Currently // It’s Raining! + Jake Bugg + Wedding Diet Update

posted by Amanda // Food, Music, Wedding

May 06, 2013

First things first… It’s raining right now. Why am I so excited? Well, because it hasn’t rained all year! Instead of April showers bringing May flowers, April heat brought May FIRES! Also rain is one of my favorite things ever. I’ll admit the gloomy, cold weather yesterday did not create an ideal Cinco de Mayo. I did not get my tan on as I hoped. Instead we holed up in my parents house with layers of clothing while trying to enjoy icy margaritas. But today it’s raining and all is right with the world. (photo from my front porch)

You guys know Jake Bugg? He’s like a cross between young Bob Dylan and young George Harrison. I LOVE HIM. Seriously, so good. His English accent doesn’t hurt either. Once I’m finished with my Cold & Raining mix tape (see above) I will probably listen to Bugg the rest of the day.

I’m barely holding onto this wedding diet plan. It’s hard you guys. Especially when I live with a man who loves meat, cheese and bread and can eat it all 24/7 without thinking twice. Ughh… so annoying. When he’s working and I’m home alone all day, I’m fine. But he was not working last week, and it took all of my willpower not to completely fall off the wagon. I didn’t loose any weight, but I only gained one pound, so I’m counting this as a victory. It could have been so much worse. This week, I’m determined to loose that pound, and get back to it. Wish me luck! (photo taken during breakfast last weekend)

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Spring Fling // Mix Tape

posted by Amanda // Design, Music, Photography

Apr 30, 2013

It’s about time for another Mix Tape, yeah? Here are some up-beat tunes I’ve been loving lately:

SPRING FLING MIX TAPE

I’ve been making mix tapes on Spotify for over a year now! Check out last year’s Spring Fever playlist while you’re at it.

photo by me

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Currently // Jack White + Wedding Plans + J Crew Factory

posted by Amanda // Fashion, Music, Wedding

Apr 29, 2013

Last week was crazy busy in my office (hopefully I’ll be able to share some exciting news soon) and super slow on this here blog. Whenever I have weeks like that the blog isn’t far from my mind… the time eludes me however, and I don’t get my thoughts published. I really love this outlet, and I’m going to make it a priority this week and get back into a regular schedule. Wish me luck!

Jack White’s most recent album Blunderbuss (2012) is a work of genius. Every song on there is gold. We just drove back home from a long weekend in Orange County and I fell in love with this album all over again. Not only is Jack White incredibly talented, but he is a genuinely nice, humble, good human being. If you have time, watch this intellectually stimulating interview with Conan O’Brien to see what I mean.

Wedding planning is picking up speed! It’s an exciting time as we make our way into the 3 month mark (AAHHHHHHH!!!). A talented friend offered to shoot our wedding video (she actually approached me, which was amazing), we booked our DJ (sweetest, coolest guy ever) and I’m currently debating printing options for our invites (letterpress? gold foil? metallic paper? pattern background?). We’re staying within our budget and there’s been very little fighting. Our parents are happy and almost as excited as we are. Things are good! Fingers crossed they stay this way. (Photo of my bridal shower invites via Instagram)

Do you all know about the J Crew Factory? I stumbled upon it via Pinterest, and my jaw dropped… Holy amazing J Crew outlet website… You guys gotta check this out. Also, I’m kind of obsessed with their site design.

Happy Monday!

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Currently // “Lean In” + Andrew Belle + Wedding Planning Lull

posted by Amanda // Books, Music, Wedding

Apr 01, 2013

I’ve been reading so much about the book Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg, I had to read it for myself. Sandberg is the COO of Facebook, and arguably one of the most powerful women in the country. I especially admire that she’s gained so much success in the Tech Industry, an industry known for gender imbalance that I also have had personal experience with. So far the book has been very encouraging. I’ll try to post a review once I’ve read the whole thing. Have you read it already? What did you think?

Andrew Belle has been on repeat lately. When I really need to concentrate and get work done, I usually find an artist or album I can just zone out to. The Ladder has been that album for me. His voice reminds me of some of my favorite bands from back in the day, like The Fray and Snow Patrol.

I’m currently feeling a wedding planning lull… All the important stuff is figured out and booked, but it’s too early to start on a lot of the projects. The invites are pretty much designed, but they don’t need to go out until next month. My mom and I went down to the flower mart and fabric district over the weekend to find some cheap plants, sequin fabric and vessels for candles. It was a pretty successful trip. We found a guy in an ally who will build us 50 wooden boxes (like the one pictured above from this beautiful wedding) for $160! I guess I should just relax and enjoy the break. Things are going to get super crazy in a couple months.

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Currently // Braid Creative E-Course + Meal Planning + Terakaft

posted by Amanda // Design, Food, Music

Mar 25, 2013

I’m taking the Braid Creative E-Course called “Dream Client Catching: Embrace Your Expertise & Attract What You Track”. In one word, WOW. I’m so blown away by the insight Kathleen & Tara share in these 4 lessons. They have great videos, illustrations, and even worksheets! I’m on my way to finally figuring out this freelance thing. I can’t recommend Braid enough if you’re a creative entrepreneur. Read the blog, and subscribe to the newsletter, now!

Grocery shopping is one of my household tasks. If it was up to M we would eat Ramen (thankfully real Ramen at a Japanese restaurant, not Top Ramen) for at least 1 meal a day. He has a really irregular work schedule, so I never really know if he’ll be home all day, or just for dinner, or not until 3am! A couple weeks ago I stopped buying so much food, but then we just went out all the time. So I’m making a real attempt at Meal Planning. The picture above is from a recipe for Spicy Lemon Chicken Wraps that I’m going to make for dinner tonight. I’ll try to share some of my cooking adventures here from time to time. Follow my food pins here!

Since I didn’t get to go to SXSW this year, I’ve been trying to catch up on all the bands I missed. Terakaft was one I’m glad I came across. This Malian band has such a unique sound. They fascinate me with their culture and musical influences, but at the end of the day, they’re just a really talented group of guys who have make great music.

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Currently// Bra Size + Lisa Eldridge + Lucius

posted by Amanda // Fashion, Music

Mar 18, 2013

While out shopping this weekend, I got my bra size measured for the first time. OMG you guys. I have been wearing bras 2 sizes too small for years. I have been enlightened. My new bra is so freaking comfortable. I can’t stop talking about it. So if you’ve never been measured, go to Victoria’s Secret right now and be amazed. I also found out I’ve been wearing the wrong style too. My life is forever changed.

I told you all last week that I would be hanging out in Orange County with some great friends all weekend. They discovered Lisa Eldridge’s amazing make up tutorials, and we’re all hooked. Lisa is so sweet with her posh British accent, and she explains her techniques in such detail. Now, I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to recreate these looks. Lisa is obviously a talented artist. But I think I might try a couple things, and either way it’s really fun!

I just found out about Lucius yesterday via NPR. I really wish there was more to listen to, because their 4 songs on Spotify are so great. Definitely worth checking out. I’ll update you as soon as they drop a full length record.

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Mix Tape // Dancing in the Car

posted by Amanda // Music

Mar 05, 2013

Holla! You guys probably thought I stopped listening to music! I didn’t, I was just listening to all the fab playlists I already made. I didn’t feel the need to create anything new until a couple weeks ago. I was driving around with M and we started talking about Sir Elton John. I flipped through my iPod and played my favorite Elton song, Philadelphia Feeling and just couldn’t stop dancing. And a new playlist was born—complete with BOTH Justin’s (or is it Justins?)…. oh yeah.

Listen, subscribe, and tell me what you think. Also, I’m dying to know what you rock out to in your car?!

Listen to the Dancing in the Car MixTape on Spotify

I took this photo sitting at a train crossing

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Currently // Tamagotchi Phone App + Perks of Being a Wallflower + Alabama Shakes

posted by Amanda // Books, Music

Feb 18, 2013

Yes people, Tamagotchi is back! I’ve been raising my little alien for 4 or 5 days now and he hasn’t died! So proud… Although I know realize why our teachers hated these guys. They need a lot of attention! Feeding, playing, cleaning up poop… It calls for me every 20 minutes or so. Not sure how long I’ll be able to keep it up, but it’s fun for now.

We rented Perks of Being a Wallflower Friday night from Red Box. Such a great movie! I had anticipated that I would like it, so I bought the book when the movie first came out. Once the film was over, I got down the book and started reading. So far, I think I like the film better… Not sure I’ve ever said that before. But I’ll wait to make final judgement until I’ve read the whole thing.

The Alabama Shakes have been gaining popularity for a while now. I first heard them on KCRW sometime last year. Wow. I love this band so much. Lead singer Brittany Howard is phenomenal. How I wish I could sing like her… actually, she’s kind of living my dream life (being a singer in a soul band). If you’re not familiar with the band, go now and listen!

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Currently // Feeling Better + Macklemore & Ryan Lewis + Call the Midwife

posted by Amanda // Music

Feb 11, 2013

Finally, I’m feeling better. I still have a cough, but overall, I’ve recovered. So sorry for the radio silence last week. I really needed to not worry about anything and focus on getting better. (photo)

By now I bet you guys are familiar with hip hop sensation Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. Their song, “Thrift Shop” has been stuck in my head all week. However it was their single, “Same Love” that endeared me to them first. I love their flavor and for bringing positive messages to the hip hop arena. Check out their amazing NPR Tiny Desk Concert. It will blow your mind.

“Call the Midwife” is my new TV obsession. Unfortunately there are only 6 episodes available in the US right now. I watch it on Amazon Prime for $1.99 per episode. The show is about the lives of young midwives living in 1950s East London. The pacing is slow at times, but the stories are touching, and the characters are funny and well written. If you have a free night, I suggest just watching all of them. I can’t wait for season 2.

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This is Our Jam Gift Guide // For Kids: Now, 44

posted by Amanda // Collections, Music

Dec 20, 2012

This is our final Gift Guide for the season!  A big huge THANK YOU to the girls over at This is Our Jam for this great collaboration. It’s been so fun doing your virtual shopping. But Hanukah is over, and Christmas is right around the corner, so go snap up those gifts!

Now! 486? (or whatever number they’re on these days…) — Let’s be real. This album is just an excuse to dance around to “Gangnam Style” with the little ones in your family and hope that they’ll turn out to be the next Sophia Grace and Rosie.

I love shopping for kids. It takes me back to the time of the Toys R Us Holiday catalog where I literally just circled everything. Be the best Santa this year and win them over with these adorable Dolly shoes, super cute scarf and elephant chair! I want it all for myself…

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