Miracle Red Wine Stain Remover

I have slowly but surely been trying to decorate my new apartment. I guess it's not so new anymore, but that's neither here nor there. After I moved in, I searched high and low for a living a room rug. And by high and low, I mean I scoured the internet for months. I finally decided on a rug I wanted from Overstock when low and behold, the one I had my eye on sold out. Your standard first world problems.

Defeated, I put my rug search on the back burner. That was until I stumbled across exactly what I had been looking for the entire time at Target for only $79. Yes, this Maple Fretwork 5X7 rug was only $79. Here she is:

Ignore the atrocious balcony blinds please.

It was love at first sight and exactly what I had my eye on. I'll have to tell y'all about my TV stand purchase and assembly in another post because that is a new too. Naturally, I spilled RED wine on my brand new rug a few weeks later. Would you expect anything less? I tired everything to get it out, but to no avail. I wanted to cry and I almost considered buying a new rug. I mean, who am I?

I can't remember who told me to try Wine Away, but someone did and I need to send them a thank you gift. I bought the 12 oz bottle because it was only a few more dollars than the 2 oz. I sprayed the solution on my several weeks old stain (bescause yes, I'm lazy, and it took me that long to buy it) and the red wine literally started disappearing in no time. I didn't even have to really blot it. I'm telling you, the stuff was magic.
The red wine was on the CREAM pattern and on the beige and you would never know. Do you see a red wine stain? I don't.

I purchased mine at Total Wine, but you can totes buy online. Linked in the paragraph above.

Everybody knows you use Wine Away to get out red wine stains. Duh. Get ya some and thank me later.

Review: Michelob ULTRA Light Cider

Remember when I witnessed the dude with the bag on his head falling over in Wal-Mart?  This freak:

Well the entire reason I was even in Wal-Mart (on a Friday night, mind you) was to scoop up some of the new Michelob Ultra Light Cider that just launched to test out and review for the BlogHer Michelob ULTRA light cider promotion. It's a tough life being a blogger.  Reviewing booze and stuff.

I didn't know what to to expect because I've never tried any form of a cider beer, so I brought it out on the boat with me Memorial Day weekend for my friends to try as well.

Survey says ...

Everyone loved it; boys and girls!  It was very crisp, light and refreshing and was perfect for a hot summer day on the boat.  I also don't mind that it's only 120 calories per bottle.  A girl's gotta keep her figure.

The cider is naturally sweetened, gluten-free and made from crisp apples. You can definitely taste the apple flavor!  To read more about the cider, which is available in a 6-pack, visit Michelob ULTRA's site by clicking here.

We drank the cider on a boat, but tell me which favorite summer meal or activity do you think would go best with Michelob ULTRA Light Cider?

The Bargain Blonde's Raspberry Champagne Spritzer Recipe

I wanted a champagne spritzer recipe for a bridal shower I was throwing a few months ago, so I took to Google to start my search.  I found one by Top Chef hosts Padma Lakshmi & Tom Colicchio, which I have now simplified and IMHO, perfected.  I have served this at a bridal shower, two Stella and Dot parties last week and at a BBQ at my humble abode.  Not one person, male or female, hasn't been obsessed with it.

I have had several requests from my readers for the recipe, which I actually mentioned in last week's Bachelorette Viewing Party Recap post.  The recipe was included under the picture of the spritzer, so it seems it may have been easy to miss.  Regardless, I love the recipe so much I thought it deserved it's own post.

Try this refreshing spritzer next time you have friends over and they'll think you're all kinds of fancy serving it.  Little will they know how easy it is to whip up.

Last week I was asked if the spritzer was really minty and I personally don't think so. I'm not a huge mint fan (I can't stomach mojitos), but it gives it a really nice, balanced flavor.  Try it and see if you like it because I bet you will. If you absolutely don't like the flavor, then omit it.  I am not responsible for any champagne hangovers.  

Catch-up with me! The last few weeks/weekends in photos.

Get ready for a ridiculous photo dump to come your way right meow.  Today I'm playing catch-up all the way back to Cinco de Mayo.  Shout out to Instagram for helping me document my life. Don't know what I did before ya.

And that about sums up what I've been doing with my life.  I'm looking forward to a fun-filled full week of blogging every day since I slacked so bad last week.

Up tomorrow: Raspberry Champagne Spritzer Recipe

Friday Favorites!

And the worst blogger award goes to ....


me.


Snooki waaaah!  I sucked this week at blogging.  I don't know what to tell ya, though.  Some weeks you're on your game, some weeks you're not.  This week was not my week.  However, I do think I have a pretty good Friday Faves coming atcha right now.  Maybe this will make-up for my sub-par blogging this week?  And that announcement?  It's coming THIS MONDAY.  I swear on all that is holy.  

Favorite Coffee Mug

Homegrown Monogram Mug - $8, Anthropologie

I did a little in-store Anthro browsing on Monday, and this mug caught my eye so I snapped a pic. I didn't buy it, but I've been dreaming about it ever since.  It's my mission to purchase it today and I've also decided I'm going to start collecting coffee mugs.  That is going to be "my thing".  I collect nothing and I'm obsessed with cute coffee mug, so coffee mug collection it is.  Anyone out there wanna support this new habit of mine and send me some to die for mugs??  I will not object.  

Favorite Beauty Buy

Sephora's Sun Safety Kit, $30 (out of stock online)

I'm a HUGE advocate for safe sun practices, so when a Sephora e-mail arrived in my inbox last weekend advertising this 17-piece collection of SPF essentials and safe self-tanners for only $30, I knew I had to have it.  And have it I do!  I called my local Sephora on Monday to see if they had any left, and to my delight they had 9!  I promptly asked them to put one on hold for me and I immediately took my badonk up to Sephora to purchase this sun safety goodness.  Review to follow.  

Favorite Wine(s)

Loredona Riesling [5 Stars in Restaurant Wine Magazine]
 and 
HandCraft Chardonnay [89 pts and Gold in Consumer Choice Awards]

One of my BFF's hubs works for the winery that distributes these wines, so he recently sent me home with two bottles to try.  BTW, distributing wine = dream job.  They have so much wine in their house, it is not fair.  

So last night I had a glass of the Handcraft Chardonnay (citrus, peach, honey, pear and creamy marshmallow flavors), and I had a glass of the Loredona Monterey Riesling (nectarine, lime, honeydew melon and candied orange peel flavors).  It's officia!  These are going to be my staple summer wines.  The fruity flavors are so smooth and the wines are not TOO sweet, which I hate.  One word: DEE-LISH.  And by the way, when I say glass I mean glasses.  Duh. 

Favorite Non-Reality TV Show

GCB on ABC Sunday's night @ 9 p.m. CST 

I've got to tell you ladies, I did not want to like this show because I was convinced it was going to make Dallas look absolutely ridiculous and po-dunk like 99.9% of the shows out there.  While this show is certainly over-the-top, I find it to be hysterical and can't get enough.  

GCB is based on the "semi-autobiographical" novel Good Christian Bitches by Kim Gatlin, and the series centers on Amanda Vaughn, a recently widowed woman, who moves her family back to the upscale Dallas neighborhood where she grew up.  Go here to read more about the premise of GCB.  

Oh and did I mention this fine specimen is on the show?  Easy on the eyes in an understatement.  Hello Eric Winter!  I am not happy you are married and with child.  Le sigh.

Favorite Reality TV Show

Yes, these two sisters voluntarily wore these elegant ensembles as bridesmaid dresses. 

Season 2 of My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding, TLC

I realize this is not normal, but I'm fascinated with gypsies.  I blogged about them last year when the series first came out and have been obsessed ever since.  Ask anyone who knows me IRL.  If you get me started on the topic of gypsies, I will spout out facts like I'm a walking wikipedia.  Like the fact that the second largest U.S. population of gypsies is in White Settlement, TX, which is relatively close to where I live. 


Mark my words: I will meet a gypsy and I will die a happy lady.  Oh um, and My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding (a spin off of the original series) started last week.  Jesus loves me.  

Favorite Necklace

J Crew Bubble Necklace dupe, ebay $14.50 (shipping included)

The iconic J Crew bubble necklace retails for $150 and I'm sure you have seen it ALL OVER the blog-o-sphere.  It seriously is a sensation.  Well, what's even more sensational is the fact that there is a ebay seller in Hong Kong who sells an identical dupe for only $14.50.  Yah, I said Hong Kong.  Stay with me now because this seller is legit.  I ordered one and it arrived this week and I got SO many compliments on it within the first 5 minutes after stepping into the office.  EVEN FROM MEN.  Like, what?  Anywho, I ordered another one in red so I can wear it with black for Texas Tech games.  

I was skeptical about a seller in Hong Kong sending me a "dupe" (aka knock-off) but the quality is amazing. I highly recommend you order one. I'm tempted to order even more. Tell me no! Click here for the seller, just be prepared to wait a few weeks (to a month) to get it.  Patience is a virtue ladies.  I promise, it is worth the wait.  

Favorite Movie Trailer 

Anddddd ... you. are. welcome. Is it hot in here or is just me? Raise your hand if you'll be there opening night.  *HAND RAISED*

I survived back to back wedding weekends

It's Monday!  Who is excited? Not me. Just being honest. Let me know when it's Friday at 5 p.m.

I had a semi-uneventful weekend in comparison to Vegas the weekend before.  Friday night I perused the Internets (aka did some light Facebook stalking) and gave myself my favorite mud mask.  I got a text from my friend telling me to remove this from Facebook.  Aint no shame in my game girl.

Saturday I sold a dress and a few necklaces to Platos Closet.  I made $11 bones and some change, which I immediately blew on Starbucks and Jamba Juice.  I felt a bit scummy doing this, but whatevs.  That's a free breakfast and lunch and I'll take it.

I gave all my make-up brushes a nice bath before I had to start getting ready for my friend Caroline's wedding that evening. Best way to clean brushes is baby shampoo. I've talked about that before here.

These are the 2 love birds who tied the knot.  Meet my college friend, Caroline and her boo, Taylor.

Here she is walking out with her Dad. I love how happy she looks!

And some pictures from the evening:

[FYI - My dress is from H&M and it is a very pale pink with a sheer overlay.]

That's Courtney and I covered in red wine.  I shouldn't be allowed around anyone in light colors when red wine is anywhere in my vicinity.   In my defense, this was all Courtney's fault.  I swear. 

After a late Saturday night, I spent almost my entire Sunday doing this:

Could my nephew be any cuter?  The answer is no. 

Last but certainly not least, I'm also over at This Won't Hurt a Bit today guest posting as part of Renee's new Monday series called The Music Files.  Go check it out to see what my favorite song is and why!

Bargain Blonde out.

My Lazy Weekend Wrap-up

My brother aka roomie was out of town this weekend so I had the place ALL to my lonesome sans nephew, sans puppy and sans him.  Cue the freaking angels.  Don't get me wrong, I love them all, but I really miss living alone and enjoyed my peaceful weekend all to myself.  

Friday night I had dinner with a few high school friends at a wood-fire Italian pizza restaurant in Downtown Plano called Urban Crust. The wait was an hour and a half, so we went next door for a few bevys while we waited.  

Saturday I got to sleep in which NEVER happens on Saturday because normally I babysit Reesey until 2 p.m. Sleeping in and getting to do whatever I want on a Saturday?  I mean, I didn't know what to do with myself.  I woke up at noon, made an egg white and turkey bacon english muffin sang then sipped on coffee in my Snuggie.  

I spent Saturday night on my couch watching Walk the Line, which I started crying only 8 minutes into. Typical.

I could not decide which DVD to watch.

I got bored so I decided to play around in the kitchen.  I invented a pastry and to my surprise, it turned out really good and is so easy to make.   I'm no scientist so don't quote me, but each pastry puff should be around 250 calories (maybe less) if my calculations are correct.  

If you want to recreate this pastry, here is how:

Ingredients:

1. 1 frozen puff pastry sheet, thawed and cut into 6 pieces

2. 6 one inch cubes of reduced fat Philidelphia cream cheese

3. 6 slices of strawberries

4. 6 teaspoons of strawberry preserve

5. Egg wash (one egg + 1 tbsp water)

6. Cinnamon

Directions:

Thaw your pastry sheet and cut into 6 pieces.  In the center of each pastry sheet, place a teaspoon of strawberry preserve, then a cube of cream cheese and top with a strawberry slice.  

Spray muffin pan with non-stick spray.  Place each sheet in the pan and close seam.  

Brush the top with egg wash and sprinkle with cinnamon.  

Bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.  Serve with a side of cool whip and another dash (or 2) of cinnamon.  

Sunday I slept in again and then I had brunch with my friend Kathryn and her hubs. BLT with fresh avocado anyone? 

I then spent the rest of my day cleaning and doing laundry.  I can finally see the bottom of my closet, which I probably haven't seen since I moved in October.  

There you have it.  After writing this post, I see I apparently spent my weekend eating.  #fatty  I swear I burned some calories sweeping, mopping and dusting.  At least I hope so.