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Amy Marie

Life + Style

My Comfort Zone and Brunch

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

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

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)

top/pants (similar)/flats

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. These flats from Talbots, perfect for the holiday season!
  4. 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!
  5. 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

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

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!

  1. Inventory Checklist
  2. Ultimate Craft Fair To-Do List
  3. Craft Fair Sales Checklist
  4. Craft Show To-Do List
  5. Order Form
  6. Newsletter Sign-Up
  7. Craft Show Tracking List
  8. Cash Receipt
  9. Pricing Formula
  10. How to Prepare for a Craft Show + Free Checklist

 

Other helpful links:

How to Start Your Own Etsy Shop

How to Become a Self Hosted Blogger

Fall in Connecticut: A Travel Guide

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.

  1. Lyman Orchard
  2. March Farms
  3. Rogers Orchard
  4. Bishops Orchard
  5. Lovers Leap, New Milford
  6. Chauncey Peak Trial, Meriden
  7. Chapman Falls, East Haddam
  8. Farmington Canal State Park, Hamden & Cheshire
  9. Lantern Hill Trail, Ledyard
  10. Southford Falls Park Trail, Southbury
  11. Peak Mountain, East Grandby
  12. West Cornwall, Covered Bridge
  13. Connecticut Cider Map & Directory
  14. Connecticut Beer Trail
  15. Buttonwood Farm
  16. Connecticut Wine Trail

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

Currently (Vol. 1)

Vineyard Vines (similar) | KJP

I would like to start a new little thing here on the blog where every once and a while I share an unstructured post of my current favorites/interests/etc.

  1. I was in the Fall 2017 Vineyard Vines catalog with the photo from above. It was such a great surprise! Thank you Vineyard Vines! Also shout out to the VV in Farmington, CT for all the stickers when they realized I was in the magazine! 
  2. I have been obsessed with using Spotify recently. Justin and I have been obsessing over making our own playlists and sharing them with friends! Heres our favorite playlist! Also my favorite song currently!
  3. This quote … “You have been assigned this mountain to show others that it can be moved.”
  4. This top from J.Crew
  5. Fat Orange Cat brewery which Justin and I just discovered in East Hampton, Ct – dog friendly and great beer!

What have you been currently obsessing over?

5 Ted Talks to Inspire

Ted Talks are one of my favorite things to listen to. I use them to inspire myself and sometimes for a good laugh. There are a ton of amazing Ted Talks out there, but there are a few I keep going back to. Here are my top 5 Ted Talks I keep going back to when I need to be inspired! Enjoy!

  1. I got 99 problems … Palsy is just one | Mason Zayid
  2. How do you define yourself? | Lizzie Velasquez
  3. Your body language may shape who you are | Amy Cuddy
  4. The danger of a single story | Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
  5. Why I live a zero waste life | Lauren Singer

What are some of your favorite Ted Talks? Share below!

Let’s Chat: Blogging for Me

I keep deleting every sentence I type so I am just going to keep typing and press publish when I am done. OK, so I haven’t blogged since June, and have had little activity on my social media accounts. Why? Well I have had no inspiration. I know any fellow blogger who reads this will know exactly where I am at. I started blogging in 2013 on a blog called Champagne and Pearls. I blogged every single day. I blogged mainly about myself. Things I liked, my feelings, my experiences, etc. After months of this I became hungry. Hungry for money. So, I started to blog for brands, about brands, etc. Then something changed. I lost inspiration and then stopped blogging all together. In 2016 I deleted my blog. I found it to be a useless space on the internet and I hated it lurking there. But, I really wanted to be serious about blogging so I started again. I thought a fresh space would help me and it didn’t. Why? Well because I was blogging for others again and not me! I like that people can come to my blog to learn something new or gain information, but at some point I need to do what makes me happy. My mental health is so much better when I get to just type out what I feel, talk about my passion projects, and share my interest. So what does this mean? Well I am going to make a big effort to once a week “chat” with you all about something I am passionate about, interested in, want to know more about etc. I hope this will help with my desire to blog and bring more inspiration to me 🙂