Snow Adventures

We had snow! In Chattanooga!

I often forget that snow is one of my favorite things considering I never get to see a substantial amount, but oh my do I love it! My university ended up closing at noon on Tuesday, so I only had to go to my first class, and after that it was time to go play!

I called Joshua and told him he better get his butt over here, because I wasn't going to waste a minute of enjoying this beautiful stuff!

We walked all over the place and were exhausted by the time we got back, but it was so fun! The snow was too powdery for snowballs (thank goodness) but perfect for walking/frolicking all over our town. 

Do you love snow days?

-best,

    Amanda

The healing powers of Krispy Kreme

I have been stressed as of late. It seems like these next two weeks are jammed full with first tests, first assignments, and lots of things going on in the personal realm. Isn't it interesting how life is easy-breezy and then before you know it everything gets crazy?

Anyway, instead of me being a Debbie Downer, let's talk about donuts!

My sweet boyfriend surprised me with these, knowing that I was having a rough day. Half original (and still warm!) and half chocolate iced. And of course the Valentine's box!

Sometimes it's the simplest things that can completely turn your mood around. I believe that appreciating the little things is the easiest way to stay happy, because when everyday moments are extraordinary, what could be that bad?

Do you love fresh donuts?

-best,
    Amanda

Dress Adoration

Things have been pretty hectic for me and I've been feeling kind of unsettled (not that that's rare for me). Although all I wanted to do today was sit at home, I had to go to the grocery store, and I figured I might as well hit up my favorite boutique, Francesca's. I knew I needed a dress for Valentine's Day and a potential interview, and I stumbled upon this beauty! I didn't want to spend this much, but you know when an impulse buy turns into your new favorite item? That's this dress for me.

I think it might be one of the prettiest, classiest dresses I've ever seen (the pictures don't even do it justice!).

The collar is embellished with rhinestones and pearls, and the back has a surprise bow detail. I don't know if it could be any better. Definitely worth spending the afternoon out of my pajamas.

-best,

    Amanda

Put Out Good

     I ran across this quote via Pinterest, and even with my general soft spot for inspiring quotes this one really stuck out. I've always believed in "you get what you give" but this is a philosophy that takes it to a whole new level.

     It seems as though it's human nature to have bad circumstances stand out over good ones. Even the most positive people I know are guilty of this in some regard. Although I would describe myself altogether as an extremely happy person, I too have to make a conscious effort to spread good vibes and therefore conscious effort not to spread negative ones. It's an unfortunate truth, but it's just somehow easier to be unhappy.

     That being said, when things are good, things are good. You make a conscious effort to be the happiest you can be, and it seems like the world becomes a generally better place. I've always felt that good energy attracts good energy. If that's the case, and good energy requires much more effort, then it would make sense for it to return to you even stronger. If it's more "natural" to be negative, requires work to be positive, and hard work pays off, then of course the good is coming back tenfold! The little things that happen might just be from the little good things; the really great days, perfect moments, and fantastic feelings are from making a conscious effort to spread good vibes and letting that effect the way you live.

     So I absolutely still believe that you get what you give, but I think it's important to consider how much more giving good will pay off. It may be "easier" to be unhappy, but it's more fulfilling, healthier, and overall better to be a source of positivity and love. As they say at Bonnaroo, "Radiate Positivity"!

Do good vibes make good things happen?

-best,
    Amanda

Ich muss nach Deutschland gehen

(I must go to Germany.)

As far as wanderlust goes, I'm filled to the brim with it for any sort of traveling, but I have a certain soft spot in my heart for Germany (and India, but that'll be another post..). In particular I want to see Southern Germany, home of Munich, Heidelberg, the Black Forest, and plenty of mountains and outdoor activities.

Munich (source:tripadvisor)

Heidelberg (source:yourdeutschland)

Can you blame me?

I could seriously google Germany all day. Joshua and I continually joke about relocating there, and even though it's probably highly unlikely, it's so fun to fantasize about! I don't know if I could ever be brave enough to transplant to a new country and a new way of life, but everything seems so nice there (and it's so gorgeous!).

Even if it is just for a week or two, traveling there is definitely on my must-do list!

Do you have any foreign countries on your list?

-best,

    Amanda

What my Moleskine has taught me.

     It's absolutely no secret that I'm obsessed with school supplies. I'm pretty sure I have twice as many Five Star notebooks as I do classes (and I swear I'll use them all...eventually). There's nothing better than spiral-bound and college-ruled for taking notes and nothing better than pretty lined stationary for general lists.

     That being said, when it comes to having a conversation with your soul, there's nothing better than a Moleskine. 

    In the middle of last semester, I was walking through Target and I picked up a 2 pack of these on a whim. I told myself that I was going to invest in a nice journal and write in it consistently (despite my flaky journaling history). I got home, applied some glitter tape to personalize it, and I've stayed fairly consistent since.

     

     I try to write at least a few times a week, and it's amazing the things that are revealed to me through putting pen to paper. I think there is something beautifully classic about taking time to physically write, especially in our generation. No amount of typing could every take the place of the soothing feeling of writing everything out, and there's also something very raw about not being able to go back and edit things out.

     As someone who isn't fond of acknowledging my feelings, I've learned the importance of taking a few minutes each day to be introspective, and how much better it can make you feel.Writing down the good right along with the bad helps to put things in perspective by reminding me that things aren't so bad after all. 

     That's definitely worth the price of a high quality notebook for me. 

     (also, I think something about a Moleskine just says "classy"..you can't beat that!)

Do you like to write things down?

-best,

    Amanda

Mean Mug

     Chattanooga is such a wonderful city to live in, especially if you're a coffee fan. With a university, a thriving art district, and several up-and-coming neighborhoods throughout downtown, the city has it's fair share of small, locally owned places. I've always been a sucker for the coffee-shop vibe and a good macchiato so I decided (just this morning actually!) to make a list of all the ones around campus and give them all a try! The first three on this list I've already visited a couple of times, but I couldn't bear to make it inaccurate.

     So Joshua called me up to have a lunch date before his shift at work, and despite having a ton of stuff to do, what reasonable girl will say no to a surprise lunch date? Certainly not this one. We decided to try out Mean Mug, which is in the redone-ish South Side (right next to Enzo's), and has rave reviews both for it's coffee and food. 

     Not only did they have great, inexpensive food and coffee, but it just had good vibes about it. After a particularly roller-coaster week this was a great way to decompress (and procrastinate a little longer on studying..."oops"). For me, sitting and talking over coffee is one of the best ways to de-stress and get a fresh perspective. Even if I did lose some productivity time, I'm definitely refreshed and ready to tackle my to do list now.

Do you have favorite local places?

-best,

    Amanda