June Giveaway: {Let's Go Shopping!}

I was racking my brain trying to come up with fun/creative ideas for a June giveaway and kept thinking, "Wouldn't it be totally rad if I could just take someone shopping with me? Like let them pick out something they actually wanted?"

But since we all live so far apart, (tear and sad face), this probably won't happen any time soon. However, this doesn't mean we can't participate in some retail therapy together online, right?

Therefore, may I present, the June Giveaway, appropriately titled, "Let's Go Shopping!"

The Goods:

A.J. Morgan Flamingo Sunglasses from Ruche

Hold for LB Canary Queen Ring from ModCloth

Rhinestone and Rope Bracelet from Urban Outfitters

Raffia Graphic Bangle Set from Urban Outfitters

Here's how it works:

1) Pick any one of the four featured items above and let me know your choice by leaving a comment. - 1 entry

2) Become a follower OR let me know you already follow. - 1 entry

3) Refer a friend to become a follower and have them let me know you sent em' - 1 entry for EACH referral (no maximum)

4) Refer more than 10 new peeps to my blog and you can pick not one but TWO items if you are chosen as the winner. Hello shopping spree!

Rules:

-Giveaway starts now and ends at 10:00 p.m. CST on Tuesday, June 15.

-This giveaway is only open to residents of the U.S. and Canada.

-Please make sure that you leave your e-mail address in the comment, or that it is posted on your blog or Profile so that I have a way to contact you, should you be the winner.

Smile. Laugh. Dance. Pray. Eat chocolate. Kiss boys.

Do whatever it is that makes you happy today.

Be blessed, lovelies-

Something Sweet

Fair warning: I'm about to get mushy. Like a lunar eclipse or lasting Hollywood marriage; it's rare, but it happens.

But seriously...

I feel like God has blessed me beyond belief lately with some amazing new opportunites at work, with the blog and in so many other aspects.

I seldom take the chance to express my gratitude for all the good things in my life and frankly, this week has been a reminder of just how sweet life truly can be. So I want to extend my many, many thanks to you guys, my family, friends and co-workers for your loyalty and continuous support.

I'd love to give you all something "sweet" in return, so here is a recipe that I found and recently tried for Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes. They are positively divine, ya'll.

For the recipe, just click here.

Before I go, be SURE to stop by tomorrow because I'll be announcing a new crazy/awesome giveaway, which you won't want to miss. See you then!

Be blessed, lovelies-

Trend Watch Wednesday: Fabric Jewelry

I'm in a state of disbelief that today is already Wednesday. What happened to the week? Craziness.

Anyway, Wednesdays are great for two reasons:

1) It's Trend Watch Wednesday and those are always more fun than a shirtless Bradley Cooper. Ok, well maybe not quite that much fun...

2) SATC II comes out tomorrow!! Woot Woot!! I'm pretty pumped, if you can't tell. I've had my outfit picked out for over a month now, but Dee and I still had to go shopping last night. I already had my shoes, but Dee got some fabtabulous new kicks, which you can see here.

This might be the only movie for which I've ever planned my outfit in advance, so I'm sure we'll take pics. I'm also sure we might get trampled trying to buy tickets for this thing, but I've done Tae Bo, so I'm pretty sure I can take down some chicks if things get out of control.

Ok, fabric jewelry. Go get some. The end.

I kid, I kid. Let me eleborate...

This summer, channel your inner Martha Stewart and get crafty with fabric jewelry. Or channel your inner Leslie Lacy and use that Visa to purchase some. Either way.

From braided rope necklaces to woven chiffon bracelets, designers have taken a softer approach to accessories for the warmer months.

Fabric jewelry is the perfect way to add a bit of bohemian flavor to an outfit without going overboard. It also looks super chic mixed with hard, metal pieces.

You may remember last year when I did the post about the fishtail bracelets? Yeah, stuff like that is totally "in" this summer. I made my own for about $10 with supplies from Hobby Lobby, so if nothing else, it's definitely an inexpensive way to accessorize. And trust me ladies, if I can make em', ya'll will have no problem.

Lurves it.

What do you think? Are you feeling the whole fabric jewelry thing?

Be blessed, lovelies-

Photo credits: Elle

Oooh La Lo

Hey beauties! I missed you guys yesterday, but I was super busy and just didn't have time to blog. I hope everyone had a fantabulous weekend though. Did you guys do anything exciting?

Before I get to the point of this post, (which, as you know, takes me forever and two days), can I please express my excitement over SATC II coming out Thursday?! Carrie, Miranda, Samantha and Charlotte...oh my!

Dee and I will be attending opening night (in our new dresses, yeay!) and going out for cosmos and lemon drops afterward, in true Sex and the City style. This truly is the woman's Superbowl.

Now while we impatiently await Thursday's opening night, let's talk about my latest love, Lo Boheme.

Lo Boheme is an exquisite online store that specializes in unique custom accessories for special events, weddings and everyday wear. Lo Boheme is a collaborative effort of husband-wife team Josh and Lauren (Lo) Christensen who reside in San Diego, California.

As it says on their website, "The Lo Boheme aesthetic is inspired by the details of eras past; whether it be French Bohemianism of the late 1800's, the detailed lines of the Art Nouveau movement, or the glamor of Old Hollywood."

I think what I personally loved most about Lo Boheme was that everything is wonderfully vintage-inspired, but modern and funky enough to wear with today's trends. I mean, how precious does that feathered hairpiece above look with jeans? So cute and SO inspiring, (I think I know what I'm wearing this weekend!)

Also, for all you soon-to-be-brides out there, these pieces, (like either of the options below), would be a wonderful, fuss-free alternative to the uber-long veil.

What about it? Are you lusting for Lo, too?

Photo creds: Lo Boheme

In the Bag

Happy Friday to you all! I'm honored to be guest blogging today over at Sweet Nothings as their May "In the Bag" contributor. So please swing by and check it out. Have a great weekend and, as usual...

Be blessed, lovelies-

Photo credits: Cupcakes and Cashmere

Cravings Corner: {Pink Palace}

How much do I love the space featured on today's Cravings Corner? Let me count the ways...

Bolig Magazine recently did a spread on this beauty and I knew upon seeing these pics that you all would dig it as much as I did. The pink, the pops of random color, the kitschy accents; it's all so delicious.

It's unapologetically girly and pushes the limits of being over the top; two qualities I admire most.

The designer's use of white keeps it fresh, while the random tchotchkes add a touch of whimsy and playfulness. And come on...flamingo wallpaper? How could you look at that every morning and NOT smile?

Bottom line: It's a space that doesn't take itself too seriously. And sometimes, (in the words of Martha Stewart), that's a good thing.

Recreate the look and feel in your own home by adding a few funky pieces to your existing space:

Helena Rubenstein Chair from The Paris Apartment, Crisp Console from Conranusa.com

Ampersand Pillow from Etsy by Honey Pie Design

2 x 3 Phone Keys Wallet Rug by Urban Outfitters

Zebra Ultrasuede Pillow in Espresso/Cream from Pillow Folly

I'll be guest blogging tomorrow at Sweet Nothings, (YAY!), so be sure to swing by and check it out!

Be blessed, lovelies-

Photo credits: Bolig Magazine

Trend Watch Wednesday: Romper Room

Hi, hey and hello…it’s Trend Watch Wednesday, ya’ll. Ok, a couple of things before we go for a “romp”, (sorry, I just can’t resist a good pun.)

1. A Blonde Ambition officially hit 500 followers last night! I'm stunned and overjoyed that so many of you guys actually read this blog...thank you, thank you for your loyalty and support!

2. Congrats to the lovely Emily for winning the JBrand jeggings giveaway. I’m super jealous and came thisclose to keeping them for myself. But alas, I am generous and kind and way too pure of heart to do such a thing. So Em, enjoy your pants.

3. Do you listen to The Dead Weather? They are Jack White’s latest genius project and they have a new album out called Sea of Cowards that is definitely worth a listen. I've had it on repeat on the iPod all week long at work, which has kept me both sane and productive. I saw them live a couple weeks ago and it was insanity. In a good way.

Download:

-Blue Blood Blues

-Die by the Drop

-The Difference Between Us

-Jawbreaker

Now, let’s talk rompers.

I’ve gotten a few emails lately from you guys asking what I thought about the romper trend. Well, since you asked…

1) "Would you wear a romper?"

Yes, I would. In fact, I own a couple, but it hasn’t been warm enough here to wear them just yet. Since I don’t believe in spending a fortune on Über-trendy pieces, both of mine came from Forever 21. I promise, these will be out of style by next summer, so you might not want to make a huge investment on this look.

2) "What types of bodies do these work best for?"

Definitely those with petite or lean bodies or an hourglass shape. These bods tend to pull of the boxy shape of the romper a bit better. And, if your legs are your best asset, by all means, go for it. Pear shapes should probably avoid this trend, as most of the volume of the romper is around the hip/thigh area. Instead, opt for separates: a great pair of shorts and a voluminous top (think ruffles on the collar or blouson styles.)

3) "Biggest gripes about the romper trend?"

I’m going to be totally frank here: These will be a real witch to wear if you’re going to be peeing a lot. Like, you’ll basically have to undress to go to the bathroom. Unless you can find a romper that snaps at the crotch. But that would be weird.

4) "Can I wear flats with a romper?"

Honey, you can wear snow skis if your heart so desires. Just make sure you keep the leg line long (read: avoid flats with ankle straps). And please, no Uggs.

5) "Will rompers be the new maxi dress? Meaning, are we going to look back and think “ewww”?"

In a word, no. Because rompers are semi-cute and actually do things for a woman’s body. I’m going to stand up and preach for a quick sec: Maxi dresses are the enemy of the feminine shape, ladies. Comfortable though they might be, a maxi dress is the easiest way to ensure that no man within a 50 mile radius turns his head in your direction. Rompers are short, sweet and playful; two things the dreaded M-dress isn’t. They might go out of style, but they won’t make you want to delete your summer pics on Facebook.

6) "Recommendations for cute rompers? I can’t seem to find any that I like in stores."

Fear not, the World Wide Web has you covered. My faves I’ve seen so far are:

-Strapless Skort Romper- BCBG Max Azria

-Belted Black Racerback Romper- BCBG Max Azria

-Charisse Romper- Twenty8Twelve

-Welcome to Miami Romper- Lulu’s

-Dark Denim Romper- Ruche

Thanks for the questions and keep em’ coming. You don’t know how excited I become when I see your emails. I’m not a fashion expert by any stretch of the imagination, but if this helps one woman to pass on that maxi dress at Nordstrom, then my job is done.

Do you plan to try the romper this summer? Or will you stick to shorts and a top? Pray tell.

Be blessed, lovelies-

Photo credits: BCBG Max Azria, Shopbop.com, H & M

9 By Design

Guess what? It's so not Monday anymore. Whew. Glad that's over for another 6 days. Moving on...

You are probably well aware of this fantabulous design show on Bravo, but if you're not, please allow me to enlighten you.

It's called 9 By Design and it's quickly becoming one of my fave Tuesday night shows.

This new reality show chronicles the life of husband and wife design team Cortney and Robert Novogratz, a.k.a. Sixx Design. For more than 10 years, they have been creating some of NYC's most innovative spaces, from hotels to apartments to empty warehouses. Known for their striking design aesthetic and hip, trendy taste, Cortney and Robert are totally self-taught, (no fancy-schmancy interior design degrees for this duo.)

Oh, and did I mention they have 7 kids? Yup, no kidding: Wolfgang, 12, twins Bellamy and Tallulah, 10, Breaker, 8, twins Five and Hollender, 4, and infant son, Major. Craziness. But it makes for great TV.

I really don't know how they do it. Just watching this show makes me need a nap.

9 By Design airs Tuesday nights at 9 p.m. CST on Bravo, so check it out. Whether you're an architecture buff, budding interior decorator or just a lover of good reality TV, I promise you'll eat this up.

Before we depart, a couple things:

1) Looking for a cool new addition to your furniture collection? Check out Chairs for Charity. Top grafitti artists put their own spin on the classic Eames Molded Plywood chair for an online auction through June 1. All proceeds benefit Operation Design, an organization that brings prominent architecture and design firms together with public school students to create inspiring learning environments.

Andddddd....

2) I'll be posting the winner of the May giveaway right here later today or tomorrow morning, so stop back by...it could be you!

Be blessed, lovelies-

Photo credits: Sixx Design