nine

February 23, 2016

9 years ago we said yes to us. Yes to a life of shared dreams and aspirations. Yes to loyal sidekicks, trusted partners and #1 fans. There is no one in this entire universe I could envision spending my everything with. He is it for me. And that yes was the best yes ever.

You collect a lot of great memories when you share a life with a person, here are just a handful of ours…

nine_years1

Our honeymoon was the first time both of us had been overseas. We planned it for our one year anniversary and allowed someone else to make all the arrangements. It may have been a foreign land but everything about that trip felt like us. It’s hard to pick a favorite place, but if we find our way back to that little hotel on Lake Como I won’t be disappointed at all.

NYC is never ever a bad idea in our world. We have been several times but that frigid Valentine’s Day was a trip to cherish. I always feel special when Sticky holds his arm out for me to slide mine underneath….but in the city it gives me butterflies.

We made a day trip to Baltimore in between a Pennsylvania wedding and a Virginia family session we had scheduled. No one but us knew that 2 weeks before we got our first heartbeat on an ultrasound. [Insert lump in throat. I am such a sap!] A week before that and the heartbeat was still there. We exhaled a little…and started to plan for a baby. Cloud 9 does not even begin to describe our emotions at that time. He was everything for me through all those losses…and now me and my best friend felt free to dream about baby. Yeah, Baltimore was good.

02.23.16. 9 years. He’s still my best friend and those butterflies don’t stop. I’m not sure I deserve a man with a heart like his but I’m forever grateful.

Plus he’s easy on the eyes…so yeah, I’m one lucky girl.

Cheers to NINE!

xoxo,

brandyjsig

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date night options

February 22, 2016

Tomorrow Sticky and I will celebrate 9 years of wedded bliss. Per usual we are hitting up a restaurant and trying our best not to talk about work or kids. [We give it an honest effort.]

The only dilemma is what to wear. He’s got it so easy. Shirt. Blazer. Done. Me on the other hand will have things like what kind of mood I’m in, or how bloated I feel, or whether or not I am up for putting on tights to consider.

These are serious considerations…right ladies?

My plan of action is to have 3 pre-selected, head to toe looks to chose from. Which I have already done as you can see below. Come tomorrow, I will have a choice…and there will be no trying on everything in my closet. Been there, done that and hate cleaning it up.

Option 1

A dress with casual knee highs, simple bracelet and clutch. Not pictured are dark grey tights and obviously I’ll need some warm outwear. If I am feeling like a busted can of biscuits this will work because there is no cling to the belly area. If the restaurant is cold, I’m screwed. [Yes, I know I could bring a sweater to wear over it but I really don’t like the look of that with this dress.]

IMG_3795Option 2

Fun skirt, jacket, necklace, clutch, boots. All of this is definitely my idea of a fun yet sophisticated ensemble. I love those boots with all my soul. They just go with everything in way I can’t explain. The jacket is lightweight, and the shirt is a tank, so I am thinking I’ll at least need a chunky scarf for transport from car to restaurant. Oh, and there will be black tights. [I’m not that tough and my legs aren’t that fit yet.]

IMG_3796Option 3

Denim shirt and faux leather detailed jeggings dressed up with a statement necklace, bright clutch and heels. Definitely the most casual of them all until you consider that bling. This is the perfect ensemble if I am feeling absolutely BLAH tomorrow evening. Which I hope I am not but let’s be real…there’s a good chance I will. It’ll also make a great date night Target run. Pretty sure we need diapers so yeah, that’s happening.

IMG_3797I am going to sleep like a champ tonight knowing I have a game plan. Hopefully I have my crap together enough to post a pic and let you know what I chose via instagram or snapchat. [Heck yes I snap! I’m pretty terrible at it but you can find me at ppj_brandyj.]

Regardless of what I wear 9 years with my man feels pretty damn good.

xo,

brandyjsig

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irish cream milkshake

February 19, 2016

Irish Cream MilkshakeThere was a completely different intention for this post….something or other about my etsy shop. [aka shameless self promotion] But it was a crazy mild mid-February day out there. When mother nature hands you a sweet surprise like that you take the hint and make a milkshake. So I did. One with booze, which just so happens to be my favorite kind.

(Side note: Bingham and I nearly blew away while fetching the ingredients. You’ve got a nasty sense of humor there lady weather.)

Irish Cream Milkshake Irish Cream MilkshakeHonestly we do not make a lot of milkshakes at home. In fact, there is hardly ever ice cream in the freezer to make said shake with. One sip of this creamy, minty, smooth concoction from heaven and I’m reminded why these things are true. I’d be fat and drunk all. the. time.

Irish Cream Milkshake Irish Cream MilkshakeI made my shake with mint chocolate chip ice cream because St Patrick’s…but cookies and cream would knock your socks off too. Or French vanilla. Or chocolate. Or hazelnut. Or any ice cream you can get your hands on. I thought they would turn out a little more minty green in color but the Baileys really toned that shade down. And that’s okay Baileys. Green mini M&Ms exist for this reason.

Cheers to unexpected weather gifts and liquored up milkshakes! (Don’t forget to make a batch sans the booze so the kidlets can partake.)

Enjoy!

brandyjsig

 

irish cream milkshake
 
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Serves: 1 large or 2 small
Ingredients
  • 4 large scoops mint chocloate chip ice cream
  • ½cup ice
  • ½cup milk
  • ¼cup Baileys
  • Fresh whipped cream and sprinkles/candy for garnish (optional)
Instructions
  1. Place ice cream, ice, milk and Baileys in a blender and blend until silky smooth.
  2. Fill 1 large glass or 2 small. Top with whipped cream and candy or sprinkles if desired. Insert straw and enjoy!

Irish Cream Milkshake
Posted in cheers!, holidays, recipes, something sweet, St Patrick's Day | Tagged | 2 Comments

broccoli cheese potato soup

February 18, 2016

Broccoli Cheese Potato SoupWhen it comes to soup I rarely prefer the simmer on the stove all day version over the simplified ready in 30 minutes version. Not that the latter is better over the other, it’s just that I hardly ever have the time to make the first so faster it is.

This soup isn’t a simmer all day soup, nor is it ready in 30 minutes. It’s a combo of the two…sort of. There will be an extra pan dirtied, and your arm will get tired from whisking. But when your soup is finished and ready to consume you will find all the time, dirty dishes and tired arm worth it.

Trust me.

Broccoli Cheese Potato Soup Broccoli Cheese Potato SoupBroccoli, potatoes and cheese make up the main components of this soup. The stars I guess you could say. But it’s the smoked paprika and mustard that takes this from being good to being something extra special. Every single bite is packed with that smokey flavor and tang while the texture completes the experience. Did I mention the creaminess? Soup perfection.

Broccoli Cheese Potato Soup Broccoli Cheese Potato SoupIf you are in a rut with your winter meals I urge you to give this a try. Know someone who could use a meal? This soup has you covered. Housewarming? New baby? Bring them soup!

Just don’t forget to make enough for you as well. You’ll be sad if you don’t.

Enjoy!

brandyjsig

 

broccoli cheese potato soup
 
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Serves: 8
Ingredients
  • 1tbsp plus 4tbsp unsalted butter, seperated
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • ¼tsp red pepper flake
  • ¼cup all purpose flour
  • 3cups vegetable or chicken stock
  • 3cups milk (I used almond milk, for super creamy soup use half&half)
  • 3 to 4cups broccoli florets and stems chopped into bite size pieces
  • 2 carrots peeled and chopped
  • 2 large red potatoes small diced
  • ¾tsp kosher salt (more to taste)
  • ½ cracked black pepper (more to taste)
  • ½tsp smoked paprika (or regular)
  • ½tsp ground mustard
  • 2cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
  1. In a small skillet, melt the 1tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 3 minutes. Add garlic and red pepper flake. Sauté for 30 seconds to a minute. Set aside.
  2. In a large pot, melt the remaining 4tbsp butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 3 to 4 minutes or until flour begins to thicken. Slowly pour in stock, whisking the entire time. Repeat with milk. Bring mixture to a simmer for 20 minutes, or until mixture is thick and reduced slightly.
  3. Add broccoli, carrots, potatoes, salt, pepper, paprika and mustard. Let simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or till vegetables are tender. Take off heat and add cheese. Stir till melted. Serve immediately with extra cheese for garnish. Store in fridge in airtight container for up to a week. Reheat gently in microwave or over stovetop.

recipe adapted from Averie Cooks

Broccoli Cheese Potato Soup
Posted in recipes, soup, vegetarian, what's cooking | Tagged | Leave a comment

mango upside down cake

February 17, 2016

Mango Upside Down CakeMy man loves pineapple upside down cake. I cannot say for certain that a bite has ever entered my mouth. Crazy right? Nonetheless, someday I will make one for him…but for now there’s a mango version.

Mango Upside Down Cake Mango Upside Down CakeI’ ve been dealing with a stomach bug the last couple of days. Not horrible but annoying enough to give me a constant upset stomach and weird appetite. Today I ate a corn tortilla shell, one piece of dry toast, a half a bottle of ginger ale and a piece of this cake. Because not even a stomach bug can come between me and cake.

Mango Upside Down Cake Mango Upside Down CakeLet’s get the obvious out of the way: I need to work on my mango arrangement skills. I was going for a giant rose but it ended up with a “I threw these in here” presentation. Good thing I’m not on one of those competition baking shows. Poor ugly cake would be put to shame.

Mango Upside Down CakeSweet, light and a little tart. The perfect way to get through this transitional “where is spring” season. And a wonderful addition to your Easter menu. [PSA It’s in March this year….March!!!!]

Enjoy!

brandyjsig

 

mango upside down cake
 
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Author:
Serves: 8
Ingredients
  • 4tbsp unsalted butter (plus more for greasing)
  • ¼cup brown sugar
  • 1 large mango, peeled, cored and sliced into ¼" pieces.
  • 8tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
  • ¾cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1tsp vanilla
  • 1½cup all purpose flour
  • 1tsp baking powder
  • ¼tsp kosher salt
  • ½cup orange juice
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven 350F. Grease a 9" cake pan with butter.
  2. Place a small pot over medium heat and add the 4tbsp of butter. Melt completely and add brown sugar. Stir until dissolved and continue stirring occasionally until it is a thick paste consistency. Pour into prepared cake pan and arrange mango on top. Set aside.
  3. Cream sugar and room temp butter together in a stand mixer on high for about 5 minutes. Turn off and add egg, one at a time, beating slightly after ever egg. Add vanilla and combine.
  4. Place flour, baking powder and salt in medium bowl and whisk together. Add half to butter mixture and beat on a low setting. Add orange juice and beat until just mixed. Dump in remaining half of flour and mix with hand. Be careful not to over mix.
  5. Spoon batter on top of mango, be careful not to disturb their pattern. Even the batter out as best you can. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean. Allow to cool on wire rack in pan for 10 minutes before running enough along the side and inverting onto a cake plate. Enjoy!

Mango Upside Down Cake

recipe from Feast on the Cheap

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