blood orange mimosas

December 11, 2015

Blood Orange Mimosas“There are very few things this New Yorker loves as much as Sunday brunch.

You can sleep until noon and still get eggs anywhere in the city, alcohol is often included with the meal, and Sunday is the one day a week you get the single woman’s sports pages: the New York Times wedding section.” – Carrie Bradshaw

While I do not give a flying hoot about the NYT wedding section I do agree with my alter ego on one thing: Brunch is Everything.

Blood Orange Mimosas Blood Orange MimosasCocktails do not come simpler than a mimosa. Champagne and OJ – boom, you’re done. This is precisely how a brunch cocktail should go down.

So why am I here messing with perfection? Because I want to…and because I had some blood orange soda lying around. I thought “hmmm, that would make one heck of a mimosa”. It sure does, and the reality is that the drink is still darn easy to make. Even if you are hungover from drinking wine and smoking cigars with Mr Big Sticky the night before. (What? I didn’t say I was!)

Now, humor me as I post double as many images as needed because I think this mimosa is real purty….

Blood Orange Mimosas Blood Orange Mimosas Blood Orange Mimosas Blood Orange MimosasCheers to brunch! Cheers to 2016! Cheers to a before noon acceptable cocktail!

xo,

brandyjsig

 

blood orange mimosas
 
Print
Ingredients
  • Champagne (I used prosecco)
  • Orange Juice
  • Blood Orange Soda
  • Raspberries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
  1. Fill champagne glasses halfway with champagne. Top to ¾ full with orange juice and then finish with blood orange soda. Garnish with a couple of raspberries and enjoy!

Blood Orange Mimosas
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tree tradition 2015

December 10, 2015

Another year, another venture to a tree farm. We were very last minute, fly out the door this time around…which is sort of perfect for us. My favorite is how differently our kids take in these traditions. Jettie loves every bit of it from finding the perfect tree to visiting the animals. Bingham simply has a “What the hell are we doing here?” look on his face the entire time. Like I said…it’s perfect.

2015_tree_1This time around we chose Kaleidescope Farms in Mt Cory, OH. It has a quaint, family feel with fun extras like reindeer and sleigh rides. But the best part is the setting…it’s absolutely gorgeous. If you are in the area and want to cut down your own tree we highly recommend this place.2015_tree_2This girl and that extra large hat (that she had to wear). She sure knows how to make her parents smile. Jettie has such a fiery soul with a heart of gold, she feels everything 100%…and those feelings are on her sleeve like a badge. Certain emotions can be challenging but when she is full of joy I swear there is no person more fun to be around.

Jettie and tree farms are a match made in heaven. I told Sticky I didn’t take too many images because Jettie and I were busy exploring. He said “That is awesome, you girls need to do that more.” He’s totally right.

2015_tree_3We found ourselvesin a little magic before we left…snow. Just enough to catch on ones tongue. (No snow catching for Bing, he’s sticking with the “WTH” face.)

2015_tree_4This tradition, my loves..it doesn’t get much better in my world. Thank you for divulging with me a bit. I hope you are making unforgettable memories with your loved ones this season as well!

xo,

brandyjsig

Posted in christmas, holidays, personal | Leave a comment

raspberry banana overnight French Toast

December 9, 2015

Raspberry Banana French ToastThere is just something about golden bread covered in a dusting of powdered sugar. It’s an instant warm fuzzy feeling sort of dish. I live for these kind of weekend breakfasts. They are meant to be taken slowly, with lots of coffee and a whole bunch of love. There are very few things much better than that.

Raspberry Banana French Toast Raspberry Banana French ToastOvernight french toast can get as complicated or as simple as you would like it to be. This version is definitely on the easy side. I wanted something that required very little dirtying of dishes as well as low maintenance baking. There is no sitting for a half an hour before baking, no baking covered and then uncovered. You let this guy set while your oven comes to temp and you bake him naked until he’s golden. Simple as that!

As far as the fruit goes feel free to use what you have on hand. We happened to have bananas and raspberries, I combo I do not normally put together but oh my goodness was it divine.

Raspberry Banana French Toast Raspberry Banana French ToastBread, fruit, sugar and more sugar…this is what delectable breakfast dreams are made of.

Enjoy!

brandyjsig

 

Raspberry Banana Overnight French Toast
 
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Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Serves: 8
Ingredients
  • 3tbsp unsalted butter
  • ¾cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large ripe bananas (or 3 medium), peeled, cut in half and then cut in half again lengthwise
  • ½ loaf french bread (day old works great) - sliced into ½" slices
  • 3large eggs
  • 1cup milk
  • 1tsp vanilla extract
  • ½tsp cinnamon
  • 1cup fresh raspberries
  • powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions
  1. In a microwave safe 8X8 inch baking dish heat butter until melted, about 30 to 45 seconds. Add the brown sugar and mix well. Press the mixture into the bottom of the baking dish. Place the bananas on top, cut side down. Layer bread on top, cut side down, into two rows or whatever fits/looks nicest.
  2. In a medium bowl whisk eggs. Add milk, vanilla and cinnamon and whisk until combined. Pour over bread as evenly as possible. Distribute raspberries all over, tucking some in between bread slices. Cover with plastic wrap and set in fridge for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).
  3. When you are ready to bake, preheat oven 350ºF. While oven is preheating take french toast our of fridge and remove plastic wrap. Allow to sit at room temperature u til ready for the oven.
  4. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes or until bread begins to turn golden on top. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top if you would like. Serve with maple syrup.

 recipe adapted from Goodhouskeeping

Raspberry Banana French Toast
Posted in breakfast, brunch, recipes, something sweet | Tagged | 4 Comments

diy potato yogurt mask

December 8, 2015

DIY Potato Yogurt MaskFor the last couple of years I have noticed a little dark spot on the outside of my eyelid. As the days have gone buy I am noticing more dark somethings and quite frankly they are not my favorite things in the world. It has been awhile since I have done an at home mask, and really I have never done one that focuses on dark spots. In my research I was thrilled to find not only an easy DIY treatment but one that contains only 2 ingredients that are mainstays in our home.

diy_potato_yogurt_mask_2I love potatoes and so does everyone else in my home. (Seriously, who doesn’t love a potato in some form or another?!) Now I love them even more finding out how many benefits there are for the skin.

Potatoes are rich in Potassium, Vitamin B6, Calcium, Magnesium and most importantly (and most abundantly) Vitamin C. These nutrients will hydrate the skin, promote new cell growth, maintain firmness and lighten dark areas.

While I have not used the mask enough to say that it works wonders on the dark spots..I will say my face feels amazing after each treatment.

Here is what you need:

  • 1/2 grated potato
  • 2tbsp of PLAIN yogurt

Mix the 2 ingredients together in a small bowl and apply to face, avoiding eyes and other sensitive areas. Allow to set of 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water first, and then cool, and pat dry with a clean towel. Mask must be used shortly after making due to the oxidation of the potato.

diy_potato_yogurt_mask_3If you do not have yogurt but are looking for some under eye dark circle treatment, grate a potato and squeeze the juice through a cheesecloth. Use the juice as a toner underneath your eyes. For more ways to use your potatoes on your skin check out Beauty Munsta.

I will keep you posted on how those pesky spots are doing!

xo,

brandyjsig

Posted in beauty, diy, skin | Tagged | 1 Comment

accessories to gift

December 7, 2015

If you have a wish list full of stylish women and not a clue what to gift them I am here to help! Cold weather accessories are cute, fun to wear and best off all… affordable.

Wrap a scarf around a bottle of booze, throw a gift card inside a flap glove or give as a set (scarf, hat and gloves). She will love the cozy surprise which will make you feel awesome. Win-win! Some of my favorite frigid temp accessories:

2015 Cold Weather Accessory Gifts

1H&M cashmere-blend scarf/2Target Merona cable knit flap gloves/3Forever 21 striped knee high socks/4Old Navy multi-color pom hat/5Forever 21 loose knit oblong scarf/6Gap marled lurex beanie/7H&M wool-blend knee socks/8AEO striped gloves

The best part about these gifts? If you do not find a recipient you can treat yourself!  Not that I have ever done that of course…(last Christmas…and a few of the ones before…)

xo,

brandyjsig

Posted in acessories, give a gift, style | Tagged | Leave a comment