It's OK Thursday #70

Did I really just type #70 up there?! Whoa, I can't believe we've been doing this link-up that long. Amazing. Thank you ALL so much for helping us promote it each week! :)   First time here for It's OK Thursday? All you gotta do is type up a post, similar to mine below, stating what's OK with you this week, grab the button and come back to link it up!   Let's get this party started!     It's OK..   ..to be trying out the Slim Fast diet again   ..but hating it because I could totally eat a horse right now   ..to be in serious need of a work out buddy   ..to cringe at the thought of how much I'll pay for stamps to mail all my Christmas cards   ..to be having fun addressing said cards, want one? Email me your address :)   ..to wish I could just find a watch to fit my wrists   ..to wonder how old is too young for carpal tunnel   ..to want to share the goodness of lemon oreos with everyone!   ..to be totally weirded out by my dreams I've had lately   ..to let work pile up since my DR will be outta town next week and I'll have plenty of time   ..to think I may just blog a little during that time ;)   ..to want to record a vlog, but have no topics, boo!   ..to LOVE watching others' vlogs so I can picture their voice when I read their blog   ..to already be counting down to the Winter premiere of PLL - 6 weeks!   ..to hate paying bills, duh   What's OK with you this week? Come link up and share!

Don't forget to enter for your chance to win some goodies!

1000 followers fave things giveaway

Half a dozen of chocolate covered strawberries

Gorgeous earrings from my boutique

What I Scored..

I don't typically shop for Black Friday or even Cyber Monday. I don't do well with crowds, and I usually have to work on Friday after Thanksgiving anyway.

I definitely wasn't going out Thursday night, but I kept seeing all these deals come through on my email and people posting on twitter. So, what did I do? I stayed up entirely too late Thursday night scouring the internet for a good deal.

I am almost done with my Christmas shopping, so I decided that I wanted to treat myself. I had been on the hunt for a pair of boots for a while now, and when I found these babies at Kohl's, I snatched them up real quick!

They were regularly $79.99, and even now they're up to $52.99. After coupons, I got them for $16.99. I was THRILLED to say the least. Now let's just cross our fingers that they fit right on me.

I did a little Christmas shopping a few weeks ago at Overstock.com, so now I'm on their mailing list. They sent me a coupon for 15% off, so when I was perusing the website and found a Keurig for WAY cheap, I had to have it. I've been lusting after one of these for YEARS now and I was starting to give up on getting one. I figured I'd just register for one when I finally got engaged. ;)

After coupons, I scored it for $57! Seriously can't be beat. It's actually still on sale at the site, but it's out of stock. They have an option though where you can enter in your email address and be notified when they get more in!

THEN I was checking out Hazel and Olive's sales, and found the cutest little dress! I think this will be perfect to pair with leggings and a colored cardigan.

$9.99. BOOM! I'm seriously proud of the deals I scored, and it feels really good to treat myself.

So, now I'm curious.. what deals did you end up with this holiday shopping season?

P.S. I'm giving away some GORGEOUS earrings over at Casey's blog today. You may just want to go check it out! ;)

Fannie May Berries Review + Giveaway!

My favorite thing about the holidays is definitely the treats it brings. Wait, it's supposed to me family time? Oops! ;)

But seriously, I love all the goodies that are offered up to my sweet tooth.

When I was contacted to review a half dozen of the Holiday Chocolate Dipped Strawberries from Fannie May Berries my mouth started watering almost immediately!

And the shipping time on these babies was next to nothing! Fannie May Berries can be ordered and in the customers’ home within 24 hours. 

One of the best things is all of the different flavors they offer. Just take a look! Fannie May Berries includes hand crafted indulgent flavor combinations including Sea Salt Milk Chocolate Caramel, Pink & White Champagne, Toasted Coconut & White Chocolate (Trinidad©), Milk Chocolate Caramel & Nuts (Pixies©) and Holiday flavors—Dark Chocolate Gingerbread, Candy Cane and Eggnog.

The holiday box includes 4 different flavors. Each deliciously fresh strawberry celebrates the season’s most decadent flavors! Hand-dipped in rich, real chocolate, the 12 festive strawberries come covered in:

(3) Enticing, caramel-infused milk chocolate & crunchy pecans

(3) Tasty eggnog white chocolate
(3) Deluxe dark chocolate & spicy-sweet gingerbread
(3) Decadent white chocolate with candy cane bits

These bad boys literally melted in my mouth. The strawberries were so incredibly fresh. The chocolate that was dipped onto the fruit was the perfect amount. It wasn't too chocolate-y, but not too fruit-y either. And the toppings sprinkled and drizzled on? Perfect touch! 

Now, wipe that drool off your chin. You look ridiculous.

Wanna try these for yourself?

One lucky reader will receive a half dozen Holiday Chocolate Dipped Strawberry box for yourself!

Please use the rafflecopter widget below to enter. Winner will be notified via email.

Good luck!!!

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Disclaimer: I received this product in exchange for my review. All opinions stated here are mine.

1000 follower giveaway!

I want to start this post by saying a big THANK YOU to every single one of my followers. Whether you've been here since day 1, since yesterday, are a faithful every day commenter or just a lurker - I'm thrilled you're here.

Whoa, this still excites me!

In honor of 1000 followers, if you use promo code YAY1000 you will get 25% off any ad space! Go HERE to get started!

I wanted to have a fun little giveaway as a token of my appreciation for you guys. 

It's a small package, but it's a few of my favorite things that I want to share with one lucky reader! I had a lot of fun shopping for this, too. :)

This fun little package includes:

Pink and black leopard fleece scarf from Charming Charlie - I LOVE scarves and CC - so I thought this would be a fun item.

2 peel off face masks - My favorite feeling is a fresh face. These are fun for girls' night in with your friends.

E.L.F. eyelash curler - Curling my lashes is a must. Just doesn't feel right if I skip that step - so now you can curl yours too!

The Body Shop shea body butter - This butter is heaven. I use it on my feet before bed and put some socks on, it helps make your skin SO soft.

Bare Minerals flawless complexion essentials kit - I swear by Bare Minerals. This kit includes primer (which is amazing and dries incredibly fast) and mineral veil finishing powder (which I love as a finisher to really "set" your look) and a mini application brush, which is super soft and applies the product wonderfully.

Sally Hansen nail polishes - These fun colors are perfect to brighten up your day, and I love this brand - the brush is thick enough to provide you with just one stroke/coat and you're done. Perfection!

Please use the rafflecopter widget below to enter for your chance to win! The winner will be notified via email.

Thank you again, love you all! Good luck!

XOXO

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Black Friday DEALS!!!

Happy black friday lovelies!!! I hope y'all had a good Thanksgiving, and if you're anything like me you're staying indoors and scouring the internet for good deals. ;)

Speaking of good deals, have I got TWO for you!!!

If you use promo code BLACKFRIDAY you will get 50% off of ANY ad space here at Brunch with Amber.

That's just a deal that you can't turn down!

Head over here to get started with the process, and let me know if you have any questions at all!

ALSO, my jewelry boutique flash sale is up to 60% off amazing jewelry! 

You can score some deep discounted items for yourself or for Christmas gifts. Check it out HERE!

XOXO

It's OK Thursday #69

Opa Thanksgiving style!!! Hahaha, I am hilarious sometimes. 

Thanks for coming to link-up with Neely and I even though you're awful busy stuffing your fat faces with all the turkey and dressing you can find. ;) We appreciate it. 

It's OK..
..to be wine drunk before dinner even starts
..to be selfish and want my boyfriend here instead of at work
..to plan on eating my weight in every single side we have, not just the turkey!
..to already be looking forward to the mayo, turkey and pepper leftover sandwiches we'll be having
..to be kinda jealous of people who have 20+ people at their place for Thanksgiving. Maybe one day I'll host a dinner party that big at my own place.
..to have debated on waking up early this morning to get things taken care of, or sleeping in since it is a random day off of work.
..to have to keep an eye on Binky all day because the guys will be "dropping" food for him that he doesn't need to be eating.
..to be ready for Christmas now :)
What are you OK with on this Thanksgiving day? Come link up and share!
I hope you are all having a fabulous time with your family or friends and eating a lot! :)
XOXO

Let's talk about what we are REALLY thankful for..

Okay, so last year I got all cheesy on you listing what I was thankful for. The holidays just make me sentimental. I start loving everyone more, and blah blah blah.

I mean it's quite obvs that I'm thankful for these lovely bunch of coconuts.

Don't get me wrong. I am SO thankful for those in my life, and I do my best to tell them every single day.

But, I want to know what you're really grateful for. Those little things that don't even really matter. The things no one admits to because it puts them at risk of sounding superficial.

Today, I don't even care y'all.. so here's my "What I'm Thankful for on Thanksgiving Eve" post.

I'm thankful for Instagram filters. Some days I just can't quite blend my concealer over that blemish or under my eyes quite right. What would look like an awful selfie turns into a fabulous art all thanks to IG. Problem solved.

I'm thankful for Xanax. I can't tell you how many times I've been on the verge of a legit full-on conniption fit, and I've popped one of these babies and it's like my world gets a little hazy and things seem better again. 

I'm thankful that my dog doesn't eat a lot. Don't worry, he isn't starving he's just a small dog who doesn't require a ton of food during the day. Thank goodness because Mama only buys that organic expensive shit for her baby. 

I'm thankful for wine. And lots of it. Wine oh wine, how you make me feel so fine. (I promise I'm not wine drunk right now. Ask me again though later tonight.) Rawr!

I'm thankful for coffee. And yes, Starbucks coffee in particular. People complain about it being overpriced, well duh. But it's so damn delicious I can't stop spending $5 for a cup of coffee. I'm convinced the 'bucks puts crack in their coffee beans. Just convinced!

I'm thankful for peppermint gum. After I've scarfed down something edible in between patients, the last thing I want is for them to be able to tell what I just ate. Gum to the rescue! Wait.. maybe my patients are actually the ones who should be thankful for this?!

I'm thankful for my iPhone. I mean, honestly.. how else am I going to waste hours upon hours on twitter, pinterest and playing Coin Dozer? Exactly!

I'm thankful that calories don't count on holidays. Seriously. And don't tell me they really do because you'll totally just be raining on my parade.

I'm thankful for the snooze button. Let's face it, I am not the biggest morning person. Having the ability to punch a quick button to gain an extra 10 minutes of sleep is like heaven to me.

Now I challenge you to tell me, what are you REALLY thankful for this year? ;)

Happy thanksgiving eve, my little turkeys!!

XOXO

Your Choice (1 of 4 prizes) Giveaway!

I have always loved displaying pictures to show off memories that have been made. I'm very picky when it comes to picture frames and what they look like, so I'm always looking for fun, new and creative ways to display pictures.

My new favorite way? Canvas prints. LOVE them. I have a few building up, and I'd eventually like a "canvas wall" full of prints in my home one day. Because I love displaying pictures this way so much, when I was contacted by Printcopia.com to review a Canvas Print, I jumped at the opportunity.

They also sell bumper stickers, car magnets, vinyl banners and other goodies.

I could've added to my collection, but I decided with the holidays coming that I wanted to share the wealth. Share my love for canvas prints with someone else.

That's when I decided to order Nate's mom a print for Christmas.

It comes packaged up nicely in plastic wrap, as not to get damaged in the shipping process. And it looks so perfect. It shows all of the details of the picture, even on canvas.

(I know it's hard to see) But, I chose the wrap around on the borders. You can also do a mirror wrap around, or a colored border. I felt like this looked the most natural.

No need to worry about that annoying hardware to hang your new print. It already comes with it attached. Throw a nail or tack in the wall and hang it up easily!

Now, remember earlier when I said they sell more than just canvas prints? Well, the people offering this giveaway are giving the winner their choice of:

-A Free 8"x10" Canvas prints from Printcopia OR,

-$50 gift card for car magnets from MagnetsOnTheCheap OR,

-$40 gift card for a vinyl banner from BannersOnTheCheap OR,

-$30 gift card for yard signs from SignsOnTheCheap

Pretty awesome choosing your own prize, right? :)

Please use the rafflecopter widget below to enter for your chance to win!

The winner will be notified via email. Good luck!

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Let's be friends, like IRL..

Happy Monday friends. I hope everyone enjoyed a nice relaxing weekend since this week is most likely a short one for you. Me? Off work on Thursday, but I have to go in for 4 freakin' hours on Friday to do nothing. So annoying.

Oh, so before before I start my post, a little P.S. if you will - I'd like to congratulate Jillian on winning my Shutterfly giveaway! Congrats girlfriend!

Now, am I the only one who finds it weird that we say we are meeting our blog friends, IRL (in real life) - um, isn't blogging real life? No, but seriously. I don't live in some fantasy world with people who aren't real, blogging is a part of my actual life. Whatever, the term has always kinda made me think, but I've never came up with something creative enough to take its place. I'll keep thinkin' on it.

Maybe it's because we have these friends that are just friends through blog comments, emails, tweets, etc. But then you meet them in person and your lives mesh together and it becomes so much more than just a "blog friend" they are now a friend that you hang out with just like you would any normal friend of yours.

You're probably wondering where I'm going with this.. well last week, I had the opportunity to meet Helene, and I absolutely adore her. I did before meeting, but now? I think she may be my long lost BFF. For serious.

While we were there Neely also came too.

Oh ya know, just a couple of bloggers instagramming pictures in Starbucks. No big.

We got to talking about everything under the sun, and blogging came up a lot, obvs. Helene wrote a recap on us meeting, and it is hysterical. You must read it!

Then it had me thinking about all of the wonderful bloggers that I've had the chance to meet in the past 2.5 years I've been blogging.

The very first blogger I ever met was Neely, and I'm so glad. She made me feel comfortable enough, and even after that we met a lot of bloggers together. It's amazing how blogging can bring people together, as I now consider her one of my best friends.

After losing my blog friend meet-up virginity, I was much more confident to meet other bloggers, and I sought out those I wanted to meet. It was becoming a fun little hobby! :)

Another blogger that was here in Dallas, was Kiley. I'd actually been following her blog since day 1. Since I started mine. We found one another on 20sb, and I was thrilled to have met her. She's one of my BFFs and I totally heart her!

Here we are meeting Joe Jonas together in Nashville at Blissdom last year. Amazing experience, and loved sharing it with a fab blog friend.

Also, while at Blissdom, I got to meet the amazing Meghan. She is SUCH a fun person, and I feel really lucky to call her a friend.

I met Ashley, Kerbi and Katie all in Dallas at a meet-up. None of them even live in Dallas though. They traveled so they could meet other bloggers too! Super sweet girls who I just love.

Last summer, I got to meet Meg. Again, beyond excited because she was one of the first blogs I started reading, and hello?! Who doesn't want a friend who is as fabulous as she is with her hair and blog?!

Luckily this past month, I got to meet up with her again when she was in town so I could meet sweet baby Kennedy! She's just got the cutest baby!

Last summer, Neely and I met up with Rachel and Katie for a fro-yo blog date. It was fun. These girls are just sweethearts, and it's a really cool feeling to be reading about someone's life for so long via their blog, and then just put it all together once you meet.

Fun fact.. Katie just got married a couple of weeks ago, and this night that she met up with a couple of bloggers? It's the same night she met her husband. :) See what blogging can do for people?!

Back when we had our Dallas Blog Meet-up last summer, you'll never guess who traveled to Texas to meet up with us?

Queen Aly herself. I thought it was super awesome that she traveled from Indiana to see her blog friends. It was really fun meeting her and listening to her hilariously awesome beauty tips. :)

Also, at the meetup was Jenn who is originally from Dallas, but traveled from Austin to meet up with us!

She was such a sweet doll! I remember her telling me all night what a cute accent I had.. like she isn't a Texan herself! ;)

There's many more bloggers that I've met that I don't have picture proof with, so I just wanted to highlight some of those who did! :)

Have you met a lot of bloggers IRL? Who did you meet up with? I love hearing about blates - so tell me about yours!

Linking up with Meg and Molly today!

Have a happy Monday, friends! I hope this week flies by for you and your holiday comes quickly! :)

XOXO

TAG - I'm it!

Earlier this week Jillian at Keep Calm and Wear Pearls tagged me in a Q&A she posted on her blog.
Go check out her blog, she's such a sweetheart!
1. What is your favorite thing about blogging?
The friends I've made. Hands down. I also like the free perks. :) But seriously, it's so refreshing to "meet" new people that are so much like me. People who actually "get" blogging.

2. If you could travel anywhere in there world, where would it be?
Europe, more specifically Italy. It's always been a dream of mine since I was a little girl.

3. What's your favorite quote?
If it isn't mad, passionate, extraordinary love, then it's a waste of your time. There are too many mediocre things in life, and love shouldn't be one of them. - Not sure who said it, but I LOVE it. So does my little sister, she has the last half of the quote tattooed on her side. :)

4. What's your favorite app?
My starbucks app - love using it to pay! Also, twitter and IG, obvs.

5. What do you do with your spare time, other than blog?
I enjoy reading, shopping, hanging out with Nate, my sister and bffs.

6. What is your favorite store?
Target, NY&Co, Old Navy, TJMaxx, H&M - the list goes on. But they'll all good stores I can get a bargain at. ;)

7. What were you like in high school?
I wasn't very nice in high school. I had my small group of friends, and we made fun of other people all day long. I was very vain and for some reason thought I was better than a lot of other people. It was a rude awakening when I learned that wasn't the case. I had a lot of growing up to do back then. I'm not proud of the person I was, but I am grateful at the same time because it taught me to be more compassionate as an adult.

8. What is your favorite TV show?
Will & Grace, Friends, Grey's Anatomy, Pretty Little Liars and Nip/Tuck.

9. Stripes or polka dots?
Definitely polka dots, LOVE them!

10. What is your favorite winter/fall accessory?
LEGGINGS! I didn't wear them for the longest time, and now I'm addicted. I wear them most days.

11. What are you most looking forward to this year?
Attending weddings! I already have 3 on the calendar for 2013, and I'm sure more will happen as the time goes by. Also, my birthday as always and 2013 will be mine and Nate's 5 year anniversary. Date-iversary. Not married, obvs.

Now that you've learned some about me, what should I know about you? I tag everyone! I want to read everyone's answers to these same questions. :)

Enter my Shutterfly giveaway AND get a head start on your Christmas shopping by checking out this post!

Happy Friday everyone! XOXO

It's OK Thursday #68

Oh hey girl hey!!!
Thanks for stopping by to link-up with Neely and I.
Just an FYI - We will be hosting on Thanksgiving (next Thursday) just so you know.. feel free to come link-up with us even though it's a holiday! :)

It's OK..
..to feel like an idiot when it comes to coding on my blog
..like seriously.. I can't figure out how to place one freakin' banner
..that a patient told me I look like crap yesterday.. in not so many words
..that I just had my toes painted instead of a full on pedicure
..that I'm writing this post at 10pm Wednesday, when normally it's scheduled almost a week in advance
..to be overly excited for some upcoming adventures
..to be about 75% done with my Christmas shopping, holla!
..to wish all the boxes that are arriving on my doorstep are actually for me
..to wonder why my sister insists on making all the desserts for Thanksgiving.. that's the fun part, I want in too!
..to refrain myself from busting out the bottles of wine that were bought for Thanksgiving. These people (my family) really think I can wait a week?!
..to be so excited for a coffee blate this afternoon - weekend to follow :)
..to love that even after almost 17 years my best friend is still there for me
..to love wearing fuzzy socks to bed, but still turn on the fan at night
..to think it's so adorable when Binky gets sleepy. He just stands and stares at me while his head bobs up and down trying to stay awake. Too funny.
..to think you should spread the word about our link up with your friends! ;)
What's OK with you this week? Come link up and share!

Don't forget to enter my Shutterfly giveaway!!! :)

Now Announcing..

I want my blog readers to be some of the first people who hear the news that......

I opened an online jewelry boutique!!!!

My online boutique is Brunch with Amber - yes, I just kept my blog name. :) I like it, it fits well.

All items have been hand-picked by me. Everything in my shop is something you'd see me wearing. The pieces are also at a price range that I can afford, and I know a lot of people appreciate that as well.

Christmas time is coming, so get to shopping for that special lady in your life. Your wife, best friend, sister, mom, etc. They will LOVE the pieces I've chosen.

The first 5 people to email me wanting to place an order will receive a coupon code for $15 off of $30 or more!!!

Also, follow along on Twitter - @BWABoutique. I'll be posting when new listings become available and when I have special discount codes for my customers!

Happy Shopping! ;)

InstaLately #2

Here for your weekly installment of my random bits of life. Otherwise known as my instagram feed! ;)
Be sure and follow me on IG for all the good stuff!

• Some days just call for ice cream and wine, this was definitely one of those days
• Fro-yo date with my love at a new place, yum!
• Breakfast for dinner is my favorite! Not pictured: pancakes :)

Ironic that all of these pics include food. #fattyfatty2x4

• At home manicure - Essie's Cocktail Bling
• Me and my babe out to dinner for a friend's birthday
• My sweet boy was pawing at me all Saturday morning to play with him 

• Me in my sassy shirt ;) Please excuse the chin zit.. this was early in the AM before makeup
• Gingerbread ice cream - Blue Bell brand, found at Kroger. You're welcome!
• I can't believe I finally hit 1000 blog followers! Fabulous giveaway coming up SOON! 

Linking up with Jenn today!

Don't forget to enter my Shutterfly giveaway!!!