ramblings: green drinks, good books + great dishes

Hello, I love you, I miss you. 

But really...its all true! I love this little blog of mine but living my life {the horror!} has been sucking up all of my time.

How about some random Friday ramblings?

Did you know that mornings are like so way totally more awesome when there are homemade green drinks and bible reading involved? Tis true. Try it out :)

{my go-to recipes here}

 Today I even did a super shot of wheatgrass, lemon, ginger and other goodness. Who wants to come over and grow wheatgrass in my yard? Thanks

{rawesome juicery, sweet auburn market, atlanta}

If you've been around me for more than a minute in the past month you've probably had to hear me rave and rave and raaaave about this precious book, Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist. 

I stumbled upon a mind-altering/life-changing quote {yup, that dramatic} from the book earlier this month and immediately bought every title Shauna Niequist had ever written. Shauna's words bring you to a place where you instantly feel yourself just sitting next to her on the couch with a big glass of red wine or hot tea; she is teaching you, sharing stories and offering up wholesome advice, walking with you through this thing we call life. Its good stuff. 

This book truly found me and I am so glad it did, there are parts of it for everyone and every stage of life-{and/or minute of life}. I know it will be a book that I turn to for years to come, lend to friends and family, write down quotes and dig into for a little 'life eye-opening' session. 

Here's a little teeny peek:

“Life sneaks up on us every once in a while and gives us something we didn't ever know we wanted, and lights within us a love we didn't even know existed.” 
― Shauna Niequist, Cold Tangerines: Celebrating the Extraordinary Nature of Everyday Life

Told you I could talk foreverrrr about that book! :) Moving on! 

I sold two orders on Etsy- it was so fun creating 'Hallmade' frames for people that I didn't know! 

So friends, we are going back to Shauna Niequist and...FOOD! {this is all I can talk about.}

Her most recent title Bread & Wine is delicious. It's recipes are delicious and it's words are even more delicious. Each chapter brings a warm, thought-provoking, inspiring and comforting story and....a crazy tasty recipe for something scrumptious that Shauna has had at a restaurant or made herself. 

Double delights! 

I tried my hand {and bicep....jeeze} at her creamy parmesan risotto recipe. 

Best thing...I think I actually made it right! Soft with a little bit of a bite. 

With some coaching from the Hall household's egg frying champ, I fried my first egg last night. Then I topped that delicious thing on a stack of Quinoa, Sauteed Onions and Chicken Apple Sausage. 

The flavors are deep, they love on each other and bring a taste of sweet and super savory. The quinoa reminds you of its presence with a little crunch, the onions practically dissolve on your tongue and a fork full of crispy sausage, tender egg and runny yolk reminds you there is a reason that sausage and eggs sit side-by-side so often! 

{recipe from Bread & Wine, I know you saw that coming :) }

Well, I think I have rambled on enough for one post. 

Off to enjoy a weekend of whatever we want to do....as long as it involves one of these guys:

{Baked Maple Cinamon Donuts}

Don't you think its time I used that donut pan again? I do. 

Recipes {and breakfast visitors!} welcomed :)

 {P.S. I promise we will go back to recipes and diy projects and organized posts real real soon!}

a peek at our patio!

oh hello there little blog of mine. how i have missed you! 

Well spring has sprung and it brought with it new commitments, celebrations and time-suckers. Hashtag I'm Not Complaining! :)

{back to our regularly 'scheduled' programming}

I've gathered inspiration and we've begun purchasing...our patio is beginning to come together! Although it's not ready for a full reveal {will it ever be? stop. raining. atlanta} here are some little peeks! 

my mr. amazing husband hung our cafe lights- a little piece of paris now lives on our patio. 

this happy green pattern adorns our seating and as a bonus, it makes for a cheerful backdrop to a glass of celebratory champagne. 

my job has led me to appreciate floor coverings- even if they are sewn together by own two hands. 

here's to hoping this weekend is full of free time and sunshine!

draw near

-hebrews 4.16-

A powerful and constant reminder that we are never alone and can always find comfort in the love of our Lord. 

Baked Lemon Honey Donuts: the recipe

Ya know, us southerners really have a lot going for us. Hashtag proud. 

Near the top of that list is being the birthplace of sweet sweet Krispy Kreme donuts. When the city glows with red indications of hot & fresh rings of love ready for consumption my heart skips a beat {and my car pulls in to the drive-thru...} My love for donuts grew on me early and was quite possibly the #1 reason I attended Sunday School. 

My oh-so-trendy mother encouraged me to try making my own version using a donut pan. What? No deep fryer? Sad face. 

Hot fatty oil aside, I acquiesced. 

Duh.

{Baked Lemon Honey Donuts recipe after the jump}

wear it everywhere: the ankle bootie

If you've seen me in the past couple of weeks, I've probably been wearing the same brown fringe ankle booties every single time {well maybe I was wearing my black pair ;) }.  To say I am obsessed with them is a massive understatement. I've decided they are more comfortable than heels and more attractive than flats {sorry Tor}. 

So here is some 'fashion-spiration' that will keep my booties wearing strong well into spring: 

 Personally I think the ankle boots make these looks feel a bit more pulled together even though they are casual, comfy and weekend-ready. 

Right now my booties go hand-in-hand with a pair of skinnies. The looks can be as casual or pulled-together as you would like.  

I love a pair of ankle boots with a dress- it is just too cute! This look will be on rotation the second it gets warm. {please happen soon!}

hail to the ankle bootie!

{I wear the Kinley boot in tan and black from Target}

love between 2 slices

Are we Instagram friends? {we should be! @amandamacyhall} 

 If we are, you have noticed that Josh and I recently acquired a love for paninis.

As a former sandwich-loather this has been a big step for my brain and my belly. Not sure when or really even why...but I have been stiff-arming deli meat smushed between sliced bread for some time. Turns out, that habit really puts a hindrance on husband-made-meals. What is it about guys and their love for a sammy?! 

Recently, we were strolling through Macy's in search of a wedding gift for any number of our friends and we spotted a lovely little pan & press panini maker. Josh was into it and I was very into the thought of being served dinner :) 

Since then a week doesn't go by that a delicious combination of meats, veggies and spreads smushed between sliced bread hits the dinner table {or bed or couch...you know}. 

Combinations we love:

Fig Jam Spread + Bacon + Cream Cheese

Fried Egg + Prosciutto + Fruit Jelly

White Cheddar + Jalapenos + Bacon 

Avocado + Prosciutto +  Goat Cheese

Provolone + Spinach + Bacon + Roasted Red Peppers

{all with deliciously healthy Ezekiel bread}

Yes, you probably noticed that so far the only 'sandwich meat' I have tried is prosciutto or bacon...

What panini recipes do YOU love? Try me, I am feeling adventurous! :)

hello spring, let's play!

It's the FIRST DAY OF SPRING! Hallelujah! 

The bright shining sun and manageable temperatures make it a perfect time to enjoy an outdoor workout. 

|ONE| It's finally here, an easy way to hold your phone and house key while you run. The {FlipBelt} wears comfortably around your waist and looks pretty cute too! 

|TWO| Am I the last girl to have a {Lululemon No Limits Tank}? I think so, it looks crazy comfortable and chic- on the top of my wish list!

|THREE| I love my {Nike Free} shoes for non-cardio workouts. They support in all the right places, are extremely light and I love the fun colors! 

|FOUR| Since you're already there...check out these hot {Target C9 Compression Capris}. I love the print and the fit + fabric is perfect for any type of workout. 

let's go play outside!

the coffee bar

A great little spot has been created in our kitchen for coffee brewing, tea making and wine pouring. Who doesn't love multi-function?

I wanted the coffee bar to be functional but also decorative. We went with a metal theme that compliments the industrial look of our living room {that is just a couple feet away} and also looks good on the light-medium gray walls. 

{drinks after the jump}

creamy pesto pasta recipe

Let's make something quick, easy and tasty tonight. 

{see how after the jump}

fur ottoman + pillow / DIY how to

Out of 2 IKEA faux sheepskins come 4 new fuzzy home accents!

{all for less than $40}

I like how these pieces offer up a bit of sass and glamour, they are both {faux} luxurious and fun! 

{ottoman: sally wheat interiors  |  pillow: west elm}

See the How To for both projects after the jump! 

hallmade: our etsy shop

 

Lately I have been very inspired to update some of my Etsy frames. It was one of those tasks that I thought about every night as I drove from work but sadly never got around to actually doing it. Well on Saturday I spread my supplies out and got to it! Yay! 

Since moving to our new house, Josh and I have diligently spent time each morning in our breakfast spot reading a devotional and the Bible. It has proved to be such a fulfilling routine for us, I personally crave that time each morning and feel that it helps to lead my thoughts throughout the day. 

Quiet/Devotional Time...You should consider it! 

All of that inspiration finally led to new designs in our Etsy shop:

{see the designs after the jump!}

wanted

|ONE| A springy iphone case to welcome to change in weather {tory burch}

|TWO| A new and necessary top for a cute and easy weekend uniform {old navy}

|THREE| A blingy addition to the bracelet stack, plus it's under $35 and jcrew {jcrew}

|FOUR| A stylish pair to shade the oh-so-welcomed sun's rays {kate spade}

|FIVE| A tote perfect for work, shopping and plenty of spring picnics in between {cwonder}

|SIX| A pair of these beauties seamlessly steps into any outfit {target}

who's ready to go shopping?

mighty manly meat pizza

 Remember that time you went to the grocery to get stuff to make pizza and came home with  everything but? Oh that wasn't you? It was me? Yeah...it was. 

Improvise to satisfy. 
{recipe after the jump}

patio plannin'

One day soon it will get warm...even though we saw snow on Saturday, I am hopeful! You can do it Atlanta, get warm! Let me see your sun! Please! 

When it does, we want to be patio ready. I've never furnished or decorated an outdoor space before so my mind is all sorts of over-inspired. 

So I need your help! 

The 3 themes in the running are...

Vibrant, happy and fun. This theme is full of energy and life and begs to live under the summer sun. It has a boho feel and gorgeous pops of hot pink and orange. 

Soft, airy and soothing. This patio theme features layers of sunbleached whites and tans and is picture perfect for relaxing with a glass {or two} of crisp white wine.

Clean, stylish and chic. I have an affinity for graphic hits of black and white that I just cannot shake. This theme bodes well for glossy blacks, strong lines, bright whites and modern prints. 

Let's have a sit on the patio!

But....let's buy some chairs first...

Whats your fave?

*photo references available upon request, most can be found on my pinterest 'patio livin' board here

a new life

We updated our wingback chairs! 

{without the cost or pain of an upholstery job!}

Soon after we were married we were gifted a set of white wingback chairs in great condition. For a while, I added 'Amanda-like' pillows to them to make them more 'us', but I knew that they still weren't fully there yet...

So we gave them a makeover! 

 These images stuck in my mind every step of the way:

|ONE| apartment therapy. The moment I saw this image, I needed that throw and fur. Look how easily they change the mood of that leather sofa. 

|TWO| atlanta homes & lifestyles. A solid contrasting color strip of upholstery trim gives these chairs a style update and new personality. 

|THREE| little green notebook. Digging through the LGN blog I came across this project, I knew parts of it would be perfect to re-create! That Jenny, she is good! 

|FOUR| hgtv blog. Another image perpetuating my desire for white fur and black stripes. Had to have it. 

|FIVE| vanguard furniture. The unfinished legs on this chair give it such a casual cool vibe. Plus the one strip of trim is a-maze.

|SIX| restoration hardware. Seriously, if its from RH, I love it! Unfinished/bleached wood and bold nail head trim, always a win. 

See the process...

friday, saturday, sunday

 The weekend is here!

and I promise to enjoy the little things :)

hey, you should too!

{dining room wall art: homemade chalkboard + my handwriting}

20 minutes + 2 dollars

{diy} dropcloth covered cork  board

a project just about anyone can do! 

If you have 20 minutes, some scrap materials and your cork board from your childhood room then you have everything you need for a super-easy makeover project. 

Beachy Shrimp Pasta {Barefoot Contessa's Shrimp Scampi}

Let me just remind you that I am not a chef or anything resembling a chef. I am just a girl that likes yummy food and trying new things in the kitchen. 

One of those new things was fresh parsley. I know I know such an everyday herb, but truth is I have never cooked with fresh parsley before.

Until this recipe fell into my inbox...

oh la la

{currently loving}

|ONE| {eyeko skinny liquid eyeliner} Credit to birchbox for introducing me to this long-wear, easy-to-apply felt tip eyeliner. I use it everyday, it stays put and creates a perfectly straight and even line. Plus its easy to add on layers in the evening for more drama. 

|TWO| {dr. lipp nipple balm for lips} Despite the fear-factor it's name induces.. this lip balm is worth a try. It coats your lips with a thick, non-greasy and smooth layer of conditioning and protection. Thanks birchbox, this is perfect for chilly temperatures and windy weather. 

|THREE| {loreal voluminous false fiber lashes in black lacquer} The quest for the blackest of black lashes ends here. Similar to the rest of the Voluminous collection, this mascara brings fullness and length, but unlike its other family members this tube paints your lashes in a super glossy super black coat.

|FOUR|{moroccan oil} This product single-handedly saved my over-colored, under-protected strands. I haven't gone a day without using it for over two years and my hair is stronger, healthier and shinier than ever. Bless you Moroccan Oil. 

|FIVE| {benefit creaseless cream eye shadows} The perfect collection of coordinating colors that layer perfectly and brighten eyes with the swipe of your finger. No eye shadow is easier to apply, easier to layer or easier to love. Each iridescent color opens your eyes and stays put throughout the day, even in the hot southern summers. 

oh, hello

Well guys, Monday has found us once again. 

Over the weekend we managed to crank out a couple of projects...stacks labeled 'what should we with this?' are slowly shrinking and we are starting to see the floor of our front room {small happy dance}. My little brother and his girlfriend came over Friday night and we wrangled them in to painting our back room- can't wait to post pictures, it looks good {thanks jazz!}. 

Better late than never...Josh and I started to watch Downton Abbey! Late late Saturday night {after jalapeno margs, delish} we started with Season 1, Episode 1 and as of last night we are in to Season 2. I. am. completely. obsessed. Do you think it'd be okay if I stayed home from work this week to keep watching? Yeah, probably not. Do you watch Downton? {No spoilers please!} 

cheers to a good week for all :)

oh yeah the sea urchin starbursts have a new home over our bed now, you like?