Southern Blondie: April 2017

Trunk Club Review

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It's Trunk Club time! If you haven't seen my posts before here's a little recap: 


Trunk Club, owned by Nordstrom, is a personalized clothing service that delivers clothing, accessories, and shoes to your door in a cute box. There is a new, initial styling fee of $25 that goes towards the cost of any item you may buy from the trunk. However, if you have a Nordstrom debit/credit card then that fee is waived!


After you signup, you're assigned a personalized stylist. This is the best part to me - you have your own stylist who will chat with you via the Trunk Club app, online, phone or email. My favorite way to talk to my stylist is via the app. Your stylist will ask you a bunch of questions of your style, what you're looking for and what events are coming up.

TRUNK CLUB REVIEW


It's Trunk Club time! This is my FAVORITE styling service... except I am not sure I can pull off a crop top. 

Lelani Off the Shoulder Top by cupcakes and cashmere

I really wanted to like this crop top but it was just too short.

'Florence' Instasculpt Crop Skinny Jeans Porcelain

Who doesn't LOVE white skinny jeans? These are such a great fit! 

Crossover Top by Eliza J

This top was also SO cute, but I just wish it wasn't so short!

Drape Front V-Neck Sleeveless Blouse by Vince Camuto

Now, THIS, is a great top for spring/summer! It's also on sale!

Carina Print Silk Blouse by Equipment

This is another great, versatile top! It's really so handy to have someone send you cute clothes. 

Ruffle Shift Dress by Felicity & Coco

This dress is SO CUTE, too! I know I keep saying that about everything, but for a wedding, an event, or just a night out, it's perfect! 

WOMEN'S HALOGEN TAYLOR ANKLE SKINNY PANTS

These are my favorite new work pants. They are comfy, look great with heels, and make you feel super skinny! 


TRUNK CLUB REVIEW FINAL THOUGHTS


Trunk Club is still my absolute favorite clothing service. As someone who loves to shop but tends to buy some of the same things over and over again, I love receiving a box of clothes to try on in my own home. 

There is a cost of $25 to receive a trunk, but honestly, it's worth it to me. I'm able to speak to someone about what I like/need/want, she sends me 10 items in the mail that I have five days to try on. If you have a Nordstrom credit/debit then that $25 is waived! 

Also, if you buy anything then the $25 is just credited to your total. Win-win. 

If you're thinking about signing up, please use my referral link. Trust me, this is the best clothing service out there. 

Trunk Club Referral Link: https://www.trunkclub.com/my/invite/G79SAN  
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Spa Day at Rejuvenation Clinic Day Spa in Little Rock

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This post is sponsored by Rejuvenation Clinic Day Spa. A big thank you to them for providing me complimentary services in exchange for this post and providing the gift card to giveaway to my readers. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by this sponsorship. 

I LOVE a bougie moment. If you've read this blog for one month, one year or since 2011, you know that I LIVE for a good, bougie moment. The moment that you feel pampered and special, and receiving the VIP treatment that you know you deserve. 

After the past few weeks of work, fixing up this house, and volunteer commitments, I was needing a little self-pampering afternoon. The kind of mental health day to enjoy life, clear your mind and treat yourself to something nice after working so hard for everyone else.


So I did. Isn't that why we all work so hard? To be able to treat ourselves to the nice things that we each enjoy. For me, it was a spa afternoon at Rejuvenation Clinic Day Spa in Little Rock. Did you know that they were the first day spas in Little Rock? After 25 years, they are celebrating with monthly specials so I decided to join in on the fun. An afternoon to take off work, sip some champagne, and let someone else do the hard work for a little bit. 

And let me tell you. IT. WAS. WORTH. IT. 


Some people read crystal balls, I read champagne glasses. This glass told me it was going to be a good day at Rejuvenation Clinic Day Spa. 

Let me tell you more about my day... 

I arrived at Rejuvenation Clinic Day Spa and was by the lovely reception area full of spa goodies. 


They have everything from cosmetics, to spa lines, to jewelry, to candles and so much more. It's really a one-stop-shop for luxury spa items. 


After basically picking everything up to smell it or try it, it was time for my pedicure. 

One of my favorite parts about a pedicure is the massage chair. Being able to sit back and relax, have your feet soaking in warm water, it has to be one of the most relaxing experiences in the world. I always like to put my phone away because I just want to enjoy the moment of simple bliss. 


I also wanted to enjoy the moment of delightfully tasty, complimentary champagne. 


While sipping champagne and enjoying my blissful moment, my feet were getting the top treatment. Believe me when I say that these little piggies needed some love. 


It doesn't matter if you wear heels all day to work, or if you wear tennis shoes, having someone massage your tootsies and your calves always FEEL MAGICAL. 


I picked a lovely red shade with a hint of pink, (if that makes sense?) because I LOVE red/pink toes for spring! Also, when I got the pedicure they gave me these shoes that you can re-wear so it's good for the environment! Now, I keep these in my car so when I need to go back to Rejuvenation Clinic Day Spa for another pedicure, they will be usable again! 

After my pedicure, I got to see a little behind the scenes about some other services they provide... 

Manicures, facials, massages, oh my! Who doesn't want ALL of these! (Well lucky for you, Rejuvenation Clinic Day Spa has SO many good packages for your next spa day!) 


Also, you guys. Rejuvenation Clinic Day Spa has some SUPER swanky waiting areas and dressing areas. When you receive a massage/facial/or other pampering treatment you have your own locker to place your personal belongings. And if that doesn't wet your whistle for a "you day", they also put a delicious piece of chocolate in the locker for you to enjoy. 

Champagne, chocolate, and pampering! BOUGIE MOMENTS TO LIVE FOR IN LIFE. 

Now, here's the thing. You've clearly read and heard me say how much I love bougie things, but I know that if you are reading this, you probably love a bougie moment, too. Or maybe you also love to give one... like maybe for Mother's Day? Because you know YOU and your MOM deserve to spend a little pampering time together. 

How do you learn more about Rejuvenation Clinic Day Spa? ... Well, you do the following: 
  1. Visit their website to join their email list and learn more about their monthly special offers
  2. Visit their Facebook page, Twitter, or Instagram
  3. Schedule a treatment and go visit them! 
  4. Buy a gift card for your mom for Mother's Day, and then schedule a treatment for you so you two can enjoy it together! 
So here's the deal, I am going to help make this bougie moment happen for one lucky reader by giving away a $25 gift card to Rejuvenation Clinic Day Spa in Little Rock, AR. How do you win? Comment below by midnight on Friday, April, 28 with which spa treatment you would splurge on! 

The winner will be announced Saturday, April 29 on this post! 

UPDATE: Congrats to Annaliese on winning the gift card! I will email you!

(How I Pick the Winner: Every comment will be associated with the number from the order it was commented. I will use Google number generator to choose a random number to pick the winner!)


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Weekend Update

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It is MONDAY and I am not even sure where the weekend went because it was jam packed with SO MANY THINGS.

After work on Friday, I went to my parent's house in Northeast Arkansas. It's not a terrible drive from Little Rock, so it goes by pretty quickly. I still get my hair highlighted by the same woman since I moved back from Atlanta 8 years ago. My parent's cooked dinner Friday night and then my mom and I went shopping at the local Dollar General.

Saturday morning I sat in a chair for almost three hours getting highlights, no photos because that's not that interesting. By Saturday afternoon I was back in Little Rock because we were doing a Facebook live event at 3 pm with bees.


Maegan Clark, Little Rock, AR,

This is right after we did a 20-minute Facebook live about bees.

Here's a fun fact: If you have a swarm of bees at your house that just means that they are looking for a new home. If you do not want your home to be their next home, call your local county cooperative and they will come retrieve the hive for you and take them to someone who has a home for them.

Maegan Clark, Little Rock, AR,

The only reason I am not freaking out about holding these bees is: 

1. The protective jacket and hood. 
2. They have been given sugar water so they are HAPPY. 



Saturday night I had free tickets to see the Red Hot Chili Peppers and it was SUCH a good show! I always liked their song, but honestly didn't consider myself a huge fan, but after this show, I appreciate them so much more. We also had AMAZING free seats!


Now. If you remember back a few weeks ago where I got a $1,200 estimate to clean up my backyard I got another quote a week later for $125. So, obviously, I went with that one. The guys came on Sunday and you can see the difference.

Here are a few before photos...









AND THE AFTER: 







There is still a bit of work to do to make it pretty, but we are slowly getting there! 

How was your weekend?
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Easy Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe (3-ingredients!)

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It's spring which means summer is around the corner, which means I am eating a lot of salads to get my summer body ready. (aka, so my thighs don't rub together all summer long) 

One of my favorite foods is a salad. It's may sound sad, but it's mostly because of this quick, 3-ingredient balsamic vinaigrette dressing that I make ALL the time. I've tried fancier recipes, but this is my favorite go-to because it's always the most consistent. 


Easy Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe (3-ingredients!)

Here are my cast of characters... I love using the Alessi balsamic because there is no caramel coloring. Go check out your ingredients balsamic vinegar and if it has the caramel coloring, toss it! 

Easy Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe (3-ingredients!)

The golden rule for a balsamic vinaigrette is a 2-1 ratio. 1/2 cup of olive oil to 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar. Because I like things a little tangy, sometimes I might add more than just 1/4 cup of vinegar. 

 Easy Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe (3-ingredients!)

I also love using mason jars for dressings. Not because of it being a Southern thing, but mostly because it's so easy to make dressings in and then toss in the fridge, or re-shake again later. 

Easy Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe (3-ingredients!)

Then I add about a tablespoon of whole grain garlic mustard that I pick up from Kroger. It's a much easier step than adding dijon, garlic, etc in different steps. 

Easy Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe (3-ingredients!)

The last step is to add some black pepper. I do not add salt to this vinaigrette because to me it doesn't need it, and I also like to salt my greens before I add any sort of dressing to them. Just a shake or two or three of black pepper is all it needs. 

Easy Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe (3-ingredients!)

Add the lid and give it a really good shake, and then you have a balsamic vinaigrette! 

Easy Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe (3-ingredients!)

Then add the balsamic vinaigrette to any pretty salad and ta-dah!


Easy Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe (3-ingredients!)

Easy Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe (3-ingredients!)

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon whole grain garlic mustard
  • Black pepper to taste
Combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar,  whole grain garlic mustard, and black pepper together in a mason jar with a lid. Place lid on the jar and shake until combined. Enjoy on a salad! 
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Arkansas Derby Day 2017

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Happy Monday! After such a weird week last week, it was so nice to have a great weekend! Friday afternoon I called another landscape guy who gave me a quote of $125! VERY different from last week's quote! Friday night was an easy night with takeout and just hanging out and watching TV. 

Saturday was the big Arkansas Derby Day! You guys know how much I love a good derby day... 

Rich and I rode to Hot Springs with our friends Susie and Buckley. Of course, girls sat in the back while the guys sat in the front and discussed really important things. *Eye roll* 



While we were on our way to Hot Springs, Susie and I were taking selfies to our friend Maggie who is in France right now. Major jealousy. 

Unlike last year where the weather was COLD, this year had perfect weather for the derby! 


As soon as we got to Oaklawn Racing we headed to the infield. It's fun to watch the horses run, there are so many people dressed up in all sorts of outfits, and it is just a great environment. 


Because it was a beautiful spring day, we clearly wore our best spring colors and flowers. 


Seriously, it was such a beautiful day to watch the ponies run! 

After a few hours outside, it was time to head inside where we could sit down and watch the Derby race.


Now, for a different view of the ponies! Every year that I watch the Derby race inside I always win! 


This year was no different! The two top horses were no point to bet on because there was nothing to win from them since the odds were so high. 


I bet on horse 11 because I felt confident that there could be an upset. I was *partly* right because 11 came in second place and I had bet on him across the board! My $6 bet turned into $20 so I made $14. That's enough for a Chipotle salad with guacamole! 

After the Derby race, we left and headed back to Little Rock. I was ready to get back and head to dinner because everything in Hot Springs was going to be packed. 

On Easter Sunday I met my parents for lunch. Sunday afternoon Rich and I headed to Home Depot (cue his excitement!!) to pick up some necessities for the house. I also bought some flowers to plant in front of the yard and some basil and lavender for the patio. I'm basically a master gardener now.



Everything will get there in time! 

What did YOU do this weekend???
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The Dark Side of Adulthood & Home Ownership

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It's been a TERRIBLE week. 

How so? I got a virus that took my DOWN. 

Sunday morning we woke up, and Rich thought he had food poisoning. I did my best to take care of him, but I didn't understand why his entire body hurt and why he had the chills for just food poisoning. Also, we had eaten *almost* the same thing the night before so I just assumed my stomach was made of steel. Or just so use to eating so many M&M's and Dr. Pepper that clearly it could handle anything.

By Sunday night he was able to eat a few french fries and by Monday morning he was able to get up and go to work, sluggish, but he was able to go. 

I woke up Monday morning and just felt a bit ... off. Not terrible, not great, but not good enough to go to work. This is when I began to question, was it food poisoning he had? By Monday afternoon I felt fine. 

Then it happened. Tuesday morning I learned that it wasn't food poisoning. He had a virus and he had given it to me. 

Tuesday was not the best day. You can imagine what a virus does to your body. However, this might be a very low point but not the worst part of the week. Or why there is a dark side to home ownership. 

Wednesday was better, but still not the best because, well, I still wasn't hungry and the worst part is that after ALL OF THAT ON TUESDAY ...

I. DID. NOT. LOSE. ONE. POUND. 

Do you know how infuriating that is? The only positive part about Tuesday was that maybe I could drop a few lbs to get that summer body started. Nope. 

Fine. On Wednesday I rested and tried to eat some cold chicken strips and Gatorade. Again, not the worst part of the week. 

Thursday morning I woke up and feeling OK, but I knew I had to get it together because I had an important task to do at work at 8 a.m. Throughout the day I actually start to feel better. I even ate half of a sandwich!  

Still haven't lost ONE pound though. 

Thursday afternoon I left work around 4 p.m. to come home. This home that if you've paid any attention to has been exciting, dramatic, and emotional since the beginning. 

Why did I come home at 4 p.m.? Well, I had a meeting with a yard guy to get a quote on what it would cost to clean up the jungle that has suddenly appeared outside. This jungle was not around last year when we looked at the house, or when we bought the house or any photos of the house. This jungle of the backyard has just appeared. 





We walk around and discuss the things that need to be removed, or cleaned up. Then he asks me, "What number did you have in mind?" 

Honestly, I was thinking $500-$700? All I had asked for was cleanup. No mulch. No new plants. No flowers. Just a pure cleanup and removal. 

He typed on his phone a bit to add a few numbers. 

Quote: $1,200. 

*GULP* 

Suddenly, the virus didn't seem like such a bad moment than thinking about spending $1,200 ON WEEDS. 

So, clearly, I told him I needed to talk to the man of the house because I didn't know what to say. 

So there we have it. A virus and a quote for $1,200 to pull up some weeds. 

How was your week? 

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Before&After: Painted Dining Room

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HOLY COW.

It's been TOO long, friends! Where have I been? Well... I've been SO busy at work, I've been SO busy volunteering, I traveled to D.C. and then I took off some time to work around the house.

Aka. Paint the ugly rooms.

So if you've been keeping up on this emotional house journey then you know that there were a lot of ugly painted rooms.

Whoever said cream was the new gray was seriously disturbed.

I'm still working on decorating, buying other furniture, and painting bookshelves, but here are just a few before & afters. You know what is expensive? Furniture. You know what is expensive? Paint. You know what else is expensive? Hiring other people to paint so I am doing it room by room myself (with the help of my sweet boyfriend who is in law school so he doesn't have a lot of time).

Here's the before:
(Notice the dark paint colors on the wall that I did not end up choosing)




And here is the AFTER: 




I painted these areas in Sherwin Williams Repose Gray. It's the same color as the living room but I had it lightened 50%! It made a huge difference in the room and really ties the two together. I'm still working on the rest of the dining area before I show a 'full' reveal. 

I also painted ALL of the trim in the living room and in the dining room/kitchen area. My right arm feels so strong now! 

Thoughts? Do you like the Repose Gray that's 50% lighter? 



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