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Sunday, July 29, 2012

"How I Make That Money Honey" LINK-UP!



It's finally time to link-up and share with the blog-o-sphere what we do every day in our "real jobs". I can't wait to read about what all of you do professionally because I'm nosy like that. Kind of like how I love to look into my neighbors' windows at night when I walk the dog to see how they decorate.  That sounds way creepier as I type that out.  Forget I said that.


I like to think my professional career began at my Alma mater, Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas.  TTU, or just "Tech" for short, is a public university about six hours west of Dallas, and is the sixth largest university in Texas.







In Fall 2011, there were a little over 32K students enrolled at Tech. Moving six hours away to a relatively small West Texas town was scary, but I loved my time there and had the most amazing collegiate experience.  My freshman year spent living in the dorms was definitely my favorite year in school and is when I met many of my best friends that I still have to this day.



At TTU, I was involved in the Department of Student Media, which is the department that produces the student newspaper, the campus yearbook and a website devoted to new media.  It was hands-on experience that I couldn't get in a class room and I learned so much about design, layout, writing and production of an actual publication.  My junior and senior year I actually served as editor-in-chief of our award winning yearbook.  #nerdyandidon'tcare
Look who! Throw back Bargain Blonde.
I graduated on August 12, 2006, from the College of Mass Communications with a degree in Journalism and a minor in English.  My college graduation day was also my 22nd birthday! Crazy, right?  Two celebrations in one!  


After I graduated, I moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, which is where my Mom lives because I kinda forgot about that whole "looking for a job" thing you are supposed to do before you graduate.  A few months later I had a phone interview for a job in Dallas and then they wanted me to come in for a face-to-face, so without really any thought, I packed my car up and drove the 18 hours back to Texas, which is where I've been ever since.  


I actually didn't get that job, but a few weeks later I had my second post-college interview for a Communications Specialist position at a financial company, which I DID get.  


I stayed with that company for four years and moved up to a role as Director of Communications, which means I oversaw all internal and external communications for a conglomerate of companies.  I am very appreciative for that job as I learned a lot about corporate america and corporate communications . However, after 4 years, I was ready to move on and needed a new challenge, so I left for the job I currently have now.  


I've been with my current company for two years and my official title is "Internal Communications Specialist Senior".  It's a public company that has over 15,500 employees globally.  My particular office is business casual and we have almost 500 employees between our location in Texas and our sister site in South America.
Typical attire I wear to the office although on some days I do not look nearly this pulled together.


Basically, I'm responsible for these forms of communication within our company:
  • Electronic: - Company email messages, employee intranet (write and publish news stories and make all updates to site), videos, electronic newsletters, photography, create presentations for senior management
  • Print: - Newsletters, brochures, posters, memos, communication packs or 'toolkits'

As you can see, I use a lot of what I learned in college in my day-to-day job responsibilites. Writing has always been a passion of mine. Hence, this blog. I do enjoy working in the corporate communications field, but I would love to branch out into more of a external communications role with a focus on social media.  


My ultimate goal in life is to just get paid to do what I'm truly passionate about so that I will never have to "work" a day in my life again. I mean, who doesn't want to follow their dreams and make a living doing what they love? I sure do.


Speaking of things I'd love, I'd love for all of you to share what you do in your "real jobs" by linking-up below.    All I ask is that you include a link in your post back to here.  I'd love if you grabbed the button at the top of this post as well!


 Don't forget that you can tell us about your day-to-day responsibilities are as a SAHM or what kind of job you are looking for if you are unemployed or a recent gradute.  I'm not limiting this link-up to only people who clock in 8 to 5 at an office every day.  


This link-up will be open until midnight this Friday when it comes time to link-up your Friday Faves from the week!  

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Friday, July 27, 2012

Friday Favorites!



So I guess I spoke too soon last Friday. I said I'd be back to a "normal" blogging schedule this week, but we still had work visitors in town until yesterday evening, which meant I was still just as busy this week. This left very little time for blogging. 


However, I just can't miss Friday Faves two weeks in a row.  That would be a tragedy. 


Favorite Funny / Truth


Favorite Jeans

This picture doesn't really do them justice, but I'm loving Old Navy's Wide-Leg Trouser Jeans in Rinse for only $34.50.  I am obsessed with wide leg jeans because I feel like I'm channeling my inner Rachel Zoe when I wear them.  I die for her (and Rodge) by the way.


Favorite Online Purchase
5 Hair Ties in One Packet $11.99 + S & H
Pour one out for my velvet scrunchies.  You probably think I'm kidding, but I'm as serious as a heart attack.  If I wanted to sleep on straitened hair to preserve it's sleekness for the next day, you best believe I would whip out one of my old velvet scrunchies circa my gymnastics crushed velvet leotard days.  No longer will I rock a scrunchie at night because I finally ordered the ever so blog-o-sphere popular emi-jay hair ties online yesterday.  

If you are still living with the shame of scrunchies at night like I am, then allow me to introduce you to the scrunchie alternative.  These hair ties won't pull or dent your hair like a rubberband and are made from a soft and stretchy material that has been hand-dyed and knotted.  There are several collections to choose from, but I went with the Cure Collection (pictured above).  Can't wait to test these babies out!

Favorite Stella and Dot & Emily Maynard Looks from The Bachelorette Finale
Emily wore the Stella and Dot Garden Party earrings ($54) with that gorgeous zig zag maxi.  As an aside, that maxi which I totally swooned over is currently on Rue La La.  Thanks for the tip Possessionista.  
She also wore the S&D Revival Tassel Necklace, which just so happens to be on sale for $55.30 and has also been featured in InStyle Magazine.  Can I please have Emily's Bachelorette wardrobe? Puh-lease.
Favorite Energy Drink

It is safe to say I'm completely and utterly addicted to the new Starbucks Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher.  I may or may not go every day after to lunch to get one in a Trenta size before returning to the office.  

It is so good and good for you too because it's made with Green Coffee Extract for a boost of natural energy but no coffee flavor.  Just a cool, crisp "refreshing" pick-me-up in the afternoon.  Def my new drink staple.

Before I turn this thing over to you, I wanted to let y'all know that although yesterday I promised pics of me with Bela Karolyi in today, I am going to do you one better. I'm devoting an entire post to throw-back gymnastics pics next week in honor of the Olympics.  I was quite the ugly duckling back in the day, so you'll get a good laugh. I promise.

Your turn. Link-up my ladies.




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Thursday, July 26, 2012

Countdown to the Olympics + "How I Make That Money Honey" link-up deets

We are less than 24 hours away from the opening ceremony in London for the 2012 Olympic games.  Who else is excited?  In anticipation of the games, I decided to peruse the official London 2012 Website this morning and um, I have a few concerns about the athlete photos.

Why is this Michael Phelps' official picture?  Can we get the guy a hair brush? A hair cut? Some product? A razor? Something, please. He looks homeless.

It's not just Michael, though.  What is going on with ALL of the U.S.A. athlete photos? I spy a to catch a predator suspect on the top row and a girl that look like she got busted for DUI and cried in the squad car all the way to the clink on the bottom row.
You'll notice there are blue and red circles.  I've used the blue to circle all the hotties.  You are welcome.  The red are the photos that concern me the most.

I mean, at the very least, could the person in charge not crop the photos the same way?  Stephanie Brown Trafton looks like she's sitting in a salon chair with a hair cape on.  It's all very strange, so if anyone on the International Olympic Committee is reading (and I'm sure you all are), please just put me in charge of athlete mug shots for now on.  Goodness gracious. If you want to see all of the USA photos, go here.

And while I'm on the topic of the Olympics, I wanted to share some Stella and Dot gold, silver and bronze earrings all less than $35 dollars.
Gold ($34) / Silver ($31.20 on sale) / Bronze ($29)

And tomorrow as part of my Friday Faves, I am going to post some pictures of me and Bela Karolyi for your viewing pleasure.  You didn't know we were besties? Oh, we are.

Last but not least, I mentioned hosting a "How I Make That Money Honey" and it seems several of you were interested.  The time has come!  Grab the button below and start preparing your posts because we're linking-up Monday.




How I Make That Money Honey Link-up Instructions 
In case you missed the original post about this, I wanted to host a link-up so that we can share what we do in our "real jobs" whether that be in corporate america or as a SAHM.  You may not get a physical pay check if you are staying at home, but you should.  So even if you don't clock in at the office at 8 a.m., I know everyone would love to read what a "day-in-the-life" with a SAHM is like.

As a reminder, I strongly encourage you to be as discreet as possible when telling us about your jobs.  Please don't reveal company names or locations.  We don't need anyone ending up on Dateline.  Simply tell us what your profession is and what your job responsibilities are.  I also think it would be interesting to know what your degree is in if you went to college and to see if you actually apply it in your career.  Just an idea!

I'm going to leave the link-up open all week in case some of you already participate in Monday link-ups.  Let me know if you have any questions. I can't wait to read all of your posts on Monday!  
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Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Is this thing on? Checking in via Instagram.

Just when you think your week can't get any worse or more hectic, your air conditioner goes out in your house Friday when it's 106 degrees outside.  You get a hotel room Saturday evening, which turns out to be sketch.  Soggy, soaking wet carpets and dirty feet aroma included at no extra cost.  The dog barked and whined at the door all night.  It was a lovely Saturday night.
 It got up to 93 inside before I booked a hotel room / Bear guarding the door in the sketch room
The hotel did give us a cute little Milk Bone package for Bear, which I thought was presh / Continental breakfast included a Texas shaped waffle that the dog wouldn't even eat. At least it was a good photo op! #silverlining
Sunday I switched to a CLEAN, extended stay hotel complete with a mini kitchen and living room.  Have never been so happy to have a pristine, pleasant smelling room to call home for the night.
I relaxed in the room and watched romantic comedies, spent 30 minutes brushing my ratty hair and started this at home teeth whitening system. Excited to see the results.
Monday I picked Bear up from the Pets Hotel at PetsMart since I wasn't able to bring him with me to the new hotel and he had a great time at Doggy Day Camp.  Check out his "paw"gress report!  So cute. 


Before all the air conditioning drama happened, I met a girlfriend to see Magic Mike again Friday night. 
Wore my new Lilth Fringe Earrings / View of Dallas from the movie theater

Thursday night we took our Santiago work visitors out to Top Golf.  It's been so hot, my hair ended up in its usual messy Summer bun.  Wednesday I took Reese to an indoor trampoline park, and I had so much fun. Maybe more than him. I was definitely the oldest person in there jumping and flipping around.

And to end this little life update on a happy note, I present to you the bouquet of flowers I put together for myself for only $10 and the sunrise on the way to 6 a.m. boot camp.

How is every one else doing?  I hope staying cool.  Is it Fall yet?  My favorite season!
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Friday, July 20, 2012

Link-up: Friday Faves!






Howdy folks!  I told y'all I would most likely let you run the show today and that's exactly what is going to happen.  

My favorite part of the week is the fact that today is finally Friday and my brother is in Vegas, which means I get the house to my self all weekend! Holla!  TGIF. Normal blogging to resume next week.


,
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Thursday, July 19, 2012

Who do I need to speak to about adding a few more hours to each day?

Because ....

I have read about five blog posts total this entire week and I have yet to read one single Friday Fave from any of you that linked-up last week.  I feel horrible about it.  


I have not done one thing I've needed to do for Stella and Dot (i.e. book parties, send thank you cards, create invites, etc.).  


I have not done my overflowing laundry that I vowed not to let get out of control again.  In fact, I have yet to even put away clean laundry. 
I'm going to need this champagne laundry room stat. Then, I'll always be on top of my laundry.
My bathroom counter top looks like Hurricane Katrina paid me a visit.  Hot rollers are everywhere (side note - those rollers I ordered off ebay that were supposed to give me Gretchen Rossi hair were a major FAIL.  They suck.  I finally used them this past Saturday before going out.  When I walked into the bar my friend Chris asked me if I had seen a hair brush all day. Hash tag true story.)


I got THE SWEETEST e-mail ever from a blog reader yesterday. Like it touched my heart and I have not even responded. Rude. 

I am totally doing that "How I Make My Money Honey" link-up next week, but the short story is that I work in Corporate Communications.  Our communications team at our sister site in Santiago, Chile is in town for 2 weeks so I'm responsible for training and entertaining on top of doing my normal workload.
I was obsessed with this movie as a kid.  "I'm right on top of that Rose."

ANDDDDDDD .... I started boot camp on Monday that starts at 6 a.m. so guess who doesn't get the luxury of staying up until 1 a.m. as usual? This girl.  Barely got to watch the  RHOC Reunion Part 2 and it took me 2 days to finish The Bachelorette: Men Tell All.  And y'all know how important my shows are.  This may be the most tragic part of all.  
Oh, Vicki.
If you want to tell me to STFU, I don't blame you.  I'd like to tell myself to STFU. But this, my dear friends, is why I've been MIA all week.  I need a few more hours in a day. Is that too much to ask?

Can you imagine what I would be like if I had chitlins or a husband to tend to as well?  I just don't know how some of you do it.

In conclusion, I wanted to post to let you know I will be having Friday Faves for you to link-up tomorrow, but I'm not so sure I'll actually be posting a list of my faves from the week. I may just let y'all run the show tomorrow.  We shall see.


Last but not least, thank you all for reading and know that I appreciate each and every one of you!  

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Wednesday, July 18, 2012

VOTE! What "DIY for the Ladies" will TenList film for us next?

It wasn't too long ago I introduced you ladies to TenList, the online directory of local contract services.  Refer here if you don't know what I'm talking about. 

Daniel, TenList's DIY guy, filmed a Flat Iron Holder "DIY for the Ladies" just for The Bargain Blonde readers. Click here to watch the tutorial on YouTube if you missed it the first time.  


Since most of y'all love you some DIYs, we decided to make this a series and TenList is going to film even more "DIY for the Ladies" videos just for us.  

It gets better ....

They want to give y'all exactly what you want, so you get to vote on four different "DIY for the Ladies" projects.  Whichever project gets the most votes, Daniel is going to film a DIY on.  Make sense?

Vote today so he can start filming ASAP!  The 4 projects to choose from are below:

What DIY project do you want Daniel to film next?

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Thursday, July 12, 2012

A new look for "The BB" plus a link-up party for Friday Favorites!

Well, I feel like all I did was complain on the blog this week. Do you hate me yet?

In happier news ... SURPRISE!!!!!  Notice anything different?  The Bargain Blonde got a design revamp complete with a brand new About Me page and I couldn't be more excited about it.  My homie Jonalynn McFadden is a talented graphic designer whom I met in college at a Journalism leadership conference in Oregon and we've remained in contact ever since.  If you like what you see and are looking for a bloggy make-over, then she is definitely the woman for the job.


Check out her design portfolio and you can contact her here.  I promise you'll love whatever she comes up with!  Not to mention she's awesome to work with and a personal friend of mine.  What are you waiting for?

All righty, it's favorites time!



$49 - Shop Here
I was so excited to see The Bachelorette Emily Maynard wearing Stella and Dot again this week!  I'll forgive that phony tail and bird necklace I blogged about yesterday because she knocked it out the park with her beach blonde hair and sun kissed skin paired with the turquoise Stella and Dot Capri Chandelier Earrings in turquoise. The Capri Chandeliers, which are also available in coral, are a steal at under $50!


Oh my goodness gracious. I'm all by my lonely laying in bed writing this post at midnight and I just let out the loudest, most unattractive cackle ever. Why? Because I just re-watched the clip of Bravo's (and my imaginary bestie) Andy Cohen getting attacked by the bird during the RHOC Reunion.  I could watch and will watch this a million times over. So funny.



Really Lindsey? Favorite pen?  I know.  But this pen is pretty much life changing.  If you are a cray like me, then you are very particular about your pens.  My BFF told me about the Pilot G-2 07 and on Sunday I picked a pack up at Target. Can't. Stop. Writing.  Seriously, this pen writes as smooth as butta. Get yo'self some.

This 100% all-natural Lucini Italia Bold Parmesan and Garlic vinaigrette is so amazing on salads and as a marinade. If I could drink it straight, I would.


Remember way back in November I blogged about a boot camp I was doing?  Well, now that I'm back into the swing of things thanks to Tone It Up, I signed up for another Boot Camp session with my friend and certifiable personal trainer Jeremy Jackson.  He started his own boot camp called GetFit Nation and convinced me to sign-up for his new camp that starts this coming Monday.  

EFF MY LIFE because when I signed up I didn't know it was a MORNING boot camp and if you know me, you know I do NOT do mornings.  My only saving grace is that Jeremy is really good at keeping you accountable and does not accept excuses, so I will be be dragging my ass up to the camp Mon/Wed at 6 a.m. and Tues/Thurs at 6:45 a.m.  I know my family reads my blog and I already know they are laughing out loud at the notion of me going to a 6 a.m. boot camp.  Guess I better start going to bed earlier.  

If anyone is interested in the boot camp, all fitness levels are welcome.  E-mail Jeremy or text him at 469.438.7898 if you have any questions.  Or check out the boot camp's Facebook page for deets. Let him know you heard about it on The Bargain Blonde.  Hope to see some of you Dallas area ladies there!  

Now it's your turn! Grab my button at the top of the post and link-up below!

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Confession Session returns!

I used to write "Confess Sesh" posts frequently, but for some reason or another, it's been months since I last confessed.  Maybe it's my PMS flaring up or I could still be perturbed about the Curious Case of the Stanky Dress, but I have just not been in the mood this week.  With that said, let me preface this post by asking you to excuse my snarky tone throughout. Air kisses!

I confess that I want to punch any holier-than-thou married or unmarried person who is getting on their soapbox saying Magic Mike is immoral.  However, let me also say that although I don't understand it, I completely respect if Magic Mike is something you can't co-sign. I just ask that you don't JUDGE ME or others who were there opening night with wine smuggled in our purses.  If loving Magic Mike is wrong, then I do NOT want to be right.  My bestie Beth's post also addresses "MagicMikeGate" today. Can I get an Amen?

I obviously think
Channing Tatum is gift to all women, but I confess I had no idea who this Joe Manganiello cat was before Magic Mike and that's a damn shame.  His abs?  I have never in my life seen abs like his.   And when he does the body roll? OMG, I can't.  Do I also need to mention he's 6'5"? Ugh, I want to carry his babies.


Channing Tatum's FLASH MOB on The Today Show!  Dreams really do come true.

I confess that the comments I received as a result of my If Kate Upton is fat, then I am morbidly obese post on Tuesday are my favorite comments on a post to date.  Each e-mail that popped up on my phone notifying me of a new comment made my heart smile. I have not responded to them all yet, but thank you for your support and feedback on my opinion regarding this mess.

Just for kicks, let's take a look at the "lazy, lardy" look once more.  Someone put this woman in touch with Jessica Simpson's people so we can get her a Weight Watchers contract too. #Idon'tlikejokes


I confess that instead of complaining about Magic Mike and Kate Upton haters, I should really live by the motto "Don’t waste time explaining yourself to people committed to misunderstanding you."  But, I also confess that sometimes a girl just needs to vent.  Sue me.


I confess that I hated Emily Maynard's clip in "phonytail" during the rose ceremony on Monday. However, I hated her necklaces even more. The worst part? Those necklaces were THOUSANDS of dollars. 
vom / via
double vom  / via
According to the blog Possessionista, all three of those necklaces will put you back $11,600 bones.

Diamond Bird Necklace: $4409
Diamond Chain Necklace: $2200
Fossilized Ivory Necklace w/ Diamond beads-$5000

Imagine all the Stella and Dot her stylist could have got for that price?  Just sayin'.

I confess for the last few days I've wanted to go to the movies by myself ONLY so I can eat the popcorn. Fat girl diaries.


I confess that I'm too lazy to think of any more confessions, so I'm just going to click "publish".  


Tomorrow I will be posting Friday Faves again at 7 a.m. EST, so be sure to link-up with me. I loved reading all of your posts last week! 


p.s. What do you confess??
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