Cookies & wish lists

Yesterday I made molasses cookies for my office since we're going to be putting in long hours for a few days.   And for some reason I keep on thinking about my wish list and the Chanel Large Shopping Bag.  I'm torn between silver or gold hardware.   I wonder if it has anything to do with the crazy amount of money the hubs has spent on his latest bicycle.  He just bought a Trek Madone 6 series to replace his other Madone & it is a pretty penny.  Speaking of wish list, I  also found out that while on the cruise we can take a cooking class with a Chef in Mexico.   That sounds right up my alley. 

Photo via me & Chanel

A little news

So the hubs & I received some news on Wednesday that inspired my mani.   My fav SIL (it's okay for me to write that since no one knows I blog) is expecting her 2nd child in August.   I'm so very happy for her and her little family.  I get to plan another trip to Seattle!   

 

 

Above is a few pics from one of my favorite places to wander when in Seattle.  Makes for a really great meal when you have such fresh ingredients to chose from.  Hope y'all have a great weekend and get some wonderful news too.

p.s. I wish I could redecorate my office. That carpet really has to go!

Chop, chop

I have natural blonde wavy/curly hair that is down past my bra.   I've a hair appointment today for 4:00 p.m and I'm thinking about cutting off several inches and going with a long bob.   That way I can still pull it up whenever I want it off  my neck.  If I hate it, it will grow back.   I wonder what the hubs will say when I pick him up at the airport tomorrow.   Wish me luck!

Photos courtesy of Elle and planethair

Want vs. Reality

    

Wildflower Caftan Tory Burch $225                           Tunic Bag Lady Amazon $32.99

Wildflower Bikini  Tory Burch $250                            Paisley/Zebra Xihilaration $29.89

Our cruise is not until May, but I'm already dreaming about revving up my wardrobe.  Here are a few examples of my wants vs. what will end up being packed in my suit case.  Ah.... a girl can dream. 

I must admit, the Target bikini is growing on me.

                                                   

 Photos courtesy of Tory Burch & Target

Going Bananas

I love the Banana Republic  look above with the cardi and color block pumps.  I bought some slim black ankle pants a few months ago for a great price.  I decided to go ahead and get the shoes since they may sell out in my size prior to going on sale.  Much to my delight, there is a 30% off online offer (NEWYOU) until tomorrow.  A few key strokes via ebates and they are mine! 

Photos courtesy of Banana Republic

Butternut squash spoon bread

made my own squash puree

recipe & a few ingredients

let the mixer do the work

folding in the egg whites

ta da!

final product

The hubs wanted chili for dinner while watching the playoff game.  He saw in Southern Living a recipe for butternut squash spoon bread and thought it would be a nice change from cornbread.  Boy, was he right.  It is delish.  So glad he saw it & I made it.

Wedge wants

Wedge wants by blondegigi featuring leather sandals

The hubs and I are going on our 1st cruise in May.  I'm already dreaming about a new pair of wedge sandals that need to go on it's 1st cruise w/us.


Brian Atwood espadrilles wedge, $710
Jil Sander ankle wrap sandals, $595
KORS Michael Kors michael kors sandals, $421
Tory burch shoes, $395
Kate Spade leather sandals, $350
Diane von Fürstenberg platform heels, $295
Tory Burch platform wedge, $195
MICHAEL Michael Kors michael kors wedge, $150
MICHAEL Michael Kors michael kors sandals, £150
ALDO wedge high heels, $35
Carvela high heel sandals, £39
Dollhouse espadrilles wedge, $30
Wedge shoes, $23

Zara Sale

I saw a super cute pair of Zara shoes and went to their site looking for them.  I ended up with no shoes in my shopping bag, but I did score the cropped pants and pleated dress for $19.99 each.   I love that you can use paypal and shipping was free.    Hope y'all find something great.

Photos courtesy of Zara

Arlington at Christmas time

We took a trip up north and went to Arlington National Cemetery over the holidays.   My sisters FIL is buried there and I suggested we go since I had never been.   I plan on going back at some point when they have the flags for Memorial Day.   It is a very moving and sad place. Made me once again thankful to our Armed Forces.

Egg Nog Rice Pudding

I love egg nog and look forward to Thanksgiving when it once again graces the shelves next to the milk.  The hubs & I snapped some up the other day when shopping  (I love to cook & eat, but hate to grocery shop), but I failed to read the use by date.  Good thing I did look at it when I poured a tall glass.  It was only good for two more days so I decided to make some rice pudding.

Egg Nog Rice Pudding


2 eggs                   1/4 tsp cinnamon
2 cups egg nog       1 1/2 cup cooked rice
1/4 cup sugar         1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Preheat oven to 350.  Combine ingredients in large bowl; mix well.  Poor in 2 quart casserole and place in baking pan filled with 1" hot water.  Bake for 1 1/2 hours or until knife inserted comes out clean.  Serve warm or cold.    6 servings

My Mom gave me this rice to use just for when I make rice pudding. Which is not often enough.

My MIL swears by Trader Joe's Ground Cinnamon and she makes cinnamon rolls that are better than Cinnabon. 

 

Now that has me wanting a cinnamon roll.  Maybe the hubs will want to make them with me this weekend. 

Wicked Wednesday

Wicked cold that is.  I went from wearing flip flops on NYE & NY day to freezing!    This is today's look,  except I'm a blonde that smiles a lot. 

Wicked Wednesday by blondegigi featuring 14k white gold jewelry

Lauren Ralph Lauren knit dress, $169
Opaque stocking, $14
Kate Spade leather crossbody handbag, $247
14k white gold jewelry, $2,498
A V Max snake bangle, $61
Alexander McQueen Paisley skull pashmina, £195