Fall trend watch: pretty polka dots

It seems as though just about every blogger is itching for Fall to get here, which is evident by the rapid increase in fall related posts I see popping up on the daily.  This, of course, makes my heart flutter since I am absolutely, positively OBSESSED with anything fall related.

I love the fashion, the perfecto weather, the smells, the colors, the college football, etc. I could go on. Basically, I just love it all and I need fall to get here ASAP.  As in yesterday.  So while I'm patiently twiddling my thumbs waiting for this summer heat to go bye bye, I decided to pull a particular look that thanks to Marc Jacobs and Diane von Furstenberg, is supposed to be BIG this fall: polka dots. 

Here are several bargain polka dot options that caught my eye. Will you be trying out this trend?  I just think there is something so nostalgic, chic and classic about polka dots. Like this lace and polka dot combo from Forever 21. Super feminine:


$24.80 [via]


I'd totally wear this to work with black tights and boots.

$24.80 [via]

 I envision a bright red scarf, dark washed skinny jeans and if I'm feeling frisky, red high heels.

$17.94 [via]

Super girly LuLus dress. Love.

$35 [via]

 Take my nephew to the pumpkin patch in this with camel cowboy boots??  Yes. I see it now.

$37 [via]

 This shirt is longer in the back aka "mullet" style, but I actually like it.  Not sure I personally could pull this off, but I know the right girl could.

$42.99 [via]

 Rust is also supposed to be a big this fall.  Kill two trends with one stone in this:

$47.99 [via]

I probably like this because this dress is my college colors. I could def wear this tailgating or to a watch party. 

$52.99 [via]

 Super preppy and perfect for a casual Friday with black or dark denim. 

$39.99 [via]



Do you have a fave? or 2? 

Vote or DIE.  ... just kidding.

I cannot keep a secret

Especially a secret this cute.

I borrowed the love of my life aka my nephew Reese on Friday to get his picture taken as a surprise Christmas gift for my family.  A few hours after the shoot, a preview of these 3 pictures was posted to Facebook and I couldn't keep this cuteness all to myself. I had to show him off.  Do you blame me?

He's even handsome with his fake smile.

He's 3 (4 in a few weeks) and he already makes me laugh out loud on a regular basis.

I think this Dallas-based photographer, Dahlias and Daisies Designs, is just amazing.  I cannot wait to see the rest of Reese's pics. 

I found this photog via an ex-coworker who used her for a "cake smash" shoot with their 1 year old gorgeous baby girl, Addison Leigh.  How presh are these?? Be still my heart.

Just a little cuteness for your Tuesday.  This almost makes me want to get knocked up.  Totally kidding. That would mean 40 weeks sans wine and I just can't commit to that quite yet. 

Don't forget you can vote daily until September 9! Literally takes 10 seconds (if that).  Thank you so so so so so much.

"B is for Baby" baby shower!

B is also for blog slacker.  I try my hardest to post every day of the "work week", but sometimes life gets in the way.  I was busy getting the details together for this shower, so please forgive my lack of posts last week.  I missed y'all dearly and my fingers are crossed that I get back on track this week.

Saturday me and two girl friends (Kathryn & Hillary) hosted a baby shower for our friend Megan at Magnolia Cafe & Bakery.   If any of you Dallas girls are looking for a place to host a shower, consider this place.  The General Manager Donna was fabulous, and everything went off without a hitch.

This picture of me is DIS-GUST, but it's the only one I have of all of us.  I don't even have words for that toupee looking hair situation on my head.  Not acceptable. 

Kathryn, some chick with really bad hair, Megan and Hillary

I met Megan Freshman year in the dorms at Texas Tech.  Our dorm floor was out of control by the way ... the stories I could tell you about the "10th floor girls" would take up a week of posts, so I'll save them for now.  My "dorm friends" are my closests friends to this day, and we still reminisce about the dorm days even though we're pushing 30.  I can't even believe I'm closer to 30 than 20, but that too is a post for another day.

Megan and her hubby are not finding the sex out of the baby, so we decided on the gender neutral "B is for Baby" theme with green and silver as the color scheme.  Here are pictures:

I got the idea for the centerpieces from my bestie Beth.  They were made with wooden Bs spray painted white, ribbon, 1/2 gallon mason jars, Spanish moss and green hydrangeas.  

"B is for Brunch" menus.  Designed by moi in InDesign, printed on white card stock.

"B is for Buest Guess" shower game. Guests were asked to make their best guess as to how many M&M's were in the bottle.

"B" petit fors for dessert. Stand from Wal-Mart for about $5.

"B is for Blessings" guest book. While waiting for our food, we had guests fill out these "Dear Baby ..." cards for the guest book.  Megan loved reading them when she got home!

"B is for baby gifts"

While Megan opened her gifts, we played "B is for Bingo".  If she opened an item that was on your bingo sheet, you marked it off.  I think it was a good way to engage everyone while she opened her gifts.

And lastly, here is a basket Kathryn and I put together of "B" baby items as a joint gift.

Megan loved the shower and we loved throwing it for her.  We can't wait to meet Baby Benjamin or Ella! 


p.s. Don't forget to cast your daily vote for The Bargain Blonde.  You know the drill:

Why it pays to pay more for polish

Generally speaking, I'm all about a fab-o deal. I mean, obviously.  But there really are some beauty items you just shouldn't cut corners on. You know the saying "you get what you pay for?"  I don't like that saying.  Except for when it's true.

I'm a nail polish hoarder by the way, so I like to think I know a thing or two about polish:

I kid you not, a lot of those bottles have been hoarded since middle school. I have a problem.

And let me tell you, all nail polish is not created equal.  I've tried bargain polish like NYC (New York Color) and it chips in a few hours.  Polish that costs a few extra dollars?  Amazingly resilient for active girls like us. 

Even though OPI, essie and Sally Hansen polish (my 3 faves) will cost you a little more, they are still generally under $10.  Nothing that's gonna send you to the poor house, so from one bargainista to another: splurge on polish.

While we are on the topic of polish, here are some gorgeous fall colors I'm dieing over. Fall, puhh-lease get here already! You're breaking my heart. 

Matte velvet polish in Loredana and Posh, by Zoya.  [via]



OPI in Espresso Your Style. [via]

OPI in You Don't Know Jaques Matte [via]

essie in Carry On [via]

Any polish colors you are already eyeing for Fall?  I'm completely obsessing over the matte look.

SIDE NOTE: Since I mentioned fab-o deals, this Bargain Blonde just discovered Living Social. The shame, I know.  It's really inexcusable.  I had heard of it, but never used it.  So anyway, how amazing is this deal??  A one year subscription of US Weekly for only $30. That's ridiculously cheap!  Click here to purchase it before it expires in a few hours!

Did you know that if you buy a Living Social deal and then 3 friends buy via the link you get after purchasing the deal that your deal is free?  Holla!

This is going to get really annoying really quick (I'm certain it already has), but don't forget to vote daily for The Bargain Blonde. Pretty please click the image below to vote:

A HUGE, HUGE, HUGE thank you to all of you ladies (& gents) that have already voted and continue to vote.  It really means a lot to me. You have no idea.

Special shout out to Raven @ A Momma's Desires & Pacifiers, Beth @ Sweet Bef's Blog, Hannah @ A Lovely Mess, Megan @ A Suitcase and Stilettos and Helene @ Do Dallas Cheap for blogging about my nomimation. And to all you dolls giving me facebook love (PinkLouLou): XOXO times a million.

(If you shouted me out and I left you out, I'm sooo sorry! Scold me in the comments and I will give you a proper thank you!)

Weekend Wrap-Up and Birthday Bounty

Well, hello bargainistas!  How are y'all on this lovely Tuesday?  Are you ready for a photo filled post?  I hope so, because here we go. 

As most of you probably know by now, I babysit that little neph of mine every Saturday. One of my favorite things to do with him is make him a special breakfast Saturday morning before we head off to gymnastics class.   Aww, Aunt of the Year ... I know.  Just kidding.

Normally we make blueberry waffles and turkey bacon, but I wanted to mix things up a bit. I remembered my Mom used to make canned buttermilk biscuit donuts for my brother growing up, and since Reese will slice you over anything sweet, I thought he'd really go for some homemade Cinnamon and sugar donuts.

They are super easy to make and the kiddos can even help with steps 1, 4 and 5.  If you have them assist with step 2, I will call CPS on yo ass.

That was fun, huh? 

Saturday night I attended a couples baby shower for my dear friend Megan and her hubs.  She barely even looks pregnant and she's 7 months along. Not fair. I'm going to be a Beluga whale.  Oh wait, I already am.

Anyway, here are a few pictures from the shower, which was a lot of fun. 

We're throwing her a "B is for Baby" girls only baby shower this weekend. Pics to follow. I love party planning.  I totally should have been a party planner. Maybe in my second life.

Speaking of parties,  below is some of the Birthday Bounty I scored from my friends and family.  I love, love it all. Thank you to every single one of you, I am so blessed!

1. Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy - Used bday money and bought it at Juicy Outlet & got an additional 30% off during a sale
2. Anthropologie Monogrammed Mug from Stef
3. Camel colored purse from Charming Charlie from my bestie Patty. She told me current purse was looking haggard.
4. Texas Tech (my Alma Mater) hand painted wine glass and tank from Patty. LOVE!

1. Gorge Multi-color Chandelier Earrings from Beth. Ask her where she got them if you likey.
2. South Carolina wine glass and Woozie from Beth, too!
I have wanted a Woozie forever and love having a piece of SC in my Texas my home.
3. Bath & Body Works bedazzled PocketBac holder for my purse.  Get one, they have the cutest covers right now.
4. A "Life is Better with a Cat" magnet from who else, but Beth. Great addition to my fridge!

Photo book made with love from my BFF Liz & her hubs Drew. We went on an amazeballs cruise a few years ago. We're still talking about it to this day.  This photo book was so thoughtful and a great way to cherish the memories.

Went shopping with some of my birthday money. Scored this dress at Charlotte Russe on Clearance for $19.99. I plan on wearing to the baby shower I'm hosting this Saturday. I love the pattern and the details on it!

Again, did some more shopping with my birthday bones. Got all 4 of these items from NY & Co for only $100 total thanks to a coupon and current promotions.

Blue Roll-sleeved Tunic - $42.99
Tiered Multicolored Top - $29.95
Flared Midnight Wash Jeans - $49.95
(Buy one get one 50% off)
The 7th Avenue Flare Black Pants - $49.95
(Buy one get one 50% off)

I still have a few more gift cards to spend, but I'm not sure what I need in my life right this moment.  I am really obsessing over Fall fashion right now, so maybe I'll get some basics that will last well into Winter.  We shall see.  Unless you have some better ideas?  I'm all ears.  


p.s. Have you voted today?  I promise you, it takes ONE second. SWEAR.  Click the button below please:

MVB and a poll

I found out Friday night that I'm a finalist for CBS Dallas Most Valuable Blogger in the Lifestyle category!!!!!! 

You may have noticed the new button on the right sidebar. You can click that to vote as well ------>

I most def did a HAPPY DANCE when I found out:

[via]

I am apologizing now because I will be that annoying girl reminding you to vote.  I truly appreciate those of you that nominated me and I'm completely flattered I was selected as a finalist. Such an honor!

You can vote for me once a day until September 9 and I would LOVE if you bargainistas would support me!  You can vote through your different devices (smart phone, work computer, personal computer, ipad, etc.)  so that you can vote multiple times in one day. 

No sign-up or registration required to vote,

1. Click the button below, which will take you to the Most Valuable Blogger voting site. 

2. Once on that site, click the red vote button next to The Bargain Blonde and you're done! Literally takes a second.

CLICK ABOVE



Also, I've added a poll to the bottom of the left sidebar so that you lovies can let me know what blogging topics you'd like to see more of on this blog. Pretty please submit your opinion!

Thanks for all of your support in advance. I truly feel I have the best readers ever! Y'all are my faves. XOXOXO

p.s. I'm guest blogging over at Life is a Sunset giving my Top 5 Blogging Tips!

If you would like to read my guest post, then click that sexy picture of her to the left to get taken to her blog.

Birthday Shenans

I woke up last Friday on my birthday to this melt your heart sight.  My sweet nephew came over to sing me Happy Birthday on his guitar.  He even brought me his Chuck-E-Cheese birthday crown and said I could borrow it for the day.  It was adorable beyond words.

After I got serenaded, I picked Beth up from the airport and we headed straight to lunch with my friend Chris for a few drinks and some deelish food. 

The place we took her was def a hole in the wall, but the food is really good!

After lunch, we made a pit stop at the liquor store, came home for a short nap and then got ready for my birthday dinner!  My friend Patty and her boyf cabbed it with us on the way to Uptown for dinner:

Dinner was great, my friends surprised me with a cookie cake that said "Princess Lindsey" on it for some reason. I've still yet to hear the story on this one, but apparently there is a story behind this!

I took no pics so I had to steal these from Facebook. Some shots from dinner:

After dinner we went to a bar in Uptown Dallas called Katy Trail Ice House. It's really laid back, which is why I love it so much.

The second night out Beth and I met our prince charming.  A truly elegant gentleman. Wouldn't you agree?

Jealous?

Obviously Beth and I were too enamoured with each other to remember to take photos. We promise to make-up for it in NOLA.  We know we failed majorly.  Please forgive us.

So this basically concludes the birthday weekend other than the fact we made several other trips to restaurants, took a few much needed naps and the police may or may not have showed up Friday night at my apartment for my late night shenans when I pretended to be a "giraffe". Y'all don't want to hear that though right??

I'll be doing a separate post showing all of you my birthday goodies!  I got some really cute and fun stuff. My friends and family did TOO much for lil ole' me, but I'm not complaining.

Happy Friday, I've been 27 for officially a week. Man, I'm old.