Friday Favorites

Lululemon Extra Mile Jacket

Hi hello! Long time no life update! Mostly because life has been NUTS lately and I haven't had time to write one. It sounded so fun to plan two trips back to back (three if you count NYFW).... and it was fun but it was also hella-stressful! Cramming two weeks worth of work in before/between/after my trips meant I had little to no free time the entire month of September and all of October thus far. Literally, all I've done is werk werk werk werk werk to *try* and stay on top of things. I even bought WiFi on two flights to catch up on emails! Who am I?!

Not to complain, though. I am so grateful for everything that keeps me this busy: a have a full-time job that pays the bills, blogging that gives me so many fun experiences and teaching at Beyond which lets me share my one of my biggest passions (fitness) with others.

So, now for the fun stuff.....let's begin!

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Friday Favorites

Happy Friday, friends!! It has been a hectic last few weeks for no reason other than just being busy with life in general. Work, work, work, blog, teach at Beyond Studios, work, clean, chores, maybe sleep, blog stuff, work. Repeat. If we're being honest, there aren't many pictures to share that weren't taken specifically for the blog and already shared in other posts. In some ways, I'm proud of that, because it means I put my phone down and focus on what's in front of me when I need to. But in other ways, I need to start documenting the little moments and saving those memories again!

I did, however, get a new iPhone so I'm hopeful that my cell phone picture game will be substantially better moving forward! I realized I had my old iPhone 6s for three years......pretty sure that's the longest I've EVER had a phone! The X is treating me very nicely so far.

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Friday Favorites

Jumpsuit | Similar Hat | Similar Shoes

Hello hello!! Happy Friday, friends and family! We made it to the end of the week....aaaand the end of the month! Oklahoma has been in the midst of a heat wave lately (I'm talking 110+ degrees for days in a row) so I am glad that the months seem to be flying....your girl is ready to wear some of her fall N-Sale purchases, stat!

Though we didn't get to travel anywhere exciting in July, it was still a super busy month. You might remember I had gallbladder surgery at the end of June so I spent the first few weeks of the month taking it easy but I'm back in the swing of things and feeling a million times better! It's crazy to think that getting rid of an organ can make your body so much happier. Besides that, I've still been loving my new 4-Runner, teaching my Beyond 500 classes, working hard at my day job, working like crazy on growing the blog, doing a lot of fun collabs and gearing up for several exciting trips in the next few months. Though there hasn't been any specific huge events lately to share, life in general has just been hectic! I've been running around like a crazy person and am in need of a relaxing weekend!

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Friday Favorites

Swimsuit (only $17) | Similar Beach Hat | Favorite Sunscreen for Faces

Happy Friday, friends! I'm closing out this month's blog posts with some Friday Favorites - just a few of my favorite "life" things going on as of late. You may or may not have noticed, but I've kind of slowed down on my blog posts this month. I feel like I've gotten to the point that I choose quality over quantity and real life over internet life. Sometimes I just don't have anything to write about and other times I don't have the time to sit on my laptop and put a post together and that's OK! It is actually kind of freeing to take that pressure off of myself. I don't HAVE to get three posts up every week, and honestly, I'm probably the only one that notices if I don't! Putting my phone down and having a real life conversation always trumps an Instagram DM am I right?!

That being said, June has been such a fun and crazy month! A lot has happened in a short amount of time. I seriously can't believe that we're deep into summer already - football season and fall will be here in the blink of an eye. The older I get the more time flies and it is such a gentle reminder to appreciate where I am at in life and take time to enjoy the little moments.

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Friday Favorites

Haaaaappy Friday, friends! Somehow we totally skipped over spring and went straight from sweaters to tank tops in no time flat. That's OK, though, because it means pool days are here! I've been making a point to spend a few hours in the sun every weekend to get a jump start on my summer tan. We don't have a pool so I've just been laying on our picnic table in our backyard....it isn't glamorous by any means but it is 100% necessary. My legs were ghostly!! Luckily we have a few friends with pools and C's parents have the best pool of them all. We're headed there tomorrow for some R&R; my mom-in-law makes the best sandwiches, snacks and poolside cocktails so I'm v. excited.

In other news, life is busy as all get out. Que, "all I do is work work work work work!" Whether that is working on the blog, working at my day job or teaching at Beyond Studios. Not complaining, just stating. I'm ready for vacation and/or a spa day, stat. T-minus one week until we head out of town on a little anniversary trip....it is much needed!

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Friday Favorites

Happy Friday, friends! It is time for my monthly "real life" Friday Favorites post - a quick recap of everything going on behind the scenes in my day to day life. Honestly, this month has been crraaaaazy for me between work, evening work events every single Thursday, teaching Beyond 500, blogging, going to physical therapy and weekend social activities. I'm feeling a bit burnt out on everything (physically and mentally) so much so that I've barely picked up my phone to snap a picture of the pups. You know I'm worn out when that's the case! I've really had to come to terms with learning to say no to things - sometimes I can't do it all and that is OK! Whether that means taking a day off from working out, saying no to a cocktail in lieu of catching up on sleep or not finishing a blog post at 10 p.m. the night before it is supposed to go live....heck, I almost didn't even write this post.

That being said, this Friday Favorites is short and sweet. LOTS has happened this month, but not a lot has been documented (at least not people, just snaps of random things). In a way, though, that's the way it should be. Less time on our phones and more time enjoying life with those we love. Can I get an amen?!

In regards to the picture above, it seems fitting for my "favorites" post because it is a few of my favorite things! Coffee, flowers and Louis V. I'm basic, I know.

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Friday Favorites + GIVEAWAY

Free People Lace Tank (on major sale!), also available here | Similar Sunnies ($14!) | Cognac Pumps | Laptop Skin

Happy Friday, everyone!! Whewwwww what.a.week. It has been so hectic around here that I don't even remember what I did this week.....let alone this month! That's when you know you've been busy! Today's post is one of my "Friday Favorites" - basically catching my friends and family up on what is going on in my real life! I know sometimes blog posts can get too "sponsored" or "sales-y" so I like to throw a little behind the scenes action in from time to time. I hope it helps any new readers get to know me a little more, as a real human and friend!

First off, I want to give everyone a heads up that there is a GIVEAWAY going on on my Instagram (@amandasOK) this weekend for a free product from CaseApp! I have a laptop skin and a phone case (shown in the photo above) and love them - you can choose from their designs, design your own from scratch, or use some of their templates to make a design uniquely yours. All you have to do to enter is follow me on Instagram, like the CaseApp photo and tag a friend. Good luck!

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Friday Favorites

Shop My Look Here

Happy Friday, ya'll! This is been such a crazy work week...between having President's Day off, taking off early for physical therapy on my shoulder several times a week and the crazy Oklahoma weather closings, the last few days have flown by! No complaints here. I wish all weeks went by this quickly! However, now that OKC finally had one winter weather day, I'm officially ready for spring to make it's appearance. Bring on the shorts......and also maybe a spray tan. My legs are ghostly!  

Today's post is definitely more of a real life post as opposed to a purposeful blog post, but that's OK! I hope it gives you all a chance to know me on a real level... more as a friend! Or, if you actually know me, I hope this catches you up on what has been going on in my life! Sometimes I forget not everyone looks at Instagram or watches my Instagram stories so you have no clue what my day-to-day life looks like. Because of that, I like to treat my blog as a recap/journal every now and then. 

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Friday Favorites

Happy Friday, friends! Comin' atcha live for my monthly "what's happing in real life" Friday Favorites post.... basically its just my favorite pictures from the last month that weren't necessarily blog related. How has the New Year been treating you? I'm finally at the point where I'm not crossing out "17" every time I write the date haha. After a busy holiday season and recovering from my shoulder surgery, the last few weeks have been spent catching up on life and it has been great. The house is clean and tidy, I can kinda-sorta workout again (if you count tabata air squats as a workout). I've been seeing good results from my nutrition plan now that the Christmas cookies are out of the picture and I had an amazing birthday filled with food, family, coffee, cake and puppy cuddles. Oh, and some of our good friends [finally] got engaged! Life is good.

Coming up next, I have several weekend trips booked that I'm super excited for. I also have some exciting news to share soon in the health/fitness category and lots of new clothes that I bought with birthday money (yippee!). The new year is always such a good excuse to push yourself out of your comfort zone and for that, I'm thankful. I will be checking off lots of things from my 30 Before 30 list as well as my Bucket List. The clock is ticking on the 30 Before 30 list haha. Time to get cracking!

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Friday Favorites

10 days till Christmas?! Where did this month go? Even though I'm done with my shopping and wrapping, I haven't watched all my Christmas movies yet! I'm guessing many of you are still busy shopping.....or maybe you haven't even started yet?? If that's you, there will be one more gift guide for last minute gifts on the blog Monday, so check back.

For now, I'm gonna share a few things that have happened in real life this month for my monthly Friday Favorites post. It has definitely been a challenging month in the Martin household but a good one.

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Friday Favorites

Similar Peplum Top Here and Here, also love This One! | Similar Moto Jacket - on sale! | Skinny Jeans | Shoes | Monogram Necklace - would make a great Christmas gift!

I seriously can't believe the holidays are upon us. November has FLOWN so far; it seems like I did my last Friday Favorites post just few days ago. About once a month I like to take a day and talk about my real life - not just pre-planned content type of blog posts. These are some of my favorite posts to write (and read on other blogger's sites).

This month has seriously been a whirl wind...like, I had to open my planner just to remember everything I did! I'm sure the next month will be just as crazy since it is filled with big holidays, parties, family time and tons of shopping (and a shoulder surgery, if your name is Amanda Martin).

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Friday Favorites

We made it - happy Friday! It is an especially happy [orange] Friday around here because it is Oklahoma State's Homecoming Weekend, otherwise known as America's Greatest Homecoming Celebration. This year's theme is "Herald Your Fame" - I can't wait to see it brought to life!

Each year, sororities and fraternities team up to create house decs, aka giant floats attached to their houses, to match the homecoming theme. The students spend hours on hours on hours pomping (sticking tissue paper into chicken wire) to create incredible, larger than life designs. Man, I do not miss those days one bit, ha! Nearly 100,000 alumni, family and students participate in "Walk Around" the Friday evening before Homecoming to see all the decorated houses. It is such a fun Stillwater tradition to experience.

There are a bajillion more traditions (like the orange fountain pictured above that makes me want to drink a Sunkist) and they all hold a special place in my heart. Forever loyal and true!

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Friday Favorites

Friday FriyYAY! We made it to the weekend! This has been one of those weeks where I have been sleeping like a rock and baaaaarely able to open my eyes and crawl out of bed each morning. I cannot wait to sleep in tomorrow (until 7:45, that is 👵🏼) and wake up slow while sipping coffee on the couch. My fav!

I have done "Friday Favorites" posts a few times before - I like to be able to talk about what's going on in my actual life from time to time for any friends or family members who read my blog. I also think it gives new readers a glimpse into who I am outside of blogging! I love it when other bloggers do this - it makes me feel like they're my real life friends haha. What do you think? Do you like this kind of post or would you rather see food, fashion, fitness or travel? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Without further ado, here's my Friday Favs: August Edition!

Day Designer Planner | JORD Watch | Kate Spade Phone Case

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Friday Favorites

Date Night Dessert from Pie Junkie: Drunken Turtle & Peanut Butter Pie

The highly requested #SquatYourDogChallenge video. See it on @Chloe_and_Kylo's Instagram. 

Our favorite way to spend a Sunday afternoon: snacks and craft beer at Oak & Ore

Spending the weekend in Dallas at my cousin's wedding. See full outfit post here. 

Coming home from Dallas to discover that the Pride Parade was a street over from our house. 

Who knew? 

Finally getting our back yard in order - a fire pit, patio dining table and bistro lights. 

Now we just need to throw a dinner party! 

Happy Friday + Happy 4th Weekend!! How many of you are taking like 5 days off to celebrate America? If you are, I hate you.

Kidding.

Mostly.

I have to work on Monday, so this is just a normal weekend for me with a random day off work in the middle of the week. I mean....obviously I'll take it, but it could be better. #firstworldprobs. Since everyone and their dog are out of town this weekend, I plan to spend it doing yard work in my American flag bikini with a beer in hand. What could be more American than that?

I can't believe it's been a whole month since my last Friday Favorites post, all the way from Belize, so I figured it was time to do it again. I was actually planning on doing a 4th of July sales post but, life got the best of me and this is all I had time for! Speaking of time.....ya'll, it seriously flies....like, how is it already less than six months till Christmas?!! I am trying to live more 'in the moment' but man, I'm really excited for the next few months and what they hold.

How are you celebrating the 4th? Please tell me so I can live vicariously through you as I dig up old flower beds and put new mulch down. Whatever it is, stay safe and have a blast! (no pun intended)

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Friday Favorites

Celebrating our anniversary a week early in Belize - exact top sold out, similar here | bikini bottom

The first snow cone of the summer - bracelet linked under the "shop" tab

Getting our garage gym put together 

Checking Tim McGraw off my bucket list

Running a 5k for the first (and last) time in 3 years - running just ain't my thang! 

The cutest pup in the whole wide world who I can't wait to see tonight! 

We've had the best five days relaxing on the beach in Belize! I wish I could write every blog post from the front porch of a cabana while watching an ocean sunrise. I'll be sharing all the details about where we stayed, where we ate, what we did, what I wore etc. next week on the blog. We are headed home this afternoon -- I'm a little sad to leave paradise behind but I can't wait to sleep in my own bed, blow dry my hair without humidity and hug my puppies. Now it's time to initiate the countdown for our next vacation! There's only 100 days to go, if you're curious 😜

What are your plans for Memorial Day weekend? I'm so glad to have three more days off work once we get home to unpack, do laundry, meal prep and prepare to go back to work. And hit up some MDW sales, ya feel me?

Whatever your holiday weekend plans are, I hope you enjoy! 

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Friday Favorites

Happy Cinco de Mayo! The last few weeks have been busy as all get out. I was in a wreck (no worries, everyone was fine except for Cory the Taco), I chose a date for my shoulder surgery, we picked our flights to Europe, I had multiple work events, I finally got to try Okay Yeah Co., our refrigerator broke, I celebrated Mode's birthday, we cheered friends on in the OKC Marathon and I launched a Facebook page for Amanda's OK. WHEW! Go give it a follow if you haven't already.

My Timehop made me do a double take today. 1) I graduated from Oklahoma State exactly FIVE years ago! #old #GoPokes! 2) I can't believe that C and my TWO YEAR anniversary is a month away - June 5! We are planning on going to a fancy Sunday brunch to celebrate - any OKC-area recommendations?! I'm all ears!

I made this Peanut Butter Pie for a work lunch party and could have eaten the entire thing. By myself.  With a spoon. Recipe courtesy of P.Dub.

My Sweater (Similar here and here) | Jeans - Favorite EVER but size down! (Other colors on sale here and here) | Boots | Cole's Shirt | Hat

Kylo got invited to a Berner Walk! We had so much fun hanging out with his sister, Norah, and about 20 other Bernese Mountain Dogs that live in Oklahoma City and the surrounding areas. I thought Kylo was big and fluffy until I met Wilson. I was literally acting like the little girl from Despicable Me: "It's so fluffy I'm gonna die!!!" 

Candle | Rose Gummy Bears

The sweetest house warming gift from my blogger bestie. This candle is definitely all it's cracked up to be and made such a fun present! Not to mention it saved the day when our power went out during an Okla. monsoon!

Jacket (white version on major sale!) | Jeans - Favorite EVER but size down! (Other colors on sale here and here) | Tumbler (on sale for < $13!) | Shoes

Cheering for the OKC Marathon Runners with my best girl fran! It was sooooo cold. Flashback to that time I ran 13.1 miles. Never doing that again.

Making a u-turn when I saw Junction Coffee parked in Midtown. The sugar free almond milk latte did not disappoint! 

What are you doing for Cindo de Mayo today? I'm wearing my pom pom shoes all day (similar here, here, here and here), but I will be eating tacos en la casa tonight because I get to wake up in the five o'clocks tomorrow. I'm the race director for Miracle Miles 5k and 10k, a race my work puts every year. All funds go to the local Children's Miracle Network Hospitals; it is always such a rewarding experience! There is still time to sign up here, or you can register in person before the race starts for $30! I'd love to see you there!

Then, tomorrow evening, our new neighborhood is throwing a Derby Day progressive dinner! C and I are excited to socialize with our new neighbors, sip on some Mint Juleps and wear fancy hats. Any bets on which horse will win?

Whatever your plans are, I hope your weekend is full of fun and relaxation. Thanks for reading!

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Friday Favorites

Happy Friday, ya'll! I was swamped this week with work events plus my iPhone crashed on Tuesday....is it just me or is dealing with phone issues the most mentally draining experience?! Luckily I was able to get a brand new phone free of charge and most everything from the old one was recovered. Phew!

#KyloTheMountainDog had a "ruffer" week than I did, though. He was neutered on Monday and has been having a tough time functioning with a cone on his head [read as: he bumps into everything including my legs]. We even had to overnight a Kong inflatable cone from Amazon....I told him it was designer. Needless to say, we are both ready for the weekend! He has a Berner Meet-Up to go to in Edmond tomorrow......hopefully no dogs make fun of the cone of shame, ha!

Sipping Rosé on the Packard's Rooftop - you MUST try their blueberry muffins, I've been craving them every day since!

Sunday breakfast, courtesy of your's truly

The two cutest Easter bunnies you've ever seen

Brunching at the Karsten Creek Clubhouse in Stilly for Easter with both sides of our family

Spending $5 on the Unicorn Drink all in the name of Instagram (I poured most of it down the drain)

What is on your weekend agenda? Besides the Berner Meet-Up, we are planning on eating super healthy and spending some quality time in the sun. Trying to get that beach babe body back ASAP, ya feel me?! We also might stop by one of the newest additions to Midtown, Commonplace Books; rumor has it they have a shop dog named Boz! Any book recommendations for me? I'd love to hear your suggestions.

Thanks for stopping by!

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Friday Favorites

I've noticed a lot of bloggers do a "Friday Five" or "Friday Favorites" post every week. It's something I always enjoy reading because it gives a glimpse into their lives outside of food, travel and fashion! Clearly, Friday is a day worth celebrating, so I'm going to start implementing a Friday Favorites post into Amanda's OK, as well.

This week.........

This [always dirty] door mat that I got at the cutest dog boutique in Bentonville, Arkansas

Kylo's Weekly Weigh-In - one of the only things in the world that he doesn't enjoy!

Our attempt at growing fresh herbs. One is already dying.....

Taking an afternoon off work to play hookie!

Sitting front row at a fashion show - I felt so VIP!

What do ya'll have going on this weekend? C is in Texas on a dude's trip, so I'll be spending my Friday night on the couch having a Gossip Girl marathon with the pups (and probably wine). Tomorrow, Ash and I will be brunching on the rooftop at Packard's complete with mimosas and all the VitaminD! I've been looking forward to it (and planning my outfit) for weeks. Now the only question is.....sweet or savory food?! I can never decide.

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!

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