The Christmas Shoes

This article on MSN today brought me to tears at my desk. It also gives me hope for humanity. This time of year makes us even more aware of the blessings that surround us. From food and housing, to even the simplest of things like a hot shower or pair of shoes.

Please read this.

Instead of Confessional Friday tomorrow, I want us all to go out and do one good deed. That gives us all day tomorrow and the entire weekend to make it happen.

#ChristmasShoes

Let others on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram know, too and encourage them to join in. You can use the hashtag #ChristmasShoes. I'd love to see how far we can spread this.

God bless this police officer and the recipient of the shoes.

Be blessed, lovelies-

Advice to a Younger Self

Every year, I get a little reflective before my birthday. I’ll be turning 28 on Monday and it’s so amazing to look back on where I was seven, six, five…heck, even two years ago. I remember when I was little that 28 sounded SO OLD. I could never even imagine being 18. Oh, how the naïve have fallen…

And then it got me to thinking. What advice would I give to younger girls? And here’s what I’d say: 

• Don’t let other people decide your self-worth. You are an amazing, expensive, non-expendable human being. At the end of the day, you’re the only person that’s required to be with you forever. Value yourself, your body and your mind to the fullest. 

• Invest in yourself. Whether you choose to go to college or pursue a trade school, if you choose to learn French or take up playing the piano, your efforts will pay dividends later in life. 

• Take care of yourself. Exercise, eat right, don’t smoke; wear make-up if it makes you feel good. Style your hair. Maintain a good skincare regime. All these things become exponentially harder as you get older. Start taking care of yourself, so that by the time you’re 28, it’s old habit. 

• Find a good moisturizer and hang on to it like it’s the Holy Grail. 

• Pray. It’s the best way to find answers to some of life’s most difficult problems. God is the best counsel ever. 

• Play the field. Not that there’s anything wrong with settling down at a younger age or with a high school sweetheart at all. But for me personally, I just wasn’t ready until my mid-twenties. It’s okay to date for the sake of dating. It gives you an idea of what you want in a long-term partner – and what you don’t. And besides, you’ll get some great stories out of it. 

• Your parents aren’t nearly as moronic as you once thought. They have eons more wisdom than you and have insight far beyond the understanding of your budding mind. Call your momma. Have coffee with your dad. Listen to their advice. You’ll need it someday. 

• Choose a career that lights your soul on fire. Passion lends itself to success, so no matter what field you choose, if you love it, you’ll do well. 

• Be picky when it comes to choosing your life mate. There’s plenty of time for that later on. I have a good friend who settled at the age of 23 for a man who didn’t treat her very well. He was decent-looking and said all the right things to her, but they also just filed for divorce. She admitted one day that she just felt like she needed to get married because of the taboo nature of being a single woman. I can tell you with one million percent certainty, she would have been FAR better off alone. 

• Open a retirement account as soon as you’re able. This is as boring as advice comes, but I’m so glad I did just that. 

• Live alone for a while. There’s nothing like the valuable life lessons that come with managing a home or apartment on your own. I can now fix a toilet, use a power drill, pay bills with my eyes closed, etc. This was the most useful, valuable time period of my life thus far. 

• Learn that it’s okay to like yourself. It seems as women, we’re taught to practice self-deprecation and self-loathing from a young age. For instance, when is the last time someone paid you a compliment and you believed them? Pick out a few characteristics of yourself (both physically and otherwise) and learn to appreciate them.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Be blessed, lovelies-

Kiki 'La Rue

Howdy and hello. Today, I’m going to introduce you to your new BFF. Her name? ‘La Rue. Kiki ‘La Rue.

She likes her martinis shaken – not stirred, and is on a not-so-secret mission to bring affordable, brand name style to the farthest reaches of the interwebs.

How does she do it? With a fabulous website, of course! From tops to pants, dresses to accessories, Kiki ‘La Rue has all style bases covered. Becka, the sweet owner of Kiki ‘La Rue, hopes that y’all can finish (or start, if you’re like me) your holiday shopping on her site. She promises to have something for just about every lady on your list.

 

 

 

 

 

So, please pay Kiki ‘La Rue a visit today. She’s the best friend you’ve always wanted – just one click away. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, as well as Instagram. This way, you won't miss a thing!

Be blessed, lovelies-

Our Thanksgiving in Photos

Considering the craziness that usually surrounds most holidays, our Thanksgiving was surprisingly, pleasantly devoid of crazy. We joined Stephen's army-sized family in Fort Smith on Thanksgiving Eve and Thanksgiving Day. And this stuff happened:

Miss Ruby Dale thoroughly enjoyed celebrating her first Thanksgiving.

Favorite new plaid shirt from Savoir-Faire; favorite man courtesy of the Good Lord

Stephen's siblings: Nick, Sarah, Stephen, Greg and Stephanie

Sarah and her precious daughter (our niece) Ava

I married into a ginormous Italian family...and this is only a few of them!

Reed and Ava, our adorable nephew and niece (Sarah's kiddos)

This makes us laugh; Ava and Reed are always ready for a photo opp. Luke (other nephew on the right) is ALWAYS getting side-tracked. Hilarious.

I had ta get a pic with my favorite four-year-old. Had ta!

Stephen and Ari, our other big fur baby. This pup was in hog heaven...literally. Ari's grandpa Jeff had just given him a pork bone.

The cutest little Playschool car driver this side of the Mississippi.We should ALL live with this much joy. 

Luke, our other sweet nephew, (Greg's kiddo). We laughed and laughed at his little protruding tummy, which came as a result of eating approximately 16 lbs. of pie and cookies. Presh, I tell you.

Friday, my parents drove up to Northwest Arkansas from Heber Springs. Mom and I tore up the Promenade (our outdoor shopping center), while Stephen, Dad and Matthew (my little brother) watched football.We had a blast, (and so did our debit cards!)


What did your Thanksgiving look like? Lots of family and food? Some Black Friday shopping, perhaps?

P.S.- I also tried a red lipstick on Thanksgiving and loved it! It's Loreal's Color Riche lipstick in Plum Explosion. Not purple-ish or plum-esque at all. It's a bold, cool-toned red, which works for fair skin tones better than a coral or orange-based red.

Be blessed, lovelies-

Black Friday Sales. Werd.

Black Friday shopping. It takes nerves of steel and more endurance than Lindsay Lohan on a three-day bender.

But, if you’ve got heart – and some mad bargain-hunting skills – you just might finish your holiday shopping list. (Or find some nifty knick-knacks for yourself.)

I, on the other hand, like to enjoy Black Friday from the comfort of my bed/couch, nursing a turkey hangover and planning the day’s exciting activities, which include riveting things like changing out of my blue sweat pants and putting on my black sweat pants. Luckily, many of the fabulous sponsors of A Blonde Ambition understand and they’re offering great deals online.

Savoir-Faire

I'd like to introduce you to a new store today...kidding. Y'all are highly familiar with SF and my undying affection for this boutique. Get yourself there today and pick up something cute for someone on your gift-buying list. Or just buy it for yourself. 

No judgment here.

For the girl who has everything...well, get her a gift card. Then she can trade it in for something fabulous and much-desired. 

Also, check out their beautiful video shot by Jade Howard for the KNWA TV station.

The Rage

There's a reason this store is called The Rage. Laci carries darn near every trend out there...and at amazing prices that REAL people can afford. Win, win.

Maude Boutique

Y'all know Maude. They need no introduction. You'd be crazy not do your holiday shopping there, simply because of the amazing deal they have going for Black Friday. 

The Elle

I don't think I need to expound on how much I love the shoes and accessories of The Elle, but in case you're wondering...I. DIE.

So much beauty...so many shoes...head spinning....

Kiki La’Rue

 

KiKi La' Rue (the newest sponsor of A Blonde Ambition) is having a pretty stellar Black FIVE Day Sale. Additionally, Becka (sweet owner of KLR) is giving away five $50 gift codes, which you can redeem online. Starting tomorrow and continuing through Sunday, Kiki La' Rue is offering 15% off everything, even the clearance.

Pea Pod Paper & Gifts

I like to refer to Pea Pod as stocking stuffer heaven. Seriously, if you can't find it there, you can't find it.

 

So go forth, you babes of Black Friday, and buy stuff.

....................

P.S. - A sincere thank you to the fabulous WOMEN-OWNED small businesses that make this blog possible. You are so deeply appreciated and you all inspire me in amazing ways. To Savoir-Faire, Maude Boutique, The Elle, The Rage, Pea Pod and Kiki La' Rue...thank you.

Be blessed, lovelies-

A Few Mentionables Before Turkey Day

First thing is first... I'll be here for Confessional Friday, just like olden times. No post skippage around this blog. No ma'am.

1. I, for one, am elated at the thought of a four-day weekend. I am not, however, elated at how badly our Hogs are going to get spanked by LSU on Friday, though. Oh well, it is to be expected this year : ) Maybe next year, we'll have a certain coach helping get more W-s than L-s. (I really don't think we have a chance in Hells Angels at getting Grudy boy, but it would be crazy amazing to land a coach like that.)

2. Speaking of Gruden, have y'all heard this melodic plea from a trio of Arkansas fellas? Hilarious, yet quite charming, really.

3. We're venturing to the land of Fort Smith for Thanksgiving tomorrow night. Please say a prayer for Stephen's mother as she not only feeds, but HOSTS 20-some-odd people. I think, like, 15 of us are actually sleeping there. Bless her soul for being so brave.

4. On that note, how great a blessing to have 20-some-odd people with which to share a holiday? I'm blessed beyond belief and am not ashamed to admit it. Family - it's a good thing to have.

5. I'm kind of sad that I didn't get to host the Pie in the Sky contest this year. Maybe I'll have to resurrect it for Christmas next month. I had so much fun hosting that little contest, as was evidenced by  the number on the scale after it was over.

6. My momma and daddy are coming to Northwest Arkansas on Friday to spend the weekend - YAY! They live several hours away from us, so when they come, it's a treat.

7. I love this little girl. (I love our furry little boy, too. He's just not a fan of photo opps.)

Same time, same place tomorrow.

Be blessed, lovelies-

AMA Fashion Re-cap

I think the AMA-s are the most cutting edge when it comes to red carpet looks. To me, it's the time when everyone has a little more fun, lets their hair down and sets the pretention aside. Although I didn't tune in, I saw several of the photos this morning on MSN. I positively loved some of last night's looks and thought I'd share my favorites with y'all!

Definitely my favorite color/style of any dress...yowza, Carrie.

I'll take Taylor's dress. And her legs, too. (Not a big fan of her music, but girlfriend is gorgeous.) 

The epitome of cool, No Doubt. 

I heart Ginnifer Goodwin's pixie cut and her Audrey Hepburn-esque frock. 

How can you not love everything about presh Brad Goreski? I would adopt him as my BFF in a heartbeat. 

Lady Antebellum songstress Hilary Scott rocked this striking black number perfectly. So sleek and chic!

Which look was your favorite?

Be blessed, lovelies-