The last post I'll type at age 26

I couldn't think of a better title because today's post is full of randomness.  Enjoy ...

First of all, I need you to head on over to my girl Zara's blog at Eat, Shop and be Married because I'm guest blogging for her today.  I picked out affordable eye shadow colors to enhance blue, brown, green and grey eye colors!  So take your eyes on over there to read.

Next, let's discuss my birthday outfit.  I got a black sequin dress yesterday that I plan on wearing with my Shoedazzle hot pink heels.  I wanted something fun.  Do y'all approve of my ensemble?

The "mother of the bargain blonde" as she likes to call herself (my Mom) wanted me to tell y'all that Home Goods currently has all their fall scented Yankee candles on sale for $7.99.  Regularly priced $19.99.  Go scoop some up.  Say thanks bargain blonde mom!

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Also, tomorrow not only do I celebrate making it to one more year of life, but Sweet Bef will be touching down in Dallas.  My first face-to-face meeting with a blog friend.  Let's hope she doesn't slice me in my sleep.  Juuuuust kidding.  But if I'm not back here on Monday, you'll know who to point Dateline to.

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We're filming a joint vlog before we head out to my birthday dinner, and we are still accepting questions.  Be sure to ask us questions you want us to answer before tomorrow by clicking here!  We are loving what you have asked us already!

P.S. One final reminder. Don't forget my "giveaway for a good cause" ends tomorrow at midnight.  Be sure to enter ASAP so you don't miss out on an opportunity to win a free necklace and shirt!


That is all!  Was this post random enough for you?

Gag me with a spoon!

A few weeks ago during my Confession Session, I said I was going to a 80s party, but had nothing to wear (story of my life).  Well, I've been meaning to blog about my bargain 80s outfit, and since today is "Pop Into the 80s" Day at work, I thought what better time than now? 

I recycled the outfit for work, which was all found at Plato's Closet for around $50.  Sunglasses, purse, heels, leggings, skirt, tank and headband!  Holla.

Here is me and my hubby Robert (dressed as Boy George) at the Totally "Gay-ties" Party a few weeks ago:

I believe you need a close up of my heels, which were quite a hit at the party and today at work.  LOVE THEM and they WILL be making a Vegas appearance.  I just think they scream Vegas!

You most  certainly can't have a totally awesome 80s party without Pop Rocks:

The aftermath of getting 80s ready.  Where is that maid of mine?  Make-up and hair product explosion:

And lastly and in totally unrelated news, what do y'all think of this antique Italian candy dish I'm using as a candle holder on my bar?  I got it on Monday and it was only $12.99.  I really like it!

So girls, channel your inner eighties and tell me what you love most about this decade.  Granted, I was in diapers in the 80s, but I love the bright colors and big hair. 

Oh, did I mention I had to go to Target looking like this at 8 a.m. this morning?  I told the woman making my Starbucks, I swear I don't normally dress like this to which she replied, "Oh honey, I'm not judging!"  Sure you aren't.

"Geeze, when did you turn 40?"

That was my brother's response when he came over Saturday afternoon to pick up Reese, my nephew, and saw my failed attempt at a DIY project. You see, I attempted to make this festive candy cane candle I saw on Sweet Something Design's Holly Tablescape post:

Turns out I don't need to start a candy cane candle business anytime soon.
I saw this cute idea Friday and then swiftly went to the Dollar Store and Michael's for all the necessary supplies. I was so excited to make my very own candy cane candle, but quickly realized my project wasn't going as planned. I didn't buy tall enough candles, the candy canes wouldn't position how I needed them to and I finally threw in the towel when my attempt at a bow turned into a ragady knot.

Instead, I've settled on a simple and plain alternative that I'm very content with. My DIY centerpiece cost less than $20 and I bought all the supplies from Michaels, the Dollar Store and Garden Ridge. There's always next year - maybe I'll give the candy cane candle another whirl then.

I once was a mail hoarder

I'm not sure why, but I absolutely despise checking my mail. OK, yes I do know why ... I'm just that lazy. Anyway, I know this sounds really trivial, but it's actually a problem that's gotten out-of-hand. I get TONS of junk (and legit) mail with my name, address, etc. all over it, and I can't in good conscience just toss it in the trash. Helloooo, identity theft!

So, it never fails. My old mail just piles up and I find it stashed all over my apartment. The thought of going through it is overwhelming and is always the absolute last thing on my to-do list. After all, I pay all my bills online anyway. Plus, it's not like I have a shredder just hanging around, so what the eff am I supposed to do with it all??

In addition to my mail hoarding habits, I sort-of have an addiction to anything pink. it doesn't really matter what it is (e.g. body wash, stationary, post-it notes, razor, travel toothbrush holders, luggage, clothes, napkins, you get the idea), if it is pink I "have" to have it. I won't know I "needed" it, but turn something pink and magically "ohhh it's so cute, I have to have it."

Getting to my point. (Yes, I have a point.) You see, this little pink guy caught my eye and has become my new BFF: "What is it?" you ask? Well, it's my cheaper shredder alternative, duh!

So, I was at this gem of a store called The Sample House and Candle Shop purchasing a couple of these on a BOGO (buy one/get one) special:

when I noticed the hot pink little gadget on the counter. I soon discovered it was an "ID theft protection stamp" and I got a little excited because I didn't know such a thing existed.

The way it works is the stamp has a unique pattern that will mask your private and confidential information. The cute hot pink one I got is by a company called "Kes'pon". If you have any interest in a hot pink (or green, blue or plain ole' white) ID guard stamp, check-out the Kes'pon's online store. The small version (size I got and works perfectly fine) will cost you about $10 bones while the larger version is about $20 (plus S&H).

Both stamps regardless of size will last about 1,000 impressions. When you run out of ink, you can just purchase a refill on the same site. Or, if you have a Sample House & Candle Shop in your vicinity, just snatch one up there and save on S&H. It's a much, much cheaper alternative to a shredder if I do say so myself.

Bathroom Bling

Recently I felt my bathroom needed a little sprucing up, so I checked out the specials at Hobby Lobby close to my work. I saw they had candles 50 percent off, so I picked some up ranging from $3.99 to $5.99 to put on a shelf in my bathroom.

Hobby Lobby actually has really cute home accent items and they are always running weekly specials. If you go online, they normally have a coupon of the week you can print off. This week, for instance, they had a 40 percent off coupon for any regularly priced item.

All this was only around $16. Me likey.

And today I scored 2 vases at TJMaxx's Home Goods store. I just simply cannot walk in there without buying at least something. I am a girly girl, so I love the feminine touch on the deep purple vase. Tall vase: only $5.99. Floral vase: $7.99. Don't mind if I do.