Baking has been a comfort in my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up watching my grandmother craft the best rich chocolate fudge and turn flour and sugar into perfectly chewy cookies. My very favorite part of baking with my grandmother was that when I would ask her why she did something, she would simply say, “I don’t know, I just do”. It fascinated me. The words “from scratch” impressed me- and the fact that I could break the rules reeled me in. I found a hobby (and later a career) doing something that has always felt natural and comfortable to me. A question that seems to come up often is how I ever decided that this is what I want to do, and she always comes to mind.
My grandma lives on the other side of the state, but a few months ago I had the pleasure of having her company in my kitchen. She watched as I threw ingredients into my mixing bowl, and then cautiously asked how I stay sane constantly baking. The only thing I could think of was, I don’t know. I just do.

In honor of Valentines Day, I want to share with you a simple little recipe that looks more ambitious than it really is. Even if you feel slightly intimidated by the thought of making something from scratch- holidays are the perfect excuse to suck it up, get out your bowl and whisk and try a new recipe.

These fortune cookies are fairly simple to make and adding personal fortunes was fun! I’ll admit I am a pretty tough cookie critic- and fortune cookies have never quite tickled my fancy. (It’s the fortune we all love, not the sugared cardboard tasting cookie!) With that being said, these took me by surprise. They are so much better than the ones tossed in your take out bag!

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Home-made Fortune Cookies: (25-30 cookies)

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 egg whites

Combine all of the above in a food processor and pulse/blend until smooth (so simple!)- then toss the processor bowl in the refrigerator for an hour to chill.

Once chilled, preheat oven to 400 degrees F and grease a cookie sheet. I am an avid believer in parchment paper- but these do best on a greased sheet in my opinion! Drop about a teaspoon amount of the mixture onto the sheet and spread into a circle with the back of the spoon. They should be about 3 inches in diameter- but no need to pull out your ruler, they don’t need to be perfect!

Bake 4-5 minutes until lightly browned around the edges. Now comes the slightly tricky part. Wait about 10 seconds once they are out, and then (using a metal spatula) flip the cookies over and insert your folded fortune. Working as quickly as you can, pick them up (yes, hot fingers!), fold them in half, and then place them on the rim of a coffee mug to secure their shape.

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I wanted to sweeten them up for Valentines Day, so I choose to dip mine in chocolate and sprinkles- but you could really do anything with them! Have fun with it!

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Fill them with a sweet note, package them up pretty and send them on their way.

Happy baking,

shansig

Posted on February 6, 2013 by prettyplainjanes | 9 Comments

a few pretties

February 5, 2013

My mom has told me stories about me as a little girl and how I wouldn’t leave the house without my hair styled and all my pretties on. It’s really funny to think about a 2 or 3-year-old really caring that much. Until now, because I have a 3-year-old that recently threw a tantrum because she hated the shirt I pick out for her. She screamed as I was trying to put it on her. I was getting so frustrated but then I had to stop and laugh because it made me think of all the stories my mom told me about me being this exact fussy little girl! To save time and to avoid a screaming fit I have now learned to give her choices and let her pick her shirt. Little sassy, girlie Althea is so much like her mommy it’s actually kinda scary.

With that being said its no wonder I grew up holding onto that girlie girl instinct and loving all things pretty! Make-up,  hair products, and  “pretties” are definitely on the top of my list. It’s such a rush to find new make-up I love or sample new shampoo’s, and hairspray. Ask my husband, I certainly have my share taking up space in our cabinets.

Here are a few of my top favorite girlie things right now:

I recently started using Paul Mitchel Awapuhi Wild Ginger shampoo and conditioner and cannot get enough of it. This line took 30 years to create and it certainly was well worth the wait. My hair has never felt, or smelled better!

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My love for mascara has me in a constant battle of trying to find one I really love. Right now I’m really loving the new Maybelline Rocket Mascara. It’s no joke and certainly provides full lashes and I cannot get enough of it.

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This statement necklace sure is a fun and pretty accessory, it will add that wow factor to any classic top! I recently stumbled upon this lovely piece, and had to add it to my collection. It definitely falls into that “pretties” category.

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These few “pretties” are sure to make you feel pretty too!!

Pink-Heart

jordannesig

Posted in pretties, product love | 1 Comment

he loves me…

February 4, 2013

helovesme_1Strolling down a street in San Clemente, CA and there she was in the window.  Graphic, bold and in my two most favorite colors.  I knew she was expensive and not something I “needed” but oh how I longed for her.  Sticky and our friend Regis humored my glee and then pout face when I said goodbye.  Little did I know Sticky was plotting what we all hope our guy plots for us.  He wanted to see me smile again the way I did the first time I laid eyes on that pretty mannequin in the window.  Later that year he achieved his goal when much to my shock I opened up that gorgeous red and pink Trina Turk wool coat on Christmas morning.  And oh did I smile but it wasn’t because of the coat.

Pink and red, red and pink.  They are sort of the same but not quite and look simply lovely together.  Nothing brightens up the middle of winter more than these shades and very much appropriate this close to Valentine’s.

helovesme_2 helovesme_3 helovesme_4 helovesme_5|SHE IS WEARING| Trina Turk coat, H&M silk top similar HERE, Forever 21 denim, H&M bag similar HERE, BCBGeneration pumps

brandyjsig

Posted in outfits | 6 Comments

the women we are..

February 4, 2013

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Collectively, we are three friends that thrive on fashion, beauty, baking, being mommies, a good story, a heartfelt gift, anything wrapped up pretty and living happy with our guys.  This lovely little space is our way of sharing these passions with you.  A small glimpse into the bits and pieces of our lives; we hope to infuse a bit of “pretty” into your everyday!

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