Back to Black

  We all have those “go-to” outfits that you know will never fail you. For me, it’s my faux leather shorts from Zara. They have been a staple in my wardrobe ever since I bought them. Whether it’s in the office, out for dinner, or just lounging, they never seem to disappoint me! Finding these shorts came as no surprise, as I am an avid and (too) frequent shopper at Zara. Due to my (fat) ass, it can be difficult to find the right shorts, or even jeans for that matter that fit my curves perfectly.  But low and behold I found these bad boys (on sale might I add!), and I would have never guessed they would frequent my outfit choices so often.  Did I mention my shoes are from Zara, too? Yes, I am definitely a Zara freak and proud to be one!

    Now, it’s funny because I am not much of a chunky jewelry person, but the moment I saw this necklace I knew it was fate. I don’t know if it was the sparkle that attracted me (or the price), but I am proud to say I found this sugar for under $40.  I tend to veer towards the more delicate and simple pieces, but I have surprisingly worn this necklace more than I thought. Since its such a neutral gem, it’s easy to wear and dresses up any outfit in an instant.

Top by Zara Basics

Shorts by Zara. Purchase Here

Shoes by Zara. Purchase similar Here

Necklace by Natasha Couture. Purchase similar Here

Until our next find!

xx

Blondie

Monday's Beauty Tip

If you are like me, then you must go through millions of products to find the perfect fit for your skin. If there were anything that I am most protective off, it would be my face! I know this might sound silly, but it’s true! We as women, are so worried about getting older we would slab on cement to keep the wrinkles from coming! But keeping up with the latest fad in face creams and cleansers can get expensive.  Not only will women do anything to keep those wrinkles away, but acne is also a big no-no. God forbid I get a pimple on my face because I assume the world is ending, and dread seeing the light of day until it’s gone! (Sound a bit dramatic?)

As you can tell, I treat my face like it’s my bible! So, I have a trick that will tighten up that skin, as well as zap away those pimples. The best part about it is that you can do this trick with household items, which means another dollar saved!

Ingredients:

2 Teaspoons of Pepto-Bismol

This trick is not only beneficial for your face but also for your stomach! Pepto-Bismol contains bismuth subsalicylate, which is an ingredient often found in face creams. This ingredient is commonly used to exfoliate the areas in our skin that has more oil build up, such as areas where we get blackheads and whiteheads. The trick is to take two teaspoons of Pepto-Bismol and spread over your face. Wait for 15-30 min (when the mask dries), and wash off with warm water.

 Not only will your skin be feeling smooth and fresh, but also it gets rid of all the dead dry skin that has built up over time. The perks? Your skin will be glowing and feel tighter than ever! Not to mention those pimples will dry up in no time and be gone instantly. 

Until our next find!

xx

Blondie

Travel Alert

Hold the phone! I just found a travel deal that was too good to pass up and I absolutely had to share it with you. If you are like me, then you know that Cabo is always a good idea--especially when it’s an all-inclusive trip (including airfare) that's under $600. Sound a bit cray cray? Talk about a steal! This 4-night, all-inclusive deal could be the perfect girls trip or romantic getaway. Hope you love this one as much as I do!

To purchase click here

Until our next find!

xx

Blondie

Step Into My Kitchen

Cooking is an absolute essential part of my life!  Growing up in an Italian family, I was exposed to the true essence of what makes a woman’s kitchen her own. From cooking a variety of hearty Italian meals with my grandmother, to baking flour-less chocolate cake with my mother, I can say I have a good cooking balance.

            While I sit at the table and watch my aunts, mother, and grandmother cook up a storm, I can’t help but to think to myself how blessed I am to have such incredible role models and strong women in my family. A family where the most popular phrase you will hear at the table is  “Basta Cosi”, which is Italian for enough (referring to the immense amount of carbs we inhaled). Needless to say, this has not only influenced my cooking but how I run my kitchen and one day, my family.

            With that being said, when I moved into my first real apartment about a year ago, I made sure to decorate each room with passion, style, and glamour. Of course, let’s not forget the most important factor: sticking to my budget.  My apartment is my pride and joy, and over the next few weeks I will be showing you a glimpse into each room. But first and foremost, I wanted to start with the most important room to me, my kitchen. From my 1950’s stove to my oh so treasured Nespresso machine, I can honestly say I love every piece I have put into this room.  I wanted to share with you my top four favorite items that not only bring elegance and character into my kitchen, but are also reasonable!

1.  I am a huge tea drinker, so naturally I wanted a teapot that I would not get sick of! This beautiful porcelain pot had the most adorable matching cups, which was not only perfect for my kitchen but also my inner princess. (The cups were sold separately)

 Teapot-$45 available for purchase here

Mugs- Set of 4 for $55 available for purchase here

2. I would have to say champagne is my favorite beverage. So, I wanted to find some champagne glasses that were sophisticated but fun at the same time. Not to mention the price was extremely reasonable!

Champagne glasses- Set of 6 for $57.99 available for purchase here

3.  I don’t think it can get more chic than a black and white pattern, which is why I always gravitate towards this color scheme.  These items are the perfect example of mixing expensive with a budget! MacKenzie Childs is one of my favorite house ware designers, which is why I had to have this adorable butter dish! So, when I was browsing in Homegoods one afternoon (which is my favorite store for everything home) and found these black and white plates, I was overjoyed. The dishes and butter plate look perfect next to each other! And you would have never guessed that the price of one MacKenzie Child plate paid for a set of 8 Homegoods plates! Talk about smart shopping!

 Butter Dish-$50 available for purchase here

 For plates- visit your nearest Homegoods  

4. My last and most treasured item is my pink lacquered recipe box. I found this box at a small stationary store in LA called Sugar Paper. But I fell in love with the extravagant gold tipped recipe cards that were placed inside the box. Not only is pink my favorite color, but I knew the price of this box would be worth the lifelong recipes I could collect and pass onto my children one day. 

Recipe Box-$96 available for purchase here 

I am so glad you could take a peek into my kitchen! I can't wait to share more decorating budget secrets with you next time! 

Until our next find!

xx

Blondie

Monday's Beauty Tip

Our mouth is one of the most commonly used body parts. You use it to talk, eat, drink, sing, and kiss. Not only does it have multiple uses, but lips are also known to be one of the first things men look at. We use various products to make the illusion that our lips are beautiful, plump and red. But if you’re like me, you have been disappointed by yet another misleading product claiming to make your lips voluptuous and striking. Yes, that lip plumper will make your lips tingle for a second, but I doubt you’ll see a result when you look in the mirror. Not to mention the gloss only lasts for about 5 minutes—no thank you! Obviously lip injections are out of the question, due to their astronomical pricing. Besides, a needle going into my lips does not sound like a pleasant afternoon!  So, I took it upon myself to find something that would really work to enhance the appearance of my (petite) lips.

  After a little bit of research and a lot of lipstick, I found the remedy for the plump lip syndrome! It turns out a lip liner pencil is all you need to do the trick. Not only is this trick quick and simple, but you can also do it with make-up you already have. Talk about saving a couple dollars! I swear to you this works so well that you will have people asking if you really did get lip injections!

Step 1: Take your lip liner (some say it is better to do with a nude pencil, but my reddish hue will have to do for now) and do the normal routine of outlining your lips.

Step 2: Instead of filling in your lips with lipstick, lightly pencil your lips with the lip liner, covering the entire surface of your lips.

Step 3: Take a step back and look in the mirror, not only does the lip liner bring out the shape of your lips but the color is long lasting as well.

Who would of thought something so simple could work so well? That’s what I am here for: finding you simple, easy ways to be your best glamorous self! 

Until our next find!

xx

Blondie

Travel Bug

Whether it’s a weekend getaway, European excursion, or a tropical escape, you can count me in. I’m afraid I’ve caught a bad case of the travel bug and can’t seem to shake this oh so terrible virus! I absolutely love exploring a new place, whether it’s an hour drive or a 12-hour flight—I will never say no to a new adventure! Sadly, this passion of mine is a costly one, which is unfortunate because I do like to travel in style!  So, what’s better than finding a 5 star resort on that beautiful island for half the price? Nothing! As you know, I try to do everything on a budget, so I’m always trying to find great deals that won’t have you sacrificing the luxury and the glamour!

A perfect example would be this beautiful Four Seasons hotel on Lanai in Hawaii. Not only is Lanai an exclusive and intimate island, but it can’t get any better than the Four Seasons. I know what you’re thinking: sounds a little pricey for that working girl budget! But don’t worry, I would never steer you wrong, which is why I have found this amazing deal for a 3-night escape for only $650. Normally, 3 nights at a Four Seasons resort would cost you way over $1400! This sounds like a vacation I can’t pass up and was too good of a deal to keep to myself. This deal exemplifies everything I stand for, it still offers the high-class experience which lets you be the king or queen you really are without having to spend like one. 

 Hurry though! This deal is only up for 6 days, so grab it while you can! Purchase here

Until our next find!

xx

Blondie

Beach Stylin'

When it’s 80° and there's not a cloud in the sky, I'd say its a perfect beach day. My favorite piece of clothing for a summer day is my Topshop romper that I fell in love with instantly because of its Missoni resemblance. I couldn't have been more excited when Topshop opened in LA in February--not that I needed anymore of a reason to shop! They always seem to nail the current trends perfectly while staying in a reasonable price range. This lightweight knit romper is a no-brainer pick, not to mention it costs under $100! This romper is not only an effortless outfit to pair with sandals and a bikini, but can also be easily dressed up with a jacket and some wedges. When it's too hot to function, I like to keep it simple. I am really feeling this Missoni-like pattern that is the perfect combination of sophisticated and fun. 

Here in LA, we are heading into a heatwave, and for my summer must-haves I stick mainly to water resistant (aka a bikini) and light clothing. With that being said, I live 5 minutes from the beach, so it's only natural for me to have a mild obsession for fabulous bikinis. Not only do I have a weakness for shoes and bags, but throw bikinis in there and my bank account is almost empty just thinking about it! Mixing and matching is my middle name. I find no harm in mixing something like this reasonable romper with this more expensive Beach Bunny suit. Sometimes, there are items that you just have to have and this Beach Bunny suit is a perfect example of that! 

Topshop Romper paired with Tory Burch clutch and Jimmy Choo Wedges
Purchase romper Here
Beach Bunny bikini paired with Forever 21 jewelry  
Purchase bikini Here 

Until our next find!

xx

Blondie

Mirror Mirror, Monday's Beauty Tip

I've always wondered what the best kept secrets are to keeping us young and beautiful forever. That is, besides knowing a good plastic surgeon and having a big budget. It looks like we will have to find other ways to fight those gray hairs and inevitable wrinkles.

I've put together a list of my most treasured beauty secrets, and every week I will reveal a new one.   This week, I will be focusing on hair and will be sharing my top two hair tips. *Warning* The following ingredients might not be very glamorous, but getting your hands dirty is half the fun!


1. Summer Highlights: Blonde isn't just my hair color, I am also a blondie at heart. Let me tell you something that no one knows (drum roll please...) I have never highlighted or bleached my hair. That's right, I am a hair virgin and will say it loud and proud! Don't get me wrong, I'm not opposed to coloring my hair, but more so afraid from the threats my hair stylist gives me when I bring up the subject of doing some minor highlights. So, until I finally work up the guts to make a change to my hair color, here is how I do it naturally...

You will need:
1 lemon
Sun or a blow dryer
Chamomile tea (optional)

Directions:
Squeeze the fresh lemon juice all over your hair until you can feel the pulp between your fingers. Either sit out in the sun and let the lemon juice dry in your hair, or you can use a blow dryer for a faster effect. The heat that comes from either substance causes the hair to lighten and will leave you with some blonder locks. Now, after you are finished and your hair is dried you will feel some crusty locks, which is the effect from the dried lemon juice. Don't worry, though, my next tip will clear that right out!














2.Mayo Hair Mask: I know after reading this title you are probably a little grossed out. I get it; I am no fan of mayonnaise either! Put it in your food, it's not so good for you, but put it in your hair and it's great for you! From my previous tip, your hair might be a little dried out and this mayo mask is the perfect solution to replenish the moisture.

You will need:
1 cup mayo
1 egg
1 to 2 teaspoons natural oil (olive,coconut,almond etc.)-optional
Shower cap or saran wrap

Directions:
Whisk all of the ingredients together. Before putting the mixture in your hair, make sure that your hair is wet. Apply the mixture to your hair until it is completely engrossed with the mayo mask. Wrap your hair with saran wrap or a towel and apply mild heat by using a blow dryer for a few minutes. Wash your hair thoroughly after applying the mask.


-I hope you find these tips as helpful as I do, but if not, I am always open to new suggestions and beauty secrets. I look forward to seeing you for next Monday's beauty tip! But in the meantime I'll give you a little sneak preview to tide you over: ever wonder how to get those big beautiful plump lips? (Not only will this trick last longer than that $20 lip plumper that never works, but it will be way cheaper as well!)

Until our next find!

xx

Blondie

Favorite Finds

As many of you will learn, I love to cook! Whether it is throwing dinner parties, cooking for my boyfriend, or just whipping up a quick meal for myself, there's no greater feeling than knowing you've successfully made something delicious without ordering from your go-to takeout menu stash.  I am always trying to find a new way to expand my cooking world, and today, my favorite new find is this awesome stainless steel fondue set. This is especially great for having friends over for a wine and cheese night, or even when you have that sweet tooth and need a chocolate fix. Did I mention this awesome set is only $20 from Bed, Bath & Beyond? What a steal! Tonight, I'll be trying the fondue set out and using a simple cheese recipe I found from Food & Wine.

Recipe:

1. 1 pound Gruyère cheese, coarsely shredded

1. 1/2 pound Emmentaler cheese, coarsely shredded

1. 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch or flour

1. 1 garlic clove

1. 1 cup dry white wine

1. 1 tablespoon Kirsch

1. Salt and freshly ground white pepper

1. In a bowl, toss the Gruyère and Emmentaler with the cornstarch. Next, rub the inside of a cheese fondue pot or medium, enameled cast-iron casserole with the garlic, then add the wine and bring to a simmer. Add the cheese mixture all at once. Using a wooden spoon, stir over moderately low heat just until the cheese is melted and smooth, about 5 minutes. Stir in the Kirsch and season with salt and pepper. Serve with the bread and vegetables.

1. Available for Purchase Here

Until our next find!
xx
Blondie

Welcome Budget Dolls!

I am so excited to share my deepest darkest secrets with you all, and by deepest darkest secrets I mean my fashion finds, travel expertise, culinary indulgences, and beauty tips. I know what you’re thinking, blah blah blah same old stuff, what’s different about this blog? Well let me tell you…this blog is dedicated to finding the best deals for everything you could imagine. I thought, why not put my shopping obsession to good use and teach others how to dress without breaking the piggy bank. That's right my friends, this isn’t about the Louboutin shoes you will never be able to afford or the Missoni dress you dream about. Instead, it’s about a cute romper thats under $100 and looks exactly like that piece of clothing that costs more than your rent. Now, although I have a keen eye for finding things that look expensive, don't mistake my finds for "look-alikes or replicas." I don't do fakes--more like similar styles.

Don't get me wrong, I love me some designer. You can tell that to my credit card who’s still recovering from my last Jimmy Choo purchase. But I think of it more as mixing the two. No one said it's a crime to look fabulous without selling your soul. Not all of us have Daddy Warbucks. You can dress like a billion bucks without having to spend it!

Now, fashion finds aren't the only thing I will be sharing with you! I mean come on, there's more to this blonde than a big booty and a fabulous closet. Feeling like it's time to get your tan on and lounge on a gorgeous beach with that hunky pool boy? I will show you how to find all the best travel deals and still live the high life! Want to throw a classy dinner party? I'll share my best recipes. And of course I won't forget the list of my favorite champagnes that you wont have to sell a kidney for! Now you can be the best without spending the most; you no longer have to sacrifice one or the other because  you CAN have it all. Saving one penny a day can keep the credit card collectors away!  

Wherever I go in the world, I carry a pink pocketbook and write down all of my favorite finds, so think of me as your pink pocketbook. I'll show you where to go ;)

Until our next find!

xx

Blondie