What I'm Loving Wednesday

It's been a few weeks since I linked up with Jamie and posted a WILW, and I don't like it one bit. After a little hiatus, I’m back to share what I’m loving this week.

1. I am loving that I survived the tornadoes that touched down in Dallas last week. It’s a bit daunting when your TV goes out and all you hear are emergency weather sirens blasting outside.

It was touch and go there for a while, so I had to hide in my bathtub and sip on some Skinnygirl to calm my nerves. If that tornado was going to take me out, I was going to at least get a buzz. 

I recorded a Vlog while I was bored and hiding out in the tub, so I'll have to post it once I figure out how to upload it

2. I am loving the recent coupons and sales at New York & Company. I got 3 shirts and a brown linen pencil skirt for work for less than $60 this week. I never shopped at NY&Co until recently because I was mistakenly under the assumption they had fug, out of style clothes.  Beth still refuses to shop there.  Maybe this will convince her to go.

Sign up for NY&Co coupons on the bottom of the home page of their Web site.

3. I know this is old news, but I am loving Blake and Miranda's wedding and now I want to get married where they got married (in my Grandma's town btw)! I thought everything about their day was so down-to-earth and perfect for them. I especially loved Miranda's short Priscilla of Boston reception dress and white cowboy boots. Don't you die? 

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4. I am loving that after almost 6 months to the day, I'm finally getting my hair trimmed tomorrow.  I used to have major meltdowns after getting my hair cut until I found my current fab hair stylist over 4 years ago.  We're talking I'd cry in the chair, cry all the way home, lock myself in my room and refuse to take phone call meltdowns.  When it comes to my hair, I don't play.  

I can't wait to get it cut and styled.  My hair is way too long and a hot ragged mess right now.  My hurr on NYE the very last time I got it cut.  Please excuse my creeper look, I'm not really sure what face I'm making here:

5. I am loving that my nephew refused to take his batman mask off for Church on Sunday. I love even more that he was talking in third person to his Mom that whole day. "Mom, Batman wants gum."  Seriously, could he be more perfect?

What I'm Loving Wednesday

 If you want to link up with Jamie too, click here.  

1. First and foremost, I have to reveal the thing I am LOVING MOST this week. 

Do you see this hot ginge? I mean, obviously you do.  Her name is Beth.  

You can hop on over to her blog if you'd like to get to know her more.  And you should.

This is how Beth looked as a sassy bebe ginge.  Presh, right?

The first time Beth and I e-mailed we both said to each other, "Umm are we the same person?" because we had so many similarities.  Apparently even as youngsters, we had the same taste in fashion. Exhibit A:

Most girls go through that "awkward middle school stage", but not Beth.  She kept it fancy and elegant by rockin that jean jacket.  What is it that Countess Luann de Lesseps is always preaching?  That "elegance is learned"?  Well, I think this is proof that this ginge was born elegant.  

Step aside Luann, there is a new countess in town.

Here we are back to present day, but pretend it is actually August 12.  This is Beth throwing a deuce to South Carolina.

And hopping on a plane that is headed to Dallas for my birthday weekend in August!  That's right ladies (&maybe a few gents), BETH IS COMING TO DALLAS anddddd it's my birthday weekend.  Coincidence?? Of course not!  Beth enjoying a cocktail on said plane:

I'm so excited for her to come and for us to tear up the town together.
This is my excited face for when I finally get to pick my little sweet cakes up from the airport:

 All right now, enough with the jokes.  This is, in fact, my excited face!

I can't control my excitement just thinking about the shenanigans we were going to get ourselves into.  I. can't. WAIT.  Thank you Beth for being the best birthday present ever!  You know you are my one and only.   I mean, people ... this is proof that dreams really do come true and definitely what I'm loving this week.

Now before I move onto to number 2, I don't wanna hurt my BFF Raven's feelings because she does like to keep her LuLu (her nickname for me) all to herself.  Raven may be coming to Dallas this summer and if that doesn't work out, we ARE going to meet up in Vegas ASAP.  Either that or I already told her if she takes me on one of her fabulous vacays as the "boozin' babysitter", I'll love her forever.  

So don't worry Raven, we will be united soon.  So soon.  And I loved the post you did yesterday on picnik.  You seriously made my day.  You need to know though that she is more gorgeous, skinnier and funnier that me.  Don't believe me?  See for yourself and watch one of her HI-LAR-I-OUS Vlogs.

 
2. I'm loving that my friend's sister gave me the book "Something Borrowed" on Sunday after she finished it.  I've been busy this week and am currently only 2 pages in, but I just know I'm going to love it.  I've wanted to read this book forever.  Anyone see the movie yet?  Is the book better than the movie as usual?  In my opinion, movies never live up to the books.

3. I'm loving Alexia Spicy Sweet Potato Fries, which can be found in your grocer's frozen organic section.  SO GOOD.  I cook mine longer than it says because I like these babies crispy.

30 fries = 130 cals 

 4. I'm loving this "L" necklace my mom surprised me with at Easter.  She got for me when she was in Florida for work.  I love it.  I asked for something similar to this for Christmas, but never really picked out what I wanted.  She did a great job picking it out, don't you think?

5. I'm loving that I have a semi-special announcement.  Are y'all listening?

On Monday a lot of you asked if I would show you how to do the chi curls.  Who am I to keep the goods from you, so your wish is my command!

I am going to work on a chi curl tutorial video this weekend!  Best news you've heard all day?  I thought it might be.  Anyway, keep an eye out next week for the vid.  It will be my first video - eeeeep. Any tips on vlogging?  That would be much appreciated.

6. I'm loving that yesterday I hit my 200th follower!  Each and every one of you who stops by my blog, reads my posts, comments, emails, tweets me, etc. are all special to me.  Blogging would not be the same without all of my amazing followers.  I know this is corny and every blogger says this, but we wouldn't all be saying it if it wasn't so true.   Blogging has changed my life and I love it so much.  

My sincere THANKS for following along with me through this journey.  Y'all are the best bargainistas a bargain blonde could ask for.  SMOOCHES and let's cheers to you!

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 Champagne ladies?

What I'm Loving Wednesday

I'm back for another edition of WILW by linking up with Jamie here.  My most favorite post of the week!

1. I'm loving that while in Arizona I got to meet up with Jonalynn from Turn Up the Rad.  Her and I met in college at a Journalism leadership conference in Oregon.  She may or may not be able to tell you stories that involve me walking up and down the beach holding my box of wine as if it were my first born.  Happy to report I no longer roll with the boxed wine (not that I'm above it) and have since upgraded to the liter sized bottles.  Keepin' it classy ladies, as usual.  

We met for lunch Saturday before my flight left for Dallas.  I really wish I got spend more time with her, but some is better than nothing! (BTW - I promise I'll have the pictures posted tomorrow.)

2. I've been obsessed with this bread for a while, so I thought I'd share.  I'm always loving the 45 calorie Sara Lee 100% whole wheat bread.  So soft and only 45 cals.  Need I say more?  It's the only bread I'll buy.

3. Love, love, love Pop Chips.  Have you tried these magical, never baked, never fried, all-natural chips??  They are so good and low in cals.  The BBQ flavor is my favorite - especially because it's only 120 calories for 19 chips.  I've seen these at all the grocery stores around me, but my favorite place to buy them is Kroger because lately they've been on sale for 2 bags for $4.

4. I love that the purdy LC from Mixed With Love awarded me with the Liebster Award!  I'm so honored, I love receiving blogger awards!  Makes me feel like someone cares.  Everyone say "awwww".  Hugs LC, thank you so much! XOXO

If there is a blog with 300 followers or less,  this award is designed to bring those bloggers the recognition they deserve!  The idea with this award is that if it is awarded to you, you should link back to the person who gave it to you and then choose 3 blogs to award the Liebster Blog Award to.  I choose:

 Rachel @ California Pretty

She's gorgeous and just switched blog names to focus more on her photography.  Her photos and outfits are amazing!  Check her out.  She's so sweet too, I love her blog.


Stephanie @ Stephanie and Such

The first time I saw her blog I thought OMG, this girl is GORGE and looks like Emily Maynard's twin (Emily from the bachelor)!  I seriously want to steal Stephanie's hair, it always looks perfect in her pics.  Another must follow.  She's the best too, obvi.  

Lilly @ Lilly's Style

I'm not huge into style blogs, but there are a few I love.  Lilly's is one of them.  Her style is so cute and perfect for every day wear.  All of her outfits are very affordable and re-creatable.  Her OOTD are the best!

5. I'm loving that I'm getting a new blog design!  I got this pre-made one when I first started blogging and had no clue what I was doing.  It has served it's purpose, but it's definitely time for an upgrade.  

Guess who is redesigning me??  That lovely lady I mentioned above, Jonalynn!  She did her own blog design and it's amazing, so I'm beyond excited that she agreed to pimp my blog.  I can't wait to debut it to you ladies in a few weeks or so. 

6. And last but not least, I'm in love with "The Voice" on NBC!  It premiered last night and I lovedddd the little swivel action in the chair.  And seriously, I want to marry Blake Shelton.  I'm sorry Miranda, but he is so dreamy!  So is Adam Levine, but Blake is definitely more my type. 

If you didn't get to watch last night, do yourself a favor and watch tonight.  It was so good and my new favorite show!  One side note - what is with Cee-lo's hands?  Is it just me or do they seem too small for his body?? 

What I'm Loving Wednesday

I'm linking up with Jamie at this kind of love per the usual for What I'm Loving Wednesday.

This is my last post for the week, but don't take it too hard because I've got two VERY special guest bloggers filling in for me Thursday and Friday while I'm away.  I'm excited to see what they have in store for you gals because it's still a mystery to me.  Stay tuned!

1. I'm loving my eos lip palm - smooth sphere
I know this is probably old news because I kept reading about these amazeball eggs on blogs a while back, but I finally went and purchased my own last week to see what the hype was all about. Survey says: IT'S FAB!  I love the price too, which was a lot cheaper at Target compared to Walgreens.  I got the Summer Fruit flavor which is "ehh" to me.  I'll probably try a different flavor the next time, I just liked the color of the egg best.

I decided to mix things up and do a photo shoot with my eos egg on my way to the gym at red lights.  I'm positive the people next to me thought I was a wack-a-doo. 

2. I love that Crawl for Cancer was a success this past Saturday!  I even found a pink talking stick pony to complete my cowgirl outfit. Some pictures from Saturday:

Some of the ladies before we began our crawl.

Our entire group at our third stop of the day!

I was trying to tell this little Native American what's up.  Don't mess with a cowgirl on a pink horse!

 

The spillage was not all me.  Let that be known.  The bouncer was not happy with us though.



I wish I knew what was so funny and that this pic wasn't so blurry! 


3. Loving that ALDI Grocery Stores are now in Dallas!
ALDI is a discount grocery chain that has everything from fresh meat and produce to frozen foods to dairy, bakery, canned goods, and paper products.  You can't find everything you need there, but you'd be surprised.  You could probably get at least 80 to 90 percent of your grocery needs.  They even have a Fit & Active line that has very similar healthy food products you'd find in your regular grocery store for a lot cheaper.

4. I'm loving today is "my Friday" at work because I leave for my friend Christina and Emmet's wedding in Arizona way too early tomorrow morning!  This is where I will be livin' the life, isn't the resort GORGE?

5. Loving Sliced Green Olives
Random I know, but I've been obsessed with sliced green olives on my salad lately.  I mean, I've always loved olives, but lately I've been eating them every night.  Yum!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

Happy Wednesday!  I'm linking up with Jamie as usual for What I'm Loving Wednesday aka my favorite link-up.  Click here to participate.

1. I am loving that this Saturday is Crawl for Cancer.  What is "Crawl for Cancer" you ask?  Well, it's a pub crawl here in Dallas and all proceeds raised are donated to cancer research.  This is the 4th year my friends and I have participated and it's always a ridiculously good time. You have about 5 bars on your crawl route for the day and 4 pitchers of beer per bar.  At the end, everyone who participated in the crawl meets up at the designated after party bar for live music!

Everyone who participates gets to pick their team shirt color, but you can dress up your outfit if you want.  This year, we are dressing up as Cowboys/girls and Indians (pics to follow next week).   I picked Cowgirl, but I still don't have my accessories.  I really want a horse and hat like this and I'm not kidding:

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 Crawl for Cancer is in other U.S. cities too, so you should check your area to see if there is a crawl by you!

2. I'm loving my nephew Reese aka Reesey Piecey.  He is so precious, I don't even have words.  I realize these videos will be super boring for all of you because you are not related to my nephew and probably don't care, but I'm sharing anyway.  This is how my Saturdays are spent.  With my little love bug.

And here we are blowing bubbles a few Saturdays ago:

3. I'm loving this Texas weather.  Any day now we're going to hit 100+ temps, so I'm savoring our current Spring weather in the 80s.  Did you know that our state flower is the Bluebonnet?  If not, now you do!  You are welcome.

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4. I love these 2 dresses I got from Express on Sunday for only $29.90 each.  Holla.

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5. Last but not least, I'm loving YOU, my followers.  Y'all seriously make my day and I can't tell you enough how much I love reading each of your e-mails, comments and blogs.  I'm a little behind on responding thanks to the trusty bronchitis, but I promise I will catch up soon.  I like to think I have THE very best followers.  I love y'all, and I know if we all lived in the same cities we would be REAL LIFE girlfriends.  I just know it. 

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What I'm Loving Wednesday

How pathetic is this?  I legitimately got sad when I couldn't write my WILW post last week because I was 1) too busy with "real life" and 2) came down with some cold that is STILL lingering.

I decided to brave the gym yesterday, and quickly found out my lungs were not quite ready.  After I do my cardio, I like to sit in the sauna for 15 to 20 minutes.  The moment I laid down in the sauna I started coughing and couldn't stop.  This poor man in there had to have thought he was about to catch SARS.  If I were him I would have been completely sicked out, so I bid the sauna adieu and drove my sweaty self home. 

I'm still sick but I'm not missing another WILW.  If you want to link up for WILW, click here.
 

1.  Diet Cherry Diet Coke from Sonic. In all my years of drinking Sonic drinks I had never added a flavor.  A few weeks ago I ordered a Diet Coke from Sonic, and when they asked, "Would you like to add a flavor to your drink today?", I guess I got a little crazy and said "Uhhh, sure."  I opted for the diet cherry flavor and the rest is history.  I'm obsessed and got one 4 days in a row after the first time I tried it.   Houston, we have a problem.

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2. Bethenny Frankel's Barbeque Bleu Turkey Burger.  Ummm, to die.  One of my bloggie bestie's Raven (hi, love!) @ A Momma's Desires and Pacifiers is the one who introduced me to this via this post.  Original recipe found here.  I was BBMing her while grocery shopping and said "Bleu cheese tastes like vom, are you sure I'm going to like this?  I'm scared."  She promised me I would love it and that since the cheese is mixed in and melted, it wouldn't taste like vom.  I BBMd her a few hours later, "You win, I love it." 

I added sliced avocado, sliced cherry tomatoes and romaine lettuce to mine.  I used a Thomas 100 calorie multi-grain English muffin as the bread.  The burger looks huge in this picture that I took, but rest assured, it's just the diameter of a regular English muffin.  Healthy, easy and deelish.  My new favorite meal.

3. New heels! Y'all voted and I finally purchased on Monday.  Remember this post where I asked you vote on my new work shows?  Option 2 won hands down, and thank you SO much for voting btw!  I finally went out and purchased them this week.  They are very comfortable and clearly a bargain at only $26.99.  You like?

And while I was there I couldn't resist these.  I have wanted a nude pair of heels for so long and I thought these were adorb.  Only $26.99 as well, but online they are on sale for $19.99.  I'm actually wearing them to work today and they're very comf. 

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4. Lunchskins.  I wish I could tell you I use these because I'm so "green", but the truth is I don't like the way plastic baggies make my food taste. I Googled sandwich bag alternatives and came across these Lunchskins by "3 Green Moms".  I don't like buying online, so I passed them up until around Christmas time when I saw them at Container Store.  This is the design I bought:

You can pick one up at your local CS or they're sold for $8.95 online.  They are dishwasher safe.

5. Adrianna de Moura from Real Housewives of Miami.  I have been an avid Real Housewives fan since season one of the OC and religiously watch every single season. Sadly, I was not diggin this Miami series. Apparently I wasn't the only one because they cut the season short after only 6 episodes.

Well, I wasn't digging it until last night when they had a live reunion with Andy Cohen and Adrianna was effing amazing!  I hated Christy Rice on this show.  She is a liar and so stuck up.  Adrianna put her in her place in a major way and I loved every second of it. I so wish I had that Latina spice and could go off on someone like she did.  ¡Ay, caramba! 

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