in a clutch

May 12, 2015

As much as I love this month it is proving to be especially crazy this year. Add on jury duty for Sticky and a sudden surge in etsy orders for me and we have full on chaos in our home. But it’s good chaos – and that’s all that matters.

Our crazy started last weekend when my guy was in a wedding. A kid free event which meant I not only got to be fancy, but could wear almost anything I wanted. (You know, since I didn’t have to bend over every 5 seconds or be ready for a full on sprint at any moment.)

Of course as it goes I wasn’t as prepared as one would hope. It’s always the little things that get me. Like the nails that are chipped or forgetting something huge – like hairspray. Lucky for me there was a Target within walking distance of our hotel. But even at that I should have had my clutch ready for the evening. And these are a few things that should have been on my list:

clutch_ready_20151Kenra Professional Hairspray 25 basically don’t leave home without it ladies. And stock up on the travel sizes if you can get your hands on them./2Deodorant for those times when you’re feeling good and dancing hard…except when you notice things aren’t so good because you have been dancing hard. It happens and deodorant is your defense./3Fashion Tape for the clothes we love that do not love to stay put. Also an instant best friend maker for others who find themselves in a wardrobe malfunction situation./4Bra Converting Clip with razorback being the “it” shape lately a girl cannot count on her most favorite bra staying in place. This little gem with save you from having to resort to a strapless./5Neutral Polish something that needs to be in all my favorite purses. I’m not good about making time for my nails – a shade that goes with everything can save me from a lot of embarrassing “please don’t look at my piggies” situations./6Lip Gloss while I am horrible about my nails, it’s my lips that get the shaft more than anything. I swear I lose more glosses and balms than I do bobby pins – which is really saying something. All my clutches need lip gloss as permanent residents…because let’s face it, if I have my clutch there’s a good chance I am somewhere that warrants an extra pretty lip.

What is a must in your clutch?

xo,

brandyjsig

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thirty-eight

May 11, 2015

Today I turned 38. In some ways I feel like I have already lived so much, but then again there’s a long ways to go until it’s my turn on the side of that Smucker’s jar. (It’s happening Willard, it’s happening.)

Tonight we kept the celebrating low key. Pizza at our favorite joint with Sketts and Binger in tow. Life is good and the right now could not be better.  I am beyond grateful for every single birthday I get to spend with my people. They are worth a mountain of wrinkles, grey hairs and saggy whatever’s.

05115_2Alright 38, let’s see what you got.

xo,

brandyjsig

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happy mom

May 10, 2015

Some people do not believe in love at first sight. I not only believe it, I’ve lived it…twice.

The first time I laid eyes on these gorgeous beings my heart exploded into a million pieces. They are everything I ever wanted and everything I never knew I needed. This whole mom gig is seriously the best job ever.

mothers_day_2015Thank you to all the beautiful souls out there who take on the role of mom. Whether you officially carry the title or not – if you have made someone feel unconditional love then you have done the job of mom. And let’s face it, the world can never have too much love (and mommas).

mothers_day_2015_1

Happy Mother’s Day!

xo,

brandyjsig

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diy scorched pan cleaner

May 7, 2015

how to clean scorched panWe celebrated Cinco de Mayo a day late by whipping up one of our favorites – mexican casserole. The only complaint I have with this dish is the mess that the veggies make of my pan. It is well worth it, but a headache to clean nonetheless.

To be fair Sticky generally does most dish duty. But like anyone else, when he sees a pan crusted with burnt bits of food he fills it with hot water and sets it aside for a later time. Aka “maybe Brand will get to it.” Can’t say I blame the guy. Who really enjoys scrubby baked on food out of a pan?

It wasn’t until recently we realized how easy it was to clean our scorched stainless pans (and Le Creuset’s). All you need is some vinegar and baking soda – 2 things you probably already have in your home. Just look how bad my pan was:

how to clean scorched pan

  1. That’s my nasty pan. I didn’t even attempt to get out the big pieces.
  2. This is my pan after filling it 1/4″ full with vinegar (white or cider) and bringing to a simmer for 5 to 10 minutes – scraping with a heatproof spatula every now and then. For a not so severe pan of scorched food this step in and of itself does the trick. Clearly mine was in need of serious guck removal so onto step 3 we go.
  3. For this go you fill the pan 1/4″ full with water and add a cup of vinegar. Bring to a boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and sprinkle baking soda on top (about a tablespoon – it will foam when you add it). Let sit for a minute or two and dump everything out – wiping away any bits. The end result for me was much closer to clean and manageable for scrubbing.
  4. If you have some stubborn brown/black spots left – like I did – simply sprinkle baking soda over the area and add a little hot water. Scrub with brush or scoring pad. Good news is you shouldn’t have to put a lot of effort into since you already started the lifting process of getting it off.

Voila! A clean pan! Yes the boiling cider stinks up the house but I’ll take smelliness over endless scrubbing of a dirty pan. Hopefully this helps you with any “I’ll get those later” pans you have sitting around.

Happy cleaning!

brandyjsig

 

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overnight blueberry french toast casserole

May 6, 2015

overnight blueberry french toast casseroleI’m not sure what it is about Spring that puts me in the mood to brunch but lately all I want is french toast, potatoes and blood mary’s. Maybe it’s all the dishes laced with fruit, or eggs paired with bright veggies. Regardless it’s my favorite meal of the day with this dish being right at the top.

For those of you wondering what you will make mom on Sunday I highly suggest whipping up this casserole the night before. Not only will you get to enjoy mom (and the food) because all the prep is done, but you’ll look like a superstar for making something so ridiculously delicious.

overnight blueberry french toast casserole overnight blueberry french toast casseroleRealizing there are many overnight french toast casseroles out there (like Shan’s amazing Strawberry Eggnog version) I completely understand why you need to know what makes this one so darn special. At first bite you get that crispy crust, lusciously eggy bread center and bits of blueberry bursts. But there’s something else…it’s almost tangy, sweet and silky. It’s called cream cheese and it’s what makes this casserole a winner.

overnight blueberry french toast casserole overnight blueberry french toast casseroleThis was the first time I decided to make the blueberry syrup instead of simply serving with maple syrup. Without a doubt, both ways are excellent…but if you have the ingredients and desire to try the blueberry syrup you will not be disappointed. It adds a fruitiness to the overall dish. Making it very bright and very Spring brunch appropriate. Besides, can a person ever really have too much blueberry in their life? Absolutely not.

overnight blueberry french toast casseroleServe this to mom with a mimosa bar and some fresh coffee. That will surely secure your spot as the favorite. Certainly would in my house…

Enjoy!

brandyjsig

 

 

 

overnight blueberry french toast casserole
 
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Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Author:
Serves: 8
Ingredients
  • Casserole:
  • 1 large french bread loaf (or 2 small) cubed into bite size pieces
  • 4oz room temperature cream cheese
  • 1tbsp milk
  • ½cup powdered sugar
  • 1cup fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 5 eggs
  • ¼cup maple syrup
  • 1cup milk
  • 2tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼tsp nutmeg
  • ½tsp cinnamon
  • Syrup:
  • 1cup water
  • 2tbsp corn starch
  • ½cup sugar
  • 1cup fresh or frozen blueberries
Instructions
  1. Prepare a 8" or 9" baking dish by greasing with butter.
  2. In a small bowl combine cream cheese, powdered sugar and 1tbsp milk. Stir until well incorporated.
  3. Spread half of the french bread cubes into bottom of dish. Evenly spread cream cheese mixture over cubes and top with ½cup blueberries.
  4. Arrange remainder of the bread cubes into the dish.
  5. Place eggs, syrup, milk,vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon in a large bowl and whisk until well combined. Carefully pour over bread cubes - trying to evenly distribute over dish. Cover with foil and place in refrigerator overnight.
  6. Pull casserole out of fridge and place on counter. Preheat oven 375 degrees (allow casserole to set on counter for at least 20 minutes).
  7. Bake for 45minutes covered. Remove foil and bake for another 30minutes or until casserole begins to brown on top.
  8. During the last 10minutes of baking place water, sugar and corn starch in a medium sauce pan. Bring to a simmer and add blueberries. Allow to simmer again for just a minute. Pour into a serving dish.
  9. Serve warm casserole with warm blueberry syrup (or regular maple syrup and/or powdered sugar).

 

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