lifestyle

If It happened To Me, It Can Happen To You

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Cream Sweater || Similar Suede Leggings || Star Earrings ||

As I was mentioning in my previous post, I’ve been a bit absent from the blog and if you follow me on social media, you’ll notice quite a change on there as well. My Instagram and e-mails were all hacked, with my Instagram specifically being held hostage from me until I would give the hackers, who were Russian, money. Crazy, right?! I did not give anything so they went ahead and permanently deleted my account. They were consistently texting and sending me e-mails trying to get me to pay them the money. It’s an extremely scary situation where you feel completely violated. Instagram is not the begin all and end all of the world, but for bloggers and any business, it is a huge part of their promotion. It’s typically why a company will want to work with a blogger. It was a huge blow to lose five years of hard work, the friends I had made over the years, and of course, the highlight reel of memories.

On top of losing my Instagram and business that went with it, I could also see the hackers were in my e-mail, which is how the hack originally happened. Please, be extremely careful with links! I received an e-mail from a company I know, or rather thought I knew, asking to work with me and for me to view their collection of items to choose from. I clicked the link and BOOM, I was hacked. The impersonators pretended to be from Good Night Macaroon, so if you receive any e-mails from them, double check the authenticity first, though I have a feeling the hackers use tons of different companies that bloggers/influencers/people work with. After that, I had to delete my e-mail accounts as well and have my computer wiped clean. You really never know. I learned a good and hard lesson from this episode. I’m not the only one this has happened to and I will not be the last. Last year, thousands of Instagram accounts were hacked by Russians and apparently, it’s still going on. Aside from Instagram, people get hacked everyday. The question is not if, but when it will happen. It’s unfortunate we live in a world where this happens on a daily basis, but the best thing you can do is to be vigilant in protecting yourself.

One last note is my disappointment with Instagram’s customer service, or lack there of. It took me an hour and a half just to find the correct form to submit to Instagram to let them know my account was hacked. If this happens to you, it is a purple form that pops up from the login page, but good luck finding it. I found it by accident. By the time I did find it, instagram informed me that my account had already been permanently deleted and there was nothing they could do. Sorry for the inconvenience. I was flabbergasted. There is no one to call, no where to send an e-mail. Basically, no one to contact if something goes wrong. Not exactly the best way to run your company.

With this all going on, I also had my brother’s wedding to prep for and then to celebrate and work photographing the big day. More on that happy occasion to come! Needless to say, I’ve been a bit busy dealing with all of this, but I will not let the bad parts get me down. Yes, it was discouraging and I had a lot of work to do afterwards, but my reason for starting this blog was to inspire people and I can still do that here on the blog, with or without Instagram. As it was for me, let this also be a learning lesson for others as well. Now, it’s time to move forward and to get going again. I’m more than ready to get back on here. Also, a big thank you to everyone who helped during the hacking period. Your help and understanding is more appreciated than you’ll ever know.

xo, Amanda

It's The Great Pumpkin, Ava!

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Ava’s Pumpkin Top || Ava’s Pumpkin Stripe Leggings ||

Good morning, friends! A few weekends back, Ava and I went to Roba’s Pumpkin Patch with some of our friends for a day filled with fun and tons of fall activities. Did I mention the delicious food too? Not going to lie, the food is usually my favorite part, haha. For late September, the weather turned out to be extremely warm with beautiful golden sunshine throughout the day. The kids had an amazing time with everything from corn mazes, hay rides, pumpkin patches, big slides, bounce pillows, the spider rope web, searching for gemstones, pony rides, feeding baby farm animals, tug-a-wars, playgrounds, cow tractor rides and so much more! Ava already wants to go back lol. She was also pretty excited when I told her we were going to a pumpkin patch and could not wait to wear all of her pumpkin gear. The admission prices are cheaper is you purchase the tickets ahead of time online. The current month of October has the highest prices, while September and November are slightly cheaper. Here’ s a link to their homepage with more information on what to do, admission prices, and directions to get there. One thing I’d like to go back for are the campfires where you can roast marshmallows. Of all the times I’ve been there, that is one thing I still have not done. Definitely on my bucket list for next time!

xo, Amanda

A Fall Floral Dream

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Dark Floral Dress c/o || Ava’s Sunflower Dress c/o || Karen Walker Sunglasses || Basket Bag || Pink Bow Flats || Pink & Blue Co. Bracelet c/o ||

Good morning and happy Wednesday, friends! One item on my bucket list has always been to visit a flower farm and over this past weekend, it finally became a reality! What dreamy day it was too. The weather was absolutely perfect for taking in all of natures splendor. The views were breathtaking and gave an overall sense of calm when gazing out upon the colorful land. Needless to say, Ava and I had an absolute blast. She loved seeing all of the sunflowers, zinnia’s, and especially running through the vast fields. Not only are there flower fields, but the Lakeland Orchard (a part of Roba’s Family Farms) also has a vast array of activities for the entire family to enjoy. Along with the sunflower and zinnia festival, there is also apple picking, an antique carousel, the cow train express, a pumpkin bounce, a giant corn box to play in, various yard games, toy duck races, a goat corral, a hippity hop bounce corral, the cider garden, and for the “young at heart” there is also hard cider available. There’s also food and drinks at the orchard cafe with the cider slushee’s being a big hit with everyone! I believe in later fall there are also fire pits available to enjoy as well. There is a small admission fee, but if you purchase the tickets ahead of time online, they are cheaper. Along with the admission fee, you are able to cut one flower a piece for free. You can cut more flowers if you wish for an additional cost. To check out more about the farm, click here.

With the stunning weather, Ava and I dressed in our floral dresses for the fun flower filled day. I love slowly transitioning to darker florals as the seasons progress. This particular dress has a beautiful dark green background with golden cascading leaves and pretty pink flowers. The perfect dress to compliment fall. The dress fits true to size. I’m wearing an XS.

Check out below for some family photos from the orchard!

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xo, Amanda

To The Max

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Tank Top (Old) || Similar Leggings || Nike Sneaker ||

I must admit, when it comes to exercising, I am not knowledgeable at all. I wouldn’t even pretend to be, though I do like to stay healthy and find taking walks, jogging, or hiking to be my favorite ways to get and stay active. Not to mention chasing after Ava all day, haha! Ava and I both have our favorite outdoor spots to get active at and for me personally, I find dressing the part always helps motivate me to get out and exercise as much as I can. I love a simple tank, leggings, and sneaks in summer. If I’m at home, I’ll switch the tank out for a sports bra. When the weather starts to cool, I throw on an active sweatshirt with leggings and sneaks. It’s very low key, but still helps get me in the exercise mindset! Below are some of my recent activewear favorites. Also, I always love to have coconut water with me when exercising.

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Activewear Tops:

Activewear Bottoms:

Sneaks:

xo, Amanda

Rocking Like It’s 1964

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Pink Muzen Radio HERE and HERE c/o || Dress, ModCloth (Old, SIMILAR) || Gold Hoop Earrings || Pink & Blue Co. Bracelet c/o ||  

Good morning, friends! I am a retro girl at heart and was so excited to be introduced to this stunning portable radio from Muzen. It’s reminiscent of radios from the 1960s, specifically 1964, and comes in the prettiest vintage colors from mint green, sky blue, flamingo pink, crimson red, lavender metal, and more! Each mini radio comes with a portable carrying case, charger, strap, stickers, postcards, aux cable, and a warranty card. The radio itself has blue tooth, FM radio, and auxiliary. The sound quality is excellent and construction is elegantly flawless. It’s very durable! The retro design makes me swoon and Ava and I love listening to our favorite tunes wherever we go!

Use the code XOAB for 15% off of your Muzen Radio order! Shop for your favorite color here!

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xo, Amanda  

Set Sail Summer

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Amanda from A Fashionable Hostess and Helen from Style Inherited 

  Helen from Style Inherited, Me, Amanda from A Fashionable Hostess, Krystal from A Pinch Of Lovely, Danielle from Shop Dandy, and Jenn from Haute Off The Rack. 

Amanda from A Fashionable Hostess and Helen from Style Inherited

Group photo by Julia Dags

Sail To Sable Dress c/o || Sail To Sable Sweater c/o || Jack Rogers Sandals c/o || Pom Pom Straw Clutch c/o || Sunglasses || Jackie Kennedy Pearl Earrings || Pink & Blue Co. Bracelet c/o ||  

Good morning and happy Friday!! A few days ago I had the honor of attending the SetSailSummer blogger event held by Sail To Sable and Palm Beach Lately at the Wee Burn Beach Club in Connecticut. It was a celebration of all things summer where I got to meet some truly talented and lovely people. It was so much fun getting to know everyone and especially meeting the team behind each brand. The evening was quite a magical one with soft music playing in the background, the golden sun slowing setting, the chatter of new and old friends meeting, the rosè flowing, and the cutest summer themed hors d'œuvres. No detail was overlooked!

All of the gals were decked out in their best Sail To Sable outfits and most wearing their new Jack Rogers USA sandals. Monogram Mary was also on hand to monogram anything you wanted from sweaters, to clutches and tote bags. Sail To Sable was kind enough to ask which pieces from their summer collection we would like to wear for the celebration. I chose this pretty clip dot dress with fun tassels and ruffle hem. It was perfect for

The view at the Wee Burn Beach Club was absolutely breathtaking and the perfect backdrop for a summer soirée. The sunset was dreamy and we were all commenting on how gorgeous it was. Our lodging for the event was at the Roger Sherman Inn, which had the most amazing porch dining area and quintessential New England charm. Cheers to old and new friendships and a summer night to remember! 

Thank you so much again to Sail To Sable, Palm Beach Lately, Jack Rogers USA, and Monogram Mary. 

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xo, Amanda 

**Travel and lodging expenses were provided by the brand. All opinions are my own.

Part & Parcel

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Part & Parcel Greeting Cards c/o || Mary Poppins Umbrella Top || Skirt || Writing Desk || Pink Chair || Rifle & Paper Co. Pen || Star Globe || Pineapple Photo Clip ||

Good morning and happy Wednesday! I’m very excited to be teaming up with Part & Parcel, a monthly greeting card subscription service, for a fun giveaway today! Receiving a handwritten note or unique greeting card in the mail puts the biggest smile on my face and instantly brightens my day. It lets the reader know you took time out of your busy day to pen a letter with them in mind. Last month I wrote a post on the art of the handwritten note here. This is the perfect compliment to it!

Part & Parcel make it their mission to spread more happiness through snail mail. Let’s be honest, it means so much more receiving a card in the mail than it does by e-mail text. It’s the personal touch we all crave. Each month their customers receive a package with unique cards (stamps included!) made by independent and artisan card makers. It’s important to keep in touch with our loved ones and to also always have a card on hand when needed! 

To find out more about the giveaway, head to my Instagram here. In addition to the giveaway, you can use the discount code ENCHANTINGELEGANCE for 50% off the first month of a subscription.  

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xo, Amanda  

Healthy Living // Meidcal Medium

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Raspberry and Lime Chai Pudding Parfait  

Coconut Tortilla Chips and Salsa  (This recipe I made up myself)

Tomatoes, Cilantro, Olive Oil, Lime Juice, Onions, Salt and Pepper.

Fresh Celery Juice  16oz on an empty stomach (wait 1/2 hour to eat)

Black Bean Humus

Pumpkin Pie Pancakes  

Honey Berries  

 Wild Blueberry Pancakes

Good morning dear friends and happy Monday! I’ve always been one to watch what I eat, though never eliminating anything from my diet. Eating healthy has always been important to me, but I would never “diet” or exclude food, only keeping the “bad” food in moderation. I recently came across The Medical Medium’s Instagram account through Selma Blair, who was recently diagnosed with MS, the illness my mom bravely fought for 16 years. She was showcasing her morning celery juice, which is the cornerstone of the Medical Medium’s healthy lifestyle. Celery juice is taking the world by storm! Read more about it here.

Always curious about eating the best I can, I spent a few hours reading through Anthony’s blog posts, Instagram posts, and testimony from readers of his books all over the the world. There’s a wealth of information, and I highly encourage you to read through some of it, but these are the key points:

  • No dairy (I drink Almond Milk)

  • No eggs

  • No corn

  • No canola oil

  • No soy

  • No gluten

Eating only fresh foods from the earth, and either limiting or completely eliminating processed foods, will have a tremendous impact on your health and overall well being. Eating this way should eliminate the heavy metals, toxins, parasites, and virus’s, living within the body. The goal is to cleanse and heal the liver, thyroid, and gut of these. I do use some processed foods, though they all follow the guidelines above and are organic like the Coconut Tortilla Chips I have with the salsa. Wegman’s has their Marketplace section, which is amazing for finding healthy snacks and foods. Below are some of the snacks I found at Wegmans. The Hippeas are from Target.

I started with the celery juice, 16oz of fresh celery juice each morning on a empty stomach and then waiting half of an hour before eating. Read more about how celery juice heals HERE. It’s all about their mineral salts reducing inflammation and neurotoxins! I feel extremely energized, calm, and alert after starting about 3 weeks ago. I do not need to have coffee anymore either! Overall, after starting to eat cleaner, I have less digestive issues (bloating, burping,) and feel more alive than ever. I was also starting to experience some neuropathy type issues along with muscle soreness in my legs, which has also disappeared as well. My brother jokingly calls this my dirt diet, though he’s not completely incorrect, haha.


The above photos are just some of the recipes I’ve tried (and loved) over the last few weeks. I also eat a ton of fruit and vegetables throughout the day. After my celery juice, I have a bowl of the berries with honey and a green tea. I then eat an apple and a banana followed by a small bowl of raspberries and a cutie (orange). The raspberries and tangerine “help prevent the calcium loss that can occur as the thyroid virus forces the body to use its calcium stores to wall off the virus in nodules and cysts, both in the thyroid itself and throughout the body. Help prevent osteoporosis.” At lunchtime, I have coconut water with a salad I made up of organic spinach, hearts of romaine lettuce, broccoli sprouts, cilantro, cucumber slices, nut cheese (Parmela Creamery found at Wegmans), and fajita chicken (I make a batch of this a head of time and save for my salads throughout the week.) I’ll also make cucumber juice to have along with some more fruit to snack on (cantaloupe, watermelon, carrots, zucchini spears, kale chips (2tbs eevo tossed with some fresh kale, salt and pepper, bake for 10 mins) kiwis, grapes, strawberries). I’ll also snack on some baby carrots and the black bean hummus or I’ll make guacamole or the fresh salsa. Dinner is really a toss up and different everyday, but my morning breakfast, lunch, and snacks are pretty much the same everyday. The pancakes for dinner is always fun or zucchini pasta, salmon and veggies (mushrooms, brussel sprouts, red peppers), seasoned chicken, or even a soup. Sometimes I’ll make the parfait for dinner and it’s soooo filling!

Anothy also has kids recipes available, thank goodness! Kids are notoriously picky eaters, especially with health food, but I’ve always been very lucky with Ava. She eats a lot of fruit and some vegetables throughout the day anyway. Shes also a big fan of the pancakes, parfait, and the healthy snacks we found at Wegmans and Target. Kid approved! 

  

 

xo, Amanda 

The Art Of The Handwritten Note

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Blue Lace Dress c/o || Blue Embellished Shoes || Rose Floral Pen || Pink Polka Dot Pen || Hydrangea Stationary || Lighthouse Note Cards || The Art Of The Handwritten Note || Mint Arrow Clipboard || Gold Flower Earrings || Pink & Blue Co. Bracelet c/o || 

Good morning and a very happy Friday, friends! This is a post I have been wanting to do for quite some time now and I am beyond excited to finally have it for you today. I’ve been hand writing notes for as long as I can remember. I used to write very simple ones to my mom and dad when I was younger. I would write to my mom as often as I could once I no longer lived at home. Though she couldn’t write back, she loved to receive them. My dad would read them to her. I wrote to my grandmother quite a bit, to friends and family members, and of course I wrote many love letters over the years. Even with email and texting becoming the norm, my late husband and I would still hand write letters to one another. I would thank friends for having my late husband and I over to their homes or for any gifts received. I would write to simply catch up with family members.

I do realize that I’m talking about physically writing out a note on the very medium that makes note writing seem obsolete. Today’s world consists of instant everything. I believe for that very reason that writing and receiving a hand written note are all the more special and heartfelt. It is something that takes time and a good amount of thought put into it. There is no backspace key or delete button. Writing and sending a note shows the recipient you care about them and you took time out of your busy day to pen the letter. It has more meaning than an email or a phone call, and while those are perfectly fine ways to communicate, especially if a matter is urgent, there is still a personal feeling and indeed an art to writing a note by hand.

I personally like to set my writing area up before I sit down to compose my letter. I always have a cup of coffee or tea on hand to sip while thinking of the words that will eventually reach the page. The pen and paper you choose will set the mood for what you are about to write as well. I will admit that I am a sucker for pretty office sulies, especially pens and stationary. I’m inspired to write when I have a beautiful pen and card to write upon. The paper chosen can express to the reader a message before they even begin to read your letter. The size of the paper, the thickness, is it decorated or have initials on it, and the color all send a subtle message. Even the pen you choose will influence how you write and should make you feel confident when doing so. How the pen feels in your hand and appeals to your eye will make for the perfect combination.  

The most common hand written note would be the thank you card. Also, when in doubt, always send one. It’s better to over thank than to not thank at all. Other occasions are love letters, condolences, thinking of you, congratulations, invitations, and a request.  

In the very most basic form your note should include the following:  

1. The location from where you are writing from

2. The date

3. Salutation (Dear, Hi, Hello!)

4. Text. Three sentences minimum will fill the front of a notecard nicely. 

5. Windup Phrase (thank you again, looking forward to seeing you). This is a transition to the closing.

6. Closing (Cheers, Sincerely, Yours, Best, Affectionately). The closing words give the impression of a wave, handshake, hug, or kiss.  “Best” and “Bye” are breezy and impersonal like a wave. “Sincerely” is impersonal and formal like a handshake. “Yours” and “truly yours” are personal and casual like a hug. “Affectionately” and “love” are very personal like a kiss.   

7. Signature

 

I recently picked up The Art Of The Handwritten Note and devoured the book. It’s the perfect compliment to any writing desk and fantastic for someone who would like to start writing notes or write more frequently. It’s where I got some of the information here from. I highly recommend it! 

 

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xo, Amanda  

2019 Reads

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Pink Sweater c/o || Skinny Jeans || Glitter Slippers || 

Good morning friends and happy Tuesday!  One of my most favorite things to do is to open up a good book and dive into a new adventure. I didn’t realize how many books I owned until I moved either. Let’s just say it’s quite a bit. I own many biographies of my favorite people or stories about my favorite movies and television shows. My kindle app is also filled with stories ranging from romantic to sic-fy and everything in between. I read 55 books alone on my kindle app and countless more in my physical library.

Now that I have some down time again, I’m getting back into the books I had started before moving. Currently, I’m reading JFK and the Masculine Mystique by Steven Watts along with The Fabulous Bouvier Sisters by Sam Kashner and Nancy Schoenberger. I just finished Reese Witherspoon’s, Whiskey In A Teacup, which was beyond darling! I cannot wait to try some of the southern recipes she features as well. 

These are the highly anticipated books for 2019 that I’m anxiously awaiting to dive into: 

 

A charming romantic comedy, 99 Percent Mine tells the story of Darcy Barrett, a woman who met her dream man when she was eight years old and knows no one else will ever live up to him. The only catch? Tom is her brother’s best friend making him off-limits....

The Lost Girls Of Paris is an emeltional story about friendship and bravery among a group of female spies based on amazing true events set in World War II. 

Fixie Farr is always fixing things for everyone else, but a chance encounter with a handsome stranger leads her on a path to taking charge of her life — and maybe finding true love along the way.

 The Huntress centers on a lethal Nazi villainess set in World War II with realistic characters and a truly compelling story making this the perfect book for readers who adore historical fiction. 

The author of Eat, Pray, Love is back with a love story set in the glamorous world of the New York City theater scene in the 1940s. Vivian Morris, now 95 years old, looks back on her life filled with adventure, scandal, and heartbreak. 

I’m the most excited for the release of this book. I was completely enchanted with The Night Circus and know this one will be worth the wait. A graduate student, Zachary, finds a mysterious book hidden in the library that leads to a series of clues that sweeps him away on a magical adventure.

xo, Amanda  

New Year, New You

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Hum Nutrition Gut Instinct c/o || Hum Nutrition Daily Cleanse c/o || Hum Nutrition Flatter Me c/o || Cocofloss Strawberry c/o || Cocofloss Coconut c/o || Skin Laundry Face Foaming Wash c/o || Port And Polish Pillbox c/o || 

Good morning and happy Tuesday, friends! Today is all about starting fresh, staying on track, and sleeping clean. Healthy habits start within and the new year is one of the best times to create a regimen that will keep you happy and healthy inside and out. 

The Hum Daily Cleanse capsules use botanicals to give a deep detox of the skin, liver, bowel, kindneys, lungs, and lymphatic system. Clear skin starts from within!

The Hum Flatter Me capsules help keep your stomach flat! They are formulated to optimize protein, carb, fiber and fat breakdown and to help with nutrient absorption, relief from indigestion and bloating.

The Hum Gut Instinct vegan capsules are packed with 25 billion friendly organisms to help boost the immune system and fortify skin against aging and breakouts. 

Cocofloss is not your everyday run of the mill floss! It contains coconut oil (a natural antimocrobial) to help soothe gums, while textured fibers scrub away all that’s left behind. Plus, they’re flavored! 

The Port And Polish Pillbox has a soft matte finish and a clean design, available in five different colors. These are designed to look as good at brunch as they are in your kitchen or on your nightstand.  

Skin Laundy’s Foaming Face Wash features soothing cucumber and chamomile while effectively washes away excess oils and impurities without drying the skin. Plus, it smells like fresh linens!  

xo, Amanda  

Our Halloween Pumpkin

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Darth Vader Pumpkin Kit || Pumpkin Kits || 

Happy Monday, friends! First off, the biggest congratulations to my cousin Chris and his new bride Julie on their beautiful wedding this past weekend! It was an amazingly lovely event filled with love and happiness. I couldn’t stop smiling the entire time. It’s rare to find two people so perfect for one another and these two are it.  

Halloween is fast approaching and my little Ava bug is extremely excited! I’ll give you two guesses who she is going to be, lol. This year we decided to go with a pumpkin decorating kit as the main “big” pumpkin with her favorite love Mr. Darth Vader. What I love about these kits is how easy they are and how you can re-use the parts for the following year. Darth came with black paint, a paint sponge, his head, two arms, and chest plate. We got ours at Target for $10. Once the paint was dry, I made small holes in the pumpkin to push the pieces into. I saw online some people used a decorative black pumpkin from a craft store like Michael’s instead of a real one, but we went with the real deal. After the pieces were in, we touched up some of the paint where it was sparse and voila! A pretty cool Vader pumpkin was born. Needless to say, Ava LOVES it! It’s a good idea for any last minute pumpkin decorating too. Happy decorating!! 

 

xo, Amanda  

Falling In Love With Classic Fall Movies

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It’s that time of the year again for my seasonal favorite classic movies: Fall edition. These are my top 10 movies that I love to watch when the air turns crisp, the leaves begin to change into their brilliant colors, and the sweet smell of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin spice everything fills the air. There is no certain order to the list, though my number one favorite is listed as number one. It’s no surprise too that a few of these are from Alfred Hitchcock. His movies are what inspired my love for the classics and some are truly spooky with a bit of thrill to them. Speaking of, you’ll find some scary thrillers on this list for Halloween and also breathtaking fall foliage along with back to school themes. Without further ado, here are my favorite fall classics, with one honorable mention at the end! 

  

1. The Trouble With Harry: 

This is without a doubt my most favorite fall movie. I watch it as soon as fall begins and then a few times after. I watched it just this past weekend and it truly never gets old. The trouble with Harry is that he is dead. It’s as simple as that! It’s a Hitchcock movie that doesn’t necessarily feel like a Hitchcock one, but the suspense is still there along with a good dose of English humor. This was Shirley MacLaine’s first big movie role and she fit the part perfectly. The little boy, that’s Jerry Matthews or more commonly know as The Beaver from Leave It To Beaver. The best part about the movie is the scenery. The breathtaking views of the Vermont countryside at their peak in October. A fun fact, the film crew got most of the exterior shots done for the movie, though not all, before a snow storm hit the area and knocked all of the leaves off of the trees. Afterwards, everyone packed up and headed back to Los Angles to complete filming on a sound stage. Hitchcock had the idea to also pack up the leaves that had fallen off of the trees and ship them to LA as well. When they arrived, they were painted and then pinned to the trees on the set. Pretty cool idea! 

 2. Psycho: 

Arguably, this is Hitchcock’s most famous movie and with good reason too. Ever been afraid to take a shower? It’s becuase of this movie. It’s quite a psychological thriller with twists and turns and one of, if not the best, psychological killers out there. Anthony Perkins portrayal of Normal Bates is a masterpiece to watch. No one could have quite played the part like he did. I actually based my high school senior project on this movie, specifically Norman Bates. I’m not sure if schools still require the year long “senior project” but at the time mine did. I researched mental health focusing on multiple personality disorder, which is what Norman Bates suffers from. While doing my presentation, I showed clips form the movie, which my teeachers LOVED. 

 3. Murder By Death:

This is such a good movie and one that is underrated in my opinion! It’s a classic who done it starring one of my favorite detectives of all time, Peter Faulk (who plays Colombo on television.)  This movie reminds me very much of the game Clue, which I also love. I even have a Hitchcock edition of Clue! The plot revolves around five famous literary detectives and their sidekicks who are invited to a bizarre mansion to solve an even crazier murder. The halarity that ensues is priceless! There are so many great actors in this too from Peter Faulk, Peter Sellers, Alec Guinesses, David Niven, Maggie Smith, James Coco, and even Truman Capote. James Coco’s character of Milo Perrier portrays the famous Hercule Poirot and is my favorite in the movie. He’s just too funny! A fun fact is that while Alec Guinness was filming this movie he was reading a script he recently received from a little known director named George Lucas. That movie, Star Wars. 

4. When Harry Met Sally:  

This movie has to be one of the most popular rom coms ever made. While it does go through multiple seasons, the fall foliage ones are amazingly beautiful. The true quest of the movie is debating the question if men and women can truly be just friends without becoming romantically involved. I love Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal in this movie. Their chemistry together is superb and of course the New York backdrop fits in perfectly as well.  

5. Bell, Book, And Candle:  

Kim Novak entrances in this film with her hypnotic eyes that cast a romantic spell. If you like witches, this one is for you. This movie actually inspired the beloved television classic Bewitched starring Elizabeth Montgomery. Kim plays a modern day witch living in a New York apartment when a handsome gentleman, Jimmy Stewart, moves into the apartment above her.   Jack Lemmon also stars as Kim’s brother with magical powers as well. 

6. The Birds:  

Another Hitchcock classic (aren’t they all?!) that takes a look at what happens when birds decide they’ve had enough and start attacking people. Rod Taylor and Tippi Hedren star in this masterpiece where survival becomes the priority. I love this movie. It’s one of my most watched Hitchcock films and one of my most watched all time films. The tension slowly builds with impending doom for the town and characters involved compounded by the fact the viewers are never given any real answers. Even the end of the film never has the words “The End” written. This was only the beginning of the terror created by our fluffy bird friends. It’s mesmerizing to watch. 

 

7. Sleepy Hallow: 

 Sleepy Hallow may be a relatively recent classic, but in my opinion a classic none the less. This stars Johnny Depp as Ichabod Crane in a re-telling of Washington Irving’s classic short story.  This tends to fall more on the scary side with the folklore of the headless horseman terrorizing the townspeople of Sleepy Hallow. I’ve been quite of fan of this story for as long as I can remember. I used to watch the Disney version, The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad and also loved the version from Are You Afraid Of The Dark, The Tale Of The Midnight Ride. One of my favorite shows, Murder She Wrote, also has a Sleepy Hallow tale with The Night Of The Headless Horseman. 

8. Harry Potter And The Sorcerers Stone:  

This is the first Harry Potter movie, based on the books by J. K. Rowling, but any of the Potter films are great for fall time and back to school inspiration. The books and movies are truly magical and incredibly well done. A sense of wonder and excitement always comes with any of the Harry Potter movies. There’s even a bit of fright with the evil that haunts the magical world. Magic literally comes to life in these films and it’s breathtaking to watch. As a long time Harry Potter fan, these film adaptions are above par. 

9. Ghostbusters:  

Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters! This is one of those smash hit movies that combines the comedic charms of Billy Murray and Dan Aykroyd with spookiness perfectly. Who can forget the Stay Puft Mashmallow Man rampaging through the streets of New York?! The theme songs never gets old either.  

10. Arsenic And Old Lace:   

This Frank Capra Classic is quite a zany and silly one, but one that I watch every single year. Cary Grant stars as Mortimer Brewster who finds out his cooky old aunts are a bit insane. Needless to say, halarity ensues as we unravel just how crazy the whole family may be. Raymond Massey and Peter Lorre also give great performances as a  Borris Karloff look a like and his plastic surgeon doctor. Cary Grant always felt his performance was over the top, but honestly, while very silly, that’s what the part called for! It’s a fun little comedy that will make you smile.

Honorable Mention

Dead Poets Society:

Have you ever had a teacher that inspired you and even changed your life? I’ve had a few college professors that inspired me emensly to the point I could to listen to them talk for hours. This movie, starring Robin Williams as professor John Keating, takes place at an all-boys prep school where he encourages his students to think outside of the box. To pursue their dreams and seize the day. It’s an inspiring and uplifting film, with some sad tones, but a remarkable ending. 

Pictures: 

The Trouble With Harry: madduckposters.com

Psycho: sky.com

The Birds: amazon.con

When Harry Met Sally: dealflicks.com

Belle, Book, And Candle: IMDb.com

Sleepy Hallow: imdb.com

Harry Potter And The Sorcerers Stone: grapevineticketline.com

Ghostbusters: tvtroopes.com

Murder By Death: Amazon.com

Dead Poets Society: masculinitymovies.com

xo, Amanda  

Glow From The Inside Out

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Hum Nutrition Glow Sweet Glow Vitamins c/o || Hum Nutrition Collagen POP c/o || Coola Organic SPF 30 Makeup Setting Spray c/o || Coola SPF 30 Full Soectrum 360 Sun Silk Drops c/o || Blush Tulle Sweatshirt || Jeans || Crystal Link Bracelet || 

Happy Friday, friends! Sun protection and skincare are two very important things that I take quite seriously. I mean, who doesn't want to have glowing fresh skin that looks youthful and dewy?? It starts with good nutrition and wearing your sunscreen. Skin cancer runs on both sides of my family too so it’s no joke for me. 

Im a big fan of gummy vitamins and use them daily. These Glow Sweet Glow from Hum literally taste like candy! They have a tangerine flavor and I look forward to taking them every morning. You take two heart shaped gummies each day, seeing results in about 4-6 weeks. The key ingredients are low molecular hyaluronic acid (helps keep moisture in the skin!), Amal Fruit (Vitamin C), and Vitamin E. They also stimulate collagen production! Along the same lines is the Collagen POP from Hum. As you can guess, this boosts collagen levels and locks in skin moisture. You dissolve one tablet in 8oz of water and drink your way to better skin. The tablets have a rose and lemon flavor, super yummy tasting! The key ingredients are Premium Marine Collagen and Vitamin C. 

 One of the most important things we can do for our skin is wear sunscreen daily, no matter the time of the year. I rely on many of my beauty products containing SPF to get my daily dose for my face, but reapplication becomes an issue then. How to apply over makeup? Coola came up with an easy solution in their SPF 30 Makeup Setting Spray. A few mists of the organic spray and you’re set! You can spray throughout the day to re-fresh and get the sun protection all without ruining your makeup. It’s a genius idea and makes on the go sun protection a breeze.

Another way to get your daily dose of full spectrum 360 protection from the sun, environmental toxins and digital exposure is with Coola’s Sun Silk Drops. You apply them after cleansing or mixed in with face lotion or makeup. These drops are for anyone who uses a cell phone, computer, or TV. Digital rays can do serious damage just like the sun. This organic liquid lotion feels light as air, has a golden color, and helps defend against UVA, UVB, IR, and HEV/Blue Light. I was really surprised about the damage digital rays emitted by computers, televisions, and cell phones have on our skin causing premature aging and inducing a skin hyper pigmentation more pronounced than UVB and similar to UVAA. Blue light rays penetrate more deeply into the layers of the skin than UV rays can accelerating skin aging.  

 

Shop The Post: 

 

xo, Amanda  

Ava’s Garden

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Good morning and a very happy Friday, friends! This post has been three months in the making and I couldn’t wait to share it with everyone. This year, my dad and I finally got the garden back into shape that my late husband and I had started when we were married. It was something we both loved to work on, though back in the day we had only grown vegetables. We loved seeing the veggies grow and then use them in our cooking and salads. This year, I decided to use half of the garden for flowers and the other half for vegetables. 

Ava was excited with the mention of getting the garden going and then being able to watch all of her hard work come to fruition. She helped my dad and I plant all of the initial flowers and vegetables and then would help me water them each night. In July, Ava decorated a Peppa Pig stone we found at Target and placed in the garden on the vegetable side. Her first harvest came towards the end of July with some kale, squash, and a pepper. About one week ago, all of the wild flowers we planted were finally ready to be cut and put into vases. Her second harvest was just yesterday. 

 Having a garden is a fantastic idea if you have kids. It teaches them the rewards of hard work and also gets them outdoors. It’s pretty much a win-win situation for everyone involved! Each time I use one of the vegetables from the garden, I make sure to tell Ava that she grew it. That all of her hard work paid off. She loves to look at the flowers in their vases and say, “oh they’re so pretty” when she sees them. 

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend! Cheers!!  

xo, Amanda  

Sensor Mirror Trio

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Simple Human Illuminated Mirror c/o || Floral Fleece Robe c/o || Pink Bow Hair Tie ||

Good morning and happy Tuesday! One of my favorite parts about the morning is getting ready for the day. I find it very relaxing to take my time sipping my coffee while I go through my daily routine, which includes doing my makeup. Having good light is essential, especially when applying eyeliner. This illuminated mirror, with three different magnifications (1x, 5x, 10x) gives exceptional detail and allows you to achieve flawless pro-quality makeup application. The mirror has numerous light settings as well with simulated natural sunlight and even a candlelight setting. I really love the built-in motion sensor, which lights the mirror up automatically as you approach it. I personally use the 5x magnification side on a daily basis and love love love the sunlight mode. The light is truly amazing and worth every penny. This mirror is a game changer for makeup application.  


xo, Amanda

Classic Summer Movies

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Good morning everyone and happy Monday! I hope all of the dads out there enjoyed their Father’s Day weekend!   

With summer in full swing, I thought it’d be fun to take a look at the top 10 movies I always watch in the good ole summertime. Most of them do take place in the summer and they’re all classics. Now, don’t get me wrong, there are many more movies that are essentially summer based like Grease,  National Lampoons Summer Vacation, American Graffiti, or The Sandlot, but I don’t watch them over and over year after year, though they should be watched! They’re all anazing classics. Below is the list of my favorite classic movies that I make point to watch each summer and sometimes throughout the whole year! 

1. Rear Window

This is one of my most favorite movies of all time. It’s no surprise it’s a Hitchcock movie. I’ve always been fascinated by this movie in the dead heat of summer in New York City. I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I’ve watched this movie, especially with my mom. She was always my movie buddy. Grace Kelly is absolutely stunning and at the height of her career here. My senior prom dress was inspired by her white gown in this movie. I also love that Jimmy Stewart is a photographer and the majority of the movie takes place in one room while looking out or “people watching” his neighbors. 

“A newspaper photographer with a broken leg passes time recuperating by observing his neighbors through his window. He sees what he believes to be a murder, and decides to solve the crime himself. With the help of his nurse and girlfriend, he tries to catch the murderer without being killed himself.” -google.com 

2. Gidget 

This was always the one movie I tried to catch on TCM each year. It would always be in the summer and I can remember all of the beautiful light shining into my parents house with the windows and door open to let the fresh summer air in. While some might think the Beach Party movies with Frankie Avalon are the essential summer flick, Gidget was the one for me. It’s such a cute film taking place on the sunny beaches of California. Sandra Dee is adorable and James Darren is pretty cute to look at too. 

“Diminutive teenager Francie Lawrence (Sandra Dee) has a bunch of boy-crazy friends, but she could care less about boys. That is, until she goes to the beach one day and meets surfer Jeffrey "Moondoggie" Matthews (James Darren) and his friends, including Burt "The Big Kahuna" Vail (Cliff Robertson). Now, Francie, whom the boys call "Gidget" -- short for girl midget -- wants to learn how to surf, so she buys a used board and dives into the sunny world of Southern California surfing fever.” -google.com

3. The Burbs 

I remember first seeing this movie as a kid and being instantly hooked. It’s been an all time favorite of mine since then. I watch it multiple times throughout the year. I watched it last week! It’s another “people watching” movie involving neighbors similar to the idea of Rear Window. The whole cast comes together perfectly to produce some amazing results. It’s great to see Carrie Fisher in this and the trio of Tom Hanks, Bruce Dern, and Rick Ducommun are so funny to watch. 

 “Settling in for some time off in his suburban home, Ray Peterson's (Tom Hanks) vacation becomes a horror when the Klopeks, a suspiciously odd family, move in down the block. Enlisting the aid of his paranoid buddy, Art (Rick Ducommun), and his militia-man neighbor, Rumsfield (Bruce Dern), Ray sends his son and wife (Carrie Fisher) away on a trip while he investigates the Klopeks. When a neighbor disappears, Ray and his cohorts risk their lives to save their cul-de-sac from the clutches of evil.” -google.com

4. The Seven Year Itch 

 I have been a huge Marilyn fan for quite some time now with this being one of my top favorites of hers. My other two favorites are Niagra and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. She has always been one of the most beautiful women in the world to me. Interestingly enough, my brother actually introduced me to her. This was always one movie I would put on to have going in the background while I would work on homework or be writing a paper. There’s something just really comforting about this movie. It’s funny and cute and Marilyn is beyond beautiful. Of course, there is the famous skirt scene, though you don’t see much. 

“In the midst of a summer heat wave, New Yorker Richard Sherman (Tom Ewell) ships his wife, Helen (Evelyn Keyes), and their son off to Maine for vacation. Left alone to work back in Manhattan, Richard encounters a gorgeous blonde model (Marilyn Monroe) who has moved into the apartment upstairs, and becomes immediately infatuated. While pondering infidelity, Richard dreams of his beautiful new neighbor -- but will his fantasies about her become a reality?” -google.com

5. To Catch A Theif  

Another Hitchcock movie starring Grace Kelly, only this time the leading man is Cary Grant. ~Swoon~​ He is my favorite actor and magic always happens when Hitch directs either one of them. This was one of my mom’s favorite movies of all time. She loved the fireworks scene. My junior prom dress was inspired by the gold dress Grace Kelly wears to the costume party. There is much to be dazzled by between the two leading actors and the stunning French Riviera. 

​“Notorious cat burglar John Robie (Cary Grant) has long since retired to tend vineyards on the French Riviera. When a series of robberies is committed in his style, John must clear his name. Armed with a list of people who own the most expensive jewels currently in the area, John begins following the first owner, young Francie (Grace Kelly). When her jewels are stolen, Francie suspects John, destroying their tentative romance. John goes on the lam to catch the thief and clear his own name.” -google.com

6. The Long, Long Trailer  

I actually just watched this one last night! The two stars alone make this movie quite a gem. If you’re fans of the television classic I Love Lucy, this is an absolute must see. It’s nice to see Lucy and Desi in color and to also hear Lucy’s actual singing voice. This is not a musical, but there is one scene where they kind of hum/sing a quick song while driving and it’s one of my favorite scenes in the whole movie. They look so relaxed and happy while driving through some gorgeous scenery. 

 “Nicholas Collini (Desi Arnaz) has to travel for his job as an engineer -- so his fiancée, Tacy (Lucille Ball), suggests that rather than buy a house after their wedding, they invest in a motor home so they can see the country together. But the aggravations of life with nosy trailer park neighbors and the dangers of piloting an enormous trailer across narrow country roads soon take their toll on the happy couple, putting their young marriage in turmoil.” -google.com

 

7. The Ghost And Mr. Chicken  

This is an all time favorite movie with my family. We all love it! My family loves The Andy Griffith show so we’ve always been fans of Don Knotts. Who doesn’t love Barney Fife?!? I love the hometown feel of this movie and the “spookyness” of it. “And they used Bon Ami!!” This movie could be considered a good one for Fall as well with the ghost theme, but I’ve always considered it more of a summer movie. In all honesty, I watch it multiple times throughout the whole year. The idea for this movie actually came from an episode of The Andy Griffith Show called “Haunted House.” Andy also helped with writing script. 

“Looking to score a break as a newspaper reporter and impress beautiful Alma Parker (Joan Staley), milquetoast typesetter Luther Heggs (Don Knotts) pitches a story about his small town's haunted house. When his editor (Dick Sargent) insists Luther spend a night alone in the spooky mansion, where a grisly murder-suicide had taken place decades earlier, the timid reporter learns that the house contains a supernatural resident who doesn't like visitors.” -google.com 

8. Jaws  

This is the quintessential summer blockbuster movie where you’re going to need a bigger boat. Bonus points, this was filmed in Cape Cod near Marga’s vineyard and Falmouth! One of the most iconic two music notes in movie history. 

“When a young woman is killed by a shark while skinny-dipping near the New England tourist town of Amity Island, police chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) wants to close the beaches, but mayor Larry Vaughn (Murray Hamilton) overrules him, fearing that the loss of tourist revenue will cripple the town. Ichthyologist Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) and grizzled ship captain Quint (Robert Shaw) offer to help Brody capture the killer beast, and the trio engage in an epic battle of man vs. nature.” -google.com 

9. Send Me No Flowers  

There are three films where Rock Hudson and Dorris Day teamed up together including this one, which was the last of the trio. The others include “Pillow Talk” and “Lover Come Back.” This one has always been my favorite though since it shows them in their everyday married life and all the halirty that follows. Tony Randall really steals the show here and also stars with them in the other two movies. 

 “After eavesdropping on his doctors as they discuss another patient, George (Rock Hudson), a middle-aged hypochondriac, leaves a hospital visit believing he's terminally ill. Assuming he'll soon be dead, George enlists his friend, Arnold (Tony Randall), to help him find a new husband for his wife, Judy (Doris Day). They eventually settle on Bert (Clint Walker), a successful businessman. But George's odd behavior makes Judy suspect he's covering up an affair.” -google.com 

10. Dirty Dancing  

No one puts baby in a corner! Enough said. That lift scene at the end and the romance that blossoms during dancing lessons will make anyone swoon in the summer heat. 

 “Baby (Jennifer Grey) is one listless summer away from the Peace Corps. Hoping to enjoy her youth while it lasts, she's disappointed when her summer plans deposit her at a sleepy resort in the Catskills with her parents. Her luck turns around, however, when the resort's dance instructor, Johnny (Patrick Swayze), enlists Baby as his new partner, and the two fall in love. Baby's father forbids her from seeing Johnny, but she's determined to help him perform the last big dance of the summer.” -google.com


Photo Credits:  

1. IMDb.com 2. Wikipedia.com 3. Alchetron.com 4. Riotheater.com 5. Cromeyellow.com 6. Soundtrackcollector.com 7. Amazon.com 8. Jawswiki.com 9. Amazon.com 10. Amazon.com 

xo, Amanda  

My Mother’s Day Weekend

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Good morning and happy Wednesday friends! Today I’m happy to be able to share a little glimpse into the fun filled history adventure of my Mother’s Day weekend with you. I finally finished editing all of the photos and got to relive the memories while doing so. I was fortunate enough to spend it in my favorite city filled with history, culture, and excitement. Ava’s always learning and soaking up information. I find it important to teach her as much history as I can about each place we visit. She loves it and can tell you quite a bit about American history! A current favorite of hers right now is Abraham Lincoln. She was completely taken by him and wanted to go talk to him, which we did multiple times at the memorial. One of my favorite pictures is actually her gazing upon Lincoln’s portrait at the National Portrait Gallery. She looks so small standing next to the painting and is in a state of awe. Coming from a history loving family like mine, it’s pretty amazing to see. I kept telling Ava all weekend how lucky I am to have her and thank you for making me your mommy. She gave me the most beautiful gift of all. Being her mommy.  

 

Xo, Amanda  

Weekend Update

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Good morning friends and welcome to Wednesday! This post is all about our adventures celebrating May The Fourth Cinco De Derby weekend. Haha, it truly was an amazing time with many many memories that we’ll cherish forever.

To start with, Friday was Star Wars day, known as May The Fourth Be With You. Ava was thrilled! My brother and I took her to her first baseball game where they were celebrating Star Wars with characters walking around, sounds and video from the movies, boat loads of merchandise, and changing out the opponents team photos with Star Wars villains while our players photos had light sabers for bats. The weather was phenomenal too adding the overall greatness of the night. Even the Rail Riders mascot Champ came over and gave Ava and big high five! 

Next came my brother’s fiancé’s graduation from Penn State, my almamater! It was so special to be back and get to share this new chapter in her life with her family. Ava and I dressed up in our blue and white dresses to match the PSU colors. As soon as the lion saw her he came right over to snap a photo. We took some photos together after the ceremony, had lunch tnd then some ice cream before everyone needed a nap lol. Later on, we had a little Cinco De Mayo party followed by a bonfire at my brothers. We didn’t watch the Kentucky Derby, but we were keeping our ears open as to how the race went. So many celebrations in one day! 

Our last big event of the weekend was a trip furniture shopping with my brother and his fiancé. I also have to note the photo of Ava in her car seat, my brother took that! It turned out being one of my favorite photos from the weekend. He really knows how to make her smile. 

 

xo, Amanda