Friday Faves!!!!!!!!!! [link-up bargainistas!]

Didn't we just have a lovely little health kick on The Bargain Blonde this week?  I've been loving all the feedback and support.  We can do this ladies!


In other news, it's Friday Faves timeeeeee!  I was out of town last week so there was no FFs ... sad face.  If you posted anyway, grab the button bellow and link your post from last week up in this post!  

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It pretty much goes without saying that the first thing on my list today is the fact that the movie Magic mother freaking Mike opens today!  Yes, I purchased tickets earlier this week and at 10:20 p.m. tonight, I will be in Channing Tatum ab-a-licious heaven.  I have not been this excited for a movie .... ever.  No shame in my game girls.  Bring on the thrusting!

Next up we have TV shows.  Anyone that knows me in real life knows that my obsession with gypsies runs deep.  I won't get into how bad my obsession is because quite frankly, you'd think I was a complete whack job.  So I will just tell you that after Magic Mike premiering today, the thing I'm looking forward to most this weekend is the premiere of The Stanley Sisters on TLC. 

If you've caught an episode of My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding, then I'm sure you've seen Mellie Stanley (the wild one of the fam & my personal fave) and the gang.  Mellie and her sisters got their own spin-off show and there is a 2 hour premiere this Sunday.  Can. Not. Wait.

I don't remember how I stumbled across the blog "Moment Junkie", but it's a new favorite of mine.  The blogger posts pictures of you guessed it, moments caught at weddings.  They will melt your heart or make you laugh!  You have to check his blog out.

Photo credit: Sara K Byrne via Moment Junkie

Photo credit: J Wiley Photography via Moment Junkie

Below are 12 of my favorite Stella and Dot bargains from the week.  Right now we have a 4th of July sale and some of our jewels are an extra 20% off!

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12

This is my favorite nail art from the week c/o Pinterest. Do you not love the coral and gold together?  It's my mission to attempt this look.  Wish me luck.

Someecards make my life and I can't get enough of them. I wanted to put all my faves in this post, but I narrowed it down to two that were appropriate for this week considering I've blogged all about health and fitness.

True story 

True Story #2

That's alllll folks!  Every one better see Magic Mike this weekend so we can discuss on Monday!  Please and thank you.  Link-up below.

2 Giveaway Reminders

!. If you have not entered my BlogHer sponsored $100 Target Gift Card giveaway I posted yesterday, you better not miss out!  All you have to do is leave a comment on this post telling me what you think is TOO much to spend on lipstick.  It's that easy, peasy!


Moving right along ...


2. LAST CALL! You have until 7 p.m. CST TONIGHT to purchase from my Stella and Dot Trunk Show before my launch closes.  For every $25 you spend, I will put your name in a drawing to win these best-selling Serenity Small Stone Drop earrings in your color choice.

To shop my trunk show, go here:  Shop The Bargain Blonde's Trunk Show and select "Lindsey Riggs" at check-out. I'll announce the winner of my Stella and Dot giveaway tomorrow, June 6.

Friday Favorites! My "Style for a Steal" edition!

TGIF.  It's been a busy week for me and I have a feeling I won't be slowing down anytime soon.  To get this weekend kicked off right, I present to you my "Style for a Steal" edition of Friday Favorites.

Since my Stella and Dot Launch Online Trunk Show closes this Monday at midnight, which means your shopping window is closing, I thought I'd pick out some of my favorite Stella and Dot pieces that are all a steal for under $50 each.

Remember that for every $25 you spend shopping my current online trunk show, you will be entered for a chance to win a free pair of the serenity small stone drop earrings (you get to pick your color!)!  i.e. spend $50 = 2 entries / spend $100 = 4 entries, etc. Just be sure to select "Lindsey Riggs" at check out.


A little insider information: I've only had three purchases so far, so your chances of winning are high.

Pearl Ring / Goddess Teardrop Earrings / CoCo Pearl Necklace / Stackable Bracelets

Sprial Silver Bracelet / Silver Clover Chandeliers

Lindsay Bangles / Charlize Tear Drop Earrings / Callie Bracelet 

Deco Drop Earrings / Stackable Deco Rings

To view all items under $50, click here.  All orders arrive within a week and throughout the entire month of May, there is a $5.95 flat rate shipping special!

I know this week I've talked Stella and Dot a lot, so I thought I'd clarify that my blog is not going to turn into Stella & Dot central.  Nothing is going to change at all,  I just want to make sure y'all are a part of my launch with Stella and Dot!  After Monday, it's back to business as usual.

In other news, who is excited for The Bachelorette Premiere on Monday?  I can't wait for my viewing party! I have some fun stuff planned that I can't wait to blog about.  And more than anything, I absolutely cannot wait to see what Emily wears this season.  I would give up my first born for her body and style.  Other than Miranda Lambert, she is my #1 girl crush!   Do y'all love her as much as I do?  It doesn't hurt that she is a huge fan of Stella and Dot too!

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My BIG Announcement! (+ giveaway)

Remember in March when I hosted a Stella and Dot giveaway?  I loved the Stella and Dot line so much that today I'm hosting a Stella and Dot giveaway of my own because I'm excited to announce I am now an Independent Stylist for Stella and Dot!  

'Tis true.  I kept seeing Stella and Dot popping up in the media on some of my favorite celebs, and when I found out in April that I could launch my own business with Stella and Dot for only $199, I went all in.

My favorite thing about Stella and Dot is that half of the line is under $50. Can we say style for a steal?  After all, I am "The Bargain Blonde", so this partnership seemed like the perfect fit for me.

Now that the cat is out of the bag and I've officially announced that I'm now a Stella and Dot Stylist, I am having my launch party at my house for the premiere of my girl crush Emily Maynard as the next Bachelorette!  Here is a sneak peek of Emily as the next Bachelorette and you can see her in Stella & Dot (she's a huge fan)!

Emily in the beautiful statement Serenity Necklace

Obviously, I'd love to have all you bargainistas over to my house for wine, the premiere of the Bachelorette and to try on Stella and Dot jewels, but since everyone is all over the U.S., I have the perfect solution ...

 A virtual trunk show especially for my readers!!  

The best part is that you can shop my launch trunk show all this week and for every $25 you spend, I will put your name in a drawing to win these best-selling Serenity Small Stone Drop earrings in your color choice.

  

To shop my launch party, click the "shop my Trunk Show" text below and browse at your leisure.  When you check out, select "Lindsey Riggs" as your hostess. 

Click here for Stella and Dot favorites under $50!

You have until next Monday, May 14 at midnight CST to shop and be entered into my giveaway drawing!

If you want to stay up-to-date on Stella and Dot promos and specials, 

"like" my Stella and Dot facebook page.

p.s. I am having a completely different giveaway tomorrow, so be sure to check back.  I'll give you a hint: giveaway involves the letters e.l.f.  


and p.p.s. If you've ever thought about being Stella and Dot stylist yourself or want to know more about it, don't hesitate to e-mail me!  I'd love you have you on my team!

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*

Stella & Dot Giveaway! You are going to love it!

Remember that ridiculously cute couples shower I attended recently?  The one that was legit straight out of a Pinterest album?  Everywhere I looked in Kelly's house (the hostess), I was blown more and more away by her perfect home decor style.

This is Kelly by the way and her sister was my roomie freshman year in the dorms.  Not only does Kelly have enviable decor style, but she has the best jewelry accessorizing her outfit every time I see her.  And it's always Stella and Dot!

I'm sure you've seen the Stella and Dot jewelry line popping up in the media everywhere especially on our favorite Bachelor contestants.  Well, today is your lucky day because Kelly is giving away to one of you girls this perfect necklace to give you a pop of color for spring.  This serenity stone pendant to be exact:

Look! Even Lara Spencer was spotted wearing this exact necklace on Good Morning America recently!

To enter this giveaway, you have to follow one itty-bitty rule: Leave me ONLY ONE COMMENT after you have done the following (mandatory):

1. Like Kelly's Stella & Dot Facebook Page 

2. Like The Bargain Blonde Facebook Page

Once you have liked both of our Facebook pages, leave ONE comment telling me you have done so and you'll be entered!  Easy as pie, right?  

You have 24 hours to enter and the giveaway closes tomorrow, March 7 at 7 a.m. CST.  

Open to U.S. residents only (sorry International loves).

Good luck ladies.

Practically free DIY Jewelry Cleaner

You know things are getting slow when I'm blogging about DIY jewelry cleaner.   But hey, I was proud of myself for figuring this out last night so I'm sharing. 

As you may know, over time, your precious jewelry will tarnish thanks to the oils in your skin, grime, soap and water, etc.  When I was organizing my jewelry to put in my new jewelry armoire, I  came across a pair of Tiffany's earrings I haven't worn in forevs because they were so grimy looking. 

What's a bargain blonde to do?

Well, she Googles "DIY jewelery cleaner", durrr.  I clicked on this article, which said to mix baking soda with water to make a paste and scrub your precious metals to remove the tarnish.

I was surprised and delighted (yes, I said delighted) to see that the shish worked!   Take a look-see:

I mixed this and this as instructed:

Which made this:

The before and after:

Now they're like new and I didn't spend a dime to clean them.

Now go clean your grimy jewelry! My boss just let us go early and I have a four day week to enjoy, so peace skanks!  I mean that lovingly, of course.

Outside the box affordable storage ideas

How creative is this paper towel turned bracelet holder?  I would have never thought of this, so I'm glad someone else did.  What a fun and easy way to display your bracelets on your bathroom counter or dresser.  I'm totally stealing this idea.

via, but I first saw on Sierra's blog!

Similar paper towel holder from Bed, Bath & Beyond for $9.99:

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I like this option from Wal-Mart too.  Only $5.97:

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This is an Ikea plastic bag dispenser for $1.99 ...

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... that I attached to the cabinet door under the sink next to my toilet (yummy) to use as an extra toilet paper holder.  It's so convienent, you have no idea.

Here's something for your kitchen.  Uhhh, genius!  And the rail holding the lids is only $1.99 from Ikea.  Say no more.  I'm sold.

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 You could totally hang necklaces or earrings from this rail too, I've seen it done before:

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And last but not least, a straw dispenser turned ribbon holder.   I need.

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All you need is an old fashioned straw dispenser.  Here's one from Bed Bath and Beyond for $14.99.  As always, be sure to use a 20% off coupon.  I have a huge stash of their coupons in my car so that I always have some handy at all times.  God forbid I'm without a BBB coupon.

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It's official, I'm doing some organizing this weekend now.  

I'll be starting my adventure off at Ikea. 

Sooo ... ummm ... Mom, can I borrow your check card by chance?

And I may need to do a little shopping at Bed, Bath and Beyond too. 

And possibly Target. 

And most likely Wal-Mart. 

Cool? 

After all, my birthday is only a few weeks away. 

Wink.

What are your outside the box organizing solutions? 

[P.S. For any fairly new readers of my bloggity blog, I posted a lot of my bargain organization a while back.  Be sure to check out my "Tidy" section if you're interested in my make-up, nail polish, Tupperware, travel and closet organization ideas on the chiz-eap.]

Don't waste money on trendy jewelry

Here's my theory on buying women's jewelry.  It is my opinion that you should only spend money on classic pieces that will never go out of style (i.e. pearls).  Anything else you want because it is trendy and in style should be affordable.  Odds are whatever is a "must have" right now will be out of style by next season.  You with me?

So, if I'm buying "costume" jewelry or trendy pieces, I have a go-to store and that's Charlotte Russe.  I recently bought several necklaces and earrings this Spring and I get compliments on them every time I wear them.  We're talking several compliments a day from strangers at the grocery store, out to eat, co-workers, etc. 

I always just say "thank you", smile and hope they think it was a really expensive piece.  Little do they know I only shelled out about $8 bones for the damn thing.  Me so sneaky.

The Charlotte Russe necklace I'm wearing today.  It's one of my faves:

And just for y'all, I went online and found 4 pieces I would totally buy right now if I wasn't currently broke.  Do you ever get really scared to log-in to your online checking account?  Your stomach starts hurting before you even see the damage you did during the weekend.  That = me this morning.  I really need to find a sugar daddy, and preferably a non-geriatric one. 

You could buy all  four of these pieces for only $40.  Or you can go to Express (don't get me started) and spend about that on one plastic ring.  I mean, it's totally up to you. 

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Where is your favorite place to buy trendy jewelry?  Do you agree with my theory?