Monday, October 31, 2011

Things I Love: Nails Fierce With the Gold Gloss

It's that time of year again, COSTUME time!! After two years of rocking Lady Gaga I took a break and did Kreayshawn this year. If you don't know who Kreayshawn is, well now you know. She's a badash hip hop artist who can spit rhymes like any dude. Oh, and she's a Bay girl like me. Her first single Gucci, Gucci blew up and she just signed a million dollar contract with Sony. I have a feeling this chick's going to be huge.
Personally, I am a huge fan of all the female artists out there right now that express themselves not only through their music, but with their personal style as well. Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Rhianna, Janelle Monae and Nicki Minaji all rock their 'fits as hard as they rock their music, and I'm bout it, bout it. Personal expression is something I think is really important and I love that these ladies are making huge statements and setting an example for being yourself (all while getting crazy with their style).
I guess one reason I love Halloween and dressing so much is that it's fun to take on someone else's persona for a bit, and I suppose that is why I prefer to make my own costumes rather then buy a costume from the store. I enjoying expressing myself in my own way, and I dig creating and interpreting my own costume. Plus dressing up as people who inspire me gets me pumped up.
So here's my take on Kreayshawn. I pretty much rocked her out all weekend. I was Kreamber from Friday (when Anne Sage invited me to a Halloween party in San Francisco where Too Short performed) until today. This dark hair (and the eyeliner) has been fun!!
I'm not ready to go back to being Amber just yet...
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Picnik collage
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Picnik collage
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Some videos of me transforming into Kreayshawn. And umm some lip syncing.
I guess I should've been Keenen Cahill for Halloween...
and the real Kreayshawn:
Happy Halloween everyone!! And remember: don't be basic!!

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Things I Love: Party Rock

If you know anything about me, you know I like to party, plan parties, and well go to parties. Recently my Vanessa invited me along to attend her co-worker Renee's Wine Tasting Party and it was a blast. Renee is a very creative chick has an awesome group of friends who also all have the same creative mind-set. We enjoyed wine and cheese pairings, played Apples to Apples and blasted girly music like Justin Timberlake. Yup, right up my ally.
Check out how cute this party was:
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Oh there I am.
You know, Rocking a Gap hat and Forever 21 Cheetah shorts.
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I hope you all find something to celebrate this Thursday.
Tonight I'll be celebrating my awesome San Francisco Blog Friends who are pretty much the raddest.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Things That Make Me Smile: Down to Ride Till the Very End

Here are a few things that are making me smile today:
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I'm super excited about the Leopard + Lace Poshmark Party that I am co-hosting tonight.
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I am stoked for my Halloween costume, fingers crossed it all comes together in time...
Just a little hint... (more hints on my Facebook Wall).
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And since I love having costume changes and rocking more then one costume, last night's movie sparked a new costume idea and um well, obsession.
After watching Bonnie & Clyde I am currently on a last-minute search for a handsome fellow to be my Clyde, because I'm almost certain I was made to be Bonnie.
They were bad asshes who took the wrong route, but they knew were more then their small towns boxed them in to be.
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Lastly I have some of the BEST blog friends, loyal readers and cheerleaders.
This morning I received an email that brought me to TEARS:

I LOVE YOUR BLOG! YOU REALLY MAKE MY DAY BRIGHTER

I just want to let you know that when I checked your blog post from yesterday it really struck a chord with what's going on in my life right now..My sister's best friend was just diagnosed with breast cancer.. for the 2nd time..and we keep talking about positive thinking ..and health is the one thing I think is really easy to take for granted and get caught up in the everyday details of life..but then all of that seems like nothing when your health is compromised..anyways..i shared your blog posting about J brand and thinking positive and life is all about how you react to the situation, etc.. with my sister, my cousin and her best friend through facebook messaging..My sister in fact lives up in San Francisco and I told her she should start reading your blog b/c I'm sure she would recognize some of the places you do your posts at.. (I live in San Diego)..

Anyways..just wanted to let you know that you made a positive difference in my day/week- (I read your blog daily) and keep doing what you are doing! :) Hope you have a great week!

-Katie

p.s. next time I'm in San Fran and if you are free I'd love to meet up for coffee or something :) Not sure when that would be though!


I can't imagine a bigger compliment then to receive such kind words from someone I've never met, and I also can't imagine being diagnosed with breast cancer not just once, but twice.
That's a hand no one should be dealt and my thoughts go out to Katie & her sister, as well as her sister's friend and family.
Honestly, my thoughts are also with ANYONE who has been dealt a hand no one wishes for. Being positive and keeping yourself happy isn't easy, especially when you've got reason to be anything but.
I am more then touched that my words could brighten up someone's day and I'm BLESSED to have Katie's words brighten my day!!!
See the power of positive energy? It makes people HAPPY!! It makes YOU happy.
Why would you ever waste your time being negative? Well, I know I'm one HAPPY FREAK!
{freaking happy at the san francisco blue grass festival}

Monday, October 24, 2011

Things That Make me Smile: Dance Your Cares Away

In my eyes positive energy makes the world go round. Sure I've wasted plenty of time being negative, mad, angry and frustrated; but recently I've realized how positive energy can be much more powerful and makes me feel SO much better. Smiling, laughing, and reflecting (oh and being silly) all make me feel a heck of lot better then complaining, being mean, and getting pissed off.
And you know what? I like to feel good, so I've figured out how to accept that things aren't always going to go my way, I will disagree with people, and sometimes you're dealt a hand that isn't quite my thing or maybe that just plain sucks (having my phone & computer break last week AND having my car broken into and my bike stolen did in fact SUCK). But when those types of things happen, I check myself and remind myself that I can only control my own emotions and how I react to situations. And keeping my head up (things are gonna get easier -- Word up Tupac) is usually my best option.
And no matter the situation, I feel better when I find a lesson learned, or something to take away from the situation. I may cry a few tears but I don't let it drag me down. Instead I turn on my music and dance my cares away (worries for another day...) and then like Nicki Minaj I'm flying higher, higher, higher...
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That said I couldn't be more excited to spread some positive energy around with one of my favorite brands... J BRAND!! First of all I am a LOYAL J Brand girl and I can't get enough of their jeans. Oh and I have I mentioned their jeans are made in the good old California, U S OF A? You know that gets me going!!
I am more then excited to announce I have been asked to help spread the word about their collaboration with City Year. J Brand will be selling exclusive colors for Women and Girls and 100% of the net proceeds will be donated to City Year to help prevent high school students from dropping out. J Brand's collaboration with City Year's is aiming to sell 1000 pairs of these jeans; so if you're inclined to purchase some new fall jeans think about making a difference and purchasing some of JBrand's exclusive City Year colors.
You know you'll be seeing me rock them on the blog shortly.

About the Collaboration -- lots of positive energy talk!!
The exclusive jeans and tips on how to style them, I can't wait to rock these!
Do your part to represent and define your generation (in a positive way, duh).
Don't ever let anynoe box you in. Nicki Minaj sure as heck is out of the box -- and I love it.
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Happy Monday all -- I hope you kick your week off with a smile!!
And if you need a smile on Tuesday (and want to win $50 to shop with) join me at my Posh Party!!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Giveaway+ Party: Leopard & Lace Poshmark Party

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Let me tell you a few things about me:
I like to party & throw parties, duh.
I love to shop, true dat.
I'm addicted to my iPhone (even if it's only half working at the momento) and my apps, it's a problem.
And I love making people smile. "I just like to smile, smiling's my favorite."

Those things being said, I am MORE then excited to announce that next Tuesday I will be co- hosting the Poshmark Leopard & Lace Virtual (In-App) Posh Party.
You should be excited too -- because Poshmark and I will be giving away, not one, but THREE $50 giftcards to Poshmark!!

What is Poshmark, you ask?
Poshmark is an easy way to connect, sell & purchase items from your favorite Fashion Bloggers, local boutiques and like-minded fashionista's and shopaholic's just like you. Poshmark's cover-shot's, posh parties, and "easy ship" method takes pesky steps out of selling online. Everything can be completed through the convenience of your iPhone. Seriously go download it now -- it's free!! (Poshmark does use Facebook as a log-in system BUT it will not post to your feed and your friends and subscribers will not be able to see you Poshmark activity.)

What is a Posh Party?
A posh party is a virtual in-app party that are often themed with ideas of what items will be sold/and what to sell. My party theme is Leopard & Lace. Rwarr!!
Expect tons of fun items to be listed, including some of my own personal items. And since you know I love to throw a party expect an "Amber Party" to the fullest. Goofiness, silliness and radicalness will occur, and who wants to miss out on that?
You MUST join in if you've ever wanted to party with me -- because I want to party with YOU! Yes, YOU!!

To join in on the Posh Party Fun, please RSVP to the Posh Party Invite on Facebook (make sure you are signed into Facebook to RSVP -- I want to know who I'll be partying with!).

How to Enter the Giveaway to win one of three $50 Poshmark Giftcards:
(US residents Only)
YOU MUST download the Poshmark in the Apple App Store & Leave a Comment in this post stating you've downloaded the app.

For Additional Entries:
-Become a follower of Ambersnotebook (via Google Friend Connect, Twitter, or Facebook) And Leave a comment stating how you follow.

-Tweet about the giveaway (Please include the Giveaway link, @Ambersnotebook and @poshmarkapp so we can count your tweet as an entry)

-Mention the Giveaway on your blog and be sure to link back to this post and then leave a comment here with a link to your post.

-Attend the my Posh Party on October Tuesday 25th 8:00-9:00pm PST (don't forget to RSVP on Facebook!) and like items during the party.
You're going to like stuff -- TRUST ME!

The three winners of $50 to Poshmark winners will be announced Wednesday, October 26. The list of winners will be posted on my blog, twitter, Facebook as well as on Poshmark's Facebook and Twitter.

If you have any questions about Poshmark, My Leopard & Lace Posh Party or about the Giveaway don't hesitate to ask.
Good luck!
I can't wait to virtually party with you!!

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Things That Make Me Smile: Moves like Jagger

So I'm almost back in business, and gosh it's about time to catch up! I missed you ladies!! Since I last left you: I've been computer-less for about 2 weeks, I broke my iPhone, and had my car broken into. But hey, that was all the bad stuff, and let me tell you TONS of good stuff has happened to me as well. For instance, last week I was invited to attend the National Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Party at Domaine Chandon hosted by Whitney Port. To get my blog ball rolling, I'm going to start by sharing some event pictures (taken by Drew Altizer) from the fabulous event. Expect a recap post soon of all my adventures, and a super cool giveaway to be posted ASAP! I missed you all, and I'm more then happy to be back!

Anne Sage of Rue Magazine and City Sage (in Marc Jacobs)
These ladies are GOOD times!
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You know I like a good dance party!!
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Anne's got the moves like jagger!
Side-note: My silly sister thought the words to that song were "I've got the moves like a dragon" and proceeded to dance like a dragon. Use your imagination -- she's a FREAK!
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It's nice to be back! I hope you are all doing well!!

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Look of the Day: Head Case

Sometimes there are things in life that bring you down. Hey, sometimes there are people in life that try to bring you down. For example I'm currently rendered computer-less, and man that's something that could REALLY bring me down. Yes, the new computer I just got in June, for my birthday is already in the shop. Why you ask? I managed to overload it with pictures already, so the Geniuses at Apple are fixing her up. But unforts she won't be back for 5 to 7 days!! Blogging will be few and far between until I get my little lady back sometime next week...

In any case, when people or things try to get me down, you know what I do? I make sure I'm happy and good-to-go. Things don't always go your way, and you know what? People make mistakes and (pardon my language) shit happens, duh. But I do what I need to do to keep myself calm, because I am the only person and mind I can control. Walking, hiking and rocking out hard to music all are ways I get myself in the positive zone.

But it's also a good thing I'm flying the coup or I'd go stir crazy without my computer. I'll be in my favorite place this weekend, LA & Hermosa Beach. A much needed head-clearer and extended weekend. Gazing at the Hollywood sign and the Ocean both equally calm and sooth my soul. I hope you get some soul southing in this weekend as well.

I'm a happy lady rocking my Marmot rain jacket. What do you do to clear you mind and keep yourself positive?
Be sure to keep up with my shenanigans this weekend on Facebook & Twitter.
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