I'm not here, I'm over there and there!

Hi friends! I had a very busy Sunday yesterday shopping, organizing and painting.

I am going to dish all about the above later this week, but for now I need to send you over to two blogs I'm guest posting at today.  These are two girls I love and you if you don't read their blogs already, you need to!  Trust.  May I direct your mouses to ....

 Belle in the City 

where I'm revealing my 8 "most-worn" items

and 

 Raines and Shines

for my must-have make-up items.  

Go check-check-check them out!

BEAUtiful Mess takes over Bargain Blonde

Hey you bargainistas! 

It's me...Beautiful Mess Steph!

(My armpit says "HI!" by the way...)

PS: that picture is total fraud. I really know nothing about that camera. I just know I love it.

Anyways, since Lindsey's in Sin City for the weekend, you're stuck with me! 

...I can already sense the excitement...

Some of you may know me (and in that case "HI friends!!") and some of you are probably wondering who the heck I think I am calling myself "The Beautiful Mess".

Let's work this thing backwards, shall we?

"Mess" pretty much sums it all up. If I had to rename my blog, I'd change it to something along the lines of "Hot Mess Express" but that would take too much work that I'm just not willing to do.

The "Beautiful" comes into play because of this guy...

Oh hai there big boy! ;)

Meet Beau. He's my husband so I can say stuff like that.

NOW do you see where "BEAUtiful" comes from? 

Get it? 

Beau....Beautiful...

Ok-well it made sense back in the day when I created this lil blog-o-mine...

So anyhoo, I'm from Lindsey's state. 

Or maybe she's from my state.

Either way, we're both Texans which basically means we're the shit in every possible way.

Not really.

What it means is that one day, just ONE day, I will be meeting this little Bargain Blonde we speak so highly of. (By the way, she doesn't "officially" know this so hopefully she's cool with it all. I mean, I guess she thinks I'm alright because here I am hacking into her blog for the day but it only makes sense that we meet due to the fact that we only live a couple hours away from one another.) Duh.

We can all be sure mine and Lindsey's meet up would inevitably end up in a booze-induced trip to the ER and I must say, I look forward to that day. In the meantime, that I have had the privilege of meeting many other bloggers in this little world of ours.

In saying this, I think you should meet them too!

(Girls...this is in NO particular order so don't get your panties in a ruffle.)

1. Kristen @ All In My Twenties

[proof!]

Okay so it would be unfair for me to actually say I "met" her because Kristen is the one who STARTED my blog for me. Literally. She called me one day, asked me for my gmail login, designed, named and created my blog. She then forced me to write in it. We go way back. Like college, way back. (You can read about that love story here) We were both dating guys in the same fraternity, I lived with her at one point and she was even in my wedding. What I'm trying to say is sister is hysterical and has NO SHAME. Her blog is focused on her long-distance relationship with her main squeeze, Chris, her two pups (Tugger the bully & Lilly the schnauzer) and every once in a while she posts videos of herself vomiting in mid-air. I tell no lies. She has no filter and she's damn proud of it...which is reason #9485 why I love her.

****

2. Katie @ Keep Calm & Carry On

[proof!]

Oh where do I start? Katie and I "bonded" via internet (that doesn't sound totally weird and awkward, does it?) maybe 6 months ago. She's from Ohio and so with me being a Texan, I don't know HOW her and I could have SO DAMN MUCH in common. It's almost creepy how alike we are. So anywho...Katie and I met like less than 2 weeks ago. With both of our husband's in tow, we actually went on vacation together to Florida. (Which you can read alllll about here, here and here.) My point is: I'm legit. She's legit. We promise to not disappoint. Aaaaaand I'll be going to stay with her this coming May for her birthday bash because we're real-life friends like that now...booyah!

****

3. Kate @ Every Mile A Memory

[proof!]

Kate & I sporadically met at one of my alma mater's football games (University of Houston...GO COOGS!) She, by far, has THE COOLEST job and gets to travel EVERYWHERE with her husband and it just so happened she would be at the same game I was at! Kate blogs about ALLLLLL of her travels, her handsome man-candy and her furchild, Cali. It's so surreal meeting this person you've followed for so long because even though you've never really met in person, it's like you know EVERYTHING about them. I'm pretty sure her husband was pretty freaked out when I walked up and said "Hi Bryan! Where's Kate!?"

****

4. A big ol' group of Houston bloggers!

[proof!]

Left: Lindsey & Savanah

Right: Me, Megan & Meg

After about a year and a half of blogging, I found out there was an entire blogging group from Houston that gets together on a regular basis. Kinda like a sorority, but no hazing (that I know of). I've actually met up with the group a couple times now but could only find this pic of the 5 of us. This was actually my very first blogger meet-up so to say I wasn't completely weary of the fact that they could be creepy old men would be a total lie. ;)

****

Moral of the story: GO OUT OF YOUR WAY TO MEET THESE AMAZING WOMEN!! The girls I have met through blogging has literally been life-changing. It's hard to believe that I can actually call some of them my "best friend" knowing that we met over the world wide web. Weird, I tell ya!

Very weird.

But very cool.

Signing out,

The mess 

In Da Club: Vegas Style

Well hello there Bargainistas!  It's me...Beth...from Shenanigans of a Southern Redhead (formerly SweetBef's Blog) As you know, our favorite little Bargain Blonde is out perusing the Vegas strip getting ready for her BFF's wedding this weekend.

Lindsey has been to Vegas numerous times in the past.  I, unfortch, have only been once and that was almost 3 years ago. 

I thought about sharing with you gals about my first strip club experience ever in Vegas, but I wanted to keep it clean for Lindsey's readers. (Hi Momma Bear Riggs!)

Instead I thought I'd share a few tips that I learned during my 4 day vacay in Sin City.  Getting into those swanky night clubs is WAY easier than you think.  And for those that may not know this or for those that haven't been to Vegas maybe this little tidbit of information will help you successfully get your party on.

1. You'll probably be approached by some weirdo creeps with bookbags passing out "party passes" to get you into the clubs.  Don't talk to them.  It costs you NOTHING to get into these celebrity ridden clubs.  They'll make you think it does. 
2. Figure out what nightclub you'd like to party in and go the hotel where that club resides.  There you'll find a nice lady or gent sitting in front of the club and all you have to do is write your name on the guest list.
3. Now this guest list does not mean you'll be poppin' bottles all night, but it will get you entry and you won't have to wait in those ridiculously long lines.
4. If you want a VIP table and bottle service you'll have to fork over around $400 or you can do like we did and make friends with fellas at a VIP table and mooch off their booze.

By finding out this out early we were able to go to Kellan Lutz's (of Twilight fame) birthday party at Prive' in Planet Hollywood and the next time were able to enter the Pussycat Dolls Lounge and PURE in Caesar's Palace with no problem.

Sadly, we didn't see Kellan Lutz, but we did see Lance Bass in Prive' chatting it up with two female little people at his own VIP table.

I hope this helps you non Vegas experts on your next excursion to Vegas.

Hi and Bye! Vegas, I hope you are ready for a bargain blonde.

I'm signing off for the week because at this time tomorrow I'll be in the clouds making my way to Las Vegas.

My childhood bestie Kristina if getting wifed up to this young lad, Joshua:

Aren't they presh?  They met in law school and are now both attorneys in Las Vegas. Yes, I'm bragging.

I've got some partying to do in Sin City, so I've left you in the care of these two ladies while I'm gone:

You may know Beth from Shenanigans of a Southern Redhead (formerly SweetBef's Blog) and Stephanie from BEAUtiful Mess.  If you don't know them, then you will soon get to know these lovies of mine and you'll like it.

I can't promise I'll behave myself and I can't guarantee I won't come home in a wheel chair, but I'm going to try my hardest not to end up in any emergency care centers.  Until we meet again, don't do anything I wouldn't do.   That's not saying much.  XO

"How the Glitz Stole Christmas" Blog Swap Link-Up!

Dun, dun, dun ... the day has finally arrived.  It's time for us to show off what we got for Raven and I's "How the Glitz Stole Christmas" bloggy swap!

I hate to brag (no I don't), but I had a pretty amazing swap partner.  Meet Ashley and her precious 7-year-old daughter Madilynn from The Simple Things ...

So, so cute!  What else is cute are all the goodies she sent me for the swap, which arrived in this perfect gold box.

Wanna see what was in the cute gold box?  Check, check, check it out ....

This travel-sized OPI Nail Treatment kit with 3 mini OPI nail treatments, nail wipes and polish nail remover:

Along with Wocka Wocka from OPI's Muppet collection:

It's a really pretty subtle shimmery red and perfect for winter!!

What's that under my hand in the picture above? Oh, that's the Simply Vera by Vera Wang white and gold studded clutch I got as well. It's gorge and I will for sure be using this the next time I go out.

Last, but not least, she also sent me these trendy tribal fashion "boo-boo" bandages and polka dot nail files:

Girlfrand hooked me up!!  Thank you SO MUCH Ashley! I love it all and couldn't have asked for a better partner.  If you want to see what I got Ashley, click here.

Now it's your turn: Show us what YOU got by linking up below!  I canNOT wait to see all of your gifts.



See you ladies back here tomorrow as I kick-off the 12 Days of Giveaways!  You're not going to want to miss this.

I've been making some guest appearances lately, so here's where you can find me around the web:

Today I'm over at Jac and Leah's blog "Sweet and Sour Showers" dishing on the Cupcakes and Cocktails shower I threw recently. 

And on Friday I was over at Lindsey's blog "Keep it Classy, Alabama" blogging out my Dos and Donts for a trip to The Big Easy!

Be sure and check both blogs out!

Sweet and Sour Showers' bargain shower hosting tips!

Good day bargainistas!  Today I am sashaying around Dallas helping Courtney with her make-up and dress for her bridal portraits.  I can't believe her wedding is 2 months away, eeeep!  Since I knew I'd be detained, I lined up a very special treat for you: a guest post from my talented fellow Texas ladies at Sweet & Sour Showers.  They wrote an awesome post about bargain shower hosting tips, so I'm just going to let them take it away ...

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Hey everyone!  We are Jac and Leah from Sweet & Sour Showers, and we are thrilled to be guest posting on the Bargain Blonde today!

We live in Austin, but we sort of feel like we know Lindsey in real life because two of her besties are our friends from college - shout out to Liz and Stefanie!  

So about us - we have been friends since high school (although you won't see any 9th grade pics any time soon) and recently took the plunge into the blog world.  Since we're at the age where tons of our friends are getting married and having babies, we have had LOTS of practice planning showers.  What we noticed through all this practice, though, is that while there are tons of wedding and totally over-the-top party-planning sites, there isn't a good resource to help girls our age throw a really special shower for our BFFs.

You know what else we noticed?  Sometimes planning showers sucks - especially the part about how being a bridesmaid can run you into debt.  So, we thought it would be kind of fun to blog about that, too. 

To help cope with the rising cost of life as a bridesmaid, here are our favorite money saving tips:

Don't be a shower martyr.  We can totally relate to all the control freaks out there, but taking on the entire shower by yourself can be time-consuming and expensive.  You should check with other bridesmaids or even family members to see if they’d be interested in sharing hostess duties.  

Lose the boys.   Couples showers are becoming the new norm, but you know what’s the quickest way to double your guest list?  INVITING THE MEN.  Encourage your bride to keep the party intimate (a nicer way of saying "cheap").

Hold the shower at home.  Paying for everyone’s food and drinks at a restaurant can add up fast.  Even if you REALLY don’t like to cook, catering food at home will surely save some cash.   

Engagement Brunch

Time it right.  Don’t throw your party at 6pm when people are expecting a full meal.  Try scheduling your shower for mid-afternoon (around 2pm), or after dinner (around 8pm).  This allows you to just provide snacks, appetizers, or maybe even try your hand at a desserts-only shower – we can certainly help you there!

Monogram Themed Shower

DIY décor.  We love to craft and try our hand at homemade party decor, especially on the cheap.  One of our favorites has been these paper rosettes - check out our tutorial here. Don't try to stock an open bar.  Drinks are one of our favorite parts of any shower, but as soon as you enter mixed-drink territory, the bills can add up.  Sticking to beer and wine is perfectly acceptable, and you can also find some fun recipes online that involve doctoring up these staples.   Our go-to drink has always been summer beer, a fun out-of-the-norm drink with simple ingredients and HIGH potency.  Check out the recipe here. 

Paper Rosettes

Create a shrine to the guest of honor.  This one is so simple we literally do it EVERY time.  Replace the photos in your home with pics of the guest(s) of honor.  Print out some of the couple’s engagement photos or silly pictures, and use the frames you already have at home. 

Tapas and Sangria Shower

Don't underestimate the power of a little competition.  We are big fans of shower games because they are basically free entertainment.  With a little planning and some cheap household items you may already have, you can easily try your hand at some of our favorite shower games and bachelorette party games.

Minute to Win It Couples Shower

To see more pics and read about our parties, visit our shower themes page.  

Did we mention we also love to bake?   We thought that blogging about all our showers would be a great way to feature our baked treats, many of which we have customized specifically for wedding-related events.  

Here is a look at some of our favorites:

You can check out more of our baked treats here, and feel free to contact us for a quote if you are in the Austin area.

So there you have it!  Thanks again to Lindsey for letting us guest post.  (Our husbands may or may not think you are the "biggest blogger in the world" - true story.)  

To all of Lindsey's loyal followers - we hope you'll come check out our blog, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.  Be sure to say hi! (This is Lindsey: y'all better get on it!)


Happy Planning (on a budget),

Sweet and Sour Showers

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!

[via]

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.

[via]

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?

Guest Blogging @ Stephanie and Such!

Guess who is guest blogging today?  Me!  If you love me, you'll hop on over to the GORGEOUS Stephanie and Such to read my Wardrobe Wednesday post. 

I'm over there dishing about what I'm wearing today (bargain outfit, of course), my favorite trends, summer plans (or lack there of) and a little tid bit about myself you probably didn't know (or care to know).

What are you waiting for???  Meet you over there.

♥
Linds

Guest blogging over at "a little bit of this & that"!

I have to send you ladies over to read my guest post on my sweet bloggy friend Michelle's blog, a little bit of this & that.  When she contacted me about a new series she was starting called Not Another Bad Date, I was pumped. 

Every girl has had a dating horror story or two, which is precisely why I make it a habit to rarely date.  I much prefer my couch, a bottle of wine and my DVR over small talk at dinner with a freak.  Especially when that freak picks you up in an outfit not even Goodwill would take. 

I'm totally exagerrating, but it was NOT pretty ladies.  You can imagine how hard it was to conceal my look of disgust when I opened the door only to lay eyes on an oufit almost identifcal to that one below.  No, it wasn't 1992.  It was 2006.  I know.  But that's all I'm saying because you need to head over to Michelle's blog for the the full recap of my romantical evening with "Tapered".  Go check it out if you know what's good for you.

Megan shares how to keep your dollars out of the retailers' pockets!

Hi everyone! This is Megan from A Suitcase and Stilettos guest-blogging for Lindsey today while I’m jealous she is in Phoenix basking in the hot desert sun and enjoying wedding shenanigans. Sorry Ohio, but you just don’t measure up. I’m super excited to post for The Bargain Blonde because Lindsey keeps me well entertained every time I read her blog, without fail. I am just hoping I can keep y’all half as entertained today!

When I asked her what I should write about…she suggested bargaining. AGHHH! Me blogging about bargaining is about the equivalent of the Detroit Lions talking about their Super Bowl Rings. It just doesn’t work. Or does it? Perhaps I don’t consider myself a “bargainer” in the world of fashion, but there are some things I just won’t spend a pretty penny on.

With summer approaching, I thought I would share some of my top tips for keeping your cash OUT of the hands of the retail stores (and perhaps INTO the hands of that sexy pool bartender who makes the most fabulous Mai Tai).

Tip 1: Buy your swimsuit in the fall
If you are not one who has hundreds of dollars to spend on the latest swimsuits from season to season, don’t worry. No one really cares where your swimsuit is from and what season it is from…as long as you rock it.

I am quite sure I have NEVER purchased a swimsuit in the spring for the summer. Instead, I purchase them in the fall. They will be over 75% off. I grew up near the ocean, so it was more necessary for me to own an array of different suits so I didn’t have to wash them as often, than it was for me to own a few really nice, luxurious looking ones.

Tip 2: Make t-shirts your wardrobe staple
T-shirts virtually go with ANYTHING. I wear them with skirts, business suits (ohhh yea, that’s right…I can totally rock a B.Spears t-shirt under a suit jacket and dress pants better than anyone I know), jeans, shorts…and even to bed. You don’t need to own a ton of them either…but perhaps just a mere few. What you do with the t-shirt is what really matters anyways.

Tip 3: Cancel that gym membership…just for the summer.
Now I know some of y'all get into extensive contracts with your gym memberships, and you’re so unwilling to break your normal gym routine. But for those that do the month-to-month thing (which is becoming increasingly popular), and those that just enjoy being physical, and not so much the monotony of the treadmill, this is probably a better option for you.

Trade in your gym dates for other activities. Early morning walks (especially with your pup if you have one), swimming, bike riding, and hiking are amazing ways to stay fit and enjoy the outdoors…for free. Growing up in southeast Virginia made it difficult to do activity during daylight hours because of the extreme heat, but nothing was better than an early morning workout or workout once the sun goes down.

Tip 4: Eat fruits and vegetables that are in season
This can be very dependent on where you live. However, buying the fruits and vegetables that are in season at the time tend to be cheaper than buying foods that are not in season. For example, in the summer, the following fruits and vegetables are in season:

Peaches

Corn

Cherries

Plums

Broccoli

Tomatoes

Watermelon

For a full list, click here.

Tip 5: Go natural
This can often not be something someone likes to hear, especially if you love makeup, like me. But, there is really no reason to wear foundations and heavy makeup in the summer. The foundation I wear is over $40 (sorry bargain babes…I know you probably just gasped!), and taking a few months off from it can help me out tremendously in the summer months.

Also, try taking it natural on your hair. It’s a common trend that girls like to go blonder in the summer months. But, it can 1) tear apart your hair…especially if you let your hair be in the sun often (or in chlorine) and 2) tear apart your wallet…BEING BLONDE IS EXPENSIVE (unless you have your desirable hair color AS your natural color…which in that case, I probably hate you!)

If you tan easily, being a more natural color actually is often times much prettier than really dark skin and super light hair. I have had horrid experiences where I look at photos of myself in the summers and I feel like a bimbo, all because my hair was way too light. The sun naturally will lighten your hair. And if you’re unsatisfied with the results the sun gives, try using a lightening, or purple shampoo. This will enhance streaks and help your hair maintain a lighter shade.

I hope you found some of these tips helpful when it comes to salvaging some of your paychecks during those hot, summer months.

Do you have any tips that you use to help yourself save a few pennies? If so, PLEASE SHARE!

[Photos courtesy of 1, 2, 3, 4]

Raven reveals her bargain shimmer and shine finds for summer!

 Well hello all you gorgeous girls! This is Raven from A Momma's Desires and Pacifiers, and I was totally stoked when Lindsey asked me to guest post. See, we are totally BFF's. We talk every day (via blackberry messenger) and even though I have "known" her for a few short months, she already knows my most horrendous, most mortifying experience EVER. (You better NEVER tell Miss Lulu!) So I couldn't be more thrilled to be here and since the gorgeous Lindsey is all about getting the goods on a bargain, I thought I would share with you all my thrifty finds. And since summer is on it's way, I thought I would keep this post all about things that shimmer and shine.

{1} I love my skin to look soft and dewey, don't you? I found this awesome find one day while browsing through Victorias Secret. And get this -- it promises to make you look five times sexier. Not one, not two, but FIVE times sexier! Um, heck yes! And for just 10 bucks? Score!

Now just so you know, I would never recommend a product I haven't personally tried. I take my beauty finds/clothing style pretty serious. But this here product? Amazing. Makes my skin look divine. And if you have a base tan? (which I don't) Looks ever better. 

Here, I'll prove it to you.

See? Totally subtle, but makes a huge difference. Amazing. Go get some.

{2} A sexy, sparkly tank top. I have been on the look-out for one of these because of something huge that could possibly happen in my future where I need to look faboosh (keeping quiet for now) and one that totally caught my eye was (#1) this one. I loved it, but HELLO! Almost $900 for a tank top? Egads!

SO not gonna happen. Then I found (#2) this one at where else, but V.S. And truthfully? I like it better. Much more understated but still sexy and eye-catching. And for approx. $840 less? Holla!


(and no, that is not me modeling on the right but thanks for asking)
{3} Sexy, shimmery eye makeup. What girl doesn't want that? I do, and I'm sure the bargain blonde herself wants to play up her beautiful blue eyes. I have tried a million different products, from cheap to super expensive, and I have to say that my favorite bargain find in my 30 years (say what?) is once again, Victorias Secret eye shimmer. I love it. It's amazing. But a few others that I also love? This and this. V.S. eye shimmer is the cheapest, but everyone loves their Mac cosmetics, no?



{4} And finally, I love me some summertime flip flops. They are all I wear during the warm months. Add on some bling? Love. We all know Havaianas are awesome, but gosh darn they can be pricey! And their new limited edition of "blingy" flip-flops? Out of this world! We are talking $198 green dolla bills, for a FLIP-FLOP! Here, take a look...



Can I get a HELLZ to the NO? Thank you! Just bizarre!

My bargain solution? DIY! I personally love the flip-flops from Old Navy. They have every single color in the world and they are super cheap, we're talking two pairs for $2.50. And? They last me all summer long.



Just buy a few and then go to your local craft store and pick up some super cheap rhinestones, get some super glue and make your own blingy flips!



I personally haven't done this yet but I plan to! And let me know if it works out for you!

So that's my take on steals and deals. Hope you enjoyed having me!