Blonde Ambition

From Contestant to Judge

2016-11-16T17:19:00.002-08:00

Winning the title of Mrs. Nevada-America 2016 has opened many doors for me. One of which, was being asked to judge the Miss Nevada USA pageant by former Miss USA and executive director of the Miss Nevada USA organization, Shanna Moakler.

This was a tremendous honor, one that I did not take lightly for many reasons. This organization has helped me become the person I am today. I was 15 when I first competed for the title of Miss Nevada Teen USA. I placed 1st runner up to my now good friend, Georgina Vaughan. From then on, I was hooked. I eventually went on to take the title of Miss Nevada Teen USA 2008 when I was 17 and competed the following summer at Miss Teen USA in the Bahamas.

After taking a few years off, I decided to enter the Miss Nevada USA pageant when I was a senior in college at UNR. After four months of preparation, I placed in the Top 5 - and honestly, was thrilled. Winning would have been amazing, but I felt a sense of satisfaction that I never would have felt if I hadn't put myself out there in the first place.

The years of competing in the Miss Nevada USA system gave me the confidence, experience and motivation to enter, and ultimately win, the title of Mrs. Nevada-America this year - and for that I am truly grateful.

So, enough of the background - let's fast forward to this past weekend.

Shanna certainly puts on a first class pageant, which is representative of the ladies who choose to compete. These are some of the most accomplished, beauty, intelligent and kind young women in our state. It was an honor to meet them all.

To the contestants...

I hope you noticed me smiling non-stop at all of you during judges' interview and beaming with pride as you each took the stage. I KNOW how difficult that is, and how hard you all prepared. Trust me, I've been there.

I hope you all realize that this is an unforgettable part of your journey. Even if you choose not to compete again, which I hope you will reconsider, you will look back on that moment and be proud of yourself. I've been in every situation in a pageant - not placing, top 5, winning, top 15, not placing again - you name it. Sometimes it's hard to see the bigger picture, but trust me, it's there.

It's there when you look into the mirror and smile at yourself because you ROCKED it in swimsuit on stage; it's there when you're giving a presentation at school or work and you feel a little less nervous because nothing could compare to standing in front of a panel of judges hanging on your every word; and it's there next time you're out and about and you find yourself *strutting* confidently down the aisles at Target - yep, this experience has changed you. Always for the better.

To #TeamNevada...
Thank you to Shanna for asking me to judge! Any contestant would be blessed to have you as their director! Thank you for the opportunity to be part of this team.

Thank you Travis, Jason, Will, Tonya, Jessica and the rest of the team - you make every year an unforgettable experience!

To my fellow judges - Michael, Jade, Ross and Dr. Ben - thanks for making this a super fun weekend and being the most awesome judging panel ever!

And lastly, congrats to Alexis and Lauren. You both are so wonderful and deserving. I am so excited to see what this year holds for you!

XOXO,
Lauren

The Crown

2016-03-06T20:57:00.001-08:00

Exactly one week ago, I heard my name called as the new Mrs. Nevada-America, and my life changed forever. It came with a mix of emotions - elation, shock, joy and more - but it came from a place of true humility. I had no idea if my name would be called at all that night, whether it be for Top 10 and Top 5 - let alone be announced as the winner. I truly feel blessed, and I wholeheartedly believe God led the way that night - especially because of the challenging week I had prior. A little background...

Preparing for a pageant can be a bit stressful on its own. Your nerves and flutters of excitement start and certain scenarios start to run through your head. Three days before pageant weekend, I woke up with a couple of spots on my leg. Hmmmm.....strange, I thought. By the next morning, it was a case of full blown hives all over my body. Not exactly the best situation right before swimsuit competition. I got myself to the doctor, pronto. It turns out I had an allergic reaction to something. GREAT TIMING. I still don't know what the reaction was from. But still, I "kept calm and carried on."

So, the hives finally went away (attractive, I know.), and it was time for pageant weekend. I woke up the morning of judges interview feeling pumped and ready to go. The BIG weekend was finally here and I was ready to shine. But first, a fender bender. ON THE WAY to my interview. My first ever! Like, are you kidding me with this timing?! Still, I carried on - I am more than hives and a smashed bumper! Thanks to my heroic husband who met me within 5 minutes of the crash to switch cars with me, I made it to my interview without issue and with time to spare!

Through all of it, I felt a strange sense of calm. Which is not the norm for me, as I tend to be a bit anxious at times. I decided to leave it in God's hands at that point. I knew that I was coming into that weekend as the best version of myself, and whatever happens, happens. However, I did tell my mom after all of this that I must be due for some good karma coming my way. And I guess I was right!

The evening of the pageant went by like a blur. I wasn't nervous for it (which is again, out of character for me), and was just excited to be able to be on stage again. The stage, the lights - it's fun. Before I knew it, I was the first to be called to the Top 10 (yay!) and then the last to be called to Top 5 (phew!). When the final question came, I spoke from the heart and hoped it was enough. I wasn't able to hear the other finalists' answers, so I had no idea what I was up against. When it came time for the awards and crowning, I was so honored to be named Mrs. Photogenic!! Then it came time for the crowning. 4th runner up, 3rd runner up, 2nd runner up - then down to two. At this point, my heart was beating so far out of my chest that you probably could have seen it in the back row. And then, the first runner up was called and it wasn't my name - which means, I did it!!! I will never ever forget being crowned and looking into the audience to see my family and friends so excited for me. I am so blessed.

So, here's my point - extraordinary things come from (sometimes) unusual or extraordinary circumstances. But the power of positive thinking and letting your true self shine will enable you to move forward - beauty pageant, or otherwise.

I am still on cloud nine from last Sunday. It truly feels like a dream come true. I will never take one moment of it for granted, and will work wholeheartedly to make those around me proud.

Thank you to everyone for your support - I am so truly humbled by every message, comment, call and text.

XOXO,
Your Mrs. Nevada-America 2016
Lauren

Blonde Ambition Takes the Stage

2016-02-25T21:09:00.000-08:00

The BIG weekend is finally almost here. On Sunday, I will compete alongside some of our state's most beautiful and accomplished women for the title of Mrs. Nevada-America 2016. Eeeek!

When I signed up for this competition six months ago, I knew I would feel the excitement and jitters that I feel right now. Pageantry is much more than the wardrobe, putting in long hours at the gym and perfecting a runway walk - it's about being the best version of yourself, every day. It's about understanding that the crown and sash is so much more than that - it's a platform to gain awareness for charitable causes and be a role model to others in a very public forum. It's about heart, drive and determination. Am I ready to take this on? YES! I feel as though I have been preparing for this moment for my whole life. Experiences like watching my mom take on the role of Mrs. Oklahoma-America when I was little, to my professional life and marrying my best friend have led me to exactly the place I need to be in order to give it my all.

My friends have often asked me if I'm getting nervous now that the pageant is right around the corner. The truth is, I'm really not. I'm actually ecstatic! I am approaching this weekend as I would any other endeavor, with a positive attitude and a heart of gold.

I think it is important in life to take a step out of your comfort zone and do something just for you. Life is too short to shy away from failure, or as I like to say: "FAIL: First Attempt In Learning." : )

Wish me luck!!

XOXO,
Lauren

2016 - here we go!

2016-01-03T22:32:00.000-08:00

So here we are - another year, another chance to live, love and strive for success.

As the years go by, it seems as if they each go by more quickly than the last. Time is the most precious asset of them all - more so than money or things. You can earn more money or buy more things, but there is nothing more precious or valuable than time, and more importantly, what you do with it.

Because of this, I'm only making one 2016 resolution: To be more present each moment of each day and to appreciate every second.

More specifically, to appreciate every moment, no matter how exciting or mundane. The only thing that is guaranteed in life is that time here is limited, so let's make it count.

I have a bad habit of searching for the next "thing" to get excited about - whether it's a vacation, a family gathering, event, or even a quiet weekend at home. So much so, that I feel I often overlook my blessings on the day-to-day. So now, I'm looking to achieve a good balance, in which I am looking forward to things to come, but not rushing through life.

I would never want to look back in sickness or old age and feel that I have experienced a life that has not been lived. It's not about the big things, but the little things that we experience every single day.

In closing, here are a few of the things that make me think "In this moment, I am so happy." What makes you tick?

- The aroma and sight of freshly lit candle (bonus points for fall-inspired candles during autumn)
- The beautiful way my husband looks at me, whether I just spent a half day getting ready or just rolling out of bed
- Amazing post-workout endorphins
- The first sip of a weeknight glass of wine
- Cheese (whyyyy must you make me so happy?!)
- Game nights with friends to reconnect without being glued to our phones
- The pride I feel when someone on my team scores a great press placement and can't wait to share it with me (You guys rock!)
- Creating family recipes for gatherings - sharing my family's traditions with others
- Calling my mom every morning and evening to catch up on the day's events and get the scoop about what our family is up to
- Being hesitant and sometimes terrified when my husband suggests a new adventurous activity (Wakeboarding?? Umm, sure!), but then completely loving it. Thank you for taking me out of my comfort zone.
- Staying up late with my sisters to chat and make gingerbread houses during the holidays.
- An unexpected text from a friend who I haven't had the chance to speak with in awhile.
- The joy of a fully executed to-do list. Literally euphoria.
- Playing poker with my whole family during holiday visits and the laughs/competitiveness which ensues.

XOXO,
Lauren

My Happy Place

2015-09-20T21:04:00.001-07:00

In the midst of the craziness that we millenials refer to as adulting, it is necessary to have an outlet, a hobby, a place that brings you back to zen. For me, it is the Cahlan family vacation home in Brian Head, Utah.

The moment I really fell in love with this place was a last-minute weekend getaway that Shaun took me on during the summer of 2012. We had just moved from Reno to Las Vegas and it was a really strange (but fun) transitionary time and and we needed time away together. We got caught in a horrendous rain storm driving up, which left us with zero visibility on the road and me pretty much in tears (umm, okay Utah monsoon season!), but when we arrived, the clouds parted and left us with that post-rain tranquility that we don't experience enough in Vegas. That afternoon, we spent hours on the balcony just chatting away - talking about hopes, dreams, what is in store for the future.

Now, we make an effort to head up there at least 4-5 times per year, as a way to recharge and relax. Most recently, we just got back from a weekend getaway with some of our best friends to check out the AMAZING fall colors that Brian Head has to offer in mid-September - vibrant yellows and rich reds amidst a backdrop of evergreen. Not to mention - perfect, cozy fall weather!

It was a perfect weekend of taking in the sites, cooking lots of comfort food, wine, Monopoly, massages at the spa with Di Di while the rest of the group played disc golf, flipping through bridal mags, visiting Brian Head Peak at 11,000+ feet and lots of conversation. I am the sentimental type - always have been, always will be. There is something about spending hours playing board games and chatting with old friends that makes my heart happy - looking around the table at how we've grown the past several years, and thinking about where we'll all end up. Hopefully together - and trips like this help solidify the bond that we've all created.

To those who haven't experienced the beauty of Brian Head - GO! I bet it will become your happy place, too...

XOXO,
Lauren

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

2015-08-16T16:05:00.002-07:00

There is something magical about enchiladas. Maybe it's because it's just the right mix of cheese, spice, carbs and all that calorie-laden goodness.

Shaun and I recently hosted a family dinner at our house and after a summer of BBQs, we were in the mood for something else that would be easy to prep and feed 8+ people.

I've been making these for years, but I recently discovered my love for the Crock Pot - so here's the recipe for Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas 2.0!

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas
Prep time (including crock pot): 4 hours
Cook time: 30 minutes
Feeds 8 -10 people

Ingredients:
- 6 chicken breasts
- 2 packets taco seasoning
- 1 large jar of salsa (any variety)
- 1 package of 8 large flour tortillas
- 1 bag of shredded cheese (I used an entire 1 lb. bag. Did I mention I love cheese)
- 1 28-ounce can of enchilada sauce (I used red La Palma sauce)

Here we go!!

Step 1: Cut each chicken breast into 4 smaller pieces. Why? I think it helps it cook faster but who knows...

Step 2: Put a liner in your crock pot (You'll thank me later on this one) and fire that baby up. Throw your chicken in there and sprinkle in your taco seasoning and make sure to coat each chicken piece evenly. Pour in your salsa and mix it together. At this point, I like to add some extra minced garlic, Cholula and chili powder, but these are totally optional.

Step 3: Turn the Crock Pot to high and stir everything around about once an hour. Once it gets to hour 2-3, cut into a piece and see how it's doing. If it needs more time, keep it on high, otherwise turn it to low. Then pour yourself a glass of wine - you deserve it!

Step 4: Once you feel it's cooked, spoon out each chicken piece into a large mixing bowl, keeping the sauce in the crockpot on low. Using two forks, start to shred all the chicken. It will be tender from the Crock Pot, so it will only take a few minutes. Once you're done, throw it back in the Crock Pot and mix it around with the existing sauce - cover and cook on low for 20-30 minutes.

Step 5: Preheat oven to 350 degrees and plan to use center rack. At this point, we have some super juicy, yummy chicken and we're ready to go!

Step 6: Using a large glass casserole dish, spray the whole thing evenly with some Pam. Then pour a small amount of enchilada sauce into the bottom of the dish - not too much, but enough to cover the whole bottom by a couple centimeters. Now get your supplies ready: enchilada sauce, chicken, cheese and tortillas.

Step 7: Lay your first tortilla out. Brush 1 tsp. of enchilada sauce all over it and sprinkle some cheese. Then scoop a bunch (this isn't an exact science here - but I would say 1 cup-ish) of chicken into the center of the tortilla, extending from top to bottom. Then, sprinkle more cheese on (duh) and roll it up, placing it in the casserole dish. You can make these as thick or thin as you want.

Step 8: Once the whole dish is full, pour the remainder of the enchilada sauce over the whole thing as you see fit. Then sprinkle on the rest of the cheese - don't be shy! Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. For the first 20 minutes, cover with foil and then remove for the last 10 minutes or so. Feel free to tack on a few extra minutes if the cheese isn't bubbly yet. Let cool for 5-10 minutes after pulling from oven.

Serving suggestions:
- I set out fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, a cornucopia of hot sauces, sour cream and lime juice for our guests to garnish their meals.
- For an appetizer, Shaun had picked up yummy homemade tortilla chips, salsas and guac from the Mexican food market. So yummy! #AdiosTostitos
- As a side dish, we served Spanish rice and black beans. I love to put a little sour cream and Cholula on my rice - makes it so yummy and creamy!

Next time, I think I'll add some cream cheese to the last step of the Crock Pot process - making this recipe even cheesier than before. **insert heavy breathing here**

Now it's back to my low-carb, low-cal diet - but hey, life is too short not too indulge in cheesy goodness!

XOXO,
Lauren

25 x 25

2015-07-09T07:59:00.002-07:00

Today is my 25th birthday. A whole quarter century! When I was really young, I used to wonder what 25 would look like...

Well, so far so good!

So in honor of this milestone, here are 25 quarter-life realizations...

1. The little moments are really the ones that count the most. I will always cherish late summer nights out with friends when I had to work too early the next day. It's true what they say - you'll never remember the nights that you got a full 8 hours : )

2. On the flip side - there's a time to be serious. Go to school, go to work, take care of your shit and be an adult.

3. Treasure family time. I hate to admit it, but when I was teenager I had a huge chip on my shoulder. When I left for college, I really came to realize how important family time is - I missed them immensely. Don't take those Sunday dinners and family vacays for granted!

4. You're not 21 anymore, stop shopping at Forever 21. (sigh - occasionally still guilty of this)

5. It's not all rainbows, butterflies, Merlot and fancy dinners - the "One" is the one who will stand by your side no matter what...even when you're really really hangry. The one who makes you laugh and will be your partner in life. When you find the "One" - don't mess that up.

6. Learn how to cook at least 3 things really, really well. All of my signature items happen to be cheesy, full of carbs, and best accompanied by a glass of wine...but that's aside from the point.

7. Travel! Start yourself a seperate bank account that can be used to save money to put towards an epic trip.

8. Your friends really become an extension of your family. I'm happy and blessed to have a solid friend group, people with similar goals and aspirations with kind hearts.

9. You're metabolism reallllly slows down after high school. It's the worst. Treasure the cheat meals.

10. Thinking about motherhood is scary. So scary! I need a few more years to travel, drink wine, and spend quality time with my husband. And that's OK.

11. Nostalgia is both a blessing and a curse. It's important to reminisce about old times, but also important not to live in the past. Of course I sometimes miss my last year of college, when I only had class two days a week with endless free time - but would I take that over the life I have now? Nope!

12. Live for the day. Once you're in the adult grind, it's really easy to find yourself wanting the days to go by faster - to get closer to the next weekend or the next vacation. Life is SO short - I'm working on treasuring every moment, whether it's spent at my desk...or at the beach with a margarita in hand.

13. Bad boyfriends happen for a reason. It's easy to look back and say "what the hell was I thinking?!" but at the same time, those experiences shape you to the person you're intended to be, and shows you the traits and qualities you will want, and the ones you don't, in "The One." Not all boyfriends were bad - but they were chapters in life that were meant to be closed, so the rest of your story can continue.

14. You can jazz up any frozen lean cuisine or lackluster dish with a healthy dose of spice. I may or may not have my own bottle of Cholula at work...

15. When you get out of college, subsequent hangovers will last 3 days and resemble near death experiences. Do yourself a favor - buy Drip Drop, found at Walgreens and CVS. You can thank me later...

16. Positive thinking is key - how you perceive yourself and your situation will impact your whole universe. Sometimes all it takes is a shift of perception to bring yourself true happiness.

17. In your adult years, weekends tend to be spent running errands, cleaning the house and doing laundry. Take one day a month to just do nothing, i.e. stay in your PJs all day to watch Netflix. Tip: Order pizza delivery to maximize couch time.

18. You really do change in your 20s. I see it with myself and within my friends. The nights spent going out at 11 p.m. and ending the night the next morning with Roberto's nachos are now spent with early evening get togethers - BBQs, happy hours, dinners. This was a gradual shift, one I much prefer to the former.

19. Networking. Contacts. Relationships. These things are extremely important when getting your foot in the door. As I approached graduation several years ago, I had the terrifying realization that it's SO hard to find your first real job. I must have applied for 75 jobs and 99% of the time did not hear anything back. It wasn't until I reached out to an old J-school classmate that I was able to find an opportunity that was perfect for me. I also still try to check in with my favorite professor every now and then.

20. The millenial generation tends to be conflicted after graduation - do I travel? Do I go to work? Get my own place, pay bills? Or live at home? I chose to start working right away - about 5 days after graduation to be exact. I have never regretted that decision, because it's what helped me climb the ladder at a young age. Rather than waiting around to weigh the options, I jumped in head first and hoped for the best.

21. All relationships must be mutually beneficial. It's been a long road for me with this one. As painful as it may be to come to that realization, not everyone is worthy of your love and friendship if it is not returned with the same respect.

22. There are little things that happen every once and a while that really make you feel old. Like transitioning into a morning person, not being able to stomach rollercoasters and reading the paper rather then Cosmo.

23. I joke about being an old soul, but I realize the importance of treasuring my youth. Go run around outside, climb a mountain, anything!

24. If you haven't already, learn the art of thank you notes. A text just doesn't do justice.

25. Live, love, learn. Drink wine. Seize the day!

Anniversary Trip!

2015-06-08T18:21:00.001-07:00

Throughout the years, Shaun has become my go-to travel buddy. Trips to Miami, Park City, Jamaica, Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, New York City, along with mini-getaways for skiing in Utah and more, have solidified my love of travel, and also my love for Shaun! So, it only seemed fitting to celebrate our one year anniversary with a romantic tropical getaway - to Hawaii!

Among the highlights in Oahu: snorkeling at Huanama Bay, dinner at Uncle Bo's in Honolulu (serious nom), visiting Pearl Harbor on Memorial Day and watching the fireworks at our hotel. And in Kauai: taking in the serious beauty that is Kauai, luau at the Grand Hyatt, ziplining through the rainforest and tubing down the old sugar cane mines.

But most of all, the biggest highlight was the uninterrupted time we got to spend together and the new memories made.

Until the next trip!

XOXO,

Lauren

One Whole Year!!

2015-05-17T20:36:00.001-07:00

In one week, Shaun and I will celebrate our one year wedding anniversary. What?!

The time truly flew by. It's still very surreal to be a wife. And truth be told, I'm just now getting used to saying "husband." (I never got used to fiancee!)

So, in honor of one year of wedded bliss, here are a few things I've come to learn along the way...

1. Even if you lived together, had joint finances together and did the "married couple" thing before you got married, it will still feel different once you say "I Do." Not dramatically different, but one day, it will just kind of hit you that this person stood in front of you, God, four generations of family and his college frat bros to declare his eternal love for you. Deep.

2. DO got to bed angry, when necessary. It is not worth a long drawn out fight when it started as a minor disagreement. Trust me on this one.

3. Get your finances in check. Before Shaun and I got married, we developed (well, he developed) a very successful system for our credit card (woo-hoo airline miles!), bill paying, emergency fund and savings. I am not naturally financially minded, so this system has been life-changing. I feel a peace of mind knowing that we're financially secure and planning for the future. It's not always easy... he literally put me on a "cheese budget" due to the amount of frivolous spending that was occurring at the grocery store. But hey, in my defense - doesn't one need cheddar slices, american slices, shredded blend, feta and Brie for entertaining?! Amiright?

4. Be partners, but also be individuals. Shaun is my partner in life. He's my best friend, my "go-to" when shit hits the fan and the love of my life, but he also respects my need for girls-only wine & cheese nights, happy hours and lots of gym sessions, while I am A-okay with his afternoons at the golf course. My point is, you don't need to be joined at the hip to have a happy marriage.

5. Find joy in the little things. There is literally nothing better than waking up on a Sunday morning and having a cup of coffee together. Cherish it.

Cheers to one year! It's been better than anything I could have ever imagined...

XOXO,
Lauren

It's BBQ Season!

2015-05-10T21:39:00.002-07:00

I'm a big, BIG fan of entertaining. You can find me with an apron on and glass of wine in hand.

Spending all day cleaning the house, prepping for guests and cooking brings me so much joy, as I know it will culminate into a wonderful evening shared with friends and family. What do I love even more than entertaining? Oklahoma BBQ!!! Some of my fondest memories of my childhood were the family BBQs in my grandparent's home in Oklahoma City. Recently Shaun and I invested in a meat smoker, the same one my Grandaddy has, and I even had my favorite BBQ sauce, Head County, shipped from Oklahoma. We're not messing around here....

Which is why I was super excited to host a very special BBQ to honor my momma and mother in law for Mother's Day, and also to celebrate my dad's birthday!

Here's a look into the nosh for the evening, and even a couple recipes, too!

First, let's talk meat. Tonight we prepared ribs and salmon - nom. However, these aren't your average ribs. These ribs were smoked at 250 degrees for five hours with hickory wood chips. The meat literally falls off the bone when you're done. And I'm not a seafood fan, but we put the salmon in the smoker, too, and it ends up with amazing flavor and consistency - no fishy taste!

The best BBQ sauce on earth!! www.headcountry.com

The smoker. I ordered ours from Target.com.

Look at my handsome man!! Couldn't be luckier.

For the side dishes:

Cheesy Twice Baked Potatoes (emphasis on cheesy)

These are SO easy - but a little time consuming, so make sure to leave yourself enough time to prep!

We were expecting six guests, so this recipe reflects that number - with lots of leftovers!

Ingredients:
6 Russet potatoes
1 cup milk
4 tablespoons of butter
2-3 cups of shredded cheese (don't be shy!)
1 cup of bacon bits
1/2 cup of chopped green onions
1-2 tsp Cholula, or your favorite hot sauce
Pepper as needed

Directions:
1. Pour yourself a glass of wine.
2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Wash and dry potatoes and put them on a foiled cookie sheet. Brush the potatoes with a light coat of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt. This makes the skins extra crisp! Bake the potatoes for 75-80 minutes.
3. Once the potatoes are cool, slice them in half lengthwise and scoop the insides into a mixing bowl. Be delicate, as you want to keep the skins in tact. It is inevitable that a couple of the skins will fall apart, but no big deal - just buy yourself an extra potato at the start in case you need a back up!
4. Put all of the skins back onto the baking sheet and start preparing the potato mixture. I went with a "loaded" baked potato vibe - but you could put whatever the heck you want in there! So, add your milk and butter into the mixing bowl with the potato and use your electric mixer to achieve a nice, smooth mashed potato mixture. Once you're happy with the consistency, add the cheese, bacon bits and green onion and continue to mix. For an extra kick, add some hot sauce and pepper at the end.
5. Scoop potato mixture into each potato skin. Garnish with a bit (or bunch) of shredded cheese, bacon bits and green onion. Because, cheese...
6. Put in the fridge to wait until it's time to bake, or if you're short on time, pop them back in the oven!
7. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is a bit crisp. Enjoy!

We also did a garbanzo bean and veggie salad - so summery and perfect! This recipe credit goes to my bestie Madison.

Summer Salad:

Ingredients:
2 cans garbanzo beans
1 1/2 can corn
1 cup baby tomatoes
1-2 avocados
1/5 red onion
Chopped cilantro to taste
Lots of Feta cheese
Lemon juice to taste
Pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Pour yourself a glass of wine.
1. Prep the veggies. Chop the red opinion, avocado and tomatoes.
2. Throw all the ingredients into a bowl - mix,
3. Add lemon juice and pepper to taste. Enjoy!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day!!! What are your favorite family traditions and recipes?

XOXO,
Lauren

...and more wedding photos because we all look spiffy!

Well, Hello There!

2015-05-07T19:42:00.002-07:00

Yay - I finally did it! After many months of procrastination, I have officially joined the blogging world.

Welcome to Blonde Ambition!

A little background... I have been keeping diaries since I was around 10 years old. Writing was always an outlet for me - a way to reflect, de-stress and unwind. And now in my *advanced* age, blogging is a way to connect with old and new friends, share stories and find a Pinterest-worthy recipe, or two...or two hundred.

A little about me: I'm a newlywed (we're celebrating our one year anniversary this month!), a cat mom, former sorority girl, college grad and now publicist working at one of the top PR agencies here in Las Vegas. I love all things pink, sparkly and related to wine and/or cheese. I have the most amazing husband - we met originally in high school - he doesn't remember. We reconnected in college and the rest is history. Planning our wedding was one of the most amazing and fun experiences that it almost made me consider a career change for a split second (until I thought about the long hours and bridezillas - yikes!) I will just have to save that bridal enthusiasm for my besties' future weddings (ahem, start getting engaged already please!)

So here I am, embarking on the blogging journey. I'll be upfront - there isn't a central theme that ties all of this together, nor rhyme or reason for certain posts, but if you share in my love for weddings, food, homemaking, travel or wine - you've come to the right place.

XOXO,

Lauren

....and here are a few of my favorite things (cue Sound of Music)

Yup - big fan of mac & cheese.... not sorry.