The Ultimate Sleepover

I believe that women are never too old to gather their girls and have a good old fashioned sleep over. There is nothing like that quality girl time to gossip about absolutely everything! This year for my best friend, I wanted to celebrate her birthday with a fabulous girly sleepover. I wanted to create a magical “sweet dreams” themed sleepover on a budget. I am excited to share everything from the home made decor to the sweet midnight snacks. So grab your gals and get ready to create your own ultimate sleepover.

The Decor

I decided I wanted to transform our man cave as much as possible. I bought a 40X100 FT roll of plastic white table cloth and got to work. With command hooks and fishing line I was able to drape the ceiling and cover the windows. I made the manly space look dreamy and airy!

I brought the dreaminess to life with fluffy clouds scattered around the room. Using foam-core as a base, I cut out a cloud shape in various sizes. From there, I used hot glue and pillow stuffing and just glued the fluff to the board. Next I created a few stars out if construction paper and skewers. I simply cut out the star shape and glued two together at the top of the skewer. Placed a dollop of hot glue to the bottom of the skewer and stuck it down through the fluff and attached it to the board. For the finishing touch, I sprinkled gold glitter on top of the clouds.

The Games

I love a good card game so for this party we had to have For the Girls, What do you meme. I stocked the party with different options as well including, Sex and City trivia and Barbie UNO.

The Snacks

A sleepover isn’t complete without the snacks! For me that meant popcorn, to accompany our girly movies obviously! I also Lucky charms, sugar cookies, chocolate covered pretzels, and movie theater candy. Oh, and champagne, of course champagne!

After that, you just sit back and let the night unfold. Simple touches really can make for an amazing, over the top party. There is nothing I love more then being able to shower my friends with love in the form of a party that has a lot of effort put into it.

I hope theses tips help you to create last memories for your best girls. If you are stuck and need help planning your celebration, I would love to help! Shoot me and email at Thedirtyblondestylist@gmail.com, I can’t wait to hear from you!

-MB

Pre-Fall in a Pandemic

Every year, I cheers to the pre-fall season. That wonderful time between summer and fall where it isn’t too cold, the air is cooler by the day, letting go of the summer heat. I love this time of year that used to mean back to school or back to college. Back to routines and getting ready for the fall festivities! This year, with all the craziness going on in the world, I will be honest I have been taking one day at a time. It has been so difficult to plan that even my planner looks at me funny when I pencil something in for three weeks from now. That being said, I have not had the typical fall excitement that I usually have this time of year. I am shifting my focus to what makes me happy, fashion. I have rounded up a few of my favorite pre-fall pieces that you can add to your wardrobe. Not to mention all of these finds are from so of my favorite locations and under $50.00.

Lulus

waffle knit T
Light, maroon long sleeve dress
Printed silk cami for layering
Cropped army green trousers

H&M

sling back flats in cognac
Faux leather shirt dress
thin long sleeve turtleneck
Open front cozy cardigan

Target

Washed camo jacket
Cropped rust colored trousers
Mustard button front high rise skirt
Snake skin knee high boots

What we can’t miss out on are the things that make us happy. For me, one of those things is pre-fall fashion. That same rush of back to school and buying a few new pieces, gets me excited! If you are looking to add to your pre-fall collection, I would love to help! Send me an email below with all the details, I can’t wait to hear from you!

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My Favorite Summer Cocktails

Summer time is the time to gather around a body of water or on a beach somewhere and have a nice drink with your friends. Somethings are just so refreshing, like Rose on the back porch with a warm summer breeze. Next time you want to bring those summer time vibes to your Friday night, check out my four favorite summertime cocktails.

The Simple Bahama Mama

  • 1 oz of Peach flavored vodka
  • 1 oz of Coconut flavored rum
  • 1 splash of grenadine (optional)
  • 1 oz of Orange juice
  • 1 oz of Pineapple juice
  • Ice

Sweet and tangy, yet refreshing. So tasty it can be dangerous!

The Strawberry Mule

I think it is safe to safe that everyone in the south loves a Moscow mule. Maybe it has something to do with the Kentucky Derby maybe it just is tasty every time, this recipe is no exception!

  • 4 Strawberries, cut in half
    2-3 Sprigs fresh Mint
    60 ml Vodka (roughly one shot glass full)
    Juice of a Lime
    120 ml Ginger beer (almost an entire can or to taste)
  • Add a sugar rim or strawberry to garnish and you are set!

The French 75

This classic cocktail goes beyond summer. Perfect for bridal showers, weddings, or birthdays. On the days I am feeling fabulous this cocktail only adds to my mood. This simple cocktail has stood the test of time originating in the 30’s. Start by lining your champagne glass with sugar then add the following ingredients.

  • 1 ounce vodka or gin
  • 1/2 ounce lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon simple syrup (or to taste)
  • 2 ounces champagne
  • 1 Maraschino cherry, for garnish

A lemon Drop

This is by far one of my favorite drinks, my friends Ashley and I have perfected this recipe over the years. It remains our go to drink! Start by lining your martini glass with sugar and lemon juice then add the following.

  • 1 1/2 oz citrus vodka
  • 2oz sour mix
  • 2 lemon wedges squeezed
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup
  • A splash of sprite
  • Shake over ice and pour!

Next time you gather your friends for a summer celebration, I hope you turn to these cocktails. Cheers!

-MB

Make me some simple macarons

I love to bake! Being able to give away treats to friends, family and even strangers is a great way to spread joy. While I am no professional baker by any means, it is a hobby that I have been exploring more in my adulthood. When presented with an opportunity to entertain I also see this as an opportunity to create something sweet for everyone. Today’s venture is french, my first attempt at macarons! This frequented Instagram dessert was intimidating, I must admit. I hope the recipe below for the cookies and the filling will bring sweet smiles to you and your family.

The cookies

Ingredients:

1 3/4 cups powdered sugar

1 cup almond flour

3 large egg whites (room temperature)

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step 1: Combine powdered sugar and almond flour in a food processor. Process for 30-40 seconds, or until mixture has a very fine and light texture.

Step 2: Whip egg whites ( room temperature) with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. With mixer running, slowly add granulated sugar and vanilla. Continue whipping until stiff peaks start form.

Step 3: Gently fold almond flour mixture into egg whites, being careful not to over mix. The final mixture should be smooth and glossy. If you want a little color add 2-4 drops of food coloring in as you fold the mixture.

Step 4: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicon baking mats. Transfer macaron batter to a piping bag with a small round tip. Pipe 2-inch circles, about an inch apart, on both baking sheets. Make sure that the thickness is consistent throughout the circle. Tap baking sheets against the counter to release air bubbles. Smack that tray down!

Step 5: Let the cookies rest in a dry place for at least 20-30 minutes, or until you can touch the cookies without the batter sticking to your fingers.

Step 6: While cookies are drying, preheat oven to 300°F. Bake cookies 16 minutes. Cool completely on baking sheet, about 20 minutes. Repeat process with remaining cookies. Be careful to not under cook, they will become sticky and impossible not to break if they are under cooked!

The Filling:

Ingredients:

1/2 C (1 stick) unsalted butter- room temperature

1.5 C Powdered Sugar

2 tsp sprinkles

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 Tbsp milk or heavy cream

Step 1: Place the room temperature butter and place in stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment. Turn the mixer to low speed until the butter is creamy. Slowly add powdered sugar and continue mixing on low. Once the butter and sugar is fully incorporated, add the sprinkles, salt, vanilla, and heavy cream. Turn the mixer to medium high and whip until fluffy.

Step 2: Fill your piping bag with the filling. Start from the middle of the cookie working your way out. Assemble your macaron!

I hope these delicious treats make your day, maybe even someone else’s. Happy baking!

-MB

26 going on 27

Today is my 27th birthday, HBD to me!

Every year for my birthday I treat this day as if it is my own personal new years. A time for thought, reflection and lots of champagne. My 26th year recap will not be as somber as the general recap of 2020, almost half of my 26th year was spent in 2019, a much happier time. Today I am going to give a quick recap on my 26th year. I will also look ahead at 27 and detail my goals for the new year.

Highlights

The obvious highlight is that at the age of 26 I went from bride to wife! Entering into the newly wed phase of our relationship has been wonderful. Along with our newly wed status came our honeymoon and our first time to tropical Punta Cana. Following our honeymoon in November, I traveled to Cancun in December to view many gorgeous venues and resorts for work. Not long after, we celebrated our first Christmas in our home together. As we rolled into the new year, I hosted my first Galentines day in our home and surrounded myself with fabulous woman from all walks of life. Then…que the pandemic.

Low lights

In March of 2020 the pandemic hit the USA hard, rocking all industries, with no exception to the events and fashion industry. As excited as I was to continue growing my business with more brides than ever, 85% of my business for the year was postponed or cancelled. When everything first started to unfold, it was as if we all stopped and waited. Then we kept on waiting and waiting. If I had to describe 2020 in a word it would be, paused. While we waited for leaders and the CDC to tell us what was open, allowed or closed for good, it became harder to continue forward. For a while my progress stopped and I tried to only manage, not build, using the pandemic as an excuse.

The hidden blessings

Once I had taken care of my existing clients, I began to look at this time as an opportunity. For the first time, I had more time then ever. No longer was the excuse there of “Well if I just had some more time.” This was my time to shine. After I changed my mindset, I felt my surrounds start to change. I made out house into a home, tackling different projects, DIY and yard work. I came up with relevant and new content to help my followers and clients. I found more time to help my mom and grandmother with projects that they needed help with. I was able to focus my energy on self care with a daily morning workout and skin care routine. Small victories everyday left me feeling positive and prevailing over the pandemic.

What is to come

27 to me always sounded like that year where you grew up. Like “Oh, I want to have my first kid by like 27-29” The year where it seems like you start aging out of your 20’s as you get closer to your more mature 30 year old self. I don’t know if any of that is actually true for me this year but what I do know is that I will continue expecting more from myself. I want to continue to grow my baby of a business, pleasing my clients and helping woman find their stylish lifestyle. Lastly, I want to continue being a good wife, good daughter and good friend. At the end of the day those are the things that matter.

I have no idea how 27 will actually turn out. If you had told me 26 would end in a pandemic I wouldn’t have believed you. You never know what will come our way, I feel grateful for another year and patient to see what will come. No more years stuck on pause. Happy birthday to all the other Leos out there!

-MB

Why I Do What I Do

When most people hear that I am a stylist, they automatically think I am a hairstylist. An easy mistake but I am here to set the record straight. I am redefining the word lifestyle to reflect my brand’s mission. My goal is to bring style to your personal wardrobe, your biggest events and your social presence. Today, I want to talk specifically about wardrobe styling and what this means for you, why I do what I do.


Did you ever watch that show on TLC, what not to wear? I always dreamt of being a nicer version of Stacy London. Someone who is going to be direct with you on what is flattering, what you need, and what you don’t. My personal styling services revolve around one thing you. Personal style is just that, it’s personal! Through my free consultation, we assess what your goals are, what you’re looking for from this experience, and how to bring back your inner confidence.
It pains my heart to see truly stunning women stuck in a routine of boring clothes that are outdated, ill-fitting, or just plain tired. There are so many easy ways to update your look, even with just a handful of new pieces. My most popular service does just that, we start with your mood board and establish a budget with realistic goals. From there we head out or I bring options right to you. WE can shop for looks for everyday life, workwear or maybe something more special like nights out with your husband or your girlfriends.

My goal is to leave you feeling confident, refreshed, and most of all happy! Isn’t that what clothes are supposed to do for us anyway, make us happy? If you want to take your style process one step further, I have partnered with the incredible Kelly St.Claire for all your hair needs!

If you are interested in any of my styling packages, fill out the form below so we can get started on bringing out your inner fabulous!

-MB

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Summer accessories

I love summer! I am a July baby, prefer to be hot rather than cold and love the beach. Summer and I have always gotten along. I will admit that it can be harder to be fashionable in the summer. I for one love to slide into denim shorts and a white T-shirt and go on about my day. A classic look but not the most high fashion. Today I am sharing with you some of my favorite summer accessories. these will help spice up that T shirt or simple sundress any day of the week.

Festive earrings

I love a cute oversize earring especially ones that give that instant summer look! You can find a great variety at Target, Baublebar or Amazon.

Nautical bags

Many of you have seen my crabby bag from Kate spade on my Instagram. I love this bag for summer. Perfect for just those few essentials you need for a summer date night! Check out these other great nautical bags from Kate Spade, Forever 21 and Homebello

Snake print Sandals

I am loving the snake print that has been happening this fall and into the summer. Why not carry the trend into your summer wardrobe with these fabulous flats. I am in love with mine that cost less the $20.00 at Walmart . You can find other great styles at Old Navy or Target.

White sheer cover up

A great cover up can make me feel so put together even laying pool side. A cover up gives you a great transition piece from the pool to a casual lunch. I love the look of my white cover up because it matches any bathing suite I may have on underneath. There are a million options and styles but a few of my favorites can be found at Lulus, Asos, and Forever 21.

Bandanna hair accessories and mask

For those of you who have not watched Outer banks on Netflix, John B wears an old blue bandanna around his neck for the majority of the show. Clearly a great summer accessory if even the shows stylist thought it would help give him a better look. I love tying my hair up in a bandanna. Also having a bandanna handy gives you a mask whenever you need to go from the beach to the store. Get creative with colors or prints, an easy and inexpensive way to add an element to you summer outfit.

I hope you all enjoying what is left of our pandemic summer. Even if you are laying out in your inflatable backyard pool, you will look fabulous with these summer accessories!

-MB

You are the mac to my cheese

I love me some southern comfort food! Mac and Cheese being one of my all time favorites. Mac and cheese has many variations and I love to try them all. My moms mac and cheese was passed down from my dad’s mom. It was more of a casserole style, baked in the oven and came out in squares rather than a soupy texture.

I loved this recipe and it was so easy to make. When it came time to throw my house warming party last year I knew I wanted to make mac and cheese but I did not want to worry about things in the oven on the day of. I wanted anything that could be made in crock pot, to be made in one. I discovered Trisha Yearwood’s slow cooker mac and cheese and let that inspire me to create my signature dish.

In honor of #nationalmacandcheeseday I am sharing my recipe with you!

Ingredients

Cooking spray

One box (8 oz) of your favorite noodle shape. I personally love penne or shells for mac and cheese, cooked in salt water.

One 12-ounce can evaporated milk

1 1/2 cups whole milk

1 stick of butter, melted

1 teaspoon salt

Dash of pepper

2 large eggs, beaten

Two 10-ounce bricks sharp Cheddar cheese, grated (about 5 cups)

Dash of paprika

Instructions

Cook your noodles according to the instructions on the box. Add a tablespoon of salt to the water before boiling.

In a large crock pot sprayed with cooking spray, mix the noodles, evaporated milk, milk, 3/4 of the butter, salt, pepper, eggs and all but 1/2 cup of the grated cheese. Sprinkle the reserved cheese over the top of the mixture and then sprinkle with paprika. Save a small amount of cheese to sprinkle on top right before serving. Cover and cook on low heat for 3 hours and 15 minutes. Stir every hour to avoid over cooking on the sides. Turn off the slow cooker, stir the mixture of shredded cheese and an extra pat of butter and serve hot.

I hope you enjoy this easy, delicious mac and cheese for you and your family!

-MB

The Simple Side

Even when we are not in a pandemic, life is busy and can easily get out of control. How do we keep it simple and manage our lives with a simplistic attitude? Do you remember that show “The Simple Life” with Paris and Nicole? They were whisked away to farm country, where they spent time living the “simple life”. I think back to that show and wonder, what qualities make that the simple life? They are hard-working, they have families to support and they bust their butt every day to keep that up. That doesn’t sound simple? Then I think about things closer, they may work hard to support their families but at the end of the day, it’s those simple things that bring joy to their lives. Finding happiness in the simple things, makes a simple life. Finding joy in your kids playing, being satisfied by the dinner you cooked for your family, and enjoying what you are working towards.

So how do we keep it simple? I certainly do not claim to know the secrets to living carefree and simply. I do believe that these three tips will help you ride some of the complications out of your life.

Stop comparing your self to strangers online

Seek inspiration from others. When you feel the doubt and insecurities start to creep in from scrolling through Instagram, that is when you know it is time to put your phone down.

Focus more on less

When we pour focus into one thing, rather than ten little things, the results are amazing! Try it for yourself and see.

Live life with a grateful attitude

It is easy to get used to all the wonderful things we have. Whenever I notice myself getting too comfortable or asking God for too much. I take a moment and thank him for specific blessings in my life. After all, no one likes a selfish or greedy person.

No matter how hectic life gets, I hope you can always find your way back to the simple life.

-MB

The World Was Hers For The Reading

I have a confession, I have never been a reader. I don’t like to read, yet I love the stories. When I was younger, I would fall asleep to get out of reading my summer books. To this day, I still get sleepy when I crack open a new book. This year, I decided to work around my issues and downloaded Audible. I listen to at least one new book a month now and have gotten so much out of each one!

I have a very specific taste in books, I love an autobiography. I love hearing how someone I know, got to where they are today. Having the familiar voice of a celebrity read their story to you is all the more interesting. My go to place for audio books used to be my car, I would run errands and listen to the calming voice of Julie Andrews tell me her life story. Since quarantine I have has less reason to leave the house and have had to adapt my listening schedule. Never the less, I have come across some great reads in the past few months that I am going to share with you today!

Pretty Happy by Kate Hudson

I learned about patience, perspective and consistency. This was one of the first “body books” I have ever read. In an effort to increase my awareness of my own health, I looked to Kate for guidance and I got it! I would 100% recommend this book for anyone looking to start out on a new body journey.

Whiskey in a Teacup by Reese Witherspoon

Have you ever felt connected to a person or movie because it just sounds like they get you? That is what Whiskey in a Teacup did for me. I have always admired Reese Witherspoon and her sweet southern charm. This book touches on what everything a southern lady is about, dinner parties, red lipstick and hot rollers, and of course family and good food.

Scrappy Little Nobody By Anna Kendrick

A young famous face that is so relatable, it’s crazy! Her narration of this book is better then anything I could have ever dreamt up myself, one of the perks of having an actress read to you. Her story is hilarious yet inspiring. Easy read and now I know more about my favorite Pitch Perfect character.

Home Work By Julie Andrews

The comforting voice of Mary Poppins coming through my headphones is beyond soothing. I admit, I never would have even considered attempting to read this giant book if I had stumbled across it in Barns and Noble. It took over 12 hours to finish this beauty but when I did, I felt I knew every detail of her life. Most of her career was before my time, so I was able to learn more about her incredible career and passion for all that she does.

Find Your Path By Carrie Underwood

My second venture into body positivity and health as a topic. Carrie Underwood, the incredible country singer and sweetheart has introduced me to new ideas about living a healthy lifestyle. Making unnecessary trips up the steps each day or parking far away at the store are some examples. Reading these books are all about gathering ideas on what I can do to make my everyday lifestyle more active and healthy. Hearing these tips throughout the day keeps my mind focused on what I should be doing.

I hope you enjoy at least one of these great books that I have listed above. Since I have more time on my hands, with fewer events and places to go. I am perfectly comfortable getting all BOOKED this weekend! ( I love a good pun. )

-MB