Amy Marie - Page 3 of 5 -

Podcasts I’m Listening to Right Now

May 8, 2018

When I started my new job in November I increased my commute by thirty minutes. Although, I love a good morning music chill sesh or pump up sesh, my mind asked for more. More knowledge, more meaning, more understanding. After my fiance told me he had started listening to podcasts I decided to do my own exploration on the topic. Since I became one of those people who listen to podcasts, I thought I would share my favorites so you too can open and expand your minds.

The Morning Toast

Girl With No Job (also here) and Jackie O are back “like you’ve never seen them before”. Still streaming on Facebook and now on Youtube they have added a new addition to their bag of tricks – a podcast. Which honestly I am SO thankful for. Before I had to either watch them live on Instagram or the saved live broadcast from earlier. It is so nice being able to listen to the mornings episodes on my commute home from work.

They are share the fast 5 stories before you wake up and take a bite out of your morning toast. It is a must listen for fun and high quality entertainment.

Earth to Us

Hannah and Evan deliver a thought provoking podcasts that focuses on kindness: to our earth, body, animals, and others. A Vegan themed show (not the only topic they discuss) often discussing was we can live a more sustainable and conscious life. This is a podcast I listen to “to wake up”, to other thoughts ideas, philosophies , and more. I very much enjoy the topics, interviews, and questions Hannah and Evan cover. I highly recommend if you are looking for more information on a vegan life, sustainable living, zero waste, being a conscious consumer, and more.

Inside the ABA Track

This might bore you if you are not in the field of applied behavior analysis, BUT I am being completely transparent here and sharing all of the podcasts I am currently listening to right now. This is a “podcast about applied behavior analysis (ABA) and recent research in the field. A resource for continuing education.” As some of you know i completed my Masters Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and am currently seeking certification in the field. One important thing in this field (and many others) is to stay up to date on research. The crew at inside ABA make this a fun task. Always bringing on new guest to openly discuss the continuous flow of new research. If you are in the field I highly suggest listening for continuing education credits or if you are a student a chance to learn more about a variety of topics.

If you listen to Podcasts, please list your favorite below!

DIY: Tassel Earrings

May 3, 2018

Tassel earrings and very on trend right now! This quick and easy DIY will keep you on trend without breaking the bank!

Woah a DIY blogger too now? I’m just hitting all the genres this week. But, honestly I’m a DIY gal. You guys probably don’t know this (because I haven’t #blogged it) but, my fiance and I renovated a 32 ft long pull camper last summer… AND i’ve been known to dabble in the craft fair, Etsy shop scene. So yes, I would definitely consider my self a crafty person. If you have lived under a rock for the past 6 months or year you might not know, but TASSLE IS IN. Thats right, its on your clothes, shoes, hand bags, and now hanging from your ears… especially for Spring. So in the art of creating content and challenging myself I decided to make my very own, one of kind, tassel earrings. Through this process I not only learned how to make my own tassel earrings, I also learned how to spell tassel (not tassle…) .

Step 1: Gather your materials.

Very easy start here. Go to your local craft store (get coupon online… not need to pay full price ladies and gents) and gander amongst the jewelry isle. Because, girl… you are a jewelry maker now. I first picked out an assortment of golden hoops (like these), I could not find the exact package I purchased, but they are pictured below. I also picked up some embroider floss (similar). At home I already had scissor and an assortment of beads… which I did not use and will explain later.

Before going any further I want to point out that I made this way harder than it needed to be. Originally my design had cute beads on either side of the tassel to create some flash and sparkle, but I didn’t have any of the right tools to bend the material to allow the beads to slip on. Also, this materials is so flexible and flimsy. I mean its $3.99 for a packing… this isn’t Kendra Scott. Moving on…

Step 2: Create the tassel

Making tassels are so easy! I slipped the embroidery floss through the open hoop and pulled out to strings to tie around the top part of the tassel.

As you will see in the photos below I open the hoop in hopes to slide beads on to the hoop, and it resulted in me bending the wire hoop and not being able to slip beads onto the wire. If I had the appropriate tools, I probably would have been able to straighten the wire, and then bend it back. But I am on a budget, the tools I used were the ones God game me. My hands.

Step 3: Length

Once you have tied a knot, you will need to cut the length of your tassel. My advice to my self at the moment was to not cut to short, I can always go shorter, but I can’t go longer if I don’t like it. (Also, shoutout to my hair dresser for those words of wisdom. It wouldn’t be fair to take credit for her Grade A advice.)

Step 4: Repeat and Compare

Repeat steps 1-3 for your other earring.. LEAVING OUT the mistake where I unnecessarily opened the hoop and created a bumpy circle. When going to cut compare the two earrings next to each other for a matching length for both. (see: all-star hairdresser advice above)

Step 5: Assemble and Admire

If need be, continue the assembly part of your DIY project. Then admire your new favorite accessories.

Want to read more?

DIY: Monogram Bag

Things to know before you go wedding dress shopping!

May 1, 2018

*Premium content alert* Since I am engaged and getting married in the next twenty years I now qualify as a very professional wedding blogger. Thats right, ya girl is coming in hot with that wedding planning content. I recently went wedding dress shopping and found the perfect dress… I now feel obliged to share some tips and tricks to help make your wedding dress shopping experience special and magical.

I consider myself to be lucky to be the last person out of my friend group to get married. Many might disagree as recently married friends *opinions* can be tough to handle however, I am open to all suggestions and tips. Why be stressed when I can learn from all of my friends mistakes? (love you…).

The first tip, which I think is obvious is budget. Know your budget before you go shopping. When I booked my shopping appointment, I sat down with my mom to review my dress budget. We compared prices of dress shopping places and found a place that would have a lot of dresses in my budgeted area. At the start of the appointment I informed the shop owner of my budget so that she wouldn’t pull dresses for me to try on that were over.

This brings me to my next tip, finding a place to shop for wedding dresses. There is no wrong answer when choosing a place to buy a wedding dress. Most of them carry similar dresses and have a wide price range, however I was going for an overall experience. I chose The Wedding Embassy in Connecticut for its selection of dresses, price range, and environment. As I said earlier, I am the last of my friends to get married, so this wasn’t my first dress shopping rodeo. The Wedding Embassy offers a private shopping experience, Champagne Sunday. For a small fee you book a 3 hour time frame where you and your “party” get a 1:1 shopping experience with either the owner or another wedding “embassador”, brunch, and champagne. I knew wedding dress shopping was going to be an overwhelming experience, so this was honestly the best option for me.

The next important thing to consider is what you are going to be wearing underneath your dress. We are going to get a little personal here. So boys close your eyes. During your wedding dress shopping experience you get the chance to get up close and personal with your wedding dress embassador. She is your one and only friend for the day. She will be there for you in the dressing room taking your side on all the dresses you hate. She will be there to calm you down when you are feeling overwhelmed, she will remind you continuously that at the end of the day it is your dress and only your opinions matter, and she will be there you help you shimmy in and out of multiple wedding dress half naked. Honestly, a life long friendship is formed behind those pastel curtains. Sticking to my true ways I wore full coverage (granny) hot pink underwear, and my all time fave gel breast petals. 100% recommend these to a friend. They are reusable, comfortable, and my wedding embassador thanked me for wearing them. When she sincerely thanked me for wearing glorified nipple pasties… I wondered what awful things she has seen in her days as a wedding embassador.

The fourth thing to do, and honestly was a tip / gift from a friend was to bring a robe. Oh this was an amazing gift. During your time trying on dressed there will be a time where you become overwhelmed, hangry, hot, tired, etc. There is no better feeling then slipping into a comfy robe, sitting with your crew and sipping champagne for a couple minutes as you reflect on all the different shades of white.

The fifth thing I highly recommend is to get glam before your fitting. I curled my hair, put a little extra effort into my makeup, and got my nails done. It really helped me visual each dress I put on as to what I might look like that day. It also made me feel good. Self care is so important, and yes I consider getting glam self care.

The sixth tip, is to bring all the right accessories. Shoes, hair pieces, vail, etc. I know I am most likely going to be in flats so shoes were not important to me, however if you are planning on wearing heels, bringing a pair that matches the ideal height you would like to achieve is beneficial. Additionally, I know I want to wear a flower crown. I also knew the wedding embassy had one there as a prop to use for when trying on dress. The addition of the flower crown also helped me better visualize the dresses I was trying on… Are you see the theme here? VISUALIZE. “Visualizing my dreams to obtain my optimal level success.” – Some self help book I’m sure…

Finally chose a good team. I brought my mom, aunt, best friend from childhood (MOH), best friend from high school (Bridesmaid), future sister in law (Bridesmaid), and future mother in law. I felt strong with my team. Everyone has great opinions and really let me explore all dress styles… this boho girl went a little wild, but we brought it back in.

And my final, final tip… be open minded. We all go in there thinking we know what we want, what style looks best on us, but it is alright to not know… or to be wrong. Try on styles you are not comfortable with and styles you have never thought to try. I PROMISE. You will not regret it…

Have any other tips? Let me know in the comments! Happy shopping 🙂

Want to read more?

My Wedding Vision Board

Wedding Wednesday: My (#Thrifted) Bridal Shower

My Comfort Zone and Brunch

April 24, 2018

Happy Tuesday everyone! If you are new to my blog, welcome and if you are a regular, welcome back! I had an amazing opportunity this past weekend to go to visit Conspiracy in Middletown, CT, a speak easy style restaurant that offers one of a kind food and hand crafted cocktails. This was a special brunch outing to debut their Spring menu. Conspiracy partnered with local Connecticut blogger Catalyn (Confessions of a Northern Belle) and together they put on an amazing event for some of the Connecticut Blogger Babes. I had a great time and was very happy I pushed myself to go. Entering a room full of people I do not know can be terrifying. (I almost backed out from going twice.) My anxiety has always been something I struggled with, but as I have gotten older it is something I can manage more. I try to push myself more to attend these events because I always leave feeling inspired. I love getting to connect with local bloggers, brainstorm, and create collaborations. So “cheers” to getting out of my comfort zone more!

Conspiracy had a bright and warm environment with a large bar and comfortable seating throughout. After talking to some other bloggers I learned they they often host events on the evening and weekend.

I had way too many o f these mozzarella and fig bites….

My cocktail came in an adorable tea cup. I really enjoyed how none of their plates and cups matched. It added a small touch of individuality to each drink. The best part about letting myself step out of my comfort zone is meeting new people. I had some great conversations with Logan (Peculiar Porter) and Lindsay (Lindsay Demo). We talked about sustainable fashion, local brewers and more! Thanks for the great time girls!! If you are ever in the Middletown area I highly suggest stopping into Conspiracy! Let me know if you go, I would love to join you!!

Our Engagement

January 22, 2018

December 3, 2017 my best friend asked me to spend the rest of my life with him. I honestly had no suspicions going into the day. That morning we started off the day by running some errands. Later that day we had plans to go cut a Christmas tree at a farm down the road with Justin’s sister and her boyfriend. This was not an unusual plan, we did this every year. Also, Justin’s family was hosting a large Christmas party then next weekend, no this was a necessity. When we arrived at the farm, we started to head up the hill to meet Justin’s sister and her boyfriend. I was hesitant to go up the hill seeing as the farm was big and there was no way we knew they were up there and I did not want to waste time walking around looking for them. Justin assured me that up there is where the plan the type of tree that they want for the house. Up the hill we go and there they are. When we get up the hill I see them both and as we get closer I see a present under the tree. Surprisingly, this did not surprise me. Justin’s sister has recently gotten into blogging and I assumed she was taking photos for her Instagram. I made a comment about the present and she rolled with it. Justin then pointed out that the present was for me. I still did not think anything of it, Justin is very sweet and often surprises me with presents, especially around my birthday and Christmas. (Mainly, because he gets so excited and can’t wait to give them to me.) When I open the bag, there was a Blues jersey in there. I instantly thought, “Oh, we must be going to a game!”. Side not: This entire thing was filmed, and I never realized how annoying my voice was until this moment when I said outlaid “Oh, a Blues jersey?”…. ugh. Anyway, as I flipped it over I realized the back said Nelson and at that moment Justin got down on one knee. *cue the tears*

I knew what was happening at this point. While crying, I started asking him if he was serious, and although he won’t admit he began to cry too. He said that yes he was serious, among other sweet things he began to tell me. And this wouldn’t be a true Amy moment, if I didn’t make a fool of myself… so during this time I asked “Does my mom know? My dad too? Who else knows?”. Cute… I asked mainly because that was my big thing, that he needed to ask my parents permission first. Of course he did… I then began to throw my hands at him and yell “Which hand do you need?” Repeatedly. Eventully, Justin got out all the words he needed, and I of course said yes.

We popped campaigned and started to celebrate. We picked a tree, because we still needed to for the party, and headed home. At Justin’s parents house a big party had been planned. Justin had invited all of close friends, and obviously our two families. We celebrated and it was an amazing day. I cannot believe Justin pulled off this amazing day without me suspecting a thing. He thought of every detail, and truly made it a special day for the both of us.

Coming soon…

October 2019

Thanksgiving Lookbook

November 13, 2017

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays mainly because it is a nice quiet time with my family. I have a small family which means holidays are never outrageous. We do the same thing every Thanksgiving, and I like the routine. I watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade while drinking coffee at home with my parents, then we go to my aunts house for an afternoon of watching Football, eating, and typically napping. We then gather all of the Black Friday ads. This was always the time when my brother, cousin, and I were younger that we would make our list for Santa. Now we make a plan of action for shopping. I don’t always go out early on Friday, but will try to make it to some of the stores if there is a deal that is good enough. In later years I have moved to shopping more online, but do really enjoy the experience of going out and shopping. I know that sounds a little crazy, with most people dreading visiting the stores during the holidays. There is just something about shopping around stores with a hot drink in hand.

Alright, now on to the looks. I put together three looks, and really like them all. I tend to dress more casual on Thanksgiving seeing as it is just my family and I. In recent years things have changed, Justin has a larger family which means a little more traveling around on the holidays.

Please ignoring me looking away in all of the photos 😉

The first look is a look is very comfortable, cozy, and me. This is what I will most likely be wearing this Thanksgiving. It is very casual and fits well with my low key Thanksgiving!

The second look is something I would wear if going to Justin’s families house for Thanksgiving, like I said earlier he has a bigger family, at it is always nice to impress your boyfriends family right?

LOL I can not deal, all these looking away photos… There must have been something very interesting at the park that day… Well, this final look is something I would wear to a Friendsgiving with my friends. It is casual and fun look. I was having 70’s vibes when I put this look together and really like it! Also, this skirt I got at the Goodwill for $2 (!!!!) Should I do a post all about the Goodwill, because I honestly go every weekend and find the best stuff! This shirt is from Pearls and Plaid. I got the pleasure of attending a Sip and Shop there with some fellow CT Blogger Babes! If you are a CT blogger be sure to check us out, we do fun things!!

Tell me a little about your Thanksgiving traditions!

Currently (Vol. 2)

November 11, 2017

top/pants (similar)/flats

Recently this video of Reese Witherspoon giving a speech at the 2015 glamour woman of the year has gone viral. Years later Reese’s words are still inspiring others. I am glad this video has made its way back into the media.
I have been very into Podcats recently… I might be a little late to the party on this one… I also have a very diverse Podcast interest. My love for Podcasts began with Hannah McNeely and Evan Oliver and their Podcast Earth To Us, a Podcast where topic of veganism, gentle parenting, conscious consumerism, and more are discussed often. What I enjoy most about their Podcast is their honesty with themselves and their listeners. Although often serious topics are discussed, I often find myself laughing long with their stories. The second Podcast I have gotten wrapped into is Guys We’ve F**Ked, the Podcast from Sorry About Last Night by Corinne Fisher and Krystyna Hutchinson. The Podcast is described as anti-slut shaming… and it is absolutely hilarious. Listening to them is like listening to the older sisters (that I do not have) share all the inside details of their love affairs and more. It is defiantly not the Podcast for the prude at heart.
These flats from Talbots, perfect for the holiday season!
Taylor. Swift. I knew she was playing us all with some of the singles she released. I am going to be honest, I had a very hard time liking any of the singles that were released. I thought they were silly and honestly thought most of them were a joke. However, after I listened to the album Friday morning, I knew… my girl Tay was back!
Last thing I am going to share is a make-up favorite.. again I am late to the party on this one.. I feel like I have finally found a foundation, that matches my skin, gives great coverage, and feels natural on me. Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation. Full coverage, SPF 15, magic, perfection… as you and probably every other beauty blogger already knows!

Alright thats all for my “currents”. What are you currently obsessing over? Podcast suggestions? Leave them below!

Etsy Shop Interview | Green Valley Jewels

November 9, 2017

I always try to shop small and support local business especially around the holidays. Which is why today I am really excited to share with you all a local shop shop from Connecticut. Bethaney owns Green Valley Jewels a shop she runs right out of her house. I talked with Bethaney about how she got started making jewelry and what her future plans are for her shop. Bethaney’s jewelry is not only beautiful but very affordable. I hope you all enjoy this interview and I hope to share more shop interviews soon!

Your name, shop name, and where your shop located:

Bethaney Tucker – Green Valley Jewels – no physical shop, but I do all my work from home in Brooklyn, CT.

How long have you been selling on Etsy?

I’ve had my jewelry shop open on Etsy since early September.

Describe your work space:

My work space.. where do I start! I started at my kitchen table mainly because I thought it would be a short lived hobby- however my kitchen table soon began to disappear covered in beads and wire so I moved into our front office room which we had just finished as a sitting room..and that is now being taken over by all of my supplies .. so there really is no sitting going on in the “sitting room” although you’ll still find me at our kitchen counter working on things while my husband and kids play because I hate to seclude myself in a room alone.

I can absolutely relate, I have a small desk in my room and a craft cart which holds all my supplies, but still find myself spread out all throughout the house! Also, your handmade jewelry is gorgeous! Where did you learn to make jewelry?

I am self taught with all my jewelry. I won’t lie I do go to YouTube to pick up pointers on making things better – more durable etc. I would however love to take classes on particular things, like wire wrapping, you can get so detailed with it. And necklace making- I scroll through Pinterest every night looking for ideas and different styles. Some necklaces I am just blown away by the detail and work that goes into them.

What are your favorite items listed currently?

I’m in love with all my hoop earrings! I try to keep them simple so they could be everyday jewelry but add a little something extra to them so they can easily be dressed up. I’ve never been one to wear crazy big chandelier earrings (usually I just wear studs) so I like to keep the jewelry I make simple but have detail also. I also love my beaded stretch bracelets with geo and druzy connectors. It’s what started my whole jewelry making adventure so they’ll always be my favorite to make.

What items would you suggest as a gift?

My bangle bracelets are the best stocking stuffers! They are perfect because one bangle by itself is perfect but they are even more beautiful when stacked with others! You can get so creative with layering them.

Where do you source your materials?

I have a couple online beading companies that I love, a couple which are based out of New England and I also shop on etsy for beads and other supplies, like spacer beads and geo slices.

Are you doing any craft fairs this season?

I have a craft fair coming up November 11 at Westfield Church in Killingly, Ct and a craft night on November 30, in Lisbon, CT. As well I have some of my beaded stretch bracelets in a great shop in Putnam, Ct called A & L Marketplace.

What are your goals for your shop?

I’d love to just get more followers, I know at this point Etsy is very saturated with jewelry so its kind of like being a needle in a haystack when it comes to shoppers finding your pieces. But I try to make pieces that will stand out when people search for particular trends as well as take pictures that are eye catching.

What is some advice you would give to a new Etsy seller or advice you would give to yourself when just starting your shop?

It’s all about wording and social media. When I first opened my shop I was only using a quick title to each piece and after I noticed other sellers had several phrases and references in the titles so I tried and my views have gone up quite a bit. As well social media is a big one! I have a separate Instagram page for my shop that I post to atleast 3-5 Times a week and on days I post I always notice a jump in views and visits. And pictures are obviously one of the most important things with Etsy shops- you have to give shoppers the best possible views of every item so they feel like they are almost holding it in their hand. I always take my photos outside I think natural light compliments my jewelry as well you see every detail.

That is great advice!! Thank you so much Bethaney for sharing your Etsy shop with me today! Please be sure to check out Bethany and her shop Green Valley Jewels!

Instagram

Etsy Shop

10 Free Printable for Craft Fair Sellers

October 31, 2017

The biggest tip I give to sellers who are just starting out selling at craft fairs is to be organized. As a buyer I know when a seller isn’t organized: they don’t know their inventory, their display is messy, they aren’t prepared, etc. Some sellers might not take craft fairs seriously, which is fine, but for me I am taking my online shop and giving it a space for the day (I take it seriously!). I create my displays as if I were to sell my items in a store. I want my booth to express myself and my shop. I also find a good display is memorable to buyers, that they will buy again or visit your online shop! Today I have compiled some freebies from the internet to help your craft fair go smoothly!

Fall in Connecticut: A Travel Guide

October 11, 2017

The leaves have started changing here in Connecticut and I couldn’t be more excited for fall activities. Connecticut is full of places to visit during this time of year and I love visiting new places each Fall. I am lucky to live in the center of Connecticut where I have access to apple orchards, pumpkin patches, great hikes and more! Here is a list of places I have visited and hope to visit this Fall.

Have you visited any of these places? What are some places you have visited that are not on the list?