Friday Night Menu

Am I only one who's in love with budget-restrained, straight-to-DVD theatrical gems that you find on Amazon Prime Video and Netflix? I can't be! Though the editing is terrible at times, there's too much music during dialogue, the sound quality is shoddy, and some of the acting is lackluster, I must say that the story lines are amazing. And, if given the right amount of training and the proper financial backing, some of these stories would be ones that people would be talking about for many years to come.

I found myself enjoying stories about relationships gone bad, relationships going well, and everything in between. They delve into personal struggle topics like health and mental wellness. Convoluted relationships are stretched beyond anything we could imagine. There are fairy tale endings, tragic endings, and endings that leave you wanting more--by design or by accident. There are actors you can tell have NEVER acted before as well as familiar faces. There are story lines that have little holes in them but you give them a pass because at the very least they are trying to create art that they feel passionate about.

Like I said, if given the correct backing and creative honing, some of these movies would be GREAT. Below is a list of some great stories that I think you would enjoy. You have to get past the fact that sometimes you won't be able to hear what they are saying one moment  because the soundtrack is drowning out the dialogue. Then, there may be sound effects that are blasting loudly the next moment. You'll have to work through listening through the hum of the microphone in addition to awkward camera angles. But, if you can just cut through the aesthetic blunders and the imprint of a novice or low budget production--yet, there are some that have quality up to par to movies in theaters--and get to the story line and plot which at some times might be confusion--but deliciously so--you would really be able to enjoy what I love about these low-budget, highly passionate movies.

With that said, if you have nothing else to do on a Friday night (or any time) and you want to be immersed into a story line that you may not have thought of before with a varying perspective, take a look at a few of the movies below. Some of them are shorter than others so you can get in and out real fast. And some are a little bit longer. Some have familiar faces in them; some of them don't.  There are quite a few beautiful and handsome faces with equally appealing bodies to match so you will find yourself hunting on Google to find out where else you can catch these actors in action. Some of the movies have way too much music during dialogue and for me that got on my nerves. I kept asking myself, "why are they playing music right now? I'm trying to listen to what the people are saying!" Some of them, the music is wonderfully placed.  So, give them a whirl and let me know what you think in the comments below!

Netflix
November Rule (2015) 94 min *perfect...to me
My Favorite Five (2015) 92 min *funny
The Last Fall (2012) 95 min  *snacks
Sister Code (2015) 94 min *unexpected twists

Amazon Prime Video
Truth Unspoken (2012) 76 min *deliciously convoluted
Hopelessly in June (2011) *too much music but very cute story
Jump In (2014) 80 min *focus on the story line because everything else is a distraction
Miss Dial (2013) 88 min *once you're hooked in, you'll want to know what happens 

Spring/Summer Shopping List: Polka Dots

What is it about Polka Dots that are so appealing. Whether teeny tiny or huge like "Mongol Dots," they are absolutely perfect for any occasion.

Sneak Peek for Fall "Mongol Dot" look! MONGOL Brand

Have fun by mixing patterns and colors or get all matchy matchy. I found the best cardigan at Target - pink with white mini Polka Dots.

Two days later, I found some Tommy Hilfiger flip flops at Shoe Carnival--pink with white mini Polka Dots!!!

Can you say, "Score!" I've paired the matchy matchy duo with all black (black tank and black shorts) and all white (white oxford and white skirt). Order your set today (Target & Amazon-Shoe Carnival online store doesn't have the flops). I guarantee you, compliments will abound!


This little shift (trapeze dress) will be my next Amazon Prime order! I'll wear it all summer right into fall by pairing it with boots and tights. Happy Shopping!!

Polka Dot Perfection

Event Planning: The Ultimate "At-Work" Baby Shower

Buy this and more woodland creature images here.

When my coworker informed us that she was expecting, I was thrilled! Not only is a new little bundle of joy about to bring light into this dreary world, but I got to plan a baby shower. Not one of those cheesy showers, oh no! I wanted to plan something fun and chic and most of all memorable for the mom-to-be.

Once we decided on a day, I batted around several great ideas. I was thinking we could treat her to a fancy luncheon at the Jefferson Hotel. Fancy lunches are few and far between when you first have a baby. But, I didn't want to have to transport the attendees. So, I decided to have a catered lunch for her at work in one of the small conference rooms. We'd be able to decorate and move at our own pace.

I sat down with her and discussed her nursery theme and other ideas that I could incorporate in the fete.  I wanted her woodland creatures nursery theme to be woven throughout all aspects of the shower.

Design by Amanda Gia. Need invitations? Contact me.

I designed the invitation and emailed them to guests. The guests needed to access her registry. Shop Amazon - Create an Amazon Baby Registry Now all I have to do is order the food and coordinate with my creative coworker to decorate.

I can't forget the games! I promised everyone that we would not have to partake in baby food or guess the candy bar poop. But, I did come up with and found some cool games that everyone should enjoy.

• Baby Name Game & Big Reveal: Find out the meaning of all guests' names. Put some extra cards in with weird meanings and one with the baby's name meaning. Each person takes a turn picking from the cards, reading the meaning and guessing who's name it is. When someone picks the baby's name and guesses (incorrectly of course), the mom-to-be will reveal the baby's name. Stack the deck so the baby's name is near the bottom.
• Memory: Hang a clothes line across the room with baby items. After everyone has eaten during cleanup, take the line down. Pass out paper for everyone to write down as many items as the can remember. The one who writes the most items wins a prize. Thanks The Bump!

Aside from planning this awesome shower, I've been giving her great advice about enjoying pregnancy and how exciting (and exhausting) being a mom can be. I've also told her about products and services that will make her life way easier. One being Amazon Mom. Amazon Mom is a membership program aimed at helping parents and caregivers in the prenatal through toddler years use Amazon to find and save on products their families need. Saving money is essential as a new parent! Amazon Mom is open to anyone, whether you're a mom, dad, grandparent, or caretaker. Try Amazon Mom for Free .

Update:

This is the decor, but with pink instead of aqua. Burlap is my friend!

More pics here.

I've made my idea board public on Pinterest. It includes information that helped me plan this baby shower as well as a Christmas Party that was an uber success!

My Dream Come True

Download it to your Kindle or Kindle Reader TODAY! Amazon.com - Read eBooks using the FREE Kindle Reading App on Most Devices  

Almost a year ago, I sat down at my computer and got lost in story that flowed so easily from my mind to the blank pages. I was obsessed with each character and wondered what they were doing when I was away from writing. I would sit and plan out what my characters would do, but by the time I got to the computer to write, they had their own plan. I remember one time, I just knew Drew would ride home with her friend after a party, yet she took off walking down the street as if to let me know that I wasn't in control of her.

Finally, after months of trying to figure out how I could get my book to the masses, my ebook is available on Amazon!  Just in time for Christmas, the holiday season, and cozy nights at home, Enigmatic Encounters: The Beginning is a witty coming of age story set on a small southern college campus. The next book in the series will be out next year, so don't panic! You will find out what happens next with Leslie, Drew, and Bruce, but you have to get this book first to find out what happens in The Beginning.