What I'm Loving Lately

Happy Tuesday Ladies. I feel like I've been a little lazy in recent weeks when it comes to the blog. So many guest posts... and link ups. I kind of hate that I'm turning into one of those bloggers who doesn't really create anything, and just publishes pretty pictures she stole off of pinterest. I promise, come October 6 I will be back full force. In the mean time, one of my blogging favorites Niki has started a new linkup, so I thought I would join in for the inaugural edition. It's called

"What I'm Loving Lately" and it is giving me a wonderful excuse for an instagram drop. Get excited ladies. I have some good ones.

I've become obsessed with the starbucks refreshers--- my favorite is to mix the berry and the lime together! AWESOME. 

Loving this Coffee House Brew from the Williamsburg Ale Werks. Coffee in Beer? You know they won me over with that one. Good thing I'm stopping in the 'burg this weekend on my way to Charlotte!

Loving wearing my hair curly lately. I cannot believe how well it's been holding up in the August humidity of the swamp that is Washington D.C.

Benefit's How to Look the Best at Everything kit

Naked Palette and a few other fun toys :)

I've been loving playing in my ever expanding makeup collection. I did some damage in Sephora this weekend, and I'm completely obsessed with this new Benefit kit!

Loving having blonde roots again. PS. Thank you for your input on twitter and instagram yesterday!

New favorite snack. Roasted chickpeas. They are AWESOME. and pretty much idiot proof. Turn on your oven. Take a can of chick peas. coat in olive oil and some of your favorite spices (I used yellow curry, some chili powder and a tiny bit of cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper to taste). Bake for 45 minutes-an hour (shake the pan every so often to prevent burning). Thank me later.

I've been doing a little too much shopping lately. I almost bought this dress Friday night, but didn't. and I'm still thinking about it. Should I go back?

Now, question for y'all. I've been doing a little closet cleaning lately. and I have some good stuff that I'd like to sell, not just donate. Do any of you have online shops for your clothes? I've been using Poshmark, with little success so far. Would y'all be receptive to a blog sale? DC area ladies, know of any good consignment shops that take plus size clothing? help!!! 

That's it for today! Happy Tuesday Ladies!

DIY Green Laundry Detergent

Happy Monday Folks!

I just wanted to start off the week by thanking all of you who commented on my politics post last week. Politics is something I really care about, so I'm excited that y'all are eager to read my opinions. Your sweet comments really meant a lot to me, so thank you.

On a completely different note, it recently occurred to me the other day that I haven't shared one of my favorite DIY's that I use religiously. I make my own laundry detergent, and it's awesome.

I saw this on a blog somewhere and the girl just raved about how much money she saved and how awesome it was, etc. So I thought, "hey, why not give it a shot? I like saving money." So I went for it. This is hands down the best laundry detergent I've ever used (I started doing my own laundry at age 12 so I've had quite a bit of experience for my young age).

There are so many "feel good" benefits of making your own laundry detergent. It's "green" because this detergent is low suds so it doesn't pollute the water, and is safe for new front load washers. You aren't wasting water because it's powdered. You aren't wasting money on packaging, nor are you generating anywhere near the trash because you have to buy the ingredients so infrequently. Plus this doesn't have any heavy fragrances or dyes, so it's safe for sensitive skin.

You only need three things to make it. Borax, Washing Soda and Soap (try fels-naptha)

Borax ($3.38) (.42 per batch)

Washing Soda ($3.29) (.48 per batch)

Fel-Naptha Soap ($.99 per batch) (grate this with a cheese grater, or in a food processor)

Find a container that holds at least 4 cups (I used a 32oz yogurt container) Add a cup of Borax, a cup of washing soda and your fels-naptha. Shake it up until the three ingredients are relatively distributed. You'll only use 1 tbsp per load (medium size loads, use 1-2 tbsp for larger loads). That means that 1 batch will make 64 loads, ONLY 2.9 cents per load!!!! I mean what? Woah.

Powder Tide is $.44 a load;  Liquid Tide is $.24 a load. Not that I do a ton of laundry, but everyone loves a savings right?

Seriously I can't rave about this enough. While the soap grating is a slightly labor intensive process, I think it's totally worth it!

Do y'all have any good DIY's? Have you tried this? I'd love to know!

Weekend Motivation

Political Season is upon us...

When I started BDB I really intended it to be an outlet for all the things I cared about: makeup, fashion, beauty, all things feminine and sparkly, oh and politics. I know some of my more loyal readers remember when I did a weekly series I titled Politics 101, but I haven't done one in quite a while for a few reasons (I had plenty of other stuff to write about and sometimes I just need a break from all the political drama). Well ladies, this weekend kicks off the Republican National Convention in Tampa. Immediately afterwards, the Democrats will respond with their convention in Charlotte. The conventions have traditionally been the start of the election season, but now a days the 24 hour news media caused election season to be continuous. I mean really... post 2010 elections they started covering congressional and the presidential races the NEXT DAY. come on folks. Anyways. All of this is to say, presidential politics are about to become so pervasive in our lives, we wont be able to escape. (not going to lie, I'm slightly excited). Over the coming months, I'm going to be talking a little more politics around the blog. I hope y'all will still love me, even if you don't necessarily support the same candidate...

or my views on healthcare reform

or gay marriage

or taxes

or energy policy.

I promise, I'm not going to force my views on y'all. I have very strong convictions about my beliefs, and I'm sure you do as well. I would never want to disrespect that (and I would hope others would extend the same courtesy to me).

Well. GUESS WHAT. This girl is road tripping to North Carolina in a few days, and I.AM.SO.EXCITED. My schedule is triple booked quickly filling up for the week I'll be there. I'm not going to lie. This might be better than Christmas. I fully recognize I sound like a trecky at Com-icon, and I'm okay with it.  I'm going to be working for a certain candidate (I'll let you figure it out) during the convention, and staffing events for my real job too. needless to say it's going to be a whirlwind. 

I'll try not to let politics take over the blog too. Hope y'all will still like me when all of this is over.