TheSarcasticBlonde, Author at The Sarcastic Blonde

:: Gift Guide : For the Guys ::

December 5, 2017

Don’t forget to check out my previous gift guides as well :
MONOGRAM JEWELRY LOVER // LAZY GIRL // OPRAH’S FAV THINGS

BOSE SPEAKER // YETI TUMBLER // BULLDOG ICE MOLD // SLIPPER MOCCASINS // FULTON AND ROARK 2-IN-1 SHAMPOO BODY WASH // YETI COOLER // VEST // PULLOVER // PERSONALIZED GOLF BALLS // AWAY SUITCASE // ATHLETIC SHIRT // KEBAB GRILLING BASKETS // CASHMERE BLEND HALF ZIP // LULULEMON SHORTS // LEATHER PHONE CASE

Ice Mold – The giant ice cubes became a huge trend in cocktail’ing a few years ago, and for good reason. They are great and a must have to keep your drinks nice and cold. Now they have all kinds of different shapes. For the UGA Fan in your life, the Bulldog Ice Molds are perfect!! Other great molds are golf ball molds and mustache molds. When you need an easy gift or a stocking stuffer, or even something for the Christmas party games these are a great option!

Fitness Shirt – Even if your boyfriend/husband/dad/brother don’t work out very often, they are like women : We all like to wear comfy workout clothes, even if we aren’t working out, and especially because it makes it look like we are healthy and work out. Kip loves this long sleeve shirt and it has lasted about 5 years despite wearing it constantly. This is a great dri-fit short sleeve option, too. Everyone loves a hoodie too!

Lululemon Shorts – These are the only workout shorts Kip wears. Also last for a long, long time!

Vest – Vests are always a great layering piece and particularly useful when the weather is constantly up and down! I love quilted vests that have a little extra contrasting with some texture. This slightly dressier vest is 35% off and looks just like one I got Kip that he wears constantly. This is also a great sportier option. Find more vests here!

Away Suitcase – You’ve seen these suitcases everywhere! One of the best features is the built in phone charger – a must when flying and stuck without access to charge your phone. My husband has been using his for about 2 months now and loves it. (He has the bigger carry on!) At first he wasn’t sure about not having the outer zipper pocket, but especially with the compression pad it comes with, he realized that he is able to fit enough for his week-long business trips just fine!
I also love that you can monogram them!
** use this link to get $20 off your order

Fleece – Every guy needs a good fleece to wear for weekend errands, and I am partial to these Patagonia Fleeces. For another option, I looooove the Vineyard Vines pullovers – this one is a bit more casual and this one is a great option for dinner and out!

Cashmere Half Zip – Who isn’t a sucker for cashmere? To give the gift of yummy-softness on a budget, this under $60 cashmere blend half-zip pullover is the perfect gift. It comes in a ton of colors, too, so your options are endless!

Fulton + Roark – This is a group of mens grooming products that I think are particularly great for the guy on the go. My husband has the combination 2-in-1 Shampoo and Body wash in his gym bag. They also make solid colognes which are perfect for a gym bag and especially for traveling guys to keep in their dopp kit.

Slippers – when in doubt, slippers are a gift everyone will use and love. I always like the ones with rubber soles, so that you can walk outside to get the mail or take the trash out and not have to change your shoes. The Ugg slippers are always a great option, but these are under $50 and seem just the same!

Kebab grilling baskets – These are so neat! Grilling baskets for your kebabs! Perfect for the man who loves to grill (and if you’re local, and your husbands a killer griller, come over for a date at our house because Kip has come along way, but he still could use aallllot of help)

Leather Phone Case – A great stocking stuffer option, or for the man that walks around dangerously risking shattering his phone every five seconds (which is most guys based on my observation) this leather phone case looks nice and holds your credit card to boot!

Vice golf balls – Instead of giving the golfer in your life a regular sleeve of golf balls, show you put some thought into it with personalized golf balls! You can put any writing or any logo on them, but you also can put pictures! These also make a great gift for grooms gifts!

Speaker – Portable speakers are something you would think everyone would have, but so often no one does! And it’s so nice to have a small one that can go anywhere! These portable Bose speakers are small and lightweight but pack a big sound punch – and the price is great for them. AND it’s waterproof! It comes in black and another color, but I love the navy.

Beverage Holder – This would be a great gift for the college age or twenty-something that lives with his roommates and throws a great Tacky Sweater Party every year.

Yeti Cooler – The gift every man wants. Nothing says you love him like a Yeti!

Yeti Tumbler – When the cooler is out of budget, every single person will LOVE having the tumbler. Truly my favorite thing I own, although this is a mens guide. I wake up the next day with ice cubes still in my drink, and this is perfect to have at work! (also perfect at the beach to keep your cocktails cold even in the 100 degree heat!)

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I always mean to mention – like, for A YEAR – and always forget – but if you haven’t signed up for EBates yet, DO IT. You get so much great cash back on everything!
You can use this link for an instant $10.

It’s great because at the sites you already shop, it will let you know any coupon codes and apply them for you, and you get cash back just for shopping. Pretty much every site has it, from Shopbop to Amazon to J.Crew – all of it with the exception of Nordstrom. It’s been a game changer and I am SO MAD at myself for not starting using it years ago!

Lifestyle, weekend recap

:: Weekend Recap ::

December 4, 2017

I hope you all had a great weekend! It was an amazing weekend here; I feel like I packed in the perfect amount of time with friends, time relaxing, working out, and plenty of time outside in the gorgeous weather. I feel like doing everything I had hoped to do absolutely never happens, so it was great.

Friday I went to a Barre class with a girlfriend at Exhale and loved it – it was much harder than Pure Barre and had me sore all weekend. They also have you dangle from this bar before you start class if you want to lengthen your spine (or something?) and it felt so good on my shoulders and back to hang there for a little bit. Random, but I liked it.
Friday night we went to The One Sushi with friends and had some cocktails on our back porch with the fire going. We fell asleep to our first viewing of Elf of the Christmas season – I love that movie so much.

Saturday was the Virginia Highland Tour of Homes. I have never been on a Home Tour before and I loved it. We could walk to the majority of the homes, but the whole route was 4 miles, so they had trolley’s to take you to the next house when it had a big gap between the two . Some of the houses were so gorgeous, some were quirky and unique, and all were amazing. It’s so fun to get to see behind closed doors, especially in areas like the Highlands.

It was HOT. Like, sweating hot. I wore a thin silk tank and this lightweight cardigan (even though I felt like I could be laying out in a bathing suit!) and it was the perfect outfit for a hot day in December. This cardigan is a great layering piece and really soft – this would be the best cardigan to have for traveling and airplanes when you need light layering pieces. It comes in 4 colors too!

// CARDIGAN runs slightly large, size down, I’m XS // TANK // JEANS // BOOTIES //

This Brick Co. Building below was A HOUSE!

This bathroom was the best bathroom of the whole tour. It had a shower that opened up to the private back porch – amazing.

After the tour we grabbed some tacos and drinks and watched the Georgia/Auburn football game.

Sunday we slept in a little bit, and after a batch of protein pancakes we went for a long (5 mile!) walk around Brookhaven. I love looking at all of the gorgeous old homes around the golf course!
It was a weekend filled with house envy!

And then we went to my sister’s house to celebrate my nephew’s 4th birthday!

How cute was his cheeseburger cake!?

I’m working to get lots of gift guides out this week, so hoping for more than one post per day this week!
If you have any unusual gift guide requests, send them my way and I’ll see what I can do!

Happy Monday!

fashion, friday randoms, Lifestyle

:: Floral Blouse + Friday Randoms + Link Love ::

December 1, 2017

Cheers to Friday!

We are officially into December and into the swing of the Holidays! YAY!

This weekend I am going to the Virginia Highlands Tour of Homes with some girlfriends and can’t wait. I have never done any of the home tours before, so I am excited for a girls day and some lust worthy houses, followed by cocktails! The Highlands is such a gorgeous area and I love just walking and looking at the outside of the houses, so I can’t wait to get to see behind the closed doors.
I also need to get on my Christmas list this weekend. My family doesn’t do gifts since we go to the beach , although now we do gifts for my niece and nephew of course,
but Kip has a large family so the planning for gifts begins!
And they are really hard to shop for, which I’m sure a bunch of you can relate to with your in-laws!

:: FLORAL BLOUSE ::
I wanted to share an amazing under $60 blouse with you all today! This blouse comes in 10 different solids and prints, so your options are endless, and it has such a great asymmetrical ruffle hem that is really flattering. It’s a great go-to option with jeans and can easily take you from work to dinner and day to night. I like to wear white jeans as much as possible, especially with the warm weather, but I’ll definitely pair it with my dark wash denim next. I loved the grey and blush in this floral print, but I think the black would be worn constantly, and I love the deep red for the holidays.
Top runs slightly large, but is meant to have a flowy fit, but I sized down to an XS.
I got these OTK boots from Forever21 a few years ago, but they are back and almost identical. They are such a great steal and look just like the pricey designer boots!

// FLORAL TOP, comes in a bunch of solids and prints, size down // WHITE JEANS, old navy – love these, run TTS and ON SALE // Forever21 BOOTS, here in BLACK and CHOCOLATE boots run TTS// MONOGRAM CLUTCH // MONOGRAM EARRINGS // SIMILAR MONOGRAM NECKLACE //

:: Floribama ::

I mentioned in Coffee Talk a week or two ago that Jersey Shore was having a new spin-off set in Panama City Beach with a group of 21-25 year olds. I was at my friends house last night for dinner, a fellow TV lover of course, and she said we all should watch it. Who am I to say no to some trash TV? Or any TV for that matter? I watched the first hour of this week’s 2 hour premiere and OH-MY-GAWD. You MUST watch. I thought I was going to think it was trashy, or am I too old to find the antics of a 21 year old anything but horrifying, but I was wrong. So, so wrong. And I don’t admit to being wrong often – just ask my husband. I couldn’t look away, and the one liners that come out of these people’s mouths are worth watching alone.

PLEASE do yourselves, and me, a favor and watch this weekend so we can discuss next week!
I guarantee you watch the first 20 minutes and you’ll just have to know what happens. Educational TV? No. Riveting TV? Oh yes.

:: This Is US :: don’t worry – never any spoilers!
I was able to catch up on a few shows this week, and I loved this week’s episode of This Is Us. I always love it, but I had missed my Randall and was excited after 2 weeks without much of his character to have the ‘Number 3’ episode. He is just the sweetest character ever. Also, I just love the way they film this show – that all three weeks were the same day or scenes in each year as babies, teens, adults but from each child’s point of view – it’s so neat how they film it. It’s so nice having a show that gives all the feels.

:: At Home Ring Cleaner ::

I saw on Megan at Holy City Chic’s instastory that she was doing Living with Landyn’s At Home Ring Cleaner Solution called Bling Wash and raved about it. The only thing I clean less frequently than my jewelry is my make-up brushes. I had done a similar jewelry cleaner in the past that my friend told me about, just dish soap and water, but this one worked much better thanks to the other 2 ingredients : windex and a clean toothbrush!
You just microwave a bowl of water with some dish soap and windex for 1 minute, then soak your jewelry for 20 minutes, then rinse and scrub it with a toothbrush. Instant Sparkle! (well, 20 minute soak, then instant sparkle!)
The toothbrush was able to get underneath the mount of my ring and get the gunk that when I previously soaked it before, and it was shinier than it ever was after just soaking it in my store-bought ring cleaner and using the tiny brush that one came with. The bristles of the toothbrush were firmer and able to really get everything from the under the mount that never would soak off before.
Love it! I am officially hooked! Now hopefully I actually do it more than I was my make up brushes (read: never. ever.)

:: Vintage Flip ::
With Fixer Upper ending, I keep clinging to all the other Home Shows that I can get my hands on!! As I’m typing this, Vintage Flip is on, which I haven’t seen in forever. It’s another cute couple and I love that they focus on retaining charm and older homes. (Although…. if I’m honest…. I recently watched A LOT of The Vanilla Ice Project on DIY and enjoyed it….. I meannnn y’all what is happening to me!!??)

:: FRIDAY FAVORITES ::

Gimme these striped pumps and gimme em to me now.

Um. Never seen a holiday dickie before, or ever thought I would say that, but I kinda like it?!

This pink top is a great punched up neutral – and would be a year round go to. It would go with everything!

I have last year’s version of this handbag and love it – it’s a perfect fall + winter go-to for under $60.

An amazing jumpsuit in a great holiday color (with a surprise back!)

This feather sleeve sweater strangely reminds me of the Grinch (???) yet I love it.

This long sleeve swim tee is the most stylish SPF I have ever seen! (#Thisis30) Love the scallops and the white especially.

A perfect holiday LBD option.

My girlfriend got this workout pullover I’ve been eyeing and loves it – perfect with leggings or jeans.

I can never get enough of drape front cardigans and sweater coats – this looks like the perfect weekend staple. This is another great under $100 option.

My favorite high waist workout leggings in 5 styles. (I do love the basic black though!)

Halston is one of my favorites for something special. I love, love, love their dresses for weddings and fancier occasions. They are having 30% off sitewide with code HOLIDAY.
This black jumpsuit is my favorite thing of the whole week. It is simply stunning.
Some of my favorite picks :
RED FLOUNCE SLEEVE DRESS // DEEP V DRESS // STRIPED ONE SLEEVE PARTY DRESS
and gowns :
FLOWY GEORGETTE GOWN // SIDE TWIST DRAPE GOWN

This basic bodysuit comes in black and white and looks like the perfect t-shirt; a must have for layering and would be perfect with all skirts and denim.

If you’re a distressed denim fan, you can’t beat these under $100 Levi’s.

Great statement earrings under $50 in lots of fall neutral color options.

The deep-V of this cozy neutral sweater perfectly balances the puffed sleeves.

These heels are a little bit of a splurge at just under $200, but goodness they are adorable. (I should spend money on shoes not dresses I wear one time, but never do)

:: LINK LOVE ::

I had never seen this Ryan Gosling Won’t Eat His Cereal montage and I could not stop laughing. Some of them are so perfectly spot on. It’s SO stupid and yet I am SO hysterically laughing at it.

Dancing with the Stars Tour is coming to Atlanta in January. UMMMM. I need to go. I must. I don’t care if I go alone, IT’S HAPPENING. #ThisIs50+ and #NoShame

25 Most Classic Christmas Movies of All Time.

7 Habits for eating Mindfully during the Holidays.

Anna did a blog post about hunting for the best Natural Deodorant and I feel like I need to jump on this bandwagon, but the “experimental” stage always sounds like a nightmare for people. I don’t want to take the time trying out a bunch of failures to find one that works!

7 Must have Beauty Products that work while you sleep.

This 71 year old Bodybuilder is unreal. That’s some serious aging goals (well….. I’d take a little more bathing suit and little less muscle, but I’d take it!)

The story of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s relationship – in case you haven’t had enough already.

Hope you all have a great weekend!!!!!

coffee talk, Lifestyle

:: Coffee Talk 11.30.17 ::

November 30, 2017

DISCUSS AMONGST YA-SELVES……

:: OC Reunion Part I ::

Since last week was Thanksgiving, I never recapped Part I. However, I had almost no notes on it, so it will be brief!

I have no sympathy tears for Tamra and her daughter. Although this was one of the only times she actually cried real tears, instead of just doing scrunch face. BUT it’s like QUIT TALKING ABOUT HER and maybe she’ll talk to you – did you learn nothing!?

I’m sad for Shannon. I’m so ready for her to be happy again and the life of the party – it was rough watching her go through the last few seasons (ever since the affair) and this season in particular. The hardest part was when she shared the conversation she had with David : She said to him that didn’t they “have a few good years” and he had said they “had a few good weeks or months”. Youch. They were married for 17 years and he says THAT! Thank goodness they are finally divorcing because that was rough to watch. And say what you want about crazy pants Shannon, but that’s brave to go through all that crap on TV year after year and have to listen to everyone’s feedback and opinions. (although…. I suppose she could have left the show for the sake of her family, but whatever, put 12 lemons in a bowl, get some acupuncture, and get over it because I LIKE HER!)

OH. and Part I also ended with me thinking “this was the worst casting for a Housewives season since DC”

:: OC Reunion Part II ::
Poor Shannon hasn’t been able to catch a break from the first scene she appeared in episode one til now. They open with a producer knocking on her door to let her know it’s time to go back to set.
….. knocks on door “We’re ready for you on set Shannon”……
yelling through door “Okay I’m just pulling up my Spanx!”
I mean seriously….. GIVE HER A BREAK BRAVO. Hasn’t the woman had enough!?

My-boyfriend-Andy-Cohen asks (on behalf of the viewers) where “Fun Shannon” is, and she proclaims “Right here! On the couch”! But she doesn’t seem too fun today. In fact, I was wondering: Did Shannon medicate like Vicki did? Pop a Xanax? Because, sure, she had things to say and got a little sassy, but she mostly gave a lot of blank stares? ( unless the blank stares were edited from other parts and not the actual time people were talking to her……)

Lydia really is super annoying isn’t she? I agree with Shannon that she gave Lydia her whole story line this season. It was 1) Doug’s Balls and 2) Fighting with Shannon. Lydia knew just how to play her and get her riled up (look at her and maybe ask a simple question.)

Meghan shares that she is 1 month pregnant, which was a tidbit I was unaware of. ~~I’m sure this was all Jimmy’s idea, don’t you think!?~~ But really, I was surprised this news didn’t leak the way the divorce and other things leaked (or did it and I just didn’t hear? I feel like I keep missing news lately!? as though this nonsense isn’t my whole wide world! )

The more this reunion goes on, the more I realize LITERALLY nothing fun or exciting or dramatic happened this season……
Speaking of nothing fun or exciting – cut to a recap of the Iceland Trip!

We learn an added layer of Vicki’s “heart attack” on the trip. We all know that staying up for 3 days straight and adding a night of binge drinking in for good measure will definitely make your body flip the heck out and your heart pound.
What we just learned is that she combined all of that with Adderall in the morning, then Xanax at night (to counteract the adderall I assume) and a possible dose of NyQuil.
Seriously, Vicki!?! And you act like you’re the smart woman of the group!!??
My-boyfriend-Andy-Cohen is loving it. He’s like “Ummm yeah. You were high!!! And after you get back from the hospital and get your casserole, you start drinking!?!?!” PREACH My-BF-AC. Preach.

If I hear Peggy complain again about stuff like Shannon referring to her as “that one” in a whispering conversation, or Kelly saying the “I’m going to have my daddy call your daddy” again, I’ll lose it. None of that had anything to do with your dad pass away my gawd!!

Vicki has been sitting calmly the whole reunion so far, but she goes from I’m-Innocent-and-a-Victim sweet and calm voice to “DON’T GO THERE!!!!” pissed at Tamra over her being a liar (I think about Brooks/cancer lies).

Other than that one outburst, I feel like Vicki medicated for this reunion like she did last season?! I mean…. she took a xanax that one reunion, and now we know Kelly has been doling them out, so perhaps Kelly was doing some drug deals in the dressing rooms?

The other thing to get VIcki going (although not yelling, just pysically going out of the room) is Tamra saying “Nothing looks good on you” and she has to up and leave.

Similar to when Vicki was injured in the flipped Dune Buggy accident, no one cares. My-boyfriend-Andy-Cohen is so concerned that he barely looks up from his phone to say “So, whaaats happening?”
Vicki comes back, and Tamra does her fake cry with no tears (makes me insane) and squeaks out in a fake-crying voice “Can’t you just apologize and mean it?” She has stepped the fake crying up a notch with A TISSUE! To wipe her bare no-snot nose and no-tears eyes! Wow….. slow clap…. Oscar Worthy Tamra.

Suddenly, Tamra and Vicki AND Shannon and crying and hugging it out and talking about taking 10 shots together. What is happening? That’s it, Shannon is DEFINITELY on xanax.

And it’s not an apology session without Kelly commenting on it from the sidelines in her loud “This is good….. this is healing…..”

….. and FINALLY…. finalllllllly……. the season has ended. Now I think WE all deserve the 10 shots they mentioned earlier.

:: RHOBH ::
My face when I realize I keep wasting so much time and energy on shows that have gone to crap, yet I choose to watch:

Thank the Lord that BH is headed our way!!! We have earned it ladies! Some good old fashioned rich, rich, rich bitches with much more exciting problems than getting their husbands balls cut off!!!!

:: ROYAL ENGAGEMENT ::

I still haven’t seen Suits (I know….), but it has been on my list for quite some time as everyone raves about it, but I didn’t know about her being on Deal or No Deal until the engagement!

Jaw on floor. (Seriously I LOVED this show)
That’ll show the Brits that Kate is far from a “commoner”.

They look so cute together; I’m excited to see how wedding plans go! I still can’t believe she gave up her part on Suits and is likely giving up everything – but when in love……?!
editors note : I can’t imagine having to give up my entire life and privacy for someone like that. I’m probably in the minority but I think that life sounds awful. I think being the best friend of a mega celeb would be the best, but never the famous person?

I hope people don’t try to destroy her and have everything come out of the woodwork on her because of this.
UPDATE: As I was googling for images I came across this article where her sister is already throwing her under the bus! Her and her sister haven’t spoken since 2008 and she is writing a memoir called The Diary of Princess Pushy’s Sister.

People really grind my gears! If you haven’t spoken in 10 years, I don’t think you have the authority to be saying anything at all!
Oh, but she “hopes to get a wedding invitation”! and “would definitely go!”
Oh puh-lease!

:: JERSEY SHORE REBOOT ::

The meatballs are getting back together!

Well, everyone except for Sami “Sweetheart”. I guess she doesn’t want to put up with seeing Ron’s face. I wonder how this will go…. Snooki and J.Wow are moms with kids…. I feel like this sounds like a fun walk down sh*t-show memory lane, but it will end up being awful or just very, very sad. Because hopefully they all are very, very different people than they were during the show. (But I really do love DJ Pauly D….)

:: BELOW DECK ::
Random Below Deck Rant because I’m catching up as I write this :
Who would have thought Nico would turn out to be such a douche!?

He hooks up with his co-worker and then breaks up with his girlfriend, who stood by him through the death of his brother, via a jackass text. And now that he’s heading home in 3 days, he is completely switching back to the ex-girlfriend without the co-worker having any idea! SUCH AN ASS.

Also, If they showed Bruno’s rope-burn/cut on his leg one more time this week I was going to vomit.
I love Kate and her bitchiness so much.
Jen astounds me week after week. Bless her.

:: Matt Lauer ::
I couldn’t believe the news on the Today show.
Watching Savannah have to get through that day and the opening dialogue was the hardest part. I feel like she so eloquently stated everything, and I felt just awful for her.

“As I’m sure you can imagine, we are devastated, and we are still processing all of this. And I will tell you right now, we do not know more than what I just shared with you,” Guthrie said. “But we will be covering this story as reporters, as journalists. I’m sure we will be learning more details in the hours and days to come, and we promise we will share that with you.”
“All we can say is that we are heartbroken. I’m heartbroken for Matt — he is my dear, dear friend and my partner. And he is beloved by many many people here. And I’m heartbroken for the brave colleague who came forward to tell her story, and any other women who have their own stories to tell.”
“We are grappling with a dilemma that so many people have faced these past few weeks. How do you reconcile your love for someone with the revelation that they have behaved badly? And I don’t know the answer to that,” she added.

:: Ryan Seacrest ::
How did I miss this one? Apparently Ryan was accused of sexual harassment as well, and I guess amongst the 97 people getting outed, this one slipped through the cracks for me. I guess he “got in front of it” before much of anything became of it, or perhaps it wasn’t true?
“Recently, someone that worked as a wardrobe stylist for me nearly a decade ago at E! News, came forward with a complaint suggesting I behaved inappropriately toward her,” Seacrest said in a statement Friday. “If I made her feel anything but respected, I am truly sorry. I dispute these reckless allegations and I plan to cooperate with any corporate inquiries that may result.”

I mean really….. who’s next!?!

:: RHOA ::
Still not watching Atlanta.
Still enjoy when I see a gif from it on my gif hunt.

:: JACKHOLE OF THE WEEK ::
James Cameron.
He is finally commenting on the “why couldn’t Jack fit on the door with Rose?” situation 20 years later. And his commentary? That the door fit one person. UM. NO. Wrong. First, the door was huge. Second, anyone who has ever climbed onto an intertube in the pool with a friend knows that two people can fit on that thing and you just balance out the weight while the other person gets on. IT’S SCIENCE JAMES. SCIENCE.

found this image and it cracks me up, playing cards there’s so much room.

:: MAZEL OF THE WEEK ::
My girl, and my dream bodyyyyyy, Lindsay FINALLY won her first Dancing with the Stars. Her and her partner Jordan were AH-mazing. Truly. Amazing.
Do yourself a favor and watch some of their dances, if for nothing else but to dream about ~~ever being able to dance like that~~ having her body.

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:: Editors Note ::
As always, ignore my own blatant grammatical errors
whilst I make fun of others poor grammar during Coffee Talk on a weekly basis.
#HYPOCRITE #SORRYIMNOTSORRY
I write these posts late at night while simultaneously watching Bravo, taking snaochats of my snoring husband, and making to do lists of everything I was supposed to do and didn’t do that day, and likely won’t do the next day either. Or the day after that.

health, Lifestyle

:: Fall Uniform + Wellness Wednesday ::

November 29, 2017

Now that the sales are over, we can move on to other topics! (is it bad that I’m kinda feeling like ‘finally!’ ? Even though I love myself a sale and a good bargain, it stresses me out!)

Did any of you catch the Victoria’s Secret Fashion show last night?! I never miss it. If you weren’t feeling like it was time to LOCK IT UP and shut your pie hole after Thanksgiving, that was the extra kick in the tush I needed to get back on the ‘Wellness Wagon.”

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I wanted to share a quick look with you all before moving on to some health and wellness!
If I’m not in workout clothes, usually jeans + a top with boots is my fall uniform. And with the weather being as amazing as it has been, I haven’t needed to add too many layers or pack on a heavy coat.
The plaid is great for fall and for the holidays, and can be paired with a black leather skirt and some booties or heels to dress it up for a fancier occasion.

// FLANNEL SHIRT runs slightly large, I sized down to XS //
// ANORAK JACKET runs slightly large, I sized down to XS // JEANS // boots, old //
my plaid print is back in stock!!!

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I haven’t done a health or wellness post in awhile so I figured now was the perfect time. The Thanksgiving feeding frenzy has come to an end, and we are entering the Holiday season which is equally fun and exciting, but can be stressful! It gets harder and harder to squeeze in your workouts, there is temptation everywhere – whether it’s in the form of a dessert or an extra cocktail, and suddenly every date on the calendar seems to be booked up with a party or an obligation!

I am determined to take a deep breath and not let December make me crazy!
We are going on our annual Christmas beach before flying up to Chicago to see Kip’s family, so I am hoping that will keep me motivated to eat well and fit the workouts in!
editors note : how will I pack in a carry on for Caymans AND Chicago? I hate checking a bag, and have horrible flying luck so avoid it like the plague.
add this to the list of things I lay in bed at night and stress over for no reason.

A few things I’ve been loving or some December Intentions (before the New Years Promises, uhhh)

:: 8Greens ::

I had seen these 8G Tabs before but had never given them a try, and now I am kind of hooked. Especially with flu season here and everyone getting a cold, I am a germ freak and try so hard not to get sick. I take vitamins daily, but this is like a giant immunity boost and makes me feel like I am getting everything I need in one dose (or two!) each day. You can check out the story of the founder and her cancer diagnosis at 25 here to get a quick idea of the product and you can check out her interview with The Coveteur here.

One tab contains :
As much Vitamin C as 6 Oranges
As much B5 as 15 cups of Broccoli
As much B12 as 7 Cups of Milk
As much B6 as 6 cups of Spinach

I got a jumbo pack on QVC which is the best value,
but you can find them at Nordstrom too if you just want to give them a try!
I feel like they’re the easiest way to get everything you need when you have no time to eat or drink well!

:: Dr. Praeger’s Veggie Burgers ::

I know I’ve mentioned these before here and on instagram stories, but we have been living off of them. Ever since I discovered these, they are becoming harder and harder to come by! I used to be able to find the Black Bean and Spinach Cake variety at my local stores, but now the only one we like that I can find is California (or the Kale that we are not a fan of). But I love these if you do one of those flavors. I griddle mine and cut them up to add to a salad as if it’s meat. They are delish, especially when crispy!
Atlanta friends : If you know where I can find the black bean or spinach consistently, let me know!

This is a typical Monday-Thursday dinner. I take a bag of mixed greens, add cucumber, tomato, red onion, hemp hearts, avocado, and a veggie burger.
A new-to-me salad dressing that I love is this Jenny’s Gourmet Foods dressing. I found it in the refrigerated salad dressing section at Whole Food. I have only tried this Aunt Dottie’s Parmesan Balsamic Vinaigrette but I like it a lot. They have a bunch of other flavors too! (I can’t figure out if you call it Jenny’s or Aunt Dottie’s but Aunt Dottie’s is “under” the Jenny’s umbrella I guess).
ANYWAYS. ~~Who cares.~~ It’s good and all natural and nothing bad in it ~~but not as good as Ranch dressing.~~

:: Chickpea Chips ::
These chips are sooooo yummy.
They have great flavor and are nice and crispy.
I love them especially with the 365 Salsa Verde.

:: Cauliflower Rice with Veggies ::

I love plain cauliflower rice as the base for a bowl for dinner, but these veggie cauliflower bowls are great because you can make a stir fry super easily! The whole bag makes a giant batch and the entire thing is only 100 calories. Trader Joe’s sells a version as well!

:: Eating Well ::
Kip and I have gotten a lot better about eating healthy at home these last few months and it has made a huge difference. We feel so much better than when we eat garbage, and we have gotten more selective with meat and dairy ever since watching the documentary What the Health.
Now, we will never be vegetarians, and on the weekend or when we want steak tacos, we’re eating meat. But when we eat at home, we have been meatless almost by accident for almost 2-3 months. Which is ca-razy because I used to have to cook him meat for every single meal! I never thought I would see the day when Kip was eating veggie burgers for dinner, but lately, that is what he wants! (I’m sure he’ll be back on the meat wagon full time at some point….)

editors note : we also hit up Krispy Kreme and McDonald’s
on the SAME MORNING earlier this month…..
in PAJAMAS….. so there’s that…..

December Goals :
~~Try not to go to McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme on the same drive for breakfast~~
– Start each day with my Fab 4 Smoothie. I have been loving this and have done it basically every day since I started without getting sick of it. It really helps keep you full for hours!
– Limit fried foods to meals out with friends. ~~(who wants to go to dinner this week?)~~
– Cook more! Since we started eating better at home we eat the same thing meal after meal! I need to get back into cooking instead of just preparing a quinoa bowl/rice bowl/salad and throwing a veggie burger on top.
– Limit sugary cocktails and wine – UGH. I love vodka soda as much as the next girl, but I really love my Pinot Grigio (which as Body Love has taught me just sends you into a sugary spike)

:: 7 Habits for Eating Mindfully during the Holidays ::
Just stumbled across this article so thought this would be the perfect place to include it!
Tip #1 is to start your day with a healthy breakfast like a protein smoothie! Check!

:: Workouts ::

Barry’s Boot Camp : A few week’s ago a girlfriend of mine went to Barry’s Boot Camp which is new to Atlanta and I got a lot of questions about it so thought I would give you all the rundown! She somehow scored us a free class one of the first days they were open, so we went one day to check it out. The Atlanta location is at the Shops of Buckhead, which is a fancy area in Buckhead with restaurant and shops, and also where I take my Flywheel classes through Classpass.
The entire space itself is gorgeous. Very fancy and nice. The locker rooms had Oribe Body Wash as the hand soap!! I meannnnnn what!?

While lovely, it made me realize why they are charging $32 per class. THIRTY TWO. (they do have some plans you can sign up for, but still). The amenities are impeccable to say the least, and they have their own juice bar and retail space outside the workout studio.

Our class was with Steven, who was amazing and super high energy, and there were only about 10 of us (thank goodness) so it made it easy to switch back and forth from the floor to the treadmill. I liked the dark room atmosphere and the loud tunes.

I was shocked when I realized the lightest weights you could take were 8 pounds. Trust me, 8-10 pounds get real heavy with what we were doing! Slash most of my workouts use 3 pound weights (spin arms, tracy anderson dvd, pure barre) so I was dying. I was used to BLAST where I can have my wimpy set to switch over to when I am going to die and can’t keep up. Needless to say, it was an intense workout. Very difficult but still do-able because you can do the treadmill at your own pace if you can’t keep up. I was SO sore two days later, but in a good way. If I did this workout consistently I would definitely ~~be poor as hell or dead because my husband would kill me if I spent that much money~~ look ah-mazing and have the abs I have always dreamed of.

I will be sticking with BLAST for my interval cardio/strength workouts, because 1) I can walk the next day and 2) my wallet can handle it. But for a fun occasion or whenever I have a friend in town or something I would definitely take a class because it was an amazing workout. I would recommend Barry’s or Blast to anyone looking for a great workout!

Side note about ClassPass : I just saw that they now have free videos on the app!
You can get so many amazing workouts from home! As in, TONS. From Barre to Pilates to Dance, you name it! It’s amazing!
you get $40 in credits with the link above if you want to try it!

Accountability : I haven’t been going to as many classes the last few weeks as I was and have been doing more (very easy, not breaking a sweat) workouts at home. For me, it’s just not enough. Especially for my sanity – I need the mental aspects of zoning out and pouring sweat for my sanity. I have realized that I work best when held accountable. And the only thing that holds me accountable is having a class booked. So the moment even a flicker of motivation comes to mind, and I know it’s something that I *want* to do (but that may not happen if I give myself the chance to back out), I book a class. That way, it’s on the schedule, and no matter what – I am going. (well….. almost always.) Sometimes I love it, sometimes I hate almost every moment of it, but when it’s done, I’m always happy I went.

Exercise Goal for December : Reality check : I’m in a bathing suit on the beach in 3 weeks.
AH! (as I watch the VS Fashion Show)
I have been consistent pretty much all of 2017 with my workouts, just better about intensity + going to classes some months more than others. I wish I could say I was about to do a 31 Day Challenge like I did in January/February of this year and workout every day, but ya know, it’s the Holidays! Ain’t nobody got time for that; we need fun and cocktails to be had this month! So my goal is to take a class 4 times per week; It helps me destress more than anything else that I do. Just ask my husband, I am a real pain in the ass when I haven’t been working out. I rotate between Spin at Burn + Flywheel, Blast, Pure Barre, and the occasional Sculpthouse class.

:: Others + To Do List ::
I meannnnnn. As my Lazy Gift Guide yesterday and all of my daily honest rambling displays, I am quite the procrastinator. I have such great intentions. My planners are impeccable. I wake up every day with a plan to GSD (get sh*t done), but inevitably, when I know something can wait, IT WAITS. And waits. Until I absolutely have to do it. Then I tackle it and it feels amazing and I don’t know why the hell I waited so long! So am going to try VERY hard to tackle my to-do list for good before Christmas!

Less Laptop, More Reading : I have gotten really bad about taking my laptop to bed the past month. The more my husband travels, the worse I get. I’m not going to care too much (until it’s New Years Resolutions time and I make the same attempt again…..) but less laptop in bed time and more reading before bed is needed. I take forever to wind down and fall asleep, thinking about that thing I did that was awful in 4th grade or whatnot, and I want to do that to help de-stress this month!

Epsom Salt Baths : This is the easiest, and greatest, thing ever and I have completely stopped taking any Epsom Salt Baths! They really help with sore muscles, help unwind, and make me feel so much energzied and better. This is going to be my big time “self care” act this month — why do we never do the things that are great, enjoyable, and so easy? I use these salts from Amazon and soak for 20-25 minutes.
AND I can read in the tub and kill two birds with one stone!

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PS. If you like my health + fitness related posts, check out the posts below!
And you can click on the tab at the top labeled Health + FItness.

Favorite Smoothie + Food Finds // 31 Day Challenge // Fitness + Health for the New Year

fashion, Holiday, holiday gifts

:: GIFT GUIDE : THE LAZY GIRL ::

November 28, 2017

With Thanksgiving behind us, it’s time ~~to get my ass in gear and get back at the gym~~
to begin the Holiday celebrations and continue with Gift Guides!
I already posted a Monogram Gift Guide, and all guides can be found under the Holiday tab in the top menu.
oh, and a Guide to Oprah’s Guide

Today’s Gift Guide is for The Lazy Girl.
Coming off a week of eating and pure laziness this seemed like the perfect time!
It seems like other guides are for the “Homebody”, but I think I’m talking about something different.
Yes, the robes and throws and mugs can fit a guide for the Homebody, but the lazy girl wants to veg during the day AND still go out at night.
I love to stay on the couch and veg with a blanket as much as the next girl, but when it’s time for dinner out at a new restaurant or drinks with friends I am the first one to jump off that couch and ~~maybe~~ hop in the shower.
Because #FOMO and because #Wine.

So, call it “Homebody”, but I think that’s just a fancy word for Lazy.
~~At least in my life it is….~~

EXTENDED CHARGING CORD // PULLOVER // VELVET BOW // EMILY LEY PLANNER // CHARCOAL MASK
LEOPARD BEANIE // SPANX LEGGINGS // SLIPPERS // OIL DIFFUSER // SLIPPER SOCKS
CARDIGAN // PAJAMAS // DRY SHAMPOO // JOGGERS
CANDLE // MORNINGS MUG // BLANKET // EYE MASK // PRISM GLASSES // POP SOCKET // POM BEANIE // ROOMBA FLOOR CLEANER

Dry Shampoo : Let’s just start with what’s most important in life. If you aren’t using this you are lying. Or you really need to be. It’s not only a God-send, it makes your hair look even better. Batiste is my favorite because it is cheap, it works, and Amazon Prime delivers it in two seconds. It also comes in travel size cans which is a lifesaver when traveling.
For a texturing spray, I go for Oribe which is pricier, but I only use this when I need extra hold for a night out and one can lasts me almost a year.

A Cute Planner : This may seem contradictory for a “lazy” person, but I love to be lazy and nothing excites me more than my planner. Who doesn’t love to make lists of what they need done, keep everything organized, and then continue to procrastinate and push things off while they dive deep into a Netflix binge?
I use the Emily Ley Planner for my actual planner and this Lilly planner to log my food + workouts.

Prism Glasses : Um, WHAT!?! Ultimate stocking stuffer for the lazy girl in your life. And it’s under $10! You can read and watch TV laying flat on your back! LAYING DOWN AND LOOKING UP! No more strained neck! I am ordering these just to try and see if they work (If the amount of excitement I have over this item doesn’t prove that I am the laziest human being alive, I don’t know what does.)
editors note : also, the reviews are half from people recovering from neck surgery. Uh I’m the worst. #LAZY.

Cozy blanket : The competition for the coziest blanket is a stiff one. I have had this throw for years and years and love it so much. I have also been eyeing this cute pom pom throw blanket all week!
or if you want to go all out, this faux fur sleeping bag is ah-mazing.

Clothes that work equally well on the couch as they do running a quick errand (whether that errand is to pick up food, no judgement) are important. The following are a few favorites :

Cozy Cardigan // Pullover : You can’t go wrong with a cardigan with over 1,000 Five Star reviews. 100% Yummy, gaurenteed. Or an adorable pullover (Oprah approved!) that can take you from workout to couch or couch to out.

Spanx leggings : if you get the spanx leggings, it’s like you are working out without ever moving a muscle. they suck it all in and you lose inches without having to move an inch. genius, I know….
If you want something other than a traditional legging, I have the active leggings and love them (size small) but if you want to feel fancy, the leather leggings and suede pairs are great, too!

Joggers : For a bit more breathing room than the Spanx, a pair of joggers are the perfect way to to go from couch to out (and back to couch) in no time. This ruched ankle pair is adorable + look polished if you have to head out, but there are other great options at here and a velvet pair form Gap.

Face Mask : There’s nothing to kick off a new week on a Sunday night, or to just feel productive while still sitting on the couch or in bed, than a luxurious face mask. Plus, they are fun to snap a pic of and send to your friends? You’re working on your skincare without lifting a finger. I am still MADLY in love with my Black Head Mask. My husband (who never reads this, secret is safe with all of you) and I do it every Sunday together.

Pop Socket : Okay. I Know. This sounds like something only the instagram obsessed millennial would need. But it has become a game changer for me. I ‘inherited’ the giant 6+ that used to be my husbands work phone when my old iPhone died for good and it is impossible to hold the thing with one hand. I was dropping it and nearly shattering it constantly. This makes it so easy to use the phone like a normal person. These would be a great stocking stuffer – so cheap and you don’t even know you need it til you have it!

Extra long phone charger : Enough said. We all need it. We never have it. We all need to exercise that finger muscle and finally get one. Bonus points for a pretty rose gold.

Cute coffee or tea mug : Feel free to put something cute on the mug, or maybe something motivating to see if it will actually entice you to leave the couch and go outside and live your best life.

Steamer : I do not iron. This will get your clothes fresh and wrinkle free in no time at all. This one in particular is my favorite because it works internationally, but I also love the My Little Steamer and used it for years before needing one for European outlets. You’ll see this over and over again on my list of favorite things.

Hair Accessories : Throw your hair in a pony tail with a cute suede bow, or grab an adorable beanie to cover up the lack of curling iron. Love this cableknit beanie with the pom top.

Roomba : This is a new gift in my life and I love it. What’s not to love about someone/something else cleaning your floors? It may seem like an investment, but it’s a hell of a lot cheaper than a cleaning lady. Preach. Plus, people can comment on how clean your home is and you can act like YOU were the one that spent all day vacuuming. Plus, it’s endless entertainment for you and your husband to comment on and watch (I know that sounds crazy, but when it’s new you kinda watch it and follow it like a dog. #SadButTrue)

Cozy Pajamas : The cuter the better. And extra points for monogramming.

Slippers : For me this is more because I hate to be barefoot on hardwood floors than anything else, but cute slippers make shuffling over to the fridge that much more fun. I mean, if you have to walk that is. You can go traditional, furry and fun, or a mix of both, but they are definitely a lazy girls necessity.

Candles // Aromatherapy – If you aren’t scrubbing your dirty dishes and are staying in the same place all day, perhaps light a candle. And a beautiful Voluspa Prosecco candle does the trick. Or, jump on the fancy bandwagon of oils and aromatherapy diffusers.

Eye Mask – To take your cat naps to the next level. (aka climbing back in bed in general). Make it a silk one with a pillow and you’ll be doing double duty to help your wrinkles. And copper is the new trend in eye masks, too!
I got this under $10 eye mask for traveling and it has space for you to blink and everything underneath + stays put.