outerwear steals

December 28, 2015

If you are anything like me you are currently shopped out. Amazon shopped out to be more precise (seriously, what did we do before Amazon??!!). The only thing that can recharge my inner shopper is a great sale….and boy oh boy are there some to be had out there.

I’m going to focus on outerwear today. Much like shoes, it’s hard for me to resist a great coat. Find one with the perfect fit and cut for your body and I swear you unlock some sort of fashion superhero power. I, Brandy J Rammel, am not purchasing a coat this year. (Especially #2, even though I do not have a coat like that but have always lusted over them…and #3 because it’s so darn fun…oh, and that navy parka. Who wouldn’t love a navy parka?! I want one!…ugh, looking away from the coats now.) If you though are feeling less than superhero-ish in your outerwear, I’ve got some deals worth looking into:

Winter 2015 Outerwear Sale1Old Navy plaid frost free vest/2H&M wool-blend coat/3Forever 21 longline plaid coat/4River Island cream 60s faux fur collar pea coat/5Forever 21 hooded faux suede parka/6CoffeeShop via Zulily red plaid faux fur coat

Happy sale shopping!

xo,

brandyjsig

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wonderful eve

December 24, 2015

Our 2015 holiday greeting:

Merry Christmas 2015 Merry Christmas 2015

(Will share more from our fun session with 180-photography soon!)

Wishing all of you nothing but joy!

xo,

The Rammels

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ways to plaid

December 21, 2015

Man-buns, beards and lumberjacks basically ruled 2015. Venture outside of your home and there’s a good chance you will spot a man, beard, black rimmed glasses and buffalo plaid (or holiday sweater, ’tis the season after all). This of course trickled over into ladies fashion (no, beards are not “in” on women as far as I know…unless you like this) and we cannot seem to get our hands on enough plaid. Or at least I can’t because I am wearing it every other day…and some of the ones in between those days.

If you are only sporting your favorite flannel one way I am here to shed all sort of new possibilities on that fantastic shirt. And just in time as nothing says “happy holidays” more than a great red plaid pattern. Dress it up, dress it down….doesn’t matter, you will be party ready.

Ways to Wear PlaidOCHENTA Plaid Shirt (runs small – follow sizing guidelines)/1Abercrombie side-zip tunic sweater/2Forever 21 black busted knee jeans/3ASOS sequin skirt/5Old Navy perfect tee/6Target faux leather leggings

How will you rock your plaid this season? Tag #prettyplainjanes to share!

xo,

brandyjsig

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christmas sangria (red)

December 18, 2015

Christmas SangriaIt’s Christmas Eve and you have all the food planned and prepped. You’re feeling pretty good about yourself, imagining your guests enjoying their magical evening. It’s all fine and dandy until that slam on the breaks moment when you realize you forgot about the cocktails. How??!! ——– Well don’t ask me…drinks would be checked off the list first in my world. ——- I can however offer up this cocktail that requires simple ingredients and is a cinch to whip up in a pinch. Pulse it tastes exactly how you would want Christmas sangria to taste….  AMAZING!

Christmas Sangria Christmas SangriaThe same cranberry syrup that is required for this sangria is found in my cranberry Moscow mule recipe. It’s is not complicated to make in the least…but if you are really pressed for time grab yourself some unsweetened cranberry juice as a replacement.

Christmas SangriaAs with most sangrias it’s best to let it stew for a bit. It’s not the end of the world if you only have 45 minutes to do so though. This is excellent whether consumed shortly after mixing or sitting in the fridge all night. The only thing you need to remember is to have the pitcher full, glasses filled with ice and be prepared to enjoy a great time with your favorite people. (And if they’re not simply drink more sangria.)

Cheers!

brandyjsig

 

christmas sangria (red)
 
Print
Ingredients
  • 2 oranges sliced
  • 2 limes sliced
  • 2 lemons sliced
  • 2cups cranberry simple syrup (bring 4 cups water, 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries and 1 cup sugar to a boil. Simmer for 5 minutes and strain. Allow to come to room temperature.) or unsweetened cranberry juice
  • 1cup fresh or frozen cranberries (plus more for garnish)
  • 1cup orange juice
  • 1 bottle red wine (nothing too sweet)
  • 1cup brandy (I used peach)
Instructions
  1. Place all ingredients in a large pitcher and stir. Place in fridge until time to serve. Serve with glasses filled with ice and a few cranberries. Cheers!

Christmas Sangria

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cranberry apple crockpot steel cut oats

December 16, 2015

Cranberry Apple Crockpot Steel Cut OatsOnce again I am about 100 years late to the party but alas…I love me some steel cut oats. I wasn’t really sure what to expect. Would it be a lot like oatmeal or more like grits? It’s neither and trumps both of those if you ask me.

And hello??!! This is a crockpot version which means it scores extra bonus points for being a throw in and devour later sort of recipe.

cranberry_apple_crockpot_stell_cut_oats_2I’ve heard that steel cut oats are better for you than regular rolled oats. Why? I do not know but I’ll stick with it. As far as texture goes these are far superior in my book. It’s kind of like a cross between oatmeal and cream of wheat…and I know that sounds totally gross but it’s not. It’s fab. In fact I can’t think of a better breakfast to be consuming this time of year. It’s got a real “stick to your ribs” sort of feel to it.

Cranberry Apple Crockpot Steel Cut OatsHighly encourage the mixing and matching of ingredients here. Also, two big thumbs up for adding some crunch to the finished product. Nuts or granola are absolutely the perfect touch.

Cranberry Apple Crockpot Steel Cut OatsSo, all you pro steel cut oaters out there… What are you mixing your bad boy oats with?

Enjoy!

brandyjsig

 

 
cranberry apple crockpot steel cut oats
 
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Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Serves: 8
Ingredients
  • 1½cups steel cut oats
  • 6cups water and/or milk of your choice. (I prefer mostly milk but feel free to play with the ratio - more milk means more creaminess.)
  • ⅓cup maple syrup (again, adjust to taste 0 this measurement makes it sweet enough for my kids)
  • 1 vanilla bean split in half lengthwise
  • ½tsp cinnamon
  • 2cups frozen cranberries
  • 1 apple cored and diced
  • walnuts, granola, additional fruit for topping (optional)
Instructions
  1. Combine all ingredients (except toppings) in a crockpot. Cook for 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high. Cooking time will vary depending on your crockpot.
  2. Stir for about a minute, until extra creamy and will mixed. Top with add'l fruit or add crunch with nuts or granola. Store extra oats in fridge and reheat in microwave as needed.

Cranberry Apple Crockpot Steel Cut Oats
Posted in breakfast, brunch, healthy eats, recipes, something sweet | Tagged | Leave a comment