Living room renewed

Living room renewed by blondegigi featuring a white table

Road trip

Heading off on a little road trip without the hubs.  The pups and xm radio will keep me company.  Cooler temps makes me want to transition my clothes for fall.  I will hold off since we head to the beach in a little over a week.
 
Road trip by blondegigi featuring blue jeans

Consignment Convert

One of my friends introduced me to consignment shopping.  I have tried shopping at thrift stores and I could not get past the disarray and overloaded racks.  I'm lucky to have some very high end consignment boutiques near me.  I scored some major deals during a summer sale on Friday.  I'm going to share my biggest one. 

NWT originally $290 halter top among the sales rack.  It will be perfect for dinner at the beach next month.  I also scored a lace cami to wear under a suit and a turquoise J. Crew dress.  Here is my receipt

Even the owner couldn't believe the steal I was getting.  I think I even impressed the hubs with my savvy shopping.  I think I will become a regular so I can make sure to get more steals.

Basil abounds

One of the only things that is growing well in my garden is basil.  I decided to make some fresh mozzarella so the hubs could enjoy insalata Caprese.  I also made a batch of very delicious strawberry basil scones. 

I picked up some salted caramel vodka when we went to the ABC store.  I mixed it with apple juice we had to have for the ribs the hubs was smoking. I must admit that I was overwhelmed by all the flavors of spirits out there. Everything from sweet (Cotton Candy) to  savory (Cilantro).

I was hoping to spend the weekend playing on the lake.  It seems that it will be more like fall than summer.  I hope y'all have a great weekend. 

Jack's VIP Pass

I guess I have not been feeling the love for Banana lately and I received a $30 gift card in the mail a few weeks ago.  I went online today and bought the above items on sale and used ebates to get an additional 2% back. Yay me! Nothing like a little free money to inspire some shopping. 

images courtesy of Banana Republic

Lonely leopard

Everyone in my office is away today.  I am going to enjoy the quiet and not wearing heels.  The hubs took me to a concert last night and it was a late night.  It was so worth it!   I hope y'all listen to some great music and have a wonderful weekend.

Lonely leopard by blondegigi featuring a long sleeve cardigan

Sephora splurge

Sephora splurge by blondegigi featuring tarte

I'm blaming this all on Cafe Fashionista's post.  She reviewed a few of her favs and lo and behold I was on Sephora ordering away.  I have been trying to curb my spending since the hubs has been affected by budget cuts,but these were begging to be added to my cart.   I used ebates and it is 8% cash back right now.   Check ebates outs and find out all the stores that offer cash back.

National Hotdog Day

National Hotdog Day by blondegigi featuring stripe tops

Weekend food celebrations

Friday night I made Cellentani alla Caprese with basil from the garden, banana coconut and peach basil daiquiris for National Daiquiri Day.

Saturday was National Ice Cream Soda Day.  I created a blueberry ginger ale concoction that was super light and refreshing. Perfect for a hot summer day.

And Sunday rounded it out with National Ice Cream Day.  I made some peach syrup to go with the store bought ice cream.  It even was delicisous on my pancakes this morning. 

Butterflies and daiquiris

The heat has brought the butterflies out.  I grabbed my camera and ran out to snap a few pics.  In a previous post I showed the plans for the Better Homes and Garden butterfly garden that we planted.  We spent a pretty penny on the plants required.  On the other side of the house we planted some random flowers after a large bush was removed.   Of course they love the random plantings.  Oh well, I'm going to enjoy them wherever they are!

Today is National Daiquiri Day.  I will be making both banana coconut and peach once it hits 5:00!  Maybe sooner since I took today off.  I hope y'all are staying cool.

100 degree errands

Let's face it, running around when it feels like over 100 degrees with the heat index is for the birds.   The hubs and I went out for a quick bite to eat (Indian) then to a few local stores.   This is pretty close to what I wore, my shorts were Tommy Hilfiger and these are close enough.   A woman kept on looking at me while we were eating dinner.  I know I did not have any food on my face, the hubs would have told me.   Makes me wonder why....

I hope y'all are staying hydrated in this heat!


100 degree errands by blondegigi featuring a beach tote

Tropical thinking

I think a tropical getaway would be perfect right now.   I'm so over having horrible allergies and I know the sun, sea and sand would make it all go away.   I would love to be able to surprise the hubs with a getaway, but he hates the beach...  I will just have to keep dreaming.

Tropical thinking by blondegigi featuring leather handbags

July 4th weekend recap

My mani for the 4th.  The hubs had to work so I hung out with my parents.  My Tommy Hilfiger sundress was a gift from my Mom. 

The hubs and I hosted a block party on Saturday.  I was the only one that wanted to go to the lake for the fireworks and this was my consolation.  At least it was a fun party.

The new tube works great.  Sunday was spent with family on the lake. 

I can't believe it is only Wednesday.  This week is dragging for me.  I hope y'all enjoyed your 4th and the weekend.  I know I'm already looking forward to Friday night...and maybe hitting some sales.

Biscotti, red, white and blue

I made biscotti this weekend and here is a picture after the 1st baking.  Don't let the small size of the dough fool you, it doubles in size in the oven.  Keep an eye on the second round when you are toasting it in the oven.  I brought some to my friend Lisa (100% Italian) today and she said it is the better than what she buys in the store.  I will try pistachio next.

We are hosting our neighbors on Saturday for a cookout prior to the fireworks on the lake.  I'm thinking this may a fun drink to serve.  I think I will make it with more lemonade and less alcohol to make sure everyone is not too inebriated.  Now to find some patriotic straws or swizzle sticks.

Frozen Blue Lemonade

1½ oz. white rum
1 oz. blue curacao
3 oz. Lemonade Sparkling ICE
Garnish: blueberries

Combine all ingredients with ice in a blender. Blend on high until it becomes slushy. Pour into a glass and garnish with blueberries. 

photo via Ice

Food, fashion and some fun

Food - the hubs is going to smoke some ribs this weekend. 

Fashion - the porch is going to be decked out for July 4th

Fun - spending some time playing on the lake.

I hope y'all have a great weekend!

Wedge Wednesday

Hope you have a cute pair of wedges that you break out on Wednesdays!

Wedge Wednesday by blondegigi featuring wedge shoes

Three for Thursday

Three for Thursday by blondegigi featuring flat shoes

New toy

The hubs got himself a new toy using points on one of the credit cards.  It is a smoker and he is enamored by it.  He has been talking for weeks about what meats he is going to smoke.  Well, he started with a pork butt. He made a rub the night before and was up before 6 a.m. to put it on the smoker.  

He was pleased with the bark. It looks like it is burnt, trust me in that it tastes wonderful.

I made some slaw, he bought sauce and buns and this is what we ended up with.   Let me tell you, I'm think I'm going to love this new toy of his!

Wine fest

The hubs and I went to a local wine festival with our neighbors.  I even had a compliment on my jacks while I sampling some white wine.  I ended up drinking 2 glasses of sangria while browsing the vendors booths.  I bought 2 photographs and no wine.  Oh well, it is close enough to visit when I need some more vino. 

Wine fest by blondegigi featuring dorothy perkins

Three for Thursday

 

 I love when the magnolia's are in bloom in my yard.  I love the fresh citrus smell of the flowers.

The hubs and I found a little bakery in a nearby small town.  I had to try the watermelon cupcake.  It was too cute to pass up.

 A before and after picture of the foyer. I'm so pleased with how it is coming along!

Raleigh Race for the Cure

Once again it is time for Race for the Cure in Raleigh.  This will be the 7th year I have done it with my older sister.  I can not wait until the race is no longer needed.   Every year I do it to honor/remember someone.  This year I'm doing it for Grace.  She was recently diagnosed. 

Colorado

I had one of my best visits to Colorado last week.  The hubs rode in the Iron Horse Classic from Durango to Silverton with his brothers.  We spent and afternoon at a local lake, had breakfast at Durango Diner and I enjoyed an incredible crepe while he was riding his bike up a mountain.  I did buy him some toffee from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for his effort!  

Santa Fe find

Another pair of boots found their way into my closet. 

38 to 80

Heading off to Colorado this week.  Temps range from 38 to 80 and it makes packing interesting. 
Here are a few items I'm planning on taking.  
 

38 to 80 by blondegigi featuring a military jacket

Hi and low

I like wearing a high neckline with a low boot.  Cowboy boots are perfect in warmer weather.   Go on, try on a pair and see if you end up with a few pairs in your closet.

Hi and low by blondegigi featuring suede shoes

food, fashion and fun

Food - the hubs and I overate at The Melting Pot last night.  It was too much food and I felt bad wasting it.  I did make sure to eat all of the dessert course.

 

Fashion -  I popped into my local Target and picked up the Vera sea flower oblong scarf.  It goes with so many things I already have in my closet.  In fact, I'm wearing it today.

Fun - I just ordered cases from Cali's Cases for my new iphone.  Hubs took me to get the new phone before dinner last night.  Can't wait to facetime with the nieces!

 

Now to figure out how to post photo's to my blog with the new phone... 

Derby Day

Last year we were in Florida getting ready to go on a cruise, this year we are home watching the Derby on TV while my BIL and his family post pics from Churchill Downs.  Next year I'm either going to be there or throw an awesome Derby party.  It is never too early to shop for the perfect hat!

Derby Day by blondegigi featuring an ascot hat

Lemon olive oil cake

I had several eggs and a few lemons that needed to be used.   I remembered seeing a recipe in Self that looked good, so I grabbed my laptop and googled  lemon olive oil cake.  This cake takes time to make, but is so worth it.  I would up the lemon juice to 2 T and reduce the bake time (30 mins).  The hubs liked it, but suggested lemon glaze to punch up the lemon factor.  I must admit that he is right.  I will whip some  up before I have my next piece. 

C. Wonderful

I must admit that I'm loving the totes that C.Wonder is offering. Not to mention the price! Sorry Tory.

C. Wonderful by blondegigi featuring studded handbags