Cheating on Five Guys

I don't know about y'all, but I love Five Guys.  Especially the Cajun fries that can feed a small village.  I gave up french fries & onion rings for Lent.   The hubs suggest we go to The Burger Joint for dinner last night.  I had the Wellington burger and a side of asparagus fries.   It was delish, and I felt a little guilty that I was enjoying a burger somewhere other than at Five Guys.

I painted my nails in keeping with my tangerine post from yesterday.  It is Avon's Orange Creamsicle with Sally Hansen Diamond Strength Precious Peach on top to tone it down.  Ring fingers have Nubar Glitter Polish. I keep polish on a few days and then I change it.   I'm going to try the gel polish when we go on the cruise in May.   I better pick a color I can wear for up to 2 weeks.

Trending tangerine

I must admit that I do love the color orange a/k/a tangerine.   I have a pair of wedges & a KSNY bag (similar to the one above) that are on trend.   I'm thinking that I need to add a few other items to make my wardrobe complete.  My bff went to Clemson,  I should just go raid her closet.  Too bad she moved to Atlanta. 

Trending tangerine by blondegigi featuring orange wedges

Creme de Menthe Chunk Cookies

All yesterday morning every idea I offered the hubs was shot down. So pesto & shrimp won out after all. Made for an easy dinner and we decided ice cream sandwiches would be a fun dessert.  The hubs saw Andes Creme de Menthe baking chips and that was the all I needed.  He wanted to use mint w/brownie ice cream & who am I to say no?

 

 

 

The hubs bought me a stand mixer for Christmas a few years ago (okay via our Yorkie) and was afraid I would never use it.   I try and prove him wring as often as I can.  The recipe called for sifted flour.  I used a sifter purchased at a local antique shop.   The finish product was delish.  I may have to have another one after lunch. 

      Ingredients 

• Servings: 4 Dozen
• 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 1 package (10 oz) Andes® Creme de Menthe Baking Chips 
• 2 2/3 cups sifted all-purpose flour

     Directions

Blend butter, sugars, baking soda, baking powder, vanilla and eggs until mixed.
Stir in baking chips or chopped candy and then flour.
Chill approximately one hour in refrigerator.
Preheat oven to 350
Measure out approximately 1 ounce of dough.
Form ball and slightly flatten.
Raise oven rack one level above middle and baking on non-stick cookie sheets.
Bake at 350-degrees for approximately 8-10 minutes.
Cool on pans for two minutes before removing.

Dilemma

A dear friend is coming this evening for dinner and staying the night.  I have known him since elementary school and he the hubs hit it off so well, he is like a brother.   He was an archaeologist before getting into computers.   He is bringing his metal detector to see what he can find.   That is all well and good, but I'm trying to decide the big question....  What to make for dinner?

Inspiration?

Hubs made a wine rack that holds a few cook books.

I better get off the computer and peruse the mags and recipe books for some inspiration.  I was going to make pesto & shrimp over cavatappi, but the hubs wanted pasta last night.  Did y'all hear my joyous reaction to him adding carbs back into his diet?  So happy!

A monster in the making

Okay y'all, I love monograms.   I have it on my kindle, cell, cups, mugs, glasses, rings, bracelets, necklaces, bags, several purses... you get the hint.   This is an example of what I ordered last weekend from Lime Tree Gifts and I had it in less than a week!

I'm excited to say that by the end of the week I will be able to make my own vinyl monograms.   That's right, I'm getting a 

Cricut Expression Personal Electronic Cutter.  I told the hubs that I can use it for cards as well as monogramming gifts.   I'm super excited and it will cut down on my shopping on Etsy.   The only downside it that you have to purchase cartridges for fonts, shapes, themes.

I'm starting off with the Calligraphy Collection  and a selection of colored vinyl for me to practice.  I'm warning y' all now, you may see a lot of pics of things I have monogrammed.  

I think the hubs is buying me this because he is spending a ton on his cycling habit.  I went riding with him on Saturday and he went for a "real ride" when I went home after riding 12 miles.  Hmmm... 

I can monogram his new Trek Madone. 

Photos courtesy of  Limetreegifts (etsy) and Amazon.

Going green

Going green by blondegigi featuring lace up shoes

                                           No pub crawls for this gal.  Nope, the hubs want pizza.                                              Hope y'all have a fun & safe St. Patrick's Day/night.

Easter is around the corner

Easter is the holiday that is celebrated at my house.  Mom takes over the kitchen after church and I let her work her magic while I am in charge of apps and beverages.  I decided that Bellini's are the perfect drink and I prefer to use Prosecco over Champagne.   In keeping with a springtime theme, I ordered vinyl monograms for the wine glasses for all us girls on Etsy and this is how they turned out.  

I put some the of the dots on a few glasses for the nieces and nephews so they don't feel left out.  I bought the glasses from World Market   so in the event one is broken it will not be a big deal. 

We will hang out on the porch and enjoy the flowers of spring and having the family all together.

I know everyone else is posting all about St. Patricks's Day.  I hope you wear green tomorrow and the luck of the Irish is with you. 

Self Portrait

This is me... Okay, it's me on our hammock and of course Mia & Rocco had to join me.  Who needs a dog bed when I'm so comfy.

 I'm loving the 80 plus degree weather in March.  The hubs and I live on our porch, it is where the neighbors gather and enjoy the day/night/whenever.   Well a new neighbor has moved in kitty-corner and does not even wave back to me or respond to me.  Those from the South will understand how wrong that is.   They also spend a lot of time on their front porch and have made it known they want nothing to do with us.  This has me thinking about making some changes to ours.

Southern Living

I have similar furniture (diff color cushions) and our ceiling is blue.   I do like the privacy the shutters offer.  I also plan on adding some plants to add interest. 

Ballard Designs

Have y 'all had to keep the neighbors out?  I'd love to hear your ideas!

Photos courtesy of Southern Living and Ballard Designs.

Monogram mania

Spent Saturday on the couch eating crackers and drinking ginger ale (thanks hubs!).  Decided to get some more monogrammed items, like a good Southern woman.  May have to order more today.

Monogram mania by blondegigi featuring monogrammed jewelry

Searching

I'm sad to admit that my go to black pumps may be put out to pasture.  They are beautiful cap toe Joan & David's that have been with me for awhile.  The search begins today to fill the void.
 
Searching by blondegigi featuring pointed toe high heels

Fashion faux pas

Last night the hubs & I went to Chipotle for dinner (Taco Tuesday anyone?) and while we were standing in line I noticed a young lady with a tag on the sleeve of her coat that read Material from Italy.   I said bless her heart to the hubs, but did not have it in me to let her know that it is to be removed prior to wearing.   Just like the X stitched into the vent of a coat or skirt.   I have on numerous occasions been known to snip those off new co-workers that are fresh out of school.

Now off to Noodles & Company for lunch.  Wonder what I shall see while there.


Photo and helpful advice from the blog Sew a Beginner

A perfect statement

Poshlocket has free shipping & returns and great prices on costume jewelry.  I'm trying to expand my necklace collection and thought the one above would get a ton of use.

I saw this Amrita Singh necklace on Gilt Groupe (for $78 instead of $250) and decided it was another one I needed to have.  It will be the perfect punch of color to many of my outfits.  Here is an invite if you are not already a member. 

Kate Spade is having a sample sale the next few days.  May have to pick up something fun from there as well. Happy shopping y'all!

Photos from poshlocket and Amrita Singh.

Rum Cake

Popped cake in fridge while we went to dinner

Rum Cake
1 (18.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
1 (3.4-ounce) box Jell-O vanilla instant pudding and pie filling
4 eggs
1/2 cup cold water
1/2 cup veg oil
1/2 cup dark rum

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour a 12-cup Bundt pan (I used a tube pan).

In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, vanilla pudding mix, eggs, water, oil and dark rum. Mix until well-blended and pour into greased pan.

Bake for  50 minutes to an 1 hour or until cake tests done. Remove from oven and cool in pan on wire rack. Invert over serving platter to release cake and set aside.

The recipe called for a glaze but I really wanted to have icing with toasted coconut flakes so I created the following.

Icing
2 sticks unsalted butter (room temp)
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup coconut rum
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
dash of salt

1 1/2 cups sweetened coconut flakes (toasted in 350 oven for 5 minutes)

Keep an eye on them , they can burn quickly

Using electric mixer, beat butter in large bowl until smooth. Add sugar, run, vanilla, and salt. Beat on medium-low speed until blended, scraping down sides of bowl. Increase to medium high and beat until light and fluffy.

Ice cake and sprinkle with coconut. Keep cake chilled and serve at room temperature and enjoy.

Marching on into Spring!

Marching on into Spring! by blondegigi featuring a stacked heel


My nails are the pop of color in my outfit today.  I'm so happy to be bare legged enjoying the amazing weather. Hope y'all are having great weather as well.