Happy Monday everyone!
I saw this video on my Facebook feed over the weekend and it brought me to tears. As someone who works in retail (and of course, with mannequins) and someone who is not shaped like a "perfect" mannequin (I am a size 12 which is a far cry from the size 4's I put on mannequins) this was really beautiful. I might wear sizes that are larger than what a store mannequin would wear but I can still identify with their body shape; other people don't even have that. Seeing the faces of the models for the mannequins as they were revealed just..... did me in. See for yourself in the video below.
Have a wonderful Monday, and don't forget to love your body - it truly is beautiful no matter what shape or size.
xx, Amy
Monday, December 9, 2013
Saturday, December 7, 2013
December Inspiration
Happy Weekend!
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| source (daria daria) |
I came across this image from Pinterest last night and fell in love. I've just been feeling really meh lately (a combination of working too much and then being exhausted as well as physically feeling... off) and this image really gets me inspired. I've been struggling with "festive" outfits for work and for some reason her red lip really makes me want to dress "holiday"! I'm also in desperate need of a hair cut (just a trim - my hair needs movement and I was super happy with it when it was an inch shorter!) and her hair looks so fabulous I just need to schedule an appointment ASAP.
On a related note, for a gal who was loving long long hair, I am unbelieveably happy with my hair short. Even when I wear it the same way several days in a row, it always manages to look fresh. Sometimes I miss long hair, but I feel like I am more willing to try new things (different parts, new curling techniques, etc) with my hair short.
Also: I am really contemplating going ombre! It wouldn't be now but I think I'll ask my hairstylist about it when I am getting my hair cut and do some more thinking. With short hair, if I end up hating it it will be a lot easier to change than if my hair was down to the middle of my back. How did I have such long hair for so long? I can't fathom how I did it.
What is inspiring you this weekend?
xx, Amy
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
A Golden Holiday (Holiday Gift Guide)
Hi everyone!
Hope your week is going well! Now that Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday have passed, it's really time to start crossing gifts off your list!
Something I have been loving lately is gold. There are so many great golden goodies out there and I'm loving adding gold into my wardrobe and my decor. I've selected some of my favorite golden goodies for you so you can be giving the gift of gold this holiday season!
Worrying about what to give? I've included several options at several price points. There's big, luxurious items (that gorgeous J.Crew necklace!) as well as smaller gifts for your girlfriends (glam cosmetic pouches from Forever 21... add a Starbucks card and you're set!) and home decor accents that are perfect for a hostess (the Kate Spade candle!).
Hope your week is going well! Now that Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday have passed, it's really time to start crossing gifts off your list!
Something I have been loving lately is gold. There are so many great golden goodies out there and I'm loving adding gold into my wardrobe and my decor. I've selected some of my favorite golden goodies for you so you can be giving the gift of gold this holiday season!
Worrying about what to give? I've included several options at several price points. There's big, luxurious items (that gorgeous J.Crew necklace!) as well as smaller gifts for your girlfriends (glam cosmetic pouches from Forever 21... add a Starbucks card and you're set!) and home decor accents that are perfect for a hostess (the Kate Spade candle!).
ss print shop "bisou bisou" print // butter london nail polish // j.crew earrings // forever 21 pouch
j.crew earrings (boxed and ready to gift!) // forever 21 cosmetic bag // j.crew crystal link bracelet
What are you loving from this gift guide, whether it be to give or to get? Let me know!
xx, Amy
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Happy Thanksgiving!
Hi everyone!
I hope everyone has had a great Thanksgiving! I know I did - finally did some major work in my room, a delicious meal cooked by my mom, and a relaxing evening getting into the Christmas spirit with Christmas Vacation (a Thanksgiving tradition!).
Here's what I'm thankful for this year:
My family, boyfriend, and friends!
My relationship with my boyfriend - long distance is not easy but it will be worth it (when we are finally together together)!
Being able to move back home after graduation (despite how much I did not want to originally) and not have to pay rent or for a car/gas/insurance.
Having a job with a company I am passionate about and working with great people!
Getting a good amount of hours at said job because I am a hard worker, talented, and willing to help out the team by staying late/coming early.
Getting the opportunity to do some new projects at work and .... not at work? i.e., helping out my boyfriend's mom at antique shows.
The health of myself, my family, and friends. We're not perfect nor perfectly healthy, but we are all working to make ourselves better and healthier!
That I have a good relationship with my sister.
All of my readers and followers, here and on Tumblr, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.
All of the knowledge I have gained in the past year, both in school and out. Also, that I graduated from a wonderful university!
I'm at a good place right now. I'm really going to try to stay here instead of letting myself get down like I am prone to doing..... Thank goodness for the amazing support system I have in my family, boyfriend, friends, and coworkers!
What are you thankful for today?
Happy Thanksgiving!
xx, Amy
I hope everyone has had a great Thanksgiving! I know I did - finally did some major work in my room, a delicious meal cooked by my mom, and a relaxing evening getting into the Christmas spirit with Christmas Vacation (a Thanksgiving tradition!).
Here's what I'm thankful for this year:
My family, boyfriend, and friends!
My relationship with my boyfriend - long distance is not easy but it will be worth it (when we are finally together together)!
Being able to move back home after graduation (despite how much I did not want to originally) and not have to pay rent or for a car/gas/insurance.
Having a job with a company I am passionate about and working with great people!
Getting a good amount of hours at said job because I am a hard worker, talented, and willing to help out the team by staying late/coming early.
Getting the opportunity to do some new projects at work and .... not at work? i.e., helping out my boyfriend's mom at antique shows.
The health of myself, my family, and friends. We're not perfect nor perfectly healthy, but we are all working to make ourselves better and healthier!
That I have a good relationship with my sister.
All of my readers and followers, here and on Tumblr, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.
All of the knowledge I have gained in the past year, both in school and out. Also, that I graduated from a wonderful university!
I'm at a good place right now. I'm really going to try to stay here instead of letting myself get down like I am prone to doing..... Thank goodness for the amazing support system I have in my family, boyfriend, friends, and coworkers!
What are you thankful for today?
Happy Thanksgiving!
xx, Amy
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Holiday Gift Guide!
Hi everyone!
I apologize for my absence - yet again I have gotten busy and put many things on the back burner! Hopefully this post will make up for my absence....
As Thanksgiving approaches, so does the rush to start shopping. At my job, we've been prepping ourselves, the store, and our customers for the holidays since the middle of October - we know what the big sellers are and what customers come to the store to buy every winter season and always advise people to pick up goodies early while we have everything in stock! Makes life easier for you and for us! I've been thinking about gifts for so, so long and I am excited to introduce my first post in my Holiday Gift Guide series! I will be posting every Thursday from now until the end of the holiday season so be sure to stay tuned!
I will be focusing on different occasions and "people" in the coming weeks, but today I want to share something that I am personally loving and know would be a great gift for any woman: cold weather accessories.
I apologize for my absence - yet again I have gotten busy and put many things on the back burner! Hopefully this post will make up for my absence....
As Thanksgiving approaches, so does the rush to start shopping. At my job, we've been prepping ourselves, the store, and our customers for the holidays since the middle of October - we know what the big sellers are and what customers come to the store to buy every winter season and always advise people to pick up goodies early while we have everything in stock! Makes life easier for you and for us! I've been thinking about gifts for so, so long and I am excited to introduce my first post in my Holiday Gift Guide series! I will be posting every Thursday from now until the end of the holiday season so be sure to stay tuned!
I will be focusing on different occasions and "people" in the coming weeks, but today I want to share something that I am personally loving and know would be a great gift for any woman: cold weather accessories.
I'm personally all about this combination gift for customers that come into my store. As a Chicagoan (and recent Madisonian), I can always say that a new hat, scarf, or set of gloves is a welcome and necessary addition to a wardrobe. What sets this set below apart from others is two things: first, the pattern (love!) and second, the functionality. The solid gray gloves up there? They have tech-friendly fingertips, so using your smart phone or tablet is a breeze. In an age where almost everyone has a smart phone or a tablet they're using while commuting or walking to class, these are a serious upgrade!
Another thing I love about this gift idea is that you can break up these pieces and wear them together or separately, indoors or out! The scarf is a perfect layering piece for college students and the fingerless gloves are also great for layering with a longsleeve and keeping your hands warm (and fingers free!) while using a computer, tablet, or writing. The neutral gray and white color palette I've featured here also goes with pretty much any color outerwear, so it works for just about anyone!
Check out J.Crew for tons of fabulous cold weather accessories (cashmere! leather! patterns!) in solids and patterns and in the perfect color for everyone, and stay tuned for next week's Holiday Gift Guide!
xx, Amy
Friday, November 8, 2013
Friday Favorite
Hi everyone!
Happy Friday! Just wanted to share with you guys a music video for a song I've really been loving - "Stay the Night" by Zedd featuring Hayley Williams. I have loved Hayley Williams for yeeeeears! I think she has the most amazing voice so it's a given that I would love this song too.
On top of loving the song itself, I am loving the music video. I love the effects and in particular the dancing! The dancers and the choreography convey so much emotion and make everything they do look so flawless and easy (which, as a dancer, I know is not!). Check it out below!
Happy Friday! Just wanted to share with you guys a music video for a song I've really been loving - "Stay the Night" by Zedd featuring Hayley Williams. I have loved Hayley Williams for yeeeeears! I think she has the most amazing voice so it's a given that I would love this song too.
On top of loving the song itself, I am loving the music video. I love the effects and in particular the dancing! The dancers and the choreography convey so much emotion and make everything they do look so flawless and easy (which, as a dancer, I know is not!). Check it out below!
I could only imagine the kinds of bruises I would have if I even attempted to do some of those dance moves. I'll leave it to the professionals. Ouch.
Have a great rest of your day and an awesome weekend! I'm going to spend mine working.... and getting some content ready for the next few weeks!
xx, Amy
Have a great rest of your day and an awesome weekend! I'm going to spend mine working.... and getting some content ready for the next few weeks!
xx, Amy
Thursday, October 31, 2013
What I'm Loving: Layered Jewels
Happy Sunday everyone!
I discovered this pairing of necklaces a couple of weeks ago at J.Crew and fell in love. The crystal and stone row necklace is beautiful on its own, but I never would have purchased the lace stone necklace on it's own! The pair look perfect together and I've had countless people ask where my one necklace is from - no one guesses it's two pieces!
I discovered this pairing of necklaces a couple of weeks ago at J.Crew and fell in love. The crystal and stone row necklace is beautiful on its own, but I never would have purchased the lace stone necklace on it's own! The pair look perfect together and I've had countless people ask where my one necklace is from - no one guesses it's two pieces!
This necklace combo looks amazing with green and great with burgundy, navy, pumpkin, black, or gray! It's an incredibly versatile color pairing and I can't wait to wear it with more outfits in the future.
Here's how I wore it a couple of times last week - I love the necklaces layered or solo!
xx, Amy
Monday, October 28, 2013
Searching for Prints (Project Room Redo)
Hi everyone!
I am still hard at work redecorating my room at home. It seems like every time I accomplish something, two more projects pop up in its place! I have found a new rug for my room (just waiting to finish cleaning everything so I can vaccuum and wash my floors before putting the rug down!) and have hung a few things up on the walls. I have found some inexpensive and beautiful frames for my room at HomeGoods but now I have the challenge of filling them!
I have an idea for what I want for a larger frame, but I'm puzzling over what to put in my smaller frames. I have pink walls and I'm trying to add some touches of yellow, mint, and gray through prints and other wall decor. I've been poring over Etsy and online shops of small business print owners in the hope of finding the perfect pieces! Here are some of my favorites that I'm considering... I also love the idea of using a card as a smaller art piece on a smaller budget!
I am still hard at work redecorating my room at home. It seems like every time I accomplish something, two more projects pop up in its place! I have found a new rug for my room (just waiting to finish cleaning everything so I can vaccuum and wash my floors before putting the rug down!) and have hung a few things up on the walls. I have found some inexpensive and beautiful frames for my room at HomeGoods but now I have the challenge of filling them!
I have an idea for what I want for a larger frame, but I'm puzzling over what to put in my smaller frames. I have pink walls and I'm trying to add some touches of yellow, mint, and gray through prints and other wall decor. I've been poring over Etsy and online shops of small business print owners in the hope of finding the perfect pieces! Here are some of my favorites that I'm considering... I also love the idea of using a card as a smaller art piece on a smaller budget!
I'm having a tough time deciding what I want! There are so many great options out there. Stay tuned to see what my final picks are.
xx, Amy
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Kate Spade Friends & Family Sale Picks
Hi everyone!
October seems to be the month of the "friends and family" sale - what company hasn't had one lately!? I'm trying really hard to resist buying everything, especially because I am trying to build up my work wardrobe while saving my paychecks, but this Kate Spade sale is major!
Below are my picks - I am a sucker for anything black & white, striped, polka dotted, tortoise, or leopard (obviously!). I'm also in love with Kate Spade's cheeky twist on motifs like shoes, bows, and glasses - a lot of the time motifs like these seem childish but Kate Spade makes them appropriate for all ages! The "literary glasses" print is one I have fallen hard for, so much so that I still can't decide on what agenda I want! But the clock is ticking - the 30% off sale ends tonight at midnight (Pacific Time!)!
October seems to be the month of the "friends and family" sale - what company hasn't had one lately!? I'm trying really hard to resist buying everything, especially because I am trying to build up my work wardrobe while saving my paychecks, but this Kate Spade sale is major!
Below are my picks - I am a sucker for anything black & white, striped, polka dotted, tortoise, or leopard (obviously!). I'm also in love with Kate Spade's cheeky twist on motifs like shoes, bows, and glasses - a lot of the time motifs like these seem childish but Kate Spade makes them appropriate for all ages! The "literary glasses" print is one I have fallen hard for, so much so that I still can't decide on what agenda I want! But the clock is ticking - the 30% off sale ends tonight at midnight (Pacific Time!)!
Someone needs to take my wallet and hide it.
Have a great Sunday! Start that holiday shopping early :)
xx, Amy
Friday, October 11, 2013
Current Beauty Favorites
Happy Friday everyone!
Since I've been traveling and working a lot lately, I've had the opportunity to really wear makeup and really see how it works for me. I rarely get super excited about a product and when I do, I have to share! These are some products I have been loving lately and what I think about them.
Since I've been traveling and working a lot lately, I've had the opportunity to really wear makeup and really see how it works for me. I rarely get super excited about a product and when I do, I have to share! These are some products I have been loving lately and what I think about them.
Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss in Party Starter. I sampled this lipgloss at Sephora after seeing it on Gal Meets Glam. I think Julia is a) stunning and b) has great taste so I really wanted to check out this gloss. I'm kind of obsessed! It's a bright coral color but is still very sheer so it doesn't scream "coral lip product" - a must for me while I'm working! I have to stick with understated, natural makeup and this gives my lips a pop without major color or tons of reapplication. It is a little bit sticky but it isn't a big deal for me while I'm working. Plus, I love the minty scent (bonus!)!
L'Oreal Magic Nude Liquid Powder Foundation. I picked this foundation up at the drugstore en route to my boyfriend's birthday celebrations simply because I was so unsatisfied with the foundation I was using at the time (both because of the color and the actual product). I had heard it was good from some YouTube videos I had watched so I decided to give it a try (it was only $11 and what did I have to lose?) and it turns out that I love it! It has buildable coverage so I can make it as sheer or as full-coverage as I want and I love the matte finish it has. My skin literally looks perfect and super smooth after I apply it! What really sold me on this foundation is that after wearing it for a few hours, I don't feel super slick - it seems to soak up oil and stay matte throughout the day! There is also very little color transfer with this product, so I'm not leaving traces of foundation on my collar or hands throughout the day.
Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede Lipstick in Trendsetter. Along with understated makeup for work, I can't sport any other nail polish besides a neutral. No reds, no Lincoln Park After Dark, no glitter! So where can I experiment? Subtle lipsticks. I couldn't tell you what drew me to this lipstick in the drugstore but I do know what I love about it - the fact that it goes on like a balm and has the most perfect berry color for fall. I layered it with some plain lip balm for moisture and subtle shine (it's a matte longwearing lipstick, of course I'll need some moisture!) and everyone at work was complimenting me on the color! It's a little bit edgy for me but still works so I'm excited to wear this more as the fall goes on.
L'Oreal Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Balm. I saw this first on a YouTube video by beauty guru MeghanRosette and then heard about the product line from my sister (who has long, thick, crazy, curly hair). I got some trial sizes of the Total 5 shampoo and conditioner and was seriously impressed with how soft my hair was after using them! Since I have a lot of my current shampoo and conditioner left, I decided to hold off on buying all new bottles - but I did pick up this deep conditioner to supplement what I have now. My hair feels so silky soft!
I posted a photo of the L'Oreal foundation on my Instagram a few weeks ago - I post a lot of quickie updates on my favorite products there so if you'd like more frequent updates like that, follow me!
xx, Amy
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Fall Finds: Save or Splurge?
Hey everyone!
I'm kind of an Instagram addict. I may not post a hundred times a day (oops) but I check my feed religiously throughout the day - when I wake up, when I'm on my break, when I'm waiting for my boyfriend to text me back, and as I'm falling asleep. Last fall, Instagram became one of my biggest outfit inspiration sources! It's such a fun, easy way to post outfit pictures and see what other people are wearing. I think it's also part of the reason why some products that are instant sell outs are such limited edition cult objects. Enter: the J.Crew Excursion Vest in Herringbone.
This vest was all over Instagram/blogland last year and when the J.Crew Factory stores dropped the Factory version this year, well it's all over social media again (especially now that it's finally starting to cool off). The vests sold out in a matter of days!
Well, unfortunately not all of us have $98 (or more! in the case of this year's patterned vests) to spend on these vests so our closets had to go without. But! I was looking online at Lands' End and in their sale section they have down puffer vests in a wide range of colors (and sizes!) for $33! I was immediately drawn to the green color and I snapped it up, with a monogram, for way less than the J.Crew Factory version that recently came out! The Lands' End vest is available in regular, petite, tall, and plus sizes, not to mention a ton of colors. I also love Cinnamon Stick, a burnt orange, and Garnet, a deep wine red.
I'm kind of an Instagram addict. I may not post a hundred times a day (oops) but I check my feed religiously throughout the day - when I wake up, when I'm on my break, when I'm waiting for my boyfriend to text me back, and as I'm falling asleep. Last fall, Instagram became one of my biggest outfit inspiration sources! It's such a fun, easy way to post outfit pictures and see what other people are wearing. I think it's also part of the reason why some products that are instant sell outs are such limited edition cult objects. Enter: the J.Crew Excursion Vest in Herringbone.
This vest was all over Instagram/blogland last year and when the J.Crew Factory stores dropped the Factory version this year, well it's all over social media again (especially now that it's finally starting to cool off). The vests sold out in a matter of days!
Well, unfortunately not all of us have $98 (or more! in the case of this year's patterned vests) to spend on these vests so our closets had to go without. But! I was looking online at Lands' End and in their sale section they have down puffer vests in a wide range of colors (and sizes!) for $33! I was immediately drawn to the green color and I snapped it up, with a monogram, for way less than the J.Crew Factory version that recently came out! The Lands' End vest is available in regular, petite, tall, and plus sizes, not to mention a ton of colors. I also love Cinnamon Stick, a burnt orange, and Garnet, a deep wine red.
Find the Lands' End vest here, and if you've got ca$h burning a hole in your pocket, pick up the J.Crew Factory version here. I'll be honest, I own both Lands' End and J.Crew Factory vests, but only because I did a lot of stalking and waiting before I dropped the cash!
J.Crew is also selling a navy and white striped version of the vest here. I like this year's version less than last year's because of the pockets - I prefer the slanted pockets! They seem much easier to use and I think they contribute to the overall streamlined look of the vest. But.... if the striped version ever hits the sale section, you can bet it will be mine. Let's see if they last that long though!
Pssssst! If you use the code GRAND and PIN 2055 at landsend.com you'll get 30% off your purchase and free shipping if you spend over $50! Buy two vests to test out sizes and colors and whatever doesn't work can be brought back to a Sears or Lands' End store! Code expires 10/1/2013.
xx, Amy
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Jonathan Adler + JCP: Happy Chic
Happy Wednesday everyone!
As I've mentioned recently, I'm redecorating my room at home. Mostly this is just me purging my room of years upon years of junk, but I am also trying to update the look of my room so it's chic and pretty to look at. I've recently scored a gray textured comforter and have my eyes on some mint sheets, but while I'm hunting for those I have also been looking for some accessible and affordable updates to use right now in my room. Enter JCPenney.
This spring I came across a new line in the JCPenney home section of their website: Happy Chic by Jonathan Adler. I was familiar with Jonathan Adler but had mostly resolved myself to his fabulous line being far out of my price range. I was clicking through the pages and found myself liking everything. The prices? Not too shabby - a bit out of my college student budget in most cases, but I could see myself purchasing some of the more inexpensive items, waiting for items to go on sale, or saving up for a fabulous splurge! I've spent many hours looking at the items online and when I was able to hit up the mall on my visits home this summer, I made sure to stop by my local JCPenney to look at the line. The Happy Chic line is presented so stylishly within my store, really creating the feel of a Jonathan Adler pop up shop. The designs stay true to his original line and the quality seems to be excellent!
On a recent visit I picked up the gray pillow and white frame featured below for my room update - I can't wait to get them in place and styled just how I want them! In a dream world I would also own the gorgeous chair below (love the nailhead detailing), the elephant stool, and the lotus lamp, but for now I am keeping an eye on the pouf ottomans and thinking about a new pair of bookends!
As I've mentioned recently, I'm redecorating my room at home. Mostly this is just me purging my room of years upon years of junk, but I am also trying to update the look of my room so it's chic and pretty to look at. I've recently scored a gray textured comforter and have my eyes on some mint sheets, but while I'm hunting for those I have also been looking for some accessible and affordable updates to use right now in my room. Enter JCPenney.
This spring I came across a new line in the JCPenney home section of their website: Happy Chic by Jonathan Adler. I was familiar with Jonathan Adler but had mostly resolved myself to his fabulous line being far out of my price range. I was clicking through the pages and found myself liking everything. The prices? Not too shabby - a bit out of my college student budget in most cases, but I could see myself purchasing some of the more inexpensive items, waiting for items to go on sale, or saving up for a fabulous splurge! I've spent many hours looking at the items online and when I was able to hit up the mall on my visits home this summer, I made sure to stop by my local JCPenney to look at the line. The Happy Chic line is presented so stylishly within my store, really creating the feel of a Jonathan Adler pop up shop. The designs stay true to his original line and the quality seems to be excellent!
On a recent visit I picked up the gray pillow and white frame featured below for my room update - I can't wait to get them in place and styled just how I want them! In a dream world I would also own the gorgeous chair below (love the nailhead detailing), the elephant stool, and the lotus lamp, but for now I am keeping an eye on the pouf ottomans and thinking about a new pair of bookends!
Be sure to check out the line, especially if you need an update of your own! The line includes bedding, bath, home decor, furniture, and kitchen ware, so you will be sure to find something fabulous for your home.
xx, Amy
Monday, September 16, 2013
Blogger/Life Help: What Do You Do?
Hi everyone!
Sorry again for my long, long absence. I was honestly on a roll last week with things at home and while I was getting all of my things cleaned up, my brain has just been getting more and more cluttered! I'm hoping to really crank things out in the middle of this week so I can sit down and really let myself pick through my own brain, if that makes any sense...
The good news is that all of my stuff at home is looking way, way more tidy! I have donated so much stuff to charity and have put aside tons of stuff to sell on Poshmark and through my "Shop My Closet" page at the top of my blog. There's just so much more space in my room now, and I am loving it. BUT! That isn't even the best news!
I got a..... JOB!
Well, not a full time 9-5 job, but a job working part time at a particular store that is a favorite of mine ;)
Anyways, I'm really excited about it. I worked yesterday and it was amazing to be back. It's nice to have a clean slate and only be working with a few people that I've worked with in the past. I miss my old coworkers but I am excited to get to know the new staff. Plus I was super close to hitting my sales goal yesterday in the three hours that I was on the sales floor so I am feeling pretty great about that! I'm also enjoying the challenge of not buying everything I want because I "want" it or because it's a crazy good deal with my discount. I am really focusing on what will work in my wardrobe and what I will get a lot of use out of so I am sticking to a very curated list of items as my wishlist. Being in the store only reaffirmed those items, but I did see some jewels not featured online that I am loving. Must.... resist...
Also, I'm hoping to be more regular about posting my work outfits! I can't promise I will wear anything interesting if I'm not going to work, but maybe I'll get into a regular outfit posting schedule too (which was my original plan for this blog.... can you tell my brain is full??)!
The less great news is that I'm missing my boyfriend and I know he's missing me too. We're now going to be about seven hours apart - he got a new job that moves him farther up north. He's really excited about it (I am excited too!) but we are really going to have to figure out a schedule to see each other so the "long distance" isn't as rough. So if anyone has any advice on the subject of long distance, I would love to hear it! (Note: We are hoping for the situation to be temporary, only a few months apart, but anything to make it pass more quickly is greatly appreciated!)
LAST THING:
If you are reading this, no matter who you are (subscriber or someone who happened across my page via a Google search), please help me out! I am wondering how my fellow bloggers have their social media set up. What platforms do you have separate (blog vs. personal, etc)? I am mostly concerned with my Google + page - it is currently linked to my full name, but I kind of want to change it to a blog page (if it's even possible? I wanted a new Blogger account for my blog email but I'm just sort of confused on how to keep things separate... ugh) or revert back to a Blogger account. I'm just kind of wondering what people do and how they do it because I feel like I'm wandering and not being very cohesive. HELP!
That's it for now - please help me out by letting me know how you organize your social media!
xx, Amy
Sorry again for my long, long absence. I was honestly on a roll last week with things at home and while I was getting all of my things cleaned up, my brain has just been getting more and more cluttered! I'm hoping to really crank things out in the middle of this week so I can sit down and really let myself pick through my own brain, if that makes any sense...
The good news is that all of my stuff at home is looking way, way more tidy! I have donated so much stuff to charity and have put aside tons of stuff to sell on Poshmark and through my "Shop My Closet" page at the top of my blog. There's just so much more space in my room now, and I am loving it. BUT! That isn't even the best news!
I got a..... JOB!
Well, not a full time 9-5 job, but a job working part time at a particular store that is a favorite of mine ;)
Anyways, I'm really excited about it. I worked yesterday and it was amazing to be back. It's nice to have a clean slate and only be working with a few people that I've worked with in the past. I miss my old coworkers but I am excited to get to know the new staff. Plus I was super close to hitting my sales goal yesterday in the three hours that I was on the sales floor so I am feeling pretty great about that! I'm also enjoying the challenge of not buying everything I want because I "want" it or because it's a crazy good deal with my discount. I am really focusing on what will work in my wardrobe and what I will get a lot of use out of so I am sticking to a very curated list of items as my wishlist. Being in the store only reaffirmed those items, but I did see some jewels not featured online that I am loving. Must.... resist...
Also, I'm hoping to be more regular about posting my work outfits! I can't promise I will wear anything interesting if I'm not going to work, but maybe I'll get into a regular outfit posting schedule too (which was my original plan for this blog.... can you tell my brain is full??)!
The less great news is that I'm missing my boyfriend and I know he's missing me too. We're now going to be about seven hours apart - he got a new job that moves him farther up north. He's really excited about it (I am excited too!) but we are really going to have to figure out a schedule to see each other so the "long distance" isn't as rough. So if anyone has any advice on the subject of long distance, I would love to hear it! (Note: We are hoping for the situation to be temporary, only a few months apart, but anything to make it pass more quickly is greatly appreciated!)
LAST THING:
If you are reading this, no matter who you are (subscriber or someone who happened across my page via a Google search), please help me out! I am wondering how my fellow bloggers have their social media set up. What platforms do you have separate (blog vs. personal, etc)? I am mostly concerned with my Google + page - it is currently linked to my full name, but I kind of want to change it to a blog page (if it's even possible? I wanted a new Blogger account for my blog email but I'm just sort of confused on how to keep things separate... ugh) or revert back to a Blogger account. I'm just kind of wondering what people do and how they do it because I feel like I'm wandering and not being very cohesive. HELP!
That's it for now - please help me out by letting me know how you organize your social media!
xx, Amy
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Happy Birthday Brian (and also, my Dad!)!
Happy 25th, Brian!!!
I hope you have a wonderful day and you get to do everything you hoped. I love you and getting to spend the past eleven months with you has been nothing but the absolute best. Thank you for supporting me and loving me ever since I plucked that Miller Lite out of your hand.
Also, Happy Birthday to my Dad! I'm sad I can't be in two places at once to celebrate but you did encourage me to spend the weekend with Brian so that had better not come back to bite me in the butt...
And yes, my father and my boyfriend have the same birthday. So. Weird. Let's not overthink it.
Have a great weekend!
xx, Amy
I hope you have a wonderful day and you get to do everything you hoped. I love you and getting to spend the past eleven months with you has been nothing but the absolute best. Thank you for supporting me and loving me ever since I plucked that Miller Lite out of your hand.
Also, Happy Birthday to my Dad! I'm sad I can't be in two places at once to celebrate but you did encourage me to spend the weekend with Brian so that had better not come back to bite me in the butt...
And yes, my father and my boyfriend have the same birthday. So. Weird. Let's not overthink it.
Have a great weekend!
xx, Amy
Friday, September 6, 2013
FRIDAY!!!
Hi everyone!
Happy, happy, happy Friday! I am so excited for today - not only have I gotten a lot done this week, but I get to head up to my alma mater to celebrate my boyfriend's birthday and go to a Badger game! Pinch me, because I am pretty much still convinced that I am dreaming.
Plans for the weekend: dinner with his best friends, hitting the bars, waking up bright and early to dress ourselves in RED and tailgate before the game, heading back to Camp Randall for the game, and then dinner, just him and I, followed by a birthday cake baked and frosted by me. Oh, and his present, which I am all sorts of excited for! Not sure that it's anything "special", but I like getting to buy things for the people I love so I'm excited just to give him his gift.
I am so excited for this weekend. I feel like it is the cap on a productive and fun week for me. This week has just seemed so sunny. Maybe it's because I've been in a good mood, eating well, and getting things done, or maybe because it's cooled off enough to turn off the AC and open the windows! I am savoring every last bit of summer that I can - windows down on a sunny day, walking outside barefoot, iced coffee that is not flavored with pumpkin, and light perfumes. I think being in the moment and enjoying the now has really helped me be productive this week. It's kind of like why not go out and get a cup of coffee (um, it's only $1 at Dunkin! How can I pass that up?) and drive around with the windows down? Or why not clean up this drawer I've been meaning to get to for the past four years (because I certainly have the time now)? I'm not sure what it is but I need to a) take advantage of it while it lasts or b) make it a permanent state of mind.
(However, it's a bit ironic that after getting so much cleaning and organizing done this week, I'm leaving piles of stuff that needs to be put away out since I am leaving town and won't be around this weekend. Oh well.)
Also - I have officially signed up for my first race! I am running a 5K in November (my mom is running the 15K... maybe one day we will actually be running together) and I'm kind of excited. I've never been a runner and recently not very physically active so I need to get my booty in training. Stay tuned for progress...
Happy, happy, happy Friday! I am so excited for today - not only have I gotten a lot done this week, but I get to head up to my alma mater to celebrate my boyfriend's birthday and go to a Badger game! Pinch me, because I am pretty much still convinced that I am dreaming.
Plans for the weekend: dinner with his best friends, hitting the bars, waking up bright and early to dress ourselves in RED and tailgate before the game, heading back to Camp Randall for the game, and then dinner, just him and I, followed by a birthday cake baked and frosted by me. Oh, and his present, which I am all sorts of excited for! Not sure that it's anything "special", but I like getting to buy things for the people I love so I'm excited just to give him his gift.
I am so excited for this weekend. I feel like it is the cap on a productive and fun week for me. This week has just seemed so sunny. Maybe it's because I've been in a good mood, eating well, and getting things done, or maybe because it's cooled off enough to turn off the AC and open the windows! I am savoring every last bit of summer that I can - windows down on a sunny day, walking outside barefoot, iced coffee that is not flavored with pumpkin, and light perfumes. I think being in the moment and enjoying the now has really helped me be productive this week. It's kind of like why not go out and get a cup of coffee (um, it's only $1 at Dunkin! How can I pass that up?) and drive around with the windows down? Or why not clean up this drawer I've been meaning to get to for the past four years (because I certainly have the time now)? I'm not sure what it is but I need to a) take advantage of it while it lasts or b) make it a permanent state of mind.
(However, it's a bit ironic that after getting so much cleaning and organizing done this week, I'm leaving piles of stuff that needs to be put away out since I am leaving town and won't be around this weekend. Oh well.)
Also - I have officially signed up for my first race! I am running a 5K in November (my mom is running the 15K... maybe one day we will actually be running together) and I'm kind of excited. I've never been a runner and recently not very physically active so I need to get my booty in training. Stay tuned for progress...
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
xx, Amy
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Four Favorites: Leopard
Hi everyone!
I have returned (for now) from blogging silence. Like I have mentioned in the past few posts, my life has been a little bit chaotic and I haven't been able to sit down and read blogs or write (!) anything for a while. Part of it has been because yes, I have been busy but the other part of it is that I have just been trying to work on making myself happy and that has required a bit of a blogging break.
Since I've moved home, I've been feeling very... off? from myself and who I am and what I want. I have really been trying to remove material garbage from my life (magazine tear outs from 2007, clothes that I hate or do not fit, accumulated junk from when I was in college) as well as purge my mental archives as well (iPhone photos/apps, cleaning up my laptop desktop/files, removing negative influences). Over the past few days I've really tried to avoid junky foods or anything overly processed and even after a couple of days I feel so much better! So cheesy, but I am really tired of feeling like a slow moving slob so I have to keep myself on track. Clean room, clean(ish) eating, clear mind - that is what I am aiming for!
I sat down last night to catch up onsome a lot of blog reading, and I came across this week's Four Favorites link up - leopard print! Um, hello, my blog's title is leopardspot, you might be able to guess that I love anything leopard print! It's kind of my thing. So, without further adieu, here are my current leopard lusts.
I have returned (for now) from blogging silence. Like I have mentioned in the past few posts, my life has been a little bit chaotic and I haven't been able to sit down and read blogs or write (!) anything for a while. Part of it has been because yes, I have been busy but the other part of it is that I have just been trying to work on making myself happy and that has required a bit of a blogging break.
Since I've moved home, I've been feeling very... off? from myself and who I am and what I want. I have really been trying to remove material garbage from my life (magazine tear outs from 2007, clothes that I hate or do not fit, accumulated junk from when I was in college) as well as purge my mental archives as well (iPhone photos/apps, cleaning up my laptop desktop/files, removing negative influences). Over the past few days I've really tried to avoid junky foods or anything overly processed and even after a couple of days I feel so much better! So cheesy, but I am really tired of feeling like a slow moving slob so I have to keep myself on track. Clean room, clean(ish) eating, clear mind - that is what I am aiming for!
I sat down last night to catch up on
I am obsessed with the leopard hat! I saw it on Instagram a few weeks ago and had a vague inkling that it might be J.Crew and then I saw it on the website. Ugh. Guys. I died. If I owned this hat, I would be sporting it with a gray crewneck, an army jacket, jeans, and a little bit of sparkle. And longer hair, ideally - I love baseball hats but I have not enjoyed wearing them since I cut my hair! My inspiration for looking fab in this hat comes from Alicia of Cheetah is the New Black, one of my favorite blogs.
What are you loving in leopard print lately? I can't wait to break out my leopard scarf when the weather cools off!
xx, Amy
Bloglovin' // Twitter // Instagram // Polyvore // Tumblr
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Mirror, Mirror...
Hi everyone!
Hope your week is going well! I'm currently at my boyfriend's house, perusing antique shops and trying to survive in the brutal heat (there is no air conditioning. SOS.). Oof!
While I dream of cooler temperatures, I am also dreaming of my little room renovation at home. I have a tall white dresser from Ikea and have been using a tri-fold mirror that came with my desk (really a vanity from Target) on top of it. I've had this idea in the back of my head for a couple of years now but I think I would really like to hang a new mirror above it! My original idea was to hang a black framed mirror from Target above it, but I am also loving the idea of hanging a fun shaped mirror from Home Goods or World Market above it. While I am hunting for the perfect mirror, here are some pins that have been inspiring me!
My favorite mirror is the last one, but I also like the idea of a mirror in a simple shape with a contrasting color. Maybe I can find something at a resale shop and paint it? I am all about the DIY's for redecorating right now! If not, there's always HomeGoods - and I don't need an excuse to go there!
xx, Amy
Hope your week is going well! I'm currently at my boyfriend's house, perusing antique shops and trying to survive in the brutal heat (there is no air conditioning. SOS.). Oof!
While I dream of cooler temperatures, I am also dreaming of my little room renovation at home. I have a tall white dresser from Ikea and have been using a tri-fold mirror that came with my desk (really a vanity from Target) on top of it. I've had this idea in the back of my head for a couple of years now but I think I would really like to hang a new mirror above it! My original idea was to hang a black framed mirror from Target above it, but I am also loving the idea of hanging a fun shaped mirror from Home Goods or World Market above it. While I am hunting for the perfect mirror, here are some pins that have been inspiring me!
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xx, Amy
Monday, August 26, 2013
Whirlwind Weekend (Update)
Hi everyone!
Hitting you with a quick update on my life! Sorry this is short but I am on my way up to visit my boyfriend and I still have to throw some clothes in my favorite tote and go!
For the last week, I have getting my sister prepped to go back to school. I will refrain from an angry rant (#bigsisprobs), but I decided to help out my mom and take my sister shopping and help her pack during the daytime last week so we had less to do in the evenings when my mom was done with work. This worked out really well because I normally finished things up with my sister before either of my parents got home from work and we both had some time to relax before dinner and other back-to-school errands. When Friday hit, my sister was almost entirely packed and we just had to pull a few things together before loading up our vehicles. Once we finished packing up our cars, we spent a last night together watching movies and hanging out!
On Saturday we got up at 5am to drive down to campus. Waking up early was so worth it because we were one of five families moving in when we got there. First choice of the moving carts, no line for the elevator, any parking spot we wanted! Getting to campus early erased a lot of move in stress for all of us. With the help of our parents and myself, we had her unpacked and pretty much settled into her dorm in about 3 hours. Not too bad! After that we got lunch (we went to Friday's and I had the amazing Jack Daniel's Chicken Sandwich!), made a Target run, and did a few last minute things in her dorm room before heading back home. I fell asleep in the car before we even got onto the interstate! I woke up about an hour into the drive as my mom was stopping for a drink at McDonalds. I got a caramel Frappe as a little treat. After we got home, we all relaxed and I fell asleep super early.
Sunday was majorly low-key. I slept in and tried to do some tidying in my room. I did a lot of sorting of my cosmetics and perfumes - I'm planning on putting a bunch in glass apothecary jars so I remember what I have and actually use it! I needed to see what I have now so I can buy the right size and amount of jars.... I may or may not have discovered that I have purchased a couple of lipsticks in the same color and didn't use either one. Oops?
Well, that was my weekend! It was busy, productive, and relaxing all at once. It's weird to be home without my sister and without going back to school... we'll see when and if I ever get used to it!
xx, Amy
Hitting you with a quick update on my life! Sorry this is short but I am on my way up to visit my boyfriend and I still have to throw some clothes in my favorite tote and go!
For the last week, I have getting my sister prepped to go back to school. I will refrain from an angry rant (#bigsisprobs), but I decided to help out my mom and take my sister shopping and help her pack during the daytime last week so we had less to do in the evenings when my mom was done with work. This worked out really well because I normally finished things up with my sister before either of my parents got home from work and we both had some time to relax before dinner and other back-to-school errands. When Friday hit, my sister was almost entirely packed and we just had to pull a few things together before loading up our vehicles. Once we finished packing up our cars, we spent a last night together watching movies and hanging out!
On Saturday we got up at 5am to drive down to campus. Waking up early was so worth it because we were one of five families moving in when we got there. First choice of the moving carts, no line for the elevator, any parking spot we wanted! Getting to campus early erased a lot of move in stress for all of us. With the help of our parents and myself, we had her unpacked and pretty much settled into her dorm in about 3 hours. Not too bad! After that we got lunch (we went to Friday's and I had the amazing Jack Daniel's Chicken Sandwich!), made a Target run, and did a few last minute things in her dorm room before heading back home. I fell asleep in the car before we even got onto the interstate! I woke up about an hour into the drive as my mom was stopping for a drink at McDonalds. I got a caramel Frappe as a little treat. After we got home, we all relaxed and I fell asleep super early.
Sunday was majorly low-key. I slept in and tried to do some tidying in my room. I did a lot of sorting of my cosmetics and perfumes - I'm planning on putting a bunch in glass apothecary jars so I remember what I have and actually use it! I needed to see what I have now so I can buy the right size and amount of jars.... I may or may not have discovered that I have purchased a couple of lipsticks in the same color and didn't use either one. Oops?
Well, that was my weekend! It was busy, productive, and relaxing all at once. It's weird to be home without my sister and without going back to school... we'll see when and if I ever get used to it!
xx, Amy
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Wednesday, August 21, 2013
The Perfect Bedding
Hi everyone!
I'm sorry I've been so absent lately - like I explained last week, I just moved back home from college and am still in the middle of unpacking and getting organized. On top of that, I am also helping my sister get ready for her sophomore year of college and that involves me going shopping with her, helping her decide what to pack, and physically packing up her stuff..... otherwise it wouldn't get done and everything would be a mess! So that has slowed down my unpacking and organizing as well as slowed down any blog time I have. I haven't even been reading my favorites on a daily basis! After this week I hope to get back to a regular process (fingers crossed!).
Unpacking and organizing has really given me a drive to completely purge my belongings and redo my room. I've been ruthless these past few days going through my closet, boxes, and little trinkets and really trying to keep only the things that are important to me and things I love. Well, I definitely have the urge to redecorate! I'm just really tired of my room at home being a total mess and full of old junk. It's depressing and disorganized and doesn't really reflect me anymore. So what am I going to do? Redecorate on the cheap! Right now I am working with a room with pink walls and white furniture (what was I thinking). I have a throw pillow I bought ages ago that has two sides, one with pink and gray polka dots and another with yellow and pink flowers with mint leaves, and that is serving for my inspiration. I am looking for a solid but textured gray duvet, mint sheets, a geometric patterned gray and white rug, and a small accent piece of furniture (hopefully something thrifted and repainted!). Easy, right? Well not really - I have a twin sized bed (and my parents are not having the idea of me getting a new bed after 22 years) and most of the beautiful, "grown up" bedding I like is not available in twin sizes! Major buzzkill. I've been hunting all over the internet but I'm still kind of stuck. So...
What are your favorite stores/online shops for bedding?
Here's my bedding inspiration!
Unpacking and organizing has really given me a drive to completely purge my belongings and redo my room. I've been ruthless these past few days going through my closet, boxes, and little trinkets and really trying to keep only the things that are important to me and things I love. Well, I definitely have the urge to redecorate! I'm just really tired of my room at home being a total mess and full of old junk. It's depressing and disorganized and doesn't really reflect me anymore. So what am I going to do? Redecorate on the cheap! Right now I am working with a room with pink walls and white furniture (what was I thinking). I have a throw pillow I bought ages ago that has two sides, one with pink and gray polka dots and another with yellow and pink flowers with mint leaves, and that is serving for my inspiration. I am looking for a solid but textured gray duvet, mint sheets, a geometric patterned gray and white rug, and a small accent piece of furniture (hopefully something thrifted and repainted!). Easy, right? Well not really - I have a twin sized bed (and my parents are not having the idea of me getting a new bed after 22 years) and most of the beautiful, "grown up" bedding I like is not available in twin sizes! Major buzzkill. I've been hunting all over the internet but I'm still kind of stuck. So...
What are your favorite stores/online shops for bedding?
Here's my bedding inspiration!
I am obsessed with the Solea bedding from Anthropologie!! This duvet is so pretty and I love that it is solid gray with a little bit of added texture. Unfortunately, it is sold out in twin BUT it is on sale for anyone who might like it and have a bigger bed! I am just picturing it with mint or light pink patterned sheets and my bed and my walls... It looks so beautiful in my head!
If you know of any good places to look for inexpensive bedding, let me know! I am planning on hitting up some Bed Bath & Beyond stores in the next few weeks to search for end of season sales too.
xx, Amy
PS. Here's my bedroom inspiration pinboard!
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Bathroom Update + Lana
Hi everyone!
Hope your day has been going well! I am working on finishing up reorganizing my bathroom today - I did all of the sorting, tossing, and organizing yesterday and now I just need to put in the drawers I bought today. When I was going through everything, I realized just how much stuff I held onto because I had a "just because" and a "what if I might need this someday" mentality. Well, I pared all of that junk down (products I don't like, don't use, or are expired) to stuff I actually like and use and the few bottles of body wash or lotion that I have just a teeeensy bit left of that I should use up. I'm pretty proud of what I accomplished yesterday! Now I just have to finish up that organizing and then move on to all of my makeup.... oh boy.
Moving on.
While I was cleaning, I wanted to listen to music. I have music on my phone and the FratMusic app, but I wasn't in the mood for party/rage anthems or the same music I've been listening to for months. I remembered that FratMusic was powered by 8tracks playlists so I went and dowloaded that app... and I'm loving it! I am really loving random playlists right now so it's really working perfectly. I like that you can choose different categories of music that you are looking for, like genre, mood, or artist. I have been defaulting to the Great Gatsby soundtrack playlists lately (I really should download it.. oops) and of course I am obsessed with Lana Del Ray's "Young and Beautiful". I love Lana Del Ray - I think she has a beautiful, somewhat chilling voice, as well as physical beauty. I like the perception I have of her as well. I never hear about her on the news or anything (but then again I live under a rock) and she just seems very free spirited. One of my best friends is obsessed with her and was one of the people who really got me into Lana Del Ray so I always think of her when I listen to Lana! Anyways, I found the "real" music video for "Young and Beautiful" today and thought it was really nicely done. I love the scenes with the orchestra and the conductor... I feel like they really meshed well with the music, but maybe that's my inner band greek coming out. She's been hiding since about 8th grade so I'll let her have this moment...
Have a great rest of your day!
xx, Amy
Hope your day has been going well! I am working on finishing up reorganizing my bathroom today - I did all of the sorting, tossing, and organizing yesterday and now I just need to put in the drawers I bought today. When I was going through everything, I realized just how much stuff I held onto because I had a "just because" and a "what if I might need this someday" mentality. Well, I pared all of that junk down (products I don't like, don't use, or are expired) to stuff I actually like and use and the few bottles of body wash or lotion that I have just a teeeensy bit left of that I should use up. I'm pretty proud of what I accomplished yesterday! Now I just have to finish up that organizing and then move on to all of my makeup.... oh boy.
Moving on.
While I was cleaning, I wanted to listen to music. I have music on my phone and the FratMusic app, but I wasn't in the mood for party/rage anthems or the same music I've been listening to for months. I remembered that FratMusic was powered by 8tracks playlists so I went and dowloaded that app... and I'm loving it! I am really loving random playlists right now so it's really working perfectly. I like that you can choose different categories of music that you are looking for, like genre, mood, or artist. I have been defaulting to the Great Gatsby soundtrack playlists lately (I really should download it.. oops) and of course I am obsessed with Lana Del Ray's "Young and Beautiful". I love Lana Del Ray - I think she has a beautiful, somewhat chilling voice, as well as physical beauty. I like the perception I have of her as well. I never hear about her on the news or anything (but then again I live under a rock) and she just seems very free spirited. One of my best friends is obsessed with her and was one of the people who really got me into Lana Del Ray so I always think of her when I listen to Lana! Anyways, I found the "real" music video for "Young and Beautiful" today and thought it was really nicely done. I love the scenes with the orchestra and the conductor... I feel like they really meshed well with the music, but maybe that's my inner band greek coming out. She's been hiding since about 8th grade so I'll let her have this moment...
Have a great rest of your day!
xx, Amy
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
A Change of Pace... (Plus Beautiful Bathrooms!)
Hi everyone!
Sorry for my unexpected leave of absence (especially after I posted for five days in a row last week)! I moved back home, so I am no longer blogging from Wisconsin (insert serious sad face here) but instead from the suburbs of Chicago. I've been busy for the past couple of days unpacking and trying to reduce the amount of boxes sitting in my family's living room - not an easy task! I'm so glad I took the time to majorly clean my room at home earlier this summer; my closet is already pretty full and so is one of my dressers (I have two and I'm trying to keep one empty for the time being!). Woof.
So, I'm hoping to get into the swing of things soon. Being home is weird after being on my own(ish) for the past four years. I'm now able to drive anywhere I want anytime I want, shop at all the stores I wished I could go to while I was school, and I can stay up late watching TV in my living room without worrying about bothering anyone! That being said, I need to hit the grocery store with my mom so we can figure out what I want to have on hand during the week, need to go to the mall to apply for jobs, and need to finish unpacking, reorganizing, and cleaning my room!
While dealing with my room is a major ordeal, I am really concerned with my bathroom situation right now. My mom, sister, and I all share a bathroom. We have two sinks, two cabinets (my mom has the 3 drawers in the middle of the vanity and I think she got the best part of the deal!), and two medicine cabinets. We try to keep everything on the counter to the bare minimum - soap, toothbrushes, a couple of canisters, Kleenex, etc., so most of my things need to go in my under sink cabinet or on my one shelf in the medicine cabinet I share with my sister. I have lot of products from before I went to college, and couple those with the amount of products I had at school... well I have a lot. I think what I need to do right now is a) clean out all of my beauty items and b) buy a drawer system from Bed, Bath & Beyond for under the cabinet to double up on my storage space and divide up hair, body, and face products. I had one of those in one of my apartments and I kick myself every day for not taking it with me when I moved! Anyways, that is what is on my to-do list for this week and to inspire me to get it done, I've hunted down some pretty bathrooms on Pinterest (which was actually difficult because I never pin bathrooms!)!
I love the styling of this bathroom! I want to incorporate some beautiful touches into my organization...
Again, beautiful styling! Our bathroom is black and white with touches of red, so I like the similar color scheme. Devon has a seriously gorgeous home and has amazing style! Check out her blog, Devon Rachel, here.
This one isn't a bathroom pin per se, but I really like the idea of stacking bins or drawers and then a lazy susan! It would make looking for a particular bottle or tube of product much easier.
Okay, I am just obsessed with the blog I Heart Organizing. I really love that it's written by a Wisconsin mom but I also love her style and the fact that she strives to do everything as inexpensively as possible. She has so many innovative ideas - this organizer was made "custom" by the addition of beautiful Kate Spade jewelry boxes! I really like this for storing makeup, but I don't know if it is the most feasible option for me in this space. I kept all of my makeup in a tray in my apartment and I really liked having everything out when I needed it, so we'll see if I can work that in somehow!
Have a great Wednesday!
xx, Amy
PS. I've recently gotten back into Tumblr in a major way... follow me on Tumblr, Twitter, and Instagram for more updates!
Sorry for my unexpected leave of absence (especially after I posted for five days in a row last week)! I moved back home, so I am no longer blogging from Wisconsin (insert serious sad face here) but instead from the suburbs of Chicago. I've been busy for the past couple of days unpacking and trying to reduce the amount of boxes sitting in my family's living room - not an easy task! I'm so glad I took the time to majorly clean my room at home earlier this summer; my closet is already pretty full and so is one of my dressers (I have two and I'm trying to keep one empty for the time being!). Woof.
So, I'm hoping to get into the swing of things soon. Being home is weird after being on my own(ish) for the past four years. I'm now able to drive anywhere I want anytime I want, shop at all the stores I wished I could go to while I was school, and I can stay up late watching TV in my living room without worrying about bothering anyone! That being said, I need to hit the grocery store with my mom so we can figure out what I want to have on hand during the week, need to go to the mall to apply for jobs, and need to finish unpacking, reorganizing, and cleaning my room!
While dealing with my room is a major ordeal, I am really concerned with my bathroom situation right now. My mom, sister, and I all share a bathroom. We have two sinks, two cabinets (my mom has the 3 drawers in the middle of the vanity and I think she got the best part of the deal!), and two medicine cabinets. We try to keep everything on the counter to the bare minimum - soap, toothbrushes, a couple of canisters, Kleenex, etc., so most of my things need to go in my under sink cabinet or on my one shelf in the medicine cabinet I share with my sister. I have lot of products from before I went to college, and couple those with the amount of products I had at school... well I have a lot. I think what I need to do right now is a) clean out all of my beauty items and b) buy a drawer system from Bed, Bath & Beyond for under the cabinet to double up on my storage space and divide up hair, body, and face products. I had one of those in one of my apartments and I kick myself every day for not taking it with me when I moved! Anyways, that is what is on my to-do list for this week and to inspire me to get it done, I've hunted down some pretty bathrooms on Pinterest (which was actually difficult because I never pin bathrooms!)!
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Have a great Wednesday!
xx, Amy
PS. I've recently gotten back into Tumblr in a major way... follow me on Tumblr, Twitter, and Instagram for more updates!
Friday, August 9, 2013
Kate Spade Agendas!
Hi everyone!
It's finally Friday - which for me is both good and bad. Good because I've managed to get a post prepped for every day this week (yay!) but bad because it means I move back home on Sunday (boo). I hope the end of this week finds you in a happier place!
A little piece of happy I am looking forward to is getting this Kate Spade bangle in the mail! I saw it during the Kate Spade flash sale earlier this week and it immediately went in my cart. I need to stop thinking negatively about myself and about life, so this bangle is the perfect reminder to "look on the bright side"!
It's finally Friday - which for me is both good and bad. Good because I've managed to get a post prepped for every day this week (yay!) but bad because it means I move back home on Sunday (boo). I hope the end of this week finds you in a happier place!
A little piece of happy I am looking forward to is getting this Kate Spade bangle in the mail! I saw it during the Kate Spade flash sale earlier this week and it immediately went in my cart. I need to stop thinking negatively about myself and about life, so this bangle is the perfect reminder to "look on the bright side"!
I unfortunately missed out on a wallet I was eyeing but I think it's for the best because I have really been loving camel colored leather wallets for some time now. Remember how I had a bunch of camel colored bags in a post a while back? Well I have also been eyeing a camel wallet, and saw several that I liked at the Kate Spade outlet store close to my house. Guess I will have to start saving my pennies for one of those!
Speaking of saving my pennies... Earlier this week Lifeguard Press debuted the first part of the new Kate Spade stationary line, agendas! I am really glad I haven't ordered a Lilly Pulitzer planner yet, because I need one of these Kate Spade ones! The tough part is which pattern to pick - stripes or literary glasses (although those rosebuds are growing on me!)?
Which agenda would you get?
Have a great weekend!
xx, Amy
PS. Follow me on Twitter (@leopardspotblog) and Instagram (@leopardspot)!
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Decor Desires: Garment Racks as Decorative Objects
Hi lovelies!
Something I have been loving recently is garment racks as storage, artwork, and decor in a home. The idea has appealed to me for a while, as inspired by various bloggers and Pinterest pins, but after having my clothes out of my closet and on a rack while in the process of moving, I've kind of fell in love with it for everyday life. Hopefully one day soon I can afford the space to have my own rack and showcase some beauties... in the meantime, here are some inspiring images of garment racks in homes.
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| Emily Schuman of Cupcakes and Cashmere's home office (credit) |
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| Emily Schuman's home office, part 2 (credit) |
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| via |
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| original // via |
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| Devon Rachel's home, original // via |
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| Alice & Olivia showroom, original // via |
Have a great day!
xx, Amy
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