I did not wear this dress to ring in the New Year, but it does reflect the sparkly mood I was in when the clock struck twelve. On New Year’s Eve I lived the dream and watched the ball drop, and the year turn, in my cozy house while snuggling up with my little family. To me there is nothing better. The older I get and the crazier the world becomes, the more deeply grateful I am for the roof over my head, my delicious and delightful family and good health all around. When I was twenty I wished for different things. Big swings, endless glamour, invites to all the “right” parties. Today the “right” party is the one where I’m surrounded by people I love. I find glamour in smaller objets, and my big swings look more like nuanced shifts. And I love it. Gather ye rosebuds indeed, but also take time to stop and smell them. This new year brings with it many challenges, because, well, I’m alive, which is totally great! It also bring with it the promise of renewal. My dreams for this coming year aren’t huge, except maybe that return-home trip to Tanzania I’m planning. Aside from long distance travel, I dream of peace and happiness, for continued good health and an abundance of joy. Maybe that is a tall order after all. Well, nothing much is gained by dreaming small. So here’s to a year filled with big swings, glamour and nuance, and many invites to all the “right” parties.

With love,

Amanda

More to love… This gold sequin mini dress at Revolve.

It’s Fall (yay!), but in LA we had a heat wave (boo). Suffice it to say, getting dressed for the 100+ degree temperatures was a challenge. So I wore as little as possible without oversharing. This white cotton eyelet dress is almost barely-there enough, and even better, I made it myself! Impressed? Me too! But don’t look too closely or that could change. Dress finishes are not my forte. Nonetheless, this little slip and that blazing heat were a perfect match. Then I paired it with an emerald green pump with a sole that’s worth a second, and third look. Here’s hoping for cooler temps and sweater weather soon!

With love,

Amanda

More to love… Aje White Eyelet Open Back Dress; Nightcap Apron Dress

Where does the time go? One minute you’re updating your blog on the regular in the heat of summer, and then, in what feels like a blink, months have gone by and Fall is upon us. Well I’ve been up to my eyeballs writing a book (stay tuned), running Parent Associations, traveling to tropical climes and learning new languages. (Yo puedo hablar Español!) Oh, and parenting my two beautiful daughters. Life’s pretty good I gotta say, in spite of the state of the nation and the world. As Fall gets underway I’ve taken this goodness a step further committing myself to daily meditation, journaling and otherwise strictly regimenting my time and my life so work gets done and wellness doesn’t fall through the cracks. I’m ready for the shift in seasons, but as a final homage to the summer heat that fostered so many memorable moments, I give you denim cut offs, satin slides and an off the shoulder top that I’ll be wearing some evenings in the Fall. Indoors of course. Hasta luego!

With love,

Amanda

More to love… Tobi Terracotta Off the Shoulder Top; Levi’s Vintage Denim Shorts; Zara Slides