The Sarcastic Blonde

fashion, food, fitness + a dose of sarcastic gossip

beauty, beauty products, favorite things, health, Lifestyle

:: Wellness Talk : My Favorite Supplements ::

For this week’s wellness post, I wanted to share some of the supplements that I take that I love.
as always, remember that I know absolutely nothing about absolutely nothing……
for example – right now I am thinking, wait…. do I say vitamin or supplement….
supplement would be the vitamins you aren’t getting naturally form food? right?
who cares….. so really……

but it’s what I take that I think makes me feel my best!

:: MAGNESIUM :: 
The main vitamin I wanted to talk about today is magnesium.  This is the one thing that has single handedly made a huge difference.  I take one pill in the AM and one at PM before bed.
I had read in Kristin Cavallari’s book, Balancing in Heels, that magnesium is a great supplement to add to your daily routine, but for some reason I waited to add this in until reading about it again a few months ago.
In the book she says magneisum “is fundamental to more than 300 chemical reactions that keep the body working properly, including the detoxification process, which helps eliminate damage from environmental chemicals, heavy metals, and other toxins.  I’ve noticed that when I take it before bedtime, I sleep like a baby.”

Also, my recent go-to for health and wellness tips is The Skinny Confidential and she is all about the magnesium too.  I never miss her podcasts when they’re related to anyone in the wellness world.

I’ll try anything – especially if it’s something as easy as a vitamin!

The main reason that I love it is that it gets things moving.  Without TMI, I have never been “regular” and within a week of taking magnesium I have now been regular every day for months and months.  I feel like a normal human being who has been missing out on something her whole life!  It’s truly been life changing.

also, now that I have added a lot more fiber into my diet, it’s even gone up another notch! 

People also swear by the effects of it for helping with sleep (and anxiety!) I am not an excellent sleeper, and I don’t know if this is what has helped (when I actually try to go to bed instead of fighting it and staying up reading or laptop’ing) but I can definitely see why people say that.
It also can help with muscle recovery, inflammation, migraines, PMS, and MORE.
I definitely have noticed that my muscles recover from workouts and I am far less sore than I feel like I usually am after intense workouts.

Magnesium alone was the main reason I wanted to do a post about “supplements” because to be honest everything else I had heard about forever, but I feel like I wish I had discovered magnesium YEARS ago.  I love, love, love it and always make sure it is with me when I am traveling too.

I get the Amazon’s Choice Nature’s Way, but I have read that there are tons of different kinds of magnesium soooo feel free to educate me if there are better options!

a few articles on Magnesium :
Foods with Magnesium + Benefits // Dr. Oz 6 Benefits // Livestrong Reasons for Taking Magnesium

:: FISH OIL :: 

It’s all about the healthy fats and the omega-3’s.
Ya know, or so doctors and science people say.

I just take a simple Nature’s Bounty one that again, always keeping it lazy when possible so I can spend more time in front of the television, is delivered by my beloved Amazon straight to my door.

:: PROBIOTIC ::

Discussions about Gut Health are all the rage, and I have been taking a probiotic for a few years.  If you all have recommendations on a great one, let me know, because I have just been taking this one that I found as top rated on Amazon.

:: MULTIVITAMIN :: 
I used to take Women’s One a Day Active Metabolism for years, but I tried to “clean” up my vitamin since apparently there are dyes and things in them (again….. I just clean it up where I can, and then the margarita mix and fried food is just that much better).  I had one but didn’t enjoy the taste, so recently I switched to chewable fruity gummy vitamins called Smarty Pants.

You can get them off Amazon and they taste delicious.  They have all clean ingredients and
are FREE OF : GMO, synthetic colors, artificial flavors and preservatives, yeast, wheat, milk, eggs, soy, gluten, and more.

They do have natural sugar, so I would like to find something else, but these don’t upset my stomach and taste like a little treat in the day! If you have recommendations for natural multivitamins let me know!

:: MILK THISTLE :: 
On the weekends when I have cocktails I started adding in a milk thistle.
This helps support healthy liver.
I’ll do anything to help avoiding hangovers!?

GUESS WHERE I ORDER MINE FROM?!
yepppp straight to my door from Amazon.
I should have made Amazon the drinking word of the day……..

OH! And if you still haven’t signed up for EBates – DO IT.
Amazon has up to 3% cash back right now.
Use this link for instant cash back on EBates. 
Seriously if your house is anything like ours, we use Amazon constantly and their prices are often better than in stores (I’ll check things when I’m in the grocery store on the app and then order it on there instead!)

OKAY! Now for YOUR favorites! Please share!
You all always know so much good stuff, like leading me to Native Deodorant,
So let me know what vitamins, supplements, or any foods in general you all love and are hooked on!

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fashion, favorite things, Lifestyle

:: 2017 Favorites ::

I wanted to share a few of my favorite things from 2017 today!
These are items I use or wear weekly if not daily and love to pieces,
so I know you will too!

Asymmetrical Snap Pullover – The pullover you have undoubtedly seen over the last few months is my favorite.  So much so that I keep adding colors as it comes back in stock! It is great for workouts and equally great with jeans and boots in these chillier months.  The asymmetrical neckline and snaps are my favorite.

Rag & Bone Jeans – my favorite designer jeans every year.  Worth the extra $$ and they last for years.

Workout Leggings – I love wearing these for workouts but also wear them with sweaters and tops with boots.  The high waist smooths and sucks you in!

Fitness tracker – I love wearing this bracelet daily, mostly because it just looks like a gold bangle!

Tory Burch Earrings – I wear these pretty much every Monday through Friday, and on weekends if I’m not getting dressy enough to change my earrings.

Mason Bag – Best travel bag, third year running.  I talk about it constantly so I’ll just leave it at that!

V-Neck Crepe Dress – I have this in several colors and wear it constantly.  One of my favorite dresses of the year!

Nars Bronzer – my favorite bronzer for the past decade.  I use Casino, which yes is very dark, but I apply lightly and it gives the perfect bronzed glow.  It was the only thing on my list for Secret Santa!

Away Suitcase – My husband got me my very own Away Suitcase for Christmas and I love it!! The built in charger was a godsend when we had to spend 6 hours in the Ft. Lauderdale airport when traveling from Grand Cayman to Chicago on Christmas. get a $20 credit with this link : http://fbuy.me/hu1UY 

Beachwaver – My favorite curling iron of all time.  I can curl my hair in less than 5 minutes and the clampless feature makes it a dream!

BB Dakota Jacket – I love this suede drape front jacket.  It’s the perfect layering piece!!

Steamer – I know, I mention this a lot, but we use it daily and love it. It’s as great for getting out smells as it is for refreshing your clothes before a night out and it’s perfect for travel (local and international)

Nutribullet Pro – I use this every morning to make my smoothies and I am able to tuck it away in the cabinet.  I like that it doesn’t take up much space at all and still makes a great single portion smoothie. This is THE BEST gift to give yourself if you are wanting to start on a health journey for 2018.

Kendra Scott Necklace – Other than my daily monogrammed necklace, I wear this white necklace more than any other. The white works in summer and winter and goes with everything.

Body Love Book – I’m going to share health favorites for the year in another post, but I really loved this book and it introduced me to my favorite Breakfast Smoothie and got me to cut down on fruit.

R and F Lash Boost – My favorite beauty product of 2017 by far.  And by far, I mean times a million.  If you haven’t tried it, what are you waiting for!? My lashes look the best they have EVER looked, with no irritation at all like Latisse gave me when I used it pre-wedding. It’s taken me from little nub lashes to long and gorgeous with compliments that come constantly! You can get your hands on a tube here.

Ruched Tank Dress – Another favorite purchase from 2017!  Also available in Long Sleeve. 

Monogrammed Yeti – I can’t surivive without my Yeti, especially to make sure I get my dose of water

Popsocket – This is silly, but ever since I got the iPhonePlus hand me down from my husband, I need this little button/knob to hold the giant thing with one hand.  (oh, and having the giant phone is the other thing I love from 2017! I don’t think I can ever go back to the regular sized iPhone again!) You can even get cute decals and monograms for it too.

EBates – I don’t know why I waited so long to sign up for this!? EBates are the best way to shop and get money back instantly.  It has alittle button, just like pinterest, right in the corner of your broswer and gives you cash back along with sharing any coupon codes that you can use before you click “purchase”.  Use this code for $15 instantly.  You will kick yourself for not signing up sooner.

 

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Domestic, fashion, favorite things, friday randoms, Oufits, Travel

:: Favorite Dress + OC Recap + New Podcast + Link Love ::

Cheers to the weekend!

I wanted to share one of my outfits from our vacation before I recapped the rest of our weekend!
I ended up wearing this dress two times while we were gone, and now I know that I need to get it in more colors and also get the long sleeved version!
When I find something I love, I always get multiple colors.
Well… when I find something I love that is around $50, I always get multiple colors 🙂
I wore it one night with heeled booties out to dinner, and it works just as well with sandals for daytime! 

// RUCHED TANK DRESS //   // necklace, J.Crew, SIMILAR HERE for only $24// 
dress comes in 10 colors and is *fully stocked!!*  runs TTS or can size down
This dress also comes in a LONG SLEEVED VERSION 

Yesterday I recapped our time in Napa and San Francisco.  Before today’s link love I wanted to quickly share some pictures of what we did in Southern California.

As I mentioned yesterday, my thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected by the wildfires in California.  It’s devastating to think about the places we just drove through that were so beautiful being completely gone. 

:: San Fran —> Newport Beach ::

Kip’s office is right on Fashion Island, so we stayed at the Marriott there for Sunday and Monday before flying home bright and early on Tuesday morning.

He has been there a lot for work, so we headed where he hadn’t been before.  We took a short 5 minute uber from the hotel over to Balboa Island to walk around and have lunch.

Just a heads up: There is Balboa Island and Balboa Peninsula; you do not want the Peninsula side with the pier.  It has like a ‘Fun Zone” with carnival games and that side is very touristy and …. quite frankly… gross? Sorry. But not sorry, because trust me you want Balboa Island.  You’ll want to be where the shops are and the cute houses all face the water and you can just walk around the whole thing.  We had lunch at a cute little sandwich shop and walked around for a few hours.
The houses could not be more adorable.

One of the things I loved most when we were walking around was seeing all of the plants and flowers. (Seriously, am I 50? Who am I?)  But really…. they were gorgeous. There were all of these plants and flowers I have never even seen before.  I would have more photos of the plants I have never seen before, but my husband was moritified at how many pictures I was taking of the houses so I gave him a break and layed off for a bit.

But these flowers for example, this is a Hashtag No Filter photo.
There were colors I have never seen before everywhere!

One of the great things about the hotel we stayed at is that you have full access to all of the spa amenities for free! So we each went to the men’s and women’s locker room to do some steam and sauna for a little bit while we were there.  I had never even been to a spa until earlier this year, so I was so excited to be able to just pop in and out while we were there.

At night we went to dinner at Kip’s favorite spot The Cannery.

(Javier’s is another popular choice, but he’s there a ton and I have eaten at the Javier’s several times in Las Vegas, so I wanted to try his favorite spot!  People recommend Mastro’s too, even just for a drink and people watching.)

Monday Kip had a full day of work and meetings and a work dinner, so I was on my own for most of the day.  Luckily, Nordstrom + all of Fashion Island faced the hotel! And let me tell you, this was probably the best Nordstrom I have ever been in! Fashion Island was so pretty – a giant outdoor shopping mall with all the shops you could ever want, plus tons of restaurants, outdoor sofa’s and chairs everywhere as you go from shop to shop.  It was just so nice seeing all of the greenery and plants everywhere.

I had lunch at Lemonade, which offers quick + healthy options and you can build your own lunch plate.

That night I went to Red O next to Fig & Olive for their happy hour and had some wine and an early dinner while I read my book on the patio.  Their happy hour can’t be beaten – such good prices!

I was going to go to Corono del Mar for dinner solo, but since we had such an early flight I thought I would take it easy.  I  watched Dancing with The Stars (and cried listening to all of the “most memorable years”) in the hotel room until Kip got back and we crashed before our 5 AM wake up call to head back home.

It was such a fun couple of days exploring California!

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I have a new obsession for the week.
I opened my Juicy Scoop podcast to listen to on the way to work Wednesday and realized that the guest has a mini-series podcast of his own called Dirty John. So I immediately stopped listening to Juicy Scoop and went over to download Dirty John.  I am three episodes in and love it.

It focuses on a divorcee who meets a man that sweeps her off of her feet through a dating app, but things turn out be not at all how they seem.
Highly recommend it as your next go-to mini podcast (6 episodes)!

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All of the pieces (that better not sell out the second they hit the internet!) for Chip + Joanna’s Target line have now been revealed! A few of my favorites below.  My favorites are the galvanized chargers and we need some lanterns to decorate the patio.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Friday Finds :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Obsessed with this leather wrap skirt.  My mind is blown that it’s under $100. 

A layered sweater dress with some spice with a lace hem skirt.

I’ve eyed this dress for so long, and it’s now 60% off!

These suede tan booties are fully stocked in all sizes and would be the perfect go-to shoe, especially with the stacked heel.

I love this sweater blazer  in every color; perfect way to look polished but stay comfortable.

The J.Crew classic coat that everyone loves, for under $100.

striped turtleneck perfect layering piece for fall

Denim jacket are always the perfect go-to.
A few affordable options :
ONE // TWO // THREE // FOUR // FIVE

The only bodysuit you need for fall + winter : Velour. 

Great booties in one of my favorite colors: wine. 

This  button back sweater dress  comes in so many colors and is such a great staple.

I got this ruffle neck pullover sweatshirt last fall and absolutely love it.

If money were no object, this strapless gown would be on my list for fall + winter wedding options.  The subtle skirt detailing is gorgeous.

Super flattering (and REVERSIBLE!) one piece swimsuit.

Suede tassel loafers, in 3 colors, for under $100 are the perfect shoe for fall.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Link Love :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

16 pumpkin decorating ideas that (hallelujah) don’t involve carving a pumpkin.

My friends have all sent address requests through Postable the last few years and I don’t know why I haven’t used it yet? I got an annual email today from a friend’s account just checking that info is the same, and my Chicago address was still listed, and it reminded me for the 10th time that I need to do this! Easiest way to get all of your friends and family addresses before the holidays!

Longterm celeb couples give their marriage advice.

Joanna Gaines reveals her favorite design element in her kitchen (and I knew before I even clicked the link it would the piece I always freak out about every single time I see her kitchen! I’m uhb-sessed…. although the image doesn’t show why I am in love it with – the quatrefoil detail seen here.)

Take a peek inside Sting’s $50 million NYC pad. 

 

Have a great weekend everyone!

 

 

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fashion, favorite things

:: Favorites Lately : Sweatshirt Dress, Jean Jacket, Statement Earrings and more ::

I stalked this dress for a long time to to wait for it to come back in stock in my size, and now they are doing re-stocks all over again.  This t-shirt/sweatshirt dress is so freaking comfy and perfect to throw on and go.  I wore it two days in a row in Chicago (different people…. and no proof…. so don’t judge…..).  I love the pockets and the ruffle sleeve add an adorable little touch.

dress runs true to size 
// SWEATSHIRT DRESS // SANDALS // EARRINGS //

The dress also comes in an olive green and a blush color.

A similar dress that I love – same style but in striped!

// STRIPED RUFFLE SLEEVE DRESS // 

Another item that I wore all weekend in Chicago, and wear constantly, is my Distressed Denim Jacket.

I have two jean jackets – one in a darker wash and more slim cut that is “dressier”,
and this one in a lighter distressed wash that’s more casual.
This jacket always sells out.  I got this last year and just saw that it is re-stocked in all sizes!

jacket runs slightly large, which I like for the casual fit; size down if you want it more snug.
//  JEAN JACKET // SWEATSHIRT DRESS //  SANDALS // EARRINGS // booties, old Vince Camuto

I got a lot of questions about the earrings I added to my instagram story.

//SILVER DROP EARRINGS  // RED BEADED EARRINGS //

I shared the silver drop earrings in Monday’s Post with my wedding weekend look, but here are the red pair.
I absolutely love them – they completely make any outfit and I know I’ll be wearing them constantly.  I got so many compliments on them the night I wore them out.

The great news and awful news is that they come in 7 colors and don’t break the bank….
so now I want one of every color……

// BEADED STATEMENT EARRINGS // 

One other favorite that I don’t yet have my hands on…..

I have loved step-hem jeans ever since my friend wore a pair on our trip to Scottsdale back in February.  Her pair was out of the budget though – so I was so excited when I came across both of these pairs for under $35!

// MID RISE LIGHT WASH // MID RISE BRIGHT WORN WASH // 

OH! and one more…. I am so done with my broken suitcase.
Anyone tried this suitcase before? It combines the look of another one I love (delsey) with a killer monogram.

// MONOGRAMMED CARRY ON LUGGAGE // 

I need to just bite the bullet already on a suitcase,
but I want one that will actually last longer than out last set did!

and let’s face it…. a monogram wouldn’t hurt either. 

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favorite things, friday randoms

:: FRIDAY RANDOMS AND LINK LOVE ::


Tee. Gee. Eye. Effffffff.  I never thought this Friday would come.
I am so ready for a holiday weekend! (even though I don’t have Monday off, so it’s not technically a holiday weekend for me, but Tuesday is off!)  I am the type that lays awake at night making lists in my head (and on paper) and thinking about what needs to get done – including the fun to-do’s so it’s not necessarily all stressful – but with so much going on it’s been some late nights this week.
Plus, Kip was out of town so I was able to stay up late! As I have said before, I am not an adult (or as Hashtag Carpenter Craig would say, I am a child) so without someone telling me to GO TO SLEEP I do not GO TO SLEEP.

So, naturally, I stayed up until at least 1 AM every night. Because I could.
editors note : let me just say, the anxiety of still not seeing this week’s RHONY – and not commenting on it the next morning during Coffee Talk every week – is one of the things on my mind tonight.    

Sorry.  Not sorry I’m not sorry.  Actually sorry.
But I digress…… 
Some great Amazon orders and brilliant travel thoughts came to mind in this time.
I apologize in advance for a lot of Trip Talk + Trip Planning’ this week….
it’s kind of the focus on my mind right now!
Allow me to share my amazing 1 AM purchases, won’t you?
I realized I used my girlfriend in Chicago’s European straightener for our last trip that she had from studying abroad (that we called sisterhood of the traveling straightener because we all would borrow it for trips overseas), so I needed to find something with a European plug. I refuse to fry my beloved curling iron over there, and I found this dual straightener/curler for only $29. I did a quick test on a few spots tonight and it seems decent.  I’m going to try a full head tomorrow.

Also, it’s humorous I act like this is going to make any difference.
My hair will likely be a giant poof of humidity and sweat and thrown into a ponytail everyday.

One of my best friends is obsessed with eye masks.  I don’t think I have ever seen her sleep without it in all the years I have known her.  Truly.  When she was visiting recently she was adamant about me getting the eye mask she uses for our trip.

$9.99 AND a free set of earplugs? Plus free same day delivery? I mean….. SOLD.  So, 2 of those it was!

we’ll pretend that say two not four…… 

I had been perusing my favorite book source that I talk about, Grace from The Stripe, and she had mentioned the book How To Pack: Travel Smart for Any Trip. $8 and that cute of a cover!? SOLD!

I meannnn NERD ALERT. This has my name all over it! My packing lists are basically color coded,
this late night ordering was Tuesday night, so Wednesday night my late night was because I was geeking out reading this (totally work the $8 it’s great) and then going to her blog Hitha On The Go and falling into a deep dark hole…… 

And then not trip related was giant tubs of PB2 because at 1 AM who isn’t craving spoonfuls of peanut butter a-la-Chelsea-from-Southern Charm.  Seriously where is Craig to yell at me that I am a child when I need him!?

Kipper was gone last weekend in Denver, and then in California all week for work, so we got to veg and have dinner together last night on the couch with some wine which was nice!  We have my friends wedding on Saturday that I am looking forward to, and then basically just getting things ready for our trip before the mayhem of a final work week and the 4th! Our flight takes off Friday night so it’s getting real!

Kip just saw a commercial for the Away suitcases and was amazed (I think by the charging feature mostly).
I had wanted to get him a new suitcase for our anniversary gift but he kept shooting it down (this was after the Yeti I got him was returned so I was desperate for a new gift.  He has always wanted a Yeti and I found the perfect size – and on sale for 25% off! – and thought it would be perfect for golf, but turns out they aren’t allowed to bring coolers onto golf courses.  Huh.  Who knew!? My favorite part was him trying to love it because he said “It will be great for a boat! or the lake or something!” And I pointed out that there’s the small detail of not owning a boat. Or a lake house. I seriously never get him anything that’s a success except Lululemon Shorts and, like, that beer they only let you buy one six pack of at a time here (Tropicalia?)

ANYWAYS.  He travels so much I thought a new suitcase would be perfect and he said “no no I don’t need a new one”. Now he see’s the Away commercial with the built in charger and has been on their website for 30 minutes! I guess I should just be happy he’s a cheap date that just wants some athletic shorts for every occasion?

But I just went to the website again and they have Monogrammed Suitcases!! 
Be still my heart. How did I not see this one before?  Two tone monogram and everything!

I think I narrowed my book plans down for our trip.  I know it’s cheesy but I like to try to read something related in some way to the area that we will be in.  I have never read The Book Thief and thought that would be a good read for our time in Amsterdam.  I had ordered Beautiful Ruins for our last trip to Italy but never read it.  (I read Dan Brown’s Inferno instead in Italy and absolutely loved it!)
Have any of you read Beautiful Ruins and would you recommend it?!
And then I still have It’s Always the Husband for a good ‘ol thriller in the mix which I found on someone’s book recommendation list.

The Book Thief   //  Beautiful Ruins  //  It’s Always the Husband

One of the biggest questions I have been forgetting to ask all of you!
WHAT TV SHOWS SHOULD I DOWNLOAD?!
You know this is pretty much the most loaded and important question for the whole trip!

On the way there I need to sleep the whole flight (seriously how do I get my hands on an Ambien!? I am the worst sleeper and will be up the whole flight!)
But the flight back to the States I need to stay away the entire 10 hours.  Last time I downloaded the entire season of Dallas Cowobys Cheerleaders: Making the Team because I didn’t get CMT in Chicago.  Don’t judge – it was incredible.  I love that show and it was worth the wait to marathon the whole season. But it only lasted me probably 4 hours? So then I was stuck with the millions of pre-loaded Delta options, which were bountiful and I had a gay old time glued to the tube and reading a book.  But I’d like to start a new TV that I haven’t had the time for.

There’s so many things to consider : How many seasons have there been? Do I do an Old Show or a New Show? Is it currently on air or is the show completed already? What genre is best for binging on a 10 hour flight?  Or do I just do movies instead?
OORRRR is there a way for me to download all of the Bravo shows I will have missed over a span of two weeks? Because that would be the best flight of my life.  
Netflix will let you download certain shows and movies to your device, so ideally something on Netflix? Otherwise, something that I can purchase through iTunes is fine too.  I don’t think anything HBO or Showtime will work but if there’s a way for that to work, let me know and I can always purchase a season of something there too!
I am torn about wanting something funny or something heavy or what – so send any and all thoughts my way!

:: LINK LOVE ::

Want to be the hit of your 4th of July Party? Americana Wireless Speaker Fanny Pack!? Hell yes! No sarcasm. 

I have this blue + white crochet bikini ready for the 4th! Also love the back detailing on this striped bikini and this embroidered bikini.

Pink Scalloped Perfection. 

I’ve been on the hunt for a perfect pair of statement earrings and think I found the perfect pair.
A few others I am loving :
FESTIVE + BEADED  // TURQUOISE + TASSELS  //  POLAR DROPS
STRIPED + WHIMSICAL   //  KNOTTED + OMBRE

A pair of my under $25 tortoise shell sunglasses that I love have been restocked!  I also love this oversized tortoise shell pair of sunnies. 

My favorite white dress that I have worn on several occasions here on the blog is on sale for 50% off! 

The back detailing on the striped bikini is adorable! 

I may need to up my upper-ab game, but this striped dress is the cutest thing I have ever seen. Would love this for Lake Como! 

The back on this dress is to die for – would be a perfect cover-up! 

I’m still addicted to knotted front dresses, and I love this pretty in pink tie-front dress.
 two others I love : tie front and 50% off   & lemon print with knotted bodice

I still haven’t found a bodysuit to wear with shorts + jeans (the one I love from J.Crew is all sold out in my size) but this bodysuit may be the perfect simple find! 

This striped, open back number perfect for summer days is on sale for under $100 

A navy dress with a tassel-tie back and ruffled hem (on sale!) is the perfect staple and easy to dress up with a pair of statement earrings or a fun clutch. 

This dress would be equally perfect for a daytime summer wedding or a night out with friends,
as would this button back and criss-cross strapped beauty! 

Any top with the name Pina Colada works for me.

:: WEEKEND READING ::

How to Make a Floral Ice Bucket. A homemade embellished ice bucket has always been on my list of “become the perfect hostess and have this at all parties”. It is so stinking cute!

Sex and The City producer explains how Mr. Big got his name. 

16 Fourth of July Cocktails to consume this weekend.

I have never heard of this fashion designer in my life, just keeping it real, but her designs for Paperless Post are the perfect way to send out party invitations.

I managed to kill my succulents from Trader Joe’s.  isn’t that supposed to be impossible? Apparently there are Black Succulents now, maybe I’ll have better luck with those.
Speaking of Trader Joe’s, an employee told me they are out of the Cauliflower Pizza Crust until August and I am DYING to get my hands on it. 

A 30 minute at home cardio workout to kick your tush. 

I know I always post book recommendations on here but I can’t help it!  This list of Summer Reads is a great compilation – I feel like I am adding all of them to my list!  (It’s Always the Husband is on it along with others I had been eyeing, like a new one from the author of The Good Girl!)

How to Stick to a Workout Plan once and for all.  ( I met a sweet reader at spin Tuesday! still accepting any workout buddies for ClassPass dates :D) and you can dress the part in these adorable Pink + Navy leggings from H&M!   The hint of Pink in their Yoga Leggings is pretty cute too! 

Apparently there is no difference between brown and white eggs.   So why are all of the cage-free or organic eggs at the store always brown? 

Speaking of my love for Amazon, Amazon Prime Day is almost here.

Related to my “What do I binge?” question above : 22 Struggles of Binge Watching A Show   and 33 shows to binge from Buzzfeed
but really….. What do I binge???? 

Cheers to the Weekend!

 

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favorite things, Lifestyle, tuesday things

:: Tuesday Thoughts ::

Today’s post is just all over the place.

I am a monogram lover through and through.  If it isn’t moving, put a monogram on it!
Moon and Lola always has such gorgeous pieces. I have a pair of their monogram stud earrings that Kip gave me for Christmas one year, and I am always falling in love with more and more.

I follow them on instagram and when I saw this finial I freaked!

How stinking cute is this!!??
They have so many design options for the monogram and for the finish.
I’m of course in love with the tortoise shell!

For any brides to be, this monogrammed hair clip is GORGEOUS.  It’s a little pricey, but would perfect for a special touch on your wedding day.

A few food related items :

One of my new favorite grab-and-go meals is this salad from Trader Joes.  I make my own mustard dressing since the dressing is more calories than the salad itself, but it is delicious and super easy to take to work if you don’t have time to pack a lunch.  I add grilled chicken when I have it on hand too.

Next up on my “Recipes to Make” list is this Skillet Cheesy Chicken and ‘Rice’  from Skinnytaste.    I’ve been on a cauliflower rice kick lately and this will be a quick meal to whip up.

I’ve been too lazy to make the full version of the “Tone It Up Bombshell Spell/Meta D Drink”, which is a metabolism boosting morning drink with apple cider vinegar and grapefruit juice.  Instead, I’ve just been mixing the two and throwing it back shot style.  (editors tip: Channel your inner 21 year old when you used to be able to take shots like a pro and not be completely repulsed.)

I made my mom’s famous chicken tetrazzini when hosting girls night last month…..

and all I think about when I make it or say it is that amazing Maury clip involving Chicken Tetrazzini that Joel McHale would play constantly on The Soup.  I really miss him and The Soup.  He cracked me up.  (He also did a glorious job playing Whitney clips frequently, like the shopping for sunglasses clip or just the classic screaming of “BOBBY!!!”).

I really want to add all of the Joel McHale clips as well… but I’ll save you.
I mean, the things you learn at The Sarcastic Blonde. The education is top notch.

A few clothing related things :

This dress from last summer that I got in several colors has been on repeat again.
It’s so comfortable and easy to throw on and run errands.
It’s under $35 and comes in a gazillion colors and prints !


// SWING DRESS //

 I love this tortoise shell necklace from J.Crew and the way that they layered it with another large piece.
// TORTOISE SHELL NECKLACE //
Isn’t it so stinking pretty!?!? 
// TORTOISE SHELL NECKLACE // 

Not surprisngly, I fell in love with this blue + white cropped top when looking for Italy wedding options. The material is tissue thin – it’s heaven.  I was hoping to find a skirt to match it as an option but so far all the skirts have been too heavy or just not right.

// STRIPED SHELL //

I love this bracelet set for summer!  So fun and a great price for all 5 bracelets.

// BRACELET SET // 

My sister and I went to lunch at JCT kitchen and went to some antique/consignment stores afterwards to peruse.  This mirror was on sale for only $199 and I was SO in love with it!   I honestly don’t know how I walked away from it.
It was either at Stanton Home Furnishings or Sarah Cyrus right next door – one is consignment the other is not; the non-consignment store had gorgeous pieces too! 

I have become a huge Harry Styles fan without even realizing it!
Two songs I am completely obsessed with right now are his off of his solo album.
I had no idea the song ‘Sign of the Times’ was his and I am loving it.

I also am loving “Sweet Creature”

Unfortunately I won’t be seeing him live because apparently his tour sold out in mere SECONDS!!

Since I have been spinning regularly since January, about 4 times per week, I decided to get a pair of my own spin shoes.  My friend that has her own spin bike said it would make a huge difference and she is right! I wasn’t even trying full out my last two classes since I have been getting over being sick and they were some of my best numbers ever.  It is so much less work (more effortless if that makes sense?) when it actually fits your foot and the cleats/bindings are tight.  I couldn’t believe the difference. And I am so glad to not keep putting on the rental shoes… putting on a still warm shoe just makes the hygiene freak in me repulsed.  
I got the shoes off of Zappos and went to Peachtree Bikes to have them put the cleats on.

// SPIN SHOES // 

As I was writing this post the doorbell rang and it was my Uber driver from Saturday night! I had left my hat in the backseat of the car and he used my initials to go through his past trips to find who it belonged to and drove all the way over Monday night to drop it off.  Can you believe it?! So nice!

and luckily Kip was with me or else I wouldn’t have answered the door (don’t worry Mom) and I would have felt so bad! Any one else never answer the doorbell EVER? but especially at 9 PM.
Flashbacks to that recent movie commercial were already playing in my head…… 

And with that, all of my ramblings for today are done!

 

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