her style | johanna

her_style_johanna_1Meet Johanna – gorgeous wife, mommy of three, successful Advocare advisor and one of my dearest friends.  Her and her family were recently in town visiting and I just had to have her model for me.  Johanna has always had great style (even though she will tell you otherwise).  She is the queen of casual sexy by taking basics and accessories and making them look fabulous.  This girl can also wear a pair of jeans like it’s no one’s business (I can see her rolling her eyes right now but it’s true!).  Love this girl to death and will always admire the head turning looks she puts together.

her_style_johanna_2 her_style_johanna_3 her_style_johanna_4 her_style_johanna_5|WEARING| Forever 21 destroyed white denim/faded denim shirt similar/Target wedges/layered box necklace similar/hammered silver bracelet similar/hoop earrings similar/bronze clutch similar/watch similar

brandyjsig

 

 

 

Posted in outfits, style | Tagged | 1 Comment

sales, sales, sales

July 4th signifies a lot of wonderful things – celebration of our independence, fireworks, long weekends and SUMMER SALES.  This is the time to stock up on apparel for next year, patio furniture and many other warm weather items that retailers need to get rid of in order the make room for fall.  Here are a few of our online favorites:anthrosaleAnthropoligie

asossaleASOS

jcrewsaleJ Crew

ruumsaleRUUM

rugsusasaleRugsUSA

westelmsaleWest Elm

Also check out Sale Bite for a fabulous list of deals.  Happy Shopping!!!

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happy 4th of july

4th_of_july_2013_1The 4th of July is here and we are ready to celebrate!  Wishing you a safe and fun-filled long weekend!

4th_of_july_2013_collage

Posted in holidays | Tagged | 2 Comments

gourmet s’mores

I know, I know.  If its not broke, don’t fix it.  S’mores have evolved into what feels like a phenomenon lately.  Cakes, cookies, pies- you name it it comes in “S’more”.  It makes sense, who doesn’t love an old fashioned s’more? (Well, apparently Sticky doesn’t- but I am still not sure I believe him…)  We kicked these  up a notch by adding some of our favorite goodies from around the kitchen- and honestly,  they kicked the normal s’mores booty.

smores_2smores_3

gourmet s
 
Ingredients
  • The staples: Graham crackers, Hershey's Bars (Dark and Regular) & Marshmallows
  • Nutella
  • Bananas
  • Strawberries
  • Pretzels
  • Sea Salt
  • Dark Chocolate Raspberry Jam
  • Peanut Butter
  • Reese's Cups
  • Pistachios

dark chocolate raspberry jam from Guest Jane Vicki of the messmakerbaker

I am convinced that there are few things that aren’t good on graham with a toasted marshmallow, but here are the combo’s that we tested and loved most.

smores_71. The Peanut Butter Cup- Sea Salt- Pretzel Smore

To create: Prepare grahams by spreading a layer of peanut butter on one graham, sprinkling it with coarse sea salt, and layering on the pretzels.  Place Reese’s cup on the other graham.  Once toasted, place your marshmallow on top of the peanut butter cup, and then top with the prepared graham.

smores_62. The Nutella- Pistachio- Banana Smore

To create:  Spread Nutella and shelled pistachios on one graham, and sliced bananas on the other.  Fill with toasted marshmallow and enjoy.

smores_53. Dark Chocolate- Strawberry- Chocolate Raspberry Jam Smore 

To Create:  Spread jam on graham and top with sliced strawberries.  Prepare dark chocolate on the opposite graham- and sandwich a toasted marshmallow between the two. This combo was unanimously our favorite!

 

smores_1

smores_4These sweet rainboot-clad babes had their very first s’mores, along with their very first firefly catching all in one night.  While we are toasting marshmallows they are usually giggling in the grass somewhere, off in their own little world.  When summer rolls out, we sure will miss these nights of sitting around the fire, and the sound of those little giggles.

shansig

 

Posted in recipes, something sweet | Tagged | 2 Comments

easy red, white and blue nails

red_white_blue_nails_3aOk, so you have your cocktail, dessert and accessory – now it’s time for your 4th of July nails.  First off I should admit this is probably the only time I have had color on my fingernails in over 10 years (which is longer than I have known my husband).  I really love nail polish on other women – particularly the ones with cute nails and graceful hands.  Unfortunately I do not fall into either one of those categories.  When I was in high school it dawned on me that my hand twin is Martha Stewart, this is not a good thing considering she has 35+ years on me.  So here is my festive nail tutorial on my advanced aging hands, don’t be surprised if it’s my last.

red_white_blue_nails_1You will need:

  • red, white and blue nail polish
  • painter’s tape cut into narrow strips using an x acto knife, straight edge and cutting mat

red_white_blue_nails_2

  1. Paint all nails red except ring finger (paint him white)
  2. When nails are completely dry line up 4 of your painter’s tape strips to make even stripes.
  3. Paint middle 3 sections with blue nail polish and remove tape before paint is dry.

Sky is the limit as far as how many stripes, which direction they go (vertical, horizontal, diagonal) and color combination.  While I am not a fan of drawing attention to my hands I have to admit that this was a lot of fun to do.  We’d love to see your nail art for the 4th as well!  Load it to instagram and tag #prettyplainjanes so we can admire your work (and your pretty hands).

brandyjsig

 

 

 

 

Posted in beauty, nails | Tagged | 2 Comments