BonBon Deal of the Day & a Giveaway Winner Announcement

So, I'm frantically trying to get everything together for my trip right now. I drive the hubs bonkers with my last minute packing, but that's how I roll! I'm leaving for 8 days, so that's a whole lotta outfits to coordinate. Forgive me for the itty bitty post, but I have to leave for the airport at 5:30 AM and my suitcase is STILL empty. EEEK!

This time tomorrow I'll be officially in an Empire State of Mind. I would big puffy heart you if you hit me up with your favorite NYC joints. I'm talking shopping, restaurants, bars, java joints....the works! Ok, I'll leave you with a fabulous deal from Ruche. This multi layer chain necklace is just $22.99. I'm loving this look as much as layered pearls!



p.s. Don't forget to enter our fabulous jewelry giveaway. Our lovely sponsor The Vintage Pearl is giving away a $50.00 gift certificate. I'm just trying to decide which pretty pretty piece I want to order for myself! Also up for grabs are a gorgeous pair of turquoise teardrop earrings from Beth Peele's Stella & Dot boutique. The giveaway is open through midnight tonight central time!



p.p.s. The Starbucks gift card winner is one of my favorite long time readers....Madeline of Barefoot Childhood. I have so enjoyed watching Madeline's little man grow and seeing little glimpses of what I might be dealing with in the next year with the dude!

Turquoise Treasures & A Couple of Fabulous Giveaways

I'm sure most of us have heard about the 2010 Pantone color of the year by now. It's none other than one of my VERY favorite hues...turquoise. I find it to be such a calming and happiness inducing color. It reminds of summer and all of the fun that goes along with it! Most specifically it transports me to evening strolls on the beach with the hubs wherein we watch the gorgeous turquoise waves lap on the shore. Sigh. Ok, so we live in Tampa, not Mexico. The waves may be more grey steel blue than turquoise, but you get my drift. The serenity this fabulous color evokes for me could be why you can find it in the decor of practically every room in my house. Ah ha ha.

Since I'm going to have to pull out every trick in the book to not freeze my tush off in NYC this week, maybe if I drape myself in turquoise I will be able to channel the warmth of May and inject it into February!

~Milk



~Windsor



~American Apparel



Ray-Ban at mywardrobe.com {These sunnies have definitely made the blog rounds, but I had to include them as I heart them so!}



And we are elated to announce that we have a chance for you to bedeck yourself in this fabulous color too! Beth from Design A-Peele has generously offered up a pair of Charlize teardrop earrings from her Stella & Dot boutique.



One lucky winner will walk away with a pair. And the giveaway fun doesn't end there. One of our lovely new sponsors, The Vintage Pearl, is offering a $50.00 gift certificate to another lucky winner! Here is just a sampling of the pretty pieces you can find at this delightful shop!







There are a few ways you can earn entries these giveaways...1. Become a follower/subscriber.
2. Become a Facebook fan of BonBon Rose Girls.
3. Follow us on Twitter: @BonBonRoseGirls
4. Visit the shops who are doing the giveaways and tell us about another piece that makes you drool. You have until midnight on Tuesday to get your entries in. Good luck lovelies!

BonBon Deal of the Day

Why not continue on with the turquoise lovefest? Today's BonBon Deal of the day is a gorgeous statement ring from Max & Chloe. You get a whole lotta drama with this piece for a mere $20.00!

Feeling Cozy? Check Out This Discount!

Thanks to It's Unbeweavable for the image!

Megan here, and well its snowing up here in Annapolis, again, le sigh. Real shocker, I know. We are about to hit the snow record for the past 100 years. I'm not too excited about it but the meteorologists on the local news shows are all drooling with anticipation. It's like they think the minute we hit the century milestone of "MOST SNOW EVER!", balloons and confetti are going to come bursting through the newsroom and for once they are going to be THE MAN! I wonder if meteorologists do chest bumps when things like this happen?

Regardless, Kristin is in for a treat. You know how she is always mentioning how she just wishes it would cool off down there in Florida? Well, we are meeting up in NYC on Wednesday and she is about to experience Manhattan in February. Don't worry I'll hook my sista up with some winter gear! And stay tuned over the next week or so for some great duo posts!

Valentine's Day is almost here which means love is in the air! If you have a hubby, boyfriend, or just someone you want to get cozy with, we have a great discount from lingerie company Wickedelic Lingerie. Based out of the UK (woot, woot, shout-out to our UK readers!) they are offering 15% off when you enter the discount code 'BONBON'. It's pretty racy grown-up stuff folks, so be careful before you click through. Don't want the guy at the next cube looking over your shoulder! Enjoy!

BonBon Deal of the Day & A Giveaway

Happy Friday lovelies! I've got a million and one things to do today, so today's post is going to be on the teeeeeeeny side. Thank you SO much for all your suggestions on how I can get my to dos handled. It seems like a lot of you use the post it method. How have I never done this? Brilliant! Quite a lot you suggested I add a scarf or pashmina to my travel wardrobe. Never fear. I never leave home for a trip without one or ten of my favorites scarves. Ah ha ha. They're such a killer way to complete a look and keep yourself toasty warm! Here are a few in uber bright cheery hues that I would quite like to add to my getting to be somewhat ridiculous large collection. Since you know I heart a good deal, they're all $35.00 and under!

And for something else to keep you warm, I'm giving away another $10.00 gift card to Starbucks. A couple of skinny vanilla lattes always does the trick for me and I want to share the love with one of you fabulous readers. Just tell me what your favorite 'bucks drink is. I'm always looking for new ones to try! You have until Sunday to enter. : )

~Fred Flare {$18.00}



~Harmony Lane {$35.00}



~Nordstrom {$13.90}

My FavoriteTravel Look

phota via HBO.com

A couple months ago Megan and posted about our favorite Sex and the City looks. This tuxedo jacket over a Mickey tee ensemble of Carrie's was one of mine. I'll be attempting to channel Ms. Bradshaw with my travel wardrobe next week.

A blazer over a fun tee paired with a favored pair of jeans is the perfect plane riding outfit. And depending on how I feel, I'll throw my trusty old Chucks or riding boots into the mix. Add a great tote (word on the street is that the Longchamp Le Pliage is the best travel bag ever) and I'll be comfortable yet look put together for my departure! Now, all I'll have to worry about the day of is snagging that cocktail or three to calm my nerves. Did I mention that I HATE flying?

Anthropologie



Harmony Lane



Arden B



80stees.com



Anthropologie



80stees.com



Longchamp at Nordstrom

Jackets Over Dresses=One Killer Combo

Can you believe that it's the middle of the week already? It always seems like whenever I have a ton of stuff to get done, time gets away from me and before I know it my deadlines are approaching way too fast. I am embarking on a very exciting getaway next week and I have so much shopping and packing to get done it's ridiculous! I need help people. What are your little tricks for making sure that your to dos get completed? Do you use lists? I'm really good at writing out lists...just not so much at remembering to follow them. Ah ha ha! Any words of wisdom for me out there?

Despite the cold weather that I'm heading into, I'm most obsessed with dresses right now. Whether it be lingerie inspired pretties, uber bright colored frocks, abstract prints, floral prints, you name it and I want it! I can just throw a jacket over them and I won't freeze right? Cue my Minnesotan fam's fits of laughter. Whatever. I've never been a slave to the weather. Meg and I used to rock our flops in the snow. Don't be jealous of how stupid hard core we are!

~Asos



~Topshop



~Topshop



~Asos



~Forever 21



~Asos



~Asos



~Asos



~Modcloth



~Modcloth



~Forever 21



~Tory Burch at Net-A-Porter



~Asos



~Diane von Furstenberg at Net-A-Porter



~Forever 21



~Modcloth

BonBon Deal of the Day

Is it all gloom and doom in your neck of the words? Throw on a bright bangle like this tropical inspired enamel beauty from Asos . The cheery colors and bargain price {$20.40} is sure to add some spring to your step. If that doesn't work...go Shred. It's all about the endorphins baby! Maybe I should take my own advice. Ah ha ha!

Maybe whoever said orange is the new pink wasn't so seriously disturbed!

So, this post was a special request by my bloggy bud Alicia from Yaya Stuff. I was more than happy to oblige as she is searching for the perfect dress to wear to her lil' man's welcome home shower. You see Alicia and her hubs have been trying to start a family for quite some time and they are finally about to bring home their miracle munchkin. He just happens to be about the cutest little thing ever, next to the dude of course! I gotta be loyal to my boy, even if he did decide it was playtime at 2 AM last night, but I digress. How thrilling is it that this Spring Alicia will become a mama??? Please join me in congratulating her!

Now, as far as this oh so special frock goes...The lady in question's very favorite color is orange. Being a member of the Gator Nation, it is most definitley one of my favorite colors also! So, here you have it. If I were Alicia's stylist for her special day, this is what I would put her in...delicate floral earrings, a full skirted shirtdress, a bracelet with a pop of color to represent her vibrant personality and au courant peep toes. Looking for the perfect look for a special occasion of your own? Hit me up. I may just post about you too!

~Banana Republic



~Anthropologie



~Banana Republic



~Asos

BonBon Deal(s) of the Day

Does anyone else search for fashion nirvana moments? Mine occur when I feel like I've channeled one of my favorite style icons while also having thrown in my own personal vibe to the mix. These layered pearl necklaces would do the trick for sure with a little Carrie Bradshw, a little Audrey Hepburn and a little Kristin all melded in one piece. Add a mens Hanes tank, an oversized cardi, skinnies, stilettos and a pair of Wayfarers and you've got the makings of a dream ensemble. Well, one in my dreams anyway! And even in my dreams, I like a good bargain. Ah ha ha. Each of these beauties is under $40.00!

~Etsy shop glowstoes



~Etsy shop SybilKotDesign



~Etsy shop Jesrael



~Etsy shop AfriqueLaChic



~Etsy shop alexkeller

A New Bookcase and a Really Rough Week

We've all had them. Those weeks or days where it feels like nothing is going right and you just want to hide under the covers. Well, you might have noticed a slight leave of absence last week since I was most definitely having one of those weeks.

My husband had been working in Haiti so our communication had been a little less than ideal, meanwhile I'd been pulling some major hours of my own. In the middle of all our working, my cat, Slater, got sick with a kidney disease and suddenly passed away. It was a complete shock and while I got him to the vet in what we all initially thought was enough time to save him, he curled up and let go before they could even try. Needless to say, it is not fun to call your husband, who is in the middle of reporting on such a terrible tragedy, to tell him terrible news of our own.

A week later things are looking up. Although Meatball is lonely, he'll be getting a new buddy soon. Floyd is home safe and sound, and the weather Gods gave me a snow day. Yes, I'm getting tired with all the snow and winter too, but I must say it was nice to have a forced day to lay around the house, watch bad movies and eat junk food. I can always eat healthy tomorrow right? Besides, snow shoveling is a major calorie burner!











That said, I do have something fun to report. My first Before and After DIY project! Yeah, fist bump baby! A friend of mine recently moved and I snagged some of her old furniture that was in too rough of shape to justify the moving expense. We are in major need of furniture for several rooms, but I'm trying to watch the budget and do things thoughtfully over time. So in the meantime, I thought this little shelf might work nicely in the guest room once it received a little love. Turns out I was right!

Before:













After:













Here's how I worked it. First, I sanded it with some sandpaper we had lying around the garage. This is an important step to ensure the paint doesn't bubble and sit on top of the old stain. Next, I used white semi-gloss spray paint and covered in two coats. It took about 10 minutes a coat and two cans. Finally I bought a quart of Behr semi-gloss paint in Hidden Meadow, and painted only the backside of the case. I really wanted a color that popped. So while it was so intimidatingly bright on the sample chip that I got a lecture from the Home Depot lady about color testing, I went ahead with my gut instinct that it would provide a fun cheerful look that wasn't too overpowering once filled with books. Total cost, approximately $15.

So what do you think? Should I continue down the DIY path and tackle her old end table next?

BonBon(s) Deal of the Day & A Giveaway Winner Announcement

Well, I hope everyone has had a fabulous weekend! Mine has been filled with the relaxation I've been craving! The weather was pretty gnarly yesterday, so the dude and I spent the day all cozy inside, while the hubs worked. And after he got home we went to Atlanta Bread Company for some yummy potato soup and java. It was just what the doctor ordered for the rainy atmosphere. Then it was home for the old bath and bedtime routine, after which us 'rents had a movie night. It may sound somewhat mundane, but it was just the kind of laid back day I needed!

Today I'm off for a little retail therapy. I'm on a mission for picture frames. I purchased some gorgeous photos from the lovely Monica, a.k.a. Ciao Chessa, a while back and those babies are just begging to be hung!

Spies Hide Out in Every Corner


The Little Red Bike


I feel SO good that I'm ready to brave...wait for it...IKEA. I know...I know...Ikea on a Sunday. Yup, I'm slightly crazy. Ah ha ha. I only wish I could hit up a Modcloth brick and mortar store too! I guess I'll just have to exercise a little patience and wait for my order to be delivered. Have you seen the adorable home goods that they carry? Now, I just have to decide which of these whimsical domestic goodies I can't live without! Such bargains they are at less than $20.00 each!

~Sippin' Safari Mug {$11.99-Giraffes have always been one of my favorite animals. I just love the mama and baby gracing this adorable mug!}



~Woodland Critter Whisks {$9.99-I don't think these would be safe from the dude. He is quite the chef these days and just got his very own little kitchen much to Daddy's chagrin. Ah ha ha!}



~Paperclip Perch {$11.99-What a bright, cheerful addition this would be to a desk!}



~Truffle Shuffle Shakers {$7.99-How precious are these shakers? Perfect for those not so serious family meals.}



~Ivory Ivy Frame {$19.99-This frame would like perfectly lovely perched on a nightstand!}





p.s. The winner of the fififlowers frameable notecards giveaway is Betty from Cut and Dry! Email us your contact info and choice of cards when you get a chance Betty!

Rest and Relaxation Required

Well, the whole no sleeping thing finally caught up with me. I spent all of Thursday on the couch, completely unplugged and trying to recharge my battery. Thankfully, the hubs was able to come home from work early and he took over lil' dude duty. Oh, and he cleaned the house. I'm not sure what I did to get so lucky, but I sure am glad I did it! So, it was me, my trusty quilt and the television. As I laid around watching a Golden Girls marathon, I started thinking about some things that would make my R&R even more serene.

This lounging outfit from the Gap looks beyond comfy!






I am quite the slipper sock addict and this uber soft looking pair from Old Navy would definitely give me my fix!



Tea and scones always put me in a happy, peaceful state. I wouldn't mind serving myself some of my favorite Jasmine tea with this gorgeous set from Etsy shop sheilasart.



What about you lovelies? Are you looking forward to a relaxing weekend? I think I will continue on with my respite, so I'm ready to rock and roll next week. The dude needs a mama who can tear around after him!



p.s. Thank you to all of you who left such wonderful suggestions on how I can catch some zzzzzzzs. You guys really rock!

Floral Fusion

Well, it was yet another sleepless night in my casa. Insomnia still has me in a choke hold. Running after the dude after I've been up most of the night is becoming increasingly difficult. That coupled with a non-stop working hubs has made for one beat mama. Something's gotta give. And seeing as his career pays the bills, I'm guessing my insomnia is going to have to be the thing to take a hike. I will kick this. At least I hope I will anyway.

In the meantime, these pretty pretty floral pieces from Fred Flare have me somewhat perked up. If I can't sleep at least I can slip on something pretty, no? A cardi and tights will make dresses like these doable for you ladies in colder climates. Well, in somewhat colder climates I should say. I know my Minnesotan fam probably won't be rocking little frocks any time soon. Ah ha ha!

BonBon(s) Deal of the Day

Last night as I was surfing the old 'net...a necessity for all us insomniacs, ah ha, I came across a darling Etsy shop called erinkeys. And in since I was floral inspired today, I thought I would bring you some fabulous floral goodies from my new Etsy find! Each one is a bargain at no more than $30.00!

Blooms earrings {$12.00}



Miss Fashionista necklace {$30.00}



Winter Wonderland necklace {$25.00}



Pink De Fleur necklace {28.50}

Scarf Love

So, remember yesterday when I said how warm it is here and I could rock a strapless maxi dress if I was so inclined? Well, it's gone and gotten cold again. I'm sure most of you would laugh at our version of "cold." It's going to be in the 60s the rest of the week. I guess I won't be sporting my trusty old Hanes mens tanks this week, but that's ok. I now have an excuse to bust out my ever growing scarf collection or maybe even add one of the pretties below to it. The muted color palette of the scarves I've selected speak to my need for serenity right now. Calming colors help give me a sense of peace...as does my morning cup o' Joe!

Yes, I believe a cozy scarf and a steaming hot cup of my poison, a 'bucks skinny vanilla latte perhaps, is just what the Dr. ordered for this cold snap. And I'm thinking a new mug is in order too. Am I alone or does anyone else have a favorite mug that just seems to make the java taste better? My favorite is on its last legs. Sigh. What about you lovelies? How are you staying warm these days?

Etsy shop happiestdaysdesigns {How cute are these customizable mugs? One for you and your honey!}


Modcloth



Amici Accessories



Topshop



Topshop



Asos



Asos

BonBon Deal of the Day

You know me and accessories...I can NEVER get enough of them and this gorgeous statement bracelet from Forever 21 is just screaming my name. I want one of every color, which is totally doable as each one is just $8.80!

I'm seriously gaga over green!

So, who saw watched the SAG awards? Ok, I didn't. But I DID see the red carpet photos. How about Lea Michele's gorgeous emerald gown? I was thunder struck ("I didn't mean to thunder struck you." A cookie for anyone who knows what stellar show that is from!) by the delicious hue of her Catherine Malandrino frock. I'm now dreaming about all kinds of green goodies to decorate my frame with.

In my book, green is a really user friendly color too in that most people can find a shade of it that flatters them. Even if you don't want to go head to toe green in a dress, wearing it in accessory form can be just as fun! I don't think Kermit knows what he's talking about. It seems like it's pretty easy being green to me! I'm ready to let it play center stage in a killer dress and I think I'll put it in supporting roles as well, like with that fabulous Forever 21 cuff. How fun would it be with an LBD? What do you think lovelies? Are you ready to be green machines? Incidentally, one of my softball teams growing up was called the Green Machine. We were fierce! Siriano fierce.

Modcloth



Modcloth



Modcloth



Wendy Brandes



Halston Heritage at Singer22.com



Kate Spade at Nordstrom



Forever 21



Forever 21



Diane von Furstenberg at Nordstrom



Forever 21



Victoria's Secret {I can finally be happy about living in Florida, because the balmy weather means I could bust out this marvelous maxi right now!}



Anthropologie





Update: Gotta include the artist's favorite! Wendy Brandes' favorite green is the Peridot in her Susan Earrings. And I must concur...they are pretty freaking fabulous as is the story behind their design!

BonBon Deal of the Day

I want to put this gorgeous floral clip in my hair, on a blazer, on a clutch, on a belt...I could go on and on. So many possibilities for only $9.99. Get yours at Ruche! Now if I can just figure out how to make it unattractive to the dude. He's a big fan of yanking my accessories off. Hey mamas, when is he gonna grow outta this phase???

Shopaholic Saturday

It's been quite a week hasn't it? There is just so much sadness in the world right now. I don't know about you all, but I've found it amazing the way the whole blogosphere has pulled together to help with the earthquake relief effort. My charity of choice, UNICEF, has been sending me email updates on how they're using donated funds. I highly suggest you give a little something to them if you can. Since I can't scoop up all those kiddos and bring them home like I want to, at least I can give to an organization of people who are looking out for them!

I have to say, I've had a hard time getting past the tragic things that seem to keep happening lately....but then I watched Conan's last Tonight Show on Friday night. He went out like the class act that he is. He implored young people not to be cynical. I have definitely found myself falling into the cynical trap after having a rough year. But, what he said seriously resonated with me. "If you work really hard and are nice, amazing things will happen!" And they will. We can't quit now just because hard times have befallen us. We need to pull together and look to the future! So, thanks Conan. Thanks for the memories and thanks for reminding this lady that there is mucho to look forward to!

I'm going to dial up the fun now. Enough of the deep thoughts for today. How about a little retail therapy? Our sponsors were kind enough to donate some fabulous prizes to our giveaway week and there are many more goodies where those came from! Here are some that have a place on my lust list!

Ever since I won some personalized address labels from Erin at Perfect Sentiment, I've been most obsessed with them. They go on every piece of outgoing mail I can get my hands on and are running out fast! I really love these from Wedding Paper Divas too! Probably because I miss living in DC so!



There is no other word for this handmade necklace from Ruche but divine!



I have some house guests arriving soon and I would love to put these Lychee Flower Soapettes from The Paris House Boutique in a welcome basket!



These beauties from Etsy shop natashagrasso would be a perfect gift for a certain upcoming heart themed holiday wouldn't you say? I wonder if my life mate is reading this? Hmmmmmm.



Do I spy a sequin heart shrug??? Yes please! You can find this gem at Fabulous Finds & Co.



I'm a baker and I have a hubs who isn't into sweets. It's so sad. That doesn't stop me from baking up a storm though. I just eat double. Ah ha ha. How cute are these scalloped cake stands from The Inglenook Decor? What a perfect way to display my treats!



How cool is this coffee cup cuff from Hip Green Deals? It's like jewelry for your mug! Update: Keep in mind that this was only available on Saturday. Every day you'll find a brand new fabulous green deal!



I'm pretty sure my neck was created for this piece by Etsy shop alexkeller. Just sayin'.



Well, there you have it. My drool inducing shopping list. Maybe someone special will take note and drop one or two of these on my pillow. Dare to dream. I hope you're all having a fabulous (and cynical free) weekend!