Blonder Ambitions

Blog

  • 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 ♥

  • Happy Hour with Mom

    Sunglasses, Dita. Vintage black pearl necklace. Ruffled Shirt and Glitter Pumps, Forever 21. Fur vest, Wet Seal. Skinny jeans (distressed by me!), Red Engine.

    Fur, ruffles, pearls, and red lipstick.  Mom appropriate… yet still mildly fabulous.

  • Lust List – Holiday Edition


    1. Love Potion Dress $119.99 ModCloth
    2. Antique Rose Gold and Opal Ring $98 Juicy Couture
    3. Range Rover Supercharged $101,465 Land Rover
    4. Vain and Glorious Lip Bag $36 MAC Cosmetics
    5. Poppy Tartan Overnight Satchel $378 Coach
    6. Lux Velour Robe $85 Betsey Johnson
    7. Fendi ‘Deco’ Bow Trim Pump $685 Nordstrom
    8. Layered Rosette Sheen Dress $32.80 Forever 21
    9. Mirrored Vanity/Desk $2,110 Neiman Marcus
    10. Cluster Bib Silk Dress in Berry $32.80 Forever 21

  • 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.