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.

Elf workshop in full effect

My family starts arriving in town tomorrow so I decided it was about time to tackle all of this:

Thirty minutes later this was the scene in my living room:

And thennnnn .... I decided to call it quits after my mom called and said she'd help tomorrow. And Ike that, the elf workshop closed shop for the evening. Don't just love Moms? Happy one week to Christmas!!!

P.S. I finally decided to check my mail and put up my Christmas Cards. Like my DIY Christmas card holder? If your answer is yes, here's my tutorial. It's easy, I promise. Good night, I'm off to watch Ashley and JP's wedding on ABC. Cue the tears I'm sure.

Remedies for desert dry skin

Before I thoroughly disgust you with my alligator skin tales, I want to announce the official return of FRIDAY FAVORITES this week! I would love for anyone who would like to help "celebrate" the return of Friday Faves to link-up and share your faves from the week (or past few weeks if you've been Fri Faves MIA like me).

Moving right along ...


Imagine my disgust when I looked down at my feet last week after a long day at work and saw skin only suitable for a reptile. To say I was horrified is an understatement and I could not get my scaly self to the Target lotion aisle fast enough.

You see, I rarely wore or needed lotion in Dallas because of the climate. I just used my favorite moisturizing body wash at night and did not look like I slathered my legs in baby powder by morn. Le sigh ... Those were the days.

Lately, however, my scaly skin and lips have been completely parched on the reg. I'm obviously not OK with this reality so I turned where any serious researcher would turn: the Internet. Now, I know a lot of you obviously don't live in the desert, but since winter is right around the corner for all of us, I thought I would share some of the dry skin remedies I found.

1. Refrain from showering with really hot water and lotion up immediately after you get out of the shower while skin is still damp to lock in moisture. Who knew?

Currently loving the feel and scent of Dove Cream Oil Intensive Body Lotion

True Life: what I look like while typing blog posts after working all day. Hash tag not cute.

2. Butter and olive oil ... Huh?

According to a post in the "kichen beautician" series on Lauren Conrad's Beauty Department blog (how clever is that series name btw), a good DIY moisturizer is a mash of 2 tsp of coconut butter and 10 drops of EVOO. She said the butter/oil concoction can be used on dry lips, elbows, knees, etc. a few times a week to combat extra dry skin.

I've never heard of this, but the benefits of coconut butter and EVOO, which you can read about here, sound worth a try.

3. This is a no brainier, but find a good moisturizing lip balm for you lips and make sure you have one everywhere: night stand, purse, desk, etc. I've just recently made sure I had my favorite mint e.o.s. lip balm handy at all times.

4. Last, but not least, apparently I should drink lots of water. I always go through water drinking phases and I really need to get back into the phase where I drink a lot of it. But coffee and diet coke are so good. OKKKKK, fine, pass me the Fiji. FML.

If you live in a dry climate, what are your glowing skin secrets? Do spill.

VIDEO: DIY Shoe Chandelier

Remember a few weeks ago when you voted on which DIY project you wanted TenList, the home improvement experts, to make a video of next?  Well, your wish is my command. Really, your wish is TenList's command. Drum roll please ...

The "Shoe Chandelier" project was the winner! 

Daniel, the TenList DIY guy, has put together an easy DIY video tutorial on how to make a shoe chandelier for your closet.  It's a very inexpensive and cool way to give your shoes a home.

After you watch the video, share your thoughts in the comments: How would you make this project better?  Will you attempt this at home?

If you do make your own shoe chandelier, tweet a picture of it to me @thebargainblond and @TenList10 using the hash tag #shoechandy!  Happy DIY-ing.

Do you like TenList on Facebook?  They frequently give away hundreds in gift cards away to their Facebook fans!

And while we're at it, do you like The Bargain Blonde on Facebook?  I can't say the same about the giftcards, but I can promise you with some pretty awesome status updates.  Bam.

DIY Flat Iron Holder + $75 Visa Gift Card GIVEAWAY from TenList

Happy Hump Day!  I've got some exciting things for y'all today, but first i need to give you some background information.  Just stick with me because it's ALLLLL going to make sense in the end. I promise.

Tim own's TenList

Now, you might be wondering, "what is TenList and why do I care?" 

 Well friends, you know sites like apartmentlocators.com that help you locate an apartment?  Ten List is exactly like that but they put you in touch with contractors.  Maybe you're redoing your bathroom, or your kitchen, installing hardwood floors, etc and you need a reputable contractor .... bam, TenList to the rescue.  Or straight from the horse's mouth aka TenList's Web Site ....

"TenList was formed to provide one stop shopping for your local contractor needs. When you are looking for a fair and respected local contractor that you can trust, you can find it here. We spend a lot of time and energy (and money!) reviewing the advertisers that appear on the site so you don't have to."

.And now for the "why you should care part" ...

When I was working with TenList to come up with giveaway ideas, I explained that my readers LOVE a good DIY to help save money, so their DIY guru Daniel (homeboy in the video) put together this DIY Flat Iron Holder Tutorial just for you bargainistas!  

He's pretty hysterical and makes a lot of other DIY videos so I recommend checking them out.  He made me LOL IRL and that doesn't happen often. Here is Daniel's "DIY for the ladies" ....    

To thank you for watching and to spread the word about TenList, they are giving one of my readers a $75 Visa Gift Card to spend however you'd like!  

Perhaps you have a home improvement project you've wanted to get started but didn't have the funds or maybe now you want to make a wall hanger for your very own flat iron holder.  

Use the giveaway app below to enter!  You have until next Wednesday, June 20 at midnight EST to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TenList Social Media:

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

YouTube

DIY Blog

p.s.TenList is also giving away $500 in gift cards via their facebook page this week in honor of Father's Day. To be eligible, you must "like", share or comment on a TenList facebook post this week. 


Good Luck!

5 Step DIY Pretty Pedi

I challenge you to find me a girl who doesn't love to be pampered.  I mean, is there anything better than hitting the salon with your best girls for a relaxing pedi in a vibrating chair? I think not.

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But I also think there is something to be said for the calm and quiet that comes from taking some time to give your feet a little love at home.  Just you, your toes and a bottle of your best polish.  

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A salon pedicure is a fab treat, but a treat it should be.  To save some dollars while keeping your toes in check between outings to the salon,  give yourself an at-home DIY pretty pedi with these five steps:

Doing it yourself may require more effort, but just think what you can do with that extra $30 to $50 dollars you would have spent at the salon.

May I interested you in a new dress? A pair of wedges for summer? Dinner & drinks? The list goes on.

1. H&M Dress - $34.95 / 2. Mossimo Strappy Wedge - $29.99

So whether you plan on hitting the town this weekend or being a couch potato (my fave), make sure your toes don't look funky and give yourself a DIY pedi Bargain Blonde style.  TGIF bargainistas.

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.

I believe! Christmas at the Bargain Blonde house

I have not spent a dime on Christmas decor this year (other than my $29.99 fresh from the farm tree) and it will probably stay that way.  As much as I'd love to get my craft on and whip up some fabulous ideas I've seen circling Pinterest, I just can't seem to find the time this year. 

Plus I think I may just have more than enough decor as it is.  After my brother saw all the boxes I pulled out to decorate  for Christmas he said and I quote, "I just don't understand how someone your age has so much holiday decor.  It's weird.  You're not 50." 

Weird? Maybe.  But I just love this time of year so much.  Momma can't help herself.  Here's what Christmas currently looks like at the Casa de Bargain Blonde.

Let's start this tour with the outside of the abode.  A little garland and a red bow to add a touch of festive cheer. Purchased from Michaels.  

 
The front door in the dark taken with the Blackberry = horrible pic quality. My apologies. 

Next up we have my second ever REAL tree and I'm never turning back. I ♥ it so much!  And to every one who thinks it is "so much work" to maintain: I am one of the laziest people you'll ever meet and if I can handle it, then I promise so can you. 

Don't you love the swirly ornament hooks? My aunt got them for us!

My Aunt also got us this magnetic advent calendar as a housewarming gift, which is currently hanging in our kitchen:

Oops ... I almost forgot the tree topper, which is a TJ Maxx find:

Some dollar store end table decor I purchased last year:

The dining room table. A mixture of dollar store and Michael's:

My Kirkland's glitter Santa resides in the kitchen next to a CVS tree. Ho, ho, ho!

A DIY pine cone and ornament display on the coffee table.  Glass holder and pine cones from Wal-Mart. Ornaments from Target dollar spot.

Sadly, we don't have a fireplace so all  of our stockings are hung on the staircase with care.  These are all handmade by family members:

And last but not least, I leave you with this final picture. My sad, pathetic, embarrassing display of holiday cards on my DIY card holder.  Raise your hand if you have no friends! 

I mean, really?

Re-post: My DIY Christmas Card Display

How about a little festive DIY to get your week started off right?  Last year at this time I think I had less than 10 followers, so now that a few more of you are around these parts, I thought I would re-post this very easy DIY Christmas Card Display project. 

You can do this on any door in your house where you'd like to display your holiday cards. 

Recap of previous post:
I was sitting on my couch when my eyes kept catching the clutter of Christmas cards that had taken over my bar.  It wasn't long before I was off the couch and rounding up supplies for a little DIY project.

A few years ago I got a "Real Simple" book with everyday household solutions, which is what sparked my idea for this DIY project. One of the projects in the book suggested using double sided tape to hang ribbon on your refrigerator with mini clothespins to attach pictures, post cards, etc. to the ribbon.

I adapted this "ribbon on refrigerator" idea to hang cards from ribbon over the door to my laundry room. It was very easy to do and took all of 10 minutes. All you need is:

• Festive ribbon
• Hot glue gun 
• Push pins
• mini clothespins (Bought mine at Michaels or Hobby Lobby. Can't recall)

First, I cut the ribbon I was going to secure the cards on to the length I wanted, and then cut a shorter piece to use to tie bow.

Next, I hung the ribbon over the door using a push pin to secure the ribbon on the other side of the door. I tied my bow, and hot glued it to the top of the ribbon.

The last step is to take the mini clothespins and secure your holiday cards to the ribbon. Before you know it, you have a festive DIY card holder!

Here are pictures of each element (hopefully the pictures will help make more sense then my explanation):







There you have it!  If you have any questions about the instructions, let a girl know.

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.]