new address!

new address: www.amandamacyhall.com 

still filled with plenty of hopes & dreams ;)

A. Macy Hall benfiting Susan G Komen Atlanta

I am so excited to have partnered with Susan G Komen Atlanta today in the sale of three of my 'A. Macy Hall' tassel jewelry designs!

Throughout the rest of October, I will donate 15% of the proceeds of my three designs to Susan G Komen for the Cure Atlanta.  

All of the designs in this collection were inspired by my mom, a 6 year breast cancer survivor! From the moment Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, she pushed the importance of local fundraising and early detection research.  It was because of these two things we believe that my Mom was able to fight and beat her breast cancer! Local funding allowed her doctor's office access to brand new early detection technology that she was fortunate enough to 'test out as a healthy patient'...much to her surprise and the surprise of her doctors, the test results came back positive for breast cancer. I can remember the exact place I stood on my college campus during sorority bid day when my parents called to tell me the news. You never forget a moment like that. Luckily the scary news was followed by words of hope and plans of positive action. 

Early detection greatly aided in providing multiple treatment options and increased survival success rates for my Mom and the thousands of men and women in similar positions. After a series of surgeries and medication my Mom was breast cancer free and can now stand proud as a 6 year breast cancer survivor! 

Throughout the years Mom and I have participated in different programs to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research. We both truly believe that there is an answer to be found. We both also believe ever so strongly in the power of local fundraising organizations like Susan G Komen Atlanta that make gaining access to early detection processes easier and more abundant. 

This year to honor my Mom, a six-year breast cancer survivor, and to aid in the fight for a cure- I have channeled my creative energy into the creation of three tassel bracelets and necklaces that will {hopefully!} allow for a donation to Susan G Komen Atlanta.  

Please visit my 'A. Macy Hall' Etsy Shop and click the 'Komen for a Cure' category to see the designs: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AMacyHall

Congratulations, Mom! I love you! 

introducing: A. Macy Hall | tassel necklaces

my new tassel necklace etsy shop!

here's the story:

A couple of Sunday's ago I was going stir crazy hanging out at home. I had had enough of hearing screaming announcer dudes yelling about blocked backs and yard lines. I also had lingering memories of a strange dream that I had where I was making tons of pretty necklaces {whoa...I sound like a crazy person}. I had nothing but time and a craft store positioned way too close to my house. 

Fairly unlike me, I walked into the store with no plan of what I was going to make or purchase. Not a clue. But beads were on sale, I found some chain I liked and strings and links and other things that seemed appropriate. 

A little while later I found myself with these 3 cute creations and a completely satisfied creative side. Success. 

The next day a business owner friend of mine {Amy of the super cute shop, Swell Caroline} saw me wearing my necklace and asked to put them in her booth at Market. 

'Sounds fine to me!'

Much to my surprise- I made an order! I've also been loving making tassel necklaces for my sweet friends, which just makes me so happy! 

{the University of Georgia gameday necklace is pretty popular right now} 

I am loving this little hobby- it's such a wonderful way for me to relax and tap into my creative side {a side that is dyinggggg to get out more!}

I've now opened a little Etsy shop to sell my necklaces. 

I'd love for you to see all the styles in my shop at Etsy.com/shop/AMacyHall

love :)

the simple joy of a new smoothie recipe

Chocolate Pineapple Protein Smoothie

Because pineapple reminds me of the beach and chocolate coconut water is from the gods. 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 Cup+ Frozen Pineapple Chunks {don't be like me and freeze it in the ring with the core..sigh}
• 6-8 Ounces Chocolate Coconut Water {hello lover!}
• 1 Scoop Protein Powder {I am anti-soy + obsessed with plant-based Amazing Meal}

Blend & Find Bliss

guilt-free, man-friendly snack recipe: Buffalo Brussel Sprout Bites

Buffalo Brussel Sprout Bites

Buffalo chicken wings, blue cheese for dipping and a draught beer are probably the more enjoyable way to enjoy a football game... For a lighter snack that's still 'sporty', shake up the expected with this brussel sprout recipe that drastically cuts the calories and passed the husband taste test!

This Buffalo Brussel Sprout Bites recipe was created by the ladies of Tone It Up to encourage guilt-free, healthy eating during Labor Day weekend. Guess what...it worked on The Hall's! Fairly quick to whip up and surprisingly super tasty- we loved this snack and will definitely make it again! Here is their recipe:

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

3 cups of Organic Vegetable broth

2 -3 cups Brussels Sprouts

2 Tbs. grapeseed oil

5 Tbs. Nutritional Yeast

4 Tbs. Tabasco Buffalo Sauce

2 tsp. garlic, minced

Directions

In a medium saucepan, bring vegetable broth to a boil and add Brussels Sprouts. Allow to boil for about 3 minutes, or until they turn bright green. Drain and rinse in cold water for 30 seconds before halving each sprout.

Heat a sauté pan on medium with grapeseed oil. When warm add garlic and sea salt, allowing to simmer for one minute. Add halved brussels sprouts to the pan, cut side down and allow to sit until they begin to brown, about 6-8 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before tossing with tabasco and nutritional yeast. Serve warm or cold and garnish with carrots & celery sticks!

{original Tone It Up recipe post here}

Side Note: If you're ready to make a positive change to your diet, I honestly recommend the Tone It Up Nutrition Plan. It helped me learn more about how our bodies process foods, how to pre-plan meals to prevent unhealthy choices and introduced me to new ingredients like almond milk, nutritional yeast and apple cider vinegar. 

This summer they updated the plan- and it is so good! Easy easy easy to read, understand and reference. Plus they release themed add-on versions to the original version a couple of times a year to incorporate seasonal ingredients and food trends. 

Wow, I sound like a TIU commercial! Honestly, I am just happy to have found Tone It Up- and good things shouldn't be kept a secret ;)

sorry chicken wings, you're not missed

workout wednesday

It's Workout Wednesday! But...it's not because I don't do series posts...but I wish I did! 

To coincide with my 'take care of myself + work/life balance' new take on life {see this post} Josh and I have gotten back into the swing of daily workouts. 

It's amazing what 30-60 minutes of sweating, stretching and getting stronger can do for your mind and body. 

Workout/Health/Fitness products I am into right now 

{+ some wish list items!}

Tone It Up Beach Babe DVD 2 

Why did I ever stop doing the Tone It Up workouts?! Katrina and Karena have such a great energy- I absolutely love their brand + their workouts totally deliver. Some of my favorites on their latest Beach Babe DVD are the HIIT cardio workout and the Beach Barre routine. 

Amazing Grass Amazing Meal  

My new go-to breakfast! Amazing Meal is a perfect mix of organic green superfoods {think kale, spinach, broccoli, antioxidizing berries} and 10 grams of complete plant based protein. It tastes great and is a cinch to make- just add almond milk plus one scoop to my blender bottle. It actually keeps me full  until lunch! {I use the Vanilla Chai flavor}

Amazing Grass Green SuperFood 
Amazing Meal without the protein! This is a great detox drink with an extra shot of energy. An easy way to get tons of vegetables, fruits, vitamins and minerals into your body. I am loving the 40,000 ORAC version now which is great for combating free radicals. 

C9 by Champion Women's Capri Compression Tight  

Comfortable, cute, moisture wicking, light weight. I love these workout tights! They are a great price and easy to pick up at Target. 

C9 by Champion Women's Layered Tank with Bra 
See ya pricey Lululemon tops- Target's version is practically just as good and welllll under $64

C9 by Champion Women's 3/4 Sleeve Brushed Cross Back Yoga Coverup  
I am loving this top- I throw it over my workout tanks to run errands or if I get chilly at home. Because yes, husband, it's important that workout clothes are both functional and fashionable. ;)

Wish List Items
Kettlebell  |  I love kettlebell moves because they incorporate so many small and large muscles. What is the best weight to get if I am starting off? I'm thinking 10 or 20 lb....?

Heart Rate Monitor  |   Now that most of my workouts are in  my home {no gym access} I think this would be an encouraging/motivating way to track my workouts and runs. Any advice on brands, models, retailers? 

cheers to sweat

Quick & Easy Guilt-Free Dessert: Cookie Dough Greek Yogurt

I am more of a salty snack lover than a sweet tooth but I struggle with battling the urge to down sleeves of Oreos just like the next person. {um. what?.}

Last night {p.s. after this awesomeeee workout from the Tone It Up girls!} the 'I need a cookie' urge struck me between the eyes. I didn't want to completely negate my sweat session so I slightly sweetened up my go-to Greek yogurt instead. 

New favorite sweeeeeet recipe for you to try! 

Quick & Easy Guilt-Free Dessert: 

Cookie Dough Greek Yogurt

-stir it up the following ingredients till smooth and well mixed-

Fage 0% Greek Yogurt

1 T all natural peanut butter 

1 T honey

1 capful of all natural vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

-

Top with 1/2 T of  mini chocolate chips

Enjoyyyyy!!!