Do you want to know one of my favorite things in the world? You’re going to think I’m so lame, and that’s okay because quite honestly, I am. Haha!

Sleep. Good sleep is one of my favorite things in the world. I absolutely love being in bed and just relaxing and then going to sleep at a reasonable hour. Like, I’m asleep by 10 p.m. most nights. The other night, I was asleep by 9:15 p.m. 

A night out and getting back at like 5 a.m. is fun sometimes, but this girl likes her sleep. Can you relate? 

A good night’s sleep always makes my day so much better, you know? I love waking up and feeling super refreshed and ready to tackle my day. 

Maybe a good night’s sleep feels so far and few between for you. Maybe a good night’s sleep seems like a dream, but it shouldn’t be. You can get better sleep tonight and I’m going to share some of my tips to a good night’s sleep that should have you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day!

1. Use a sleep cycle clock


2. Keep your room dark and cool

Even the smallest bit of light can disturb your sleep. Turn out the lights and if you have a digital clock, set the light to the dimmest setting. This is also where a sleep mask is also super helpful! I’m on the hunt for one, so if you have any suggestions, let me know!

Temperature is also important! I can’t sleep if I’m too hot or too cold. According to Dr. Christopher Winter, M.D.., the best temperature for sleep is between 60 and 67 degrees. 

3. Put away all devices about an hour before bed

Because I like to be asleep by 10 p.m., all the electronics are put away by 9 p.m. I even have my phone set to be on “Do Not Disturb” mode from 9 p.m. until 7 a.m. This way, I can just plug it up and leave it alone. Side note: I’ve also turned off all notifications except for calls, texts, and Facetimes and I check my phone a whole lot less. It is incredible.

4. Ditch your afternoon coffee

I love love love coffee. Seriously, I love it. I am all about a good cup of coffee, but I try to lay off caffeine by 2 p.m. each day. Caffeine can sometimes make it harder to fall asleep.

5. Don’t nap too long

I love naps. One thing I miss about college is the naps. With my schedule now, I can’t really sneak in a quick nap. On days that I can nap, I don’t do it too close to bedtime and I don’t nap any longer until 30 minutes. Naps are good for you, just nap wisely.

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Are you ready for a good night’s sleep? Good sleep can really make your day so much better.

Like I said earlier, I’m typically asleep by 10 p.m. What about you?

Oh, before I go, quick update! I'm changing the blog schedule a little bit, so expect posts every Monday and Thursday from now on! Hope you don't mind. And if you haven't yet, become an official member of the fam here. I'd love to have you join and I give you a free gift to say hello!

xo, 

Amanda

Oh sweet summertime! 

I absolutely love, love, love the beach! It is a goal and dream of mine to own a beach house one day so that I can just head on over the beach anytime I want and have a place there to call my own. The beach is where I can really just let go of everything and it is where I feel closest to Jesus. 

I don’t get to go as often as I would like, but trips to the beach are my favorite way to vacation. What about you?

With every good beach trip, you need a properly-stocked beach bag. Your beach bag is basically your life-line for your day at the beach and you have to be prepared for anything. I love my beach bag, so I’m gonna share what I keep stocked in it at all times! This post does contain a few affiliate links.

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To pack your beach bag, you’ve first got to start with a beach bag. I’ve got one from Victoria’s Secret that I got a few years ago. It has the American flag on it, which I love!

Now, for the necessities! 

You always need to make sure you have a good pair of sunglasses. I always bring a cheap pair to the beach. You won’t see me on the beach with a pair of Ray-Bans because I wouldn’t want to lose them or accidentally scratch them up. You also won’t see me on the beach with a pair of Ray-Bans because I don’t own a pair, but even if I did, I wouldn’t take them to the beach.

A towel and beach blanket are also really important to have in your bag! If you intend on using your towel to dry off, I wouldn’t use the same one you used to lounge on. If you have a beach blanket, use that to lounge on! Sand Cloud has some great beach blankets! You can use the code AmandaAlv25 for a discount! 

I don’t like to just be in my swimsuit before or after the beach, so I always make sure that I have a cover-up with me. I love this one that I just bought from Old Navy!

I love a good tan, but sunscreen is also a necessity! You’ve got to keep your skin safe. To keep the sun out of your face, a big hat is also great to have in your beach bag. Lip balm with SPF is also important! 

There are a few other items that I always have in my beach bag! You need good reading material for the beach! There’s no better way to escape than a good book. A portable speaker is also great! A cute pair of flip-flops is also a necessity! Sand is HOT! To keep my phone protected, I have this water-resistant, floating bag I keep it in. I love it and it was super cheap. You can also use a ziplock bag, but don’t take your phone in the ocean with you. That’s just not smart.

         
       
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What other essentials can I find in your beach bag?

I’m so ready for a beach trip and hopefully, I can make that happen soon! Got any recommendations for beaches near Atlanta?

xo,

Amanda

Oh happy Monday! I hope you don’t mind the break I took from blogging last week. It was much needed and I got so many great ideas and don’t worry, so much amazing content coming to you all soon. 

I am such a routine gal. I like to have a set schedule and routine for everything. Seriously. Like, if I could have my entire life planned out, I would. That’s not possible because life always changes, but that’s just how much I love a good routine. I'm sharing some of my favorite products right now and some of the links to them are affiliate links.

I love reading blog posts and watching videos where people share their routines and I know that might like be weird, but oh well. I love a good routine post and video any day. 

I have some set routines and habits that I do every single day and the app, Fabulous, really helped me establish some habits and routines. If you’re looking to start some daily habits, I totally recommend the app! It worked for me and it is SO motivation and customizable.

Not every day is identical, but with summer here, I’m going to share my perfect summer night routine with you all. I call it perfect because when I get to do all of these things, my heart and mind are happy. Yeah, I know I’m a bit crazy with routine. HAHA

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I’d say my night starts around 5:30pm when I get home from work. As soon as I get home, I put my stuff away and put on my silk robe that I am loving right now. I got it from Timeless Bridal Accessories when I was a bridesmaid for a wedding back in November. This robe cost me $15. Yep, $15. 

After I tidy up, it’s time to hit the shower. The products I’m currently using are OGX shampoo, Bath and Body Works body wash (currently $3!!!), Alba Acnedote for my face, and my Venus Swirl razor. I also oil-pull during my shower. Once I’m done, I put on some comfy clothes which is usually an old, oversized sorority t-shirt and Nike shorts. The products I use after I shower are Bath and Body Works lotions (currently $3!!!) and Babe Lash. I’ve got naturally short lashes and Babe Lash has changed the game. This product is incredible. 

After that, I typically eat dinner. I’m still living at home since I’m only working part-time (29 hours each week for those who have asked) and my mom has been super sweet and still cooks dinner for me most of the time. She’s quite the cook and I always help her clean up after dinner. 

By this time, it is around 7pm. I make myself cozy in bed and usually watch some YouTube videos or a show on Hulu or Netflix. This is the time at night that I really just relax and do nothing and honestly, I love it!

At 9pm, I get up and floss, brush my teeth, and use mouthwash. Gotta keep my teeth nice and healthy. I’ve been loving this charcoal toothpaste and it has totally whitened my teeth. 

After I clean my pearly whites (jk they aren’t that white), I check emails and social media one last time for the day, set my alarm, and plug it in to charge. Now, it is time to have a little quiet time. Quiet time is just what I call the time I spend reading my Bible and praying. Currently, I’m reading through the Lipstick Gospel Devotional, Lipstick Gospel Prayer Journal, and the book of Mark. I also journal during this time and really talk to God about anything and everything. This is my favorite way to really wind down and end my day. 

By 10pm, I’m all ready to get some sleep! 

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My perfect night routine. Again, life isn’t perfect and while I would like to tell you that every night is perfect, that’s not true. Sometimes, I forget to brush my teeth because I’m so tired and fall asleep early. Sometimes, I have something to do after work or work late. Sometimes, an emergency comes up. Sometimes, I get to have dinner with a friend last-minute. Life happens and even though I’m such a routine gal, I love that life happens. Sometimes, change hurts and it sucks, but luckily, I know that Jesus is in this with me. I’m not alone because He is with me and has given me such sweet family and friends to do life with.

Life happens, but there are so many blessings in life that I could’ve never imagined.

xo,

Amanda

Welcome to other post in my Let’s Talk About… series! This series is all about being vulnerable and real with you all. Here, I share all my thoughts, experiences, and concerns about topics that aren’t always pretty and sometimes tough. I just lay it all out in this series and if there is something that you think needs to be talked about here, let me know! I’d love to hear from you.

Purpose. That’s what we’re talking about today, because I think it is so important to find your purpose, but it isn’t easy. It’s not like we’re born with instructions on what our purpose is in life. When you find your purpose, it helps make life easier to navigate. 

We all have a purpose. We all have a voice. We all have a platform. The second you were born, you were given a purpose. We’ve just got to find it. 

If you don’t know where to start, you just have to do it. You have to start talking. You have to be willing to go out of your comfort zone. You’ve been given gifts and you need to use those in your pathway to your purpose. You’ve got to pray and ask Jesus to reveal what your purpose is in your life. He’ll reveal it to you if you open up and ask Him.

I’ve always been a big dreamer. I have a heart for people. My dream has been to touch people’s lives somehow through Jesus. I think we all just want to make a difference, but don’t know how. I thought that the only way I could do that was by being a pastor’s wife or finding a job in ministry.

When I decided to take a broadcast class in high school, I fell in love and I knew that I wanted to do something in media. I discovered that I knack for creativity and telling a story. I prayed and I knew that God was telling me, “hey kiddo, pursue this.” And I have. While I’m really new to this industry, I know that everything I have done has been completely blessed by Jesus. There is no way I would be here without Him. 

Something that had also been on my mind for a while… starting a blog. I just wanted an outlet to write my thoughts and feelings and what I was learning in life. I would start a blog and then delete it after a few weeks because I just felt like it was too weird and not perfect. When I couldn’t find a summer job, I prayed and asked God for guidance. That summer, I started this blog and I’ve used it to share not only my favorite things, but also encouragement. 

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God has shown me that while I don’t have a job in ministry, I’m still showing others the love of Christ through everything I do. He has shown me that I can touch people’s lives through working in media and my blog in a way that maybe someone working in a church can’t. We’ve all got our own people; our own group around us. That is our platform.

What makes your heart hurt? What makes your heart full of happiness? What fills your soul with passion? Those questions can help you find out what your purpose is. It also takes some real communication with Jesus.

I really hope this made sense. My point is that we all have a unique purpose. My purpose is different than yours. We all have a different platform where our purpose will be used. It takes a little stepping out of your comfort zone and talking with Jesus to find out exactly what that is.

I’m 23 and I have a good idea of my purpose, but it can always shift slightly. Your purpose isn’t always just one thing. It can be a mix of things. It can be broad. Whatever your purpose is, own it and live your best life.

xo,

Amanda

Happy Wednesday! Yesterday, I turned 23. Wow!

If you wished me a happy birthday yesterday, thank you so much! I had a pretty great day and I just wanted to share how I celebrated turning 23! I can’t believe it. 

I kicked off my birthday weekend with David. I got off work early and we ate a late lunch at Rosa's Pizza in downtown Atlanta. It is a little hole-in-the-wall place, but so good! That night, we went to see Kendrick Lamar in Atlanta! at Cellaris Amphitheatre. A big perk of working in radio is concert tickets and I won girlfriend of the year for getting David and I tickets to this show. Kendrick Lamar and Schoolboy Q didn’t disappoint! We had lawn seats, so it was nice to just lay out on the blanket and listen to live music. I  am still reliving that concert in my head. Haha! 

Saturday, I went to the Kenny Chesney and Thomas Rhett concert in Atlanta for work. I seriously love my job! I brought my mom with me and she absolutely loved it! It was so great to spend some time with her. This concert was so freakin' good! I loved it! 

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Sunday, I slept in of course! Later that day, David and I went over to hang out with Casey, Annika, Mary Claire, (my best girl friends) and Chas (Casey’s boyfriend) at their place. Good girl friends are just so, so important. I love these girls so much and navigating life is so much better with them around. We ended the night at our favorite taco place, Tacos La Villa, in Vinings. There is nothing quite like barbacoa tacos, horchata, and tres leches cake. So delicious!

Monday were just super chill. I didn’t really do much of anything and I really enjoyed that. I feel like I’ve been on the go without a chance to really catch my breath and just do absolutely nothing, so it was refreshing. David took me out to California Pizza Kitchen and Sweet Hut! We enjoyed the extra day we got to spend together since I didn’t have to work Monday. 

On Tuesday, my birthday, after work I came home and my mom made homemade pizza and a pistachio cake! It was so delicious. It was super low-key, which was exactly what I wanted.

I’m so thankful for another year of life and this year, I’m focused on living a life for Jesus, filled with love, passion, and authenticity. 

Thanks for being a part of my little family here! You’re SO appreciated!

xo,

Amanda

Happy Memorial Day! In the midst of all your plans today, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on what today is about - remembering the lives of our armed forces members that have been lost. Today, just hold your loved ones close, be kind, and truly love. The world needs a whole lot of love right now.

God has really been working in my life and when I was planning what I wanted to write about and share with you all, I had just finished my quiet time, which is just when I take some time to read my Bible and pray. I’ve read some really great books and devotionals lately and I want to share those with you!

If you aren’t a Christian or aren’t into this kind of thing, no worries! I have some books that I’m sharing with you that have some really great messages of how much you are loved and worthy, which I think is so important! I just encourage you to look into them and see if it would be something you might want to read or share with a friend who does believe in God.

Let’s start with some FREE books! Yes, I said free. 

1. The Lipstick Gospel

I found Stephanie May Wilson through her podcast, Girls Night, which is just so great! After I listened to a couple episodes, I looked her up and found her website, where I found her book, The Lipstick Gospel. This wasn’t that long ago and I just found myself in a low place. I haven’t really shared that, so hello vulnerability! I wasn’t really trusting God, spending time with Him, or even praying. I was just down, stressed, and anxious. One Friday, I got off work early and decided to treat myself to a pedicure. I was sitting there and remembered that I had downloaded her book, but hadn’t gotten a chance to read it. I started the book at the nail salon and finished it that evening. The Lipstick Gospel changed my perspective and helped me realize that I’m not in this life alone. I’m a daughter of Jesus and He has everything under control, even when I don’t think so. It just gave me hope and since reading it, I’m praying and spending time with Jesus, and talking about him. I’m happier. This book gave me hope and reminded me that God is with me. 

Anyway, this book is about how Stephanie found Jesus “in heartbreak, the Sistine Chapel, and the perfect cappuccino.” 

2. The Gal’s Gospel Guide

I’ve been following Jordan Lee Dooley (she’s an AOII sister!) for a while and she has so many incredible resources! If you’re looking for a good devotional, this is so great and free! It is a 45 day reading plan to “unpack the Gospel and understand its relevance in your life” and it does just that! I learned so much through this guide and it really is a wonderful devotional whether you’re a new Christian or have been a Christian for a while.

3. Best Friends, Where Are You?

This is another book by Stephanie May Wilson and it is all about making friends! This is especially great if you’ve found yourself in a new place and don’t know that many people. We all need good girlfriends in our lives! I have the most incredible friends and they are truly a blessing, but making friends can be hard. This book breaks it all down for you and it’s free! 

Now, these aren’t free, but super affordable and worth the money!

4. Unashamed

I discovered this book after hearing Christine Caine speak at a Passion conference and it has changed my life. This book is all about living a life free of shame. Christine shares her story and shows you how to “drop your baggage, pick up your freedom, and live your destiny.” Seriously, this book will change your life.

5. The Lipstick Gospel Devotional

After I read the Lipstick Gospel, I knew I had to get this devotional. In this devotional, Stephanie shares how living a life alongside Jesus really does make your life colorful, fun, and so much better. I’m not finished with this yet, but it has already changed my life. The book is “a reminder that there’s never anything too broken for God to heal or redeem, and a dare to say yes to the plan He has for our lives."

6. The Lipstick Gospel Prayer Journal

This is really great if you’re trying to change the way you pray. Until I was a junior in high school, I went to a pretty religious and strict private school because the public schools were pretty bad where I lived at the time. It was there that I really learned about prayer first and prayers seemed grand and like something I just wasn’t smart enough or even good enough to really dive into. I later learned that praying is really just talking to God and sharing your thoughts, concerns, fears, happiness… like talking to your best friend. This prayer journal has transformed how I communicate and talk to God. There is a prompt for each day to help stimulate the conversation and lots of room to write everything you want to say. If you’re looking to transform how you talk to God, this is an incredible resource. You can get The Lipstick Gospel Devotional and Prayer Journal in a combo package, too!

These books have changed my life and I think they will change yours, too! As young women, navigating life is hard sometimes and I’ve learned so many great lessons with these resources. They’ve definitely help me in my relationship with Jesus, which is the sweetest relationship that you can have. 

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What other books have you been loving lately? I would love for you to share!

I also want to add that I am always thrilled to hear from you! Everyone who stumbles upon my little internet space is my friend, so please send me a DM, comment, whatever! I’d love to talk and get to know you! Friends are so sweet!

xo,

Amanda

Happy Friday! I turn 23 on Tuesday, so this weekend is not only Memorial Day weekend for me, but also my birthday weekend! 

Georgia finally got the warm weather memo, but honestly, we skipped spring and went to straight to summer. One week, it was still in the 40s and all of a sudden, it was 95 degrees.  Georgia has the craziest weather.

Warm weather means more time in the sun, which typically comes with tanner skin! I just bought a lounge chair so I can actually work on having a tan this year. It’s been a while since I’ve had a really good tan.

I’m Mexican, so I have somewhat of a natural tan, but I’m still pretty pale, especially my legs! My legs are so pale. The good thing about my skin is that I tan pretty fast, which is super nice. The bad thing is that I don’t really spend a whole lot of time in the sun on a daily basis.

This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Over the past year, I’ve had a lot of trial and error with self-tanning, but I’ve finally found a good routine that works well for me. If you’re looking to start self-tanning, I’m going to share all my tips to get yourself some beautiful tan skin.

1. Okay, so I always shower before applying self-tanner! In the shower, I shave and exfoliate. It is so important to exfoliate before applying your self tanner so it doesn’t come out streaky and uneven. I love this one!

2. I don’t know if you’re supposed to do this, but I do it anyway. Before I apply self tanner, I moisturize! I usually use lotion that is the same scent as my body wash from Bath and Body Works. 

3. Now, it’s time to get that self-tanner on! Always, always, always use a tanning glove! When I first started using self-tanner, I just used my hands and it ended up being so streaky. The glove helps the self-tanner go on evenly. Also, apply the self-tanner in front of a mirror! This will help you make sure you cover all the areas. When you’ve applied it, wait for it to dry. It’s different for every self-tanner. I use this one by L'Oreal. 

I always self-tan at night after my shower and I wake up with a nice tan. Self-tanning really helps me to jump-start my summer tan and I think it’s better than soaking up too much sun, which always seems to happen.

Something that I want to try out is a spray tan! I’ve never gotten one before, but I want to try. Anything I should know before I get one?

xo,

Amanda

I don’t know about you, but I absolutely love date nights with my sweet boyfriend, David. Typically, we only see each other during the weekends, so I really cherish every moment we have together.

I think date nights are so important! It allows you one-on-one time to reconnect with your significant other. I find date nights so refreshing, too! The thing is, date nights can be expensive and well, money is super tight for us right now. With a super strict budget, that doesn’t mean that date nights can’t happen, it just means that we’ve learned to get creative and change how we do our date nights.

Going out on the town is always fun, but sometimes, date nights just need to be in the comfort of your own home! Who doesn’t enjoy a night in and saving a little bit of money?

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Try to stay home on your next date night with one of these ten date night ideas you can do from home!      

1. Cook a fancy dinner together

This is when Pinterest just might be your best friend! Head to the store and get whatever meal you're craving and maybe a good bottle of wine and just have fun in the kitchen. Dress up and set the table really nice. Put on some music to really set the mood. Enjoy each other's company over the delicious meal you just cooked together!

2. Theme night dinner and a movie

Pick a movie to watch and then have a meal based on the movie. This is really fun! Maybe the movie takes place in New York, so you decide to make NY-style pizza. Just be creative and have with this!

3. Watch a movie under the stars

Yes, take your movie night outdoors! This is where it really enhances the experience to have a projector. If you don't have one, you can always just use your laptop. 

4. Have a tasting party

Bring the wine bar to your house! Grab the ingredients to make a super fancy charcuterie board and some of your favorite wine. Pick a good spot around the house to have your tasting party and enjoy some good conversation!

5. Workout together

Youtube is your BFF here! Pick a fun workout video and do it together. 

6. Bake a new dessert

Been craving a dessert? Make it from scratch together. Baking is so much fun, especially when you have someone to help you out. Not sure what to make? Just do a Google or Pinterest search!

7. Create vision/dream boards together

Share your goals with each other! You can make individual vision boards and talk about your individual goals or make one together with some goals you want to accomplish together. This is a great way to not only be creative, but also get focused on your goals in your life. 

Related: Get My Free Goal-Setting Worksheet

8. Get to know each other

Play a game that involves questions! Think 100 questions or the newlywed game. No matter how long you've been together, I'm sure you'll find out something about your significant other that you didn't know before.

9. Make a keepsake

Pull out your camera or your iPhone, sit down on the couch, and tell your story. Talk about how you met, future plans, your favorite things about each other. Share your proposal and wedding story! Your children and grandchildren will probably love it one day!

10. Soak up the sun

Lounge by the pool with some cool drinks! If you don't have a pool, go back to your childhood and pull out a sprinkler or something! Just enjoy being outside.

Date nights are so great and such a fun part of a relationships. Dates provide the opportunity to get to know each other on a deeper level and just focus on one another.

What was one of your favorite dates you ever went on? Share it with us in a comment!

My favorite date was probably the very first date that David and I ever went on. I didn't know it was a real date! I thought we were seeing a movie with friends, but nope! It was just us. Haha. It was such a sweet date though. I was just 16. Sweet, young love!

Before I go, thanks for all your support!

xo,

Amanda

Happy, happy Monday! I know that Mondays aren’t a favorite day for a lot of people, but I actually don’t mind them. It’s the start of a new work week. It’s the beginning of another week that I’ve been given on this earth to do some good and love. I think Mondays aren’t actually that bad. Anyone else agree?

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You might know that I am out of college and even though summer breaks are a thing of the past for me, I still have a list of things that I want to do this summer! Who says you can’t have a summer bucket list even without a summer vacation? I love sharing my bucket lists with you all and then sharing how many I’ve actually done. 

When I do something on my bucket list, I’ll make it bold so that you can see what I’ve done and follow along if you’re interested!

I think that’s a pretty simple bucket list, don’t you? 

I love the beach and want to spend a least on full day by the ocean. I feel most at peace and relaxed when I’m on a beach. I want to start a new book and actually finish it! Georgia has some really great farmers’ markets that I want to check out. David turns 21 in June and I have a super fun date planned for us! This summer, I also just want to get this blog to the next level for you all! I want my corner of the internet to be a place you can come to and feel inspired. Maybe, that will include finally starting my podcast. Also, I’ve got to cheer on my Atlanta Braves! I haven’t even been to Suntrust Park yet!

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What are three things on your summer bucket list? Share them in a comment! 

Thank you for all your love and support. I appreciate you!

xo,

Amanda