New Year's Eve

I would love to be telling you that I'll be getting all dressed up and going out to a fabulous party.  I have been sick since Christmas (thanks honey) and today is the worst of it.  I hope I can stay awake to watch the ball drop, but it will not be the same without Dick Clark. I did have a wonderful Christmas with my family and I hope y'all did as well.  May 2013 be your best year yet!

I made marshmallows yesterday since I had all the ingredients on hand. I do not recommend making them unless you have a stand mixer.  Here are a few pictures I snapped with my phone.  I ended the night with a mug of spiked peppermint hot chocolate.   I may repeat again tonight.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
• Confectioners' sugar, for dusting (I added some peppermint sugar for color)

Directions

1. Combine gelatin and 1/2 cup cold water in the bowl of an electric mixer with whisk attachment. Let stand 30 minutes.
   
2. Combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, salt, and 1/2 cup water in a small heavy saucepan; place over low heat, and stir until sugar has dissolved. Wash down sides of pan with a wet pastry brush to dissolve sugar crystals.
   
3. Clip on a candy thermometer; raise heat to high. Cook syrup without stirring until it reaches 244 degrees (firm-ball stage) or about 9 minuted. Immediately remove pan from heat.
   
4. With mixer on low speed, slowly and carefully pour syrup into the softened gelatin. Increase speed to high; beat until mixture is very thick and white and has almost tripled in volume, about 15 minutes. Add vanilla; beat to incorporate.
   
5. Generously dust an 8-by-12-inch glass baking pan with confectioners’ sugar. Pour marshmallow mixture into pan. Dust top with confectioners’ sugar; wet your hands, and pat it to smooth. Dust with confectioners’ sugar; let stand overnight, uncovered, to dry out. Turn out onto a board; cut marshmallows with a dry hot knife into 1 1/2-inch squares, and dust with more confectioners' sugar.
   

A quick trip to the White House

Trying to decide what I'm going to wear to tour the White House on Saturday afternoon.  This is an option.  The hubs bought me a fabulous vintage faux fur coat that I think will look fabulous. 

Blue Velvet Cake

My wonderful co-worker and friend got me a Blue Velvet Cake from Carousel Cakes for my birthday on Thursday.  She saw it on Oprah's Favorite Things for 2012 special and surprised me with it.   Let me just tell you, it is amazing.  The cream cheese frosting compliments the cake perfectly.   The cake is moist and full of flavor.   I had the last piece for breakfast yesterday morning and it was still as wonderful as day one.   I think I may have a new favorite cake too, thanks to Oprah.

photo via Oprah

No words

I'm being silent in honor of the victims of the horrible shootings in Newton, CT.  My heart is heavy and my prayers are with their families, friends and first responders. 

Lunch Combo

I meet with a group of ladies for a holiday lunch yesterday.  I had dinner plans last night and decided to have something simple.  The soup and sandwich combo was chicken corn chowder and a BLT.  I asked the server if I could make the T a fried green tomato and he said yes.  I started a trend and 3 others ordered it as well.  No one knows about my blog , so I could not snap a picture.  These look on point. 

via serious eats

via huffington post

I also want to welcome to the world to Jackson Liam .....  born today -12/12/12 to very dear friends.   Mommy was scheduled for a c-section on Friday and Daddy always spoke about wanting him to be born today.  I was pulling for 12/13 since that is my birthday.  Oh well, Daddy wins.

Bloggers budget

I don't know about y'all, but I have no idea how some of the fashion bloggers afford the clothes that they wear in their posts.  They must have amazing jobs!   An expensive handbag is one thing since it can last for years and some designers do have sales.  Shoes can also be worth it since they can be resoled and many styles are classic.  I'm talking just the trends.  I'm not going to spend $300 on a sweater that I will wear a few times, or $400 plus for a pair of skinny jeans in the hottest new color.  I believe in shopping sales or hitting up Old Navy, Target or where ever else I can get the same thing for a fraction of the designer cost. 

I must admit that I am willing to spend money on jewelry.  I consider that an investment.

National Apple Pie Day

Today is National Apple Pie Day and if the hubs was not eating low carb I'd be baking a pie instead of blogging about one.  Here are a few inspirational pictures that are making my mouth water.

Deep dish by Ina Garten

Ultimate Caramel by Tyler Florence

Double Apple via Southern Living

Apple Upside-Down via Southern Living

I did add paper thin slices of apple to my pancakes.  I wonder if that counts?  I hope y'all have some apple pie today.  That should help keep the doctor away in my book.  I'm planning on making the upside one with pecans from my back yard as soon as he adds carbs back into his diet.

photos courtesy of Food Network & Southern Living

Dreaming big

The hubs and I bought one ticket and I'm not surprised that is not the big winner.  I would definitely go on a shopping spree prior to picking up the jackpot.  Oh well, one can always dream.

 
Dreaming big by blondegigi featuring leather shoulder handbags

Birthday BBQ and SBS

Thanksgiving was spent with my family enjoying being together and too much food.  My brother-in-law imbibed more than his share of wine. He was our entertainment and kept on referring to the Bourbon balls I made as "party balls". He is not going to live that down for a while.  We stayed away from the malls on Black Friday, but we did venture out for the hubs birthday dinner.  We took part in Small Business Saturday deciding to take a road trip and stopping in tiny towns along the way.

 Birthday boy wanted ribs

 Antique stop along the way

 and he wanted more ribs on Saturday

found this in a small town antique store

some cotton from a local field

It's time to get  in gear for Christmas.  I tried to shop on J. Crew's site yesterday for Cyber Monday.  My order would not go through & finally  I gave up and decided that I will do it the old fashioned way.  I'm going to take a day off work and go to the mall.  I have to ship all of the in-laws presents out west, so I better get cracking!  I hope y'all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and got some great deals over the weekend.

Comfy Thanksgiving

Here is what I'm thinking about wearing on Thanksgiving.  I was going to wear a new dress and some killer boots, but it will be at my brothers house which means NO SHOES.  I prefer pants when having to spend the day in slippers.  Plus the pants have enough give to let me go back for seconds....

Comfy Thanksgiving by blondegigi featuring leopard print scarves

A new cocktail

The hubs ordered a great drink at the oyster bar we went to for our anniversary.  He is a Bourbon drinker and the Bourbon Bramble caught his eye.  I ordered a fruity drink that had Prosecco and I wished I had his drink instead.   We googled it during dinner and found the recipe on Saveur.com.  We then headed off to our local ABC store for the ingredients and it has turned into a new favorite drink.

Ingredients

1 ounce elderflower liqueur
1 ounce bourbon
1/2 ounce creme de cassis
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in an ice-filled cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for at least a minute. Strain into a rocks glass or coupe.  Makes one cocktail.

We never got around to buying pumpkins for Halloween, so my Mom gave me hers.  The seeds are roasting as I type.  I'm also going to make some Bourbon balls for Thanksgiving.   I still can't believe that it is on Thursday.  I better talk to my Mom and see what I'm bringing to the grand meal. I hope y'all a great weekend.  Don't forget to shop small businesses this holiday season.

top photo courtesy of saveur.com

Casual Friday

My boss is away and I could not resist wearing my boots.  These boots are so very comfortable.  I may even have to wear them when my boss is in town.  I hope y'all have a great weekend and enjoy the wonderful fall weather. 

Casual Friday by blondegigi featuring a kate spade satchel

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful for so many things in my life.  My sister's hot water heater stopped working and she went in the attic to see what kind it was for the repair guy.  Well, she took a wrong step and fell through the ceiling into the room below.  She landed in the hall bathroom - in the tub.   She was taken by ambulance and has a broken foot.  She is very lucky that she did not hit her head or break her neck and/or back.   This little true story made me think about hot water.  It is amazing what a hot shower or bath can do for you.

custom shower big enough for two

claw foot tub for soaking

outdoor shower for when(if) we get a pool.

We have a claw foot tub that is original to our Victorian home and it is the focal point of our master bath.  Now that I'm thinking about it, a long bubble bath is in order. 

 Please keep the victims of Sandy in your prayers.  Text RED CROSS to 90999 for a $10 donation.     

photos via home renovations, jennings and gates and cabana luxury housing.

Canberry Craze

This weekend I tried cranberry moonshine, made oatmeal craisin cookies and now I'm thinking of other ways to incorporate it into the holiday season.  Of course it will be on our table on Thanksgiving.  I think a trip to the Body Shop is a must. 

Canberry Craze by blondegigi featuring a nail lacquer

Veterans Day

My Daddy was a Marine and I have a soft spot for them.   Yesterday was the Marine Corps 237th birthday and today is Veterans Day, so I had to include it this amazing picture.

The hubs went hunting again this weekend.  He started when he was 5 years old.   That seems so young, but they do a lot of things differently out west.  I sent some oatmeal craisin cookies along with him.  I even put some marshmallow fluff between a few for fun. 

I hope y'all had a great weekend.  I loved the 70+ degree weather the past few days.

Marine monument pic via PBS

Thankful Thursday

I could not get it together this morning. I normally know exactly what I want to wear to work, but not today.  I spent way too much time looking at my closet trying on different outfits and shoes.   Good thing the hubs will get home later than me so I can put it all away. That spurred me as to what I'm thankful for today.  

I have a closet full of clothes and accessories to choose from. 

photo via houzz

I try and purge my closet with the changing of the seasons.   I donate to a charity that sells everything for $1 and give my business attire to a charity that provides to woman that are starting over after leaving abusive homes.  In the wake of Sandy, I feel guilty that I have so much.  I am truly blessed.

It is never too late to text REDCROSS to 90999 for a $10 donation.  

Red with envy

 I adore leopard prints.  Here are a few ideas when pairing them with red. 

Red with envy by blondegigi featuring high heels

Etsy

Yesterday I wore the infinity scarf that was in my FNO swag bag.  It was the perfect accessory to keep the chill off and looked great with a black sweater dress, tights and booties.  I decided to look for one that was more colorful.  That lead me to etsy's and Fruit of the Spirit where I found one that was exactly what I wanted.  Love the pattern and even how she styled it with a jean jacket.

 

  I can not wait for the election to be over.  I do think there should be a cap on the amount of money parties and special interest groups can spend on ads and mailers.  I live in a state where it could go either way and I look forward to no more robocalls!  I hope y'all voted today.  I have a book to read while I wait in line this afternoon.   I will make sure to eat a big lunch, cause I hear the lines are crazy long.

The weekend

I keep thinking about the people that lost everything to superstorm Sandy and it breaks my heart.  I did the Race to End Women's Cancer in Washington, D.C. yesterday and I kept thinking how my toe may hurt, but I still have my home and closet full of clothes.  My sister is a cancer survivor and she did us proud.  

 Please donate if you can.  I prefer to donate to the Red Cross since .91 cents for each dollar donated is used to help the victims.   

The hubs and I went out to dinner Friday night to celebrate our anniversary.   He was so sweet and gave me a beautiful ring and asked me to marry him all over again.  I loved it but was sad to have to send it back.  My sweetie ordered my shoe size and not my ring size.  I told him he should return it and we can donate the money to Sandy relief.  He said no. 

I have sent some money to the Red Cross, but I feel the need to do more.  I am so very blessed and I need to pass on those blessings.   I have a dear friend that is in fashion in NYC, I'm sure she can hook me up with another way to give.   

photos via facebook and bluenile

Thankful Thursday

I'm going to post a few things that I'm thankful for leading up to Thanksgiving.  I'm very thankful that my family and friends are all safe after Sandy destroyed so much for so many.

I saw a bunch of trucks heading north to help out with the aftermath of  the hurricane/superstorm.  

That women have the right to vote.

Say it ain't toe

Say it ain't toe by blondegigi featuring black knee high boots

Craving

I woke up this morning thinking about the peanut butter and jelly bar recipe I found in Epicurious and this time I wanted to add oatmeal.  I used google and found a recipe that fit my craving.   I used grape jam I had on hand from when we had some little ones come for a visit.   I also used wheat flour and added an extra tablespoon of jelly.

I suggest you give it a try.  Your kitchen will smell amazing and your friends and family will thank you.

Those of you in the path of Sandy - please stay safe!

Picture perfect

I've seen to many pictures being posted to facebook with my friends underpinning's showing. I have even seen a few red carpet pics as well.   Such a simple rule to follow.  Plus, a lacy cami can serve as double duty in the lingerie department.  Pair it with some lacy boy shorts and you will have a happy partner.

Picture perfect by blondegigi featuring underwire bras

looking back

 My anniversary is next week. I think I may wear something simple so I can indulge at dinner and then take the hubs on a long stroll down memory lane.  Plus, I want to carry my new clutch.

looking back by blondegigi featuring long dresses

Outdoor Birthday Bash

The hubs and I will be staying the night at my sisters to attend a birthday party for her neighbor.   It starts with a band then a deejay and there is a pig pickin' in between.   High in the low 70's so I plan on dressing for the chill.   Above is what I packed to wear to the party.   I hope y'all have a great weekend.

Outdoor Birthday Bash by blondegigi featuring twisted metal jewelry

A welcoming home

We have started on the next project on our home.  Our entry is in dire need of a remake.  The wallpaper and stair runners are original.  The hubs removed the stair runners it is already a vast improvement.  We  decided not to replace them, but to paint and stain the stairs instead.  I already purchased a lovely settee that was my color inspiration. I'm leaning towards a yellow entry that will be bright (not too bright) and cheerful.  The hubs lets me select colors and is on board with whatever I decide.  The only downside is that most guests use the kitchen entrance and not the front.  The hubs has joked about putting a gate at the end of the driveway forcing everyone to come in the front door. Now for some motivation. 

 

photos via pinterest,  house beautiful, decor pad and veranda

Friday fun

A sweet co-worker brought in some festive cupcakes.  I hope they taste as good as they look. 

It's cool enough for me to wear my newest scarf I bought while in Savannah. Savannah has some great boutiques along Broughton Street.

  I'm hoping for a quiet weekend full of football, great food and catching up with the hubs.  He has been in St. Louis this week for work. And a pedi, I'm in desperate need of one.  Have a great weekend and I hope your team wins!  I know I will be cheering on mine.