pretty plain janes

emergency “getting ready” kit

August 6, 2013

With Shan’s wedding only 3 days away (can that be possible) all of the last minute prep is in high gear. Things that are often forgotten leading up to the wedding can cause immediate stress the day of – especially when the bride is getting ready and nerves may be on edge. A caddy full of “all items a girls may need while primping” is essential. It will fend off any freak out moments so the bride and her maids can enjoy getting ready (while sipping mimosas, those help too).

First you will need something to store all your goodies. A caddy is great because it’s portable and the items are visible making it easy to find and grab something quickly. You will then need to make a list of must have items. I like to break things down into categories and then head to the store with an open mind in case I spy something else that would come in handy. Be sure to visit a store that carries a travel section of smaller items. The price is right and they will not take as much room in the caddy.

Health and Hygiene
1. Breath mints
2. Bandages
3. Blister protection
4. Antacid
5. Pain reliever
6. Deodorant
7. Tampons
8. Tissues
9. Snacks
7. Dental Floss/Toothpicks
8. Anti-Bacterial Gel
9. Baby Wipes
10. Eye Drops
11. Sunscreen

Beauty
1. Hair Spray
2. Chapstick
3. Fake Eyelashes
4. Bobby Pins
5. Tweezers
6. Q-Tips
7. Nail Polish in your shade
8. Clear Nail Polish
9. Baby Powder
10. Body Lotion
11. Nail Polish Remover
12. Nail Clippers
13. Nail File

Wardrobe
1. Sewing kit
2. Body Tape
3. Hemming Tape
4. Safety Pins
5. Spot Remover (tide to go)
6. Wrinkle Release
7. White Chalk (can cover up a stain on a white gown)
8. Lint Roller
9. Crochet Hook (for pulling little elastic loops over delicate ivory buttons)

Miscellaneous
1. Pen and Paper (trust me, it comes in handy)
2. Scotch Tape
3. Double Stick Tape
4. Scissors
5. Room Deodorizer/Candle
6. Matches
7. Straws (usually against these but they will save perfect lipstick so I make an exception for bridal occasions)

Honestly the list could go on and on but these are the basics that will get you through most emergency situations. Looking forward to putting this little pink caddy into use very very soon.

Posted in beauty, diy | Tagged Post by Brandy J | Leave a comment

summer color

August 5, 2013

In my best Cindy Lou Who voice “Where Are You Summer?”. Not that I am one to complain about comfortable temps but it is downright creepy to feel like pre-fall the first week of August. I will do my part in fending off the cold early by wearing things like this canary yellow skirt and these skimpy strappy sandals for as long as humanly possible. I will swear off jewelry and wearing my hair down because it is far too hot outside. There, I helped. Of course once I get my first in person whiff of the new fall boots all bets are off.

|WEARING| Forever 21 yellow skirt/H&M denim shirt/Mia ankle strap sandals/color block clutch similar

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

kahlùa mocha iced coffee

August 2, 2013

When it comes to spiking my coffee I am a Baileys Irish Cream girl through and through. Unfortunately Sticky is obsessed as well so the bottle doesn’t stand a chance at longevity in our home. Kahlùa on the other hand gets a crinkled nose and “ewe” when suggested so there is almost always a full bottle on hand (why we own one in the first place is a mystery). Today my iced coffee was screaming for a little something more. With no Baileys I opted for an open mind, grabbed the Kahlùa and made an already perfect drink into a “heck yeah it’s Friday” treat.

Yes, that is sweetened condensed milk and yes I am using it in addition to dark chocolate syrup and alcohol. There may be half & half in this too. You could go lighter on these ingredients but to be frank it won’t be nearly as good.

I love the look, feel and sound of a cocktail shaker and use it whenever I get the chance. Better yet is when Sticky does the shaking – there’s just something about a good looking man making a tasty cocktail. I like it. I like it a lot.

kahlùa mocha iced coffee

Ingredients

1 cup iced coffee
1 oz kahlùa
1 oz half and half
1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
1½ teaspoons dark chocolate syrup (or to taste)

Instructions

Pour all ingredients in an cocktail shaker full of ice.
Shake for 10 to 15 seconds.
Pour into an ice filled glass.

You could go even more devilish with this and add whip cream with a dash of cocoa powder or cinnamon on top. I am going to be a good girl and forgo the extra calories (or maybe I just don’t have whip cream on hand).

Cheers!

Posted in cheers!, recipes | Tagged Post by Brandy J | 2 Comments

h&m online shopping!!!

August 2, 2013

2 days ago I jumped on H&M to check out the new arrivals for early fall. Much to my satisfaction the site was down which I knew could only mean one thing – revamp for USA online shopping. Why it has taken H&M so long I do not know, but it is here and I could not be more thrilled. Of course I will still shop my local H&M but now, like many other brands, I will be able to shop the full line instead of what I can only find in store. This is a good thing, a very good thing.

There may just be a celebratory cocktail post later today, maybe. I guess you’ll have to wait and see.

Posted in web love | Tagged Post by Brandy J | Leave a comment

a bridal brunch

August 1, 2013

A few weeks back, we kicked off wedding festivities with my bridal brunch- thrown by Brandy J, my sister Brandy, and bridesmaid Cassity. These girls know me like the back of their hand. Breakfast? Yes, please. An iced coffee bar? I’m drooling. MessMakerBaker Jam? My life is complete.

Really though, they could not have thrown a more beautiful and special party for me- and words can not express my gratitude. If I could have convinced Brandy J to leave the decor up and just let me live there forever, I would be one happy girl. Take a look at what they put together, I could not have loved it more!