What’s stopping you? From doing what, you say? Everything. From picking up the phone to call that person you can’t get off your mind. From saying “yes” to the invitation. From eating the doughnut or hopping on the plane. I know there’s work, and family, and money, and commitments, and they all get in the way, but that’s not what I mean. Maybe I’m projecting here (it’s a skill I’ve honed over the last many years of my life and I’m pretty good at it), but I’d venture to guess that most of us aren’t doing something we really want to do because we think we can’t, or shouldn’t, or because maybe someone will think it’s foolish. Well let me remove your burden and free you from the chains that hold you back from the pursuit of your dreams. Whatever you do, whatever you choose, whether sitting on the couch or jetting off to Mexico, someone is going to applaud and someone is going to jeer. So I figure you may as well choose the path that makes you happiest. Easier said than done. But worth doing nonetheless. Huh? The outfit I’m wearing? Oh, right, it’s a Mango dress, a Creative Recreation boot and a jacket from Forever 21. Now quit stalling and pick up the phone, start packing, start writing, begin planning… then please, tell me all about it.

With love,

Amanda

 

This past weekend I went to Las Vegas for the very first time. I know you’re wondering, how is it that I live so close to this 8th wonder of the world and have somehow eluded its siren song? Well, until now I must admit it has been something of a point of pride for me to say I’d never darkened the doors of Sin City. But the winning streak has played out and I’ve bitten from the forbidden fruit. Did I love the strip? Define love. I love my dear friends Milo and John who live there. I love a good stage show (Elton John is no slacker, let me tell you); I love to eat delicious food prepared by amazing chefs; and a good dose of retail therapy does wonders for the soul (the superficial parts of it anyway). That said, I came home from my maiden voyage longing for simplicity, calm and pared down everything. Enter a cool pair of jeans, a simple cotton T-shirt, Superga sneaks and my go-to, well-loved Kate Spade bag. Ahhhhh. When I’m in jeans and a T-shirt, it feels like home, and after all, there is no place like it.

With love,

Amanda

Do I wish I were having a greater, positive impact on our beleaguered world? Yes. Do I sometimes get bogged down thinking about what I might wear on my world-saving missions? Yup. One has to look the part after all. Amanda Garrigus, international peace keeping woman of mystery saver of children and friend to the forest animals. It has a nice ring to it. So while I’m puzzling out a path to world peace, let me direct your attention to this oversized cardigan sweater from MinkPink. Pair it with a granny boot and a blue steel-stare and you’re ready to brave the elements, tackle the world’s problems, and look fierce while doing it. Are there more important things to focus on than a cardigan sweater made by a seriously cool Australian label? Yes. But I look at it this way; joy, happiness, beauty… the world needs that too. Maybe more than my imagined alter ego. And maybe, if we flood the world with enough positive energy, we can ignite a spark in others and light the way to a better future. I say it’s worth a shot.

With love,

Amanda