summer 2015 hair color

May 19, 2015

Once again I feel like it’s been a lifetime since I visited the hair salon. My locks are in desperate need of attention, especially the color. I’m in one of those “yuck ruts” about the way I look right now – new “do” is just the pick me up I need. While I am not sure which direction I want to go, I did find some fun trends that may inspire you (just in case you’re in a rut too):

Summer 2015 Hair Color1Bronde – not blonde, not brown…so let’s call it bronde. SJP has rocked this for years and I for one love it./2Rose Gold – I have zero business going down this road but I know a lot of gorgeous girls out there who could. Love the softness of it yet it’s very edgy at the same time./3Balayage – (or tortoiseshell hair) kind of a buzz hair color for the last few months, this “painting” effect seems to have replaced the ever popular ombrè. It’s a more natural, soft highlight yet remains low maintenance. A beautiful technique for any shade of hair./Silver Fox – is this for everyone? Absolutely not. But just look how hot that chick in the image looks rocking it. (I know…she’d look good with a clown wig on.) If you’ve got the cojones I say go for it!/Washed-Out Pastel – perfect for blondes out there who want to shake things up without committing to an overall shade or pink, blue or violet.

What color are you wanting to try?

xo,

brandyjsig

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jettie’s parisian birthday style

May 18, 2015

Excuse me while I dote on my daughter in an abundance of posts this month. I simply can’t help myself.

Yesterday our Jettie woke up at 7:15AM with a sleepy smile because well, it was her day. While I knew the lack of sleep could lead to problems later, my heart still melted on the spot. How wonderful it is that she loves her birthday. She deserves to love it. I don’t ever want her to forget that.

Later that afternoon we transformed her grandparent’s living room into our best version of Paris. More details of all the hard work will be coming soon. For now, this is our birthday girl sporting her Parisian party wear.

Paris Birthday Party Dress||WEARING||Ralph Lauren dress/shoes similar/beret

Thank you for filling my everyday with fun, laughter and the best hugs ever. Daddy and I love nothing more than to see you smile. And Bingham certainly has one of the best big sister’s ever. Happy Birthday Jettie Girl!

xo,

brandyjsig

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these four (dresses)

May 15, 2015

It birthday weekend! Operation dance recital and 4th birthday party is in full force at our home. If you’re thinking “wow, that sounds like a lot” you’d be correct. If you’re also thinking “she probably loves the madness” you’d be spot on again.

The good news is her party will be small – just girl friends and girl cousins like last year. But of course there will still be lots of details and fun surprises. Who’d I be if there was not? (That’s where all my fun is after all.)

One of my favorite things about planning a celebration for a little lady is finding the perfect party dress. Jettie has had some fabulous ones:
Party Dresses

 

1st Birthday Poppy Party – graphic stripe with a full bright pink skirt. Took me forever to settle on a dress for this one. Something about birthday #1 that really sends a mom into perfection mode. I wasn’t 100% sure it was the right one but then it arrived and yes…it was exactly what she needed to wear./2nd Birthday Fruit Stand Party – If she was having this party today I would have a plethora of amazing options to chose from. But 2 years ago little lady fruit dresses were hard to come by. So I turned to my mom who always comes through, especially when it’s for one of her grandkids. That may be the cutest watermelon dress to ever exist./3rd Birthday Kitty Cat Party – $10 dollars. This dress was $10 dollars. Clearly her dad’s favorite. Last year’s party came together so easily it felt like a dream. It was also the first year she really understood what a birthday celebration was. Melted me to watch her have such a fabulous day in that sweet kitty cat dress. $10 well spent./4th Birthday “sneak peek” dress – she’ll be in stripes again and will have a most fabulous accessory. Stay tuned…it’s gonna be good (I hope).

Here’s a to weekend of celebrating!

brandyjsig

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cheese and pepper pasta (or spaghetti cacio e pepe)

May 14, 2015

Cheese and Pepper Pasta (Cacio e pepe)There is nothing better than a recipe that calls for simple ingredients making for a dish that is simply perfecto. That is exactly what “spaghetti cacio e pepe” is…or cheese and pepper pasta as we like to say.

This recipe crossed my path many years ago due to an incredibly bare kitchen and little motivation to run to the store (or order delivery for that matter). Pinterest was fairly new back then…so it was just me and Google and the few things we had on hand. Little did I know that the recipe I was led to would be a family staple. Every Rammel, and I mean every single one of us, devours this dish.

And why wouldn’t we – we are talking spaghetti, pepper and cheese guys. What more does a person need in their kitchen…or life?

Cheese and Pepper Pasta (Cacio e pepe)You may think this is far too simple to be that good. And you would be right if you do not use real deal cheese (not a certain grated kind in a green canister) and fresh ground black pepper. With a dish like this you have to use the best – it’s a deal breaker otherwise.

Cheese and Pepper Pasta (Cacio e pepe) Cheese and Pepper Pasta (Cacio e pepe)This is the perfect late night, last minute, “What the heck are we going to do for dinner?” option. And feel free to jazz it up with herbs, spices, capers or whatever else floats your boat. Just don’t tell anyone it’s “spaghetti cacio e pepe” because it is not anymore if you get fancy with it.

Cheese and Pepper Pasta (Cacio e pepe)Speaking of not being “spaghetti cacio e pepe” anymore…try this with a fried egg on top. I know, I know – I suggest you do this to things all the time. But no joke…egg oozy into this creamy cheesy buttery pasta will become your new favorite comfort food.

Enjoy!

brandyjsig

 

 

 

cheese and pepper pasta (or spaghetti cacio e pepe)
 
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Prep time
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Author:
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1lb dried spaghetti
  • ¼cup olive oil
  • 2tbsp butter
  • 4oz grated Pecorino Romano cheese
  • 2tsp fresh cracked black pepper
  • salt (optional)
Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil Aad salt (to flavor pasta) and pasta. Cook until al dente. Reserve 1½ cups of pasta water before draining pasta.
  2. Dry out pot used to cook pasta and add olive oil. Bring to almost smoking point over hight heat. Add pasta and 1 cup of reserved water. Stand back as this will splatter.
  3. Lower heat to medium and add butter and ¾ of cheese. Toss until pasta is coated. Add pepper and toss again.
  4. Remove from heat and taste. Decide what you need more of (pasta too dry - add some reserved water, not spicy enough - add pepper, etc..). Watch the salt though as the cheese is very salty on it's own.
  5. Serve with remaining cheese, more pepper and a little drizzle of olive oil if you're into that kind of thing.

 

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pineapple strawberry crumble

May 13, 2015

Pineapple Strawberry CrumbleThis is one of those desserts that brings up fond childhood memories of potluck dinners and tables full of super sweet desserts. Cool whip, pie filling and canned fruits always drew my attention – especially if they were layered with white boxed cake. Mmmmm…..nothing says dessert like preservatives.

I’m not claiming this crumble is healthy by any means…but there is a bountiful of fresh fruit and absolutely nothing came from a box or plastic tub. Just look at that color below – no cans here folks!

Pineapple Strawberry CrumbleI know it was a mere month ago that I posted a crisp which is yes, very similar to a crumble. (Practically the same thing.) Strawberries were involved as well. My apologies for the lack of variety. There is a serious strawberry obsession in our home and the pineapple was on sale. I was considering a cake but a crumble was a safer, easier bet…and I promise, just as good.

Pineapple Strawberry CrumbleYou’ve got to use your fingers to get that topping texture just right. It’s fun and effective.

Pineapple Strawberry CrumbleHow do you know when most things are done in the oven? The smell. When your home is filled with the scent of tropical cake you will know that your crumble is done.

Pineapple Strawberry CrumbleVanilla ice cream is not required, but is definitely recommended.

Pineapple Strawberry Crumble Pineapple Strawberry CrumbleYou’ve got to love a dessert as simple and unassuming as this one. My family, and belly, sure does.

Enjoy!

brandyjsig

 

 

 

pineapple strawberry crumble
 
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Prep time
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Total time
 
Author:
Serves: 8
Ingredients
  • 4cups chopped fresh pineapple
  • 2cups hulled and quartered strawberries
  • 1cup plus 2tbsp flour
  • 1cup plus 1tbsp sugar
  • ½tsp salt
  • 1stick unsalted butter
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven 375 degrees. Grease an 8" square pan.
  2. Toss pineapple and berries in a bowl with 2tbsp flour and 1tbsp sugar. Pour into prepared dish.
  3. Combine remaining flour, sugar and salt in separate bowl. Add butter and combine with hands until a crumbly texture forms. Spread evenly on top of fruit.
  4. Place in oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until top is golden and your home smells like tropical cake. Let set 10 minutes before serving. Don't forget the ice cream.

 

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