Things I Love: The Summer Games

Today feels a little like Christmas for me. Why you ask?
Because the Olympics are starting!!
And imma an Olympic FREAK!!!
In 1984 I was only 2 years old but i still clearly remember & cheering on Mary Lou Retton as she locked in the gold. I was amazed by her and her abilities and drive.
It was so exciting to buy the Wheaties box with her on it. I remember staring at that darn thing so and being so envious of her gold medal and her Star & Stripes leotard (I STILL want one of those!!)
I was so enamored by her that my mom commissioned my Dad & his friend to built me a balance beam out of four by fours. And they plastered my Mary Lou Retton wheaties box picture on the base of the eight inch high beam.
Little two year old AdHd me would work that beam all day long. I was a toddler PRO. Soon after I started gymnastics with dreams of making it to the Olympics.
But those dreams were dashed early my flexibility, beam skills and poses were not enough and i was slowly weeded out. Kind of sad how children's sports turn in to full on competitions at such a young age and even if you enjoy a sport your always told you're not good enough.
I practiced gymnastics up until i was in high school not once ever on a competition level but  i still practice the mediocre skills I have now.
But every four years when that torch gets lit i get chills and it brings me back. The next couple weeks I'm most likely to be found glued to the TV and my schedule will revolve around the games. Four years when the games were held in Beijing I literally ended up getting on Chinese time because the events were on SO late.
Which was helpful when I traveled there a year later to see where all the magic happened!!
I deemed this the Matt Lauer tower... it was how all the magic was sent to me!!

Me + The Cube. I crushed HARD on Michael Phelps, I mean be both Loved Lil Wayne so it was bound to work. Can't wait to have some new Olympic crushes agains soon. I mean I haven't had one since Sean White.


and of course the Bird's nest.

But my favorite part of the Beijing Oylmpic park was the cheeky sign translations.


and of courseI had to show off my skills, Lei had me in that position but my splits are top-notch.

SO excited to watch the opening ceremony tonight. I can't wait to see the Royal family and all the athletes representing their countries!! Beijing will be a hard one to top, though!!
Now my dream is attend the Olympics, and ideally while working there .... I've got four years to work on that. Starting NOW.

Things I Love: Won't You be My Neighbor?

Life here in LA is pretty awesome, and i think i am adjusting rather well to it.
I love being able to walk everywhere.
The farmers market, Trader Joes and Cassandra's house are all within walking distance. And I enjoy walking home with my bags of groceries, or heading to Cassandra's to watch the Bachlorette and having a glass or two (or four) and being able to walk home.
It makes me feel kinda European and very much like a city girl. Most importunely it reminds me of being a kid and walking to school and walking down to Mandy's house. In those days my life the most important things in my life were within walking distance.Plus it's been a great way to meet people down here.
Some of my FAVORITE people here in Hollywood are the ones I met walking.
SPECIAL SHOUT TO: Beatrice from the Mondrian, Julianna from Lencieria (CHECK HER Bikini & Lingerie BOUTIQUE OUT!!), Bob Ross, Blaire and the rest of the Crew,  Zach & Jill at The London, Black at The Lounge and so many more!!
When I walk down the block it's fun to have people that know your name an to say hi to. Reminds me of being back at home, where everyone knows everyone (and everyone Business...)
I adored growing up in the suburbs.  And I couldn't have asked for better hometown then Pleasant Hill. But I always longed to live in a city, shockingly it took me 30 years to make the move and it's been FUN adjusting.
I actually spend most of time here in LA solo, which hasn't been the worst thing. At times i feel almost monk-like reading, writing and working on my art. And that "me" time has allowed me to understand that i can be happy all alone and that i don't need ANYONE to define my happiness.
I suppose I learned from my mother you can be perfectly happy and content by yourself. Don't get me wrong, I love spending time with people  (i like to PARTY, DUH) but I have never spent this much time on my own and, well, it's pretty nice.
Love meeting new friends down here and forming new relationships down here!!
my new LA friends!! Jenna, Mollie Mary & Molly. SO grateful them!! xoxo

Although all my alone time makes for a pretty egotistical instgram timeline, i just like to think of it as getting my Frieda on...
I mean she the original "selfie" artista.
a moment alone when i allowed the "lonely" to creep in, and i fight loneliness with social media. 

Always remember to make time for YOURSELF.
You may actually, be missing YOU.
my instagram (screen name: Ambersnotebook) Look of the Day outfit shots are kind of a throw back to my original "faceless" Look of The Day posts...

I was...
remember you're never too old for Barbie pink sheets and a tiara... which was given to my by a valet - made my day!

and I'm glad i'm back.
But my improving, growing, exploring and changing will never stop.
There's always room for improvement ... and I still have a lot of improving to do!!

Look Of The Day: You're SUCH a Poser

Look of The Day posts used to be my jam. When my life felt like it wasn't the one i wanted
i always had my blog, i used to love bloggin about my outfits everyday.
And actually, it made me feel better about my life.
I was able to be creative with my outfits, my poses, my pictures (all self taken with a timer on my camera).
I also loved picking the best pictures (AKA getting my Anna Wintour on), editing them and writing an attempted clever post about it.
Blog titles, now those were the peanut butter to my jam.
or jelly...
Sure, i'll be the first to admit posting pictures (yet alone, TAKING pictures) of one's self is pretty egotistical & narcissistic.
But I loved it.
During that time of my life, blogging was one of the ONLY times I felt creative. Since then, outfit pictures have taken a back-burner to me because, first of all, i was focused on changing my life in a #MAJOR way.
But self-centered Look Of The Day posts also took a back-burner because well I felt like blogging (IN GENERAL) was becoming a popularity contest and I've always hated the "popular" phenomenon.
We're all individuals & artists at our core; and if we just look as blogs and art (HEY there, instgram is ART, fool!) as just creative outlets, then there is no need to compare, compete or question.
It's just us, or in this case, just me practicing what i love.
Getting dressed.
Styling, taking & editing pictures.
all while attempting to look PRETTY!!
....and well WRITING.
SO here are my first outfit pictures in almost a year.
Can't believe I haven't busted out my camera since December!!
Welcome to the new LA Amber in her new Girly Room... expect more Look of The Day posts!!


























Jessica Simpson wishes she felt this comfortable in her skin... just sayin...


More artistic narcissism to come! ;)

Things I Love: Fun Frocks

Like most ladies I love myself a fabulous party dress. I'm somewhat of an avid dress collector. There goes Barbie influencing me again, I mean, she pretty much exclusively dresses, so of course I would grow up beliving that dresses are what what Pretty Women wore.
My collection is currently pushing 150 dresses, so naturally Debbie Reynolds' collection of famous Hollywood frocks is the envy of my eye. Debbie Reynolds was a smart lady, she knew how special a dress can be. Dresses can hold meaning just like a song can change your mood, you can put one on and feel like a whole new women.
Since I haven't purchased a new dress in awhile this morning I went 'window shopping' to see what is out there and to inspire my own dress designs. Because to me there's nothing more fun to wear then a Party Dress!!
I just adore the sweet angelic details of this Alice & Olivia number.
click pictures for details 

Alice + Olivia Jazz Center Drape Dress

Alice & Olivia has long been my go to for the perfectly detailed & girly Party Dress. The ones I have from years ago still warrant compliments now. I could see myself having a blast dancing away in this dress.

Alice + Olivia Alison Ruffle Beaded Tank Dress

The subtle sexiness to this Opening Ceremony is my kind of thing. I'm not a big flaunter but I guarantee I'd turn heads in this number - I'd LOVE to add this to my collection.

Opening Ceremony Flocked Mesh Pleated Dress

Fun angles and unique cuts are something I find essential to make a LBD stand out.
and STANDING OUT is something I rather enjoy.

James Perse Bare Shoulder Dress

Now this dress seems to match my new age of Thirty perfectly. It's a total #GAW dress that I could totally see myself glamorously rocking it OUT here in Hollywood.
Oh suburban life, I do not miss you.

Bcbgmaxazria Keya Halter Gown

But my newest dress obsession is Three Floor. I cannot wait to add one of their dresses to my collection. Those British lines seem to really get bloggers and what we are loving these days. I'm kinda obsessed with them. Too cute!

Three Floor Adolescent Sister Dress

And if you like my dress picks make sure to follow me on Pintrest!

And put on your favorite dress today, even if it just to spin around in the mirror. Everyone loves a dress that twirls! 

Style Icons: Sweet Valley High

Living in LA has been a life long dream of mine. As long as I can remember I longed to be a Malibu Beach Barbie, wrecking havoc in Hollywood a 'La 'I Love Lucy' style waiting for my Prince Charming to climb up my balcony and save me Pretty Women style
(and I'd save him right back obvi).
But I do believe it was fellow Gemini's (with a birthday just one day before mine) Jessica & Elizabeth Wakefield who served as my two biggest SoCal Style icons and inspirations to be a SoCal Valley Girl.

Long before I was introduced to Brandon, Brenda and Donna Martin I spent many a summer vacation day getting lost in some good ole southern California drama.

Seriously, I would go to the Library and gets stacks and stacks of them and devour them. Not sure attempted date-rape, DUI's and excessive cheating was the best content for a third grader to read but I reread them over and over for years.

And I turned out just fine... I think...

All I dreamed of was being beach blonde, with blue-green eyes, with a perfect size six waist, driving a jeep around SoCal. Oh and i mean, besides fantasizing about having a dreamy Southern Californian boyfriend like the ones Jessica & Elizabeth had.

I always related and identified to Jessica and her schemeing boy-crazy/bad-girl ways but I longed to a be an Elizabeth. Either way i loved those twins and their carefree California living ways.
And here I am now in LA living my SoCal dream up...
Can't wait to plan a Board Game night & bust out the Sweet Valley High board game, so i can steal Bruce Patman from Lila for a bit...

Were you a Sweet Valley High fan? who was your favorite?
And have you heard that a new series of an adult Jessica & Elizabeth is now out  called Sweet Valley High Confidential.  Can you guess which twin is divorced and already on her second marriage??
See, I always knew I was a Jessica.

Weekend Recap: Two Point Oh LA Royal Picnic

This past weekend I had the honor to attend Two Point oh LA's Royal Picnic at Griffin Park. In attendance were some of LA's most fashionable bloggers and collection of brand sponsors.
Kelsi Smith of Two Point LA did a fabulous job putting together the event. The Royal tea party was adorable the attention and the to detail was top-notch. We're talking down to the cucumber sandwiches and the scrumptous scones made by British-born Kelsi, herself.
Not went unnoticed, down to the "Keep Calm Blog On" swag bags.
My sister had some fun in the Photobooth!


There were gifting suites sponsored by Guess (One To Watch), Ditto, Sole Society and Sebastian Hair products.
All are amazing brands and are so willing to work with bloggers, definitely check them out!
I was more then excited to chat with the brands, pick out sunglasses from DITTO and shoes from Sole Society.


It was perfect picnic and I am more then happy to have the Two Point Oh LA ladies in my life, they have made my transition to moving to LA a fabulous one and it's lovely to be connected to so many amazing bloggers & new creative friends.
Myself & The Wear To Go Girls.
LOVE them!!

Thank you Two oh Point LA, Ditto, Guess (One To Watch) & Sole Society!! All in all it was a fabulous day!

Things I Love: Watch The Throne

yesterday day i wrote a post about where i was a year ago and how I had grown. in the midst of writing it i went to link my divorce announcement post only to find that the post was gone.
it was deleted by someone who was in or connected to past,
a hater.
all i know is that people in my past life were upset that i was mentioning them....
In my eyes I don't mention people, I mention my life, my emotions and how my past affected me.
And I have the Freedom of Speech to express that.
in any case, the only thing i can do is not listen to what people say or how they control me ... all i can do is control myself and i have decided that a year has been long enough for me to close that chapter in my life and my old life no longer deserves a mention (unless I FEEL it necessary) on my blog.
I was married. FACT. I got divorced. FACT.
and I've taken that time and those lessons I learned and MOVED ON.
You can't hurt me now... Like Riff Raff I have castles around my heart.
But this princess is living it UP here in LA and I can't wait to share many more of my adventures down here with you!!

I got to spend the Fourth of july on the beach, in Malibu. 

Now that's something I've always wanted to do! Malibu Barbing the place UP? My kind of fun!!

They had a Taco Truck at the beach house, all I can say is that it as the best Fourth of July I've ver had.

good people, good times and a beach!!

and Speaking of Riff Raff & my new life here are a couple of the fun things I have been up to down here!!
I made cameo in one of Riff Raff's video's:

Cassandra & I also spoofed on of his videos:

still trying to get used to being on video...
here is me showing my room and how to clean my closet before I got furniture in it.
I need to make a new one now lol.

I have some of the best friends down here I could ask for. Everyone is motivated fun and the energy & creativity thrives down here. I LOVE it.
Looking forward to looking AHEAD. I've spent far too much energy looking back.
Jay z & Kanye said it best ... Middle Finger to my old Life... #WhoGonStopMe
Cuz I'm Definitely in my zone #WatchTheThrone



Male sure to check out my Instgram/Facebook/Twitter giveaway to win a pair of SeeEyeglasses!! SWEET!

Things I Love: CHANGE

Tomorrow marks one year from the day I had to do the hardest I have ever done.
It also marks one year since I left my old house, and, well the last time i've gotten any...
one final time was all i needed.
Last July 10th I woke up at my old house, left and never looked back.
it hasn't been easy but it's been worth it.
shannon & i this past weekend in Hollywood

this time last year we were one month away from our 5 year anniversary, with a fabulous trip to Spain booked for August but by that time the communication in our marriage had been reduced to fights, arguments and tears.
He was tired of me,
and i was tired of not being myself.
Vanessa & I in Hollywood July 3rd 2011

A spur of the moment trip to LA and a WhiteBoy rapper encounter along with the guidance of my friend Vanessa (and perhaps a bottle or two of wine) gave me the strength to finally tell my mom how I really felt about my marriage and the courage to ask her if i could stay with her while I sorted my life out.
it was a rough day alright.
The night before i had been out late at The Dirt Nasty show in the San Francisco, my husband wasn't exactly all that stoked about that, understandably.
myself, simon rex AKA dirt nasty & vanessa july 9th 2011

I hit the farmers market that Sunday morning, doing anything I could to not be at my house.
at that point it seemed like all i did there was fight with my husband or drink until I was blacked out.
Yet no one seemed to know how I really felt.
Burdening others with my own problems or complaining about them has never been my style.
I avoided my house that day not knowing what to do.
our communication was no longer getting us anywhere near happiness, whether we were happy together or apart. At that point we were both miserable. The things we each wanted in life, and the people we had become were no longer in alignment.
Going home didn't seem like it would do anything but continue the cycle we had fallen into, so that day my friend Vanessa urged me to talk to my mom.
It was by far the hardest thing i've ever done.
i was embarrassed, ashamed, and broken hearted.
but it's clear now it was the right thing to do.
I will say announcing my divorce to my friends, family and readers was the second hardest thing I have ever done. But I am more then proud I stayed true to myself during this past year, sharing my ups & downs all along the way.

if a year ago i was sleeping alone on a futon pad in my mom's house while crying myself to sleep every night and now I sleep in Hollywood in a princess bed happy & thankful every single day & night i can't wait to see where i will be in another year.
never be afraid to be yourself, and never be afraid to change your life
it's NEVER TOO LATE.

Things I love: INDEPENDENCE DAY

Tomorrow I will celebrate not only our fabulous country of ours.
But I will also be celebrating my INDEPENDENCE.
roll the stone away.... it's independence day
and my independence something i have never celebrated before.
i didn't get divorced all that long ago (filed last august official this past Valentines Day) but to me it feels like a lifetime ago.

and although my new life can get lonely, when the feelings of loneliness creep in I remind myself it's not lonely i'm feeling rather it's INDEPENDENCE and that's a feeling i haven't all that much in my life.
I mean at 22 I did move out of my childhood house to move into a house I purchased with my then fiancé.
Furthermore, I had signed a thirty year morgage for i life I thought i wanted at that age.
a life i had never dreamed of before but somehow i seemed to had landed right smack in the middle of.
this apartment i live in now is only the third place i have ever lived in, and it's the first time I have lived on my own.
and it's the first time i've ever lived in a CITY!!
and i REALLY LOVE IT.
strange to think at 22 I willing locked up my next 30 years in suburbia, and 2 years later I pledged eternity and my life to a person i thought i knew and loved.
either way Ex-husband I wish you and your new family the best...
cuz i'm doing DAMN WELL

i mean i should have known it wouldn't work when he put an END to a personal parade i was having in Tahoe some odd july fourth ago.
so you KNOW tomorrow i'll be getting my personal parade on dancing and LOVING my FREE life that I'm making for myself.
I've never been prouder or happier to be just plain 'ole fun LOVING PARTYING ME!!
and I live and celebrate that EVERYDAY!!

THANK YOU to all my friends and family who have stood by me & allowed me to change my life from a structured one to a free spirited me. Because we all know I'm SO much the latter.
Never let anyone put you firework (OR PARADE out), because baby you are a firework.

and celebrate your independence no matter what form you have it.
You always have to be okay to just be YOU.
even if you have to change to get back to YOU
... that's what I did!!