Author Archives: Hannah B.

Hers & His

Hers

Reading

Have you ever been in the midst of a conversation and thought to yourself, “Am I actually losing brain cells right now? Didn’t I used to be smarter than this?” I felt this way the other night when I was watching the engagement party episode of Parks & Recreation and found myself analyzing the top 5 reasons I thought it was one of the best examples of situation comedy ever. (Seriously: the unity quilt… We’re a twizzlers family…? Come on!)

So when I started reading My Fair Lazy this weekend I thought, “This is soooo the book I need right now!” It begins with the writer, Jen Lancaster, sitting across from her idol, Candace Bushnell who says she’s really into Baudelaire at the moment. Jen wonders, is baudelaire is a type of noodle? At which point, she decides to culture up.

2 Things:

1.) You may remember that I fell in love with Jen Lancaster last fall when I read The Tao of Martha. Now, thanks to my friend Beth’s fabulous recommendation, Jen is officially on my ‘favorite literary people’ list, and I will be reading all of her books in good time.

2.) A warning: Jen’s books are not good for bedtime reading as you will wake up your bedmate with laughter.

Watching (About Reading)

This week, the New Yorker debuted the trailer for B.J. Novak’s first book. As if I wasn’t already excited enough to read this one, Mindy Kaling co-starred in the trailer making those two my favorite BFFs on the inter webs.

Watching (& Eating)

Things I already believed, but now buy into wholeheartedly after a couple days of processed foods while on vacation. Make things at home.

His:

Reading

I’ve been rereading a book of essays that I forgot I had already read, and I’m finding it quite forgettable again. Hannah bought me a couple of classics that I never got to in high school that I can’t wait to get to. Perhaps Catcher in the Rye will will finally change my life forever.
HOUSE OF CARDS

Watching

I finally started watching House of Cards. I don’t know why I waited this long. Princess Buttercup comes to the dark side to join Congressman Keyser Söze. Inconceivably (see what I did there?) addictive, as Netflix shows have tended to be.

Listening

Sometimes you just need to listen to some fun music, and this week NPR released 600 suggestions for your cabin fever playlist. Thanks NPR for the suggestions, but I’ll just stick with Tower Of Power. 

Winter Skin Care

Winter Skin Care | Hannah & Husband

A couple of weeks ago, I asked the people of Social Media Land what skin care they loved for those cold winter months. Between the cool temps and dry weather, my skin was going a little crazy, so I wanted to try switching things up. Instead, I discovered that there are a few parts of my routine that are perfect just the way they are. But I also found a few products that are fabulous and cost-effective. So here goes…

Winter Skin Care | Hannah & Husband

For several years now, my go-to routine has been Clinique’s 3-step process. I try other things, but always end up going back. I used Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap for a while, but this time of year, it just leaves my skin feeling dried out. I’m also a fan of Aveeno products, especially their Ultra Calming Makeup Removing Wipes.

lauramercier-hannahandhusbandMy newest favorite product? The Laura Mercier Face Polish a good friend introduced me to in December. I use it a couple days a week, and it is the best scrub I’ve ever found!

Fall through winter my skin really dries up, and my hands crack. It’s been a problem since I was really young, so I’ve always carried a little bottle of Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream with me. My dad got me hooked when I was in elementary school, and it’s the only thing I’ve found that does the job. 

Now to my little survey. I’ve tried a few things off the list so far.  My two favorites: virgin, unrefined coconut oil and baby oil gel with shea & cocoa butter. I didn’t like using the coconut oil on my entire body because everything smelled like coconuts. But I have adored it on my face! A little dab’ll do ya. It looks greasy going on but absorbs perfectly just a minute later. I’ve replaced body lotion with the baby oil gel, and it’s amazing how much longer it seems to seal in the moisture.

Winter Skin Care | Hannah & Husband

For those who are curious, here’s the full list:

Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap
Shea Butter
C. Booth Honey & Almond Body Butter
“the blood of my vanquished enemies”
Jergens extra healing lotion
baby oil gel
Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil (Tip: This is one of Sephora’s free samples right now.)
“WD-40 & duct tape”
Oil of Olay
Lustro Body Oil from Beauty Counter
Weleda Arnica Massage Oil
honey oatmeal scrub
Merle Norman products
Crabtree & Evelyn Gardeners hand therapy
hemp lotion
Clinique 3-step
Mario Badescu Special Hand Cream with Vitamin E
sugar & baby oil scrub
Kiehl’s Superbly Restorative Argan Body Lotion
Origins Perfect World and Make a Difference products
Clarisonic
Simply Divine Botanicals by Barbara Rogers

What’s your favorite winter trick for great skin?

 

January

January | Hannah & Husband

Photo from a session with Leah Bullard Photography

Here we are–another January. January always seems to be an interesting time of year for us. Blame the season of resolutions, the weather or, more likely, the cabin fever. Regardless, it is always the time that gets us talking about new ideas, new adventures, and a general malaise that something should be happening, and we just don’t know what it is yet.

In January of 2011, we found ourselves in a  really unique place. Husband was in the midst of his fourth year as a band director, and I was freelancing. As a couple, we’d never been happier, but career-wise, neither of us was very pleased. So we decided we should make some changes. But where to start? The best place, in our minds, was to focus on what we were most pleased with at the time. (Anyone can list off things that are frustrating them, but when does that ever help?)

After a lot of talking about what we really wanted to do, we decided to make a leap–either adventure would find us or we would find it. We came up with two ideas: Neither of us had ever been to Portland (or the northwest for that matter), but we knew two things about the city. One: It is the micro-brewery and micro-distillery capital of America and Two: It’s a hotbed of artsy happenings. So the decision was this: Either Husband would get into MBA school and I would get a job as a full-time designer at HGTV, or we would move to Portland and find something totally new to get into. In February, James was accepted into UT’s MBA program, and in March I started as a visual designer at HGTV.

MBA school opened so many doors. James traveled around America and then the world studying different industries, marketing, and business techniques. In January of 2012, Husband was dreaming about spending a summer interning with his favorite fashion designer. So between May and September of 2012, I spent time flying back and forth between East Tennessee and NYC (a city I’d never been to) while Husband held down an internship with menswear designer Michael Bastian. Upon his return, and shortly before graduation, he landed a contract gig (freelancing) with HGTV’s social media team.

January, 2013: James had graduated with his MBA in December and was asked to extend his contract with HGTV. I  was working on exciting design projects at work, I’d just started blogging a bit for DIY’s Made + Remade, and I was participating in a mentoring program. (One of my cooler professional experiences–thanks, Scripps!) And things went on in this manner until December–we both got some really neat opportunities to try new things, and we were both working. Then, at the end of December, Husband was one of several whose contract with the company was not renewed.

So here we are again. I’m working with people I adore at the same job while Husband is applying for positions all over the world. And it’s January. So far January has been cold and a bit trying, but we are both pretty sure there’s a new adventure just waiting for us. We aren’t sure when and we aren’t sure where, but we are so ready! Because January is the time when things start to happen.

Power Lunch

The weekends are when I most enjoy experimenting in the kitchen. There’s hardly ever a plan; I just turn on a podcast, pour myself a drink, and get to cookin.’ This healthy dish was a particular hit. Perfect for keeping up with those resolutions, it’s packed with flavor and full of veggies. We just didn’t know what to call it. So Husband suggested I ask you!

Power Lunch | Hannah & Husband

Here’s the recipe…

Ingredients

1 4 oz. box Wild Rice (or enough for a couple portions)
2 1⁄2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 sweet potato or yam
3 slices red onion
a handful of cherry tomatoes, quartered
1⁄4 red pepper, diced
1 handful kale, julienned

cayenne pepper
garam masala
1/2 lemon

Directions

1. Replacing the liquid with low-sodium chicken broth, cook your rice. For this recipe, the broth really kicks up your flavor base. The rice takes about an hour so clean up your kitchen and pour a drink for the first 30 minutes or so.

2. After 30 minutes of the rice being on, preheat your oven to 400°F

3. Cube your sweet potato. Toss it with olive oil and cayenne. (I used about a 1⁄4 teaspoon.) Then, seal the cubes in a piece of folded aluminum. The seal will let them cook without getting crispy. Cook for 20 minutes at 400° or until soft. When they’re done. Pull them out to cool.

4. Cut your remaining veggies. Sprinkle with olive oil, a pinch of salt, and garam masala. With the oven still on 400°, cook these veggies for 10 minutes. Then, put them under the broiler for 3-5.

5. Just as your rice is finishing up, toss in your your julienned kale for about 5 minutes.

6. Finally, toss all your ingredients in a large bowl and add the juice of half a lemon.

Makes 2 large portions or 4 side salad portions.

*Delish!* The only question left?

What should we call it? Add any suggestions in the comments below.

 

 

Bangle Holder DIY

Bangle Holder DIY | Hannah & Husband

This bangle holder was a super easy DIY that totally brightened up my vanity so I thought I would share it with you! I’ve always loved the silhouette of beautiful candlestick holders. See exhibits a, b, & c.

And I also happen to enjoy stalking the $1 aisle at Target. So when I scored these little ceramic candle holders, I couldn’t resist. So here we go: a super cute $2 bangle holder.

Bangle Holder DIY | Hannah & Husband

I used a little super glue to join them together. (Added masking tape to hold them in place while the glue set–super scientific as always.)

Bangle Holder DIY | Hannah & Husband

Then, I had Husband cut me a small square  for a base. Add a little paint, fill it up with bangles, and voila!

Bangle Holder DIY | Hannah & Husband

 

 

Party Photo Booth DIY

Party Photo Booth DIY | Hannah & Husband Looking for a cool way to document your New Year’s shindig? Let me suggest setting up your own photo booth. We set one up in my office for our Cocktails & Carols party, and it served as a living guest book. We captured some really fun moments, and (BONUS) it was a great alternative to people walking around with their phones all night taking selfies. Plus, it was super easy to set up! Here’s what we did. Party Photo Booth DIY | Hannah & Husband

On one wall of my office, we hung fabric and tinsel with push pins from the top of the window molding so we wouldn’t have to patch any holes in the wall. Then, we put a bench in front of that big enough for 2-3 people.
Opposite the fabric, we set up our camera on the self-timer setting with instructions hanging in front of it.
Party Photo Booth DIY | Hannah & Husband

The party was “black tie or festive,” which gave Cindy an excuse to pull out the family jewels.
Note to self: we should all find more reasons to wear tiaras.

Finally, we added a table full of props. I would say glittery things and mustaches are musts. Bonus points for fab headwear!
Party Photo Booth DIY | Hannah & Husband

Recognize these lovelies? Deanne blogs for Made + Remade, and Liz is an online editor for HGTV!

Party Photo Booth DIY | Hannah & Husband

Kayla is the cutest–always!

So now I’m on the lookout for more ideas.
How do you document your parties? Any fun ideas?

 

Two Holiday-ish Cocktails

I have two new cocktails to share today, and I must confess that neither recipe is completely original to us. Saturday was our annual Cocktails & Carols party, and we had two signature drinks for our guests: the first was a Sage Ginger Sparkler and the second was a Jingle Julep. 

Sage Ginger Sparkler | Hannah & Husband

I found the first idea on Pinterest and, in turn, I found a beautiful blog: Local Milk. The blogger behind Local Milk is a photographer in Chattanooga, Tennessee named Beth and her writing is absolutely beautiful. I’d especially recommend reading what she has to say about the herbs in this sage ginger cocktail…

“…we can think of it as a tincture, as a potent medicine that lends itself to mindful savoring & promotes strength, prosperity, and cleansing…”

Sage Ginger Simple Syrup

12 torn, small sage leaves
1 inch ginger, minced
1 cup water
1 cup sugar

Bring all the ingredients to a boil over low heat stirring frequently.
Allow to boil until sugar is dissolved.
Turn off burner and let rest for at least 30 minutes.
Store in the refrigerator.

for the Sage Ginger Sparkler

sage ginger simple syrup
crystallized ginger
chilled prosecco
sage leaf

We dipped the rim in simple syrup and crystallized ginger.
Add one teaspoon of the sage ginger simple  syrup to your glass.
Top off with chilled prosecco.
Garnish with a small sage leaf.

Jingle Julep | Hannah & Husband

The second cocktail was a Jingle Julep. The base of the recipe was found via HGTV Gardens’ twitter, but we mixed it up quite a bit. Here’s our take…

Cranberry Rosemary Simple Syrup

2 cups water
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
1 bunch rosemary (6-10 sprigs)

Bring all the ingredients to a boil over low heat stirring frequently.
Allow to boil until sugar is dissolved.
Turn off burner and let rest for at least 30 minutes.
Store in the refrigerator.

Ice

We put cranberries & rosemary leaves in these large ice cube trays. Top off the ingredients with boiling water and put in the freezer immediately. Boiling helps the water stay as clear as possible.

Jingle Julep

mint
Cranberry Rosemary Simple Syrup
bourbon
ginger ale

Muddle mint with a bit of simple syrup in the bottom of your rocks glass.
Add your ice cube and one Tablespoon of Cranberry Rosemary Simple Syrup.
Pour one ounce bourbon.
Top off with ginger ale.

 

 

The Day After Christmas

Happy Holidays to you & yours! | Hannah & Husband

This year’s card–photo by Leah Bullard

The day after Christmas–whew! All joking aside from Tuesday’s post, we spent a lovely holiday with both of our families this year. Christmas Eve included a beautiful candlelight service at the church and a Christmas movie or two. Then, yesterday there was food, drink, and lots of time gathered around the fireplace.

My only goal for today? To actually get our holiday cards in the mail! The photo we used is from a lovely shoot we did with our friend Leah Bullard. (More on that soon.) What about you? What do you have going on today? Back to work? Taking down decorations? Traveling?

6 Gift Wrap Ideas

6 Gift Wrap Ideas | Hannah & Husband

This year, I’ve had a little too much fun wrapping gifts. Oh sure, Husband mocks my supply of back-up pom-poms, but during the holidays they come in super handy! As does my ridiculous collection of stamps, papers, & string. I like having an assortment of wrappings that are all personalized. I feel like any gift feels extra special when you take time to make the package unique. Don’t you think? So today, I’m sharing the love. Here are a few of the ideas I’m using this year.

6 Gift Wrap Ideas | Hannah & Husband

1. Everyone loves pom-poms!

Everyone! I used a giant pom-pom on my package for our book club book exchange, and it was a huge hit.

6 Gift Wrap Ideas | Hannah & Husband

6 Gift Wrap Ideas | Hannah & Husband

2. Don’t buy gift tags. Use stamps to make your own!

I adore my Christmas stamp set. Here’s a similar one if you need your own: Reindeer to Your Heart Stationery Set from ModCloth

6 Gift Wrap Ideas | Hannah & Husband

3. Two words: toy dinosaur

I really love finding cute ways to use little miniature animals. You’ll see a couple other ways in the coming weeks, but here’s one that I spray painted pink and glued to a clothespin to hold on a gift tag. Bonus: you can put him on the tree when he’s done holding the tag!

6 Gift Wrap Ideas | Hannah & Husband

4. Chalkboard Tags

I used leftover chalkboard paint to make a few gift tags for the men in my life. (Then, they felt too manly and I put hearts all around the names.)

5. Washi Tape

Use washi tape to label your packages or add a little funky detail to the package.

6 Gift Wrap Ideas | Hannah & Husband

6 Gift Wrap Ideas | Hannah & Husband

6. *SPARKLE!*

Always sparkle! I used leftover tinsel, gold wash tape, and a glittered wand to wrap this one, and it may be my very favorite!

How do you wrap gifts? Does everything coordinate or are things a little more personalized?