Paula Deen, Chick Flicks and More!

Has anyone seen "The Time Traveler's Wife" movie advertisements on TV? Oh my goodness, it looks so good! I love Rachel McAdams, (wasn't she so perfect in "The Notebook"?) Eric Bana is such a great actor, too. Hmmm....he's not bad looking either : )

I have not seen a really good chick flick in a long time, so I'm thoroughly looking forward to it. It comes out on August 14, just 9 days from now!

Calling all Paula Deen fans...I'm a HUGE Paula Deen fanatic and receive her weekly emails. I got one this morning that said she will be in Washington, D.C. for the Metropolitan Cooking and Entertaining Show on November 7th and 8th. I'm probably not going to be able to travel to D.C. to see her (although I would LOVE to), but in case any of you are on the east coast on either of those days, I thought I'd let you know. You can buy your tickets here and save 15% if you use Promo Code PDDISH. The discount expires on 8/17 though, so hurry!

Did ya'll see the video she posted on Get Cookin! from the Metropolitan Cooking and Entertaining Show in Atlanta? If you've never been to one of her shows in person, you can get a sneak peak by clicking here!

Last Christmas, I got this really cool notepad from my co-worker Aimee from Galison.com, an online stationary store.

I've almost used the whole thing, so I got on their website to check out what else they might have. You have to visit this store! If you're stumped on what to buy for a friend's birthday, these would make the perfect gift for just about anyone who uses stationary or sticky pads (and really, who doesn't?)

I'm lovin' this:

So check out their online store!

A Great Big Heartfelt Thank You

I cannot thank everyone enough for their support of my new little blog! I SO appreciate all the kind words and comments on my articles.

So since I'm southern and we firmly believe in sending "Thank You" cards for everything....here's a "Thank You" card to all the awesome readers of A Blonde Ambition. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to be able to write and express myself through this blog and you guys make it possible.

Blonde Blessings,

LL

P.S.- I will have an actual article up soon, so stay tuned!

I Got a Bumpit

Let me first say that I've actually never ordered anything after seeing an infomercial. The only time I ever really see infomercials is if I'm having trouble sleeping or up with a stomach virus. But after viewing the infomercial for the Bumpit last week, I had to try it for myself.

If there's one thing that touches my sweet, southern heart, it's teased hair and a poofy ponytail. Plus, it just looked so easy! As I was watching the infomercial, I got this funny mental picture of all these southern women frantically dialing in to get their own Bumpit and FREE GIFT with purchase. Ha!

So I did it. I got a Bumpit. And the verdict??

Loves it!

The package I got came with 1 Hollywood Bumpit, 2 regular Bumpits and 2 mini Bumpits (to "bump" your bangs).

The Hollywood Bumpit is for serious bumpers only. The mound of hair this created on the crown of my head was a bit alarming. I felt a little Audrey Hepburn and a lot old-school Pricilla Presley. This one is probably best used for costumes or if you are participating in a community theatre production of "Steel Magnolias".

The regular Bumpit though, was to die for! It created the perfect little "poof" of volume on my crown and really did just kind of disappear when I put it on (just like they say in the infomercial.) The only drawback is the comfort level; you absolutely cannot lay down with one of these in. The little teeth things that hold it in place kind of dig in to your scalp (ouch!)

You can order your Bumpit online here or (hint, hint) get yours at Walmart. The one in Bentonville is carrying them now : )

I also kept getting this funny voiceover in my head of Arnold Schwarzenegger saying, "I'm going to Bump you up."

Yes, I know I'm a nerd.

Top Product Picks of Summer

Listen, I am a products junkie. Really, I think I have a problem, ya'll. I LOVE trying out new types of make-up, skin care items, hair products...you name it.

So I'm getting asked pretty frequently by my girlfriends (and even some guys friends ; ) which products are my fave this summer, since I've tried and tested them all. And I thought I'd let you in on what I cannot live without at the moment.

Well, I guess I could technically live without them, but it wouldn't be pretty! Ha!

1. Aveeno Positively Radient Daily Cleansing Pads - $8.97 - Walmart, Target or other drug stores. These puppies can remove anything; dirt, makeup and even waterproof mascara. Best of all, they smell great and are cheap!

2. Estee Lauder Hydra Bright Skin-Tone Perfecting Moisterizer Creme- $40.00 -Dillards. This stuff may be a little on the higher price end, but it lasts forever and honestly does just what it says; improves skin's tone. I've been using this for a long time (over a year) and really can tell it has helped the reddness in my skin. It's also great for freckle faces like myself and smells so clean and fresh.

3. Bath and Body Works Coconut Lime Verbena Body Lotion - $10.50 - Bath and Body Works. This lotion and scent has been around for a while and there's a reason. It is the perfect scent for summer; light and delicious. It's like a fruity drink for your skin. It also moisterizes better than any other brand on the market, for reals.
4. MAC Prep and Prime Translucent Powder - $21.00 - Dillards or other fine retailers. A silky finishing powder that provides an invisible way to set makeup. Reduces shine while optically minimizing the look of pores, lines, imperfections. Available in one universal colour that suits all shades. Wear over makeup or on bare, moisturized skin.

5. Ardell Individual False Eyelashes - $3.50 - Walmart, Target or other drug stores. Ok, note to the wise: Do not use more than 3 per eye unless you want to look like Tammy Faye Baker. But used sparingly, these puppies can make your eyes pop. It takes a bit of practice, but with time, you'll be a pro. Add a couple to the outer corners of your eyelids and line with black liner for super fiesty make-up look.

6. Mary Kay Mineral Cheek Color in "Sparkling Cidar" - $10.00 - Mary Kay Costmetics. Mary Kay's semi-new mineral cheek color in Sparkling Cidar is universally flattering for just about any skin tone; olive, pale, golden and even dark skin. Just brush a bit on top of bronzer for a sun-kissed glow.

7. OPI South Beach Nail Color Collection in "Party In My Cabana" - $7.50 - opi.com or any fine salon. This color is so fresh for a mani or pedi this summer. Nuff said.

8. John Frieda Root Awakening Shampoo and Conditioner - $6.70 - Walmart. This new shampoo from our friends at John Frieda is safe for color-treated hair and smells amazingly fresh. It made my colored hair feel so soft and really helped battle the Arkansas humidity the next day. Shine city!

I really do use and love these products and I hope you do too! We all deserve a little beauty TLC now and then.

P.S.- Oh, by the way, I have learned that the technical hairstylist name for my new hair color is "bronde", which I'm assuming is a blonde/brown hybrid. Apparently people like Jen Aniston and Gisele Bunchen are also examples of "brondes". That would explain why people have been mistaking me for Gisele all day long ; )

Food, Friends and Plenty of Fun

This weekend has been one really fun whirlwind; fast, tiring but SO enjoyable.

My weekend officially began early Friday afternoon when I FINALLY got my hair done : ) Yay! And I must say, I think it looks Fab-U-Lous! Notice anything different from the pic below????

Hmmmmm......Yep that's right! Blondie crossed over to the dark side. I'm trying to go back to my natural color for a while to get some health back into my oh-so-overprocessed hair.

I still have plenty of blonde highlights, (you didn't think I'd ever go totally brown, did ya ; ) , but I think it looks really warm, rich and healthy. I'd like to send a special thanks out to Cathryn Mika at Reflections Salon for her amazing hair talents and artistic touch. What do you guys think of the new, darker hue?

Friday night I debuted my hair at the Arkansas Naturals game at Arvest Ballpark. The Naturals played the Springfield Cardinals and my co-workers/friends had been invited to attend a game and sit in the Bullpen Cafe. There was tons of hilarious conversation and we had some much-needed girl time outside of the office. (Above are Eunice, Nicki and Erin- some lovely ladies I have the privilege of working with)

Hope your weekend was as great as mine!