Louisiana made, Louisiana proud

It's been ten years since I have lived in New Orleans, but it will always feel like home. Memories of being on the water as a child will never leave me. Riding in the boat, breathing the fresh air, feeling the wind in my hair...memories of a simpler time. Now, I see that place through different eyes and with a deeper appreciation.

Valentino RTW Spring 2012

Like a little slice of heaven! Beautiful lace, tulle, and laser cut fabrics, with a perfect balance of femininity and sensuality. The impeccable tailoring shows the perfect amount of skin. Perfection!

Southwestern Corn Soup

Southwestern Corn Soup

1/4 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 can chopped tomatoes and pepper blend, drained (Mexican style)
2 cans of cream style corn
1 can of chicken stock
Flour
Tortilla corn chips
Cumin
Chili powder
Salt and pepper

Saute onion and garlic in canola oil over medium high heat until golden. Lower heat to medium low, add can of tomatoes and stir. Add cans of creamed corn and stock. Bring to a simmer. With a ladle, carefully remove 1/4 cup of broth into a small bowl. Add flour and stir with a fork until thick paste is formed. Add paste back to the soup mixture to thicken. Mix in two handfuls of crushed tortilla corn chips. Bring soup back to a simmer, 5-10 minutes. Season with cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper. Turn off heat and let cool, 5-10 minutes. With a stick blender, puree soup mixture. Serve with crema Mexicana, queso and tortilla chips.

End of Summer...

End of Summer... by jjaquillard featuring skinny jeans

Pop of Pink

How fun is this? I have been living in my white converse Chuck's this summer. They are great with jeans and quirky with dresses. I love the pop of pink. So fun!

Floppy straw hat

Mission: To find the perfect floppy straw hat for summer.
Easily accomplished. The selection is great right now.
Urban Outfitters

Parisian Weekend

Parisian Weekend by jjaquillard featuring a striped shirt

Where it all began...

A classic cover. This is one of the most memorable issues of Vogue I remember getting. This began my lifelong love of fashion. I started my subscription to Vogue when I was 13, and have been getting it almost continually since. I really wish I would have held on to all of my old Vogue magazines. I would cherish that collection now.

Little Tybee Island, Savannah, Georgia

Photos taken on a recent boat trip to Little Tybee Island near Savannah, Georgia.
Perfect day with the family. Much needed relaxation.

The one and only Rocco

Rocco. Our first born.
We've always thought he was the best dog we could ever hope for. But, getting a new puppy has put that into clearer perspective. So laid back and unaffected, he truly believes he is a human, and in some ways, he acts like it. Rocco, we love you.

Lanvin

My new Lanvin beauties. This is the first of this line I have ever purchased, and I am a fan!
The perfect combination of glamour and comfort. Love!

One of a kind

New nail color, Essie One of a Kind

We're a two dog family now!

Meet Chloe, the newest member of our family.

We adopted this sweet girl yesterday from the Atlanta Humane Society. She loves to cuddle! Our first baby, Rocco, needed some companionship. She is rounding out our family perfectly. We are so happy to have found her!

Out of Sight, Out of Mind

Today's organization inspiration...makeup.
My makeup is the last thing I do before I run out of the door in the morning.
The more visible it all is, the better (and quicker I get out of the house).
And if I can't see it, I won't use it (what a waste).
In my vanity, I have everything laid out in the order of application.
Powder/concealer {top left}
Blush {top right}
Eye shadow {top center}
Eye liner/mascara {bottom left}
Lip liner {bottom right}
Lip gloss {bottom center}
Organization...makes mornings easy.

Vintage bottles

I love vintage bottles. My husband and I rescued
these as they were on their way to the dump.

Maybe old dogs can learn new tricks...

My husband and I decided that we would make a list of things that we want to accomplish this year. A few things we decided on were:
learn to play an instrument
learn a new language
start running
learn to draw
We are on our way! My parents (my father is a brilliant musician) bought us both instruments; for my husband a guitar, for me a ukulele. While we have not mastered them, I am proud to say we have learned a number of chords and a few songs. And it's so fun! As an art student, my husband has quickly learned to draw quite well. This is my first attempt. I have painted random, abstract things before, but never have I tried to "draw". I can't take credit for the originality, as I saw this on a piece of stationery.
Maybe old dogs can learn new tricks...

Chanel Resort 2011

I love the sheer femininity juxtaposed with...is that laser cut leather? Brilliant.

Spanish Plaza

Spanish Plaza, New Orleans, LA

I went home to New Orleans recently for the French Quarter Festival. While waiting for the ferry, I took a walk to the Spanish Plaza. Having worked in the area years prior, I would often sit around the plaza and enjoy the fountain while eating lunch. However, through all that time, I had never taken the time to notice how interesting each crest is. I love being a tourist in my hometown!

Chanel Resort 2011

White whimsy, Japanese Obi belt, naked toes

Chanel Resort 2012

Tuxedo inspired swimwear. Timeless.

BR does it again

Another Chanel inspired purchase from Banana Republic.
Raw edges, Exposed zipper, tapered fit, great details.

Chanel Spring 2011 Ready to Wear
Possible inspiration?

Mmmm, Granola

Maple Pecan Granola

I love granola. But, I am particular, so I made up my own. If you favor crunchy, simple deliciousness, then you must give this recipe a try. Feel free to substitute any nuts you may have on hand. Same goes for the raisins, any dried fruit will do. I've sprinkled mine on plain yogurt (Atlanta Fresh is the best!), strawberries, and drizzled with some local honey. Now for breakfast, I feel like I am treating myself to dessert!

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup almonds, chopped
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• ¼ cup flax seed
• 1/2 cup shredded sweet coconut
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup canola/vegetable oil
• 1 cup raisins

Directions

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.

In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts, coconut, and brown sugar.

In a separate bowl, combine maple syrup, oil. Combine both mixtures and pour onto sheet pan. Cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to achieve an even color.

Remove from oven and transfer into a large bowl. Add raisins and mix until evenly distributed. Store in an airtight container.

Enjoy!

Pasta Margherita

Pasta Margherita

1 TBSP Olive oil

4 cloves garlic, chopped

1 large tomato, chopped

2 TBSP balsamic vinegar

2 TBSP red wine

4 basil leaves, chopped

Medium ball of fresh mozzarella, cubed

Balsamic Glaze, for garnish

Salt

Fettuccine

Heat olive oil over medium heat in a saucepan. Add garlic and sauté until golden. Add tomatoes and sprinkle with salt. Stir. Gradually add balsamic vinegar and red wine. Lower heat, toss in chopped basil. Plate serving of salted fettuccine. Top with cubed mozzarella, and cover with sauce mixture. Heat from sauce will warm the cheese. Garnish with balsamic glaze and fresh basil. Enjoy!

Reimagined: Furniture

I purchased this storage cabinet years ago, when my tastes were entirely different. Years of moving, and a little help from my dog Rocco, left it in desperate need of some reconditioning. After a light sanding and a coat of primer, it already started to look better. I chose Martha Stewart's Aegean Blue and some adorable red and coral pulls from Anthropologie. Reimagine, success!

Beyond the Sea

Crab salad

1 package of imitation crabmeat, shredded

2 TBSP mayonnaise

1 stalk of celery, chopped

1/8 onion, finely chopped

1 tsp cider vinegar

Celery salt, salt and pepper to taste

~Mix all ingredients together. Serve with crackers.

This is a simple snack, and relatively healthy. The crab is low in fat and high in protein. I use olive oil mayonnaise to reduce calories. Enjoy!

A rose is a rose

Simple, rustic roses in my great-grandmother's vase

BR does Chanel

Chanel. Timeless. Classic. I am waiting for the day I can invest in a Chanel jacket. In the meantime, I am working to build a worthy collection of Coco-inspired pieces. I found this on the sale rack at Banana Republic. Black and white, raw edges, zipper pockets, and great details. I can't wait to wear it with shredded denim, skinny black pants...anything really, it's a classic.

Life Jackets, Life Jackets

Ferry on the Mississippi River, New Orleans, LA - French Quarter Festival

French Dressing

Some things last forever. Diamonds, Chanel quilted handbags, true love...

In an effort to simplify my life, I am making more investment purchases than I have in the past. Adopting the European philosophy of dressing has revolutionized the way I feel about my wardrobe. Maybe this is what gives Parisian women that je ne sais quoi?