pretty plain janes

caramelitas

August 21, 2013

If you are cleansing, dieting, not eating sugar, or anything equivalent- look away now. This is one of those things that make a joke of the phrase, “I’m just going to have a bite.” No such thing where these little wonders are concerned. (Just thought you should be warned.)

There is something about “cookie bars” that has never appealed to me. If it’s going to be a cookie, I want a real cookie- not one that looks like a brownie. Besides fruit bars like the blueberry crumb bars I posted a few weeks back, these are the very first “bars” I have ever made, believe it or not. (Caramel? I’m in, no questions asked.) Maybe these are an exception, or maybe, just maybe, bars aren’t so bad after all.

caramelitas

Ingredients

32 caramel squares, unwrapped
½ cup heavy cream
¾ cup salted butter, melted
¾ cup brown sugar
1 cup flour
1 cup rolled oats
1 tsp baking soda
6 ounces semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350F. Combine caramels and cream in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. Once completely smooth, set aside.
In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, flour, oats, and baking soda.
Pat half of the oat mixture into the bottom of a 8x8 pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove pan, sprinkle chips evenly oven the crust, top with caramel sauce, and then crumble the remaining oat mixture over the top. Return to oven for additional 16-20 minutes, until outside edge is lightly brown. The center will still be a bit "wet" in appearance, but will set when cooled.
Let the pan cool completely before cutting, and store them at room temperature- not in your refrigerator.

Recipe by LuLu The Baker.

If these bars are not already fabulous, they are truly a cinch to make! Just be ok with the fact that you will eat at least one, intentionally or not.

Posted in recipes, something sweet | Tagged Post by Shan | 1 Comment

diy dry shampoo

August 20, 2013

For many years I was a “wash my hair every other day” girl. How on earth anyone could go longer was beyond me. Then I became a mother and being able to wash my hair less became a necessity. Simple things like letting my natural curl air dry and using less conditioner has helped oiliness considerably. I can go 3 days now without feeling the need to wash. Of course some oil still forms, especially by the third day, and products like dry shampoos are lifesavers. For those times I am out of dry shampoo or I do not want to be engulfed in a sea of chemicals I reach for this natural alternative. The corn starch absorbs the oil almost instantly and the little bit of cocoa powder camouflages it in my dark hair (don’t worry you won’t smell like brownies, wait, is that a bad thing?).

What you will need:

1/4 cup corn starch
1 tablespoon of cocoa powder (omit this step if you have blonde or really light hair)
small container with lid
makeup brush

Simply pour ingredients into your container and close lid. If you are using cocoa powder shake the container until ingredients are well mixed (do not mix with hands as it can melt the cocoa powder). When ready to use dab brush into your dry shampoo and tap any excess off. Apply to roots of hair (part hair in several different locations around scalp for best results) and shake out extra making sure none of the dry shampoo is visible.

Yesterday I had a photo session and my day only allowed me to get my workout in right before we had to leave for the shoot. I would like to think that it is from my crazy mad workout skills but in general if I am hot I am going to be really sweaty. This does not bode well with trying to forgo washing my hair of course, especially when I am in a hurry. I used a little of this before putting my hair in a messy bun and it worked wonders. My roots felt dry and lifted and it only took me a couple of minutes to style my do. A new favorite product in my bathroom, a cheap nontoxic one to boot.

Do you have any tricks for fabulous hair without washing for days? We would love to hear them!

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

casual sunday

August 19, 2013

This is one of those posts where I beg of you to look at me as little as possible. Last night I realized that this needed shot because Sticky had early morning plans so my casual Sunday look would have to do. Prepping consisted of running my fingers through my hair and dabbing some chapstick on. I was however very excited to wear my wide knit coral sweater – the perfect something to throw on when the sun starts to set and it’s not hot but not cold but just chilly enough in the shade. It looks a lot better with jeans I am now realizing. In fact there’s many things I could have done to make this look a lot better. But wait it’s casual Sunday, I am not suppose to worry about those things right?

Let me explain the random shoe shot above. Our usual assistant needed assistance (see below) so the shoot was abruptly cut short. Kisses on ouchies come first after all. Of course I later realized we had very little shots taken so I snapped a quick one of my shoes before the sun completely went down.
|WEARING| coral sweater similar/white shorts similar/polka dot flats similar

Posted in outfits, style | Tagged Post by Brandy J | 4 Comments

loving lately

August 16, 2013

Brandy J:

1 Neil Hilborn’s reading of his own poem. Beautiful and tragic. This is not about understanding or relating to his extreme case of OCD. This is about a man who fell in love and then lost the girl. A powerful reminder that we all have real feelings regardless of our disabilities. 2 A sexy black jumpsuit. I can’t get it out of my head. One must be had for a date night look. If I can pull it off I am fairly certain Sticky would love it. My eye is currently on this one and this one. 3 Emails to Jettie. We started sending her emails shortly after she was born thinking it would be a nice thing for her to have as an adult. Turns out it’s a nice thing for me to have now. I find such comfort in talking to her – I can only hope she finds comfort in them someday as well. 4 Is it just me or are tea towels sweeping the nation? I swear they have been everywhere lately and goodness they could not be cuter. Love this set by Blackbird Tees.

Shan:

1. Rosebud Strawberry Lip Balm I already told you about my balm obsession- but this one is a bit more than that. I gifted these sweet little balms to my bridesmaids & closest friends and they could not have been a more perfect addition to their bags. 2. Shopping for little pink onsies again. No, these are not for me- but in the next few months THREE little girls will be born (two step sisters and one dear friend are all expecting girls!) and I couldn’t be having a better time picking up itty bitty pink things again. 3. A new handbag. I finally cracked and bought myself a much needed new bag– and I am loving it! 4. Ashton Kutcher’s viral video. I know, this video is everywhere right now. But for good reason- what an awesome message that we all need to hear from time to time.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Posted in web love | Tagged Post by PPJ | Leave a comment

a night at the drive-in

August 15, 2013

Some of the best things in life are the simplest. An old drive-in off a quiet highway has been the simple warm fuzzy spot for us this summer. As children we remember grabbing lawn chairs, blankets, snacks and heading to a movie (maybe two if we were able to stay awake). We would pull up to the ticket booth and get our first view of the humungous white screen. Tires slowly crunched through gravel as we chose just the right spot to watch our movie in the stars. Snacks, games and laughter would ensue while waiting for the sun to sink into the horizon. Then that first flicker of the screen would come on and faces lit up – it was movie watching time. We now know that it was the moments leading up to the movie that makes the drive in so special. Spending time with people you love in the gorgeous light of a setting sun. It is magically simple and something we certainly plan on making “a regular habit”.

We made a few quick and simple snacks for our most recent trip to the drive in. Of course there is nothing wrong with the old movie theater stand-by’s but it is fun to mix it up (not to mention cost effective).

BBQ Popcorn – sweet, smoky, salty and oh so good. Easily make individual sizes by placing in brown paper lunch bags.

Spiced Crispy Chickpeas – these were crispy until packaged but still good in taste. Many spice variations could be used in this including the above BBQ spice rub. A tip – make sure the chickpeas are completely dry before tossing with oil and spices.