To: Lindsey ... Love, Santa

This is not a "omg come fawn over what I got for Christmas because I am so awesome and privileged post" (valley girl voice).  Trust. I am not that girl and y'all should know this by now.  I use $5 shampoo and drink gas station wine like it's going out of style. I want to know what YOU got for Christmas, so I figured your pretty little faces might want to see what old St. Nick left for me under the tree.

All right, now that we got that settled, shall we take a look at my goods?

First up is the now infamous cat hat, which was quite a hit in yesterday's post.  If you'd like to embrace your inner feline, you can get your own at your local Target.  Target has it all, but we already knew this.

And to those of you saying I look like a Victoria's Secret model in the first pic: bless you.  You are blind ... i mean kind.

You might be a wine-o if ...

You get three bottles of wine, wine stoppers, a high heeled wine holder, a wine opener, magnetic wine charms, wine tissues, wine napkins and four more of your favorite wine glasses from your family for Christmas. *hangs head in shame*

I don't think I can continue on with this post any longer without showing you my new beloved.  The Michael Kors Gansevoort Large Tote in Teak. It was love at first sight and I've been coddling her like a baby ever since.

My mom and I found this Jewelry Armoire from the Cottage Collection at Target for half off, which matches my new room perfectly . Obvs i had to have.  While we're on the subject, I hope to do a tour of my room soon.  It's almost complete!

Looks like so when opened:

My grandma got me a few new gadgets for the kitchen.  A legit Paula Deen colander because my previous ones from my college days were tiny, plastic and deformed.  Look ma, I'm all grown-up with a big girl colander.

A mashed potato masher because I didn't own one and "every body knows" (Phaedra Parks) a good Southern girl needs to know about to properly mash a tater:

And because I'm obsessed with Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton and they got married on Don Strange Ranch like I want to some day, my Grandma got me this book filled with Don Strange's famous recipes as well as  personal anecdotes by the blog's author and his wife of 48 years.  

I've only had a chance to skim, but I already love it and want to try out so many of his recipes like yesterday.

Speaking of Miranda and Blake,  I also got her latest CD, Four the Record.  I cannot stop listening.  Every girl needs this CD because her songwriting is just beyond.  "The Same Old You" goes out to Lucifer, the ex.

I'm now the owner of this 10-piece baking set perfect for cooking and storing in the same dish. Loves.

Now for the beauty items.  Another new prized possession: a CHI BLOW DRYER!!  This Chi dryer dries my hair so much faster and makes it so much smoother than my old Revlon blow dryer. You don't even know.

When you have ridiculously thick and Amish length hair like me, you need this in your life.

I also got a baby curling iron to match my regular one:

My cousin got me this Fekkai Glossing Starter Kit, which I used for the first time yesterday.  I can't remember the last time my hair felt this soft, so needless to say, I'm now a believer in hair glossing.

I got a much needed refill on my face lotion, the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturing Gel.  The best for oily skin IMHO.  I don't know how I ever went without this every day.

I didn't take pictures of all of my stuff, but I also got a new set of chocolate brown sheets for my bed, all the clothes I asked for on my wish list, jewelry, VS lip gloss and pj bottoms, Starbucks gift cards, e.l.f. make-up, Clinique make-up, scarves and gloves, etc.

I am blessed beyond belief and my family did way too much.  Santa must have put me on top of his nice list this year, but really ... do you blame the guy?  KIDDING.

5 Christmas gift ideas via my 2010 loot

I know we’re getting close, but is your wishlist full and/or shopping complete?  Need last minute gift ideas?  It's the Bargain Blonde to the rescue!  These are my absolute favorite gifts I got last year that I cannot live without, so it is obviously my duty to share with all of you.  Gosh, I'm such a giver.

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Dear Santa (2011 edition) ...

Ho, ho, ho! Today's post is short and sweet because my fam bam was asking for my Christmas list this weekend and I told them to make things easier, I'd just blog it.  There's not much to say other than I WANT IT ALL!  I keed, I keed.

I've mentioned before I have a very small family.  Three grand kids total to be exact, so we've always done Christmas up big.  Less people equals less you have to divvy up.  I know this isn't the reason for the season, but it's fun to give and receive.  Don't you agree?

So far this is what I would like Chris Kringle to drop under the tree for me. *wink, wink* What are you asking for this year?

 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14

MVB and a poll

I found out Friday night that I'm a finalist for CBS Dallas Most Valuable Blogger in the Lifestyle category!!!!!! 

You may have noticed the new button on the right sidebar. You can click that to vote as well ------>

I most def did a HAPPY DANCE when I found out:

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I am apologizing now because I will be that annoying girl reminding you to vote.  I truly appreciate those of you that nominated me and I'm completely flattered I was selected as a finalist. Such an honor!

You can vote for me once a day until September 9 and I would LOVE if you bargainistas would support me!  You can vote through your different devices (smart phone, work computer, personal computer, ipad, etc.)  so that you can vote multiple times in one day. 

No sign-up or registration required to vote,

1. Click the button below, which will take you to the Most Valuable Blogger voting site. 

2. Once on that site, click the red vote button next to The Bargain Blonde and you're done! Literally takes a second.

CLICK ABOVE



Also, I've added a poll to the bottom of the left sidebar so that you lovies can let me know what blogging topics you'd like to see more of on this blog. Pretty please submit your opinion!

Thanks for all of your support in advance. I truly feel I have the best readers ever! Y'all are my faves. XOXOXO

p.s. I'm guest blogging over at Life is a Sunset giving my Top 5 Blogging Tips!

If you would like to read my guest post, then click that sexy picture of her to the left to get taken to her blog.

Forget Bachelor Pad, let's talk my new pad

Come October 1, this lovey will be all mine and I'm so excited. Just in time for the holidays!

Buh bye 8 years of apartment livin', hello the TOWN HOME life!  I didn't buy this place, which works out better for me actually.  If you can imagine, I'm not much of a "handy woman" and I certainly don't take kindly to mowing lawns or landscaping.  Do you blame me?  I prefer spending my time giving myself mud masks and blowing my life savings at the dollar store.

Luckily the HOA takes care of all that anyway and if anything like the garbage disposal goes out, I just call my sweet land lady Poppy and she will send someone right away.

Since I officially put my deposit down last week, I cannot stop perusing Pinterest for decor ideas for the new place.  I'm actually moving in with my brother (say a prayer for me please), which means I will have to consult with him in regard to decor in the common areas. Well, we'll see about that.

However, I'm already planning a room make-over, especially because I'll have a bigger room now.  Here is a picture of the model of what will be the Bargain Blonde's new lair. I kinda die.

See where that fake tree, dresser and chair is? I want to make that a vanity area.  I get giddy just thinking about it.  How gorgeous would something like one of these set-ups be?  Imagine all the magical e.l.f. application that could go on there ...

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Now I need your opinion. What would you do with that extra space in your room?

And more importantly, where does a girl find affordable furniture other than Ikea?  I love Ikea, but the dressers I got from there are falling apart after 2 moves under their belt.

Just a little sneak peak into the new pad. You better believe there are going to be more townhome decor posts where this came from. I can't wait to show y'all the entire place.  Momma's moving!

Confession Session: Yes biz, you're crazy!

TGIF Bs.  I have a semi-fuzzy head from one too many of my Crystal Light Skinny Girl Margaritas last night.  And by the way, I finally perfected the recipe.  Try it out this weekend, it'll be yum in your tum. Promise.

• 3 shots Crystal Light Margarita
• 1 shot clear tequila
• generous splash of cointreau
• squeeze of fresh lemon or lime

All right, now on to more important things.  Like a confession session. Before I confess though, let's discuss.  HOW EFFING CRAZY this woman is.  SHE EATS HER DEAD HUSBAND'S ASHES.  I can't.

I confess that I've seen a lot of crazy things in my day, but this one takes the cake. Yes honey, you're crazy and you need be to committed to a mental institution immediately. I only have one question for her, what are you going to do when those ashes are gone?  Oh and how many Weight Watchers Points do you those ashes are?  Too much? K, moving on before I vom ...

I confess that I'm ridiculously obsessed & fascinated with gypsies and my life mission is to meet a real life one to interview.  Thank you TLC's My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding for introducing me to the elegant Irish Travellers.   Coincidence or fate that the 2nd largest U.S. gypsy community is right outside Dallas?  Obviously fate.

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I confess that I have a HUGE pile of clean clothes wadded up on my bedroom floor.  This is not the first time this has happened.  Paging Niecy Nash. 

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I confess that I know what Hell must feel like.  I'm pretty sure I get third degree burns on my hands every single time I open my car door or touch my steering wheel after it's been sitting in my work parking lot all day.  We get it sun, you're trying to kill Texans.  Today is Dallas' 35th day in a row over 100 degrees.  Yep, it's a scorcher.  I feel ya pup:

 
I confess that I want more questions for Beth and I's joint vlog.  It's my birthday wish! Come on y'all ... make this bargain blonde's dreams come true.  Ask me anything you want by commenting HERE.

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That's it for now, over and out!   What do you confess?

p.s. Don't forget to enter my "giveaway for a good cause" before next Friday.

p.p.s. Oh and I got a facebook page.  Won't you "like" me?

My birthday wish!

Guess who turns 27 a week from tomorrow?  This girl.  And since my real wish would be to have Lauren Conrad's body, and there is no way anyone but a plastic surgeon could make this happen in a week:

I suppose I'll revise my wish to something more realistic.  You may or may not know, but a ginge by the name of Beth is coming to DALLAS next Friday to celebrate your favorite blonde's birthday. 

We had a stroke of genius and have hatched up a plan to film a joint Vlog to share with our fans.   A little project in the works we like to call "2 girls, 1 Vlog".  We expect this vlog to sweep the nation, so you're going to want to be a part of it.  Trust.  Would these 2 girls steer you wrong?

So you can make my birthday wish come true by leaving us questions that we will answer in a joint Vlog.  You can ask us whatever you want and we will answer anything.  Yes, booze will be involved, which should make this all the more interesting.  

Leave your questions for us in the comments or if you'd prefer, email me or Beth.  You can also go to her blog HERE to leave questions.  We can't wait to see what you ladies think up.  You better make these questions good!  Don't let us down now. 

Much Love,
Lindsey & Beth

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.]