Blonder Ambitions

Category: Lifestyle

  • How To: Decorate a Christmas Tree

    I know that “designer” style Christmas trees are a big thing right now… And I always have people asking me how I put together my (very girly) Christmas tree each year.  So here’s a little “How To” to help you get that fabulous Christmas tree that you deserve…  And, go way over the top.  It is the holidays, after all.

    ♥ First, lay out all of your ornaments so you know exactly what you’re working with ♥

    ♥ Next, light your Christmas tree (mine had pre-strung lights) so you know exactly where to put your decor.  Start by placing your ribbon… I used hot pink and antique pink wired ribbon.  Wired ribbon is easiest to work with because it holds its shape ♥

    ♥ Then, embellish your tree with branches and flowers… It adds something extra and makes your tree appear to have been professionally decorated ♥

    ♥ Add your largest ornaments… Usually bulbs.  I love mixing bulbs with a matte finish with bulbs covered in glitter.  Chic and unexpected… Add your large decorative ornaments next ♥

    ♥ Make sure some of your ornaments are personal and fun.  Marilyn Monroe is one of my icons ♥

    ♥ Add your tree topper and… voila!… a very custom, very chic, and very personal Christmas tree ♥

    ♥ Merry Christmas ♥

  • Sweet Potato Cider Cupcakes with Marshmallow Frosting

    My obsession with baking continues.  I decided to get a little more ambitious than usual and make the perfect holiday cupcake.  The cupcake is dense and delicious… Filled with sugar, sweet potatoes, apple cider and cinnamon.  Find the recipe here.

    ♥ The smell of these cupcakes made my home really feel like the holidays ♥

    ♥ Gold cupcake foils make the cupcakes feel extra festive ♥

    ♥ The cupcakes are then drizzled with a homemade apple cider carmel ♥

    ♥ The marshmallow frosting is the perfect topper… ooey-gooey goodness ♥

    ♥ To die for ♥

  • Fabulous Four

    ♥ The Juicy Couture tuberose candle. Gorgeous, romantic, posh. ♥

    ♥ Using the packaging from a Chanel splurge as room decor. ♥

    ♥ A new sequined cami and leopard print dress just in time for the holidays. ♥

    ♥ Frames with personality and filled with memories to spruce up a desk space. ♥

  • Room Lust – Office

    Mind you, my office is in a nook… So I need high impact and lots of organization in a small space.  Currently, the nook is in a state of flux and in desperate need of being redesigned.

    I have what I need at this point (a million zebra print pens, my 27″ iMac, a vintage chalkboard, and always always always a crystal vase with pink roses from the local Farmer’s Market)… But I want it to be perfect as this is where I spend most of my workday.  I think that wallpaper and a few bold statement pieces are the perfect solution.

    1. Simply Shabby Chic Classic Computer Desk $269.99
    Simple with a ton of space. Perfect for working on my blog… and my book(s).
    2. Simply Shabby Chic Crystal Candlestick Table Lamp $44.99
    Perfect for providing light (and sparkle) into the wee small hours of the morning… when I do my best work.
    3. Paeonia Wallpaper $148
    Color, design, and impact. Great for making a tiny space pop.
    4. Bird and Floral Print Slipper Chair $299.99
    I’ve never been a big believer in the standard ergonomic desk chair. Give me something cozy and a fabric with some personality.
    5. Doily Rug $598
    Adorable way to define your space. And the correct space in which to use a circular rug.
    6. Monogrammed Mug, Missus “K” $3.95
    Don’t let anyone steal your coffee mug.
    7. Provencal Biscuit Canister $28
    Do something unexpected by hiding your pens in a jar intended for the kitchen.
    8. Costume Jewlry Magnets $32
    I have a metal filing cabinet that I painted an antique white next to my desk.  These feminine magnets could be used on the metal surface in a stylish way.
    9. Tocca Boed Candles – Cleopatra $36
    Scent can be really inspiring.  Especially a scent named Cleopatra (I mean, come on, sex goddess and woman ruler).
    10. Flowering Twig Pencil $5
    With a pencil this pretty, there is no excuse to jot down your thoughts.

  • Room Lust – Living Room

    I love my current living situation… Huge sofa (however, it is a hideous color and needs a slipcover), a 52″ television, and a ton of space.  I also have an abundance of leopard print vintage pillows that were custom made… Killer statement pieces.  Now I just need to finish it up… and I think I have found the purrrrfect things.

    1. Midnight Courtyard Curtain $108
    This will look gorgeous around my huge picture window.
    2. Simply Shaby Chic Cotton Duck Sofa Slipcover $99.99
    The solution to make my sofa look up to date and to really show off those vintage leopard throw pillows.
    3. Mohawk Home Tufted Starch Shag Rug $59.99
    I am a gigantic fan of the shag rug. The bigger, the better.
    4. One-Lump-Or-Two Lamp $198
    Too cute. Such a statement piece with so much personality.
    5. Dancing Pleat Shade $128
    Perfect to top off the lamp. The square shade is so unexpected.
    6. Fluffed & Flaunting Pillow $98
    Cozy and glamourous.  Throw this on the couch.
    7. Glass Accent Table $89.99
    Mirrored this, mirrored that… I can’t get enough.  I’d put one of these on either side of the couch… But each would have a different lamp.  We don’t want things too matchy matchy or your guests will feel like they’re in a catalogue and not your living room.
    8. Mirrored Coffee Table $149.99
    Drool. Put a statement vase and bright flowers (i love pink roses) on this.
    9. Bibliotek Vase $59.99
    Could this be any cuter? I’m a bookworm, so this is perfect for my place.

  • How To: Make a Candy Station

    ♥ Every good party has party favors.  Why not let guest make their own sweet creation?  Decorate a table with different sized bowls and jars and stack them at different heights for visual interest.  Provide the guests with clear plastic bags and twist ties.  Let the festivities… and sugar shock… commence ♥

    ♥ Use whatever glassware you already have.  Different sizes and textures add to the charm ♥

    ♥ Make customized labels to make the table more fun and to let guests know where to find their favorite candy ♥

    ♥ You can stick with only one or two colors of candy or mix it up.  It’s up to you ♥

    ♥ Wicker baskets and apothecary jars are inexpensive but pack a lot of visual punch ♥

    ♥ hand-made details add extra charm ♥