The Sarcastic Blonde

fashion, food, fitness + a dose of sarcastic gossip

fashion, Lifestyle, weekend recap

:: Statement Jewelry + Weekend Recap ::


I hope you all had a great weekend!
We had Kip’s mom and stepdad in town for the weekend so it was a busy one!

I “made” one of my favorite appetizers from Trader Joe’s to have with cocktails before dinner.
It’s a cheesy pinwheel pastry thing, and let me tell you,, this thing is so freaking good.

(I always have to bake it for twice the amount of time the box recommends, just a heads up! It always says 25-30 minutes and mine is always more like 50 for some reason!)

Friday night we went to Gypsy Kitchen for dinner.
You may remember we went with friends a few weeks ago, but due to a severely drunk waiter and him serving gluten to our celiac disease table we had to leave!
Kip and I were excited to go back and try the food and I can happily say we had a great experience and loved it!  And our waitress was amazing so that helped too 🙂

We shared tons of amazing dishes since it is tapas style.  I would recommend the sangria, a large charcuterie plate, the chickpea pancake, the fried chicken, pan con tomate (their version of a bruschetta), and the chorizo!

What I wore : WHITE DRESS runs large  // HEELS just sold out 🙁   //  EARRINGS
I love this earrings! They were a total steal from Francesca’s!
They always have buy one get one 50% off too!

Saturday we went to brunch at South City Kitchen which was also incredible!
Their patio is so nice because it is covered with a clear ceiling in case it were to rain and it also has those misters to keep you cool on the hot 90+ degree days!

Their pimento cheese and crab toast were incredible.  I am not a crab person, so I was just going to try a tiny little bite, and these toasts were insanely good!  Everyone loved their dishes and the feel of the place.

After brunch we drove around through the pretty streets of Buckhead and went to check out Restoration Hardware.

OUTFIT : ONE SHOULDER TOP // NECKLACE // JEANS // SANDALS

The Restoration Hardware in Chicago at the Three Arts Building is absolutely gorgeous, and has the most incredible delicious (and beautiful) restaurant in the center of it.  Their cheeseburger is truly to die for!
The Restoration Hardware here did not disappoint, but there isn’t a bar or restaurant at this one!
The whole place is gorgeous and the outdoor space off every. single. room. was incredible.  Definitely worth strolling through on a pretty day!

This chair was not my favorite aesthetically, but when I tell you it was the most comfortable thing I have ever sat in, I am not exaggerating at all.
I want to sleep in this instead of our king size bed.  And I love our bed!
I

It gave us grandiose ideas for patio furniture when our new deck is finished….. but unfortunately I don’t think we’ll be purchasing any outdoor sofas from them 🙂
thank you all for your IKEA patio furniture recommendations on instagram! Who knew!?
do any of you have the wicker furniture and what are your thoughts?! 

To wrap up the weekend of extremely unhealthy eating, I figured why stop now
and made my overnight breakfast casserole for us to have Sunday morning before they headed back to Chicago.

It was a great weekend overall, and other than a huge downpour Sunday morning, the weather was perfect.

I wanted to share a few of my favorite pieces of jewelry lately.  I don’t change my jewelry up constantly, so when I find something different and wear it on repeat, I know I really, really love it.
This necklace that I wore over the weekend is a particular favorite!

ONE SHOULDER TOP // NECKLACE

It is such a versatile necklace that I’ve already worn with dresses, jeans, you name it!  You would think it would be heavy and uncomfortable, but it is perfect.  It is such a lightweight necklace for how large it is!


// TORTOISE SHELL NECKLACE // 

If tortoise shell isn’t your thing, what is wrong with you?, they have plenty of other statement necklaces to drool over!
The exact one above comes in a dual shade as well!

// COLOR BLOCK LINK NECKLACE //

I love these solid color link necklaces, too. 

// LINK NECKLACE // 

Two beautiful ombre versions – I of course am partial to the blue!

// OMBRE LINK NECKLACE //

And some adorable double strands with cute ribbon detailing. 

// DOUBLE STRAND LINK NECKLACE // 

This last necklace is a bit of a departure from the link necklaces above, but it is so fun and has bits of everything good: gold, tortoise shell, turquoise, tassels, and more!

// TASSEL NECKLACE // 

and one more on a totally unrelated note:
how stinking cute are these pineapple earrings!!??


// PINEAPPLE EARRINGS // 

Happy Monday Everyone! I hope you have a great start to the week!
I can’t believe it is already Memorial Day Weekend next weekend!
This year has FLOWN BY.

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friday randoms, Lifestyle

:: Friday Randoms + Link Love ::

Cheers to Friday!

So glad that this week has come to an end! I am a bit exhausted for some reason!
Kip’s parents are coming in for the weekend so we should have a great but busy weekend showing them around Atlanta and heading out for dinners.

It was a very productive week, capped off by dinner and drinks last night at one of our favorite casual spots down the street!
Kip got me to try this drink called a Paloma and it was delicious!
It’s like a grapefruit tequila soda with lime, and they serve it back in the soda bottle with a side of ice.

I managed to make it to a workout class every day this week, and even managed to wake up early to knock out two morning workouts which hasn’t happened in awhile.  It was so nice to not have to think about it after work!
My motivational podcasts actually paid off this week!  I found “The Good Life Project” and picked a few episodes of that and also two episodes of “The Sean Croxton Sessions”.   Juicy Scoop had 2 podcasts interviewing Kelly Osborne and I refuse to listen to anything with her.

and I totally woke up early happily!  Just like a ray of sunshine!  Just SO excited about an early start to the day!

I mean if you were to show this gif to my husband he would say this perfectly summarizes my feelings and attitudes and verbal communication skills on any given morning.
So to say I am proud of myself for waking up early TWO times is an understatement.

Wednesday I went to the dermatologist for my first Full Body Check.  I was terrified but it actually went much better than I had expected.  She only took a sample of one mole on my shoulder, and I had been anticipating several spots being a problem.

I know all it takes is one spot, but for now I’m just happy I went and I’m worry free until I get the results back next week!
The anticipation was definitely more nerve racking than the actual appointment + removal.

:: SOUTHERN CHARM ::
A sweet reader send me a Thomas Ravanel update on him and a new young lady in his life.
I clicked to the homepage of the website afterwards since I wasn’t familiar with it, and lo and behold there is an article about Eliza Morehouse’s father and his Baby Mama Drama.
So It looks like Thomas and his old buddy have lots in common with the Baby Mama’s!

:: FACE LIFT :: 
So apparently the interview happened in 2015, but KLG mentioned on the Today show this week that she uses a product Whitney Cummings had recommended called NuFace.

Have any of you heard anything about this?  Because Whitney Cummings may have a filthy mouth, but my goodness does she have some KILLER SKIN.
I’ve gotten some e-mails asking about my Tortoise Shell Tory Burch Sandals.
 
They were birthday gift from my mom last month; she hunted high and low and internet stalked for a long time to find them when I had said I was so sad they were sold out.  She has a gift. It’s crazy.  It came in very handy during Christmas’s when Uggs or something couldn’t be found anywhere; she really should start a service.
but I digress……. 
Tory Burch just came out with a similar print in the Miller Sandal in case you can’t find them!

:: LIGHT READING :: 

Bachelorette starts Monday! Get familiar with a breakdown of all of the contestants.
also, she is apparently engaged! 

I was going to blog about how this was TOTALLY going to be a break up today, and it’s official now! 
Because Becca went from posting pictures constantly with her boyfriend to ZERO.  She is so pretty I can’t help but insta-stalk her. 

All the looks from the Cannes Film Festival. 

A garden I would actually remember to water: How to make your own cocktail garden. 

It’s Pippa Middleton’s Wedding Weekend! Can’t wait to see pictures. 

What to sip and what to skip at Starbucks. 

Tricks for air drying your hair (which usually results in half straight half kinky/curly mayhem for me). 

Tinsley Mortimer’s Pimento Cheese Recipe.  I. love. Pimento. Cheese. 

The fact that Male Rompers is an article on CNN is very sad.  And if my husband ever puts one of these on we need to sit down and have a chat. 

4 Foods a Gut Doctor would never eat.  (never gonna happen, although I don’t like Coffee so that helps!) 

20 etiquette lessons every child should now.  I always love reading these things! 

:: LINK LOVE :: 

This suit  started my obsession with this print.  I just am so in love with it on ANY thing. Can someone lend me some money please so I can buy all of the dresses? 
Shoulder Tie Dress  // Garden Party Dress  // Cape Dress  //  Shirt Dress

I’ve debated getting this dress for the Italy Wedding.  I love the contrasting piping to the floral print so much. 

I don’t know what it is, the fresh white or the detailing, or just how unique it is, but I love this crossbody for summer. 

Yellow + a tie front are two of my favorite things right now for dresses! 

The top of this cocktail dress looks just like two of the dresses Bethenny wore in this weeks RHOBH, with the shoulder slit area exposed.  This one has a fun back as well! Great LBD. 
 
So many cute Rompers, all three under #$100 :
peach + tassels  //  bright pattern + pom details  //  double V in a beautiful blue + white
  
I love the fun color of this simple structured leather crossbody.  

The biggest trend in earrings, but in a bracelet! And under $50! I don’t know if I love the blue or the white more!  

This sweatshirt speaks the truth (as I type this with all the lights off and a snoring husband next to me; it’s way past bedtime!!) 
 
 
Calling all brides to be: the chicest looking wedding wedge I ever did see.  and 25% off! 
or anyone that wants a fancy white wedge!
This white strapless dress is gorgeous and would also be perfect for a pre-wedding festivity! 
 
I love the bodice and detailing on this maxi,; her clothes have been super cute lately! 
 
 
I have been super into hair bows being in style.  This oversized black bow and this adorable large chambray bow make such a statement and really dress up a simple pony tail;  and I also love a small bow with a bolder print, like this striped bow or this gingham print.  Plus, the smaller bows make for much cuter hair ties on your wrist than a regular old elastic! It’s like having a double duty bracelet.

The eyelet design on this swim cover-up is too cute.  Just enough coverage + skin shown! 

Hope you all have a great 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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Lifestyle, recipe, weekend recap

:: Gluten Free Pasta Salad + Tuesday Things ::

There’s a little bit of everything today, with a recipe, a weekend recap, breaking down the MET fashions, and more.

Thank you all for the celiac/gluten-free friendly restaurant recommendations last week!  I wanted to share the pasta salad that I made for our BBQ over the weekend that is completely gluten free. I pinned it from Caycee’s blog about a month ago when she said she had made it and loved it.   Honestly, you would never know the difference! I love to use brown rice noodles, the kind that come in the bag, as my pasta alternative.

The real key for this pasta salad is the seasoning mix.  I will be making and using this for all future pasta salads, it is what added so much flavor.

Save Print
Gluten Free Pasta Salad
Author: 
Recipe type: Side
Cuisine: Italian
 
Gluten Free Pasta Salad that's full of Flavor, perfect for any BBQ.
Ingredients
  • 1lb gluten-free short cut pasta (or regular pasta if dish does not need to be GF)
  • 3 Roma tomatoes, seeded then chopped
  • 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded then chopped
  • 6oz gluten-free pepperoni, chopped
  • 2.25oz can sliced olives, drained
  • 1 recipe Salad Supreme Seasoning, recipe link below (or ½ - ¾ bottle McCormick Salad Supreme Seasoning if dish does not need to be GF.)
  • 1 recipe Italian Salad Dressing, recipe link below (or 1 large bottle Kraft Zesty Italian if dish does not need to be GF.)
Instructions
  1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain then rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool pasta down.
  2. Add pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, pepperoni, black olives, Salad Supreme Seasoning, and ¾ of the Italian Salad Dressing to a large bowl then toss to combine. Refrigerate until completely chilled then add remaining salad dressing just before serving if necessary.

Link for the Salad Supreme Seasoning Here
Link for the Italian Salad Dressing Here

A little recap of the weekend with our friends in town :
Our friends arrived Thursday night, with the last one arriving at 1:30 in the morning (poor thing) because of delayed flights!  Of course when I opened the door I was dressed in the exact same outfit as my one friend.  No surprise.

Saturday while the boys played golf, the girls and I went to Ponce City Market.
I still had never gone, so I was excited to see it!  It is such a cool space with lots of cute shops and restaurants.   
We had lunch at Minero which was delicious!  All of their tortillas and chips are homemade each day.
We were able to sit outside in the beautiful weather.  I highly recommend the queso fundido.   I had the salad with steak which was also great, but warning that it was seriously spicy!

After lunch we went up to the rooftop.  They charge $10 which I thought was a little ridiclous, but oh well.  We got a drink and enjoyed the views.  They have lots of games you play, a bar, and a full restaurant with another bar as well.  It would be a very fun date night spot!

 

We went to Gypsy Kitchen at The Shops of Buckhead for dinner Friday night, and long story short, ended up leaving after some Sangria Pitchers and a meat and cheese plate.  Our waiter was highly intoxicated, slurring his words, and gave us a platter of food that could have sent my friend to the hospital based on her severe allergy.  I feel bad saying it, but that really is the short version.  It was unlike any dinner experience I have ever had.  Had there not been a serious allergy, it would have just been hilarious and unbelievable.  However, that being said, I will go back another time when we don’t have to worry about the food because the menu looked great and I loved the atmosphere and the patio.

We walked down the street to Blue Moon Pizza and sat outside and had a perfect dinner al fresco!  After that we took everyone to Johnny’s Hideaway which they all loved!
Johnny’s is always good for a fun night out of singing, dancing, and people watching with friends.

Saturday we hosted a BBQ at our place!

We tried to end the weekend with a slightly healthier brunch to make up for our weekend of gluttony.  Sunday brunch was at True Food Kitchen – I got the poke bowl and loved it. Also loved their hummus (best gluten free pitas ever) and their edamame dumplings.  And no weekend is complete without a stop at the cupcake ATM!

The Met Gala was last night and I never really know how to say what looks I loved or didn’t love because the point isn’t necessarily to be “pretty”.  Some people were wearing pretty looks that could be for an Oscar or Emmy night and others were all over the place.  I feel like they need to make the attire for this more clear!

I loved Gisele, Diane Kruger, and Emily for a more traditional look.  And I surprisingly liked Kendall and Kylie for a sheer, non-traditional but still not insane look.

Katy Perry won strangest of the crazy looks to me.  And Jaden Smith carrying his own hair a clutch was just insane…. but again, perhaps that was right on point for this evening? It is just hard to tell when no one is even close to the same dress code as the next guy.

 I am currently nursing a killer cold/sinus infection.
Any tips other than the usual chugging water + tea, rest, etc, send my way!
This week is going to be a long one!

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Lifestyle

:: Friday Randoms + Link Love ::

Cheers to Friday!!

I have two of my favorite couples in the world staying with us for the weekend!

Our besties from Chicago that we practically lived with, and one of my best friends from college and her hubby-to-be that we just visited in March in NYC!
They all arrived last night and are here until Monday morning.  I can’t wait for a full weekend with them!

:: IN CASE YOU MISSED IT, THIS WEEK ON THE BLOG ::

The Little Blue Dress // My Skincare Routine  // Favorite Summer Finds // Coffee Talk 

:: LINK LOVE ::

Bravo has released their show line-up, with SIX NEW SHOWS in the mix.
Read all about it in the link, but some surprising new additions:
“Frederik and Bethenny Property Project” (working title) : them as business/real estate partners together (editors note: this could just be awful)
“Sell it Like Serhant” : Ryan Serhant from MDLNY comes t the aid of stuggling sales reps (editors note: this WILL be just awful)
“Relationshep : follows Charleston’s most eligible Shep Rose to various cities across the country on the hunt for love (editors note: seriously? awful. but I’m sure I’ll watch. this is pathetic).
Southern Charm New Orleans (don’t forget Southern Charm Savannah starts Monday; I don’t think it will hold a candle to Charleston but we’ll see)
and two other dating based shows…..

I’m obsessed with all of the fun and colorful clutches that are popping up everywhere!
A few more summer clutches that are SO CUTE and even MORE affordable! 
  one  //two  //  three // four  //  five  //  six  // seven  // eightIf you need some new workout tunes : Harley Pasternak’s Celebrity Workout Playlist

These drawstring + tassel palm printed shorts are a steal.

I love the front tie and print on this romper.

and this one is screaming “take me to Italy!”

Don’t forget that my friend Megan is offering Free Sunless Tanner with ANY order through Sunday!  

It’s the perfect time to try my beloved Lash Boost or some of the incredible eye cream to see for yourself what just using ONE product can do.
I am truly in love with it and so happy that I finally bit the bullet.  (And Megan’s services come with no stalking or annoying commonly affiliated, promise, ha!)

 Oh, and if you see me at Johnny’s Hideaway this weekend, where I am of course taking them,
I apologize in advance for my actions!

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Lifestyle

:: Wish List Wednesday ::


I have some exciting news to share!
I think I hinted at a big summer trip, but don’t think I had shared where to yet!
Kip’s family has a wedding in ITALY in July and they are taking everyone along for a family trip!
We will be in a town outside of Lake Como for the wedding, and then staying in that area for a week!

Obviously my mind is already on clothes for the trip! But I’m also just so excited for summer dresses and bright colors, prints, and florals to be back in the picture!  So, prepare for a very girly wishlist this week!

I feel like I need something for the wedding that I sweat my tush off in, as it will be July and I am unaware of anything regarding the wedding or if there will be AC….. so something lightweight that won’t show sweat incase we are outdoors!

While I hunt, here are some of my favorite summer inspired bright and sunny finds for the week!
heads up : there is a lot this week! I went nuts hunting online over the weekend! 

I just want this entire outfit on my body right now, in Italy and also all day forever.

// FLORAL TIE WAIST SHORTS //  currently 30% off ! 


// SILK MAXI // 


// ST. BARTS MINI DRESS // 


// ASYMMETRICAL RED DRESS // 


// STRIPED DRAWSTRING PANTS // 


// FLORAL MAXI // 


// STRIPED DRESS // only $17 !


// HENSON WRAP DRESS // 


// OFF THE SHOULDER FRINGE // 


// OPEN BACK FLORAL MAXI // currently on sale 55% off!!


// SHIRRED MINI DRESS // 


// BEADED HALTER MAXI // 


// PRINTED ROMPER // 


// ONE SHOULDER PALM PRINT // 

// OFF THE SHOULDER // under $50 !

Who says the floral and fun has to only apply to clothes outside the bedroom?
This PJ set is too cute for words.

// FLORAL CAMISOLE PAJAMAS //   currently 30% off ! 


// YELLOW STRAPLESS // under $80 !


// STRIPED ROMPER // on sale 40% off !


// PRINTED PETALS DRESS // 


// FLORAL HIGH LOW DRESS // 


// PALM ONE SHOULDER DRESS // 

Told you I had a lot !
This is what me staying in on a Friday Night resulted in 🙂
Is it July Yet ?

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