Southern Blondie: 2013

Free Snow Day Workout Videos

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I have been snowed in for four days now. Some by chance ... some by choice. I guess I could have actually ventured out, but why chance it when I am so comfortable and snuggled at home? Thanks to Pinterest, take out Chinese food, and a boyfriend who likes to watch a lot of movies, it wasn't that bad. I actually really enjoyed it

But day three got me. Day three had me antsy pantsy. A lot of energy and not a lot of things to do since I have no idea how to drive on ice. So I did what any person would do. I worked out. (Right?) Since grad school is basically over now, I knew that my next goal was to be in ridiculously good shape. So why not start on a snow day? Thanks to YouTube and free videos... I found plenty of workouts that I could save and do now, or on another snow day since I won't be driving to the gym.

I started out with the day 1 shred video.

There is the Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred - Video 1

I believe I will try to abs one soon.

Jillian Michaels 6 Weeks 6-Pack Abs



And, Jillian Michaels Stretch Video



After I start to workout more, in the gym and at home, I'm going to tackle the hardest looking Jillian Michaels one...

The Banish Fat Complete Workout



There you go. No excuses. Not even for me.
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Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken

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There hasn't been a lot of time lately to cook ... or blog for that matter. Luckily for me graduate school is only a couple of days for being over for good. In the past few weeks I have tried a couple of new things, including this herb-roasted chicken. It's was easy and delicious. 



All you need is love. 

And a chicken. lemon. onion. rosemary leaves. thyme leaves. and fresh rosemary. 


Hey fella! 


Hey guys!


Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper. 

Always season with salt and pepper. 


Mix a tablespoon of dried thyme and dried rosemary together.


Coat all over the chicken. 


Squeeze half/whole lemon over the chicken.




Next, take a sprig of rosemary and a small onion and cut it up.


Then insert the onion, rosemary, and fill the half of the lemon that you use with garlic, and insert all into the chicken. This keeps the garlic IN the chicken.


Look at your chicken. 

Smile. 

Put the little fella in the oven. 


Roast, baby, roast!



Once you remove the chicken, let him rest. He's had a busy few minutes. 

After a few minutes, it's time for dinner! 

Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken 

Ingredients:
  • 1 whole chicken
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon of dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary
  • 1 half to whole lemon
  • 1 small onion
  • 1 sprig of rosemary 
  • 2 tsp minced garlic

Directions: 
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Unwrap your chicken and wash under cold water. Remove the giblets and toss. Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
  3. Place chicken in roasting pan
  4. Salt and pepper chicken
  5. Mix dried thyme and rosemary and coat chicken with the herbs
  6. Squeeze a half/whole lemon over the chicken 
  7. Cup up a small onion, and fill the cavity with onion, sprig of rosemary, and half a lemon filled with the minced garlic 
  8. Place in oven for an hour to and hour and half, or until chicken reaches 165 degrees internal temp. 
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#GivePink, Get More with Bloomingdales

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Breast Cancer affects everyone that is a woman. Either you have had it, known someone who has had it, had it affect you through family, or go for a yearly check up. In 2013, 232,340 new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed. Whatever the form, it's time to stand together to end the fight and win the war. 

And what better way to do that through shopping? Shopping to end breast cancer? Sign me up! In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Bloomingdale’s will fund research support and awareness programs. So how do you do this? See below for more details. 



The GIVE 


From October 1 through November 3, 2013, enroll by charging a $15 fee on your Bloomingdale's card–100% funds research, support and awareness programs at The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, The Tutu Project benefiting The Carey Foundation and The Cancer Vixen Fund at Beth Israel Hospital.Then shop to your heart's content (even for cosmetics and fragrances) on your Bloomingdale's card. 



The GET

You'll be mailed a Give Pink, Get More gift card worth up to $250 in December–just in time for the holidays–to use at any Bloomingdale's store and bloomingdales.com.*

Don't have a Bloomingdale's card yet? APPLY NOW







The SOCIAL


This is a sponsored post on behalf of She Speaks & Bloomingdale's
All opinions are my own. 
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Makeup Monday: L’Oréal Paris Magic Nude Liquid Powder Makeup

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I don't like to admit that I am a girly, girl, but I am. I like to think I can rough it, or that I'm tough, or that if you dropped me in the middle of the forest I could find my way out and even build a fire. Sadly, none of that is true. I am a girly, girl. I like makeup, and perfumes and things that smell nice.

Which is why I'm totally in love right now with a certain foundation. Now, to be fair, I did receive this foundation free to try and review. Previously to this certain foundation, I only wore department store makeup, I never even thought about drugstore brands. (I'm not good at trying new things a lot.)

But I did. I tried L’Oréal Paris Magic Nude Liquid Powder Makeup. Results? I LOVE it.



It doesn't take a lot (which I also love) and it stays on practically all day (which is another great bonus). 

It really is kind of magic. Now, I still use the L’Oreal Paris Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream, but this makes everything so much better.


Here is a little bit of info about this liquid powder: 

About L’Oréal Paris Magic Nude Liquid Powder Makeup: 
This revolutionary liquid-powder formula glides on and transforms on contact to a fresh, powder-like finish for a look that’s flawless,yet undetectable. The lightweight foundation with SPF 18 will make you feel like you aren’t wearing makeup at all!

To apply: Shake well. For best results, pour just a few drops onto fingers and apply directly onto skin. Not recommended for use with a sponge or brush.

L’Oréal Paris Magic Nude retails for approximately $12.95 for 1 fl oz. It is available in 12 shades and is available at mass food and drug retailers nationwide.



Seriously. Try it for yourself. I highly doubt you will be disappointed. 

Disclosure: I received complimentary product from SheSpeaks/L'Oréal Paris.
My opinions are honest and true, over and out. 

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Little Rock Food Truck: Southern Gourmasian

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As you get older there are things you learn to appreciate.

Good fashion.

Your mother's advice.

Delicious food.

However, when your mother tells you that you are getting too old to take fashion risks (like the pink dress pictures) that isn't always the most fun to hear.

Also, when your mother tells you that the dress looks like we could just patch three dresses together for the same look ... not the best.

Needless to say I did not buy that dress even though I am somewhat in love. What else is good about getting older? Really appreciating good, quality food.





Like The Southern Gourmasian food truck in Little Rock. 


As food trucks become more and more popular in Little Rock, AR, (Yay!) they are raising the bar and quality of the food that is served. Here's how you know you are eating good food, the quality, ingredients and amount leave you filled and satisfied. That's exactly what the Southern Gourmasian provides.

Here is there description from their website:

 The Southern Gourmasian brings you a tasty alternative to fast food.  High quality and affordable - all of our food is made from scratch on the truck daily by chef Justin Patterson! All of our delicious bread is from the fantastic and local Boulevard Bread Co.  We will always avoid pre-made frozen food and will bring you fresh food to fit into your healthy lifestyle. We have found a love for delicious, real food that we want to share with everyone! 


Today for lunch I had the Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder with Sriracha Lime Butter. 


Does this make you hungry? Because it should. The homemade pickles are also delish. There are lots more food trucks in Little Rock to mention, but I thought I would start with this one. 

To find where they are each day either like their Facebook page, or check out their Twitter feed. 

Food trucks and social media ... like my own personal heaven. 

I may not be able to pull off that pink dress, but at least I can enjoy good food. 
(By the way, I totally did order pleather pants for the fall... Sorry, mom.) 
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One-Pot Minestrone Soup

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I am all about some one-pot dishes, soups, and casseroles. If it's healthy and good for you? Double win! Last Friday I had the strongest craving for minestrone soup... so this past weekend I got to soup making. It's healthy, easy, delicious, and can be frozen for later (which I LOVE).

I adapted this recipe from Ellie Krieger from the Food Network. I did everything almost the same, but not.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 tablespoons of minced garlic
3 stalks celery, diced
3 medium carrots, diced
1 14-ounce can cut green beans
2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 28-ounce can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
1 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes
2 14-ounce cans of low-sodium chicken broth
1 15-ounce can low-sodium kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup elbow pasta

Directions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add the celery and carrot and cook until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in the green beans, dried oregano and basil, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste; cook 3 more minutes.

Add the diced and crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, kidney beans,  to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer then add the pasta and cook until the pasta and vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.

Enjoy!
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Weekend Wine: Luli Sauvignon Blanc

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So another busy week, and another week where my blog was oh so empty. That is going to change this week. I promise. I put it on the bottle of wine that I am about to talk about... So you know I mean serious business.

This Weekend Wine is Luli Sauvignon Blanc. As a lover of almost all wines, my friend Melissa actually got me started on Sauvignon Blanc. Actually, my friend Melissa got me started on drinking wine in general. I think that deserves BFF status for life.

Back to the wine...

Image from http://www.luliwines.com/

The 2012 Luli Sauvignon Blanc emits a lively mix of passionfruit, gooseberry and light grassy notes. The aromatics are fresh and mouthwatering. On the palate comes a broad-textured character from the limited lees contact, which unfolds into a refreshing and bright finish. Serve chilled.

Price range: $15-20. 


I highly suggest you find it in your area and give it a shot. 

Would I ever steer you wrong in the wine department? Never! After all, you and I are besties!
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Wine Weekend: Layer Cake Malbec

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It's the weekend! Even though it's Saturday afternoon which means that half of the weekend is technically over, that's no reason not to celebrate with a new bottle of wine. I haven't been drinking wine that long in life, maybe four or five years but lately I have come to really appreciate it and I am trying to learn more about how each variety is made and in what region different types come from. It's a long journey but it's something fun to learn and it is a much better hobby than my current one of grad school. (Only four more months until graduation!!)

This is one of the latest ones that I have been researching and purchased. It's called Layer Cake ... (who doesn't want wine that also has the name cake in it?)

Here is a little 'about' the wine, straight from the website: 


WINEMAKER NOTES

We allow Layer Cake Malbec to ripen thoroughly on the vine. We tend to harvest four to six weeks after all other neighboring vineyards – a crucial element to the wine’s quality. Each cluster, once harvested by hand, is then destemmed and sorted – also by hand. Born at the base of the Andes and fed by the purest spring waters … I love this place.
VINEYARD NOTES

The fruit for Layer Cake Malbec comes from a vineyard that is flanking the Mendoza River in Argentina -a rocky terrain, strikingly similar to that of Chateauneuf du Pape in the Rhône Valley. The once 5-mile- wide Mendoza River is now mostly vineyard, abundant with some of Argentina’s most pristine Malbec vines. A plethora of smooth cobbles on the top bewilders the eye and imagination as to how the vines actually thrive in such a rugged terrain. Silt and gravel make up the subsoil under the larger cobbles. Our vineyard sits at an elevation of about 3,000 feet.

Climate: The climate is arid, with very low rainfall totals. Warm days are followed by cool evenings as the breezes from the Andes Mountain Range flow down to the Mendoza Valley floor.
TASTING NOTES

The 2011 is a classic Malbec, but undoubtedly Layer Cake. Big, brooding, black fruit, then rich earth, truffles and dark cocoa are at the front. The Sea of Stones vineyard is at its core, always evident with the thread of minerality that the deep alluvial cobblestones lend. This wine is so elegant in the mouth with fresh-picked blackberries, simmering chocolate sauce on the stove, and somewhere someone’s cooking bacon … so many layers, so little time. Drinking a bottle of this wine will certainly lead to, well, opening another. So get it fast and get a lot while you can. We can never make enough to satisfy everyone.


Price ranges from $15-20. 


But I only have one request if you drink this wine... that you eat it with cake! 
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My (first) July Birchbox!

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So... I am a little late to the Birchbox craze ... but at least I am here! After having lots of friends do it, I thought I should do it, too. Since I am a girly girl and love all things makeup, hair products, etc., why not do this?


I could not have been more excited when I finally got my box! 


The first thing I pulled out was the Icon INDIA hair oil. 

Description from Birchbox: 

A special blend of argan, moringa, and other oils repair and strengthen damaged hair, restoring its natural softness and shine.

I haven't tried it just yet, but I plan to tomorrow morning!


I'm not a huge lotion in packets fan, but these do look interesting...

Description from Birchbox: 

Caldrea focuses on plant-based botanical ingredients that you can feel good about applying to your body. Rice bran, a staple in Japanese skincare, stimulates collagen to increase elasticity and hydration. Nourishing chia seed oil optimizes skin health. Plus, Caldrea products are vegan and free of phthalates, parabens, formaldehyde, and artificial colors.

I'm going to throw this in my makeup bag for those days that I am out and about and need a little lotion. 



Because I sometimes have eczema, I do like this. 

Description from Birchbox: 

This derm-developed formula provides prescription-quality relief for eczema and redness, as well as for garden-variety (but still frustrating) dry skin. The deceptively light formula replaces lost ceramides, boosting skin’s natural ability to retain moisture. In addition, a special blend of skin-repairing ingredients like folic acid prevent cell DNA damage and protect from pollution, UV exposure, and irritation.

I did try it last night and it's very smooth. Seems to also work nicely. 


(Sorry this pic is so blurry!) 

Who doesn't love a colorful lip?

Description from Birchbox:

The concentrated, vitamin-rich formula heals dryness while coating lips in long-lasting color. There are two trio options to choose from: the Neutrals trio features Get Naked, a classic nude; Kitty, a soft baby pink; and Dusk Till Dawn, a deep nude with beige undertones; while the Classics collection has Peony, a hot pink; Red Velvet, a snappy red with hits of pink; and Disco Fever, a flirty coral.


Then last but not least... bobby pins! 

Overall I am very excited for the first Birchbox. So excited I can't wait for August to receive another one!

If you haven't signed up yet, check it out here. 
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EcoTools Makeup Brushes Winner Announced!

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Congrats to Sara D for winning the EcoTools Makeup Brush set! 

I will be sending you an email soon about your prize. 

Congrats! 
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Best Pieces at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

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While in New York last week for work, we had free time on Thursday night after we got done with our event to do a little sightseeing. Luckily for me, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) was open until 8 p.m. Since we didn't get done with work until around 6, we still had plenty of time to hop over to see it. 

I had never been to the MoMA in my handful of trips to NYC. I had always wanted to go and was literally jumping up and down when I realized that it stayed open late for summer hours. Sometimes even my luck amazes me. 

The MoMA has all types of exhibits... sculptures, contemporary art, abstract pieces, photography and paintings. Though I am not at art expert by any means, photography and paintings have always, always been my favorite.   


Hey MoMA! 


If only I had a video of HOW excited I was to actually visit. I have this nerdy love for museums. 
(I'm trying to plan a trip to Dallas to visit the new Perot Museum of Nature and Science!)


EL ANATSUI 
This piece is actually made out of bottle caps. I loved this piece for some reason. Again, I am NO art expert, but when you like something, you like it. Here is a brief description that they had to offer about this piece: 

"This shimmering sheet is composted of liquor-bottle caps and seals discarded by Nigerian disterllieries. Ansatsui and his assistants have flattened, folded, and carefully linked the pieces together with copper wire, creating a simple repetition of forms on a grand scale.

For Anatsui, bottle caps represent "the material which was there at the beginning of the contact between two continents" 


Sometimes life gets crazy. Now, I don't have the 'name' of this piece, but it kind of makes me feel about what your past looks like. Again, no art expert, but I like to imagine things and this is what I imagine. 

To me this piece looks like a past. THe memory of things on top of each other, some memories very visual and full, while others are just glimpses. 

This piece probably has nothing to do with that... but a girl can makeup her own story. 


Now, this piece is actually how I feel most days. I see a person with two hands trying to get a lot done. There are obstacles, people, life, feelings, and everything else going on. 

Again, just imagining. 


I had always had a bit of a like for Andy Warhol, but I feel like now he might be my person. He is known for his pop art pieces that I think are so much fun. It's not too serious (to me), but it's a lot of fun to see and be around. 

Plus, what blonde doesn't like a good Marilyn piece?



You can actually get lost looking at this piece. To think that this can be done by anyone is incorrect. (I am only saying that because I heard an art expert say that.) She discussed that for a piece like this it actually takes time and planning. To make the colors even, to layer, and to describe the feeling, it takes an experience artist. 

Now, I know the art expert lady was probably very right, but there is something interesting about this piece. I stood in front of it for a while just starring at it. What do you think this conveys? 




I had the best seat of house for this piece. Sometimes you have to just stare at art to really appreciate it. 

Plus, I like the color red. 


This another piece of Warhol. Kind of makes you want soup, huh? 

That's my non-expert art opinion about the best pieces I saw at the MoMA. Though I may be just a art looker, I do have an appreciation for people who can create and vision and then make it happen. 

Happy Thursday! 
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Giveaway! EcoTools Makeup Brushes

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Last week while traveling for work, I received these EcoTools makeup brushes. Since I love makeup brushes, makeup, things that are girly, and things that are good for the Earth, I was ecstatic. The first thing I did when I received them was open them up immediately (after I took the picture of course)! 

EcoTools are cool for so many reasons... The brushes are made of bamboo, recycled aluminum and soft bristles. These are not only good for your skin, but great for the environment as well. (They are also 100% cruelty-free products.) See why I was so excited to receive them?


Since their launch in 2008, EcoTools has not just made beautiful products, but they also give back as well to charities also trying to do good things in the world. 


I was mostly excited to receive this six piece day-to-night- clutch set. There are holsters for the brushes on the side and it zips up making it easy to fit into a large makeup bag or even a purse. There is something about pretty brushes that make it even more fun to put on makeup. 


This has to be one of the softest brushes that I have ever tried. Also, this bag holds around 10-11 brushes and is great for keeping your brushes neat and organized. 


This mini essentials set is great for travel or even keeping it at the office for quick touchups during the day. 


The best part ... I am giving one of the mini essentials sets away! 
To win, it's very, very simple...

Just leave a comment below for one entry, and you can also tweet about the giveaway for an extra entry.

You have until Saturday night at 11:59 CST.

Good luck! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

(p.s. This giveaway is sponsered only by me. EcoTools has no idea who I am!)
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New York City Summer Night

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I'm in New York this week and as we were strolling around last night I realized, there's really not a bad view... 
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Living in Chaos... Time to Get Organized

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This is where sharing everything might be too much... 

This is my closet. The clothes. The shoes. The purses.

It's time for a purge. 

Before my (last) fall semester starts in August, I am about to get seriously organized in every way of life. Lofty goal, but it's doable I know! 


Here's the before today... 


Now, this is by NO means the 'organized' product... but you can see the floor. 

Baby steps. But I do need some organizing tips, especially with shoe boxes. 

Let the next six-week-journey-to-greatness begin.


Tomorrow. 

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Foil Pack Summer Vegetables

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It's summertime! That means fresh vegetables are a plenty at the grocery store or farmer's markets. I am a BIG fan of farmer's markets in the summertime. A couple of days ago I bought some fresh squash and zucchini. I had great plans for both but time goes by and I get hungry. One of the quickest, easiest, and healthiest way I like to cook veggies in in a foil pack. 

It's a one step clean up system, and you can just cut the vegetables, throw them in the oven, and you're done until they are done. With so much going on between work and summer school, easy is amazing. 

Let's get started, shall we?


I cut up two squash and two zucchini. 



Then I cut up 1/4 of an onion. 

And generously sprinkled on some Mrs. Dash seasoning. 


Then I added between 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil. 

Wrapped up the pack around all three edges. 

Stuck in the oven for about 30 minutes on 400 degrees. 


Then pulled out the pack and it was done! 

Put the veggies in a bowl, and bam! Clean up was a breeze. 

This was enough for about two people. Given one squash and one zucchini per person.

Easy and done! Enjoy. 
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