Amanda Alvarado

I love so many things about Georgia. The mountains are probably at the top of that favorite things list.

David and I have a monthly date night, that one we're married and live together, we hope to make it more of a frequent thing. Each month, we take turns planning a date to go on and it's so much fun! Sometimes, we stay in and do dinner and a movie and other times, we go out. It's great to take turns planning fun little dates! November was my month and I chose to take a little trip to Ellijay.

I'd like to mention that on this trip, I was really living in the moment and didn't take a single photo. That's right... not a single photo. Oops. The photo that I included here is from when my family and I took a day trip to Amicalola Falls about a year ago.

I did a project on Ellijay when I was in the fourth grade, but I haven't been there since, so I had to do a little Google search to find out what we should do. I came across Chateau Meichtry and Reece Orchards.

On Saturday, we got to Chateau Meichtry around 1:30 p.m. and the place was packed, but it was such a great experience. We went up to the bar area and got served pretty quickly. We tasted a few wines, my favorite being the Vidal Blanc. They even had two Christmas wines - a red and a white - that we tried because we're festive! Haha.

I packed us a lunch with salami, cheese, grapes, and freshly baked bread that we enjoyed after our little wine tasting. David actually walked out with a bottle of wine. We haven't really been into wine, but this experience changed the game. We learned a lot about different wines and pairings, so not only was it a fun little date, but a really cool, educational experience for us! This place is so beautiful, too!

After we left Chateau Meichtry, David and I went to Reece Orchards! It's not apple picking season, but we stopped by their little market and they had so many freshly baked goods, apples from their orchard, and even local drinks like muscadine cider! David walked out with a bag of barbecue pork rinds because we live in the south and that's just what you do.

This was definitely the perfect time to take a little trip to the mountains here in Georgia. The leaves are perfect and changing colors, the weather is cool, and the whole trip was filled with beautiful scenery. It doesn't really get much better than that.

Have you taken any little day trips lately? What are some of your favorite locations around you?

x,

Amanda

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It's the most wonderful time of the year... and your mailbox is about to be FULL of Christmas cards.

I really love getting Christmas cards in the mail every year. It is so cool to see the cute holiday photos from family and friends that I don't see every day. I love the holiday season and Christmas cards are just so sweet to receive during the holidays, am I right?

The thing about Christmas cards is that sometimes, finding the perfect card is tough. I enjoy being able to customize my Christmas cards and add a cute photo or two to it! I want the card to be unique and different. I also want it to be good quality. Nobody likes a blurry or pixelated card, especially when you're paying good money for a bunch of cards to send to your loved ones.

Basic Invite was kind enough to sponsor this post and I love all their products! The choices are endless, you can get samples, and I mean... talk about customization. Wow, Basic Invite doesn't disappoint! And I mean, with over 500 Christmas card and holiday card designs, what more could you want?

Here are a couple of my favorite things about Basic Invite...

Almost Unlimited Colors - Basic Invite is one of the few websites that allows customers almost unlimited color options with instant previews online. Once you select a design you can change the color of each element on the card to over 180 different color options so you can make sure the card is exactly how you want it down to the littlest detail. This really sets them apart from almost any other online stationery company that I've seen.

Custom Samples - Basic Invite is one of the few websites that allows customers the ability to order a printed sample of their actual invitation so they can see exactly how it will print as well as feel the paper quality before they ever have to place their final order. This is so important to be because like I said, I've ordered cards before that turned out not like I expected.

Over 40 Different Colors of Envelopes - Basic Invite is just as colorful with the envelopes as with the invitations. Customers can choose from over 40 different colors when it comes to their envelopes so that they can make their invitation stand out even before it is opened. All of their envelopes are peel and seal so the envelopes can be quickly and securely closed without licking a single one. How great is that? The days of licking envelopes are behind us!

Address Capturing Service - Basic Invite offers an address capturing service that allows customers to simply share a link on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or any other form of social media to request their friends and family’s addresses which will be stored in the customer’s account and can then be selected during the design process. Basic Invite offers recipient address printing at no cost on all Christmas card orders. This is so helpful, because I definitely maybe know like five addresses by heart.

Foil - Foil holiday cards are available in gold, silver, and rose gold. Customers can choose flat or raised foil on all of Basic Invite’s foil designs. These are so chic and cool!

I ordered a few different items from Basic Invites. First, let's talk about the Christmas picture cards! The holiday cards maker is also really easy to use, so customization is simple!

I love, love, love this card! It is really simple and this picture of David and I, despite being taken with my iPhone, looks pretty good on it. Like I said before, the holiday cards maker is so simple to use.

As I was browsing, some of their custom holiday cards for businesses caught my eye and I'm so glad that I ordered some! I never even considered sending out a Christmas card to other people and businesses that I work with until I saw all their holiday cards made just for businesses. Talk about a holiday game-changer.

Want a holiday card from me? All you gotta do is follow me on Instagram and then DM me or comment on a post what you want to see here! Easy, right?

If you're hosting a holiday party this year, Basic Invite also has you covered! They have so many designs and you can customize and personalize your cards to make it perfect for whatever the occasion and party may be! I love this one and it also gave me a super great idea for a Christmas party to host this year!

Right now, Basic Invite is offering 30% off with coupon code: holi30 and you won't want to miss out on this discount! Get all your holiday card shopping finished in one purchase!

Real quick, I know we've talked a lot about holiday cards, but Basic Invite has so much more, including business cards! I love a good business card and I ordered these two designs. One is for my work in broadcast media and the other is for my work right here. Pretty, am I right?

When are you sending out your holiday cards? I definitely need to get on that... I'm staring at the pile of cards just waiting to be addressed.

What's left on your holiday to-do list? My shopping is already pretty much done because I'm a psycho, haha, but those dang Christmas cards are just staring at me.

'Tis the season! (whatever that means)

Amanda

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Oh, how I love, love, love fall.

This post contains affiliate links.

The pumpkin spice lattes, chilly weather, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and the changing leaves make it the perfect time of year. Atlanta finally got the fall memo, thank God!

I've got so many fall faves, so let's start with entertainment! If you're having trouble getting in the fall mood, definitely watch some Gilmore Girls. I don't know what it is about that show, but I think it is the perfect fall show. Pretty Little Liars also reminds me of fall! Oh, and you can't forget the Thanksgiving Gossip Girl episodes. Let's talk movies, now! Halloweentown is an obvious choice. Hocus Pocus, The Nightmare Before Christmas, When Harry Met Sally are other fall movie night musts!

Time for fall fashion! I'm no fashionista or fashion expert, but I mean, I wear clothes every day like the rest of humanity and I like to look cute... even when I'm wearing leggings. I'm loving three things so much right now and I definitely think that they are fall staples that everyone must have!

Flannels can be dressed up or down and worn with denim or leggings. The outfit options are endless and these are some of my faves!

Booties are my number one fall must have! There are so many cute and affordable options and you know me... I'm all about a good bargain buy!

Black denim skirts are definitely a recent addition to my wardrobe. I love wearing this with an oversized sweater, tights, and booties or even a thigh high boot.

This might be my favorite category... food! PSLs are a must in the fall, but I actually prefer Salted Caramel Mochas (hot or iced)! None of this is going to be healthy... but I make really good chocolate chip pumpkin bread that I have to make at least once every fall. Oh, and I can't forget pecan pie! Pumpkin pie is great, but pecan pie is the star in my book!

The last little category in my fall favorites is activities! In the fall, I love going to a pumpkin patch, getting lost in a corn maze, visiting a winery in North Georgia, going apple picking, and going to a football game. This year will be my first year going to a Georgia State football game as an alumna! How crazy is that?

What are three of your fall favorites?

x,
Amanda

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