Friday Faves: GET OFF MY BLOG

Warning: My post today has nothing to do with favorites at all, but I am still having the link-up below for those of you that actually have something nice to say today. 

I'm normally pretty even keel when it comes to what I write on my blog. I don't like to ruffle feathers and I don't like to voice my opinion about controversial topics because I am not in the business of stirring up drama. Not today. You've been warned.

I am fully aware that I should be mature, rise above and not even address the haters, but unfortunately, I just don't have it in me. I slept on it and I'm still pissed, so yep, I'm going there.

I was sent a link to a mean forum called Get Off My Internets where people throw some major hate at bloggers to the point of viciousness. I think the site is disgusting and it is nothing short of cyber bullying.

Today's post is dedicated to the cowards hiding behind the fake names who were moaning that my blog was uninspiring and had poor picture quality. Guess what?

IF YOU DON'T LIKE MY BLOG, THEN GET OFF OF IT.

I have never understood this.  If I don't like your blog, then I DON'T READ IT. And if I feel like complaining about something obnoxious that I think you are doing via one of your social media channels, then I will complain to a friend. I won't go on an Internet forum and hide behind a fake little avatar and spew evil.  I have real friends that I can converse with in real life. Complex concept, I know.

There are a few other things on the forum that were said that I'd like to clear up. One of them accused me of photoshopping the picture I blogged of me with Bela Karolyi.  Yes, that's what I do in my copious amount of free time. I make up elaborate stories about how I met Bela Karolyi and even go so far as to Photoshop a picture of myself with him.

3 people, 6 hands accounted for.

And another one of the commenter complained that I drug out my "big reveal" of where I was moving as if anyone cared.  Guess what sweetie, I can drag out whatever I want for however long as I want.  You obviously cared enough to keep coming back to check every day.  Thanks for the page hits!  You're just making me money, honey.

Bottom line here is this. It's MY blog and I write what I want. I use iPhone pictures because I don't have 2K to drop on a fancy DSLR camera that's "hip" in the blogging world.  This is not a photography blog and I'm not trying to inspire anyone. I write about my life and I share things that I think other's may like as well. It's my creative outlet and you are by all means entitled to hate it.  There are plenty of blogs I hate and therefore, I move along, which is what I sincerely hope you decide to do.

I won't be addressing any kind of negativity like this again.  I just hope these trolls do me one favor and GET OFF MY BLOG because sorry, I'm not getting off your "Internets" anytime soon.  Air kiss.

Now, wasn't that all rainbows and unicorns? I really am sorry to be so negative, but I'm going to defend myself.  And if I haven't already scared you away, please link-up below for Friday Favorites.

VIDEO: Savannah, GA and Hilton Head, SC pictures

A little delayed, but below are all the pictures I took during my vacation with my Mom in Savannah and Hilton Head.  Turn on your speakers and enjoy the slide show!

My 8 Road Trip Essentials

In T-Minus seven days, I embark on the 20 hour drive from Dallas to Las Vegas. Yes, 20 hour drive. When I graduated college, I drove 24 hours from Lubbock, Texas to Raleigh, North Carolina so this ain't my first rodeo.  And when I moved to Dallas a few months later, I drove the 19 hours from Raleigh to Dallas. Me and my ass are not really looking forward to being in a car that long, but I am kind of excited about having that time to clear my mind and just think by myself. 

I started thinking yesterday about what I needed for the trip, so naturally, I made a blog post out of it. Here are my eight road trip essentials:

And my essentials explained:

I leave you with two questions:

1. Did I leave anything crucial off my list?

And more importantly,

2. What songs should I put on my playlist? ♪♪

Packing, movies and my "modeling" days

I literally only left my house this weekend three times: once for packing supplies, once for Starbucks and once for Buffalo Wild Wings. Throughout the course of packing, I watched a lot of movies: American Reunion, Hangover 2, Bridesmaids, Crazy Stupid Love, What's Your Number and The Change Up.

Thank you HBO for  making packing a little more bearable. I liked all of the movies, but Crazy Stupid Love was definitely my favorite of the bunch. Hello shirtless Ryan Gosling. Can anyone explain to me why Ryan Gosling and Ryan Reynolds were not cast in Magic Mike? I'd like to speak with the casting director about this.

Bear wants to come with me.  Bear is technically my nephew's dog, so he will be staying in Texas.
Who wants to help me puppy shop in Las Vegas? 

Taking a break during Crazy Stupid Love

I wish I had more exciting weekend shenanigans to share with you, but I don't. I'm done packing my living room and kitchen. Hallelu-jer! However the the garage and my bedroom (i.e. closet) are going to be the hardest to pack and that is what I shall tackle this week. I should have taken a picture of my garage so you can see its hoarders status. I'm seriously petrified of a rat scurrying out from behind something. Lord help my heart if that happens.

My BFF Liz came over Friday night to help me pack, but we ended up ordering pizza, watching movies and digging through old middle school and high school pictures. It wouldn't be right if I didn't share these two gems with you, so you are welcome.

work it

Rocking my Tommy Hilfiger tankini 

I know. I don't have words either.

Kristina (the BFF in Vegas), Liz and I met in middle school and have been BFFs since. One of our favorite pastimes was to have "modeling shoots" at the neighborhood pool and/or our bedrooms (paging Chris Hansen) with our trusty disposable cameras. I can't make this shit up. Oh, to be 13 again.

Linking up with the Sami, Dana and Leeann! 

Friday Faves: MY BIG MOVE REVEAL!

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I'm moving to ...

You read it here first. This blonde is heading out west. 

Are you shocked?  Because I'd be lying if I said I wasn't still a little shocked myself.  It all happened very fast, but I kind of prefer it that way because it makes my life all the more exciting.  

In exactly 14 days, I will be Las Vegas' newest resident.  Coincidence that Vegas is my favorite city? I think not.  I truly believe everything happens for a reason and I cannot wait for this next chapter of my life to begin.  

I find it very ironic that almost exactly a year ago I blogged about how much I love Vegas and now I'm moving to Vegas. 

Are a million questions running through your head? I figured as much. You see, what happened was ...

One of my best friends lives in Las Vegas. Her name is Kristina and I blogged about her Vegas Bachelorette Party and Vegas Wedding if you need a refresher. 

Well, a few weeks ago she saw a job ad for an Internal Communications Manager at the best (IMHO) hotel on The Strip and she sent me the link to the ad. I checked it out and applied immediately because the job description was right up my alley and working for the company would literally be a dream.  I didn't really expect them to contact me since I lived in Dallas, but a day later I got a call from the hotel asking to set up an interview with me.  Say whaaaaat?  

I had a brief phone interview with HR to basically explain my resume.  A week later, I sent writing and design samples over, and a week after that, I had a Skype interview scheduled with the internal communications team. The Skype interview took place last Thursday when I was on vacation in Savannah and I was offered the position later that night. Obviously, I accepted!  

I still cannot believe this is my life.  I wake up every day and think to myself, "Am I reallllllyyyyy moving to Las Vegas? Did I really land a dream job?"  I am and I did.  It didn't really hit me until I got back to Texas Sunday night and I realized how much my life was about to change.  I am leaving my job, my friends, my precious nephew and everything that has been familiar to me for the past six years since graduating college.  

It is a very bittersweet feeling.  Overwhelmingly sweet, but the hardest part will be leaving my nephew.  He is  the light of my life and the thought of missing anything big or small breaks my heart.  I literally cry every time I think about it.  The logical me knows it will be OK.  We can FaceTime and I can visit as often as I like.  What's important is that I live my life with no regrets and do what is best for me and my career.

Even though it will be a tough transition, this move feels so right and could not have come at a better time.  The lease on my townhouse that I share with my brother is up in October, which gives me about a month in Vegas to figure out where I want to live. Picking a place to live is definitely not something I want to be rushed into. Until I get my Vegas abode, I will be living with Kristina and her hubs (hey new roomies!) so I don't have to pay dual rent.  Everything just seems to be falling into place.  I could not feel more blessed and fortunate.  

Needless to say, this news is definitely my favorite thing from this past week. Can you even believe I am moving to LAS VEGAS and this street is where I will be rolling into work every morning?  Someone pinch me.

No one even guessed Vegas.  Well, except for one person who joked (I hope) that I was moving to Vegas to become a hooker.  You got the Vegas part right, but I am certainly not pulling a Pretty Woman on you ladies.  Not yet anyway.  

Enough about me. What are your favorites?  Link-up below.

And then there were two ...

Two regions left!   It's not Chi-town as many of you guessed.  Tomorrow I will mark off the last region and reveal where I'm moving and what I'll be doing at this dream job of mine!

Now, all it comes down to this:

West vs. East

While I am so so so so (did I say so?) excited for my new job, I'm not excited about moving.  There is nothing I hate more than packing and moving and unpacking.  Kill. Me. Now.

I moved last October and I have not recovered from that yet.  In fact, our garage looks like an episode of hoarders.  Not only do I get to pack up my house, I have to unpack what I just threw in our garage when we moved in.  Andddd, I have a week and a half to get it all done.  No big deal.

I found these free downloadable packing labels via pinterest that I thought I would share with you ladies in case any of you are also moving.

via

I am going to use them to label the contents of my boxes.  Wish me luck!  Any packing/moving tips are greatly appreciated.  I know some of you have recently made a big move.  I need all the help I can get.

See you ladies back here tomorrow for Friday Faves/My big reveal!

Where I'm NOT moving + G Wear Giveaway Winner!

The G Wear by Carly Patterson giveaway closed last Thursday when I was on vacation, and today I have the winner for you!

Lucky number 23, step right up ...Jamie from Handling With Grace! 

I'll get in touch with you so we can get you your free T-shirt. I can't think of anyone more deserving!


And in other news, today I mark off the first region I am not moving too! And it just so happens to be the region that most of you guessed.  Good bye region 4 and so long to the South!

I can't wait to spill all the deets with y'all Friday!! XOXO  Thanks for all the sweet congrats yesterday.  I love my readers!

p.s. No one has guessed it yet!  Wuahahaha (rubs hands together)

The next chapter: I'm moving!!!

If you would have asked me a few weeks ago if I would be leaving the state of Texas, I would have told you that you were certifiable.  It's funny how things work, though. Life really is what happens when you are busy making plans.

I got offered my DREAM JOB and I'm moving in three weeks. Yes, three freaking weeks. I cannot believe it myself.  I'm having the biggest contradictory mix of emotions ever. Above all, though, I'm ecstatic and thrilled for this new job opportunity.  Everything else will fall into place.

I think it would be oh so boring if I just revealed to you where I was moving!  Right?  HA!  Y'all are going to kill me, but it's more fun this way.  I'll give you one hint: I'm moving to another state within the United States. If you are my Facebook friend, then you know where I am moving so SHHHHHHHHHH!  DO NOT SAY A WORD.  

I am breaking the US into four regions.  Every day I'll mark a region off until Friday when I reveal where I'm moving and ALL the details for Friday Favorites.  

Guess away!  What region do you think I'm moving to???

Friday Favorites even though it's technically Saturday on the East Coast

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Better late than never, right? As you know, I'm vacationing in Savannah and Hilton Head until Sunday, so I'm a little lot behind on posting today.  In the spirit of my current vacation, today's favorites will be three of my  favorite pictures from today. If you posted your faves earlier, feel free to link up below.  

My Mom and I checked out of our Savannah hotel, had lunch downtown and then drove the 45 minutes from Savannah to Hilton Head.  

Our room wasn't quite ready for us when we got to the resort, so we explored the hotel property.  By the pool, there are a row of hammocks and if I didn't take this picture myself, I would possibly think it was a painting. Paradise. 

And the other two of my favorite pictures come from Savannah before we left for Hilton Head. 

A picture I snapped while we drove through historic downtown Savannah.

After lunch, while walking to our car, we saw this building. Tell me this doesn't look like a painting too. These cities are both just breathtaking.  Can I stay here forever?  Real life, what?

To quote Kenny Chesney, "no shoes, no shirt, no problem."  I hope you all had a great week and are enjoying your weekends as much as I am.  

I'd love for you to link-up below! 

Snaps from Savannah, Georgia

Here I am! I did not fall off the face of the Earth.  Just down a flight of stairs. So, once again, I'm on vacation with a fun ankle sprain.  I mean, she could be broken, but I doubt it. I have an appointment on Monday for an X-ray to find out for sure.  

Was that yummy or what?  Or what, I know. This happened Sunday night on my birthday. Story of my life.   So, I'm sure you can understand why I've been a little MIA.

Also, I jet setted off to Savannah, Georgia yesterday for a birthday vacation with my Mom. We head to Hilton Head Friday, which I'm excited about.  I just got done with an hour long birthday massage, and it's raining outside so I thought before we head off to Paula Deen's The Lady and Sons restaurant for dinner, I'd share some pictures from my first night in Savannah.  This city is super gorgeous.

My new foot accessory / Riding on the airport shuttle with the senior citizens.  The bag is a Stella and Dot stylist reward, so unfortunately, you cannot buy it.  Sorry ladies!  I already had a lot of questions on Instagram about it. 

The view of the Savannah River from the window of our hotel room.

On the way to dinner wearing my new Stella and Dot Chantilly Lace Chandy earrings! Love them.

Picture I took hanging outside the car window on the way to dinner. 

Tybee Beach

Tybee Beach pier 

Dinner at A-J's Dockside Restaurant. Said to be the best place on the island to watch the sunset.

Coastal Living

The sunset outside while we waited to be seated. No Instagram filter. 

The view from where I sat at dinner.

After dinner, I Googled "ice cream Savannah" and Leopold's Ice Cream popped up as the first result plus it was close to our hotel.  We headed over and I'm so glad we did. The ice cream parlor was super vintage and I love me some vintage.  Check out the history of the ice cream parlor here. 

One lonely apple crisp.  

Strawberry ice cream, my fave. 

Now you've seen all my pics from my first night in Savannah!  I've got to run aka hobble. My Mom wants me to do her eye make-up before we head to Paula Deen's The Lady and Sons.  Bye y'allllll!

Friday Faves: 2 Beauties, 1 Boo Boo

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Today I'm sharing two beauty items that I am currently obsessing over and one little Honey Boo Boo. I'm keeping it short and sweet, so let's get to it.

Favorite Shampoo and Conditioner

Apparently I was the last to know, but the Organix Morrocan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner are just fantastic.  They smell amazing and make your hair so soft and conditioned.  I picked mine up at Target and they were about $6 a bottle.  Worth. every. penny. If you don't use this product already, you need to jump on the train immediately. 

Favorite Body Oil

Not too long ago I blogged about Champney's bubble bath and mentioned that I couldn't wait to try out their body oil next.  Lo and behold, about a week later, the body oil showed up on my door courtesy of Champneys.  That is what I call customer service! And of course, as I predicted, I loved it.

Champneys Mediterranean Bliss luxurious body oil contains moisturizing almond oil, which leaves it silky soft and with a bit of shine. I highly recommend you try this out. I love putting it on my arms and legs before going out.

Favorite Honey Boo Boo

Alana! As if there was any other Honey Boo Boo.  Y'all. I watched the premiere of TLC's Here Comes Honey Boo Boo and words fail me.  As Caroline put it, "Someone at TLC deserves a raise over this debauchery.  THE show of Summer 2012."

If you watched and tweeted with me about it, then you already know about this hot mess. If you didn't, then please set your DVRs to record Alana and gang.  You will not be disappointed. REDNECKulous.

GIVEAWAY: G Wear by Carly Patterson tee!

As an ex-gymnast, I'm so excited about today's giveaway made possible because of my fellow Stella and Dot stylist Crystal!  Meet Crystal:

Crystal recently on the  WFAA Good Morning Texas set promoting the G Wear line!

Crystal and I are on the same Stella and Dot team, but she is also a sales rep for the Dallas/Ft. Worth based clothing line called G Wear and today we're giving away a "G Wear by Carly" USA shirt!

What's "G Wear"?
I'm so glad you asked!

The "G" stand for green because G Wear shirts are all-American, recycled couture! All G Wear shirts are 100% cotton and incorporate appliqués cut from recycled t-shirts purchased at local thrift stores. 

All G Wear shirts are cut, glued and sewn by hand making each shirt truly unique and one-of-a-kind.

What does former Olympic gymnast (and Texan) Carly Patterson have to with this?

Again, I'm so glad you asked!

This custom gymnastics fashion line has been inspired and created by Carly Patterson, World and Olympic champion. 

Carly, who serves as the National Director for the G Wear Gymnastics line, says it best:

“G Wear fashion shirts have become an enormous hit in the gymnastics community. Our shirts are being showcased in premier gymnastic events around the country and themed to support the U.S team.”

Speaking of premier gymnastic events, does it get any more premiere than the current Olympics?  Carly has been wearing G Wear tees (and Stella and Dot I might add) in London and on NBC's Today Show.  

Former Olympic gymnasts Shawn Johnson and Carly Patterson holding their G Wear Today Show shirts during 2012 Olympic press.  Do you spy the Stella and Dot Medina bib on Carly?  I do! 

Carly meeting fans at The Today Show

Carly in her G Wear hugging the current Olympic Gold Medal Women's Gymnastics Team!!

Carly and Dallas-based Kidd Kraddick in the Morning radio co-hosts wearing their USA G Wear tees!

Are you ready for your chance to win your own "G Wear by Carly" or G Wear tee of your choice?  There are tons to choose from, not just Olympic and gymnastics tees.  They have a fashion, sorority and sports line even!

To enter this giveaway, you MUST like G Wear on Facebook and the Bargain Blonde on Facebook.  

Once you've liked BOTH pages, leave only ONE comment with your Facebook user name below to enter to win the G Wear shirt!

Giveaway closes next Thursday, August 16 at midnight.