Blonder Ambitions

Category: Lists

  • HOW TO – MAKE YOUR OWN CARDS

    HOW TO – MAKE YOUR OWN CARDS

    I am a complete sucker when it comes to all things personalized.  I am also an utterly complete sucker for greeting cards.  Beyond this, I am an utterly completely ridiculous sucker for receiving a personalized (ie homemade) greeting card for no reason at all.  Those that know me know my obsession with one-of-a-kind gifts… accompany the gift with one of these one-of-a-kind-made-by-fabulous-little-you cards.


    1. Layout all of your supplies.  I love to use things I already have. Some leftover paper from Valentine’s Day (seen here), linen paper used to make the menus for my sister’s surprise birthday party (seen here), stamps used to make place cards (seen here), and pearl details that were remnants from a wedding that I had designed (seen here).
    2. Get a great tool with which to cut straight edges. I swear by my Martha Stewart Simple Paper Trimmer (buy it here).
    3. Use your paper cutting handy dandy tool to trim your main paper (the card’s base) to the size that you want.
    4. Fold your base paper in half.
    5. Cut your secondary paper (use something flashy… you know you want to) to be a bit smaller than the folded portion of the front of your card.
    6. Adhere the secondary paper to the base paper using double stick tape (if you don’t already own some… buy some. now.).  Cut your third piece of paper to a slightly smaller size than your secondary paper.  I used linen paper (you know, the fancy resume kind)… I love the texture. So posh.
    7. Time for some stamping. Lay out the stamps on your paper before inking as a guide.  Don’t worry if you don’t stamp in a completely straight, perfectly spaced line. The charm is in the imperfections.
    8. See? Imperfect, but still darling.
    9. Add some of your own (charmingly imperfect) handwriting and a little embellishment if you feel like it. I did.
    10. Double stick tape (ah, yes. again.) your third piece of paper to your secondary, glitzy paper. There you have it. An adorable, made-by-you card.
    11. See again? Imperfections… crooked handwriting. Not every corner in place. Everything slightly off-center. That’s the best part.
    12. Line the inside with more luxe linen paper. With such an adorable card just keep the message short and sweet. It’s more than enough.
    13. Add a little more personalization on the back. You’re so crafty. And chic. And adorable. And perfect. That’s what the person that you give the card to will think. So, take a little time… let someone know they’re worth it to you.

  • HOW TO – ARRANGE FLOWERS

    HOW TO – ARRANGE FLOWERS

    There is nothing like having a fresh bunch of flowers in your home. On your desk. On a table. Anywhere.  Everywhere.  However, you don’t want those flowers to appear as if they have been haphazardly thrown into a vase.  Each and every flower should look like it is exactly where it is intended to be.  Here’s how…

    {You should have two pairs of cutting tools… One standard pair of scissors [make sure they are sharp!] and a smaller [very sharp!] pair of pruning shears.  Also, have a vase waiting filled 1/3 full of water}

    {Purchase flowers in a single hue… White is always fresh and looks classic.  Arranging buds in a single color takes less precision than a multi-colored arrangement… less room for error!}

    {Lay your flowers out on a clean and open surface and use your standard scissors to remove any wrapping and binding from the flowers}

    {Use your pruning shears [careful! they’re verrrry sharp!] to remove all leaves and thorns from flowers.  This results in a crisp looking flower arrangement.  Also, you never want leaves below the water level because they soak up too much water and then it doesn’t get to the bud}

    {Keep a bucket to catch all discarded greenery so you can dispose of it responsibly. Green waste! Compost!}

    {Cut all stems at a 45° angle… they soak up the water better that way. Also, cut the stem at a length where the head of the flower rests on the top of the vase}

    {Arrange the largest buds first.  They take up the most space and it’s easier to see where you can highlight your smaller [and usually more expensive!] buds}

    {Next… take your smaller flowers and fill in the gaps until the flower heads are tightly bunched}

    {Voila! A completed arrangement… Aren’t the ranunculus to die for?}

  • MEAN GIRLS & THE ALPHA-FEMALE

    MEAN GIRLS & THE ALPHA-FEMALE

    I, for one, am extremely (ridiculously!) grateful for my girlfriends… they are beyond wonderful and inspiring.  They are beautiful, unique, and I feel lucky to know them.  They are, as I have outlined below, Alpha-Females.  Surround yourself with these women.

    A shot of some of the fabulous Alpha-Females in my life…. A lot of LOVE to them and to many of my remarkable Alpha-Female friends not pictured. I am oh-so-grateful for each of you. xo

    Now… onto the unsavory bunch.  We have all encountered Mean Girls.  However, no matter how rude someone is, I truly believe that it is a waste of your time and energy to be rude in return.  And being mean? Gasp. You, my perfect little lady, would never dare utter negative words about someone.  You are far too busy with your fabulous life/family/career/man to waste your time on such trivial matters.  Below is a profile of a few Mean Girl Types for you to be aware of… But you are only to be that: aware of them.  Do not add fuel to their fire.  These types feed on your reaction… And the only reaction you are to give them is simple.  Kindness.  Kill them with it.  Trust me, it works.  And you leave all the better for the interaction… Poised, confident, gracious and, as has oftentimes happened for me, you may surprise yourself and leave with a new friend.  We women have it hard enough… Raise each other up, please.  Quit it with the tear downs. Now, onto the profiling.

    The Gossip Queen

    She draws people close by telling them hushed, naughty little secrets about everyone she knows.  These “secrets” are likely untrue… but the more farfetched they are, the more attention she receives.  Immediately be on guard around someone who is a gossip.  Just as your mother always told you, “If she talks like that about others, she’ll likely say it about you when you’re gone.”  It’s true.  You should be aware that this girl likely talks about other people because she’s uncomfortable talking about herself.  Insecurity can drive people to do incredibly unattractive things.  I personally despise gossip and feel that it is immature, unproductive, and an indicator of low intelligence.  If you have a friend who tends to gossip, simply refuse to participate.  She will likely feel uncomfortable with your silence/lack of interest and take it as an indicator of disapproval.  You may have to express your dislike for it, but you can do it in a charming way (i.e. “I’m sure we can all find something more interesting to talk about.  Have you heard about the current political situation/sale at Nordy’s/new happy hour spot?”).  At that point, you will either find something new to talk about (a Gossip Queen can be rehabilitated into a good and sometimes loyal friend) or you will not.  If no new topic arises, you may walk away knowing that you gave it the old college try and find a new group of friends (see Alpha-Females below).

    The Anger Management Case

    She rules through fear.  She is oftentimes a spoiled girl who is used to getting exactly what she wants.  Her characteristics are exacerbated through her martini habit.   (more…)

  • Lust List – Valentine’s Edition

    With Valentine’s Day on the way… these stunners (if combined) would result in the perfect Valentine’s outfit.  And, if you’re missing a piece or two, let someone special (even if that someone special is you) buy you a little somethin’ special.

    1. Coach Madison Leather Sophia Satchel $358
    2. Dazzleglass in Rags to Riches $18.50
    3. Jack Vartanian Morganite & Diamond Ring $15,720
    4. Shimmering Trellis Heels $168
    5. Armand Diradourian Fringe Shawl $295
    6. Michael Kors ‘Runway’ Rose Gold Watch $250
    7. Mason by Michelle Mason Lace Inset Dress $390
    8. Lanvin Evening Pouchette $1,450
    9. Horseshoe Bay Ring $128

  • Current Obsession: Cupcakes

    I have died and gone to cupcake heaven. Cupcakes in a tiny cupcake box heaven. Did I mention that the box is tied with a hot pink bow? And adorned with a little crystal? And the cupcake is moist and chocolatey with marshmallow frosting and sweetened hot pink coconut? Now that is something worth obsessing over.  Oh, if you’re wondering… I ate every last bite. And licked the wrapper.

  • Current Obsession: Bottega Louie

    After one of the best nights… ever (1. Went on a double date with my man and my sister and her boyfriend, 2. Sat in the front row at the Kings’ game, 3. Stayed at the Standard in Downtown LA, and 4. Drank chardonnay spritzers at the Rooftop Bar at the Standard and fell in love with the city lights), I woke up the next morning utterly starving.  I wandered down the street and, by a stroke of luck (or fate, call it what you will), I found myself in front of Bottega Louie.

    This place is perfect.  My boyfriend and I have very different dining styles (he likes the low-key, all-American type of place… I like the hoity-toity restaurant that attracts the wannabe gourmand).  Somehow, Bottega Louie manages to fuse the two.  Even with its Los Angeles location it feels distinctly like New York.  An exposed stainless steel kitchen, a hostess dressed to the nines with a giant reservation book (no computers here), and tiny two person tables charmingly clutter the floor.  The place is bustling and loud, but maintains it’s high-class feel.  The energy is contagious.  It appeared that everyone was a somebody, or felt like they were a somebody, during the lunch hour that I spent here.  Gourmet food and top-notch service at a reasonable lunch price range.  We had the Portobello Fries, Onion Gratinée, and Napoli Pizza (we added pepporoni)… all of it: delicious.  Plus, the full bakery and candy bar at the entrance (and, conveniently, that entrance is also the exit) basically demands that you buy something simply by its very adorable, well-decorated, and divine smelling presence.