Keep It Classy, Alabama

These are a few of my (new) favorite things!

2012-08-10T12:38:00.001-07:00

First off, today I am guest blogging over at A Preppy State of Mind today! Y'all should really go check out Rachel's blog. She is absolutely precious and a new blogger with lots of great things she is blogging about. Oh, and not to mention to guest post is about my elephant obsession (more to come on that in THIS post)

Today I am linking up with the one and only, Bargain Blonde for Friday Faves!

Here are some of my NEW favorite things....

Preppy Girl Palm Beach

The cutest elephant tunics, dresses and tops I have EVER seen. They remind me of another designer but cheaper! They are available at C.Orrico!

KEP Designs

Enamel + Elephants = Love! I literally cannot get enough enamel bracelets or elephants in my life so this bracelet is a must for me (hint, Santa!) Available from KEP Designs

Preppy & Pink

Preppy & Pink has some of the cutest hand painted monogram bangles (as seen above)

Lifeguard Press

2012-08-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I was contacted by Lifeguard Press to review some of their fantastic product. Of course I said I would love to! I really can never say enough things about Lifeguard Press because I think their products are of superb quality and their customer service is amazing. Every time I have dealt with them they have been top notch!
Lifeguard Press is well known for their Lilly Pulitzer stationary and accesories (they also have the fabulous Jonathan Adler stuff too!) I chose to review an iPad cover in "Fan Dance" and a tumbler in "Scarlet Begonias."
First off, working with Lifeguard Press was a pleasant experience from the get-go. Working with the gals there was easy and they were all so nice!

You might have seen me instagramming some of the pics of my LGP goodies (if not, find me on instagram lindseyleighw)

Me and my tumbler, I was so giddy to use it for the first time! It keeps my drinks really cold and does not sweat. I drink my ice coffee, water and tea from it and it works fantastic.

It has earned a new home on my desk! It has become my go-to cup for work, I get to see it everyday! People at work always notice it.

My iPad cover is great. One of the things I like the most about it is that it is protective but also easy to get on and off the iPad. I have found that a lot of iPad and iPhone cases are SO HARD to get off and then I end up breaking a nail trying to get it off. This one passed my test of approval and I was so excited because I have been looking for an iPad cover!

They have the best items to give as gifst for your mom, sister or BFF! They even have great gifts for teachers. There really is something for everyone from LGP. If you get the chance or see something you want - remember they come highly reccomended from Keep It Classy, Alabama!

The products from LGP are truly quality items that last a long time. I have never had an item of theirs break or had any issues. I am looking forward to a long relationship with my iPad cover (which has flamingoes on it - eeeep! love flamingoes) and my new tumbler.

*Be sure to check out all of Lifeguard Press' Lilly Pulitzer items here.*

If you aren't already - be sure to become their fan on Facebook or follow them on Twitter! They post lots of fun pictures, giveaways as well as the latest on their products!

become a "Fan" of Lifeguard Press on Facebook

or "Follow" Lifeguard Press on Twitter

Be sure to check back at my blog soon! I will post a review of my fall lifeguard press items I ordered the other day. Can't wait for them to get here! Yay!

Does anyone else love LGP as much as I do?

My reality tv obsession...

2012-08-08T15:37:00.002-07:00

If you are new around here then you probably don't know about my unhealthy obsession with reality television. If you are not new, then you already know about this and have probably suggested a 12 step program.

Summer is a fantastic time for some good ole fashioned reality tv.

Like we ALREADY know - Big Brother is my summer favorite and occupies 3 nights of my week. This summer Big Brother got off to a very slow start (am I right or am I right, BB fans?) but has now turned interesting - I am not going to share because most will find out tonight or tomorrow night. I already know because I read the feeds and spoilers. Yes, I am one of THOSE people. I have decided who are my faves and my non-faves for this season of BB, atleast for now these are the standings.

Love: Wil

via

Love: Britney (duh, loved her then and love her now!)

via

Dislike: Danielle
*i feel like this needs explaining since she is a fellow Bama girl. I think she is annoying and kind of needy. I would obviously make the better BB houseguest.

via

Unsure about: Everyone else.....

Mike Boogie is fairly entertaining and I like his alliance with former "team" Frank and Ian. Jenn is like non-existant in the house, who is she? I never see her! Janelle is sadly nearing the end and Dan is like BFF with Danielle which makes him annoying in my book. Ashley is dumber than a bag of rocks - which may work to her advantage. Joe needs anger management. Did I cover everyone in this sub-par season of BB14?

There is another show that I haven't missed an episode of this year and I am seriously addicted to. Bachelor Pad. I love the entire Bachelor franchise but BP takes it to a whole new level. This season is a bit different since they (the former Bach/Bachelorette contestants) were competing with the super fans.

Meet my Bachey Pad crush that sadly went home last week...

Mr. Hunk of Burnin' Love, Reid Rosenthal (via)

Has anyone else noticed Chris Bukowski's extreme arrongance on BP?

It's borderline insane and I am NOT digging him anymore. (pic via)

Am I the ONLY ONE tired of Erica Rose?

It's about time her and her tiara retired from the Bachelor franchise (pic via)

Other than that, David (the super fan) is totally ruling the game. Lindzi is apparently in love with jerks as she has hooked up Kalon (Emily's season) as a rebound from Ben. It's a giant love fest with hook ups left and right... Jaclyn and Ed, Ed and Sarah, Rachel and Michael Stagliano... the list could go on. I guess they aren't all these just to find money... true love in the future for these contestants? Doubtful. Jamie will still cry everytime Chris rejects her and nothing has changed since Ben's season because VIP Cocktail Waitress Blakeley is STILL psycho. That's all so far... ready for some more interesting drama!

Do any of you watch my guilty pleasures? Please give me your thoughts!

Olympic Fever

2012-08-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

Maybe its just cause I am so darn Patriotic but I love the Olympics!

It brings a sense of pride that few other experiences can offer. Some might call me a sap but I cry at every medal ceremony when the USA brings home the gold. There is something about them raising OUR flag and singing OUR National Anthem and maybe the look in the proud Olympian's eyes.

Like the "Fab Five's" reaction to their Olympic Gold after a heart breaking day before when Jordyn Weiber did not make it to the all around...

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Or the look on Michael Phelp's Mom's face after him, Conor Dwyer, Ryan Lochte, and Ricky Berens won gold in the 4x200-meter Freestyle...

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Or if you are like me and check the medal count constantly throughout the day on google (just google Olympic Games and it comes up on the right hand side) and are dissapointed every single time you see we are still tied with China.

There is just SOMETHING about the Olympics.

Go Team USA!

Football Season Prep - Part 1

2012-08-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

Good day friends and followers! Today is Part 1 of a series I am starting to prep myself for football season. Can you believe it is just right around the corner?

Not only am I getting myself ready for football season this year but also my sister. She will be at Alabama in the fall and I am loving helping her get her football season wardrobe together! I am going to break the posts down into categories - shoes, accessories, clothes, etc. so that it's not just one HUGE post. Today's post is going to be about the perfect shoes for every Bama girl.

I love these Red Monica Cork Wedges from Diane E. Kelly

Here

These pewter ostrich flats with Elephant Brooch from Diana E. Kelly are really cute and perfect for when the weather gets colder and you need a closed toe.

Here

Stephen Bonnano can even do custom shoes with houndstooth fabric like these...

Houndstooth with black whipstitch

Houndstooth with red whipstitch AND a monogram!

Can't wait to see all of your football season posts. Is everyone ready for football season?

I know I am, Roll Tide!

Anatomy of a Southern Belle

2012-08-01T18:58:00.002-07:00

Thank You, UScoop! While I don't think this picture needs a lot of explanation if you are Southern you just understand somethings that non-southerners don't! It's a way of life and an identity for most. I do have a quote that sums it up... Those of you who KNOW, will know what this means.

"Growing up Southern is a privilege really. It's more than where you're born, it's an idea and state of mind that seems imparted at birth. It's more than loving fried chicken, sweet tea, college football, beer, and country music. It's being hospitable, charming, and respectful while having strenght, grace, and a genuine love for our family and our land. We don't become Southern, we're born that way."

Magical Wedding

2012-07-18T12:18:00.001-07:00

In my brief blogging absence over the past few months I forgot to tell you that one of my best friends, Ashley got engaged! I am very happy for her and Scott! Oh, and the rock is gorgeous.

Ashley asked me to be a bridesmaid and OF COURSE I said YES! I do have a Bridesmaid resume. I think I am getting pretty good at this "always a bridesmaid, never a bride" thing.

So I know you must be wondering the deets. The wedding will be in 2013… March…. I think that’s all. Kidding. Surely you must be wondering where she is getting married at, right?

DISNEY WORLD!

Yes, she is getting hitched at the happiest place on earth and having a fairytale wedding! We are all heading down to Orlando, Florida for 7 days of fun-filled wedding mayhem - and good times at the parks, too!

The ceremony will be at Sea Breeze Point

The reception at St.James Hall

I am literally so excited I just can't hide it! I love Disney and I am so excited to spend the one of the most special day of Ashley's life with her at the happiest place on earth. I am sure I will have so much to fill you in on after the wedding. It is going to be gorgeous and I can't wait. My next goal is after the wedding get her featured on the Disney wedding blog!

Bachelorette and Big Brother

2012-07-16T15:53:00.003-07:00

I must be in some sort of heaven because two of my favorite reality tv shows are on right now. My all-time favorite, Big Brother and the irrestible Bachelor Franchise's Bachelorette!
Tonight is the "Men tell all" episode of the Bachelorette and I am sure there is going to be some words between some of the guys... Mainly centered around this one

This years super obnoxious jerk Kalon - gotta have atleast one!

I am also a huge Emily fan so this season has been one of my favorites. Now that Emily has weeded it down to two guys I am eager to see who she picks. She has made it very clearly how physically attracted she is to Arie but she pictures herself at home with Ricki with Jef. So personally, I want Emily to pick Jef! I just think he is so sweet.

picture

Ok, so he NEEDS hair cut but seriously - he is beyond precious. I think it's so great that he is not afraid to be himself. The first night when he skateboarded in - I never in a million years thought Emily would keep him past the first night but here he is in the final two!

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LOOK AT THAT ^ Wowzaaaa. Can we say Jef meets James Dean in those aviators??

Moving on to Big Brother

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Meet the BB 14 Cast! See any familiar faces? If you are a BB Junkie then you should see four of them! Britney, Janelle, Dan and Mike Boogie are all back this season to mentor the players and play for their own $100k prize.

If you know me then you know this is my fav fav favey show. I also went to a BB casting call last year. I am addicted and dedicated to becoming a BB house guest. So I was a little upset when I found out house guest Danielle Murphree was from Alabama. My first thoughts were, "that coulda been me!!!" So I am still a little bitter about that, CBS! Anyway with a house full of interesting characters... I am sure this season is going to be full of drama!

Danielle Murphree, of Tuscaloosa Ala. (picture)

I have not decided who my BB season 14 favorites are yet but I will say I love Willie (Hantz) who is Survivor winner, Russell Hantz's brother. I also love all four of the mentors (Good Job, CBS). I love the fact that between the mentors, Janelle was Britney's favorite and Boogie was Dan's favorite. It's kind of like the mentors are mentoring the other mentors (from newer seasons) as well! I also like the fact that they brought back two people, Boogie and Janelle, who had a little bit of a past. Seeing as how Boogie sent Janelle out of the BB All Stars house. The producers are always mixing things up!

Any of you watch BB or Bachelorette? Do you think there will be more twists this summer on BB? Who do you want Emily to say "YES" to? I am not quite ready for the Bachelorette to be over but I am looking forward to Bachelor Pad!

*Announcing the Winners of The Southern Prep. Co Giveaway*
Winner of the $25 Gift Card - Emily Anne Pride
Winner of the $10 Gift Card - Suburban Prep
Winner of the $10 Gift Card - Shannon

Please email me lindseyleighw@gmail.com to claim your prize and for details! Thank you to everyone for entering!

Frat Collection

2012-07-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

The Frat Collection offers the perfect pocket tee for every Fraternity guy or Sorority girl. With over 2,000 options - there is a Frat Collection perfect for the inner sratter or fratter in everyone...

The Frat collection states, "Our mission is to cultivate and promote those noble ideals, instilled in us by our Southern heritage, through our providence of the finest quality clothing, superior customer service, and unmatched support for philanthropic efforts."

10% of the proceeds from every shirt are donated to your philanthropy of choice! How cool is that? You can choose the color of your shirt, long sleeve or short sleeve and the pocket pattern of your choice - the options are really endless!

Some of my favorites...

The Monica

The Beth

The Brittney (my favorite!)

They have a perfect one for you and for your beau!

Check out The Frat Collection and let me know what you think! Do you any of you have Frat Collection tees? If so which ones do you have and what color tshirt did you pair it with?

New Lifeguard Press and Lilly Pulitzer

2012-07-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

Lifeguard press has slowly but surely been giving us sneak peeks of their upcoming collection of their Lilly pultizer stationary items. One of my favorite things about the Lifeguard Press Lilly Pulitzer items are that they incorporate new and older prints. I am quite satisfied with this years print collection. The agendas, which are already in stores, have been a huge hit! With the Ugotta Regatta print making the agenda cover and the new Jumbo agendas - every preppy girl is sure to have a fabulous Lilly Pulitzer agenda this coming year.

Here are a few of the new and very cool things they are doing, along with some oldies but goodies...

Craft Tote - new and totally adorbs

Calculator - I might turn into a Mathlete just to use this!

New Sorority print iPhone covers

Portable speaker - My favorite so far!

Wine bottle cooler - my 2nd favorite

We can't forget the basics; Tumblers, Mugs, Pencils, Notepads, etc.

The blue print with anenome like things all over it that you see in a lot of these pictures is an older print, Dirty Shirley. They will also have items in several other prints. Some of my favorites are Legs (the Flamingo print you have seen on the new agendas) and Skip On It (the frog print from this past Resort season). I am so excited for the new items to hit shelves, I might not be able to wait. I plan on pre-ordering from Purselady Too!

What are you excited about from the new Lifeguard Press stuff?

Blue Door Boutique

2012-07-06T10:30:00.000-07:00

Have any of you heard of The Blue Door Boutique? I am a very new fan of theirs - found them while browsing the internet the other day and I just can't get enough.

The Blue Door Boutique is one of the cutest boutiques I have seen in awhile. They have so much to choose from and something that will fit everyone's taste. They have lots of trendy pieces at very affordable prices. Lots of bright colors, awesome jewelry - Oh, and flat rate shipping and free shipping on orders over $75 - can't beat that! With a plethora of dresses to choose from in solids or prints and a style to suite every body they might become my go-to for dresses or tops for any ocassion.

I can think of a ton of places I would wear some of these favorites....

Lucca Colorblock Dress

Conga Line Top

Latest Obsession Dress

Tybee Island Tunic

Check out The Blue Door Boutique and let me know what you think! I know you are going to love it.... Now, time to go decide what I am going to get.

Waterproof Mascara

2012-07-05T14:12:00.002-07:00

I can't live without my mascara! I am also one of those girls who gets hooked on a certain mascara and never wants to let it go. That would be my case with Maybelline falsies.

Adore the mascara - I have used all kinds of mascaras; cheap, expensive, middle of the line... none work my lashes like Falsies do. It is practically perfect in every way. So it wouldn't be a surprise how heartbroken I was when a couple of weeks ago, my tube started drying out. I picked up a new tube while I was at Target, and out of town.

This has been about 2 weeks ago and I have had a horrible time getting all my mascara off since. I normally use a mild, non -scented lotion to get my eye makeup off but it has been leaving clumps and residue lately that just won't budge.

Pondering, I look at the mascara I just recently bought and discover I bought waterproof mascara. Seriously. I don't normally buy waterproof but I never would have thought it would withstand my makeup removal techniques.

Last night I go to take off my eye make up and it just wouldn't budge so I had to use VASELINE to take off my eye makeup. Yep... no amount of water, soap or lotion was going to remove this!

Moral of this story is if you want a mascara that is not going to budge when you cry a waterfall during a sad movie or after a bad break up.... Maybelline Falsies - waterproof is the right mascara for you. The second moral of the story is to pay more attention when buying your mascara!

Southern Prep Co.

2012-07-03T18:00:00.000-07:00

It's known around here that I like to share a lot of my "secrets" with blog followers. Where I got those really cute shoes, or where I found the best sales or deals.

Let me introduce you to one of my new favorites, Southern Prep Co!

Southern Prep Co is a fabulous boutique that offers "perfectly preppy gifts for every occasion." Alaina Lawrence, founder and mastermind behind it all is an expert monogrammer and knows exactly what your preppy girlfriend, sister, daughter or wife would want - because she is a prepster herself!

Some of my favorites from her shop... just to name a few:

Monogrammed houndstooth sun hat

Monogrammed sun hats - love the multicolor monogram!

Gold and silver monogrammed jewelry

Basically, she has something for everyone. I know I have placed a few orders with her in the past couple of weeks and I have not been let down by the quality or superior customer service. Not only does she sell her hand made items on her etsy shop but she also sells tons of trendy jewelry on her Facebook page, be sure to check both of them out!

"Southern Prep was founded specifically to cater to fabulous girls of the south! From monograms to the best preppy styles around campus we want to provide the latest trends for great prices. From jewelry to clothes, home decor, bags, and preppy political gear - we offer something cute and preppy for everyone!"

Alaina, who has become one of my in real life friends and is awesome by the way, has offered to host a giveaway here on Keep It Classy, Alabama! She is giving away not one or two but THREE giftcards to her shop. One lucky winner will walk away with a $25 gift card and two winners will walk away with $10 gift cards!

Here is how you can win....

Must be a follower of Keep it Classy, Alabama - 1 entry

Like Southern Prep Co on Facebook - 1 entry

Favorite Southern Prep Co's Etsy Shop - 1 entry

Please comment on this post and let me know which ones you did!

Good Luck, giveaway ends next Tuesday at 6pm CST!

Cruisey

2012-06-29T09:45:00.002-07:00

Have you heard of The Cruisey? Let me fill you in...

It's no secret I am coozie obsessed and have way too many (and always have one on me incase I was to enjoy a cold beverage). So when I found out about the Cruisey, I was over the top excited!

Meet "The Cruisey"

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In short, the cruisey is a coozie that you can wear around your neck. Perfect for a day on the boat or even just hanging around. Convenient, eh?

But with many colors and phrases to choose from the cruisey is SO MUCH FUN. I even gave my mom one for her birthday -- she loved it. My sister and her friend hopped on the cruisey train, too.

My favorite?

Are any of you cruisey lovers?

Secret Single Behavior.

2012-06-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

Secret single behavior. It's kind of like a guilty pleasure but probably worse. While watching at old episode of Sex and The City it occured to me that this would probably something pretty interesting to write about. I mean, everyone has SSB's right? Urban Dictionary even defined SSB as "an action or habit that one indulges in only when alone."

In the episode, the girls talked about their SSB's. Charlotte and her crazy pore examinations in the mirror. Moment of truth -- that (or something similar) is one of my secret single behaviors.

I imagine some of these behaviors are worse than others and some might not be so secret behavior. I mean, all of my friends know about my face examining obsession but would I ever let a guy I was dating know about this crazy obsession? Maybe that is the distinction, something you do that you would never want a guy to know?

Feel free to confess your secret single behaviors...

Nauti(cal) Summer!

2012-06-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

I mentioned the other day my love for this years Lilly Pulitzer summer line. Oh, I do! I can't wait for the Endless Summer Sale and hoping there will be some summer.

Here are a few of the things that I have determined are ~~wants~~ needs.

Delia Dress in Ahoy There! How cute are the rings around the bottom

Flor dress in Oh Buoy! I am loving strapless for once, I tried the Flor on and definitely need it

Kori Dress in Hey Sailor (this is my fave print from the summer!)

Libby dress in Bright Navy Sparkle glow, or maybe the callahan shorts but I love this print because it really glows in the dark! How cool is that? I love glow in the dark!

Thandie Tunic, Chiquita Bonita - I think? I love this tunic and it has little sparkly threads sewn into it. Love sparkles and love tunics. So classic Lilly!

This is really only a few of the things I still want from shipments. There are some super cute shifts as well as some terry Cassie dresses that I am dying to try on. Of course, let's hope a lot of this is on sale at the end of the summer, fingers crossed!

The most colorful sale on earth!

2012-06-14T07:27:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of the Lilly Pulitzer Warehouse sale. The most coloful sale on earth! I must say, this is one of my bucket list items... to go to this sale. The deals are okay from what I hear but I want the experience...

Getting up at the crack of dawn on a caffeine high. Standing in line and then the adrenaline of running around and filling my bag full of Lilly markdowns! Or atleast that is how I imagine it.

Any of you going to the WHS sale or ever been? I am dying to go!!!

Summer Time with Lilly P!

2012-06-13T16:21:00.001-07:00

Very sorry for the lack of blogging the past 2 months, I am sorry. Back at it now and ready to roll.

It's summertime and the living is easy. Especially with all the new Summer time Lilly Pulitzer. It's nauti (cal) and I LOVE IT! I want to share with you some of my favorites as well as a food goodies that have already come home with me. Today, I am going to share with you the Summer stuff I have already given into. Most of this was given to me for my birthday :)

ps. I have lots to update you on but that will have to wait til later ;)

Grace Shorts in Chum Bucket - these shorts are the most perfect length!

Camie dress in High Tide Toile

Shoreline Tote in Ugotta Regatta

Treena Dress in Ugotta Regatta

As you can tell, this summer is nautical, nautical and more nautical. I love love love it. Anyone have any of these on their want list? I love them all. Summer is also running a bit big in some things, you might be able to size down. Hello Ego Boost! :)

What's in my bucket list?

2012-04-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

Does everyone have a bucket list? I do! I actually have a long one...

I recently found out that hopefully in October one of my bucket list items is getting crossed off the list. This past Saturday my dad told me that in October (if all goes as planned) the Shriner Circus (if you don't know what a Shriner is you should probably Google it and Shriner's Hospitals of North America) is coming to town. Now you might be wondering why I am excited about a circus.

This is not an ordinary circus. Ok, it is. It's actually been around as long as Ringling Brothers. But the thing that makes this circus special is that there are elephant rides. YES!!! Riding an elephant is on my bucket list and was elated to find out it might happen in October.

Imagine me riding one of the gentle giants... I am so giddy!

*photo is from Google images

Elephants are my favorite animals and my teams mascot (Roll Tide). I am so obsessed with them and I can't wait. Check out these precious elephants!

*photo is from Google images

My Sweet Sister

2012-04-12T12:53:00.000-07:00

Since yesterday was sibling day and I apparently still haven't loaded any cruise pictures I figured I could tell you a few other cruise stories. One of them being about my sister, Hannah.

I mentioned that she snored the entire trip right?

She snored loudly. Every. single. night. I mean like wildabeast loud. No, no... Jurassic park loud. Can you imagine being awoken to scary loud sounds every single night for 7 nights. Or can you even imagine just not sleeping well for a whole week?!?!?!?!? I almost slept on the balcony one night, just saying it was THAT BAD.

Me and my Aunt laid in bed one night, restless and listening to the lumberjack hack away. We got delirious apparently and starting laughing loudly. Laughing lead to screaming her name. No response. Not even a wiggle. She was conched out hard-core.

Poor thing, she really couldn't help it. She was having tonsil problems which led to Tuesday's ENT appointment and she is having her tonsils out at the end of the month now. No more ferocious snoring! YAY!

She is really kind of precious. Except for when she sleeps. Lamb by day, dinosaur by night.

My experience with an ATM. Pesos ATM, that is.

2012-04-10T14:44:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I haven't uploaded pics from the cruise and I would be lying if I said I wasn't still in denial that my cruise is said and done with. So. Much. Fun! I really had a great time with my sister and aunt and I am not ready to admit that it is over. Even though I have been back at work an entire week... not ready.

I figured I could tell you a funny story from my cruise!

By the time we got to Cozumel I was out of cash (darn you, Casino! Jk I actually only gambled maybe $15). I stopped at the ATM on the ship on the way out and took out a $100. I knew there would be some cheap liquor and lots of jewelry. These are two things I definitely needed *sarcasm*

We made our way through to hop in a taxi to take us to the downtown area where Senor Frogs and Carlos and Charlies was. We went into a silver store and I fell in love with a bracelet and earrings with jasper stones in them. I had already spent some of my money in and out of other stores. So I needed to get some more cash. I tried to pay with my debit card and while it didn't decline it, it did not accept it. It said error. They looked at me funny and this all in all freaked me out. So I said well where's an ATM? I took my sister with me as the guy directed me to an ATM and left my aunt in the store but the whole time I just had this weird feeling like "OMG, what if they are molesting my aunt in the store and this was a ploy to get me out of the store and rob her?!!??!" Anyways, I saw another ATM along the way and he said no, not that one. I got the ATM and it was broken. Out of order!

WTH?? So I went back and attempted the "other ATM." I proceeded with swiping my card, entering my pin and then entering $150. I thought I was about to get my money but it let me know that the transaction was cancelled. I freaked the eff out. I thought about how broke I would be without that $150 plus the transaction fee of $25 (I don't know what's dumber... that I agreed to pay a $25 transaction fee or this story in general).

I proceed back to the store to tell my aunt. Her and my sister try to tell me it's not charging my card. For some reason I think because I was in Mexico I felt like everything was sketchy and out to get me and rob me. I went back to the machine where another man was starting to use it. A lady came out of the store and warned him "Pesos.... Pesos" I was like wtf, this is a pesos atm? I tried to tell her my story and asked if she owned the ATM and she stuck her HAND IN MY FACE. WHAT THE H?

I am livid at this point. Frantic. Panicking. I debated turning on my phone and making an international call to my bank. At that moment my sister said "It is a pesos ATM. If they really took your money, let's face it... it would only be about $15 American dollars. Can you deal with that?" I replied.... "Oh, yeah...I guess." I felt dumb for making such a debacle but don't mess with my money!

At this point we went to Senor Frog's where I consumed 2 yard margaritas and my large chested sister was slightly molested. We took a cab back to the port. On the ride back I volunteered to sit up front and then asked the cabby if he was part of the drug cartel (reference the margaritas). Luckily he didn't understand English so I just sang him La Cucaracha and got out of the cab. Only moments later I pretended to speak Chinese (yes, aloud)

That being said, yes this is a true story. Yes, I am still alive. Yes, I am still grateful after questioning someone's involvement with the cartel. If you stuck with me this far - congrats. I hope you don't question reading my blog. I am an honest and sincere writer, hence why I just told you all this incriminating stuff.

Saluations from the bad blogger

2012-04-06T10:16:00.001-07:00

I have been back from my cruise since Sunday and not blogged a once. I know, slacker!

I am going to update y'all, eventually. Lots and lots of pictures. My sister met cute guy from Alabama. Surprise, surprise. What are the chances?

Until then... a few other highlights

Here's a laugh for you. I barely slept at all the entire trip. Atleast not good, sound sleep. Because of my sister's snoring (which is another story all in all but it sounded like something from Jurassic Park and that's all you need to know)

I bought vodka in Jamaica. Was not carded but was asked how old I was, I replied "23" the lady proceeded to tell me she thought I was 14 or 15. Oh, really? You were going to sell vodka to a 14 year old?!!?!?!?!

In Cozumel I freaked out at a Pesos ATM. That is seriously a story... wait on it.

I may or may not have had a delicious margarita in Mexico. Do you expect anything less? I was also confused for a local in that dress. Kidding. but the mexican ladies that sell the dresses wanted to know where I got mine. Forever 21, Senorita.

Why Charlotte blogs -- Guest post!

2012-03-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hi there! I'm Charlotte, the girl behind From Carolina Cotton to Illinois Corn! I am so excited that Lindsey asked me to guest blog while she is on a cruise (so jealous btw Lindsey!). While she is out relaxing and having time off from work (again, jealous) I am here to introduce you to myself and tell you why I blog!

I joined the blog world in September when I had a feeling I was going to move from South Carolina to Illinois. My boyfriend and I did the long distance thing for a year and then I gave in and moved 12 hours away once I found a job and roomies. Blogging for me has certainly evolved and I have met some really great girls who have become very good friends through the blog world! My blog is a way for me to document what goes on in this little life of mine. You can also follow me on Pinterest where I have to admit that I get inspiration for things that I blog about! Hope you enjoy the little insight into my blog life!

6 Reason Why I blog:

1. I blog to document happenings!

Moving!

Hanging out with best friends

2. I blog to show off my (wannabe) cooking skills!

Homemade Reeses

Cranberry Apricot Baked Brie

3. I blog to document my Pinterest crafts!

Monogrammed Wreath

Coffee Filter Flowers- tutorial coming soon!

4. I blog to update my friends and family at home AND new blog friends about what I'm doing!

Chicago (that's Tyler!)

Yes, I went to the Mall of America 2 weeks ago when I went to Minneapolis for work = so fun!

<>5. I blog to lust for cute things!

Francescas- we are getting one in Champaign, yay!

<>or give in and buy them:

Purchase from Anthropologie

6. I blog for myself!

I truly blog for myself as a way to rewind at night and do something "mindless" after a long day at work. I get so much inspiration from other bloggers and I'm so thankful for blog friends! I hope you enjoyed the little insight into my blog and I hope that you check out it out for yourself!

Thanks for stopping by and thanks SO much Lindsey for letting me guest blog!

Ta ta,

Makeup made easy with Rachel (guest post!)

2012-03-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hello lovelies, I'm Rachel from Love a la mode! First of all, thanks so much to Lindsey for giving me the opportunity to guest post while she is away having the time of her life on a fabulous cruise! I am a college student, fashion blogger, and pinterest addict. One thing I am not, however, is a morning person. Anything I can do to salvage the precious few minutes of sleep I get, I will do. One thing that seems to take up a lot of time for most people is morning makeup. But after years of playing around, I can finally say I've discovered the perfect morning makeup ritual that takes less than 10 minutes and has me ready for a full day of class and meetings!

The first thing I do is apply Lancome's Teint Idole Ultra to my entire face. This helps even out the tones and erases redness and under-eye circles.

Next, I set the foundation with Stila Illuminating Powder in a matching shade. This helps it last all day and prevents you from sweating it off as easily. (Hey, I go to school in the desert. Plus if you've ever been in play this is a basic stage makeup technique!)

Since I'm embarrassingly pale, I also dust a light layer of Lancome's Star Bronzer in Bronze Solaire over my face for a matte sunkissed look. If you like a more shimmery bronzer, I also love Lorac's TANtalizer Baked Bronzer.

Then I dust Cover Girl Cheekers Blush in Rose Silk over my cheek bones, and I do a big goofy grin to get the apples just right :)

I save the eyes for last because to me they're the most stressful- I'm so afraid of putting things near my eye that I won't even consider getting contacts! I first line both the top and bottom of my eyes (on the outer side of the lashes) with Lancome's Le Crayon Khol in Black Ebony. It's so smooth and creamy it's hard to believe it's a traditional pencil liner.

For the finishing touch, I use Lancome's Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara on my upper and lower eyelashes, coating both the top and bottom for the upper ones. (Coating top and bottom of the lashes makes such a big difference, it's as if you're wearing false lashes, I swear!)

Add a spritz of Viktor & Rolf's Flowerbomb, and you're ready to go for the day!

What are your favorite makeup products? What tips and tricks do you use to save time in the morning? I'm always looking for new ideas, so help me out!

Bisous,

Rachel

Love a la mode

Dana's Swimwear Secret... Guest post!

2012-03-27T09:00:00.001-07:00

Hello there all of you lovely Keep It Classy readers! The name is Dayna and I'm visiting from Pearls, Curls & All Things Southern, formally A Bama Belle and A Bucket List.

That's all the introduction I'm giving y'all, I'm skipping straight to the blog post!

While Miss Lindsey is sailing the seas (you lucky bish) it gave me a horrible realization..it's almost April and almost bathing suit season. Every year I like to buy at least one new bathing suit. If you saw all the bathing suits I owned, you'd think I were a collector of them, no joke. I prefer to buy them from none other than Victoria's Secret simply for the fact that their push-up tops are phenom. When you have a small chest like moi, you'll take all the help you can get. #truth #yesIhashtaggedinablogpost

I looked on their site and was slightly let down by the newest additions this year, but still found some I'm looking into purchasing:

The colors of this suit would look killer against a tan!

The straps on this little number adds major sex appeal!

Any girl in this beauty will be looking like a stunna walking the sandy beaches or laying by the pool!

Aaaand the last one is hella sexy to me but the tan lines would be awful so I just added it to pretend I would buy it.

Can y'all believe how fast bathing suit season snuck up on us?! Yeah, me either...

Where are some of your favorite places to shop for bathing suits?