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The Sarcastic Blonde

fashion, food, fitness + a dose of sarcastic gossip

friday randoms

:: Friday Randoms + Link Love ::

April 21, 2017

:: Friday Randoms + Link Love ::

Cheers to Friday !

Have any of you seen Nate Berkus’ new show with his husband Jeremiah (of Rachel Zoe infamy)?
It’s called Nate and Jeremiah by Design. 

It is really good – the first episode is a must see just to see the way this crazy family was living in a pure construction zone.
I really like it, and they are super cute together.
I’m also loving the new HGTV Show Home Grown ! But I still miss Fixer Upper of course!

I’m all about budget buys, and Zara really knows how to crush it in the shoe department.
Their latest?  A wrap sandal with interchangeable ties!

So stinking cute!!!

Sorry I’m not sorry for the overload of gingham lately – it has been accidental I promise.
I’m sharing another favorite gingham piece of Monday, but wanted to share my Easter gingham from last weekend.  The skirt is an old find from Club Monaco from years and years ago – they really do have such good wardrobe staples; I feel like everything I bought there years ago is still in my closet and still gets worn often.
The blue + white Kate Spade purse was a TJ Maxx score.

I’ve been wearing these heels with everything lately – they are so cute and even more comfortable – and I came across this gorgeous blue pair with a similar style!
Love, love, love these.  They also come in black and white.  =

// SAM EDELMAN FRINGE HEEL // 

The best thing I learned this weekend that has already saved me several times : using an egg shell to get a broken piece of egg shell out of the bowl.

How did I never know this before?  I feel like EVERY time I break an egg,  I get shell in the bowl! Especially the cage-free or organic eggs – those really break easily. Hopefully this tip can help you as much as it has helped me this week!!

Question for the Atlanta readers :
I have friends coming into town next weekend and one of them has Celiac disease.  If you know of any great restaurants that can be trusted with the gluten-free foods, let me know! I have gotten recommendations and made some reservations but would love to know of any place I hadn’t heard of yet!

I am determined to get myself one of the Starbucks Unicorn drinks this weekend.

Do I drink Coffee? No.  Hate it.
But do I want this drink to stare at this and take a picture of it? Yes. Naturally.

:: LINK LOVE :: 

Speaking of Unicorns,  this dress is what I picture a “unicorn” dress being, but in a pretty + classy way! (because that makes total sense, right?)

I backed out of joining my husband and his friends at the 420 Music Festival this weekend (can’t. hang.) but if I was attending : this floral romper is too cute  and I love this white lace romper.
I just was re-reading this post realized a romper would be the WORST idea? It’s porto potties!? Perfect example of how I am clearly NOT a music-festival-er. 

Do you need to go on a protein Detox?    I have been hitting the protein (pancakes) hard lately. Whoops. 

Who knew Ellen made cute shoes? I love these knotted slides, especially the striped pair!

A pretty dress perfect for showers (and white if you are a bride on the hunt!)

How a mom of 5 manages to work out every day. 

Gorgeous, timeless gown for weddings or formal events in my favorite : Navy.

Southern Summer Heat calls for minimal clothing – like an adorable top + short set. 

The concealer everyone is raving about – and bonus : AmazonPrime!

A fun pleated party skirt, under $100. 

I have no plans of leaving my Tracy Anderson workouts, but I would never follow the diet plan that comes with her Metamorphosis/Continuity DVD Sets.  It is so strict and would never happen.  I really like Body by Simone, and I always just love reading about what people eat in general, and her diet tips are much more manageable!

Striped + Bow + Mules + Under $50 = Perfection

This could be the reason why you’re always hungry.   (I think I’m just always hungry).

The perfect striped cotton tank, under $20.

How to apply self tanner like a pro.

One of my favorite floral maxi’s is on super sale! 

33 Spring Cocktails to Enjoy this Weekend . I’ll drink to that!

Love the color + simplicity, and price, of these sandals. 

Sundays can quickly go into Hashtag Sunday Scaries territory for me, so a Sunday Routine really helps calm my crazy.

An adorable bikini top with a high neck. 

20 Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep Sunday!

A great wedding-guest dress, in an unexpected print and color. 

Mint green isn’t just for chocolate chip ice cream. 

Hope you all have an amazing weekend!!!

by TheSarcasticBlonde 
coffee talk

:: COFFEE TALK 4.20.17 ::

April 20, 2017

:: COFFEE TALK 4.20.17 ::

DISCUSS AMONGST YA-SELVES……. 

:: Southern Charm :: 

This lunch between Hashtag Carpenter Craig and Landon, the two unemployed cast members who are portrayed every episode as being completely delusional about the realities of life and just waiting for the rich friends/significant others to save them from their sorrows, is HILARIOUS.  They perfectly play right into the role and I’m sure are completely unaware of it.  Naomi calls when she leaves class and is en route to work on a charity event and Craig’s just happily “Hey babe, just having a beer and a charcuterie plate – see? Who needs to take the boards when I can say charcuterie! – with Landon living the life!! You need to learn to stop stressing babe!! It always works out!! I’ll have the step and release, the thing I don’t even know the name of, ready in no time.”  I don’t know how she does it…. I’d lose my mind…. at least she finally snaps at him later this episode.

You know I love the little street shots of Charleston and home shots they do on this show, and the aerial shot of Patricia’s house was absolutely amazing.  I knew her house was huge, but damn! When you see it from over head – my goodness!

I finally just took a picture of my TV since there are no photos of Kathryn in this purple Herve Ledger that I keep discussing….

so now I’ve got this bad boy read when I need it!  Just such a poor choice/

Speaking of poor choices….. Okay.  I just have to say this.  I’m sorry.  Not sorry not sorry, but sorry.  Kathryn isgetting out of her car and I’m thinking “Welp someone doesn’t care about the camera crew she is just not interested in putting in a stitch of effort today.”  And then it shows her walking into…… A MODELING AGENCY!?

WHAT!? Am I crazy for thinking you should put effort into your appearance to try to get singed for MODELING?!  
Maybe they ask you to be natural, which in that case I retract my statement.  But no, I don’t…. can’t you put on NATURAL make up and fake it?!?!   To end on a positive, she looked gorgeous in some of those modeling photos.  I’m sorry…. but walking into a modeling agency like that, and showing all of your old photos as though it’s your portfolio, it just had be said. 


T-Rav saluting himself in the mirror like a General and having a fake conversation with Landon….. These nonsense moments are lovely little moments worth airing.  Landon and Travis sit out on the balcony and he says
 “I just need to find the right woman….. with a pleasing personality, of which you have no problem.”  And  Oh. My. Word. Landon laughs this absolutely insane laugh!!!! You know, one of those laughs a woman can give a man if she’s flirting – but 10x more over the top.  Because of this, now I actually DO think they slept together !! Or if they didn’t, that she does want to.   I hope that whole portion of the scene was editing and that laugh was not in response to his stupid pick up line.

This episode is really just a full on bash-fest of Carpenter Craig.  But he does it to himself.  He just doesn’t know why Naomi is stressed! Craig’s not stressed ! He has the step and release on it’s way.  Why stress about anything in life!
They get into the car and an argument begins because Naomi says she was pleased about having an adult conversation with Shep and agreeing on some things.  Carpenter Craig gets pissed. How dare she agree with Shep!

And then he really spirals out of control…. FAST……like the way only a bored housewife at home alone all day with only Gizmo the cat to talk to, waiting for the partner to come home and entertain him, and someone to talk baby talk to can do. 

He says “It’s like an abusive husband putting down his wife” in reference to what Shep is doing and I truly have no idea what is going on. Naomi laughs so I think she has no idea either.   I don’t know what’s happening, but I am loving his meltdown. 

There is a scene with Shep, T-Rav, some random girl, and Shep’s friend.  They discuss something about being related and sleeping with the same person or something like that, but really, who cares.  That is not what is important in this scene.

All you need to focus on is Shep’s friend.
WHO is this Walker guy?! He is straight out of the movie hot tub time machine with that hair and outfit.
It warranted an iPhone photo of my TV for you all 🙂 

It’s moments before the Charity party and Craig needs Naomi to see the ENTIRE step and release – she sees it and says it looks great.  But that’s not enough! He did one thing and wants more praise! He is begging her to roll the whole thing out and she has to remind him that “it’s the same thing repeated over and over again.”  I can’t.

We arrive at the charity party, where of course nothing is done and Carpenter Craig has completely dropped the ball (but DID manage to get his hair juuuuuuuuust right while chit chatting with Gizmo the Cat before leaving at the latest possible minute for the party). There’s no way her parents aren’t disappointed about this whole dating situation??  

Cameron looks absolutely adorable in her printed shorts and a white top.
And Landon looks super cute at this event too! Hair and all! 

Naomi is talking at the party to one of Craig’s law school classmates and he says “well from the internet he looks like a great gardener” I. Die.  So good.

We finish with Cameron’s friend switching from Team-Shep to Team-Shep-2.0 with Austen…. uh oh…..

:: A Recent Kathryn Update :: 
It has been reported that she got kicked out of her son’s christening this past Easter Sunday.
Well…. if it was anything like Kenzie, who was Christened 3 times I believe, she shouldn’t worry because I’m sure there will be more in the future…. but I digress…

old photo – no arrest was made 🙂 It’s so hard to find Kathryn gif’s and they would be pure gold with her facial expressions.


If this story is true, it was a disaster.
(Kathryn accusing Thomas of being with the nanny’s 20 year old daughter, screaming profanities, and all of this at the Christening!)
If her and Thomas ever sleep together again….. I swear.

:: Vanderpump Rules :: 

There was a new revelation for me, regarding the Bachelor/Bachelorette party in New Orleans.  I had no idea that when Sandoval kicks open the door and yells  “look at him!!! he’s a battered wife!!!” that Schwartz was sitting on a toilet ! I thought he was sitting on the edge of a bed ! And I’ve seen that scene like 5 times ! GROSS!!!!!!

The moment we have all been waiting for : Shay and Scheana reunited for the first time in 4 months.

Did you see the expression on Scheana’s face when she saw Mike Shay come out?   Me neither.
Ba-dump-chhhhhhh…. Get it? the Botox and filler… no expression…..

My-boyfriend-Andy-Cohen asks his first question and she’s crying 3 words into her response.  I feel so bad for her.
(I continue watching and then……)
Okay wait…I don’t feel as bad…. because now she has a compact out fixing her eyes the entire time in a mirror while Shay is attempting to talk.

Andy is looking at her like UMMMM SWEETIE.
This really reinforces the whole “you never listen” and “its all about you” thing when you can’t even listen to this ONE LAST conversation with your husband and you need to stare at yourself in your compact the whole time instead.  

Shay says as much as he has ever said every time we see him….. which is pretty much nothing.  Arianna is begging him to talk, to say his side of the story.  And he still can’t think of words. is he on drugs today? 

What he did say was pretty incriminating…. he did not deny any of the drug things.
Scheana : DENY IT!  Shay : long pause with head shake. “ughhh”
um… Shay… I know you are new to this whole  “talking” thing, but that is not a good way to deny it.
And it certainly didn’t reflect highly when he’s saying “oh yeah it was always ‘your money your money'”.  Um.  So you are mad she made money while you had none and that you were able to “make music” and buy drugs with it?
Also, you can’t really say that Scheana dating someone is “too soon” and that of course you aren’t seeing anyone because “you’re still legally married” when you have been busted SEXTING with another girl DURING your marriage? But hey, what do I know!

Shay does win in the one paragraph he managed to speak.  That she was always going out, and that wasn’t supposed to be his lifestyle anymore since he had quit drinking, but she chose to go out.

My favorite/most annoying thing about all of this is all of the social media references.  “I hear from people that watch your snapchats that you’re happy, so I’m glad you’re happy”  was my favorite.  So pathetic.

I really did appreciate everyone else’s facial expressions during this horribly awkward encounter (James, Stassi, Jax).  I also appreciated Jax saying this was the best reunion ever and then turning to Scheana and saying “I mean, except for you, sorry.”

And surprisingly, I really appreciated James in general this entire reunion.  He only had one teensy weensy flare up, and it was geared at Crazy Kristin, so I’ll allow it!
Slow Clap for James, and especially for his dig last week about Stassi crawling back from NYC
I never thought I’d be complementing him!

Is LVP joking that the reason Tom Tom isn’t up and running is because Tom Schwartz won’t commit?  A job is handed to this kid (potentially) and he says no before she can even finish the sentence.  That is how afraid of working/lazy he is.  And in no way shape or form does “he’s a great bartender” mean that he Sandoval should run a restaurant?  Also, Sandoval is crying AGAIN over this.  I really can’t with Sandoval.

editors note : a google of Tom Tom to see if there were any updates revealed that Taco Cowboy in the Highlands was originally called Tom Tom.  How on earth did two people want to name their restaurant that? 

:: DWTS :: 

Erika Jayne got sent home this week. Womp womp.  I just think this show and this audience was really not the place for her to shine.
Best dance of the night was definitely the Mulan Dance with Val and Normani from 5th Harmony.  I used to love that song too so it really gave me some flashbacks to my younger years.

:: RH of Beverly Hills Reunion Part II :: 

Why is PK still here? I am so sick of looking at this man’s face.
Can we please quit giving him the attention he so, so, so desperately needs!

Kim dated Donald Trump? Oh my Lord. Can you imagine!?

Eden looks very beautiful – with the longer hair it softens her strong lock-jaw facial expressions.
She is definitely best dressed out of this group in that Halston as well.

I hope she sleeps in a night-guard because her jaw is just permanently clenched at all times?!?!

ALSO.  SIDE NOTE.  I learned from a podcast where Kyle was a guest that Eden also brought a glam squad with her to Hong Kong.  So that Black Wig night? She PAYED to fly someone across the world and do that.

How can Eden act like Kyle was the one that did something wrong? I’m glad Kyle defended herself by saying Eden walks right in says she is cold and then says where’s the drinking come from – you two are not friends!
How does this woman get to this age and not understand boundaries?

These reunion episodes are so lame so far, and a perfect example of this is that a stuffed bunny is the “peak” of this episode.
This whole Bunny thing is just so weird.

This is, like, on an Eden Level of Coo Coo Crazy.
How is no one on these couches not cracking up?


What kind of weirdo (Kim obviously) keeps this gift, perfectly wrapped, for 8 months? Was this her intention the whole time, to bring it up on the reunion? The strangest part is that she brings it up after having a huge moment about the two of them being in a good place.  It made no sense.
What makes less sense, there are TEARS over this.
Why is Rinna crying over this bunny??  I am cracking up right now.

Does Rinna deserve an Oscar? Because this has got to be acting?
How on earth does this elicit this kind of response?

More exciting than this reunion is this link to Rinna in bikini for Spring Break with her kids in Cabo.
It’s just not fair.

:: RH of New York ::


Why, oh why, must this be on Wednesday nights at 9 PM Eastern!
Looks like it will be a good episode though!

:: Jackhole Of The Week ::
I don’t know if this technically fits in the Jackhole category, but why the heck not, just go with it.
Have you heard the rumors about this “scripted reality show” about reality stars that Housewives (like Jill Zaran and Sheree and Gretchen Rossi) are “acting” in ?
Could anything possibly sound any worse?? How in the world is this show getting a green light?

The latest information I learned is that Joyce’s husband is the one that is behind all of it.

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.

by TheSarcasticBlonde 
fashion

:: Wish List Wednesday::

April 19, 2017

:: Wish List Wednesday::

There are some outerwear pieces I live in :
neutral trench in fall, sweater coat in winter, a jean jacket in the summer, and an anorak during almost all seasons.
It’s perfect when the weather is starting to get chilly or starting to kind of warm up.  Even when it’s hot as hell here it’s perfect because restaurants blast the AC so hard (hopefully) that you’ll freeze and need something lightweight to throw on.
I know I’ve talked in the past about finding the perfect Cargo/Anorak jacket.
I wear one I’ve had since college days and had been on the hunt – hard core – lately.  Banana Republic has a super cute option with a ruffle detail I loved, but the fit was just too bulky on me.

I should have known that good ‘ol Old Navy would come to the rescue.  And it comes in so many colors!
In addition to the Army Green, I snagged it in the Navy Blue too because I know from experience that I will wear it for years and years and during all different seasons.
plus Old Navy always does big weekly sales, and today it is $31!



// ANORAK JACKET // runs large, size down – I am wearing an XS
// RAG & BONE JEANS // TORY SANDALS  back in stock!// SOLE SOCIETY PURSE // OLD NAVY SUNGLASSES  // 

A couple of you e-mailed about my Pom Sandals that I wore at the beach.

They have limited sizes left, but I found several pairs that are a similar fun + colorful style.

top row :  TOE RING SLIDES  // YELLOW POM, WHITE POM  //  FRINGE SLIDES
bottom row :  EMBROIDERED TWO BAND SLIDES //  FRINGE SANDALS  // POM SANDALS
Plus there is that Target pair that’s almost identical for only $27! 

Speaking of Pom’s, I love this multistrand necklace!

// POM POM NECKLACE SET // 
J.Crew has a huge sale with 40% off sale and an extra 50% off of all final sale!
They have some adorable new arrivals too, with 25% off with code HOPTOIT

I live in J.Crew and J.Crew Factory’s pull-on shorts in the summertime for running errands or a casual day outfit.  This green gingham is perfect to throw on with an easy v-neck tee, or with a white silk tank for a slightly dressier look.   They even have cute little side ties!

// GREEN GINGHAM SHORTS //
I also love, love these pull on embroidered shorts from Madewell

This body suit is the cutest one I’ve seen yet. 
//  STRIPED + RUFFLE BODY SUIT // 

Stripes and Pineapples all in one! 

// STRIPED PALM TREE TANK // 

These high waist chambray shorts with a waist tie are another great shorts option.

// TIE WAIST CHAMBRAY SHORTS // 


// STRIPED TIE WAIST TOP // 

A few other favorite finds of the week :


// STRIPED TANK DRESS // 


// TIE BACK PRINTED ROMPER //
another great romper option for only $39 

This wrap comes in 3 colors and is only $29 !

// WRAP COVER UP // 

The perfect V-Neck tissue tee in a dozen colors and under $20

// V NECK TISSUE TEE // 


// PRINTED SHEATH DRESS // 

by TheSarcasticBlonde 
health, recipe

:: Blueberry Treats + Fitness Update ::

April 18, 2017

:: Blueberry Treats + Fitness Update ::

I have two delicious blueberry “cakes” to share today! One is healthy, and the other is not quite as nutritious, but it does involve Angel Food Cake which is definitely the healthiest of all of the cakes 🙂

I love my Tone It Up Protein Powder for my smoothies and pancakes.  They post lots of recipes using the protein powder on their instagram, so when I saw these Blueberry Breakfast Cakes I knew I had to try them.  Blueberries are my favorite to incorporate into baked goods. These are quick and easy to make, and are a great option for a protein packed snack or breakfast on the go.  I do recommend adding pure maple syrup or honey on top when you are ready to eat because they do need a little bit of sweetness.

5.0 from 1 reviews
Save Print
Blueberry Breakfast Cake
Author: Taylor // The Sarcastic Blonde
Recipe type: Breakfast
Prep time:  10 mins
Cook time:  45 mins
Total time:  55 mins
Serves: 9 servings
 
Cake for Breakfast?! Protein Packed Breakfast Treats
Ingredients
  • 4 large eggs
  • ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 2 Tbsp. coconut oil, melted
  • ½ lemon, juiced
  • ½ cup almond flour
  • ¼ cup vanilla Tone It Up Protein
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • ½ tsp. baking powder
  • ¼ tsp. salt
  • ¾ cup frozen blueberries
  • 1 lemon, zested
  • coconut oil spray
Instructions
  1. STEP 1: Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. STEP 2: Mix all wet ingredients in a bowl. Add lemon zest. Add dry ingredients and whisk until well combined. Gently stir in blueberries.
  3. STEP 3: Spray a baking dish with coconut oil spray. Pour batter into the baking dish.
  4. STEP 4: Bake for 35-45 minutes. Slice into individual pieces and store in glass containers for the week.
3.5.3226

This next recipe came at the perfect time! I was hosting Book Club Wine Night last night at my house, and needed a quick dessert to put together.  I didn’t realize Publix would be closed all day for Easter, so I needed all the time I could for dinner and had less time to prepare a dessert.



Liz from Sequins and Stripes had posted this incredibly gorgeous Blueberry Angel Food Cake over the weekend and I knew it would be the perfect option.
Plus, I thought it would look cute on my gingham cake stand 🙂

Oh. My. Goodness.
This cake was so delicious.  I have done similar cakes with whipped cream and fruit in the past, but never with the lemon whipped cream + cane sugar.  It made all the difference.

It was so light and refreshing after our dinner
(and made quite the impression with the sugared blueberries on top if I do say so myself!)

Thanks for all of the love on our DIY bar yesterday ! You all clearly like a bar as much as I do (I knew I liked you!)
I was sure to let Kipper know that everyone was impressed by his handy man skills on instagram.

A few things from the weekend that I didn’t get to discuss yesterday :

I jumped on the bandwagon and watching 13 Reasons Why on Netflix; I am 5 episodes in….. Clay is just adorable.  I’m hoping I can finish it next weekend!


I had started listening to S-Town when I was in the Caymans and thought it was awful and stopped after 1.5 episodes.  Then, of course, I got back home and kept seeing more and more people talking about how much they liked it!? So I decided to try it again and finished it in the car yesterday.  I ended up liking it and I am glad I gave it another chance.
The best part of the entire thing – hands down – and don’t worry this says absolutely nothing about it:
The long rant in Chapter V with the Opera music playing in the background.  It starts at the 48 Minute Mark (47:45 technically) Even if you don’t listen to this podcast, I feel this minute is worth of your time.  And don’t stop until the end of the Opera music at 49:00.
I mean….. I died laughing so hard and replayed it about 6 times.  It is pure, Oscar-Award worthy monologue.  I can’t wait to play it again later this week…. I deleted all of the episodes off of my phone except that one so that I can replay it when I need a good laugh 🙂

OH. and this is not a funny podcast.  But I tend to seek out the moments like this in everything.
That one minute alone was worth THE ENTIRE podcast.  And those of you that listened probably have no idea what I am talking about.

A little Fitness Update :

Many of you had asked about what I thought about my Orange Theory Fitness from over the weekend. so I wanted to share what I thought!
Warning : I ramble and this gets a little wordy! (shocker).
I liked it, but likely will not be going again.  Let me preface by saying each class is different, so I may have just had one that wasn’t my speed, and I have lots of friends that love the class and go regularly.
In short, Orange Theory Fitness is a workout that combines treadmill, rowing, and floor/weight/TRX work. It’s all about heartrate and being in a certain zone and they strap a heart rate monitor to you for the class. For my class, we alternated between rowing and then doing 1 set of 4 exercises on the floor and then another set of  4 exercises – and after that I did the treadmill portion.

The exercises are not led by an instructor but rather a TV screen and we did 12 reps of each before moving on to the next – everyone was kind of all over the place and didn’t have a “station”.  Despite everything being numbered, no one went from their rower # to their weight lifting area #, which as a newbie who had no idea what was going on was very confusing for me and I felt like I was in everyones way because no one was at their station.  I’m a rule follower! Can’t we just go to our numbers!?  I had hoped for the floor work to be more instructor led? Everyone was on different exercises at different times with feet near heads and etc was just a bit annoying.

The treadmill section was all together in one giant chunk, which is difficult for me.  I like the switching back and forth from floor to treadmill in shorter increments(like BLAST or SHRED415 do).  25 minutes straight is not only hard for me, but mentally just boring.  I also felt strange being considered as a “runner” in this class? I was able to do the runner speed the entire time, whereas in other class I am definitely a jogger.  It was a great ego boost that I have gotten better at running, but in reality, I’m really not a runner? Not in my mind, and also not in BLAST or SHRED415.  So their categories seemed off to me.

The main reason I likely won’t go back is the rowing.  My back gets bad easily so it makes me nervous, and also I was SO sore afterwards that I was thinking something was wrong with my chest. No joke! It was a soreness that was very different than “these are new muscles being sore from a new workout”.  It like felt like I had bronchitis when I took a deep breath because this one little muscle was so tweaked. I realize that makes me sound insane, and I laughed at myself for thinking I was sick, but that is how it felt. I know that’s just me using muscles I’m not used to using, but again, just wasn’t for me.

OH! And most importantly! I clearly was unsuccessful despite my best efforts because I was almost NEVER “in the orange”.  I was drenched in sweat during the running portion and only when I was sprinting at 9.0 MPH did I get an orange point. Throw me a bone here people! So much for my after-burn of calories the next 24 hours…..

OH! And ACTUALLY! One of my biggest beefs : THEY DO NOT GIVE YOU A DARN TOWEL.
WHAT? Sorry not sorry if I sound like a Negative Nancy but that is asinine to me.
I don’t expect perks and freebies from studios (although I really like the complimentary water bottle at BLAST, and my ice cold towel (some studios with lavender scent!) awaiting me after spin) but I do expect a towel.
Also, do you just want peoples sweat all over the place? So gross.

BUT. First class is free. So go give it a try because I think I’m in the minority with not loving it.
editors note : I’m like “I hated it, go give it a try!” But really… try it? 

Workouts I have been loving :

BLAST : This is 60 minutes alternating between treadmill and floor, with each class being different.  They do different blocks of time each class, but the longest you’ll ever be at one is 15 minutes, and the class just flies by for me.  I love, love, love it.  The music is always great too which helps a lot. I only go 3 times a month right now because I use my ClassPass but I am debating paying for additional classes.

SPINNING : I alternate between several different studios with ClassPass and then switch studios where I buy unlimited months depending on who has the best offer. I bought unlimited months at Cyclebar for February and March, because they were a new studio with great pries, but this month am doing unlimited classes elsewhere because the times fit better with my schedule.  I love Flywheel but it is the most expensive so I only go to that through Class Pass 3 times per month.  Spinning has been my main workout, other than my Tracy Anderson DVD’s at home, and I try to go 4 times per week.

and then after all of the sweaty work, treat yo-self to some blueberry cake, either protein powder packed or sprinkled in sugared blueberries!

by TheSarcasticBlonde 
Favorite, home, home inspiration, house

:: Home Update : Built in Bar ::

April 17, 2017

:: Home Update : Built in Bar ::

I am crazy lucky to have an extremely handy husband.
A man that can fix things and knows his way around a tool box is a real #ManCrushMonday

He can do and build pretty much anything.  Just ask him.  He built the house that they lived in in college (and he will happily tell you that).  But seriously, it is amazing.  He is loaned out to girlfriends and family on many occasions – so Atlanta ladies, let me know if you need help with anything.  He prefers to be barefoot and shirtless outdoors, so if you have projects that allow that, he will be there in a heartbeat.  

We turned the dining room off of our kitchen and living room into a den, because we don’t really have a need at this time for a dining room.  (I posted in the past about the table I got that transforms into a dining table when needed when I shared our living room!)
We were dying to do a built in bar on the empty wall in there – similar to Ramona, I need my Pinot Grigio! – and thankfully my husband – who also loves himself some Friday Happy Hour – of course said to just leave it all to him.

We went to Ikea to get the cabinets, and to be honest, I had expected it to be a bit of a nightmare, but it wasn’t! We found these great grey cabinets that we loved, decided on the cabinet style, and then someone helped us design the whole thing on a computer once we knew what we were looking for.  Right down to the built in wine rack!
It was a one stop shop – which was amazing.  We went that day, picked it all out, loaded up the truck with a gazillion things, and headed home.
(oh…. we were there a long enough time to be starving…. do NOT get food whilst waiting for your parts to get wheeled out from the pick-up area.  I don’t know what these rumors are about “good food”, but what we had was horrifying.)

Kip built the cabinets in no time.  I was shocked how fast.  There were some slight issues with height and width being off – it was Ikea after all – but we were he was able to finagle a few things and get it to work!

The hardest part was the lighting – he installed all of the lights inside the top cabinets and the under mount lighting, but we had to have an electrician add some things into the wall for us since the wall didn’t have what we needed (see how technical I am? I clearly have no idea what we didn’t have and needed, but it got fixed!)

Finding a countertop took a little thinking, because no one could work with us since we only needed such a tiny slab.  I came across Stone Solutions in Marietta and was able to go to the warehouse and look through leftover pieces and have one cut and delivered and installed.

I am so obsessed with the bar – it completely transformed the room.  We would have loved to have put a wine fridge in, but it is way too narrow . We actually had to use upper cabinets on the bottom because it is such a tiny space so no fridge would fit.  We have a mini fridge hidden in the other corner of the room with a mirrored tray and accessories on top – so that works well for us! I’m still working on the rest of the room – it’s a compilation of pieces from Chicago like our leather couch from the basement, and pieces from my moms house and our old beach house all thrown together.

We got the cabinet knobs and draw pulls all from Lowes.
That’s actually what took me so long to share the bar  since it’s technically been done for months! 🙂 We didn’t put the hardware on the drawers for a while because we couldn’t find the right finish – no stores had anything but silver or black – and then we stumbled across it finally in a completely wrong section of the store one day!  

I am still working on styling the bar and adding more of my china and crystal and such, but we get so much use out of it! For now, I moved my ginger jars from the living room built-in-bookshelves over and some flowers, but I am on the hunt for pieces to put up there.  A few things I snagged from my moms house don’t fit, so those went into the living room instead.  As always, thanks mom for letting me “borrow” things every time I leave the house 🙂

also, I am obsessed with these Trader Joe’s Ginger Beers. Isn’t the bottle gorgeous?
I try to keep them stocked since they look so pretty on display!

We have lots of other home projects that we hope to complete, but this has definitely been my favorite so far.  For this room we still need to get new rug, recover a chair, etc, but I don’t even care when that is done because this is the focal point of the room and luckily is immediately what everyone sees.

we are working on sprucing up the back deck now, and got an outdoor sofa yesterday! the deck still needs to be replaced, but until that gets done, we decided not to hold off anymore on outdoor furniture since it is already so gorgeous here and fully patio season! 

Cheers to Happy Hour!!
ps. my absolute favorite Pinot Grigio,
arguably better than Santa Margherita and a much better price, is Kris!
and  Total Wine sells it for a STEAL – always at least $5 less than Publix or the liquor stores!

Cheers to Handy Husbands!
Happy Hour starts promptly at 5 at Casa Richmond!


// ETSY WINE PRINT // 

Hope you all have a great start to the week!

by TheSarcasticBlonde 
fashion

:: Weekend Steals + Deals ::

April 15, 2017

:: Weekend Steals + Deals ::


I have some great steals, deals, and SALES for you this weekend !

Ann Taylor  has 50% off everything this weekend!

couldn’t love this gingham top more! 

GINGHAM TIE WAIST SLEEVELESS W BUTTON BACK 


BOW BACK FLORAL MIDI 


STRIPED OFF THE SHOULDER 


BLUE COLD SHOULDER BELTED DRESS


CROSS BACK PEPLUM TANK 


STRIPED RUFFLE OFF THE SHOULDER 

J.Crew Factory  also has 50% off everything site wide!


PLAID PUMPS 


YELLOW ANORAK


SAILOR SHORTS 


JEWELED SANDAL 

I always stock up on their silk tanks, and the scallop detail on these is so cute

SCALLOPED CAMI 


COTTON A LINE WHITE MIDI 


 POLKA DOT SET  //  SLEEP SHORT  //   SLEEP SHIRT   


SCARF

Other great finds for the weekend below :

I love this purse – reminds me of Rebecca Minkoff with the tassels –  and you can’t beat the price! 

// TASSEL SIDE BAG //
under $25!

I love Target’s SUGARFIX by BaubleBar Collection beaded necklace with the bow back
and here are more items I am coveting – same look, smaller price than the other brands!


TURQUOISE BALL DROP EARRINGS
  //  
MULTICOLOR BEADED BRACELET SET   //  WHITE BALL DROP EARRINGS

Wish I had found this bikini before our trip to the beach! 

// STRIPED BIKINI TOP W. BOW BACK // 

Loft  has 40% off sitewide!


STRIPED JACKET 


ONE SHOULDER EYELET DRESS 


ROSE GARDEN TEE 


EYELET TANK 


FLORAL ROMPER 


JEAN JACKET 


WRAP SKIRT 

Happy Shopping! Have a Wonderful Easter with your loved ones tomorrow!

by TheSarcasticBlonde 
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Hi. I’m Taylor

A Southern girl turned Chicago transplant, recently settling back down in Atlanta. Fluent in sarcasm. Devout Bravo-holic and TV addict. Balances fitness with french fries. Penchant for Prosecco and Pinot Grigio. Wannabe Ina Garten in the kitchen. Online shopping enthusiast. Lover of fashion and decor.

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