Packing up for NOLA

Packing up for NOLA by blondegigi featuring a long sleeve cardigan

I should be riffling through my closet getting ready for our belated anniversary trip to New Orleans instead of playing on polyvore.  I can't wait to experience the city as an adult.   Above is a few of the outfits I plan on packing for our trip.   I hope y'all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and I'll see you when I get back.  (I hope I'll be able to fit in my skinny jeans after all the eating I plan on doing!)

Happy Thanksgiving

The hubs & I host the family on Easter.  Oh how I wish that we could get everyone to our home for Thanksgiving instead.  I would love to set the table and incorporate all the lovely colors of fall.   Maybe one day, but for now it will be off to my parents.   I hope y'all have safe travels and a wonderful Thanksgiving. 


photos courtesy of Southern Living

Monday made fun

My animal obsession continues.  So hard coming to work today knowing I will be in NOLA next week.

p.s. I'm also carrying a black KSNY bag and a super cute monogrammed travel mug.

Monday made fun by blondegigi featuring a long sleeve cardigan

H M wrap around dress, £13
J Crew long sleeve cardigan, $80
GUESS by Marciano black boots, $161
Cartier jewelry, $3,875
Sterling silver ring, $395
Charm jewelry, $175
18k jewelry, $175
Onyx necklace, $65
Ghibli skinny belt, $60

Animal obsession

I'm adoring the look of animal prints.  I just can not seen to get enough from a leopard trench to my snakeskin dress.   I hope this more than a passing trend!

Animal obsession by blondegigi featuring printed scarves

MICHAEL Michael Kors faux fur jacket, $140
By Malene Birger layered skirt, $159
Dkny, £95
Charlotte Olympia high heel boots, $809
Gucci black pumps, $695
Sam Edelman leather boots, £185
Jigsaw ballet shoes, £89
Mango stiletto heels, £110
Dolce Gabbana leather handbag, £1,399
R J Graziano bangle bracelet, $50
Printed scarve, $50

Fashion fast

I'm hypoglycemic and never fast,  I just can't do it.   I will be fasting for as long as I can after reviewing my shopping habits of late.   Boy, those sales are adding up and I'm not liking the total on my statement.  I need to add up the original prices and compare it to the amount I actually spent.  That will definitely make me feel better.   So while I skip the sales,  I'm going to enjoy some serious window (via computer) shopping.   Hope y'all like what I find and forgo (for now).

Gap fur lace-up boots $148

                                They just look so warm and comfy for when the temps start dropping.

KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor $249.99

                                                              It had me at adjustable slicing level.  

 Tory Burch skinny cuff $95

                                I really would love the ones from  Hermés, but that is just pushing it!

Vince sequin pencil skirt  $ 345

                                                This would be so much fun to dress up and down.  


I could go on and on with so many different items.  I think I will stop for now and dream of what I will be able to splurge on after my fast.  And the sales will abound, since Christmas is right around the corner.

Three for me

A very quick way to get calories in if you are hypoglycemic like I am.  It drives the hubs crazy since it hits me  on our way out for a great meal or sometimes after eating.  I have to eat/drink something right then or I faint.  I have learned to keep honeystix in the cars. 

 

honeystix from Honeyville

So, I decided to get a medic alert bracelet after fainting alone in a public place.  I never wore one for a horrible reason, because they were ugly.  I saw a cute one on a co-worker from Lauren's Hope and I ordered mine that day.  After that I started making my own.   Here is a sample of the many I have made.

I received this two years ago as a Christmas present from a friend that only gives things she loves (just like Oprah).  I added my monogram in purple (bought off of etsy) and I take it everywhere.  It keeps hot drinks hot and cold ones very cold.  I love it and use it almost daily.  This time of year it holds a lot of pumpkin spice coffee.

Contigo travel mug

Taking an everyday item and adding a personal touch to it makes it special.  I have a thing for monogramming: travel mugs, laptop, kindle, jewelry and even wine glasses.  I hope y'all make things special too.

photos courtesy of Honeyville and Target

Monday Mourning

Yes, I'm sad that the weekend is over.   I like to wear cardi's instead of jackets, makes it less business and more me.  I think I need to donate some of my suits,  I'm not giving them the love they deserve.    I'm thrilled that it is a 4 day work week.   Already thinking about what I will cook for our company this weekend.

Monday Mourning by blondegigi featuring leather high heels

Tiered top, $43
Old navy cardigan, $25
GAP bodycon skirt, $50
Cole Haan leather high heels, $250
Kate spade tote, $425
Cartier watch, $4,650
Tag sterling silver jewelry, $350
Beaded jewelry, $150
Sophia Chloe yellow gold bangle, $145
Ettika tahitian pearl jewelry, $80

Quinoa for breakfast

I came across this recipe Thursday and decided that I needed to try it.  I love the nutty flavor of quinoa and was curious as to how it would taste.

Boil with cinnamon sticks

Simmer for 20 mins

walnuts, honey, brown sugar & cranberries

finished product

I ended up adding a few dashes of cinnamon and it was really good.  It is super easy to make and a nice change from oatmeal.   Now to see if it keeps me full longer than my usual breakfast.   I'm so glad it's the weekend and I plan on enjoying the day.  Shrimp & grits are on the menu for tonight.   Must be a grain kind of a day.   Hope y'all have a great one.

Crafty Anniversary to me

Yesterday was my anniversary and my very sweet hubs sent me roses at work.  I'm leaving them at the office since I spend more time there. 

I have been looking for a fun wrap bracelet and came across this diy blog and decided to give it a try.  I make jewelry and for awhile had a store on Esty.  I have since closed it and now just make things for family, friends and me! (I have always been my best customer).

 

 

I needed a hand massage when I was done.  I do plan on making more in the future and will add about a 1/2 an inch to the length.  I also wish I could have found wider hex nuts.  Overall, I'm very pleased with my attempt at making them.  

Toasted Pumpkin Seeds

One of my favorite things to make & eat in the fall.  I even bought an extra pumpkin just for the seeds.  It  was not carved for Halloween, it's decorating my front porch.... just waiting.  Shhh, don't tell what is in store.

removed & cleaned

seasoned with old bay & olive oil

toasting  in the oven

small mason jars make a cute container

garnish on homemade pumpkin soup

 The hubs & I enjoyed pumpkin soup on the porch as the kids were trick or treating.   The turnout was not great from the rain we had.   Oh well, there is always next year.