Amethyst

Fall 2012 New York Fashion Week | J. Crew

noreply@blogger.com (Suz) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:12:00 +0000

Happy, Happy Friday!!!

How has your week been?

New York Fashion Week Fall 2012 has come and gone and there were definitely some outstanding designers and pieces, but we wanted to highlight J. Crew. We are loving their Fall 2012 presenation. Although, they may not be considered 'high fashion', in the past few years J. Crew has reinvented the term 'mix and match' and executed it to a sophisticated perfection. Their Fall 2012 looks are no different and we are inspired and definitely anticipating the fall season!

We hope you have a fabulous weekend!

XOXO,

Suz & Jenn

DIY :: Reminder Board

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:06:00 +0000

For all of you out there with busy schedules and lots of things to remember (that probably covers everyone!), here's a fun DIY reminder board that can be hung just about anywhere in your home and can be tweaked however you like it.

You will need:

Wood cut the length you'd like it

(these pieces were from Home Depot's scrap pile for just 50 cents total!)

Chalkboard Paint

Drill

Twine

Scissors

Hammer & Nails

Step 1: Paint wood with chalkboard paint and drill one hole at either end.

Step 2: Thread your twine through the holes to the length you'd like it to hang from a nail.

Step 3: Repeat with multiple boards if you'd like, and get to writing in those reminders!

Switch up the amount and length of boards you use, trade twine for ribbon, or even paint some cute boarders over the chalkboard paint to make it fit your style and your home!

Happy DIY'ing!

Suz & Jenn

Love Is...

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:50:00 +0000

Happy Valentine's Day!

Suz & Jenn

Roses Are Red and Skirts Are Too

noreply@blogger.com (Suz) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:55:00 +0000

Happy Monday!!! We hope you had a great weekend! We've had the most amazing February weather, so we spent the weekend enjoying the sun and playing some beach volleyball... remember our goals for 2012? We are definitely on our way to getting these bods in shape.

Hopefully you are all getting ready for Valentine's Day tomorrow. Do you have any special plans or creative ideas for a loved one?

XOXO,

Suz & Jenn

DIY :: Sweetheart Chain

noreply@blogger.com (Suz) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:43:00 +0000

Valentine's Day is just around the corner! If you haven't had time to decorate your home or if you think you don't have the creative juices to make your own decorations, then this DIY sweetheart chain is just for you! This project will take you a total of 10 minutes and give your home the perfect touch of love.

Supplies: Colored Paper, Scissors, Needle and Thread

Step 1: Make a heart template and start tracing the hearts on different colored paper.

Step 2: Double or triple your thread to make it strong and thick, then sew the hearts together

Step 3: Layer the hearts in front of each and behind each other to give it some depth

Step 4: Hang your new Valentine's day sweetheart chain on the mantle, window or stairwell

...And that's it! You can also make variations to the chain by cutting the hearts into different sizes or writing little love notes on each heart to resemble sweatheart candies.

We hope you have a LOVE-ly weekend!

XOXO,

Suz & Jenn

Just a Click to Provide HOPE

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:54:00 +0000

Cultivate Wines is another great company looking to give back, and right now they're hosting a contest where you can vote for a certain non-profit to receive $50,000! One of our very dear friends (who we hope to share more about in the near future), has had a hand in this Kenyan Orphanage for a number of years now.

The Belwop Rescue Mission takes in orphans to give them food, shelter, education, clothing and medical care. In a word, they give them HOPE. Their goal is to expand the housing of the orphanage so that more children can be taken in. Please take a second to watch this video and vote for their cause here. It costs nothing and you can vote once a day for the next few weeks!

XOXO,

Suz & Jenn

XOXO

noreply@blogger.com (Suz) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:45:00 +0000

Hello loves!! We have taken some time to relax and re-coup from the the crazy holiday season - only to segway into another holiday - Valentine's Day! There are definitely two views to this 'day of love'. Our thoughts - it can become incredibly superficial and pumped with commercialism and materialism, but if you don't take it too seriously and don't put too much pressure or expectation on the day or your significant other, then it's a fun way to tell those around you how much you love them.

We hope you are having a great week!

XOXO,

Suz & Jenn

Indian Persuasion

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:50:00 +0000

Hooray for two magical little words...it's Friday! Another week comes to a close and we're excited to see what the weekend brings. Last Saturday, we had a very impromptu, extremely cultural dinner party that couldn't have turned out to be a better night. Suz's sister, Nicolette (featured here), has lived in India for the past few years and is quite the amazing cook already, but especially when it comes to traditional Indian food.

With over five different dishes, uniquely flavorful and super spicy, a group of us sat down to enjoy a wonderful feast. For some reason it just didn't seam fitting to sit at the table, though, so there we all were, sitting on the floor, learning how to eat rice and various chicken dishes with our hands, which made it extra entertaining. Eventually, most of us went back to forks.

Here's to a fabulous weekend, whatever it may bring!

Suz & Jenn

Dreaming of Chevron

noreply@blogger.com (Suz) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 22:07:00 +0000

Here's the deal... if you couldn't tell from our logo (at the top of our site) we love a little Chevron and have definitely jumped on the band wagon with everyone else incorporating the graphic print into everyday life.

Apartment Therapy even named chevron the top pattern trend of 2011 - check out the article here. What are your thoughts? Are you ready for something new or still excited about accents of it in your home and wardrobe?

We aren't ready to let it go and love some of these items featured above to spice up the home - top pattern of 2012? We'll have to wait and see!

XOXO,

Suz & Jenn

On Repeat

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:54:00 +0000

Down in the Valley by The Head and the Heart

We love when those albums come along that we can't help but have on repeat. The Head and the Heart, on their self-titled album, is one of those for us! In our car, at work or as background music for weekend get-togethers, it somehow seems to have the right feel for anything we do. We especially love this track, Down in the Valley, and the incredible use of keys throughout the song.

Have a listen and have a happy Monday!

Suz & Jenn

Sequined Covered Resolutions

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:28:00 +0000

Jacket: H&M Dress: Zara Tights: Kohls Shoes: Target

We hope you all had a fabulous holiday week and rang in the New Year in style! We had so many great times in the past year and are looking forward to what 2012 has in store! Although we arenʻt thrllled on the idea of ʻNew Yearʻs Resolutionsʻ we thought weʻd jot down a couple goals for the year.

1. Incorporate sequins into everyday life (sometimes you just need a little sparkle in your outfit and we shouldnʻt have to wait around for New Yearʻs Eve every year!)

2. Have an out-of-the-country adventure

3. Learn French (not fluently - a handful of sentences and practical words will do just fine this year)

4. Tone-up the bods

What are some of your goals for 2012?

XOXO,

Suz & Jenn

Ringin' in the New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 21:08:00 +0000

We're thinking 2012 has a nice sound to it and we're hoping to make it the best year yet! So many possibilities, opportunities, and adventures just waiting to happen. Here's to a year of fun, growth, living for things bigger than ourselves, and not taking life TOO seriously (unlike this picture...we just had to have a sassy New Year's Eve shot).

Happy New Year!

Suz & Jenn

What Are You Doin' New Year's Eve?

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 19:12:00 +0000

Well we've officially been MIA for way too long, the Christmas holiday week kept us much busier than we imagined! We thought it only fitting that we share this wonderful little video from the wonderfully talented Zooey Deschanel, along with Joseph Gorden-Levitt (who knew he could sing?! We were pleasantly surprised). Enjoy!

So what are your plans for New Year's Eve? We hope you have a wonderful weekend and find a way to ring in the new year in style! See you in 2012!

Suz & Jenn

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 07:06:00 +0000

This past weekend we celebrated a good friend's birthday (The one with the beautifully long hair between us) with a surprise/competitive/themed party. Everyone had to group up and create the best gingerbread house they could design in 1 hour.

First off, we love any and everything that has to do with Christmas.

Second, any sort of contest...we're in. (We're both super competitive)

We had some pretty stiff competition and that gingerbread man lawn ornament trophy was on the line, so when our team, along with Suz's husband Seth, was picked as the winning Gingerbread house, you could say it was one of the highlights of the season for us.

And now for another winner!

The Plum Paper 2012 Planner winner is...

Congrats May! Please send us an email at info(at)amethystblog(dot)com

to claim your prize and to help us get your personalized planner to you as soon as possible!

Merry (almost) Christmas!

Suz & Jenn

Christmas Cheer

noreply@blogger.com (Suz) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 06:33:00 +0000

We canʻt believe it, but Christmas is this Sunday! The season has flown by too fast and the day weʻve all been anticipating is here! Any thoughts for what you will be wearing this Christmas Eve or Christmas Day for the fabulous festivities? We are thinking some winter white is in order with a splash of traditional red or green and of course sparkles and heels!

Weʻd love to hear from you on what you think the perfect Christmas ensemble should include this year!

With Christmas Cheer,

Suz & Jenn

DIY Gift | Mason Jar Sewing Kits

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 06:33:00 +0000

With just a few days left before Christmas, we hope you've gotten to take some time to enjoy the season besides just rushing around getting your shopping done. If not, we have an adorable DIY gift you can do quickly and easily for any of the girls left on your list!

To make this mini sewing kit you'll need:

Fabric, Scissors, Small Mason Jar, Cotton Filling, Hot Glue Gun, Mini Sewing Kit

(you can get them at the dollar store complete with thread, mini scissors, needles and sometimes even buttons!)

1. Pop out the top of the mason jar and cut out a circle of fabric about 1 inch larger than the top (or larger if you want a puffier pin cushion).

2. Put hot glue along the rim of the top, folding the fabric over and pinching as you go along.

3. Leave about 2 inches unglued and stuff your filling in to make a full, fluffy pin cushion.

4. Finish gluing the last section after it has been stuffed, and put your pin cushion top back into the screw-on part of the jar top.

5. Put your dollar store sewing kit contents into the mason jar and add the pin cushion top.

That's it! Now you have an adorable gift or a sewing kit to keep for yourself...cute enough to keep out as 'decoration' on your dresser or craft table!

XOXO,

Suz & Jenn

(GIVEAWAY is still going until Friday...enter to WIN!)

Christmas Playlist | Bing Crosby

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:55:00 +0000

Happy Monday! Can't believe it's already the week before Christmas, but we had another fun filled weekend with family, friends and festivities. We'll fill you in on one of the highlights of our weekend a little later this week...can't wait to share! But for now, another song for your Christmas playlist.

"White Christmas" by Bing Crosby

We have to say it just doesn't feel like Christmas without a little Bing Crosby. We thought we'd go for a little nostalgia on this last Monday before the holiday by featuring his version of White Christmas, which is possibly one of the season's most well known songs (and movies) out there.

Enjoy!

Suz & Jenn

P.S. What better way to bring in the holidays than by WINNING an adorable personalized planner for the new year?! Enter our GIVEAWAY here!

Give with Purpose | Charity: Water

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 01:20:00 +0000

Water is something we so often take for granted...until it has to be shut off for one reason or another and we realize how often we just expect water to come out of our faucets. Imagine living life without access to this necessity, and when your only source of water is contaminated to the point that it can lead to fatality, it is that much more of an issue that needs to be solved.

Charity: Water is a non-profit organization that puts 100% of donations towards water projects around the world that provide clean, safe drinking water for people and communities in need. This year they are giving us quick and easy ways to become a part of the solution, through gift boxes and gift cards that donate directly towards a water project.

Get involved in the incredible work that Charity: Water is doing this holiday season!

Suz & Jenn

P.S. Don't forget to enter our adorable Plum Paper giveaway!

GIVEAWAY | Plum Paper 2012 Planner

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:20:00 +0000

We are super excited to feature another giveaway on Amethyst!

This time we are partnering with Plum Paper who has decided to give away one of their adorable new 2012 planners to a lucky Amethyst member...just in time for the new year!

Hereʻs how to enter:

1. "Like" Plum Paper's page on Facebook

2. Head over to Plum Paperʻs store on Etsy to choose which cute planner you would pick if you won. (There are several planner options throughout the store so be sure to scroll down to see them all!)

3. Once you you have done both, leave a comment here that you did and

tell us which planner you would choose so we can get you your favorite!

(Only Amethyst and Plum Paper members can leave comments and win, so be sure to "Join this Site" in the box on the right!)

Thatʻs it! We will announce the winner next week.

Good Luck!

Suz & Jenn

P.S. Be sure to check out all of Plum Paper's adorable designs on her blog!

White Elephants

noreply@blogger.com (Suz) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 03:22:00 +0000

One party we look forward to every year is hosted by one of our closest friends (who also hosted this lovely party) and her husband. Their annual Christmas party is filled with friends dressed in their finest, hand-crafted decorations that you would think cost a pretty penny on Etsy, every kind of appetizer, dip and dessert brought pot-luck style by the guests, and the most out of control White Elephant gift exchange you've ever seen...

Vest: Target Dress: Forever 21 Tights: Nordstrom Belt: H&M Shoes: Aldo Clutch: Vintage

This year was no exception. With just five Christmas songs worth of time for the whole event, 50+ guests are gathered around the random pile of wrapped gifts waiting for their turn to shake one of the cups of dice, hoping to get doubles. Wrapping paper flying everywhere, people yelling about the gifts they're getting, and self-confessed cheaters who never actually roll doubles yet somehow end up stealing the one or two sought-after presents...it may sound ruthless, but it's all in good fun. Seth and Suz ended up with the all time classic DVD "Hook", and while Jenn had two presents at one point (N'Sync embroidered pillows and 70's platform boots), both were stolen and somehow walked away with nothing...didn't even see it coming.

Can't wait 'till next year!

XOXO,

Suz & Jenn

Christmas Playlist | Michael Buble Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 07:33:00 +0000

Second week of December already! We hope you've been making the most out of this holiday season so far. Watching Elf, going to Christmas parties, eating way too many sweets for your own good...(because we definitely have been!)

"It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas" from Michael Buble's Christmas

Next on our Christmas playlist is Michael Buble's Christmas album. While we may not be regular Buble listeners, there's no denying that he has an incredible voice, and is bringing you all of your favorite Christmas classics on this album. Some with just a little twist that we're growing to love, and hope you do too!

Happy Monday!

Suz & Jenn

Stocking Stuffer Wishlist

noreply@blogger.com (Suz) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 05:08:00 +0000

Itʻs time to start writing those Christmas lists (if you havenʻt started already). For some reason stocking stuffers keep getting more and more glamorous and we totally support it! We hope you get some fun ideas for your stocking or a loved oneʻs stocking this year.

What are some of your favorite stocking stuffers youʻve gotten in past years?

Have a festive weekend!

Suz & Jenn

Person with Purpose | Zach McDuffie

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 23:36:00 +0000

Our latest person with purpose, Zach McDuffie, with so many ventures and ambitions, truly lives a life out of the ordinary. Now he's on a mission to share one of his main passions, Learning Vacations, with all of us through his school, blog and a future television network with his lovely fiance. We got a chance to interview Zach and are so excited to share some inspiration for living this kind of passion and purpose-filled lifestyle! Check out his trailer, and read more below...

Learning Experience Trailer from Z McDuffie on Vimeo.

Q: In addition to founding a school in Costa Rica, you have recently started the "Learning Experience" Blog. What was your vision behind these two creations and how do they tie together?

A: The School of the World blends boutique hotel, surf camp, language school, photography workshop and yoga retreat. All of these existed before, but had never been combined under one roof. That idea 14 years ago contributed to the growth of "learning vacations", for people who want something more out of a vacation. I started blogging about different learning vacations about two years ago, because although there is a vacation school out there for just about every passion, the concept of this type of travel is still new to most people.

Q: Through this lifestyle of constantly pursuing your passions, what have been some of your favorite experiences so far?

A: I've gotten to do some pretty amazing things, but the three courses that have had the most impact on me so far were 1) learning to freedive with world record holder Willam Trubridge and a family of wild dolphins in Bimini, 2) learning fashion photography in Paris, and 3) spending a week learning to sail in the Bahamas.

Q: You recently got engaged to the beautiful Natazha...congrats! What are your plans for continuing to learn and travel together, while inspiring others to do the same?

A: I met Natazha and fell in love while working on making the Learning Experience idea into a travel TV show pilot. In 2012 we will be joining up with some partners to create the Learning Vacation Network, including an association that sets the standards and ratings for schools, school profiles with user reviews, and a media and content department.

Natazha and I will be traveling to check out different learning vacations and shooting video of it all to be used for short webisodes on the LVN site, longer downloadable episodes, and eventually the content will add up to a great documentary film. That is the dream that we are working towards at this point!

Q: What would you say to people looking for more experiences in life that fulfill their passions...for adventure, for impacting others, for seeing the world...whatever it may be?

A: Life is the sum of how you spend your days, and there is more choice involved in how you fill those days than you realize. It is unlikely that you will ever have all the time and money you think you need, so don't let those factors determine your life. There are thousands of people out there that do what they love every day, and their paths started with a conscious decision to live their dreams- without fear of failure or concern for what other people would say.

Many thanks to Zach for letting us share his passions with you all! Check out his unique school, this amazing blog and more from Zach and Natazha:

School of the World | Learning Experience Blog | Photography

XOXO,

Suz & Jenn

Crossing Off the Checklist

noreply@blogger.com (Suz) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 03:47:00 +0000

So much to do during the holiday season...only 25 days to do it all! We kicked off the first weekend of December with as many festive activities as we could pack in. A little Christmas shopping, a wonderful concert filled with traditional songs as well as some more contemporary originals, and the annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in the middle of our historic town park. All done with hot beverages in hand, because it's finally starting to feel like winter around here!

Yellow Top: Forever 21 Striped Top: H&M Skirt: American Apparel Belt: H&M Boots: Target Clutch: Vintage

While Suz's last real-life style shoot was shot in the rain, this one was done in the middle of a CRAZY, chilly Santa Ana wind storm...crossing our fingers for normal weather next time! (Although despite numb hands and cold winds, I'd say she rocked it, wouldn't you?! - Jenn)

For this outfit, the striped cami is set off by a bright pop of yellow in the silky blouse. The black is carried through the look in the skirt and the tights, but is toned down by adding the warm sienna brown color in the belt and the clutch. To finish off the look, the gray boots even out the weight of the outfit and make this more of a casual every day look.

To getting everything done this Christmas!

Suz & Jenn

Christmas Playlist | A Very She & Him Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:55:00 +0000

One of the most wonderful parts about the holiday season is getting in the spirit with your favorite Christmas albums and songs. Every Monday throughout December, we'll share some of our picks this Christmas, starting with The Christmas Waltz by She & Him.

"The Christmas Waltz" off of A Very She & Him Christmas by She & Him

Zooey Deschanel's soothing voice throughout this whole album seems to transport us back to the 1940's, listening on a record player while relaxing by the fire. We hope you enjoy!

Happy Monday!

Suz & Jenn