Posts in Lifestyle
Thanksgiving Brioche Stuffing

This post is sponsored by St Pierre

SAVE this post. Send it to a friend. Press print. This is the only Thanksgiving stuffing recipe you need. Made with St Pierre Brioche Loaf, it’s slightly sweet, savory, full of flavor and gives off the “only Grandma can make stuffing this good” kind of vibe.

I love stuffing! It might just be my favorite thing to eat on Thanksgiving. This recipe is completely unique starting with the choice of bread. This step is crucial because this is the vessel that carries all of those savory flavors. When you use random stale bread you are doing such a disservice to the dish. St Pierre Brioche Loaf is utterly decadent and has a delicate texture with an irresistible richness. It works so nicely with the veggies, herbs and my signature surprise ingredients-savory mushrooms and crisp apples.

I hope you try this recipe and it becomes part of your Thanksgiving tradition. Oh and instead of adding this to your Thanksgiving leftovers sandwich, try it in an egg scramble-absolutely amazing!!!

Brioche Thanksgiving Stuffing

By @BrandiMilloy

Ingredients

1 loaf St. Pierre Brioche Bread

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 medium onion, diced

3/4 cup celery, diced

3/4 cup carrots, diced

1 cup mushrooms, diced

2 large eggs

1 cup veggie stock (chicken or beef is fine)

1 tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped

3 sprigs fresh thyme, just the leaves

1 tbsp. fresh sage, chopped

1 small apple (granny smith works well), peeled and diced

Salt and pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 350F. Cut brioche bread into 1” cubes and bake for about 10-15 minutes until toasted.

Meanwhile, into a pot over medium high heat add butter until melted. Add onion, celery and carrots and cook until everything starts to soften, about 7 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat and set aside.

Into a bowl whisk together the eggs, veggie stock, herbs, apples, mushrooms, and salt and pepper. Add your cooked vegetables and mix to combine.

Pour mixture on top of toasted bread and stir to combine. Bake stuffing for about 45 minutes. If your stuffing starts to get too brown, cover until finished baking. Enoy!



Photography Credit: Stephanie Day of @ographr

Travis Kelce Jalapeno Popper Dip

This jalapeño popper dip is as fire as @taylorswift putting @killatrav on the map!!! Because let’s be honest —no one knew who he was until she threw him a bone! I’m all about Miss Americana & the Heartbreak Prince because I’ll be 87 you’ll be 89. And since Taylor Swift watching @nfl @chiefs Watch Parties are going to be a thing now you’ve got to make my Popper Dip!!! So much easier than making stuffed jalapeño poppers because it’s a dump and stir situation in the slow cooker. Let me know if you try it!

Jalapeño🌶️ Popper Dip

By @brandimilloy

  • Ingredients

  • 2 (8oz packages) blocks of Philadelphia cream cheese

  • 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (plus more for garnish)

  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise

  • 2 jalapeños, seeded & chopped (plus 1 more for garnish)

  • 1 (4oz can) jalapeños, drained

  • 1 (4oz can) diced chilis, drained

  • 1/2 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded

  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Directions

Add cream cheese, bacon, mayo, jalapeños, chilis, pepper Jack and mozzarella into a slower cooker and mix. Set to medium. Right before serving give it a good mix and sprinkle parmesan cheese on top and garnish with sliced jalapeños and bacon. Serve with crackers, chips, French bread and especially cold cucumbers, celery & carrots.

.

Brioche Waffle Fries + Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip = Your New Halloween Party Trick

Brioche Waffle Fries + Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip = Your New Halloween Party Trick

This post is sponsored by St Pierre

Lightly toasted Brioche Waffles with a kiss of cinnamon are sweet and satisfying paired with the most fluffy whipped mascarpone pumpkin dip makes it a delicious treat you’ll be craving this season and beyond!

I love St Pierre Brioche Waffles and always have them on hand for breakfast, an afternoon snack or an after school treat. Plain, topped with a drizzle of nut butter or fresh fruit–I’ve introduced these to so many friends and family. They taste so fresh and I love how they are studded with pearl sugar for an extra indulgent crunch. 

Entertaining is my love language–actually, it’s more like a family affair. We entertain every week. My husband (equally) loves to cook and I like to bring people together and make them feel welcome. And our get-togethers always have one dish or drink that is a little more special or unique. I like to keep things interesting!  This recipe is one that will get everyone talking because it’s so good and an unexpected way to enjoy these delicious Parisian cafe inspired waffles. And then the dip is not your standard heavy cheesecake style filling. The Italian sweet cream cheese brings a light elevated twist to this playful pairing. I know you’re going to love it just as much as my family. And if you’re not a pumpkin fan let me just tell you I’ve even converted a non-pumpkin lover into one because of this dip!

Watch here to see how to make it and then scroll down to grab the recipe.

Brioche Waffle Fries with Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip

By @BrandiMilloy

Ingredients 

For the Waffles

  • 1 bag St Pierre Brioche Waffles

  • Cinnamon

    For the Dip

  • 1 can pumpkin puree

  • 1 8oz. Tub of mascarpone cheese

  • 1/4 cup maple syrup

  • Pinch of salt

  • Cinnamon for garnish

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F. Slice each waffle into four pieces. Place on baking sheet and sprinkle with cinnamon. Toast for 5-7 minutes in oven. 

  2. To make the dip into a bowl whip together the pumpkin puree, mascarpone, maple syrup and salt. Whip until light and fluffy. Serve waffle fries with dip and enjoy!







How to Host a Pollinator Party: 5 Essentials for a Dreamy, Buzz-Worthy Soiree

Thank you to the National Honey Board for all you do to support bee health, champion pure honey and nurture the planet. And special thanks for sponsoring this post.

I love any excuse to host a party! But a party with a purpose, now that’s my love language.  We all know bees do a lot for us. But in addition to gathering nectar to produce honey, honey bees perform another vital function - pollination, making them a critical component of our food supply. In fact, about one-third of the human diet is derived from insect-pollinated plants, and honey bees are responsible for 80 percent of this pollination.

June 20-26, 2022 is National Pollinator Week. And especially during this time of the year we really get to enjoy the benefits of pollinators. From the bounties of fresh produce to beautiful flowers, it’s a good reminder how essential pollinators are to our planet.

I can’t think of a better way to honor these amazing creatures than hosting a party to celebrate and spread the word about what you can do to protect them.

Here are my 5 essentials for hosting a dreamy, buzz-worthy soiree!

  1. SUSTAINABLE DECOR

Opt to invest in decor pieces that you love instead of “fast disposable partyware”. I’ve had these neutral textiles and platters for years. Instead of a tablecloth, I overlapped cloth napkins together and added some freshly planted bee-friendly, local wildflowers in pots. I love how this really brought a romantic garden vibe to the space.  Lighting is a magical way to add ambiance and mood. I used these single candlesticks and this single beeswax pillar candle was the perfect focal point without being “too theme-y.”

2. FOOD THAT ISN’T FUSSY

Small bites are my go-to menu anytime I host. 90 different crops are reliant on the hard work of beekeepers and honey bees. These crops include a variety of fruits, vegetables, and nuts, so I wanted to feature a few of my favorite pollinator foods. My pear crostinis with mascarpone, thyme & honey are always a hit and so simple to make. Simply grill sliced baguette with a little EVOO, spread on a thin layer of mascarpone and top with sliced pears, a drizzle of honey and a sprig of thyme. I elevated my signature lemon arugula salad by adding grilled peaches topped with blue cheese crumbles and a drizzle of honey too. And a party isn’t a party without a platter of cheese, crackers, fruits and, my favorite, honeycomb!

3. SIGNATURE DRINK

There’s something special that happens when you commit to limited beverage options-your life is easier and you stop playing bartender at your own party! My blackberry, raspberry and honey smash is a light, refreshing beverage that can easily be made alcoholic by adding your favorite liquor. Make a big batch right before your guests arrive and allow them to serve themselves.

4. ACTIVITIES

Encouraging guests to plant their own pollinator plants, like lavender or poppies, is a fun hands-on activity and doubles as a party favor. I picked up these mini pots at my local nursery and found some wildflower seed packs online.

I also set up a honey & cheese pairing with an assortment of different cheeses and delicious honey varietals. Did you know there are more than 300 unique types of honey available in the US alone? I picked up Avocado Blossom, Orange Blossom, Clover, Blueberry and Buckwheat honeys and put them in these little glass honey jars.  It’s so fun to see if folks can guess which is which!

5. USEFUL PARTY FAVORS

For me, party favors are a meaningful way to remind someone (after your party) of your time together. I tied honey sticks and dippers together with twine and included these beeswax candles shaped like a beehive, honeycomb and bees. I also wrapped my honeycomb honey cereal bars in little cello bags for a sweet take home treat too!

This party was so much fun to put together. I hope these ideas give you so much inspiration to plan your own pollinator party. You can learn more about what you can do to protect bees by visiting www.honey.com and then head to my Instagram @BrandiMilloy for more behind the scenes!

Mediterranean Mezze Platter

Happy Hour is my love language when it comes to hosting. I'm excited to partner with @worldmarket to show you my stress free entertaining tips.

Food: Instead of a traditional charcuterie board, I created a Mediterranean Mezze platter by pairing grilled artichokes, bruschetta, olives and crackers with cubed feta cheese and fresh veggies. I’m all about finger foods and adding a mix of raw and grilled veggies. I also set up a DIY pita station with citrus grilled shrimp on a pink himalayan sea salt block and a board with grilled asparagus and toasted pita for guests to easily serve themselves.

Drinks: Put your sparkling wine on ice and provide fresh garnishes like fruit, mint and flavored syrups for a bubbles beverage station. World Market has so many options for curating a signature drink combo!

Decor: I love how these solar powered rattan lanterns add drama and ambient lighting. I have a few on the table and hung one from a shepards hook. I love layering cloth napkins or placemats instead of using a traditional tablecloth. And a handful of fresh wildflowers in pots bring some color and freshness to the space.

Entertaining Essentials: I prefer using sustainable serveware like these upcycled bamboo fiber plates. They are dishwasher safe and elevate your happy hour. And you can never have enough boards-I use them for everything from presenting small bites to serving.

You can find all of my tips, product links and more photos by reading my latest blog post on BrandiMilloy.com What's your favorite thing to serve for happy hour? Let me know below!

5 Daily Habits to Level Up Your Wellness Routine

5 Daily Habits to Level Up Your Wellness Routine

Thank you to up4® Probiotics for sponsoring this post

(up4® is a trademark of DSM)

 Ever since becoming a mom I really haven’t made my health and wellness routine a priority. My daughter Milly will be 5 this summer and son Sonny will be 3 and it’s been too long since I’ve been consistent with my self-care. So last year, I decided that it was time to commit to getting stronger and doing more things that make me feel good. Because we all know that when your cup is full, everyone benefits. Here are my 5 daily habits that have leveled up my wellness routine!

Every day I MOVE MY BODY

At least 3 times a week I go on an hour walk. We live about a mile away from the water, so I love walking there and back in the mornings to get my blood flowing. There’s an incline on the way back so it’s a nice way to get my heart rate going and sometimes I’ll alternate walking and running. I do these walks early in the morning because I’ve learned that I’m more likely to move my body if I do it first thing in the morning. Last summer I discovered an outdoor mommy bootcamp that I do once a week. It’s led by a female trainer who is also a mom and it’s such a supportive group of women.  Everyone goes at their own pace and it’s only 45 minutes. I’ve seen a powerful change in the way I feel and I’m so proud of myself for committing to this workout.

GO OUTSIDE

I try to go outside as often as I can. Especially during the work week, I understand how easy it is to feel tethered to your desk or indoors in the comfort of your home. But it’s amazing how getting outside and going on a walk can completely transform the way you feel. Is there a coffee shop close by you can walk to? A park you can take your next conference call? Going outside and connecting to nature can be as simple as soaking up a few minutes in the sun, walking barefoot in the grass or watering your plants on your balcony. No matter where you live or what space you have, there is so much nature to be cherished!

Practice MINDFULNESS

Mindfulness by definition is a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment.  It’s savoring the moment. It’s cherishing the mundane, the everyday, the “boring”, the normal. It’s slowing down! Some of my favorite mindfulness practices is to sit still and listen. Go still and be quiet…even if it’s just for five minutes.  I started meditating last year and it has helped me feel less stressed, more connected to myself, more patient.  After the loss of my Dad, it has helped me heal, release emotions and let go.

EAT MORE GREENS

If you have it, you’ll eat it. This goes for healthy and less healthy options. I noticed that if I had a bag of cookies in my pantry, I was more likely to eat them. If I had carrots and hummus if my fridge, I would still eat them but I’d probably eat the cookies first. Becoming a mother changed my diet significantly because I know better and want to do better for my children and modeling is the most important factor in that. I stopped buying store bought cookies and decided if I wanted a cookie, I’d have to make it homemade. Then I started buying more produce and would wash, dry, cut and store them as soon as I got home. Now it’s part of my weekly routine which has been helpful in eating more greens. The next thing I did was try to eat greens every meal. Sometimes this looks like a veggie scramble in the mornings. We also serve a salad almost every meal and sometimes it’s the star of the show. For example, on Taco Tuesdays we will do burrito bowls over greens or if we have fish for dinner, we always serve it with a salad. One of my favorite ways to serve veggies is by roasting frozen veggies with EVOO, salt and pepper and serve it as a side. I take my children grocery shopping with me, and they love to pick out produce. We will experiment with things we’ve never had before and I’ve discovered the more involved they are in the process, the more likely they are to try them.

DAILY PROBIOTIC

#sponsored Along with my daily vitamins, I enjoy taking my up4® Probiotics for maximum daily digestive, immune and overall health support.* up4® Probiotics are Made With Simple Goodness—clean, safe and effective ingredients with products that are vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, preservative-free and soy-free. I take the capsules after a meal, but they also have gummies if you prefer. up4® Women’s is formulated with 50 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) of a proprietary multi-strain probiotic blend and whole cranberry powder to support urinary tract, vaginal, digestive and immune health.* up4® Women’s works naturally with your body to keep you feeling healthy and ready to tackle the day.* If you’re looking to level up your health head to their website https://up4products.com and use my code BRANDI20. And be sure to check out my latest YT episode where I take you through my health and wellness routine.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

 

 

 

Favorite Kid's Activities for the Plane or a Road Trip

Keeping kiddos content when you’re traveling helps keep everyone’s stress levels down. Here are my favorite kid’s activities (ages 2-4) for the plane or when you’re on a road trip.

Tangram Puzzle

Take n Play Matching Game

Plus Plus Big Blocks

Magnetic Characters

Wikki Stix

Water Wow Coloring Book

Busy Book

Barrel of Monkeys

Playdoh

Deviled Egg Dip

I'm the queen of dips! It's my go to dish to bring to parties and if I ever wrote a cookbook it would be filled with half dip recipes. You can pretty much take anything and make it into a dip. I love that. I love finger foods and dipping things into other things. Spicy dips, savory dips, cheese dips, sweet dips. Haha! This recipe is SO easy and inspired by all of the things I use when I make deviled eggs plus a secret ingredient that makes it so much more creamy and richer. The best part is you put everything into a food processor. Super simple!!! Serve with chips, bread or veggies and it's a real beauty! Learn how to make it here and then scroll down for the recipe.

Deviled Egg Dip

By Brandi Milloy

Ingredients

  • 6 hard boiled eggs

  • 1/4 cup mayonaise (my favorite is Kewpie)

  • 1 tbsp. mustard

  • 1/2 tsp. sea salt plus to taste

  • 1/4 tsp. black pepper plus to taste

  • 1/4 tbsp. paprika

  • 4 oz soft cheese like Boursin garlic & herbs

  • smoked paprika, for garnish

Directions

  1. Place eggs, mayo, mustard, salt, pepper and paprika in food processor and pulse to blend. Add cheese and continue to blend until smooth.

  2. Pour into serving dish and garnish with paprika and serve with veggies, toasted bread and crackers and enjoy!

Sonny's Cool Kid Room
IG Grid photo 1.jpg
IG Grid photo 2.jpg
6D4A7463.jpg

Sonny’s room reveal! Palm trees, peace sign and sunshine vibes! This space is all about creating an environment just for him where he can develop and grow! Even though this kid gets all the hand-me-downs from big sis (the crib and glider were hers plus so much more), I wanted to make sure I channeled his personality and interests in his room. He’s so sweet and chill so the peace sign from Kawaiian Lion felt right. I love how it makes a statement and is a piece of art I’d totally use in another area in my home if he ever grows out of this vibe. And since we live in SoCal I’m always thinking about earthquakes and conscious of putting anything above his crib that could hurt him. The color of the sign really sets the mood for the rest of the room.

6D4A7524.jpg

Haha please note that you can see Milly’s old bite marks from when she was teething. Sonny never chewed on his crib! Btw, this crib was a floor model so we saved huge on this!

6D4A7471.jpg

This rug is SO soft. We used to have it in our living room but it was too small for the space and felt more like a bedroom kind of rug. It would also be great for layering! It’s not quite cream and has some variation in the color of the wool threading so it’s easy for hiding little stains but we also don’t wear shoes in our home and there is no food allowed upstairs so that’s helpful too.

6D4A7527.jpg

Even when I was pregnant with Sonny I felt like his color was green. I originally wanted a green dresser and thought about painting this one but that would just be a travesty since it’s gorgeous with the mahogany wood and burnished brass hardware. His dresser is sold out but I found a smaller one in the same finish or this similar one in walnut. The changing table on top is removable and was from Milly’s dresser that we got on Craigslist!

6D4A7495.jpg
6D4A7516.jpg

This shelf cubby and baskets was a swap find from another mom who was giving it away. I’m all about second hand furniture especially something like this for the babes. It’s the perfect size for him and helps keep his toys organized in one space. I also love how it can be used as a bench or a place for him to play with his Dinos and cars.

Since Sonny is a Leo sign, I naturally gravitate toward lions. This round rug provides a great little cushion for creating a reading corner in his room. I also had fun adding some texture and more color in this area with the green and striped throw pillow. Pillows are such an easy and affordable way to change up a space!

6D4A7506.jpg

I also love the pillows and blanket on his glider. The mud cloth inspired rust pillow is from World Market and the blue washed linen lumbar one compliments it nicely. The blanket is from Sackcloth & Ashes and comes with a book called Everyone is Someone. For every purchase of the set, they donate a blanket to a child in foster care. I really love the coastal shades of this blanket and it pulls more of that orange and blue that I adore.

One of the most used “toy” investments we’ve made for Milly & Sonny is this Montessori play gym featuring the Pikler triangle/ball tracker slide/climbing ladder set plus wobble balance board. We’ve gotten endless play from these pieces and can not rave about them enough. I’ll bring them downstairs when friends come over to play. We also have the rocker which can be used to rock and do teeter totter, slide, a tunnel and so much more. They toss a blanket over these and set up a fort. They play with their toys on them. They slide, climb, jump and more! The company we bought them from were local and have since closed but here are some places that sell them as well: Pikler triangle, balance wobble board. The younger you get these for your children, the better!

6D4A7260.jpg

This display bookcase is such a beautiful way to create a home library for your child. The forward facing bookshelf encourages early reading and makes it easier for your child to see the cover of each book and prompt them to read on their own! I love rotating our books out each season or more. Above the bookshelf is a print showcasing helicopters my dad flew when he served in Vietnam. It’s very special to us and I love how Sonny will always point to it and say Baba. Those Shel Silverstein books are from when I was a little girl and the little doll beside Sonny in this next pic was mine too. There are so many little details in this room that are meaningful to us.

You’ll notice behind me we have a Blueair air purifier in his room. We put Blueair air purifiers in both Sonny & Milly’s room to help remove airborne pollen, smoke, dust, VOC’s, microplastics, bacteria and viruses. We have one in our great room too. Clean air is a non-negotiable for me, especially because Sonny has really bad allergies. Did you know, the air indoors can be up to 5 times more polluted than the air outdoors? That’s so crazy to me! But with us living by LAX and an oil refinery-even though we are by the water and get that beach breeze, it’s easy for pollutants to come in the house. We’ve been so pleased with our Blueair Blue 411 Auto air purifier, and the sleek, modern design goes great with the entire aesthetic of the room.

6D4A7252.jpg

Let me know if you’d like to know more about Sonny’s room or have questions about where anything is from. Head to my Instagram @BrandiMilloy for more behind the scenes!

The Power of No
IMG_7826.JPG

One of the best compliments I’ve ever received was that I’m the queen of boundaries. Direct quote. That person was referring to work and the way I handle business. That was a lesson I learned from a former colleague of mine years ago who noticed I was saying YES to every extra task, opportunity, etc. and eventually my hard work, flexibility and eagerness to do all of the things turned into “Brandi will do it.” I was being taken advantage of and my availability to step up and do the things was now being taken for granted. She sat me down and said if I don’t start saying no I’ll lose the respect from my superiors, colleagues and will be sending the signal that this behavior is okay. Because when you start to always be available and always give in to unreasonable requests/demands, it’s harder to set boundaries. It’s like in a relationship. Once you show someone they can speak/do/treat you a certain way, you are opening the flood gates to absolute havoc. So the next time someone asked me to do something extra, or to help them do something that wasn’t my responsibility or wasn’t going to affect me in a positive way or benefit me professionally- I told them, “let me see if I have the bandwidth and resources this week and I’ll get back to you.” Even just giving myself the power of pause and not immediately answering with a “yes,” allowed me to step back and assess what I was giving my time, talents and energy to.

Now let’s talk about the power of no when it comes to relationships, platonic and the like. I feel like now that I have a family this one is easier but when I was single I rarely said yes to a random after work happy hour because for me that time was for recharging and doing my own thing. I’m also not a bring drinker, don’t like spending money on things that have no meaningful purpose and I also didn’t want to hang out with people I just spent 8 hours with to be honest-even though I love them!!! I reserved friend time for weekends but during the week that time was for me. Now that I’m married with two babies, weekends are always for family so that means when we make decisions about what we want to do, we check in with each other before we commit. We keep a family calendar via google so everything goes in there. We still do things without each other on the weekend, of course but for the most part it is reserved for us. And by us I mean us four. I do not feel obligated to celebrate every extended family member’s birthday or attend an event just cause family will be there. You do not gain access to my family and our energy field just because we are related.

This leads me to not accepting every invite we get. The idea that I could have every weekend for the rest of the summer/fall/winter/year booked already with no room for rest or spontaneity is absolutely nauseating. Don’t get me wrong-I love to plan and have things to look forward to but when you are on the go non-stop it leaves no space for reflection, introspection, instinct and the ability to go with the flow when the moment finds you. Feels so robotic to me to know what I’m doing every day or weekend until the end of time. Depressing actually! I also have big feelings on being busy just to be busy but that’s for another blog post. Friends say this will change when Milly starts going to elementary school and we get an invitation for every classmate’s birthday but I don't think so. I’m all about choices especially when it comes to my children and they will be able to choose based on what we have planned already or what our weekend will look like that week. And I think especially because my children are under 18 I still ultimately have the ability to decide where we spend our time and what situations or experiences my children are apart of.

Living with intention is something I strive for in many aspects of my life, our life. The power of no gives you so much freedom to say yes, yes to only things you really want to do, yes to what truly pours life into your soul. Setting boundaries is a healthy way to safeguard your space, conserve energy where it is meant to be and treasure life’s amazing gifts! I’d love to know what you think about this and how you determine if things are right for you. Do you have a hard time saying no? Do you save days just for doing nothing? I’d love to get into it so leave me a comment on my latest IG post and let’s chat!

S'mores Night with Friends + s'mores & wine pairings

Thank you to World Market for sponsoring this post

SMORE21.jpg

I was shook to discover that one of my best friends, Michael had never had a s’mores before so obviously when they came to visit me last month I knew an epic s’mores night was in order! World Market has everything you need for hosting a DIY s’mores bar complete with the most adorable Yakitori grill for toasting the marshmallows, gourmet chocolates and if we’re enjoying chocolate, we might as well have some wine pairings to go with it! Right? I used my favorite tiered cake stand to display different cookies, chocolates and marshmallows. I added a few wire skewers and the s’mores bar was ready! I love coming up with different flavor s’mores combinations so head to my post here where I share the ones you need to try right now but I also think it’s super fun to encourage your guests to come up with their own flavor combos! You never know what you’ll discover. I mean, have you ever slathered a Tim Tam in Biscoff spread and then topped it with a nearly burnt roasted marshmallow followed by a piece of toffee chocolate and Milka Choco biscuit on top?! This, my friend is glorious and how you discover the s’mores of your wildest dreams! Scroll down for some s’mores night inspo and my wine pairings ideas for the best s’mores combos. And when you host a s’mores get together for friends, be sure to tag me on instagram @BrandiMilloy so I can see!!!

SMORE22.jpg
SMORE19.jpg
smore11.jpg
smore12.jpg
smore23.jpg
smore15.jpg
smore24.jpg
smore26.jpg

S’mores Combos & Wine Pairings

  • Milka Choco Biscuits + Toffee and Sea Salt Milk Chocolate + roasted marshmallow PLUS 19 Crimes Calie Rose

  • Tate's Butter Crunch Cookie + Chocolove Almonds and Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Bar + roasted marshmallow PLUS DAOU Cabernet

  • Peanut Butter Cup + Graham Cracker + roasted marshmallow PLUS J.Lohr Cabernet

  • Tim Tam Original Chocolate Cookies + Divine Mint 70% Dark Chocolate Bar + roasted marshmallow PLUS Justin Cabernet

  • Milk Chocolate Confetti Candy Bar + Rich Tea Biscuits + roasted marshmallow PLUS Porch Swing Sweet Red

S'mores Combinations You Need To Try Right Now

Thank you to World Market for sponsoring this post

I live for a good s’mores! To me it’s not just one of those treats that can only be enjoyed once a year when you’re camping or during some special holiday-it is a treat to be enjoyed year round in my opinion. Heck, I’ve roasted a marshmallow in the oven too many times to count just cause I needed that ooey gooey roasted marshmallow flavor and wasn’t going to be fireside anytime soon. What I’ve learned over the years of my s’mores making is that there isn’t one right way to enjoy a s’more. Sure, the classic is absolutely the OG and should be honored as such but with so many different cookie and cracker combinations, gourmet chocolates and even flavored marshmallows available, I decided to come up with the ones that are truly worth trying for yourself. Anytime I need speciality or gourmet foods I head straight to World Market. They have the best range of treats and foods I can never find anywhere else! One of my favorite things is to scour the food and wine aisles looking at all the global flavors and snacks. It’s the best! Let me know what your favorite s’mores is and scroll down for my must try combinations!

S'mores Combinations You Need To Try Right Now

Milka Choco Biscuits + Toffee and Sea Salt Milk Chocolate + roasted marshmallow

This one is double the chocolate, really! I love these Milka biscuits because they feature a delicious butter cookie and milk chocolate. Add the bits of toffee and roasted marshmallow and you are in for a killer combo!

Tate's Butter Crunch Cookie + Chocolove Almonds and Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Bar + roasted marshmallow

If you’ve never had Tate’s before you better run to World Market and grab them. They are buttery and crispy and will even make someone like me that likes-half baked practically raw cookies-drool for some Tate’s! These pair nicely with chocolate’s loaded almond bar with sea salt and a roasted marshmallow of course.

Peanut Butter Cup + Graham Cracker + roasted marshmallow

If you’re a peanut butter lover then you’re going to go nuts over this combo featuring a peanut butter cup, classic graham cracker and roasted marshmallow.

Tim Tam Original Chocolate Cookies + Divine Mint 70% Dark Chocolate Bar + roasted marshmallow

I discovered Tim Tam’s years ago and I’m so glad I did! They’re an Australian cookie that is like nothing we have here in the US. Two biscuits smashed between chocolate cream filling and textures of more chocolate, I topped it with a square of mint chocolate and a roasted marshmallow to create the best mint chocolatey combo.

Milk Chocolate Confetti Candy Bar + Rich Tea Biscuits + roasted marshmallow

These British tea biscuits are the perfect vehicle for carrying a sprinkle filled chocolate bar! I like the simplicity of this one but there’s a ton of crunch and a little fun colorful flare!

smore5.jpg
smore9.jpg
smore2.jpg
Backyard Summer Fun with World Market

Thank you to World Market for sponsoring this post

sunnylife2.jpg

Making memories this summer can be as simple as playing backyard games, cranking your favorite music and having a little water time fun. Being a parent to two little ones helps remind me that sometimes it’s the easiest set ups and most basic things that make a lasting impression on my children’s hearts. It’s like the whole “give them a toy and they’ll play with the box it came in” mentality! A sprinkler, beach ball, rainbow beach towels, a game of paddle ball and some popsicles is the ticket to a magical afternoon in your own backyard. Check out this fun set up below featuring products from World Market plus my tips for backyard fun!

sunnylife1.jpg

Tip 1 Backyard games like corn hole and paddle ball are classics that folks of all ages can enjoy! I love how this inflatable corn hole game is easy to travel with and take to the beach or park. And these paddle balls come in adorable unicorn and dinosaur styles.

sl9.jpg

TIP 2 Music is key for setting the mood! I love creating a fun playlist for each occasion with a mix of tunes from country to old school rock. This travel speaker is adorable for bringing on the go!

sl4.jpg

TIP 3 Creating a DIY popsicle bar is super easy and fun! Just fill a galvanized tub with ice and top with your favorite popsicles and ice cream treats.

sl2.jpg

TIP 4 Don’t stress about not having enough outdoor furniture. Use a few lounge chairs or beach towels for seating.

sl7-2.jpg
sunnylife pic2.jpg

TIP 5 Adding a sprinkler or bubble machine creates just the right environment for hot weather fun! Place items apart from each other to create little stations or zones so several guests can enjoy at the same time.

sl16.jpg

Head to my instagram to see more ideas for how you can create a fun, magical backyard summer!

Kids' Organization

Thank you to World Market for sponsoring this post

ko1.jpg

With a toddler and baby at home I know exactly how easy it is for all of the toys to takeover. I'm happy to partner with @worldmarket to show you how creating a few designated zones and by putting similar toys together helps to bring structure and organization to your children's play area.

I created a cozy reading nook with this hunter green floor pillow and throw pillows on top. I love mixing different textures and patterns like velvet and cotton with the striped b & w pillow. Plus it compliments the rug we have it this area.

I used these small hyacinth baskets to store Milly & Sonny's blocks, play food and musical instruments. Aesthetically I love the way these look and they also fit perfectly on their shelves. This is a great way to rotate toys every other week. I have these baskets in my linen closet and pantry too. They are so versatile!

This canvas wall organizer is great for storing tiny books for little hands and loveys to hold during reading time. There are so many possibilities with all of the pockets! 

We love to read in our home so we have which means we have a ton of books- so I like displaying them a few different ways to breathe fresh life into them! This rattan letter holder is fantastic for featuring a few favorite books at a time. Especially if you are tight on space, a few of these would be phenomenal for creating a tiny library. I also chose to color coordinate our books. For visual thinkers, this can really be a great way to categorize! Also, if there's anything I've learned in parenting, it's less is more.

These large glass containers are amazing for tiny toys like matchbox cars, legos, dinos and cars. I love these so much-they are in my office closet for art supplies too.

I hope these tips help you get a handle on your play spaces in your home! Head to my instagram @BrandiMilloy to see the before a a behind the scenes video of how this came together. Plus make sure you're following me on Like to Know It for links to everything I used. And if you have a great organization hack I'd love to know it, share it with me below. 

ko66.jpg
ko24.jpg
ko43.jpg
ko7.jpg
ko35.jpg
ko62.jpg
ko44.jpg
ko60.jpg
ko50.jpg
ko25.jpg
ko4.jpg
ko63.jpg
ko20.jpg
ko.jpg
ko23.jpg
ko21.jpg
kd5.jpg
Easter Candy Board
eb13.jpg

There's something so satisfying about building a food board-whether it's charcuterie and cheese or desserts and candy. For Easter, I thought it would be fun to grab some of my favorite treats from @WorldMarket and build an epic Easter sweets board. It's festive and fun and something the entire family can enjoy leading up to Easter. World Market has so many adorable treats right now including classic Cadbury eggs, candy bunnies and peeps!

Here's how I built this board:

Start with a board or tray (I love the multi-functional use of this acrylic tray)
Add a few dishes to hold smaller treats
Start with your main dessert-(I used the edible grass and jelly bean eggs) and build around it.
Use cookies, candies and other treats to have variety
Have fun! There is no right way to do this!

Post your Easter candy boards on Instagram and tag me @BrandiMilloy

ec5.jpg
ec1.jpg
ec3.jpg
ec7.jpg
ec4.jpg
ed6.jpg
ec9.jpg
Favorite Clean Beauty

Ever since becoming pregnant with Milly I’ve been slowly making major changes to my beauty and skincare routine. Understanding that the skin is the largest organ in your body and can absorb 60-70% of what you put on it was a huge wake up call for me. I started reading the labels of everything I was using and tossing anything that had fragrance, parabens, phthalates and other additives in it. The personal care industry is barely regulated here in the US. In fact they only ban 30 ingredients while the EU bans 1,400! It’s really hard to believe that products you use on yourself and your children might not be safe. And by not safe I mean they can cause cancer, infertility issues, hormone disruption and other harmful effects. Cleaning up your makeup bag and skincare cabinet can start small. What are your two must have beauty products you use or wear everyday? Start there. Swap them out for clean ones and then keep going. My favorite clean makeup line is Beautycounter but there are more and more companies making luxurious high performance makeup without any of the unnecessary junk! Scroll down to see what’s in my makeup bag and then go to my latest post on Instagram to let me know what clean beauty product you love that I need to try!

Screen Shot 2021-03-01 at 2.25.01 PM.png

This all-natural gloss not only delivers a high impact shine but also conditions your lips with a blend of waxes that leave your lips feeling soft and smooth. My go-to color is Rosewood but you can’t go wrong with any of these colors.

Screen Shot 2021-03-01 at 2.39.07 PM.png

Shade Terra is the perfect earthy pink that is good for everyday wear. A creamy, build-able stick infused with certified organic vanilla that gives this formula its sweet scent.

Screen Shot 2021-03-02 at 1.26.33 PM.png

Keep your brows in place with this gel. A natural tinted brow wax formulated with plant-based waxes and butters that leaves your brows looking natural.

Screen Shot 2021-03-02 at 1.27.33 PM.png

A creamy matte finish lipstick supercharged with superfoods pomegranate oil and wild African mango that is easy to apply.

Screen Shot 2021-03-02 at 1.24.46 PM.png

A hydrating packed lip gloss that visibly plumps and protects your lips. Jellyfish is my favorite shade and is always in my bag for the finishing touch to complete your look.

Screen Shot 2021-03-02 at 1.23.46 PM.png

A light coverage tinted moisturizer that leaves your skin looking like skin. This formula fuses skincare, makeup, and sun protection all in one product.

Screen Shot 2021-03-01 at 2.33.42 PM.png

An award-winning cream luminizer that gives your face the natural glow it needs without the grease or glitter. I’ve had this forever and a little goes a long way!

Screen Shot 2021-03-01 at 2.34.16 PM.png

A bronzer designed to give you a sun-kissed glow. Formulated with Butterpowder, a product that boosts pigment and wear. I use this all over my face.

Screen Shot 2021-03-02 at 1.29.06 PM.png

This 2-in-1 mascara and lash primer does a really great job to enhance your lashes. Start with the primer to help elongate and then finish with the dark mascara to create a fuller lash.

Screen Shot 2021-03-02 at 1.30.15 PM.png

A highly bend-able blush that adds a radiant finish to your cheeks. This product can also double as a sheer pink tint for your lips. 

Screen Shot 2021-03-01 at 2.36.37 PM.png

Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer

A tinted moisturizer that gives your skin protection with SPF 20 mineral sunscreen. An effortless dewy finish thats is perfect for when you are on the go but want a little coverage. 

Screen Shot 2021-03-02 at 1.31.05 PM.png

A 16 hours full coverage concealer that glides on your skin for dark circles and blemishes. Sometimes I just wear this and a little powder.

FavoriteCleanBeauty.png
MOMHOOD 2020 Gift Guide

Our 2020 Gift Guide for everyone on your list! We know sometimes finding the perfect gift can be a challenge so we are taking the stress out of shopping and sharing some favorite things that are sure to bring joy and happiness this season. From gifts we've received and love, recent discoveries and new finds ---You can listen to the latest episode of Momhood anywhere you listen to podcasts!

Product Links below-

BRANDI'S LIST:

The Happy Planner Guided Gratitude Journal https://rstyle.me/+reQka_rvhoyWjxotNgi-yQ

Ruby Crystal Exfoliator https://rstyle.me/+2E6Y0ftznBC2XRPFRlDG4g

Positive Parenting Courses https://courses.simplyonpurpose.org/4-parenting-principles-that-make-a-difference-in-a-day/kmtdh https://courses.simplyonpurpose.org/4-parenting-principles-that-make-a-difference-in-a-day-bonus/kmtdh https://courses.simplyonpurpose.org/parenting-audio-course-coaching-calls-bundle/kmtdh

Global Sisters Diversity Dolls https://rstyle.me/+2SaUNh7khewFsDZClEXNVQ

Projector https://rstyle.me/+Yoy4F4YROHEV01oSO4Gy0Q

Lipgloss Set https://www.beautycounter.com/megangilley

Pasta Maker https://rstyle.me/+Cwq4fuTj1xHsBafxczhrlA

Slippers https://rstyle.me/+9ZBrvZ4gQcsPL8mMGkDm0g

Luxury Candle https://bodewellliving.com

Diffuser & Essential Oils @SeaTheWellness

ORLY'S LIST: Bon Belli Trimester Boxes (code MOMHOOD15 -15% off) https://www.bonbelli.com

Hinged Vasehttps://www.burkedecor.com/products/set-of-10-hinged-flower-vases-design-by-tozai

Mike’s slim wallet -https://www.ridgewallet.com/collections/all-wallets

Robehttps://www.lunya.co/products/the-robe-1?variant=31349640724523&sscid=b1k4_h26zu&utm_campaign=affiliate&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_source=ShareASale

Target Robe -https://bit.ly/3kYdFFb

SHOPTAGR https://www.clkmg.com/shoptagr_inc/orlyshani11

DIY Tie Dye Hats https://amzn.to/3fIaalz

Brave&Love Collection - https://braveandlove.com

UGG slip on logo sandals -https://bit.ly/36Ds44s

Necklace detangler -https://www.etsy.com/listing/281211064/layered-necklace-detangler-multi-strand

DYPTIQUE EXFOLIATING SOAPhttps://bit.ly/3nBOLwK

Tapper Ear Buds Chains -https://www.gettapper.com

Brixton Hats Straw -https://bit.ly/3ncmsG7