Amber's Notebook

Things I Love: The Twenties

noreply@blogger.com (Amber's Notebook) — Mon, 14 May 2012 21:55:00 +0000

Today begins my official 20's countdown. In one month on June 14th, 2012 I will enter my 4th decade & my 30th year on this lovely little planet we call home.
My twenties were QUITE the decade for me & I "crossed" a lot of things off my "List".
I graduated college, got my teachers credential, and completed my masters & wrote a Thesis (on using Positive Management tool; in fact).
I had a serious boyfriend.
I got engaged.
Got married at 24 (August 11th 2006) & at 29 (on February 14th, 2012) I got divorced.
I traveled the world.
I perfected my cooking, gardening, flower arrangeing and well re-did a house.
I got my Martha Stewart on; you might say.
At 23 I bought a house, I invested money and after 29 & 1/2 years of living in the BAY AREA I picked up my life and moved to Hollywood and moved into my first apartment.
LIFE CHANGING.
I was a nanny.
I was a teacher.
I was a fashion editor.
I was a blogger.
and i was an artist.
And now I am brand developing,
or a Brand AMBassador as Val Kahl refers to me as.
I even faced near death when I struggled and fought off a terrible bout of pneumonia.
SURVIVOR & FIGHTER i am.
I REEVALUATED MY LIFE & WHAT MATTERED & MATTERS TO ME.
So now today I have 30 days left until I'm THIRTY and well, I like to think I will OFFICIALLY be a GAW (Grown Ass Women), if I'm not one already.
I'll be living these last 30 days in my Twenties UP like CRAY.
I've NEVER been SO excited for a birthday in my life.
Turning 30 feels like the best I have ever given. I have never felt so happy, motivated, energized and well YOUNG.
And let's be honest... I haven't been single on my birthday since I was 20
so umm... HEY BOYS ;)
This birthday girl already knows what she gonna be wishing for when those 30 candles get blown out.
So here goes nothing!!
Watch me on twitter, Facebook and INSTAGRAM to see how I'll be blowing this place up in the next THIRTY days.
LET'S DO THIS!!!
Not much has changed since I was twenty really... I mean I was always the party animal looking to get into FUN!

I think Twenty Year old Amber would be PRETTY jealous (& PROUD of) of Twenty nine year old amber soon to-be Thirty Year old AMBER!!!
and a VERY MERRY unbirthday to YOU!!!

Things I Love: HIKE TIME

noreply@blogger.com (Amber's Notebook) — Sat, 05 May 2012 21:31:00 +0000

So far I am LOVing life here in LA & 6 weeks (starting week 6 today) in I FINALLY feel like I live here. I am almost settled in my place (still on the futon pad on the ground though) and have started to feel like a regular person who grocery shops, does chores and well gets to enjoy her new life.
But besides Dancing in Heels & footing my way around town I haven't really worked out or gotten to bike ride or hike, so I was beyond thrilled when my new friend Val Kahl invited me to hike Bronson Canyon.
Not only because I wanted to get a hike with nature in, but because we were hiking to the Hollywood sign!! I LOVE stuff like that and umm, I seem to get into stuff like that daily down here -- it's a pot of opportunities and I'm SEIZING them.
Our hike was full of laughs, stories, picture taking (we both LOVE camera's) and amazing views of my new city!! PLus I'm always down to get my heart and thighs pumping.
I LOVE it HERE & couldn't be more excited to live in not only my dream city BUT the city of DREAMS.
ALWAYS STAY TRUE TO YOUR DREAMS!!
i am!

probably the biggest personality I have ever met, Val is AMAZING!

The fence climber in me had to resist climbing over.

Val is a world traveler hiker. Love her!

expect many more adventures with Val & I. These two ditzy blondes (or are we?) are gonna conquer more then just the Bronson trail. As a matter a fact tonight we're gonna conquer Beachers.

I hope y'all have a fabulous Saturday - go out in Nature, call a friend or enjoy the sun!!
LVOE YOU ALL!!

Style Icon: Fight For Your Right

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

Long before my white rapper crushes on Eminem, Dirt Nasty & Riff Raff Sodmg I had major crushes on the Beastie Boys. As a nerdy (as some might have said) little 6th grader Amber Lane knew what was up and I knew the Beastie Boys were more then just Fighting for my Right to Party. They were fighting to change the world actually, and you know I like that.
I was hooked on the Beastie Boys as soon as I discovered who they were. I had their posters on my walls next to Barbie collection. I've always been a true Gemini & professional Dichotomist -- I never put myself in one box or label myself, just the the Beastie Boys. I even remember asking my mom to help make me a Beastie Boys tshirt with my favorite lyrics on it (although I probably never wore it to school because back in middle school people didn't get I could be smart AND cool).
My Beastie Boy obsession taught me a lot about pop culture (their references are second to none), rappin & rhyming (or rhyming & stealin), and being funky (and being a punk...)!
And let's be honest, when I could spit every single lyric on every Beastie Boys album I quite impressed the boys (I'm crafty). If you were rollin with me in my blue Honda Civic in High School there was a good chance I'd be bumping some BBoys (I mean if I wasn't spit tin my own WEAK rhymes).
You'll be missed Adam Yauch, but your rhymes & impact on Music & it's culture will be remembered forever.
Innovators never really die.
Thank you for your influence on my style, music choices, and the knowledge your lyrics taught me!!

If you're not already a Beastie Boy fan go do you yourself a favor and Spotify their Paul Boutique album. Genius at it's best, plus it's cheaper then a hot dog with no mustard!

Things I Love: Parties & Party Dresses

noreply@blogger.com (Amber's Notebook) — Thu, 03 May 2012 22:05:00 +0000

If you didn't already know, I love me a good party and an amazing party dress, OBVI! And now that I am newly single (and Husband #1 has already moved on to Wife #2) I can't help but daydream about my next DREAM party, and well, fantasy party dress.
AKA my wedding & wedding dress.
By all means I hope my next marriage lasts and that it IS my ultimate relationship (JayZ Beyonce, VB & David Beckham power couple type of thang) but I am realistic and will never let myself feel trapped in something or a life I don't feel works for me.
It's never to late to make a CHANGE.
Living in Hollywood has me Starstruck & I've found myself obsessed with it's history. So naturally I've been researching my favorite divorcees & serial brides as well as their weddings & marriages. Here are some of their wedding photos that i adore.

some of ladies are just lovers -- we like to spread it around ;)
happy Thursday everyone!!
go out and tell someone you love them; because I LOVE Y'ALL!!

Things I LOVE: Inner Strength

noreply@blogger.com (Amber's Notebook) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 20:42:00 +0000

Let's talk about haters, nay-sayers & controllers. I've been bullied A LOT in my life. Something about me seems to attract bullying. And I'm not quite sure what it is, but all I know is that I've never let anyone actually bully me. Whether it means getting punched in the face, telling someone off or setting the record straight I've ALWAYS had my own back and have never had a problem standing up for myself.

And a strong person is something a bully doesn't always face. They seek out the weak and let me tell you Imma tough little cookie with a WHOLE lotta inner strength. I know very well that I'm the only one who can actually tear myself down. And WHY would I ever do that myself?

BUT I will tell you, haters & all, all I EVER wish for ANYONE is to be the BEST you can be. And hey, if you wanna be the best bully you can be, YOUR WASTE OF TIME - not mine.

I learned that I can only trust my own instincts. Although, I ALWAYS listen to advice and hear people out -- at the end of the day when I'm sleeping on my futon pad, on my floor; I am the only one who really knows how I feel & what feels right for me.

And let me tell, nothing has ever felt as right as this new little life I am building here in LA. I've never felt so me, so free, and so inspired. And the most exciting feeling is that my DREAMS (yup I have a LOT of dreams & goals) feel as if they are in reach -- FINALLY.

So thank you to all of you that supported me & continue to support me and to my haters (I KNOW YOU'RE READING) like Eliza Doolittle sang "just you WAIT (Enry Eiggens)."

To the haters that have apologized to me: MUCH PROPS. Change is hard and I know just as well as anyone. BUT it's also WORTH IT.

So what have I been up to?

Well...

My friend Cassandra drove my car down for me, pretty fun to drive after not driving for 2 months. Altough to be honest I've only driven twice since I got my car, but thank you Cassandra!!

I bought a new headband that makes me SMILE!! I love things that make me HAPPY!!

I attended a Keds + Opening Ceremony event at my favorite restaurant Eveleigh. I am TOTALLY obsessed with Keds. They are comfy, cute and so #GAW. The pointy sneakers are just too adorable!! They make me feel like I'm in the 60's & I'm just waiting for my boyfriend to PIN me!!

Wyatt Hughes skected a picture of me at the event, so fun!

I also attened a Coachella styling event hosted by Threadsence. I ADORE my new Unif Clothing flannel they hooked me up with, THANK YOU THREADSENCE.

Last night I attended the Better Off Blonde show, I'm obsessed with their music, female empowerment with edge & humor and 90's tributes!! What's not to love?! I go to live shows here at least once a week and that makes this music lover VERY happy!!

Happy weekend everyone & as always THANK YOU for reading!! Y'all are TOO good to me!!

Things I LOVE: RESTARTING

noreply@blogger.com (Amber's Notebook) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 18:48:00 +0000

Hey Y'all!! I've left you hanging I know ( but please know you can always find me on Facebook, Twitter on Instagram - I'm *Kinda* a social media FREAK!) in any case if you haven't heard I moved to LA!!! HOLLYWOOD. My favorite place in the world & the place I always dreamed of living.
It's been an amazing ride & I keep having to pinch myself that this is my life. Like SERIOUSLY?! But with all the amazingness that I have been enjoying there is still LOTS of pain, loneliness & tears in my new life. I mean I did up-root my life. A life that I had previously spent 28 years working for.
I had a nice little suburban house, I had a cat, I had friends, I had a companion. I made dinner every night & I celebrated every holiday to the fullest.
Starting over from scratch is SCARY and not easy but I'm fully confident that this new path I am on is the one I was destined for and I'm so grateful & THANKFUL for my parents (all three of them), my sister & her roommates for doing all they could to help me through one of the hardest months of my life.
I had lots of plans for my time down here in LA (styling, social media consulting, promoting substitute teaching, selling at the flea market, dancing gigs & to get my blog back to regular posting!! Thank you all for your patience as I re-start my life. Until then here is a quick recap of the past three weeks of my new life since I moved to hollywood!! I've been going to Fashion Events.

That's myself, Talor Jacobson & My new friend Bad Joan!!

I flew up to San Francisco to go on a Banana Republic shopping spree and was invited to walk the red carpet and attend Al Pacino's new Documentary and exclusive after party. THANK YOU BANANA!!

"The highly anticipated exploratory documentary film “Wilde Salome,” directed by and featuring Al Pacino, made its U.S. debut last night in San Francisco at the Castro Theatre.

Actor and director Al Pacino, producer Barry Navidi, Banana Republic President Jack Calhoun, Banana Republic VP of Marketing Chris Nicklo, burlesque actressDita von Teese and designer Jean Paul Gaultier attended the premiere, presented by Banana Republic. The exclusive after party went late into the night at the Fairmont Hotel Penhouse suite, where guests celebrated the film and mingled with Pacino. All proceeds from the event benefited the GLBT Historical Society.

Presented by Banana Republic."

I also attended LA Weekly's 2012 Theater awards where we cheered on my sister's boyfriend Dustin Eastman who was nominated for best comedic performance. DUDE has TALENT!!

I also am having fun being a tourist in my new city!! You know I HEART Marilyn!!

And I've been enjoying time with my friends & family. LIFE IS GOOD!

So good I almost forgot about those fears & feelings of loneliness that I had been feeling...

So who's coming to visit me next?!!

Things I Love: REGALIA

noreply@blogger.com (Amber's Notebook) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 18:38:00 +0000

I love clothes. I always have. I mean DUH, I played with barbies and her regalia was AMAZING. Ball gowns, Party dresses and high heels. That LADY gave me HIGH hopes.
I mean everyone goes to parties and wears sparkly dress right? YUP! Even Dr. Barbie & Race Car Barbie. To be honest I never even owned a Ken (my Barbies were NOT heterosexual but that's another story...LOL).
In any case while I love clothes and shopping when I make purchases I make LIFETIME purchases. And i'm not sure if that means my lifetime or there's but either way Imma gonna wear my clothes till I die or they do. I follow trends but really I wear and buy things that look good on me and that i L-O-V-E.
I have certain brands that I know will fit me no mater what. I'm loyal and not just with brands...
Louboutin, Elizabeth & James, Haute Hippe, J BRAND, and Free People are all go-to brands for me. I know they're gonna fit. Honestly I hate returning & I hate trying on clothes. 99% of the time I know whether or not something will fit or not and 99% of the time I love a piece and I'm going to hang on to it forever. I RARELY give clothes away. I'm a collector and that's how I fell about my clothes. I mean all girls need to own 150 dresses... RIGHT? I mean if Barbie taught me anything it's that pretty Blonde (and ALL ladies) can be anything thhey want and shit... They can never have enough dresses or High heels.
Here are some pieces I could add to my "LIFETIME" Collection:
Click to be linked
I could rock this on the red carpet & I think I'd make barbie proud.

Elizabeth and James Marissa Dress

everyone would know "Who's dat girl" if I rocked this.

Elizabeth and James Mabel Dress

No need to "put a ring on it" I'll put my own ring on. And preferably on my middle finger, I LOVE "flip-off" rings...

Stephen Webster Stud Ring

I don't wear anything but Loubotins. I DIG his designs. Maybe one day I'll get a pair of Jimmy Choos, but until then I'll KILL my feet and ROCK my red soles. Martha taught me well, even if she Shapries over the FLASHY red. I'm a FLASHY kinda girl. Learned that from BAR-BEE.

Christian Louboutin Unbout Illusion Pump

And since we're talking barbie check out this picture my GIRL Brooke Goff drew. Radical right? SO proud of her for making the decision to go to Art School. Girl's got TALENT!

So what are you loyal to? Tell me please...

R E B I R T H

noreply@blogger.com (Amber's Notebook) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 21:59:00 +0000

I am currently busting my ass (Yes these days I often need curse words to emphasize my emotions) working on my rebirth.
New job. New City. NEW LIFE. So i apologize for my lack of posts. BUT let's just say my old life and some of the people in it feel like a lifetime ago. I can't even believe how amazing my life is these days and how I'm a MILLION times happier then I could have ever imagined. I mean Miley-FREAKING-Cyrus' team did a photoshoot with lil old me. Now that shit CRAY! And Vijat made me feel like a star, umm I look at who he has photographed. REALLY?!!
But I guess that's what happens when when you follow your dreams. I'm hustling my hardest to fight for the things I believe in. And I hoping to change America's values & standards of society. I'm using all I have because I'm SO passionate about how things have slipped and what America currently values and I can't stand for it anymore. Commercialism, Pop Culture & MAINSTREAM America I'm coming at you and that's just my start.
I'm fighting hard and I hope y'all can join in and help me.
Until my next post please feel free to Friend me on:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/amber.wheable?ref=tn_tnmn#!/AmberDiannaLane
Twitter:https://twitter.com/#!/Ambersnotebook
Instagram (Ambersnotebook).
Because guess what ladies & gents? WE'RE ABOUT TO CHANGE THIS GAME (...all in the Name of Amber Lane ;)
Thank you Jackie for asking me to be a part of your Rad & Refined COACHELLA Look Book. That was amazing!!! And i love you like CRAZY You are making my DREAMS COME TRUE!! Keep doin' what you DO!

I'm just gonna keep flyin HIGH, seriously can you pass me a joint? Thanks.
Talk to you soon, until then...
Go and do something for someone else today, even if it's just a hello to a stranger & be PROUD of it.

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!