Happy 1st Birthday Ava!

To My Darling Ava,

Happy first birthday! I can hardly believe that one year has passed since the day you came into our lives and made our world a better place filled with light, hope, laughter, kisses and coos. Your smile is my sunshine. You're becoming such a beautiful and smart little girl with an independent spirit that is curious and adventurous. Speaking of adventure, we've been on quite a few already and I cannot wait to continue to show you all the most loveliest things life has to offer. It's been quite a year to say the least. We've had some sad moments and also many happy ones to keep us going each day. You're daddy gets to watch you from heaven now and see the beautiful little girl you have grown into. He has become our guardian angel walking along side of us in spirit. You have filled my life with a love I did not know existed until now. My hope, and your daddy's hope, was for you to be happy in life and it is my wish for you on this special day to have all the happiness in the world. To know that you are loved beyond measure and that I will be there for you no matter what. Happy first birthday my little love bug.

Love, 

Mommy  

New Years Eve Inspiration

Happy Monday, friends! I hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas holiday and weekend. This was little Ava's first Christmas and it went wonderfully. She got some books, toys, and clothes from Santa and loved ones. The day went by so quickly between opening presents, visiting family and friends, and enjoying the Christmas dinner. All that being said and done, there really is nothing like getting together with the people you care about and spending some quality time while reminiscing about the good ol' days and dreaming of what the future has in store.

Speaking of the future, New Years Eve is right around the corner (where has the time gone?!) which means lots of fun and sparkly looks! If you've been following me for a while, then you know I love a good sequin. I get so excited about a little bit of sparkle! Be it from a blazer or pant, sequins always jazz up an outfit which is perfect for NYE. Also, a little black dress is always in style and will never disappoint. The bow back detail above adds a fun twist and is anything but boring. It's actually a shirt and skit, but looks like a dress.

I hope everyone has a great day and is getting excited for the new year!

Shop The Look:

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Outfit 4:

xo, Amanda

Birthday Girl

Modcloth Dress || Charles David Heels || Bare Minerals Lip Color in Risk It All || JustFab Flats || The Exhibit Earrings ||

Wishing everyone a wonderful Friday today! Finally we made it to the weekend and I am especially excited since today I turn 27. Time certainly has flown by with so many moments to look back upon and cherish. I must say that I have always been in love with the actual date of my birthday, May 29th, since it is also the same birthday as John F. Kennedy, whom I adore. Thank you mom for the impeccable timing!

I wanted this photo shoot to be a fun one and thought, well balloons are fun and so is some confetti! I'll tell you what's not so fun though, balloons on a very windy day. It was definitely tough trying to keep these suckers where I wanted them. In the end, I just let them go where they wanted, but it did take me 2 hours to get through the shoot! I love how colorful this dress is along with the pretty Charles David rose gold heels. In the confetti photos, I'm wearing flats from JustFab, which are also so colorful and have the prettiest rhine stones on them.

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend! I'll be spending mine with my husband today and then celebrating with my family tomorrow. Enjoy!!

Dad's Birthday Party

Turning 61

Happy Birthday Confetti | Pastel Balloons | Similar Cake Stand | Blue Dress, Modcloth, Similar |

Ever since my mom passed we have been celebrating my dad's birthday at my house. I love having the chance to host the party and getting to entertain everyone. This year my dad turned 61 and we planned on treating him to dinner and then having cake and coffee back at my house. Angel food cake has always been the staple in my family and I love serving fresh strawberries with it. My brother's girlfriend also made an amazing apple strudel, she'll be a famous chef one day mark my words!, along with the coffee. I used happy birthday confetti to decorate the tables and cake plate, balloons by the fireplace, and banners placed along the walls and fireplace as well. It was such a fun night to enjoy with the family and show my dad how much he is loved.

Last year we had a big celebration since it was my dad's 60th. I really wanted go all out for him and he truly deserves it. We all went out to dinner on his birthday and then hosted a similar dessert party back at my house. Then, a few days later, we drove down to Hotel Hershey for a fabulous Sunday brunch. This had to be the best brunch I have ever had and seen. What a beautiful setting to relax and enjoy. They had every kind of food and dessert you could imagine. I'm glad we were able to do it and make his birthday so special. This happened right before I started this blog last year and never had a chance to share so what better time then when celebrating his birthday this year.