{creating myself}

help?

I didn't forget that I promised a strong comeback.

Here's a view into the events following the composure of my last post:
- Clicked published
- Pulled out sketchbook
- Scribbled idea after idea for upcoming posts

Pause.

- Twisted heart feeling.

and then I remembered the main reason I took a blog hiatus. I am a professional with a professional job and a professional responsibility to seriously limit my self-disclosure to my patients. My creative juices were running so fast and deep that I forgot that conflict. The conflict I struggled with for so many years to be a career woman and an artist. The internal struggle between waking up and making myself presentable and sitting in my office vs. calling out sick to play with paints in my underwear all day.

See what I mean? I can't keep a public blog.

The problem therein lies. I am full of creative energy and void of an appropriate outlet. I want a place to talk, to vent, to disclose, to share my new projects, to post silly photos, etc.

I know that I can make this blog private.

I know that I can require a password for people to view it.

But this blog is also part of my business.

and I want whoever wants to read it to be able to.

On the other hand, what discretion would I use to invite people to read it anyway? How do I tell a customer from a patient or employer?

Is requiring a password my only option?

Do you have any ideas?

comeback.

Just sitting here wording this post is giving me the chills. I didn't realize how much I missed my blog until this very moment. Missed journaling. Missed sketching and brainstorming and project-making with DIYs in mind. Missed taking photos "for the blog". Missed documenting. Missed sharing a little piece of me with you. Missed you. Missed me.

If you're still around, bravo. If you've left your computer sometime in the past six months for a pee break or a semester abroad, come back. :)

Comeback.

welcome fall.

I've already talked about saying goodbye to summer,
but I didn't mention the real reason summer's end
doesn't quite upset me.

 

F A L L .

I know I talk about it every year, but I can't get enough of Fall.
The crisp, cool air. Boots. The leaves changing colors. Warm, neutral colors. Cozy blankets and socks. Boots. The smell of Christmas in the air. Apple cider candles. Scarves and sweaters. BOOTS.

It's safe to say I'm obsessed with Fall.
Until winter comes along.
and then I'll be obsessed with that too.

summer reading.

Although the familiar ring of the ice cream truck seems to be a thing of the past

and I no longer rock a camp t-shirt and flip flops

and afternoons by the pool are few and far between

there is one thing that remains the same in my heart.

That's summer reading. I always seem to make just a little more time for joy reading throughout the summer nights. It should be a law of nature.

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The Hunger Games trilogy
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I liked these books, but not as much as everyone else seemed to. I can't say that I fell in LOVE with the characters, maybe just cared about them a great deal. The main reason I read all three was because I was curious to see how it would end.

 
Labor Day
-----
This was a really good book. It was funny and heartbreaking. I recommend it for a really quick read.

 
Mennonite in a LBD
-----
I didn't care for this. I think my expectations were way too high. I thought it would be funny and interesting... in my opinion, it was dull and monotonous. Also, I was expecting a light summer read and found myself stuck on a lot of big words and dry humor. Maybe I'm not smart enough for this book? ;)

 
Sarah's Key
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This was good. Not great, but good. Things I liked: learning about history and the role of France in WWII, the readability, the heartwrenching account of a little girl. Things I didn't like: The present day character and her husband (can't remember their names) were annoying. There could have been a lot more suspense and surprises throughout the story, but it was pretty predictable.

 
One Day
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I liked this book, and I liked the movie as well. I think what drew me in and kept me there was the relatability between myself and Emma. I felt like I was reading about my own life for the first half of the book. and Dexter is exactly the type of idiot I always fall for.

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What did your summer reading list look like?
Follow me on goodreads for more book recs :)

last chance sale!

This weekend is the last chance to shop my closet and to thank you all for being so supportive, I''m offering a BOGO sale. for each piece you purchase, you'll get a second (of your choice) for free. Lesser priced item will be free. Thanks again! <3

shop here.

 

goodbye to summer.

I used to get sad when saying goodbye to summer, but since working full time, "summer" doesn't hold the same meaning. Summer used to mean so much more...

One of my favorite summer trends was bright & neutral nail polishes.
Some of my favorite shades this year...

 

 

 

 

but I think I've officially* made the transition...

 
 

* What was I thinking? The official transition to Fall is obviously not made until the first pumpkin spice latte of the year.
What were your favorite summer '11 trends?

S A L E !

I'm spending the day
cleaning out my closet
and I'm excited to share some things with you over at shop amy's closet!

I'll be photographing and writing item descriptions and I hope to get most of the items listed by tonight. I'll update again over here when everything is listed! Look for some vintage thrifted pieces, cutesy dresses, shorts, and shirts. At the request of some readers, I'm also throwing some accessories into the mix this time around! Items will be inexpensively priced, shipped within two days, and first come first serve.

Stick around for first pick at some great new affordable pieces for your closet!


 

UPDATE!
I listed a lot of pieces yesterday. I forgot how long this process can take. I will list more tonight after work! :)

DONE!!!!!!!
shop here.

are you comfortable with yourself?

For a long time, I was.

First I started to feel uncomfortable in my clothes.
They were tight.

and then I started to feel uncomfortable going out with my friends.
I felt unsexy.

and then I started to feel unhealthy.
I was eating whatever I wanted and not getting to the gym as often due to my crazy new work schedule (excuses, excuses.)

I'm generally a good eater and I exercise intuitively, meaning when I feel the need or desire, I do it.
I could blame my unmanageability on work, or stress, or any of that stuff.
But the truth is I relapsed. I lost the care and the drive to be who I know I am.

a healthy, comfortable, sexy, active woman.

I needed a jump start. So I picked up this book in Barnes&Noble and I read it. and I liked it. I read online accounts like this one and this one. and I felt inspired. So I tried it.

It's 5 weeks later and I'm down almost 12 pounds. I wish I could say that I feel a lot different, but I don't. My clothes are definitely more comfortable, and my confidence is good. But I am frustrated because I want immediate results. I keep telling myself slow weight loss is sustainable weight loss.

If you have any questions I'd be happy to answer them, and if you have any tips or ideas I'd be happy to read them! :)

 

This is a "before" picture. I know it may not look like it here (these are the only recent full body shots I have), but I had 22 pounds to lose. I'm halfway there! Check out my pinterest board for more inspiration and strong, beautiful women.

taking a break...

mom & I are taking a little break

from the monotany of everyday life


& exploring the treasure coast.

see ya later!

every now & then.

It's not often that I find a blog that is new to me that I truly fall in love with.

but every now & then, there is a gem waiting to be found out there
that really gets me.

and by gets me I mean piques my interest, captures my attention, and has me in a haze for hours on end with a teensy bit of drool on my cheek.

and by gets me I mean understands my exact interests, desires, dreams.

I would consider it a disservice to you, dear readers, to not share such blogs with you.
Like my most recent find.

 
click here for happiness.

 

 



 
all images via cupcakes&cashmere.

I am on inspiration overload.

favorite spaces & places.

I've been inspired by Kellie's list challenges. She is posting 52 list prompts in 52 weeks. I don't play along every week, and there's no pressure, but whenever I feel like it, I journal, scrapbook, post, or just think about my own lists.

This week's prompt...
Favorite Spaces & Places.

• Home
• New York City
• Florida State University
• Florence, Italy
• In bed while it's storming outside
• My Studio
• The beach at sunset
• The movies
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  I'm just taking it one step further and sharing
  Places I Would Like To Visit* :
• Italy (again)
• Prague
• Chicago
• Fiji
• Spain
• Haiti
• Seattle
• California
• Paris
• Australia
• England
• Oahu
• Vegas
  
  *Pictures to follow! haha :)

giveaway!

The kind folks over at uPrinting have offered an awesome giveaway for my readers! uPrinting creates cool printed materials like postcards that you could use for advertising your indie business, spreading the word about a local craft show or upcoming party, or just say hi to friends!

I especially like using postcards for advertising new products and adding a coupon code to the bottom for new or exisiting customers! I usually do this before a craft show and drop them in swag bags or stack them at my table.

 

The Giveaway Deets:
100 Postcards for One (1) Winner
5" x 7"
14pt Cardstock Gloss
No Folding
Front Printing
2 Business Days Print Turnaround Time
Restriction: Limited to US residents 18 years old and above only.

Please comment on this post with your favorite current book that you have read and I will choose a winner on July 25.
Leave separate comments if you are a follower of my blog, facebook, or twitter for one additional entry for EACH comment.

*Disclaimer: Required as per FTC Ruling (Please see example below)
This giveaway is sponsored by UPrinting, an online printing company, no monetary compensation was given and I will receive postcards for hosting. See more information about postcards and available postcard designs on UPrinting.com.

in my search...

I had mentioned that I was doing some soul searching
and art journaling is a big part of this journey
for me.

Who are some of your favorite art journalers?

getmeouttahere.

I've been home from NY for just over a week
but I've the itch to get away again
already.

listening.

to this on repeat.
my very favorite love song.

 

featured!

This was a custom painting I made a while back. My friend Jenn is sharing something creative & beach related EVERY DAY his month!! She featured my painting over on her blog today. Check out her sweet post here! I love working custom paintings.. it's so fun to hear the idea in someone's head and then bring it to life!

list : things i'm working on.

Things I Used To Do
and/or Things I Currently Do
that I'm Attempting To Change:

• eat the wrong things
• eat at the wrong times
• overexert myself
• feel guilty
• be afraid to see the good in people
• be blinded by the good in people
• want too much too soon
• question faith
• be too hard on myself
• keep friends around who don't make me a better person
• be unaccepting of my flaws
• intellectualize everything
  
  
   
  

list : things i don't miss.

It seemed only fair to counteract yesterday's list.

Things I used to do that I'm glad I don't anymore:

• overbook my schedule
• blog every day*
• live dollar to dollar.
• waste my time on stupid boys
• sleep 5-hour nights
• art shows every or every other weekend
• finish a book I don't like, just to finish it
• write papers about topics that don't interest me
• work at a restaurant and allow it to negatively impact every aspect of my life
  
  * you can read more about this here

list : things i miss.

Things I used to do that I wish I still did :

• scrapbook a lot
• exercise daily
• leave work at work
• get excited
• paint more
• create new products for my shop
• read every day
• visit friends more
• see live music
• sleep through the night
• be fearless
  
  
  I think I just need a pick me up. I'm going to try some journaling as an attempt to hoist myself back on the balance beam... I'll let you know how this works out.
  
  

i've been in the mood lately.

sucks I have no time.

the progress of a painting.

 
gather supplies. sit. shuffle Incubus' greatest hits on the iPod.

 
sketch and fill in the forefront of the design.

 
 
fill in the background.

 
 
add in some details and voila!

 

 
present to your well deserving friend and
watch him choke up with graciousness.
your work is done! :)

celebration!

Yesterday was my 25th birthday.

I know. Twenty Five.
To some of you, that may seem youngy young. But to me, 25 is old. When we're little, we have this idea of what we think life will be like at certain ages *.

and then we grow up.

But I'm not sad about 25 :)
I'm excited. All the possibilities! There is still so much I want to do with my life, and I have no excuses but to get. started.

I'm also proud.
I'm actually doing what I love... what I feel like I was meant to do. How many 20, 30, 60 year olds can say that?!

Cheers to a year full of wonderment, goal-setting, & possibilities.


* My 14 year old brother things I'm barren.

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Yesterday was such a great day. I am so blessed to have family, friends, and co-workers that treat me this well! Some highlights...

 

 

 

 


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Celebrate with me!

25% off everything in the shop this week... use code CELEBRATE to save.

 

+via

three day weekends

make my heart swell.

I have big plans for this weekend that include a little of this...



a lot of this...

 

some cleaning of this...

 


and hopefully getting a massage, taking a long bath, setting up my new apple tv (thanks to the secret admirer who read this blog post and sent me my very first birthday present aka mom)...

I will also probably do some party hearty-ing on Memorial Day in the Keys... kinda similar to last weekend...

 

have a wonderful three days! <3

the dap.

My friend Jen and I have a word for our favorite hobby in the world, and it's called "dap".

"Dap" can be used in many contexts.

"Let's dap." [verb]
"Hey Dap, whatcha doin today?" [noun-name]
"Check out this dap I just made!" [noun-thing]
"That pic is so dap!" [adjective]

Have you guessed what it means yet? Of course, it's scrapbooking!



scrapbooking=scrapping=dapping=dap.

You get the idea.

PS, here's a layout.






xo, amy

oh, amy, it's your birthday *

I began this post with the intention of adding to it over time and then publishing it in a few weeks, but I just realized that MY BIRTHDAY IS IN ONE MONTH TWO WEEKS. I'm floored by this fact. I wish I could slow time down, just for a little bit, and just LIVE a little more. and then I remember, oh yeah, this IS you living, Amy. Waking up in the morning and brushing your teeth and slipping into heels and helping people and leaving a path of clothes on the way to the bathtub and meeting a friend for coffee and sliding between the sheets at bedtime, this. is. your. life.

Sometimes it's just necessary to stop and think about this.

I guess I'll get on with the main point of the post (although maybe that was it??)

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Here are some lovely things I would like to unwrap on June 8th :

 

apple TV (yesss unlimited Netflix.)

 
 

black TOMS (I fear mine are beyond repair.)

 

smashbox photo finish
 
headboard from Ikea.

 

preeetty watch.

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I would also really like to go home and visit my family. I don't know how feasible that one is. But it's at the top of my list ** :]

 

 

* this is a lyric from my favorite childhood birthday song,
tied only with "Jump Jump" by KrisKross.

** edited to add : I just found out that my mom is coming to visit me for my birthday weekend. I'm sorry I ruined the surprise (I know her too well) but wow! I'm so happy! this is the best gift ever! :)

are you a planner?

 

Those of you who made it your new year's resolution to be more organized, to keep an agenda, write in a journal, practice time managament...
I'd love to hear how you're doing.

I've been selling my ruffle agendas since January 1st, and they are still selling steadily. I wonder if people are just getting started on their resolutions now? I guess it's never the wrong time to get organized. :)

Pictured above are the four agenda books I have left in stock until next year.
(Wow, am I already planning inventory for 2012? Officially scary.)
They are all daily planners (as opposed to monthly) and are a necessity for the organized or disorganized soul.

Click here to shop.

PS : Have I mentioned they ship for free?

ask and you shall receive.

Remember this post when I called for used movies and books in exchange for art? Well several great people helped me out, and I'm so appreciative! Check out all this great stuff...

 

Some of it was sent to me by kind folk, some of it I actually bought from amazon. Either way, I'm so excited to delve in to this pile.

Yesterday I finished Plain Truth.
If you're too lazy to read the book, you can Netflix the movie like I did today.
I thought it was pretty good, except I guessed the ending around page 80. I honestly hate when that happens, because it kind of totally ruins the story. Reminds me of the time I saw Shutter Island.
#damnyoupsychologydegrees

I'm currently reading Catching Fire, which is the second book in the Hunger Games trilogy. I enjoyed the first one, save for the first 100 pages or so.

As far as the movies go, I really enjoy all of them. Except for The Yellow Hankerchief, which I haven't seen but just looks good.

Have you read any of these books, and if so, what did you think? I think they all look promising.

PS... the offer to trade stills stands if you're doing any spring cleaning this weekend :)

get these off my desktop.

I'm mainly posting these because I'm clearing my desktop and they've been sitting there for way too long, but I think these are so gorgeous I can't even stand it. I want play dressup with eva.

are you local?

 


Come out and see us today at the Indie Craft Bazaar!

Show some handmade support, enjoy a cupcake,
and grab some fun handmade goods! :)



i might even have some new products to share with you. ;)
p.s. we love you!
details here.

taking a moment from my crazybusy world...

to come up for air and say Hello.

 
+via

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I got a new job this week (YAY!) working as a clinical therapist at Wayside House, a treatment and recovery psychiatric center. So far, so GREAT! I love it here. I'm just overwhelmed with a ton of new things for this week. I can't wait to really get in the swing of things and start following with patients- the best part of the job! For those of you who have been asking, I studied undergraduate psychology and education at FSU and got my masters in mental health counseling at FAU.

It's pretty amazing/rare that I am actually working in my field of study. I literally wake up each morning excited, and go to sleep each night (exhausted and) feeling like I've made a difference. To say 'I've found my calling' is such a loaded statement, but it's that feeling you get when you know that you're doing what you were meant to do.

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For the time being (and hopefully forever!) Peace, Love, & Cupcakes will remain up and running. I vow to try and still bring you fresh products and creative ideas over on the blog too. I'll have to schedule some studio time for myself, lord knows that by the end of the week, I'll need it :)

♥ amy