May 04

Happy National Scrapbooking Day

NSDtagIt’s not just on this day that I reflect on how my life has transformed thanks to this wonderful hobby/addiction/job, but I really feel grateful every single day for it. For the friendships made near and far and for feeling inspired not just today but every day of the year. Though I still wish there was an alternative word we could use for scrapbooking, I also know that it doesn’t really matter what you call it, as long as you enjoy it.

Two Peas In A Bucket and Studio Calico are both doing really fun things no matter where you are in the world.BHGcollageI’m still in Australia enjoying the end of the Spotlight tour. I’ll continue to spend the weekend at Better Homes & Gardens Live. So thankful for this unique and amazing job. You mean being surrounded by creative people with a strong sense of business is what I get to do for a living? Awesome sauce.

I’ve met so many crazy talented people along the way and this trip is certainly no exception. Hope you all are enjoying the weekend and celebrating by scrapbooking it or making the memories that will get documented later. I’ll be doing both. XO!
May 03

Spotlight on Spiegel

Spiegel_ImgHave you ladies heard of Spiegel? I love how versatile its clothing and accessories are. Most of their stuff seems to be great staple pieces to have in your wardrobe. Sometimes when I think of those basic wardrobe items, the word boring comes to mind. Not in this case. So, here are some of my faves!

1. The Charlotte Trench Coat
Everyone needs a good Spring coat for those chilly days. Yes, they are far and few between in Sunny CA, but I hate being cold in restaurants and feeling like my sweater downgrades my outfit. I love the pop of color in this one, but it does come in a very light gray and black if you are wanting something a little more flexible to add to your wardrobe. But how cute is this pink with the black dress and basic black heels?!

2. Little Black (with lace!) Dress
I LOVE this classic little black dress with the beautiful lace accent. It doesn’t hurt that it’s got an amazing cut and a built-in power-mesh slip, meaning that you don’t have to worry about the amount of bubbly or snacks that go in your belly at that next cocktail party!

3. Marissa Dress
It is sometimes hard to find a dress for a dressy function that still has a fun personality without being too loud. This one has a great color pop for spring and summer, letting you still show a vibrant personality without standing out too much from the crowd. Plus, it allows a perfect opportunity to showcase a sassy pair of shoes.

4. Melanie Shirtdress
I love little bright cotton knit dresses with a cute pattern for just day to day casual wear, but sometimes I want to change it up. I like that this one can easily be a day wear dress, but worn slightly dressed up to dinner as well. Change from flip flops to heels and add a pretty gold necklace, and it is a perfect dinner dress. The other thing I love about this dress is the simplistic look of a button-up with a skirt, but I hate doing that. I don’t like my shirt tails bunching up, checking all day long to make sure it is nicely tucked in, and then it makes my skirt feel tight! This is a perfect solution to the annoyance of the shirt and skirt look, because it is all one piece! What a genius idea!

5. Pamella Dress
A bright color, bow, and pretty pattern? Yes, please! I love finding dressier solutions that still look comfortable. The tie around the waist allows it to be flattering on any body type. Not to mention, I hate trying to put on a sweater with a dress that has sleeves. This tank-style cut allows it to be worn easily with a sweater, but thanks to its thicker strap, it could still be worn sans-sweater without worry.

6. Riley Jacket
I am a sucker for a good jacket, and this one has a great cut with a loose neck, which is the best, allowing for fashion and comfort. It is the perfect errand-running jacket, letting me feel cute yet functional. Plus, I love the exposed zippers, adding a little detail and contrast to the black fabric. This one is currently only for pre-order.

7. Maureen Bracelet
Spiegel has some beautiful accessories that really accent their classic, feminine, yet still fashion forward kinds of looks. I love the flexibility of their earrings and bracelets, which can either add some pop to a more ageless look, or balance out a louder outfit. I love having just a few simple gold and silver bracelets and necklaces to add just a little subtle something. It keeps it easy when getting ready and works with pretty much everything. These kind of basics are pretty without being boring and can be worn practically anywhere, from a business meeting to a wedding. So pretty!

8. Stone Pendant Teardrop Earrings
I love these simple gem earrings. The coral color is just beautiful, and it seems that it is only prettier with the gold hardware.

9. Solid Black Bikini
A solid black bikini is a swim staple. I love the simplicity of this one, but with the cute little criss-cross details. Plus, I love classic swimsuits like this one, because I can mix it up with a different top or bottom from another suit if I feel like being a little more fun. (How cute would this top be with some bright purple polkadot bottoms? Yes, please!)

This post was sponsored by Spiegel, but all words and opinions are my own.
May 02

A cover for Yes, Please? oui oui!

CoverES32Couv_0Domi shared with us this layout she made using Yes, Please that appeared on the cover of Esprit Scrapbooking. Here’s what she had to say, “My pages are often published, but this is the first time my page is on cover! I am very proud, I love to work with your papers, they are so beautiful! I’ve just bought a full pack and stickers, this collection with these bright colors is a real treat!”
Thanks so much for using our products and congratulations on having this published!
Apr 30

WC vs. EC | Spring Jacket Edition

wcvsec-600x158It’s been a while, but KP thought it would be cute to do a spring jacket edition of WC vs. EC. She’s now living in the midwest in Chicago, but we love the logo she created so much, we are sticking with this for a while. And I am still in Australia at the moment, so it kind of screws everything up anyway.

Spring in LA can get a bit chilly, but it’s also the last chance for me to wear this tweed jacket. The 3/4 length sleeves are too short to wear in really cold winters, so I like to break it out in the Spring. It’s playful and fun, and even more so when paired with polka dotted pants. I’m still wearing pants from my closet, thanks to the amazing BeBand from Target.
East Coast / West Coast | Amy Tan + Kelly PurkeyEast Coast / West Coast | Amy Tan + Kelly PurkeyEast Coast / West Coast | Amy Tan + Kelly PurkeyPhotos by Ann-Marie Morris

Yim jacket (from Barneys purchased about 7-8 years ago) || shirt from GAP || Pants and BeBand from Target || shoes by Converse || bump that’s about 18 weeks
Apr 29

#amytangerine | ready set go!

Seeing your Instagrams using our products just doesn’t get old. I’m on tour through Australia at the moment for Spotlight, promoting my Ready Set Go collection. We’ve spotted so many creative and fun ways you all have been using it and our other products. As always, you can follow my adventures on Instagram. Thanks for sharing with the hashtag #amytangerine. #amytangerine | instagram

from top to bottom, left to right

1. @leslieashe | 2. @geekgalz | 3. @peppermint56 | 4. @mariaje98 | 5. @polkadotcreative | 6. @mariabi74 | 7. @itsmedana | 8. @danielledekonink | 9. @mercytiara
Apr 27

Scrapbook Territory wrap-up

Last weekend I had the pleasure of flying up to Berkeley to teach once again at the fabulous Scrapbook Territory. I taught for the first time there back in November 2011. It was wonderful to see some familiar faces and of course meet new ones. My mom even decided to come along to help and really enjoyed herself. I am pretty sure everyone enjoyed meeting her as well. DSC_1216DSC_1215DSC_1213scrapbookterritory1DSC_1174DSC_1177DSC_1187scrapbookterritory2DSC_1214scrapbookterritory4DSC_1207DSC_1212scrapbookterritory3Yes, we’re wearing the same striped shirt from Old Navy in the photo above, just with different colored pants. You can see more about the day by watching Joboogie’s vlog post and reading a post blogged by Jossie. If you were in the class and blogged about the day, please share in the comments.

Thank you to everyone at Scrapbook Territory for having me again and congrats on celebrating your 10th anniversary!
Remember to support your local stores, people! Of course thanks to everyone who came and spent their Saturday (or part of it) with me. And for those who smelled my shoes, you all have a very special place in my heart ;)

Apr 26

oh baby we’re halfway there

preggersphoto by Dana Colwell

Yes, it’s true – time is flying by quickly. We found out the sex of the baby a few weeks ago but thought we would share it here since so many of you have asked. A couple hours after finding out the news, I came home and got excited about documenting it for Project Life, so I whipped up a journaling card. I used part of a Project Life kit by Studio Calico and some Tim Holtz Distress Paint as the base.
amy_preggers DSC_0970 DSC_0972 DSC_0973 DSC_0974I adhered some Freckled Fawn washi tape along with a journaling card from Elle’s Studio. And topped it off with these Thickers. The permanent marker is from this amazing BIC Mark-It set (the colors are delightful).DSC_0975 DSC_0977 DSC_0979 gender announcementWe’re delighted about the news that he’s healthy, and that we get to call him a “he”! Is it wrong for wanting to put the ultrasound photo with the little arrow pointing to the you-know-what right next to this card?
I’ve had Bon Jovi’s song, Livin’ On A Prayer stuck in my head the entire time I have been composing this post. But the words ring true: Oh Baby, we’re halfway there…. WHOA-OH!
Apr 25

New Zealand & Australia bound.

I decorated the cover of a Moleskine by first writing in calligraphy and then deciding to add some stamps to it. It’s the perfect sized notebook for a trip like this, with blank pages calling out for journaling, washi taped business cards and even some notes from new friends.amy tan_caliigraphyamy tan_caliigraphy_stampsamy tan_caliigraphy_stamps1So excited to be on my way to New Zealand and Australia for Spotlight store visits and my first Better Homes & Gardens Expo. When I was checking in at the Virgin Australia desk, the lady asked, “Are you pregnant?” And I said yes. And she said, “Are you allowed to be flying? How far along are you?” I giggled and answered her questions. Thinking at my next doctor’s appointment I will need to get a letter approving my travels just in case. Yikes.PassportVA The schedule is a bit jam packed, but I would so love to meet you in person.

New Zealand
27th April – Spotlight Christchurch 10am

Brisbane
28th April – Spotlight Capalaba 1pm & Spotlight Indooroopilly 3pm
29th April – Spotlight Kawana Waters 9.30am & Spotlight Everton Park 1.30pm

Perth
30th April – Spotlight Midland 4pm
1st May – Spotlight Joondalup 9.30am & Spotlight Melville 2pm

Melbourne
3rd – 5th May – Better Homes & Gardens Live – Melbourne Showgrounds
-          3rd May – Demonstration @ 12pm & 4pm
-          4th May – Demonstration @ 12pm & 3pm
-          5th May – Demonstration @ 12pm & 4pm
-          On stage meet & greet from 10am – 5pm when not demonstrating

I’ll try to keep posting regularly on this blog and also on Instagram. Either way, I hope you’ll come say hi!
Apr 24

How I shared the news

The plan was to have lunch with my BFF and her brother at one of our favorite new restaurants that opened in the neighborhood. I made her a card to tell her the news and planned on recording the reaction as I had done with a few other friends already. imageI was 12 weeks along, starting to show, and hoping she wouldn’t notice that it looked like I may have had too many donuts. All was going great at our leisurely lunch – we chatted and caught up on everyone’s lives and even enjoyed dessert – their Smores pot is delicious, by the way. So right before we got the bill, I finally pulled out the card, while hitting record on my iPhone. You’ll see how that went down in the video montage below. It was awesome. Never have I seen Courtney cry like that, and of course it made me cry as well.

And in a lovely turn of events I consider kismet, a blogger happened to be taking photographs at the restaurant. Though I follow Jessica Comingore through Google Reader, I had no idea it was her snapping photos. To my delight a week later, I saw this post of hers about Superba Snackbar and got so excited. After a couple emails back and forth I asked her if she had some outtakes from the day and she happily sent them my way. (Notice how my pants match the decor? Yeah, I promise I didn’t plan that.)jessicacomingore1

jessicacomingore2Such a special moment captured so beautifully. I am ever so thankful. And this is great – it’s right after Joey came over to watch the video that was just taken. Courtney and I cracked up and cried all over again.jessicacomingore3Thank you so much Jessica for these photos, the timing could not have been more perfect, even if it was planned. I seriously cannot help but smile when I look at all every single picture.
And really, I can’t help but smile and laugh even more when I watch this video. This baby is already so lucky to be so loved. Hope it puts a smile on your face too.