Amber's Notebook

Things I Love: Pinky & The Brain

noreply@blogger.com (Amber's Notebook) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:30:00 +0000

Well it's about that time. Time for me to fly the coop again, I mean. LA, Hollywood & Hermosa Beach I'm coming at 'cha -- OC I keep meaning to give you LOVE and I promise one of these days I will!!

It's fun being up here in the Bay; hanging with my friends and family. I feel like a kid up here -- well I pretty much am a kid at heart. I put in hours of bike riding sessions and some temporary pink hair (HAIR CHALKING: it rocks and um confirms that blondes DO have more fun -- I joke, I joke. I kid, I kid.). So I'm temporarly back to being a teenager, and that makes me DARN happy. One of my favorite things to say is "i'm never going to be younger then I am today." and I'm going to celebrate that idea every single day that I'm here on this lovely earth of ours.

P!NK:

Bike SO hard. Only used my car a couple times since this baby came into my life -- THANK YOU DAD!!

I am very excited about this particular trip to LA because I'll be one of several amazing bloggers who will be co-hosting Poshmark's first LIVE event!! And guess what? If you're in the area I would love to see your pretty little face there (just make sure to email your confirmed RSVP to: rsvp@poshmark.com).

It's going to be a blast and you know I'll be up to my typical shenanigans.

You know...rocking party dresses (can I have outfit changes?! I like those!!). Obvski. You can count on silly Photobooth action. DERF. And I'm sure I'll be sipping (and, um, SPILLING) champagne. Well, that's a given.

And if you can't join you can follow along on the Poshmark app & umm peep me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram (Ambersnotebook on all three)!

You will get to see things like this there (paired with clever commentary of course):

Happy Tuesday everyone!! I hope you have something BIG or small to look forward to this week!!

And if you like cartoon theme songs...peep this mashup, it's RADish.

Things I Love: The Path I've Chosen To Go

noreply@blogger.com (Amber's Notebook) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:06:00 +0000

I arrived home from Vegas last week, but I've spent the past week trying to find my heart & my inner strength. After leaving a high intensity place with so much energy, it's hard for me to come back to my life in the Bay Area and feel the same.

Things these days things just feel odd and like I've mentioned before no place feels like "home" to me anymore. So when I come back to the town where I used to live. In a house. With a husband.Working as a teacher. It's hard to come back as the new Amber. An Amber still trying to find her way on this new path. The things I used to take for granted are all peppered with reminders of my old life. My friendships, trips to the dentist, and grocery store are anything but easy these days. And that's hard pill to swallow.

Going to the dentist isn't exactly everyone's favorite activity; and when you throw in having to explain to the technician, dentist and then again to the receptionist that you are divorced makes it just that much more enjoyable. It's the little things that are the hardest and, well, hurt the most. It's the big things that I get to put big band-aids on, in the forms of trips to Vegas and LA.

Life changes AREN'T easy.

I do hurt.

Loneliness is the hardest thing to deal with, for myself. But I believe I am a much stronger person now and have a newfound clarity on how I would like to live my life. I'm all but certain that my life will continue to be vagabond-ish in the meantime.

While coming back to "reality" made me sad, no lies, Vegas was a BLAST. Um I'm pretty much IN LOVE with Cosmopolitan Hotel, Kaskade and Calvin Harris. Sara & I lived it UP and danced like crazy.

I love the high I get from dancing, sometimes I get a good feeling...

And you know I love a place where I get to rock a party dress every night. LOVE!

We danced at Marquee to Kaskade and at XS to Calvin Harris, both places were very cool and Umm the DJ's? I am in love.

Dancing is something I never did when I was married and now I cannot get ENOUGH.

And coincidentally, my LONG-TIME online friend Wendy, was in town. It was so nice to see her, catch up and introduce her to Sara. Wendy is an awesome person and has been an amazing support and inspiration to me. We had two unforgettable trips to LA together over the years (I mean we met Britney together!! ) and I'm so glad I have someone like her in my life.

And you know I did a little shopping. I mean it is Vegas!! I hit up the All Saints 70% off sale and grabbed this, and this sweater. I love the funky unique details of All Saints pieces.

We also ate at some amazing restaurants. Our favorites were La Cave at The Wynn (Bacon wrapped dates and the Crab Lump salad were AMAZE) and Jaleo at Marquee (amazing cocktails, small plates and paella - the endives are a must get). I love to eat good, quality food and Vegas brought it.

And after dinner go head down to Vesper at The Cosmopolitan, find Rodger and have him teach you a thing or two about quality cocktails. Dude knows his drinks, and they are MIGHTY tasty.

It was a good, good time. And I rolled solo. Thank you Suzy for giving my trip an anthem!!

Wishing you all the strength to get through any hard times you may be facing.

Big or small.

And if someone you know is going through a hard time or a life chance, make an effort to reach out to them. They'll appreciate it and it'll make you feel good.

I like two for ones.

Things I love: The Internet

noreply@blogger.com (Amber's Notebook) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:19:00 +0000

The Internet is my voice. The internet is my escape, my entertainment, my information source, my means of earning money as of right now. The internet has allowed myself and so many others to become self starting entrepreneurs. It has had the power to help people in this hard economic time find a new path.

It has also changed the way we find information and news. And it has changed the way the world connects. If you are a blogger, tweeter, tumblr, or avid fan of the internet and it's content PLEASE educate yourself and sign the Google Petition and take the time to contact your Congress Representatives.

THIS WILL EFFECT US ALL. #savetheinternet

Just one example of why this SOPA is so scary, according to Mashable:

"For example, if you upload a video to YouTube of you singing a popular song, and that song might sell for $1, and your video gets 2,500 views, you are guilty of felony copyright infringement. Furthermore, you can tack on “willful infringement for commercial gain or valued at more than $1,000.”

Felons, huh? Just for posting NOT for making money off it. Now that's scary. Keep Freedom of Speech and Freedom of the Arts & Entertainment ALIVE!!

And keep my voice and the voices of many other's (YOUR FAVORITES!) alive!

More information here & here.

Thank you for your support and I'll be back tomorrow with my Vegas recap.

Missed you guys!!

Places I Love: Viva Las Vegas!!

noreply@blogger.com (Amber's Notebook) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 19:12:00 +0000

I'm up & outta here for a weekend in Vegas. My first trip there not as a married lady!! Should be fun. Our plan is to dance to Kaskade, AfroJAck & Calvin Harris. And course dine the heck out of the town. Don't forget to get to follow me on Twitter & Instagram (Ambersnotebook) for up to date, live posts.

Including mirror outfit posts (I'm bringing it back old school). Love you all!!

some of the goodies I'll be ROCKING!!

GO NINERS!!!

Blog Events: QSW Spring 2012 Water Dancer

noreply@blogger.com (Amber's Notebook) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:02:00 +0000

Last night I went to my first blog event in LA and for me it was a BIG deal. Exactly one year ago marks the date when I really began to hit blog events hard, and on the regular. Going to blog events has opened so many doors for me. Plus they are confidence builders and I've met so many amazing people at them. Is it absurd to say partying on the weekly changed my life in the best way possible?
Well you all knew I was a party animal. So that can't REALLY surprise you.
You know I had to make new friends to join me in the Photobooth.

And beyond being an anniversary for myself, last night felt full circle for me. The event last night was hosted by Quiksilver Women, a line designed for "women" like myself who wore Roxy as teenagers but are now all grown up.
As a teenager was a huge Roxy Quiksilver fan. So much so, that for my senior project my Mom contacted Roxy and arranged to have me flown down to Huntington Beach to job shadow one of their fashion designers. I came home with stars in my eyes and bags & bags of swag. I was hooked on dreaming after that experience.
Meeting the Quiksilver Women Team & designer John Moore was an absolute thrill and I was honored to be in attendance with some of best and most stylish bloggers out there (Emily from cupcakes & cashmere & Liz of Late Afternoon to name a couple). And I just adored Quiksilver's Water Dancer video & concept, which compared the beauty of ballet & surfing; two of my favorite things to watch but can only clumsily attempt. It was an amazing night to say the least and I'm counting my blessing, all of them.
These LA girls sure know how to rock the heck out a photobooth!

The amazing spread at Everleigh on Sunset. It was such an awesome venue and I love farm to table restaurant concepts.

There was a craft table at the event where you could make friendship bracelets out of the Quiksilver Women fabric scraps.
It was such a cute idea & a great way to meet new friends.

Oh and for good measure, I just wanted to share that I submitted my survivor application & video. Because when I say I'll do something, I do it, far fetched as it may seem. Let's just say Tom's founder Blake Mycoskie and his book Start Some That Matters has really inspired me.

Happy Wednesday y'all. I'm almost ready to pack up & head north, almost.

Things I Love: Little Vegas Dress

noreply@blogger.com (Amber's Notebook) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:01:00 +0000

It may be Friday (did this weekend sneak up on anyone else!?) but I'm already thinking about NEXT weekend. Next Saturday (after I watch the Niners kick some ashh) I am headed off to Vegas with my friend Sara and I'm SO EXCITED!!
This trip to Vegas will mark the first time I have ever been to Vegas when I'm single & I look forward to a very classy (but DANCEY) trip to Vegas sans a husband. I'm sorta looking at the trip as my un-Bachlorette party. And let me tell you, nothing is going to stay in Vegas, I don't participate in that kind of shenanigans, and you know I can't hide anything from y'all. I love you too much for that.
In preparation for the trip I plan on using some of my Christmas SWAG to purchase myself a LVD (Little Vegas Dress) to rock with my new new Michael Kors Clutch that my mom gifted me for Christmas (LOVE & MISS YOU MOM!).

You know this party animal loves her a PARTY dress. So I'm spending my Friday morning mulling over my LVD options and I'd love your opinion. I am DYING over the Pierre Balmain's asymetical twist on the LBD. You know I love me a funky accent, and I would also love to add an Alexander Wang dress to my collection. I can never have enough dresses, that's for sure.
Click on pictures to linked.

So whatcha think? Only 8 days to go & I couldn't be more excited!!
Y'all have a FUNky & FUN Friday!! Love you all!!

Places I Love: Home is Where the Heart Is

noreply@blogger.com (Amber's Notebook) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:57:00 +0000

Let's talk about homes. What makes a home? A happy home?
For seven years I had house. I helped pay the mortgage and the bills. I made dinners there every night. I decorated it for every holiday. I hosted dinner parties there. And, well, I bought fresh flowers for it on the weekly. I even had my own girly room to store all my party dresses & Louboutins. All my goodies sat around looking pretty but waiting for the day they would leave their home & enter the real world.

Then the real world set in and my home was no longer a happy one. While I currently do not have my own place to call my home, I have begun to realize that home really is where your heart is.
And my heart is in California, north & south and most definitely at the beach.

I have my place at my mom's where I watch Jeopardy with my mom, sleep on a futon (on the floor nonetheless) store my belongings at, hang with my family and it's where I get ready for blog events. I feel very "Amber" being in my childhood room and my Mom takes great care of me, but I can't help but feel a bit lonely when I am there.

I have my sister's place in LA where I stay with my sister, her boyfriend Dustin, their roomate Taylor and her cat (Gus) & dog (Sawyer). They feel like my little LA family when I stay there and I love them all to pieces.

And I have Hermosa Beach where I stay with Sara. We spend our time watching romantic comedies, eating dinners in & out and dancing our pants off to DJ Dik at Ocean Bar.

My readers have been asking me when I plan on writing daily posts again and posting my outfits daily again. And to be honest I don't have a plan right now. I live blog constantly (Twitter, Facebook & Instagram) so make sure to follow me there. But for now I plan on soaking up this new found freedom I have, learning about myself and evaluating the friendships & relationships that benefit me in a positive way.
LOVE Kim!!

And let's be honest the Internet is totally where my heart is. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and my blog ALL make me feel that no matter where I am, no matter what time it is, I am not alone. You all make me feel like this little heart of mine IS loved and I can't thank you all enough for that.

PS if you have a couch, I'm always down for a new place to call home. ;)

LA Time: Beachy Keen

noreply@blogger.com (Amber's Notebook) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 19:13:00 +0000

I am having an amazing time here in LA. Yesterday my sister & I headed up to Malibu to enjoy our old favorite stomping grounds. Back when Andrea went to Pepperdine she lived in a 4 bedroom place with 3 roomates, so pretty much I had own room and it was amazing. Yesterday we headed back to all our old favorite places (Coffee Bean, Planet Blue, M Fedric) people watched, shopped all the post-Christmas sales and window shopped at stores we had no business being in. Then we walked the beach & pier and enjoyed drinks and snacks. We couldn't have asked for the amazing weather that we enjoyed.

I couldn't stop staring at the ocean, it hypnotizes me.

A cocktail ocean side is the second best thing to being in the ocean.
I freaking love beach time.

I love the heck outta LA, and I plan on enjoying every minute I have down here.

Today I am playing with Sara in Hermosa, I wish I could share this amazing 70 degree weather with you all. I hope you get some playtime in this Thursday as well.

Things I love: Hearts & Sparkles

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 19:52:00 +0000

I hope you all are having an amazing Holiday season. My Christmas was filled with some Amy Winehouse, Lady Gaga and Audrey Hepburn goodies. I love having inspirational TALENTED ladies as my heroes and idols. My Christmas was also filled with toys, gadgets and games because I believe you should always remain a kid at heart (however, emotionally you should ALWAYS be growing!!).

I love this time year because all my favorites come back to town and all my high school friends hang out just like they used to. I managed to squeeze in time with my high school clique, neighborhood gang, and reconnect with my guy friend crew.

They all make me feel young again, and there's a reason I've kept them around & so close for so long.

Being around those whom I love & respect shined a light on as to why I was keeping people close to me that were only bringing me down.

Never be afraid to remove people from your life that truly don't deserve your time, energy or love. It's not easy and it's a hard pill to swallow but sometimes it's just necessary.

Angie is my favorite Britney Spears fan and she's a LOV-ar & I heart the sparkles out of her!!

Today I'm off to LA to spend time with all my SoCal faves. I have very little planned besides an amazing white party on New Years Eve (my first time out celebrating since I was 20!!).

So excited to rock this hot little thing:

So seriously, if you're in LA and have some time I'm ALWAYS down for a coffee (or cocktail) you should hit me up.

And in the meantime watch me live blog from LA on Facebook (Amber Lane - friend/subscribe me or fan me Ambersnotebook) Twitter and on Instagram (Ambersnotebook).

I hope you use this time to think about what goals you would like to accomplish this year, BIG & SMALL.

My Goals, you ask?

-apply for Survivor

-continue my mission of spreading positive energy around

-attend as many parties as possible

-learn a new photobooth pose

-start making more money

-find a more permanent living situation

-hop back in the dating pool (SCARY!!)

-continue to ROCK MY THANG OUT!!

Things I Love: Half Birthdays

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:05:00 +0000

Today I turned 29 & a half.

AND A HALF.

And let me tell you, that half matters. The past 6 months have been a whirlwind (Tornado? HURRICANE?).

And I've gone through probably the biggest life change I have had thus far. My 29th birthday on June 14th marked a year since I sick with pneumonia.

During the two months that I spent in & out of the hospital, I began to reflect on why I was so unhappy with my life and I began to make some changes.

I decided I didn't want to be a teacher anymore. And I took a leap of faith that I could propel my blog into something more then a hobby.

I grew a pair (Mom, just Urban dictionary it) and started going to every party, event and meet up I heard about.

It might look easy, but it's hard to do. Going blindly into an event, party or situation is scary, and I'll be the first to tell you that.

{You don't even know how many times I got back in my car, drove away, and FORCED myself to go back and go inside}.

But I did it, and it paid off.

A year later I go to parties and events several times a week, and I couldn't be more gracious and excited about EVERY single one I attend.

And I am MORE then grateful & blessed with all the new friendships I've made, all the reconnecting I've done with old friends & all the relationships that have grown stronger these past months.

I have met some AMAZING people these past six months, and it's been unreal.

I'm looking forward to my next 6 months and you can bet your bottom dollar that I'll be celebrating every SINGLE last day that I have in my Twenties.

It was a decade in my life that shaped and changed me into the woman (a Grown Ass one, obvi) that I am today.

I hope you're living the life you love, and if you're not, try to make some changes.

Big & small.

Loving your life is an amazing way to feel, trust me, I haven't always felt this way.

Don't be afraid.

Time to start party planning, my birthday party is going to be a doozy!!

Photobooth's are going to be necessary, duh.

Things I Love: Treating Myself

noreply@blogger.com (Amber's Notebook) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 22:53:00 +0000

Ever wondered what items catch my eye when I'm shopping? Or need a couple more things to put on your holiday wislist? Make sure to check out my (and other fabulous SF & NY blogger's) Pop-up shops on SHopittome.com to see our must have items this Winter. My theme? PARTY hopping, duh. (Party hopping posts to follow...)

Peep the scene and let me know what you think!

Look of the Day: Lady GAW GAW

noreply@blogger.com (Amber's Notebook) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 19:13:00 +0000

If you know anything about me, you know I love old classic movies and classic movie stars. There's something about movie stars like Vivian Leigh, Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn {among others} that intrigues me to pieces. I can never read enough about them. I just love hearing about their romances (divorces?!) , their roads to fame and discovering who they were off screen and behind closed doors. It's as if the more I learn about my icons the closer I feel to them. So naturally I was more then excited to see My Week With Marilyn.
My friend Vanessa and I decided to make a GAW aka Grown Ass Woman (something I was recently called) night of it and go out for dinner and a movie. Well me, being me, I couldn't help but try to attempt my best Marilyn inspired look for the occasion. It was a lipstick, curler and lingerie (who cares if no one is going to see them, you'll feel like a lady!) kind of night for sure. Oh and extra mascara, eyeliner and heels, just like Marilyn.

Just like Marilyn.
When Marilyn wasn't wriggling around in tight dresses or posing for the camera she always wore something classic, ladylike and, well, slightly conservative. My Rag & Bone button up blouse seemed to fit the bill. Although my curls fell, there was something about the dramatic side part and flouncy blonde waves that made me feel, well, like a GAW.

The lipstick might have helped too.

Rag & Bone Button Front Blouse

Coffeeshop Coat

Free People Corduroys

Steve Madden Booties

This 6 year old jacket seemed perfectly GAW.

and may I recommend my fave brand Wacoal/B Tempted for lingerie (and if you've never been fitted for a bra I HIGHLY recommend it).

And if Santa is reading this, I'll take anything out of the Nordstrom December Lingerie catalog.

There's something to be said for the old Glamourous Hollywood Movie Stars and their elegant, graceful and ladylike ways. I don't see that enough in Hollywood these days. Michelle Williams, however, does have that grace; and I thought she did an excellent job as Marilyn, particularly in the scenes when Marilyn was herself, away from the camera. I definitely recommend checking My Week With Marilyn out.

Some of the things I took away from the movie:

Positive energy is so incredibly powerful AND it's infectious.

Believing in people and looking for the good in them can help you see the good in yourself.

We should all have a cheerleader {or a whole squad of them} and you should never stop cheering other people on, it'll make you feel good as well as them.

Movie Stars & famous people are just like you & me and we all have insecurities.

Glamour & Grace never go out of style.

People I Love: Sara

noreply@blogger.com (Amber's Notebook) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 18:38:00 +0000

There are friends in your life that make an impact on you and your life. They are the ones who through thick & thin you KNOW you can turn to. The ones that you have more stories together then you can count. The memories, experiences and life lessons that you had together really meant something and STILL mean something.

Sara is one of those friends to me. There's not a person in the world that I get more dancey & silly with. We're not normal.

Sara and I went to preschool together, and we were the "Queen Bees "of that little church preschool. After preschool we went our separate ways but over the years I always remember her name coming up with soccer friends and other friends who went to her elementary and middle school.

Sara Gliebe is not one to forget.

During our freshman orientation I wanted to reconnect and meet as many people as I could from the other main middle school that our high school was combining with. And when I saw Sara (and her older sis Lexie) I walked right up to them and re-introduced myself.

Our friendship snowballed from there and we instantly hit it off. As Sara recalls I was the funky, slightly dorky friend with a camera around her neck.

Um not much has changed, right?

Sara's family even "took me in" when my parents got divorced. I needed an escape and Sara's family let me stay over EVERY single weekend of Sophomore year when I was dealing with my changed home life. I needed an outlet and being silly with Sara was the direction I took.

We did stuff like driving around town, squirting people with squirt guns, ordering Big Macs from Jack in the Box or sitting "farmer style" (Lexie, Sara and I sitting three to the front in Lexie's station wagon).

We were WEIRD!

Oh and we wanted Facebook before there was Facebook. We would drive around town just to see what people were up to, sometimes taking unexpected pictures of people when they were getting out of their cars to use the local payphone (yup, I'm that old).

This behavior which we found to be silly was not understood by the popular senior girls and eventually Sara and I were dubbed the "Stalker Bitches" and were significantly harassed (rumors were spread, people tried to run us over, someone even had a loud speaker in their car which people would get on and yell at us as we walked to our cars). I even had someone do an "11" (peeling out) on my parents front lawn. Some of our friends even joined in on the fun because, well, it was cool. The senior girls and boys were doing it.

All Sara and I wanted to do was laugh, dance and be silly.

But Sara and I stood strong, we knew that behind closed doors people really liked us. Although the constant bullying lead us to make some poor decisions, which eventually resulted in us attending the local community college. Soon after Sara moved to San Diego and our paths drifted apart once again. We kept in touch, and saw each other once year when Sara was in town for Christmas. But we were never as close as we were in high school.

Back in August when I announced my divorce Sara was one of the first people to call and see how I was. She invited me to come down to Hermosa Beach and stay with her for Labor Day weekend, I already had plans to go to Oregon so I thanked her for the invite and promised I would take her up on the offer.

When I hung up the phone I thought about my schedule and realized I didn't have plans for the following weekend, and I immediately called her back and I asked if that weekend would work, luckily it did. I booked a flight went down. Right away Sara and I picked up right back where we left off. And I couldn't have been happier about it.

I'm so happy to have Sara in my life, back in my life, and am MORE then grateful to have a new place to couch surf on the regular. And I'm SO HAPPY to have my favorite tiny dancer back in my life.

It's funny how the more things change the more they stay the same.

Never forgot those people, friendships and experiences that changed and shaped your life.

I know I never will.

LOVE YOU SARA & THE WHOLE G-CLAN!!

Things I Love: Sunshine & Rainbows

noreply@blogger.com (Amber's Notebook) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 19:53:00 +0000

I like LA like A LOT. And I am more then grateful that my sister and long-time friend Sara are so welcoming & let me couch surf in SoCal on the reg. I'm not going to lie, after being in a relationship for 9 yeas (lived together for 7!!) I get lonely.

Yup, that's right, divorce isn't all sunshine & rainbows. It hurts, like A LOT. But when I'm in LA, Hollywood and Hermosa Beach I feel anything but lonely and I'm SO grateful for that. I'm MORE then happy to be heading down to enjoy my favorite places & people. Oh and to DANCE (OCEAN BAR HOLLA!!).

Hey, if you're a SoCaler I'd love to kick it sometime. You can find me working at Coffee Bean or at the Sunset Marquis most weekdays when I'm there (AKA tomorrow).

If you're not a SoCaler, follow my adventures on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram (Ambersnotebook on all three).

I guarantee I'll make you laugh at least once.

I mean I do stuff like this...

And this is the kind of stuff you get see if you follow me on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Enjoy your last weekend before the Holidays really KICK into gear!!

On My Radar: findersKEEPERS

noreply@blogger.com (Amber's Notebook) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:03:00 +0000

It's a fact that I'm a sucker for Australian clothing brands. I mean, I love me some Mink Pink (as seen here, here and my FAVE) & One Teaspoon. They're two of my favorite brands and they both happen to be from Down Under. Their pieces always seem different and original, and I can't help but fall in love with them.

I think the surfer, beachy feel of their brands speak to the California girl in me. And you know I love the beach & surfers! My current Aussi obession (no, not you Kimmi) is findersKEEPERS.

Umm OMG!

I NEED every dress of theirs that I have laid my eyes on. Hotness is all I can say. I am definitely going to be adding a few of their pieces to my collection, their stuff is badical.

Just check out how rad their promo video is.

I currently have it on repeat, and it's bringing me back to being at Ocean Bar & dancing to DJ Dik (who is going to be playing in SF Dec 9th -- who wants to come dance with me?!)

Finders Keepers - Stardust* from Aus Labels on Vimeo.

And if I'm out dancing I definitely hope to be wearing one of these dresses:

{click images for details}

What brands are you currently eyeing?

And seriously SF friends come DANCE with me!!

Things That Make Me Smile: Fairytale Days

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 17:21:00 +0000

Last Thursday was another one of those days I had to pinch myself to remind myself this really is my life. When I was invited to attend a brunch at Neiman Marcus with Joseph Altuzarra you know I was more then excited. Brunch at Neiman Marcus with a French fashion designer?! Sign me up! Once my excitement settled I was left with the question: What does one wear to such an event?
I've got my night event outfits down, but an 11:00 brunch on a Thursday? With a FASHION DESIGNER? And he's French, none-the-less. I discussed my outfit ideas with my friend Vanessa and her mother. Perhaps wool skirt (it is fall), or a blazer (conservative). Nothing too short that was for sure.
When I came back to my closet, I came across a never before worn Philip Lim 3.0 dress purchased several years back (again after seeing Lauren Conrad wear it). I had always planned on hemming because it was a bit longer then I would typically wear. Turns out it was the perfect dress and length for such and event.

As I walked to the event I was texting my friend Vanessa about how nervous I was and how over dressed I felt. A cream dress, Louboutin's and lipstick at 11am? So not my jam. But when I arrived at the event and saw the table settings, camera crew and oh yeah the head-to-toe chic Anh, my nerves calmed.

Oh that is until I ate the butter, thinking it was yogurt. Yeah, I did that. I also live tweeted Joseph's name as Jonathan. What did I tell you about mistakes?

You forget about them when you are in the presence of greatness, and how amazing is this table setting?

The food was excellent. Especially if you like butter, kidding!

The quiche was fantastic, as well as the salad and brioche.

And you know I had a little bubbly.

What's my name? Amber Lane (and I like Champagne!!).

Anh and I were seated rather close to Joseph, he was so charming and Katie aka MrsZambrano (seated to Joseph's left) did an excellent job interviewing him! And his Grandma (seated to his right) was a hoot!

MrsZambrano commented that Klassy & I are "equally hyper", I'm going to go with silly. We have a BLAST together. And who does't like to hangout with someone who introduces you as blog superstar?! Gotta thank my manager ahem, I mean Klassy, for that tag-line.

During the brunch we viewed Joseph's fall & resort lines. Both of which we inspired by the 90's. (LOVE). The fall collection was included lots argyle (yup, I wore that in the 90's) and deconstructed parka's. The collection was inspired by Kate Moss and Johnny Depp. The whole line was like tying a flannel around your waist without having to do that, that was the vibe of the line.

While the resort was centered around eyelet fabric (think Alicia & Liv driving by lake and frolicking with a country boy, oh yeah).

After we all got to meet Joseph. So fun!!

Kristen and Joseph.

Oh and hang with his Gma!!

After the magical brunch I went to change (in parking lot restroom none-the-less) and headed to do some shopping. The fairy tale was over, but the day wasn't.

I still had to more events to go to and one more designer to meet! I went to Carrots to celebrate their 4th anniversary party hosted byTaylor, Caitlin and Erin. Love those ladies.

My Loubs were killing me by then and Kim, Elisabeth and Gigi witnessed me walk (hobble!) barefoot to my car to relieve my feet from their Louboutin prison.

{rocking my new theory blouse}

We then hit the new Steven Alan store where we got to meet the man himself. Super approachable and happy to be in San Francisco.

With Heather, Tara, Mr. Alan and Kristal. LOVE those ladies.

and with Meghan, Katie, Mira, and Joanna.

Such an amazing day. I can't tell you all how grateful I am for all the opportunities that have come my way!!

Blog Events: Eve of Hope

noreply@blogger.com (Amber's Notebook) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 21:06:00 +0000

A couple weeks ago I was honored, and blown away that I was invited to attend the National Breast Cancer Foundation's Eve of Hope hosted by Whitney Port {from The Hills} at Chandon in Napa. It was an amazing event to say the least.

I wasn't sure what to expect but when the PR company offered to chauffeur us out to the winery I knew it was going to be a BIG deal. Not going to lie -- I was NERVOUS!! So I was more then excited when Gigi from Gigi Ouf the Blog (who I just recently hung out with at the Rip Curl Pro Event) contacted me and told me she would be attending as well and wanted to meet prior to being shuttled out to Napa.

Gigi and I had met at a blog event before and had been Twitter and blog friends but we never really had a chance to connect. When I met her at Bart (after I RAN to catch the train) we hit it off right away. There's so much to love about Gigi, she's sweet, gracious and likes to have fun as much as I do.

When we arrived at the Ferry Building where the shuttle was picking us up, Gigi and I decided we deserved a much needed glass of Sauvignon Blanc, thinking we were late we downed it in about 2.5 seconds. Come to find out, we were some of the first to arrive, so our next mission was to find a road soda (aka drinks for the ride). I think that's exactly when Gigi and I knew we were on the same page and were bound to have fun together.

Friends that have fun together, stay together and Gigi & I are FUN!

We each sipped on a Copa De Vino (thanks HIPLIP!!) on our cruise to Napa, it was perfect!

Once we arrived everything was AMAZING. There was a Red Carpet, a runway for the Whitney Eve fashion show, tables with appetizers paired with bubbles and a dance floor that you just KNOW I was eyeing.

You don't even know how amazing this caviar was!! The Head chef Perry Hoffman told Gigi and me that can of the Pointed Snout Caviar Avance´ cost $2,300. INSANE!!

And when Anne Sage spotted me across from the parking, when I was hobbling around barefoot with my Louboutin's in my hand (they're NOT walking shoes) it was certain the night was going to be a good one.

Oh and yeah, she's got the moves like Jagegr, duh.

Coincidently, my dress was a Robert Rodriquez dress I purchased a few years ago after seeing Lauren Conrad rock it.

Attending the event was extra special for me because, I'm sure like many of you, know someone who is, or who has, suffered from Breast Cancer. My friend Courtney's mother, Debbie, is currently in her chemo process and I can see how hard it is for not only her, but her entire family. Breast Cancer is something that can happen to any of us ladies, think how truly shocking the Giuliana Rancic news was.

My thoughts go out to anyone who lost someone to this disease or anyone who has suffered through it or knows someone who has

And don't forget to make sure to check, examine and keep up with doctor appointments. It's SO important.

The Runway show was very fun, all the Whitney Eve dresses were adorable.The last model who walked was a forty something year old breast cancer survivor and she KILLED it.

I love seeing things like that, I was too busy cheering her on to get a picture.

It was an amazing night and I met some amazing people. It was the kind of event I used to dream about going to.

Oh yeah, and I met Whitney Port. Her whole family was in attended and I actually REALLY enjoyed her sister (also pictured) Whitney, on the other hand, wasn't all that interested in meeting me. LOL.

I'm so thankful for the events I am invited to and for the fabulous people I there. I'm sure many more fun & silly times with Anne & Gigi will go down in the future and I couldn't be more grateful to call them friends.

I almost forgot, the three of us blog ladies made it in this past Sunday's San Francisco Chronicle style section I am still trying to get my hands on a copy. If anyone has one that I get that would be AMAZING!! Thank you!

Things That Make Me Smile: Teenage Dreams

noreply@blogger.com (Amber's Notebook) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 18:04:00 +0000

Like Katie Perry I'm a teenage dreamer and I'm a California girl, so naturally I'm a sucker for surfers. As a teenager I was pretty much obsessed wih Roxy Quicksilver and all that it encompassed, it was the California life I wanted. My room was littered with Roxy & Quicksilver ads and posters featuring all my favorite surfers. Kelly Slater being my favorite surfer and surfer boy crush at the time. It was Teenage Dreamin (or California Girlin it) at it's best.

In September when I attended my first Surf competition in Hermosa Beach I saw ads for the Rip Curl Pro Search Somewhere in San Francisco and I knew had to attend. After checking the event out more I came to find that Kelly Salter was lined up to clinch his 11th World Title -- umm SICKNESS. I knew I had to be there to witness it, and I sure did.

I headed out Tuesday to watch the event solo and the weather was perfect and the waves were amazing. Ocean Beach felt like anything but San Francisco and as a Native Bay girl I was proud that San Francisco was being showcased in way that's anything but what you normally picture. Eighty degrees on the beach up North?

Yup it happens this time of the year.

Kelly didn't get a chance to clinch on Tuesday, so yesterday Gigi and I headed back out and watched history go down as Kelly shredded the waves up and then was awarded his 11th world title. It was one of those moments and events that I'll never forget and I am so glad I made the effort to go (the feeling reminded me a bit like going to the World Series Parade, which I also went to solo). Gigi and I got to watch Kelly Slater accept the title from the VIP lounge, thanks to Gigi's friends Lindsey and Andy (of San Franpyscho) and we got to go an awesome after party. It was an amazing day to say the least!!

I believe you're never too old to remember what you loved as a kid and teenager. And you're never too old to live out your dreams.

Yesterday I was not only able to only check "seeing Kelly Slater surf in person" off my bucket list, I also witnessed sports and surfing history.

I'm a California Dreamer, alright. And if you're not already living your dream, go dream and LIVE!!

Look of the Day: Relaxing All Cool

noreply@blogger.com (Amber's Notebook) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:29:00 +0000

Now this is story about how

My life got flipped-turned upside down

And I liked to take a minute just sit right there

And tell you how I became the Amber without a care

West Coast Bay Area born and raised

Being silly & playing is how I spent most of my days

Chillin out, maxin, relaxing all cool,

Somehow I thought my calling was teaching school

it was kind of fun and married life good

but something wasn't right in the neighborhood

but we used to fight and I got scared

it was was time for grievances to be aired

We discussed our problems, about 7 or 8

And I yelled to my old life "Yo homes smell ya later"

I looked at my kingdom I was finally there

To sit on my throne as the Photobooth Queen of the Bay Are

Alright you can take that with grain of salt, I am just kidding. I just happen to be big Fresh Prince of Bel Air fan, and well, yes in fact my life did flipped, turned upside. But we'll touch on that more later.

Today {and everyday} I try to focus on the good, the fun, and the silly. And that's why I Facebook, Tweet and blog every moment that makes me happy. Those are the feelings I like to document, those are the feelings I like to share and those are the moments I want to remember. Never mind not sweating the small stuff, I celebrate the heck out of the small stuff.

And heck, often a favorite TV theme song can put a big smile on my face. Cheesy '90's outfits help too.

Alice and Olivia Blazer

Urban Outfitter striped dres {similar}

Sam Edelman boots

Forever 21 Scarf & Tights

Michael Kors purse

When something makes you smile today, celebrate the heck out of it -- you know I would!!

Things I Love: Nails Fierce With the Gold Gloss

noreply@blogger.com (Amber's Notebook) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:48:00 +0000

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...

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!!

Things I Love: Party Rock

noreply@blogger.com (Amber's Notebook) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 22:25:00 +0000

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:

Oh there I am.

You know, Rocking a Gap hat and Forever 21 Cheetah shorts.

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.

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

noreply@blogger.com (Amber's Notebook) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 20:54:00 +0000

Here are a few things that are making me smile today:

I'm super excited about the Leopard + Lace Poshmark Party that I am co-hosting tonight.

Will You be joining in? Dooo it...

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).

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.

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}

"Sometimes I trip on how happy we could be..."

Things That Make me Smile: Dance Your Cares Away

noreply@blogger.com (Amber's Notebook) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:48:00 +0000

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...

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.

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!!

Giveaway+ Party: Leopard & Lace Poshmark Party

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:56:00 +0000

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!!

Things That Make Me Smile: Moves like Jagger

noreply@blogger.com (Amber's Notebook) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 19:41:00 +0000

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!

Myself (wearing Robert Rodriguez and Christian Louboutins)

Anne Sage of Rue Magazine and City Sage (in Marc Jacobs)

and Gigi of Ouf the Blog.

These ladies are GOOD times!

You know I like a good dance party!!

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!

It's nice to be back! I hope you are all doing well!!