Happenings as of late [via Instagram]

For starters, I got my Internet installed in my apartment last Wednesday. Cue the angels. This will hopefully make blogging a little more convenient.

 

I couldn't stop laughing when I got this text from my mother who was traveling for work and just boarded a plane. I seriously laughed by myself for a good 5 minutes just picturing this.

I spent a Saturday evening on the couch watching The Vow, lusting over the sexiest man alive and crying for a good hour. Have y'all seen this movie? Feel free to judge me.

My obsession with the Robertsons has continued to grow and I'm very upset there isn't a single brother left who isn't wifed up. Even Si has a lady friend. FML. Oh and please excuse my ghetto current living room setup. I am on the hunt for a new TV stand, so my coffee table is sufficing as one for now. Yep.

I spent the first part of my Sunday at my now favorite coffee shop oohing and awing over the latte art. This week I got a tulip. Oh, and that is a Lorraine quiche that was melt in your mouth good in case you were wondering.

Last but not least, I had a special blogger visitor this weekend, which I'll post about ASAP. I'm not making any concrete promises on when because clearly since moving to Vegas, I've been completely lackadaisical with my blog.

At this point there is no sense in even wasting my time apologizing about being MIA. I'm just really busy during the week so my blog has unfortunately had to take a back burner and that is all there is to it. Lets hope I can't get it together soon.

And one last thing for my fellow reality TV lovers ... I loved the movie Catfish so naturally i am obsessing over the TV version that premiered on MTV last Monday. However, can we talk about last night's episode? The dude's name was Scorpio. Really, mam? If the name "scorpio" isn't a red flag, I don't know what is. And don't get me started on Sunny from last week. D.U.M.B.

But more about TV talk later. For now, it's bed time for this west coast girl. It's still so bizarre being in this time zone. Bargain Blonde outie.

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.

[link-up] Friday Faves: Reality TV edition!

First of all,  I want to apologize again for not being able to get Friday Faves posted last week when I was on vacation.  I should have just scheduled the post before I left because the Internet Explorer browsers on the computers in the hotel business center were an old version and didn't support blogger.  With that being said, feel free to link-up your Fri Faves from last week in this post as well.

Moving right along ....

I have a few vices, one of which is reality TV, so this week I decided to "theme" my Friday Faves post and highlight some of my favorite reality TV moments, shows, characters, etc.  I'm only going going to discuss shows currently in season by the way.  Your Friday Faves does not have to be reality themed (obviously), but link-up at the bottom of this post!

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The final season of the original (OG) Teen Mom cast premiered this week and it was 2 hours of heart string pulling TV.  Yes, I'm 27 years old and shed several tears listening to Farrah read her letter to Derek's grave, Catelynn and Tyler have their 2-year visitation with Carly and then Tyler admit he wished sometimes that Carly called him, "Daddy."  WAAAH!  I was a mess.
Million Dollar Listing LA is back!  I love me some MDL.  The boys are hot (even though 2 play for the other team) and the drama this season looks fierce. I can't wait to see the feud between Heather and Madison unfold. And while there is something about Josh Altman's cocky attitude that attracts me, I am #TeamMadison all the way. 

The bad bitches of Mob Wives Chicago on VH1.  I got hooked on the Mob Wives from NY/NJ and this spin-off is filling my void  since season 2 of the original wives just ended.  Their lifestyle fascinates me and quotes like, "Do you want me to stab you now, or do you want me to stab you later?"  make me laugh out loud.  Because these crays are serious.  They will stab a hoe.

I don't even want to waste my time talking about these two.  Just know I harbor a lot of disdain for them and they both make my skin crawl.

Emily's season of The Bachelorette is starting to bore me except when she told Kalon he could get the f@*% out!  That, I loved.  I'm hoping this season starts to pick up, but I'm not holding my breath.

Heather Dubrow from Real Housewives Orange County.  Home girl was on Love Connection back in the day ... Need I say more?  And have you seen her house? I die. I thought she was going to be super pretentious, but I love her delivery and every thing that comes out of her mouth about Alexis.  I can't get enough of her and her hubs, Terry.

Another RHOC lady makes the list: Gretchen Rossi for best hair and make-up.  I was lusting over this look above in this week's episode.  Seriously, I need my hair and make-up to look like this every day.  Gretchen, come be my bestie and teach me your ways.  

OK, I could go on and on and on picking reality TV faves, but I must stop for today.  I might do a part 2 of this next week.  You're turn ... link-up your Friday Favorites below.  
What would you pick as your selections for my favorite categories this week?

Friday Favorites! LINK-UP!!!!

You may have noticed I was MIA last Friday, which means Friday Faves was a no-go. I was sick with a cold and it's still lingering, but I think I'm going to pull through.  

Soooo .... exciting news today! Several of you commented that you wanted Friday Faves to be link-up, so your wish is my command.  I created a button, which you can grab below and link-up with me today for Friday Faves.  Let's spread the faves!  

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So flattered! On Monday I was featured on a local blog called The Dallas Socials! If you live in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, you should follow this blog. Betsy, the beauty and brains behind the blog, posts daily about whats going on around town – from events, to freebies, to shopping, to fun stuff in the burbs. Check it out.  

I can't make this stuff up and yes, this happened in real life in front of my very eyes.  So last Friday night I made the mistake of running into Wal-Mart to grab a few things.  "Wal-Mart" + "Friday Night" are two words that should not go together in the same sentence. This I know.  
Anywho - I'm checking out and about to go on my merry way when a man with a brown paper bag on his head walks by me and heads for the McDonald's at the front of the store.  Anyone who knows me IRL knows my phone is in my hands at all times, which comes in handy for moments like this.  My intent was just to snap a pic of this dude walking with a bag on his head, but things quickly escalated.
Next thing I know, he is stumbling backwards and falls to the ground. I'm pretty sure I had one hand over my mouth and the other still snapping pics.  I thought this was some freak under the influence of the sweet nectar and security would be over at any moment to escort him out.  That didn't happen.  Paper bag man just quickly popped back up and just walked right of out of Wal-Mart like what I just saw didn't even happen.  I felt like I was in the Twilight zone. Don't go to Wal-mart on a Friday night is the moral of this story. 

The Bianca Tassel

If you saw this beauty in person you would die.  I had to have it and now it's on it's way to me! Yipee.

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Found these instructions on how to make bacon in the oven at the blog Mom & Wife and have been cooking bacon like this for the past month. Legit, the easiest and best way to make bacon IMHO.  You just put the bacon on a foil covered pan, put the pan in cold oven, turn to 400 degrees and bake for 20 minutes. While the bacon is baking you get to make the rest of your breakfast!  Life changing.  

Excuse me, sir.  Not liking my TV choices?

Poor guy got neutered and had to wear this cone when alone! ha.

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Remember Alana, the Honey Boo BooChild break-out star from last season of Toddlers & Tiaras?  I posted about her here.  Yesterday it was announced that home girl is getting her own spin-off show on TLC!  I swear, this made my week.  If trashy reality TV is wrong, I don't want to be right. 

K, now it's your turn! Link-up bishes! What are you favorites from the week?

e.l.f. mineral eye shadow review

If you're new around here, there are a few important things you should know about me:

1. My nephew Reese is the love of my life.  This is the handsome 4-year-old I'm referring to:

2. I am a lush and  love my wine.

white wine + frozen strawberries.  Try it and thank me later.

3. I have a reality TV addiction worse than any you've probably seen. You name it, I watch it.

4. e.l.f. make-up is the cheese to my wine

My love for e.l.f. cosmetics runs deep and if you need to catch up on my past e.l.f. reviews, then take yourself here, here, here, here and here.

Most recently I discovered e.l.f.'s mineral eye shadow after I took advantage of an online promotion. Ten mineral eye shadows for only $10?  I could not say no.  It would have been unconstitutional.

All e.l.f. mineral makeup is 100% mineral based with no parabens, no preservatives and no chemical dyes. 

Above you can see the colors I chose and the swatch of each on my arm.  I absolutely love the pigment and how long lasting these shadows are.  This past Friday I wore innocent (all over) and  blended confident and caffeinated on my lids.

Here is how I looked.  Please excuse my depressed expression.  No, my dog did not just die.

Peace.

The bottom line here is that e.l.f. and I are still going strong and they put a spark back in our relationship with these mineral eye shadows.  I have not seen them in Target, so you may want to check out their online specials if you want to scoop some up.

p.s. I'm no expert, but IMHO, a lot of the e.l.f. mineral colors look like dupes for Urban Decay's Naked palette.  And obviously WAY cheaper. Just sayin.

While some of you were toasting the good life with your plus ones ...

I had a romantical Valentine's Day dinner for one:  Peanut Butter toast and Special K.

The only "gifts" I got were Valentine's Day cards from my family.

Don't go feeling too sorry for me though because I wasn't completely alone. I spent my evening with my favorite Mom's, and I wouldn't have had it any other way.  Unless of course, I had a date.

I have never in my life seen so many flowers pictures posted to Facebook and Instagram and I have one thing to say to that:

Sorry, I'm not sorry.  Today I'm over at BEAUtiful mess blogging about the first time I met a blogger. GO READ.

Hi, I'm Lindsey and I'm a TV addict

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Paging Dr. Drew, I think I need to speak with you about my TV addiction.  If you follow me on Twitter, I'm sure you see me tweet about some of my favorite shows like Most Eligible Dallas (love me some Courtney Kerr one liners), Teen Mom (Don't get me started on Caitlin's Mom's Fantastic Sam's hair situation last night), Real Housewives (Teresa Guidice & her little side kick "Juicy Joe" need to go bye bye), etc.  However, you probably have no idea just how extensive my TV addiction is.

I definitely should not be admitting this, but admitting you have a problem is the first step, right? I wish I was exaggerating or kidding, but here is a list of the shows I watch in no particular order:

Dance Moms

Most Eligible Dallas

Real Housewives (every city)

Watch What Happens Live w/ Andy Cohen

The Voice

Real World
RR/RW Challenges

Dr. Phil

Russian Dolls

Intervention

Rachel Zoe Project

Glee

Parenthood

Sister Wives

19 Kids and Counting
Toddlers & Tiaras

I Used to be Fat

Kendra

KUWTK and all spin offs

The Bachelor/ette

Jersey Shore

Bad Girls Club

Teen Mom
16 and Pregnant

Million Dollar Listing

Millionaire Matchmaker

Big Brother

Shark Tank

Desperate Housewives

American Idol and DWTS (kind-of)

Modern Family

So You Think You Can Dance

Deadliest Catch

Law and Order SVU

20/20

Dateline

Flipping Out

Bethenny Ever After

Celebrity Rehab and Sober House

Guiliana and Bill

My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding
Antiques Roadshow

And this is why I have 2 DVRs just for myself.  Um, can we say get a life?  In my circle of IRL friends, I get made fun of for my TV viewing habits all the time.  I realize this is not normal, I really do.  But truthfully, I just don't care.  Watching these shows (most of which are admittedly mindless) is entertaining for me and how I relax and unwind.

You may wonder how I find the time.  The answer is I don't and it's stressful.  (see esomeecard above)

And now I'm even more stressed out because the new fall shows just started airing.  Woe is me. There are so many new shows,  I don't know what to watch and I really can't afford to add to my line-up.  Of course I decided to give "The Playboy Club" a shot and then I hear on the radio this morning that it's already canceled.  Damn't Eddie Cibrian, I should have known better than to trust you.  

So here is where you come in.  Not that I have the room, but are there any new shows out that are to-die and I need to add to my line-up? Do you judge me or are there other TV freaks out there just as addicted as me?  Please tell me I'm not the only one.

p.s. I know I've totally been slacking on my usual Bargain Blonde posts. I promise once things slow down from moving and traveling, I will get back on track.  Here are some posts I have coming up, so don't click "unfollow" just yet:

• Cone curling iron review
• Eye make-up tutorial - day and night looks
• Save on sunnies
• Hair how-to: Beach waves minus the beach
• Hidden nail salon dangers
• Shoedazzle review
• Mystic tan how-to
• Hair in the car how-to
• Fall bargain decor
• Updates on the town home

Please, please forgive me!  Life is currently hectic like woah.  Also, if there are any topics or blog posts you would love for me to do, I'm all ears. Just leave me a comment!  Thanks for sticking with me bargainistas! XOXO

Sunday Funday: The I'm getting a gun edition

Before I get into why I spent an hour last night crouched down in my apartment with 2 kitchen knifes, a flash light and 911 ready to be dialed on my phone, let's talk about the pleasant part of my "Sunday Funday".

So, my Sunday started off pretty average.  I woke up, ate a bowl of cereal, went to Starbucks for a latte and hit up Bed, Bath & Beyond to look for a curtain panel for my guest room. 

I ended up with this Nicole Miller Chateau panel in blush, which I used a $10 off $30 coupon.  FYI - BB&B coupons never expire even though they have an expiration date on them.   

I got the curtain to block light and sound for when my nephew naps.  I wasn't sure how I felt about the panel pulled to one side look, it has grown on me.  What do y'all think?

Once the curtain was hung, my intent was to tackle cleaning and laundry. What I'd tackled instead was my couch, a bowl of popcorn, a pickle and a coke zero. It's obvious where my priorities lie:

After I got caught up on Real Housewives NYC (Was Sonja serious with that burlesque poem?  Insert me giving her major side eye from my couch.) Watch What Happens Live and Teen Mom, I decided to start some laundry and pick the crack den up a little before Big Brother started. 

Any other Big Brother fans out there?  Hands up!!  Jeff and Jordan aka "JeJo" aka my favorite BB players ever are back in the game and I could not be more excited about it:

[via] LOVE them.

Now, let's fastforward to around 10:15 p.m. shall we?  There I was minding my own business watching Diane Sawyer's Primetime Interview Special with Jaycee Duggard when BAM!   An unidentified object slams into my patio window. 

First thought: "Umm, ok Lindsey ... don't panic.  I'm sure it's nothing."

Second thought: "WHAT IF THERE IS AN INTRUDER CREEPING ON THE PATIO TRYING TO BREAK IN?  GET YOUR PHONE IN CASE YOU NEED TO DIAL 911, GRAB SOME KNIFES AND HIDE." 

I mean, literally this could not have happened at a worse time.  I'm sitting in the dark watching a story about a kidnapped girl who was held against her will for years.  I was convinced I was about to become the next Jaycee Duggard.  With a flashlight, my phone set to dial 911 and these in hand:

I mustard up enough courage to peek through my patio blinds to see if anyone was there. Deep sigh .... no one on the patio. 

Oh, but wait ... who is the shirtless, tatted up man pacing back and forth in the parking lot?  Awesome.  Why was he shirtless (shirt in his hand) and why was he pacing back and forth??  Questions I still don't know the answer to. 

After an hour of me crouched in the dark keeping an eye on this freak, he finally disappeared.  I baracaded myself in with my barstools at the doors (just in case) and went to bed.  The moral of  the story is, I watch way too many real-life crime stories and I've decided I need a gun. I hope your Sunday didn't involve any questionable characters & let's hope no unidentified objects get thrown at my window tonight.  The end!

Coral blush for a tropical flush

Disclaimer: Let me preface this post by saying this is NOT a bargain beauty purchase, but I can justify it.  Swear. 

OK ...  My first justification is I literally have never in my life bought blush.  Maybe once, but I honestly cannot think back to a time that I have.  Any blush I've ever worn or owned was from a gift set.  So there.  Think about the 26 years I haven't bought blush, I can totally splurge on my first blush purchase.  I know you're in agreement.

So I did it.  I bought a $28 blush from Sephora during my lunch break, and I'm not going to feel guilty about it.  If you saw my checking account right now you would see that I should feel guilty about it, but I'm not going to because this blush is exactly what I was looking for. 

Introducing the newest addition to my embroidered make-up bag: CORALista by Benefit

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So, can we all just agree that Emily Maynard from The Bachelor is perfection? 

What I would give for her hair, face, body, fiancé and wardrobe!  I told the Sephora lady I wanted cheeks like hers and after spending some time looking at google images of her on my phone (totally normal), we decided on CORALista.  We tested some other colors on my cheeks, but I fell in love CORALista.  Here is a swatch of it:

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I think this is the perfect shade for summer.  It's a warm coral-pink powder with a soft, shimmery finish.  It's very similar to NARS' Orgasm, but without the large flakes of glitter in it, so it's more subtle.

If you’re a bit hesitant because of the price tag, I give you my second justification for this purchase.  NARS’ blushes are $25 for only 0.16 oz. and MAC’s blushes are $18.00 for 0.21 oz., which makes Benefit cheaper by the ounce.  This Benefit blush is .42 oz for $28.  

Clearly I'm not a blush expert, but I do love make-up and always have.  What do you think of this shade and more importantly, what blush do you recommend for summer?

My very own La Plate and antique oil lamp

Before I get into my La Plate and "Benjamin Franklin" lamp, I have to tell you excited I am that today has finally arrived.  Today is my PAY DAY.  This blonde took broke to a new level this month.  On Tuesday I charged a value-sized bottle of Barefoot Riesling and a loaf of bread to my credit card.  Necessary?  Absolutely.  

[via]

My dinner for the last two nights has consisted of wine and a PB&J and I wouldn't have it any other way.  This is a luxury only a single girl living alone can enjoy with no judgment.  I get to watch the latest ep of "Teen Mom 2" while laying on my couch, adorned in my Snuggie I swore I would never own but wear every night, one hand in a bag of White Cheddar Natural Cheetos (mine & my neph's new fave) with the other grasped around a glass of cheap wine. Y'all ... this is my life and I make no excuses.
  
As perfect Emily told Brad at the beginning of this season's Bachelor, "It's better to be home alone than home wishing you were alone."  Amen sister.  I get to watch whatever trash TV I want when I want, I can eat cereal for dinner and polish off a bottle of wine with absolutely no (OK, maybe a little) shame.  I don't have to forgo Desperate Housewives or Brothers and Sisters when the NFL takes over every man's Sunday night (been there, no thanks).  I mean, don't get me wrong, relationships can be fabulous, but so can being single.  Yes, I'll throw myself a pity party from time to time, but I've learned to embrace the single life.  This is the last time in my life I don't have to worry about anyone else's needs but my own, and I plan on enjoying every second of it.  I refuse to waste my twenties living in the future worrying about what is going to happen down the road.  My life is what is happening now, not worrying about when I am going to get married, buy a house, have kids, etc.  Ya heard???

Wow.   I don't know where all that came from, but I'm glad that's off my chest. Now to the topic at hand.

So you may remember I had a La Plate on my Christmas wish list, and guess what?  Santa (aka my Grandma) came through!  My bedroom is chocolate brown, light green, some bronze and a little bit of white.  So I decided on brown on brown.  You likey?

Isn't she a beaut? 

My Grandma also has quite the collection of antique oil lamps, and she surprised me by bringing me my very own when she came to Dallas for Christmas.  This was bought from an antique dealer in the late 1970s by my Grandpa in Ohio and my Grandma estimates its about 100 years old.   I absolutely love it and I think it looks perfecto on my dresser turned "second night stand".  In this pic you can see the lamp plus how I use my La Plate as a trey/catch all. 

And a closer look:

Notice my Lafco House and Home Collection candle? This candle was featured as one of Oprah's Ultimate Fave Things this season.  I haven't really disclosed this yet, but I'm obsessed with her.  Every night I watch her show that I DVR during the day and now, I also DVR almost every single show on her OWN network.  Is she trying to ruin me?  I don't have any more room in my TV line-up.  UGH! 

And for inquiring minds, that is Aldi's Lacura - Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream and it's only $3.99, smells heavenly and I lather it around my eyes every night.  Just check out the rave reviews of it on Make-Up Alley.  It's now a staple in my skin care routine.