookie scoop to drop cereal onto wax paper, and use your hands to press together and form them.
Using a microwave safe dish or a double boiler, melt together chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, ½ cup of peanut butter and vanilla. If microwaving, heat in 10 second intervals, stirring in between to prevent the chocolate from burning.
Once smooth, pour over cereal, or scoop onto the piles you have created.
Allow to cool completely at room temperature.