Archives for 2013

The Fainting Spell

Being the good sister she is, Britt took a screenshot of the BIG FALL on her TV while watching the playback!

Reporter Brooke Graham Faints on Live Television During Report

Guys, I passed out during a live shot on the Saturday morning show. As in, went down HARD on live TV! Such a crazy experience. A lot of people have expressed concern and well wishes and I really appreciate it.

I would like to explain what happened…

and why you shouldn’t be too worried that I am pregnant, anorexic, diabetic, etc… at this point I have heard it all.

This is not the first time I have passed out cold.

I am known to faint any time I am in high altitudes and get too cold (so does my twin sister Britt) It started when we were in middle school and doing the Utah ski program. It is not a pleasant experience. You get sick to your stomach, body aches, and everything starts to spin, and then things go quiet.

On this particular morning…

I woke up feeling quite nauseous after staying out late the night before and waking up at 4:30 am to be ready for the show and to get up the canyon in time for my report. After about 10 minutes outside in the canyon I felt the familiar effects of altitude and cold begin… things started to spin, I felt unsteady, and everything was getting softer and softer. I tried to warn the producer back at the station that I was not well and would need to sit down and take a minute to recoup… however, she did not get my message and the cameramen pointed the camera in my direction with the red light ON. I knew I had to give it my best try even though I could feel my consciousness slipping away. You can see on the video what happens after that!

I plan to go get checked out by a doctor and get to the bottom of it. (Update: I did and here is the analysis)

I have been wanting to get a professional medical opinion on what is causing this to happen. It seems when I combine freezing temperatures and high altitude my body reacts in this way and reverts to fainting.

In the meantime, we can all laugh at the craziness of the situation!

I have laughed many times watching this video and I do not want anyone to feel bad if they find themselves chuckling as I go down like a tree in the forest! I feel like someone should dub Keisha “Timber” over it and play the fall in slow motion. (update: dozens of videos were made from this, including a special meme on your iPhone of me fainting if you ever need it! Didn’t think I would ever be one of those.)

I was surprised that…

Media outlets around the world began applauding my efforts for continuing the interview from the ground and shared very kind words with me. It is not every day that you see the anchors of the Today Show watching your report and giving you props for doing your best. I have since received thousands of emails and messages from people around the world.

Special thanks to…

My two sisters who immediately called my cell phone after watching the report live at their homes. My older sister, Heather, who sweetly told me it wasn’t too noticeable and things would blow over…Hahaha! And then Britt, who told me it was going to reach YouTube in a couple of hours and helped me laugh along with her as we prepared for dozens of international interviews over the next few days including the Today Show in NYC, the Today Show in Australia, BBC in England, and CNN morning show along with countless other phone interviews.

I also want to give a big shout out to

Richard, President of the Nordic Alliance, who was with me all morning. He handled the situation so gracefully and was so sweet and made sure I was okay. I could feel myself getting light headed and tried to warn the producer that I was sick but due to the bad service in the canyon they were not notified. After I went down I sat up and had no idea how long I had been out but saw the camera pointed at my face and decided to keep on talking! It has been a wild ride but I am so grateful for my health, kind people, and the ability to laugh at ourselves!

And last but not least, my husband!

At the time of the fainting incident, we had just begun our dating journey. When he heard what had happened he rushed over to my house with this balloon and I knew he was a good catch! He has been the most supportive and loving partner throughout my TV journey.

A Day at Tiffany & Co.

Dreams really do come true.

That’s what we thought when Tiffany & Co. at City Creek asked if we would like to come in and take a look at their collections.

We said yes (duh). Feeling all Breakfast at Tiffany’s, but a little more Reese Witherspoon in Sweet Home Alabama, we headed into the most beautiful shop at City Creek.

We got to try on whatever we wanted (!!!), so of course we decided to do a little Steal or Splurge get up.

Tanzanite ring $8,500; Bracelets $21,400 each; platinum diamond sprinkle chain $7,500; Tiffany engagement ring $21,300;

Zigfield band $175; Pearl ring $475; Atlas bangle $875; 80 inch pearls $1,000; Black Spinel bracelet $225; pearl bracelets $275; Atlas pendant $325; Tiffany blue Clutch $950

Are you dying over the Enchant Scroll Earrings? They felt so fancy! SPLURGE: Britt’s total ensemble: $150,000.00

STEAL: Brooke’s total ensemble: $3,000

Britt was decked out in some major bling including a gorgeous Tanzanite ring and the Diamond Daisy Key Necklace. Brooke was able to pick out some show stopping items from their new line inspired by “The Great Gatsby”. We loved how well everything sparkles and how they truly make timeless jewelry pieces. Even if you don’t have handfuls of cash to spend on jewelry you can still find a wide range of gorgeous options under $200 and the people at Tiffany are SO nice!

Last but not least the afternoon would not have been possible without the extremely talented Ashlee Brooke. She is so much fun and has talent exploding out of her. If you need a photo session book her ASAP! http://ashleebrookephotography.com/

Halloween Costume Ideas!

Halloween is pretty much our version of the Super Bowl.

The costume prep and anticipation cannot be beat!

We are known to have about 3 or 4 costumes ready each year just because we love it so much. If you need one, just call 🙂

So drumroll please… here are Halloween costume ideas for 2013.

Flapper:

This is a great go-to and it involves nothing that you don’t want to wear again.Here are the supplies you will need:

– Forever 21 dress (or any plain black dress)

– Fringe from a craft store

– black headband

– feather boa + pearls optional

Wolf or Fox

(or whatever animal you feel like)

By this point in time we have all seen “What did the fox say?” so you might as well let your pop culture prowess show in a timely (and warm) costume!

Supplies you will need:

– fur coat (this one is from H&M and can be worn AFTER Halloween too!)

– black leggings, shirt and gloves

– black fox ears (made with two triangle black pieces of paper taped to a black headband)

– MAKEUP: I used black powder. You must do the awesome makeup to complete the look. Just make sure you have a good brush.

Minnie Mouse

This costume is cute and great for any age.

Supplies you will need:

– polka dot top or dress

– sparkly mouse ears

– red and white polka dot skirt

– white gloves***Big thanks to Rachel for her help putting together this costume 🙂

Hunter or Duck Dynasty

Duck Dynasty is bound to be the most popular costume of the year and it just happens to be hunting season so either way you will be on trend! I know I look like a much too believable man in this picture…

Supplies you will need:

– Camo everything (including our most favorite Target camo pants)

– fake beard (I used my awesome Beard Hat)

– ridiculous hat

– extra points if you have a duck calling thingy
– and of course your hands in gun position all night 🙂

Spider

We always like to throw in one creepy Halloween creature of some sort and this one is so easy!

Supplies you will need:

– cobwebs from the craft store

– black tinsel from the craft store
– plastic spiders

– all black clothing

– black eyeliner (super easy to draw a spider web on the side of your face, I suggest using a large black eyeliner crayon)

Boxer

How about a comfy costume where you can stay in workout clothes?

Supplies Needed:

– black tanktop

– swishy shorts

– robe

– boxing gloves

– an awesome fake bruise on one eye

Happy Halloweening! What is your favorite costume of all time?

Twin Tested: Halloween Party

{Brooke’s 1st grade Halloween costume}

There is pretty much nothing we love more than a good Halloween party! We look forward to the costumes and treats all year long. We were lucky enough to grow up with a creative mom who showed us some fun ways to celebrate and we wanted to share a few of our favorite party ideas with you.

Homemade Black Sparkly Playdoh

This first recipe comes courtesy of our mama J. She is a preschool teacher at Holladay Preschool in Salt Lake City and has perfected her very own playdoh recipe. This stuff is WAY better than the store bought version and can be stored for up to a month.

Homemade Playdoh Recipe:
5 cups water
2.5 cups salt
5 tbs alum or cream of tartar
5 tbs crisco oil
4 cups of flour
4 tbs of watercolor paint

Bring water to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in salt, alum, and oil. Stir in flour 1 cup at a time. Mix well. Add paint. You can also add Kool Aid, cinnamon, glitter or anything else you think would add to the color or smell of the dough!

Peanut Butter Taffy

This stuff is addicting… and just happens to be easily molded into any creepy or crawly thing you want. We chose to make witches fingers by adding candy corn to the end as a fingernail. As kids (and adults) we can’t get enough of this stuff – and there are only 3 ingredients in it!

Taffy Recipe:
1 cup of peanut butter
3/4 cup of honey
1 cup of powdered milk

Stir all ingredients together. Add more powdered milk if it is too sticky. Should be playdoh consistency. Store in the refrigerator. Shape into whatever you would like!

Glowing green witches brew

As you’ll notice we keep things really simple. We like to be festive but realize that there is only 24 hours in a day. So this one is super easy. We just bought some green glow sticks at the party store put them underneath some dry ice and voila! You have a big bowl of glowing green witches brew.

The pumpkin drink holder

So simple yet so festive! It is also a fun way to display those pumpkins that you work so hard to carve. We found some orange sodas to go along with the theme.

Twin Travels: South Carolina

Sam and I were lucky enough to take a fun trip to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

I basically fell in love with the gorgeous, picturesque town.

Our favorite Hilton Head Places:

Rita’s: the most amazing Italian Ice + custard you will ever have. We went there 6 nights out of 7 (seriously!). It is that good. Lucky for Utah, they opened a Rita’s in Union Park just a few weeks ago. If you haven’t been yet, run now!!!
Harbor Town: the most beautiful picturesque little seaside town. It has a lighthouse, great burgers, gorgeous yachts, jumping dolphins and a spectacular view.
Intercoastal Canals: these are the magical Notebook canals. You can rent kayaks or canoes and float down the glassy water.
Beaches: Go to any of them and you will get wide open spaces, warm water and smooth sand.
Low Country Backyard Restaurant: Yummy, delicious southern food. Favorites include: baked mac & cheese, cornbread, breaded chicken, meatloaf and…. the banana pudding. Tastes like Magnolia’s.. so good!

It’s a beautiful place and I can’t wait to go back!

– Britt

Twin Tested: How to Stay Cool

Now that we are in the dead heat of summer the only thing on our minds in staying cool.

Other than hitting the pool we found some products that keepy you fresh under the sun.

Caudalie Grape Water:

Britt was tipped off about this by her mother-in-law.
Her trick is to keep it in the fridge and then applying a mist a few times throughout the day.
It is really refreshing and your makeup stays put.

Sold at Sephora, get it HERE.
$18

Drysol:

If there is one product you get, have it be this lifesaver!

If you avoid light colored clothing due to sweating issues this is for you.

You apply the liquid at night and it stops all underarm sweat.

To get some go to your doctor and get a prescription.

$10

Diptyque Solid Perfume:

This is the next big trend in the fragrance world.
Diptyque is the first major company to jump on the band wagon.
I personally think the little cases are functional and last longer than a stick of roll-on perfume.
Sold at Nordstrom.
$48

Sweat Block:

These cool anti perspirant wipes were created by a professor at BYU.
They are incredibly simple to use, you just wipe them on your underams ONCE A WEEK and then you are sweat free.
Pretty neat.
They tingle and smell similar to Drysol, but do not require a prescription.
You can order a pack online.
www.sweatblock.com
1 pack is $15.99 (8 wipes)
Toilet Seat Cover:

We’ve told you about this deep, dark secret before…
Those thin paper toilet seat covers in public restrooms work WAY BETTER than the expensive blotting tissue you can buy.
Simply pat it against your oily face and you will be shocked at how well it takes off shine.
The best part… these are FREE!

Twin Tested: Men’s Fashion Disasters

Today we are tackling a tough topic – men’s fashion.

Here are our top 3 fashion mistakes that men make:

Our brother Chris wore this outfit.

First problem: shorts are the length of capris.

Second problem: he is wearing church socks with shorts!?!

P.S. He knows he was used an example today :)

Ahhh! A popular item for most dads, these light colored, worn jeans could use an update.

An easy way to make any shirt better is to make sure you buy the right neck size!

……………………………………………………………………………………………………..

We went to Men’s Wearhouse Outlet at Traverse Mountain Outlets and found THREE Fashion Fixes.

(The entire store is 40-50% off right now)

Thanks to our three handsome models: Sam, Jackson & Spencer.

We put Jackson in the perfect 4th of July outfit.

The white shorts freshen up the look and dress it up a bit.

Spencer is wearing a business casual look with dark jeans.

EVERY guy needs a pair of jeans exactly like this.

They look classy, fit well and can be dressed up or down.

And… Sam (my husband) is wearing a Michael Kors suit from Men’s Wearhouse.

The shirt and suit are all Slim Fit.

This means that it fits slim… but not tight.

P.S. You can get the entire suit from Men’s Wearhouse for $200 right now!

We are giving away a $250 gift card to Men’s WearHouse!
All you have to do is leave a comment telling us what you would use it for.
**Winner must be able to pick up the gift card from KUTV**
***You will recieve extra entries for following the blog, or following us on Instagram***
Good luck!

AND THE WINNER IS….

EmmyJune 27, 2013 at 6:55 AM

Would love to get my hubby some new duds!

ReplyDelete

EmmyJune 27, 2013 at 7:20 AM

Emhansen93@gmail.com
CONGRATULATIONS! LOOK FOR AN EMAIL FROM US IN YOUR INBOX 🙂

Twin Tested: The Target Challenge

We took on a unique challege: find an entire outfit at Target for under $50.00

Target is one of our favorite places to shop (for real!) so we had a great time.

We both came back with our hands full, but were able to narrow it down to our favorite pieces.

Basically, you should run to Target right now because it is a treasure trove!

Here is Britt’s favorite outfit that she found:

Lace top $13.98 , Patterned gray/white pants $27.99 , Earrings $2.48

I was so excited to find this dress and necklace, such a fun color combo!

Lace dress $25.99, Orange Collar Necklace $16.99

We have 5 shopping tips to remember when you are at Target:

1. Don’t wear red – we have gotten mistaken as employees one too many times 🙂

2. If you are looking for markdowns in the women’s clothing section, they usually do them on Tuesdays.
3. If you want items from a Target designer collaboration get there early – they sell out fast!
4. When the clearance price ends in an 8 it will probably go down again, if it ends in a 4 grab it now.
5. Don’t be afraid of the maternity section! They have a lot of really cute maxi dresses.

Mother’s Day Makeover

We decided to do something a little different for our latest makeover… we ambushed our own mom!

We were so excited to surprise her.

She was shocked when we showed up with a camera man while she was working in the garden… it was priceless!

She was absolutely horrified that we caught her in this outfit, it’s her “gardening get-up”.

We took her to Life Spa at Lifetime Fitness in South Jordan.

She started her transformation with an amazing facial.

Then, it was into the salon for some hair dye and makeup…

The girls at Life Spa did such a great job keeping things natural, but also enhancing our Mom’s natural beauty.

She loved the gorgeous makeup they did.

Her takeaway tip: eyebrows are the most important feature of your face!

Va va voom! She looks so beautiful!

Her entire outfit is from H&M at City Creek.

We loved pampering our mom and giving her a fun new look.

Happy Mother’s Day!

*A big huge thank you to Life Spa for pampering our cute mom and making her feel gorgeous.

Recipe for the BEST Banana Pudding of all time!

How to make the best no-bake banana pudding of all time! This is a no-fail recipe that will knock your socks off and be repeated for years to come. It has become a family favorite!

The BEST banana pudding recipe!

We absolutely love Magnolia Bakery’s banana pudding, whether we are visiting Los Angeles or New York City we make sure to stop by Magnolia’s. The banana pudding is hard to explain, it’s fluffy yet creamy, truly heavenly!

picture of banana pudding, bananas, and Nilla wafers

Magnolia Bakery has the perfect ratio of pudding, bananas, and cake in their final product.

When we saw that there were a few at-home copycat recipes that you can make we were hesitant to try them. Why mess with perfection? Magnolia has nailed it so we didn’t want to let ourselves down with a pudding failure. However, we are happy to report that this pudding recipe is divine!

Don’t try to take the pudding on a flight

The last time I was in Los Angeles I was determined to take some banana pudding from Magnolia home to my husband. However, you need to be warned… TSA does not allow this. They saw my Magnolia to-go cup filled with pudding and quickly snatched it. I don’t know if it was because they were hungry, or because it really was against the rules to take it through security 🙂

When Brooke found a recipe that tastes nearly identical, we were thrilled!

It’s not realistic to travel to NYC or LA every time we crave banana pudding so we are so happy to have an at-home alternative. This recipe is so simple that your kids can help you with every step and be proud of the delicious masterpiece they create!

We may have been eating it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner the past few days… this recipe is versatile and works for a lot of different occasions. Have a birthday party? Make the pudding. Going to a pool party? Make the pudding. Hungry for a Sunday treat that feeds a crowd? Make the pudding.

The recipe is slightly adapted from Confessions of a Cookbook Queen

Picture of a large bowl of banana pudding, bananas, and mini Nilla Wafers

16 oz can sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 cups ice-cold water
Small box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
3 cups heavy whipping cream
powdered sugar to taste
1 tsp vanilla
1 box of Nilla Wafers
4 sliced bananas

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In the bowl of a mixer, beat sweetened condensed milk and water for about a minute. Add the pudding mix and beat for about two more minutes. Transfer to a smaller bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. You want the mixture to set and be firm to the touch.

2. In a large bowl on medium speed, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form (I put my metal mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for five minutes prior…the cream always whips up very quickly this way). We also like to add 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla to the heavy cream.

3. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the pudding mixture into the whipped cream. Do not overmix or your whipping cream will get runny and the “fluff factor” of the pudding will be gone.

4. In a large bowl, layer Nilla wafers (we like to use the mini version because they are bite-size and cute!), sliced bananas, and pudding. Do not slice the bananas until you plan to serve the pudding. Ideally, you want three layers but if you go with a larger dish you might only have two.

How to customize your pudding

You can serve the pudding in individual serving cups or make miniature pies. This is ideal if you are hosting a bridal shower or party.
(adapted from The Complete Magnolia Bakery Cookbook)

We have added raspberries and strawberries to our pudding in the past and it is wonderful – especially if the berries are in season!

You can sub in a graham cracker crust for the Nilla wafers, it will have a different flavor but is a delicious alternative. If you do a graham cracker crust we suggest melting one cube of butter with one pouch of smashed graham crackers. It tastes best if the crust is refrigerated for at least one hour.