Blissdom Wisdom

As most of you already know (because I've been talking about it non-stop), I ventured to Nashville, TN this past weekend for the Blissdom blogging conference.

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While there, I learned SO much more than I ever expected to learn. I left each session I attended with so much more and even confidence for my lil' blog.


I'd like to share some of the slivers of wisdom I was able to retain while at the conference.

"Never compare your beginning to someone else's middle."

This was said by the ever so smart and hilariously entertaining, Jon Acuff during the opening keynote. I think this quote really stuck with a lot of people. After he said it, twitter blew up quoting him. It really hit home for me, and so many others. We, as bloggers, constantly look at other "bigger" blogs and wonder why we can't be in the same place they are. We never think that they were once at the same spot we're in now. We've all been in the same position. We need to quit comparing ourselves to others, and know that we're all different, NOT the same.

"By realizing your life is a sum of choices, you are empowered!"

The first session I attended at Blissdom was Living & Embracing the Best Life for Yourself ran by the incredibly talented Jeannette Kaplun. She made me realize that we control the way we feel in our lives. We have the power to make the choices to be happy and embrace life. She asks us to embraces the choices we've made, forgive ourselves for bad choices we've made or things we had no control over. Also, we need to live in the moment, and not worry. Worrying is useless and a total waste of energy.

"You're a writer when YOU say you are, screw everybody else."

My favorite session, How to Fall Back in Love with Writing & Create your Best Work Yet, was conducted by the very inspiring Jeff Goins. He taught us that in order to do our best work as a writer, we have to first believe in ourselves. To become a writer, the first step is to say it outloud - I'm a writer! All of us are writers. We writer about the stories of our lives. The best thing we can do for our blogs is to stop writing for the approval of others, and start writing for ourselves. Simple as that.


Again, I never imagined I'd leave Blissdom with so much knowledge. I felt inspired, overwhelmed and emotional all weekend long. I can definitely say that this has been a life-changing experience for myself AND my blog. I can't wait until next year!


Be on the lookout for the fun post of crazy times (oh, and we had plenty!) at Blissdom.


Also, I'm guest posting over at Neely's blog today, sharing my 5 DOs and a DON'T. Go check it out!

All American Peanut Butter Cookies

Every year Nate's grandparents' church compiles a bunch of recipes, and they make a cookbook out of them. You too can write or cook, if you wish. Just check out this site and work your way into it. Last year for Christmas, his grandma sent me one of the cookbooks as a gift.


Let me tell you, this cookbook has some of THE most delicious recipes around!


I was craving something sweet one day, and was in a baking mood (as usual) and I found this recipe for peanut butter cookies.. my FAVE!


Okay, so first you'll have to gather all of the necessary ingredients..

1 3/4 c. flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 c. butter

1/2 c. peanut butter

1/2 c. sugar

1/2 c. brown sugar

1 egg

1 tsp. vanilla

Then you get started on these babies!


First, sift together flour and baking powder. Then, stir margarine to soften, mix in peanut butter until blended. Gradually add sugars, mixing until creamy and well blended. Beat in egg and vanilla. Then, stir all of this into the flour mixture.


Shape dough into 1 inch balls. Roll in sugar and place on ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 12 minutes. Remove from oven and quickly press fork into tops of cookies. Cookie will crack around the edges.

I made some of these, and my best friend said she didn't want to eat the last one because that would mean they were all gone.


They're that good y'all! And they stay so soft like you just made them, even a couple of days later.


ENJOY! :)

It's OK Thursday #30

So, my co-host, Neely and I may be in Nashville right now for #BlissDom, but you know we'd never skip out on a week of It's OK Thursday! :)


I seriously can't believe we're already at week 30 of this. It's SO much fun, and feels like we just started yesterday!


Thanks again to everyone who links up with us. Whether you're a faithful every week-er, or a once in a blue moon link-up, we appreciate YOU!


All you need to do is type up a post saying what's OK with you, grab the button and come back to one of our blogs to link it up!






Feel free to type up whatever you'd like, but in honor of #BlissDom, I'm going to do an It's OK Blissdom edition post. :) I believe Neely will be too!

It's OK..

..to plan on mapping out Starbucks locations for the roadtrip


..to be feeling overwhelmed, nervous, anxious and excited all in one!


..to secretly hope I have some admirers dying to meet me ;)


..to have some spending money stashed for the handmade market


..to hope to meet Gussy while shopping at said market


..to also hope to meet Rascal Flatts - they're performing for us one night!


..to think it'll be crazy awesome to get to meet the designer of my blog, and so many other great blogs, Jenn!


..to be thankful we're road trippin' so we can bring wine with us to our rooms!


..to have waited until the last minute to pack for this trip


..to feel super thankful to have the opportunity to make this trip, and meet so many amazing women! :)


What's OK with you this week? Come link up and share with us!

Oh, How Pinteresting #6

For the absolute love, obsession and addiction to Pinterest, I'm linking up with Michelle this week for Oh, How Pinteresting!

Source: wanderr-lustt.tumblr.com via Amber on Pinterest

Source: sunsurfer.tumblr.com via Amber on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Amber on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Amber on Pinterest

Source: efashioncentral.com via Amber on Pinterest

Source: the-girl-who-ate-everything.com via Amber on Pinterest

Birchbox: Month 7

Back at ya for another month of sharing my Birchbox goods with you.


I really, REALLY look forward to getting this little box each month. Learn more about cosmetology here! I've said it before, and I'll say it again - it is like beauty sample Christmas! It's so much fun to try all the new products.


This month, I wasn't overly excited about my goods. Some months are awesome, some are so-so and a few kinda suck.

Benta Berry G1 Moisturizing Face Cream - This French skincare line is brand new to the US. Try their all natural moisturizer, which regulates oil levels and keeps skin matte.


Exude Lip Creme - Buzz alert: Mega stylist Rachel Zoe swears by this bold lipstick, which has an innovative crystal applicator that dispenses the exact amount of lipstick you need.


Orofluido Beauty Elixir - This hair treatment taps into a trio of nourishing essential oils (argan, linseed, cyperus) to keep hair smooth and sleek.


WEI Pomegranate Buffing Beads - Each of these perfectly portioned packets has enough powdered exfoliant to create a gentle, antioxidant packed scrub. Just add water!


Nail File - There's no shame in filing your nails in public with this heart shaped, neon looker.


Birchbox Digital Download - Six free tunes from Green River Ordinance, an indie rock band poised to hit the spotlight.


Okay, so what did I think about my box this month?


The tube of moisturizer was CRAZY small, but I love trying new ones, and I can use this for travel. I LOVE the coral color of the lip creme, and can't wait to try it. The hair elixir? I have naturally oily hair anyway, which means I don't need anything to "bring out" my natural oils - won't be using this product. The buffing beads will be interesting. I love trying new face products. The nail file? I have a ton of those, will just throw in with the rest of my nail tools. And, I threw away the song downloads. Whatev. ;)


If you subscribe, was your box similar to mine this month?


Don't subscribe, but want to? Go here!!!

Disclaimer: I was not compensated in any form by Birchbox for my review. This is my honest opinion only.

Cell Phone Fun #6

Morning and happy Monday friends! I'm super excited that this is the week I'm going to BlissDom. Feels like it's taken forever to get here, so ready!!! :)


Today, I'm linking up with Savanah and Ashlee for Fun with our Phones Monday!

Just a few randoms on my phone...

This car was parked so close to me that I had to get in through my passenger door, ridic!

OPI's Thrill of Brazil - v-day nails!

Threw together a salad in a mixing bowl as big as my head for dinner one night!

I was so happy to finally get a Starbucks LOVE cup!

On V-Day, I came home to this. Nate snuck into my apartment while I was at work :)

It's OK Thursday #29

Hey y'all. We're back again for another week of It's OK Thursday.


I know last week was kinda crazy with the challenge going on, but hopefully this week we can break 150 linkups! :)


You guys are so awesome at helping us spread the word. Much love!

It's OK..

..to walk around the whole mall & only leave with one top


..to have not packed or even made a list for Blissdom yet


..to feel like you have been mentioning Blissdom in a lot of your posts lately ;)


..to be bumming rides this weekend since you're turning your rental car in early to save money


..to enjoy the free bread at restaurants more than the actual meal sometimes


..to wait until your Birchbox points build up until you buy something full sized


..to wait until the day before to actually write out this post


..to never turn your Scentsy off


..to be afraid that once cable is installed I'll never read my kindle again


..to always type up the same number of "it's OKs" each week


..to think it's funny when people still look at you weird when you say you hang out with fellow bloggers


..to get out of the shower & wonder to yourself if you washed out the conditioner or not


..to wait until right before bed to clean up the kitchen from the dinner mess


..to enjoy low-key date nights better sometimes


..to feel the urge to buy a new top/outfit for everything


What's OK with you this week? Come link up and share with us!


Have a happy Thursday, my friends!

twenty-five

Twenty-five things you may not know about me just by reading by blog..


one - I lotion my legs every night when I get out of the shower, and the lotion HAS to match the scent of the shower gel I've used


two - I won first place in my 6th grade talent show
 three - I have 6 tattoos that I've never showcased on le blog. Maybe I'll do that soon..


four - When I was 10 years old, I auditioned for a Nike commercial at a talent agency
 five - I am the most impatient person you'll ever meet. I want everything 5 minutes ago.


six - I have had laser hair removal


seven - I once ran into Troy Aikman, but was too busy talking with a friend to notice it was him until he was already gone


eight - Other than that, I've never met anyone famous


nine - I didn't start wearing contacts until I was 19 years old


ten - I made a quilt when I was a freshman in high school.. and now I can't for the life of me remember how to sew


eleven - I pee on average, once an hour


twelve - My hair is SUPER thin. So much so, that when it's in a ponytail my BFF calls it my "noodle" because that's exactly what it looks like!


thirteen - I don't remember the last time I logged in, but I still have a myspace account. I just can't delete it!


fourteen - I broke my collar bone when I was 15 months old


fifteen - My parents didn't divorce until my senior year of high school
 sixteen - I am terrified of clowns, big dogs, horses and the dark


seventeen - I don't eat seafood, guacamole, tomatoes, beans, or peanuts


eighteen - but I'll eat a gas station hot dog any day of the week!


nineteen - I still have one living great grandparent. I call him "Pops"


twenty - I am of Italian and German descent


twenty one - I didn't have my first sip of alcohol until I was 17.. hey, that's late for a small town girl!


twenty two - I have a horrible fear that I'll be a bad mother one day


twenty three - I used to have my tongue pierced, but took it out when my dentist told me it was starting to chip the back of my front teeth


twenty four - I made straight A's all throughout school


twenty five - I have a passport, but have yet to use it


So, do y'all still love me even after I spilled my guts?!

Day of Love

Happy Valentine's Day!

Source: weddingchicks.com via Pixel on Pinterest

Now, I know that not everyone likes this holiday, and that's okay.


I happen to love it. What's not to love about red & pink, flowers and chocolate? EXACTLY!


Just because you're single doesn't mean you can't enjoy this holiday. You don't have to have a man to have a good day of love!


Why not go out to dinner with your best friend? Treat your sibling(s) to a pedicure? Buy your mom a massage? Send your grandparent(s) flowers?


Anyone can be a valentine, so go out there and show someone how much you love them!

Source: thefryfamilyblog.blogspot.com via Amber on Pinterest

Just so you know, I consider each and every one of you MY valentines! ;)

If ya wannabe my lovah..

..ya gotta get with my friends!


Okay, I'm not really sure what that song outburst was, but it sounded like the right thing to title this post. ;)


Today, I'm linking up with my sweet friend, Neely for her "Get Your Blog Out There!" linkup. Basically it's an opportunity to write a little post about yourself & your blog, and then go link it up and find so many other awesome people/blogs to follow!







In the past almost 2 years since I've started blogging, I feel like I've written too many "about me" posts, but with gaining new followers and for the sake of linking up with Neels, I'm gonna write another one. ;) Or, maybe I should look into free content for websites to do it for me!

Oh hey there messy brunch table!

Oh hey there Italian cream soda!

Oh hey there double chin! Betcha thought I was gonna say wine, didn't you?!

Brunch with Amber doesn't have a certain "topic" that is mentioned. I ramble on about whatever I feel like rambling about. My awesome friends, supportive family, hot boyfriend and my obsessions with anything and everything.


I try to keep things very light-hearted here, but every now and then you'll see a serious post from me. I gotta keep y'all on your toes! ;)


I also co-host a link-up with Neely. It's called It's OK Thursday & it's basically the most bad-ass link-up around, yo!








If you like what you see here, then you should probably be following me on Twitter.


If you don't have Twitter, surely you must have Facebook then right? Well, you're in luck! You can like me on there too!


Here's a few links to posts that will help you learn a little more about me!


Allow Me to Introduce Myself
In Case You Wannabe my BFF
100 things that make me happy


Now, what are you waiting for? Get over to Neely's blog to link up and find fabulous blogs!

Fabulous Valentine Challenge - Day 10

Well here we are. We've made it to the last and final day of the FVC.

We want to thank ALL of you who have linked up, whether it be for just one day or for the whole 2 weeks. We appreciate you all SO much! We couldn't have these fun and successful challenges without all of you!

Day {TEN} Love My Vices (because we all have them!) ;)

I don't think I have A LOT of vices, but the biggest one that comes to mind is COFFEE!

I drink it every single morning, whether it be from Starbucks or made at home.

Source: etsy.com via Amber on Pinterest

And this.. THIS is the story of my life..

Source: someecards.com via Amber on Pinterest

I do enjoy me a good and BIG glass of wine as well. I don't drink it every night, but I'd say at least 3-4 nights a week. What can I say? I like to be relaxed! ;)

Source: shopatmoxie.com via Amber on Pinterest

What do you girls consider your vices? Come link up with us and share!!

Fabulous Valentine Challenge - Day 9

It's the eve of the last day of this challenge, and we're going to finish off strong!

Today's topic is one that I LOVE to talk about :)

All ya gotta do to play along is type up your post for the day's topic, grab the challenge button for your post and come back to link up!

For a complete list of topics, go HERE!

Day {NINE} Love My Family (pictures, traditions, quirks, etc.)

I have to say that anytime my family is together, we have a BLAST!

I could go on and on all day about them, but instead, I'll share some pictures because that's more fun anyway :)

I know, I know, we look like a total blast! :)

Now, come show us how awesome your family is!