inspired

February 16, 2016

I’m sure you heard or read about Taylor Swift’s Grammy speech after scoring Album of the Year (again). Just in case you didn’t take a moment to absorb these words:

Focus on the WorkNegativity is an evil weapon. One that kills dreams and breaks down confidence. It doesn’t deserve an ounce of your time…the time you give to it is how it ultimately destroys you.

Taylor has alway been awkward, honest and most importantly herself. People hate her, like really really hate her. What she does with the ugliness though is nothing short of brilliant. Instead of allowing it to toxicate her soul, she turns it into fuel for her artistry. And guys…the girl is killing it.

I love everything about Taylor…but her message last night might be my all time favorite Swift moment.

Focus on the work. It won’t leave my brain. 4 simple words that all the sudden mean so much.

Focus on the WorkLess than 24 hours after the infamous speech and this is hanging in my office. Not as a reminder to check off the to-do list, or push through a late night work session. It’s there to remind me to focus on the good, focus on the art, focus on the love.  Focus on being me and not worry about what everyone else might think of me. To focus on what matters, and forbid the negativity from entering my life.

If you were as moved as I was last night I gift you this free printable. The way I see it the more of us listening to our hearts and passions the happier this world will be.

Gosh that Taylor sure is wise.

xoxo,

brandyjsig

 

 

 

PS Did you notice the chosen colors for the 1st graphic? Taylor killed it last night in the fashion department as well.

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little valentine style

February 15, 2016

Kids FashionWe came incredibly close to 86-ing the photo Valentine’s this year. Had it not been for last year’s adorable reminder hanging on the fridge I just may have gone through with it…. I am so thankful that didn’t happen.

Photographing one’s own children can be a miserable experience for a photographer (and the kids). All I ever need is 5 minutes of cooperation and generally I end up with about 2. Hit the 10 minute mark and we are all done.

But just like I always tell my clients…”You’ll be amazed by what we did capture.” These kiddos always amaze me. Regardless of attitude or lack of enthusiasm I am in love with what we got from our last minute Valentine session. Or maybe I just love them and any and all images are my absolute fave.

Kids FashionJettie has had her fair share of heart attire in the past but this year I felt like I really dropped the ball. Not a heart to be found in her closet, and not an ounce of pink in Bingham’s. That’s when I thought “when all else fails go black and white”. It may not scream Valentine’s Day but it’s simple, classic and fun. I like those 3 things a lot.

Kids Fashion Kids FashionThe image below was an instant “that’s the back of their card” moment. I saw a heart in between them and just knew it would be perfect…

Kids Fashionand it was.

VSCO Cam-1||WEARING|| Bingham H&M blazer/Old Navy denim shirt/H&M tee/Gap denim/shoes similar/hat similar Jettie similar jacket/Target hoodie/tunic similar/H&M jeggings/shoes similar/H&M beanie 

I know we won’t do these little photo Valentine’s for many more years, but I sure love doing them for now. These kids I tell ya…they’re stylish, they’re sweet and they will always be my loves.

Hope you guys had a wonderful Valentine’s Day!

brandyjsig

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recipes for your valentine

February 12, 2016

When it comes to Valentine’s making something from the heart wins every single time. I love cooking for my family, it’s especially fun when there is a sweet holiday to celebrate. Whether you are having dinner in for 2 or making a yummy treat for your little ones here are a few last minutes ideas to try (I forgot about that roasted pear…oh my gosh YUM!):

Recipes for your Valentine1Gnocchi for Two/2Roasted Pear with Ricotta and Honey/3Red and Pink Monster Cookies/4Salted Dark Chocolate Coconut Balls/5Strawberry Banana Scone/6Cherry Margarita

XOXO,

brandyjsig

Posted in breakfast, brunch, cheers!, cookies, holiday fare, holidays, recipes, something sweet, valentine's day, vegetarian | Tagged | Leave a comment

lentil taco “meat”

February 11, 2016

Lentil Taco "Meat"You guys, I am so mad at myself right now. To know that I could have been making vegetarian taco “meat” all these years and haven’t been….urgh!!!!!!

Do not be me. And by this I mean do not look at this post, think about trying it and then never ever make it. Be smarter. Make the lentil taco meat. Be better than me.

Lentil Taco "Meat"

Why is this so good? Because it’s meatless taco meat that can used anywhere taco meat is used. That’s flipping fantastic! What about the taste? It’s everything you would want it to be. Spiced just like taco meat with a similar texture. Vegetarian perfection in other words.

Lentil Taco "Meat"Lentil Taco "Meat"

Before I gave up meat (well, the land walking kind) I would eat supreme tacos from Taco Bell sans sour cream. I loved the crisp of the lettuce with the juicy tomatoes and melted cheese. All atop a pile of disgusting meat and wrapped up in a soft tortilla shell.

I’m nearly gagging thinking about that meat now…yet I do miss all those tastes and textures together. I should be saying missed because now I have the same experience sans the meat (and sour cream). It is the best sort of nostalgia for me.

Lentil Taco "Meat"This version is sort of mild, still too spicy for my kids but definitely not over the top in the heat department. Feel free to play with the spice and herbs. It’s a very simple recipe, something you can easily put into your regular rotation. It’s also really filling which makes the vegetarians and carnivores both happy.

Enjoy!

brandyjsig

lentil taco "meat"
 
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Cuisine: Vegetarian
Ingredients
  • 1cup dried lentils
  • 2cups water
  • 2tbsp olive oil
  • ½ medium onion, chopped
  • 1 garlic minced
  • 2tbsp taco seasoning
  • 15oz can Ro-Tel
Instructions
  1. Rinse and inspect lentils to ensure wholeness. Place in a medium pot with water. Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer. Allow to simmer, with lid partially covering pot, for 15 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile place olive oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for another minute. Add taco seasoning and sauté for another minute. Add Ro-Tel and bring to a simmer.
  3. After lentils are done add to tomato mixture and simmer for 10 minutes. Pulse with an immersion blender a few times (optional, I like the texture it gives). Add salt and pepper if needed. Use like you would taco meat on tacos, nachos or soup/casseroles.

“http://prettyplainjanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/lentil_taco_meat_pin.jpg” rel=”attachment wp-att-10283″>Lentil Taco "Meat"
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raspberry souffle

February 10, 2016

Raspberry SouffleThis was my first go at a soufflé. I assumed it would be incredibly complicated, full of precise technique. Much to my surprise it was neither. I wouldn’t go as far as saying it is an “easy” recipe buts it’s definitely not as difficult as the fancy reputation would lead you to believe.

Raspberry Souffle Raspberry SouffleAs you may have noticed, mine did not exactly rise to a towering height. I shot them several minutes out of the oven so there was definitely some settling. I was a little bummed until I took a bite. Light as air, decadent, raspberry fluff. It’s dreamy guys.

Raspberry Souffle Raspberry Souffle Raspberry Souffle

And oh yeah hey….it’s pink! Absolutely perfect for a certain holiday coming up. I’m thinking a dark chocolate center would be a nice addition. Or even a simple drizzle of chocolate right before serving. Either way your Valentine is going to be impressed at first glance (and even more so after every bite).

Enjoy!

“http://prettyplainjanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/brandyjsig.jpg” rel=”attachment wp-att-8360″>brandyjsig

 

raspberry souffle
 
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Serves: 8
Ingredients
  • Melted unsalted butter (for buttering ramekins)
  • Fine sugar (for dusting ramekins)
  • 10oz frozen raspberries
  • 2tbsp lemon juice
  • ¼cup fine sugar
  • 3tsp water
  • 1tbsp cornstarch
  • 5 egg whites
  • ⅓cup fine sugar
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven 350F. Brush butter in 8 small ramekins and dust with sugar (may use more or less ramekins depending on their size). Place ramekins on a baking sheet.
  2. Place raspberries in a medium sauce pan over medium heat. Bring to a low boil for 3 minutes. Take off heat and purée in a food processor or blender. Strain through a fine sieve and place back in sauce pan over medium heat. Add lemon juice and sugar and stir until dissolved. Place water and cornstarch in a small bowl and whisk together. Bring raspberry mix to a boil and whisk in cornstarch mixture, continue to mix for 1 minute. Remove from heat and allow to come to a compete cool in the refrigerator.
  3. Place egg whites in a stand mixer and beat until soft peaks form. Slowly add sugar. Beat until it begins to look glossy. With a spatula gently fold in the raspberry mixture.
  4. Spoon the mixture into each ramekin. Even out the tops with a knife. Bake in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until soufflés have risen. Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately.

recipe from Coco & Kelly

Raspberry Souffle

 

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