Catching Up With Me: Updates!

Hello beauties,

Today I just want to chill and catch up with you guys. Alot has been going on lately, so I am going to fill you in!

Firstly, thanks to all who read my blog. The views have been increasing lately, and I appreciate all of the support. <3

So some updates about my wedding: Our wedding date has been moved to July 27, 2012. I am breathing a huge sigh of relief- I still have some time to plan! The wedding has also taken an entirely different course...
We originally planned to do the small ceremony , followed by a small reception at our home. We originally planned on around 30 guests. Well, our "Original" plans went straight out the window this week! And I think the plans changed for the better. My future mother in law and I began to plan the reception this week after we paid for and finalized a wedding date.  While we were planning, we came to some realizations. We have a beautiful home with a good amount of space outdoors, but for a reception? We don't have enough tables, chairs, etc for even 30 guests- and the guest list is at 65.  We would have to rent extra things, which would be a huge cost. We also considered weather. Sure, we hope that it will be nothing less than gorgeous in July, but you never know. We defintely wouldn't be able to move the party inside. You don't throw a wedding without a backup plan-ever. We also considered the formailty. Our original plan was to make all of the food here and grill for the reception. We planned this in an effort to save money. This would require me, my fiancee, and my in-laws having to work on our wedding day ( taking care of guests, cooking, etc.) Also, the outdoor space posed the problem of having no place to dance. So grilling, no dancing? We surely couldn't expect guests to show up in formal attire. Although our at - home reception was planned to save costs, we decided it wasn't worth it. We figured-this is a once in a lifetime event. We want it to be nice- and formal. So we booked a nice reception room at a local hotel. It has a proper dance floor, bar, buffet, etc. We are excited at the change of plans! I will keep you posted as we continue the planning process.

I have really been enjoying not working. Although sometimes I wish I had more work, I also have to remind myself that my fiancee and I will be working more than ever come September. I am trying to make the most of the time I have now. I am able to maintain a spotless apartment, read, paint, workout, draw, garden, bake, anything I please. I know that this fall, alot of these things probably won't happen. I've really just been living life to the fullest, and it has been peaceful.

On another note, I miss America and my family greatly. I find myself wishing I could be at my mom's house for just one day. Or an hour. I would give anything to give my mom and brother a hug and play with my dog Phil. To simply lay down for a few minutes in my old room. I am missing America, but I live insuch a beautiful place here!

Lots of cool events this week. Mother's Day, Father's Day, and my aunt Becky is getting married on Friday! I am so bummed that I cannot be there in New York to celebrate :(

I have to admit, I haven't had the best attitude lately. I have been stressed about the wedding, money, being homesick, family drama, the list never seems to end. I have felt negative and thought "why me?" a great deal. This weekend, I had to step back and reflect, and scold myself. So many people go through horrible things, far more horrible than I, and have positive, hopeful attitudes. I have plenty of food, a roof over my head, nice things, and love. I have it so good. My challenge to all of you is to find the good and the positive in your lives this  week, despite any yucky stuff that is happening.

I hope you all have a fabulous week, and as always, stay tuned for more posts! <3
X's and O's,
Amanda

Closet Essential : The Perfect Jeans. and other stuff:)

Hey Sunshines:)

So today I am getting back in the swing of things with the blog. As you can imagine, it is somewhat difficult to plan a wedding on such short notice! So today, I will tell you some things that have been going on, and we will talk about my second favorite closet essential, the perfect jeans.

Another reason I have been slow on updating is that I hurt myself last week :( Andre and I were barbequing with some friends, and the next thing I knew, we were at the hospital :( My knee had gone completely out of place, then back in, but it was very painful! I dont remember how it happened, but the pain was something fierce. I have been wearing a brace, using crutches, and have had to give myself daily injections in the stomach so I don't get a blood clot in my leg! :( I did have an MRI last Friday, and my appointment with the knee specialist is tomorrow morning, so I will keep you guys posted. I am hoping nothing serious is wrong, and that I can start walking normally soon! The weather turned around to Spring just as I hurt myself, and I can't wait to start running around outside:)

Closet Essential:The Perfect Jeans

My second favorite closet essential next to the LBD, these jeans are really magical. They fit you perfectly, and flatter your figure. They can be dressed up or down, and worn in any season. These are perfect jeans.

Jeans are such a versatile item. The same pair of jeans can reflect 10 different girls' styles. It's all about what you pair them with. Every woman should have a pair of jeans that fit her like a glove, and save the day, anyday. When looking for these jeans, I suggest taking your time. First and foremost, these jeans need to fit well, perfectly. These jeans need to be comfortable, and look awesome on you. Your figure should look awesome, no matter what your size! Ask sales associates to help you find your perfect size and fit. Don't be shy if you need to go up a size, either. I know too many girls who are only concerned with the size on the tag. For instance, if you are a true size 6, but squeeze yourself into 4s because it is a 4, you're not going to look a size 4. You're probably not even going to look a size 6. You will only make yourself look worse. Plus, you'll likely be pretty uncomfortable! When your jeans fit, you will look slimmer and flattered. Another tip I have is the style. The goal with this particular pair is to have a more classic wash and style. Sure, distressed denim looks awesome, but you can't really dress it up. Denim without holes or flashy designs, however, can be dressed both up AND down. I suggest a pair without holes, studs, and other designs. I also suggest a medium to dark wash. This wash is more flattering, and in my opinion, looks much better dressed up than a lighter wash. Also, it is okay to splurge on this item. The perfect jeans may be pricier, but when you calculate how many times you will turn to these jeans, it is worth the price! If you find a pair at an awesome deal, super! But don't skip the perfect fit or style because another pair was cheaper. The splurge is an investment, I swear!:)

Okay, quick wedding update! I found my dress already! I am completely in love with it. I really can't go into many details, because I want my fiance' to be suprised. I don't want him to know the details of what it looks like, or worse , see a photo. I promise I will have pics up shortly after the wedding. Also, we will have a wedding website up soon, and I will link that so you can all check it out! Do you guys have any food ideas? We are making some of our own, and we'd like your ideas! I am making tuxedo strawberries and heart shaped brownines, but we'd love more suggestions!

Lastly but not leastly, I am releasing my interview with Aires Wednesday! I also just noticed I forgot to link his youtube channel in my last post, so :

http://www.youtube.com/user/aires552

Please check him out, and subscribe!

Until tomorrow!

Amanda

Here comes the Bride:)

Hey Pretties:)

So, I wanted to begin this post with a big thank you. My blog has grown so much, and I want to thank all of you who regularly check up on it. I appreciate the support.

I wanted to continue with an apology. I know it has been so long since I last updated the blog. Alot of super stressful things happened in my life, and I was busy/ unmotivated to blog, etc. But I have some exciting news:

I AM GETTING MARRIED!!!!!!!:)

I just got engaged this past week, and I couldn'tbe more excited about it. Here's the catch though : my wedding is in 45 days...yikes! This is awesome because I am impatient, but that's such a short time to plan a wedding! I figured if The Kardashians can plan a wedding in 9 days, 45 is good for me. Although they had more money....

So, I am officially back, and will resume normal features. Look out for another closet essential post coming this week, I am really excited! I will also updat my Manda Likes, because there are new products I want to discuss.

I am dying to show you all April's music of the month. This artist is amazing, and truly one of my favorites of all time. He's been on my Ipod constantly. The artist I am referring to? Aires! Aires is an extremely talented rapper whose lyrics are dark, but inspiring. I cannot wait to do his feature on here. I have a special treat for you as well: I actually did an interview with Aires, and i'll post that on here with his article. I can't wait!!! Here is the link to his youtube channel, check him out to get to know him before the interview! :

I am also going to be blogging about the wedding planning process, and answering wedding questions! I will keep you all updated every step of the way, and of course, post pictures!

I am going to be taking votes on myyearbook.com about weather or not I should start a vlog channel. Message or leave a comment there or on here and let me know what you think!

Talk to you soon!!:)
p.s

New Things! & Happy, Healthy Skin:)

Hello Lovlies!,
So, I know I haven't updated in 10 days. So sorry! I didn't forget about you guys, but I had alot going on. I did TRY to do an update letting you know what was going on, but my computer wasn't having it. I am having trouble typing updates, so I am using word on my computer now, and copying and pasting. Joy.
Another reason I haven't updated is that I have been super busy with class, the new apartment, and new things for the blog have been in talks. :) I will be introducing a new feature to the blog called "Music of the Month", where I will be talking about bands I am loving, etc. I have upcoming interviews with some artists coming up, so please stay tuned!
Okay, Okay. Now that you're done hearing my excuses(sorry!), I will share with you some tips for better skin. :)

　
Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought "What gives? I wash my face daily, remove all my makeup, and use moisturizer. Why is my skin so dull/flaky/broken out? I take care of my skin!" Unfortunately, this is not always enough. There are little things that you maybe don't think about that can be affecting your skin. Here are some tips I swear by for happier skin:
1. Change your pillowcases once weekly. The oil from your hair and other parts of your body rub off on your pillows. When you go to sleep at night, you are essentially your face into a pool of yuck. So, be sure to replace your pillowcase about once a week with a fresh one. Also be sure to remove your makeup and cleasne thouroughly before bed:)
2. Cleanse your face the correct way. #1 Wash or sanitize your hands before cleansing. If you don't, you will just transfer the bacteria from your hands onto your face. #2 thouroughly remove all makeup before cleansing. By doing this, you will allow your cleanser to clean your skin, NOT your makeup.#3 Be sure to choose a cleanser that is appropriate for your skin type. #4 cleanse with luke warm water, and wash your skin for at least 45 seconds to a minute, rubbing the product in a circular motion ,then rinsing. If you don't cleanse for long enough, the product won't be getting deep down in the pores.
3. Apply moisturizer within 1 minute of drying your skin. The minute after you dry your skin is the best time to apply moisturizer, because your skin will absorb it better. Again, be sure to choose a moisturizer that suits your skin type.
4. Exfoliate twice weekly. This will allow the dead sluggish skin to be removed, revealing the fresh skin beneath.
5. Hydrate your body. WATER WATER WATER! When you are hydrated, so is your skin. Your skin will look less tired, and less dry by drinking water. It's free, so drink up!! Also, hydrating facial sprays can help keep your skin fresh during the day. I use these alot during winter, when my skin gets flaky.
I wish you all happy, healthy skin!
X's and O's,
Amanda

Learning, Learning. & Updates!

Hello there ladies and gents,
I wanted to write you a quick post so you can stay updated about what is going on:)

So first off, I had my very first official German class yesterday. I was really nervous about it because I am starting in a semester 3 class, but did not take semesters 1 or 2. After I enrolled in class, I purchased the book and studied for a week. All of that paid off, because I did really well in class, and had done all of the classwork at home already! I am very glad that  I can keep up with the course, and I am defintely staying enrolled! I will have class every Monday and Wednesday evening, so expect some posts about embarrassing mistakes, etc! :)

All around, things are going well. My boyfriend has been applying at some companies to study and work in IT. He has been very stressed out about maybe not being accepted into a program, and having to attend another year of gymnasium before he could do such a program. The schooling system in Germany is changing next year to a point where gymnasium only goes to grade 12. This means that next year, at least double the applications will come pouring into companies because there will be 2 graduating classes from the gymnasiums. My boyfriend has been applying, doing tests and interviews, etc for a few months now. This past Saturday, we recieved a letter from a really good company that he applied at- they offered him a job! He got accepted into a program he really wanted to do, and he will be making good money. I am so happy for him!

Our apartment is also coming together. My boyfriend's brother's room was in our apartment, and  he has been re-doing another room in a different part of the house to move into. His new room is getting the finishing touches tomorrow, and he is moving his things in this weekend. This means that Andre and I get to tear down wall paper, etc for our new living room! Joy, joy, haha. It will be a pain in the butt, but we will have a pretty new living room!

So that is all I have for now as far as updates! I will have a new post either later tonight or tomorrow!
X's and O's,
Amanda