Wooh, it’s Friday!
Today I’m sharing a post that I’m so excited about! I recently had my first Blogger Brunch and got to meet one of my favorite beauty and lifestyle bloggers – Amanda of amanda-bella.com.
Amanda and I met at North Square restaurant in the West Village in NYC for a blogger brunch collab. Amanda brought her mom along for our meeting and my first impression was that they were both so beautiful, personable and so warm. 🙂 It was so fun getting to know each other. We talked, we laughed and shared stories.
Amanda and I both had this delicious French toast while her mom enjoyed an omelet.
After brunch, we walked over to Washington Square Park and snapped a few photos.
Get to know Amanda
Amanda was kind enough to answer a few questions so that we can get to know her better.
1- Why did you start blogging?
I started blogging in 2012 as a New Years Resolution. When I began, it was merely a hobby! I loved to read blogs, so figured I should try to make one myself. It was very random back then [you could go back to browse the posts if you reaIly wanted, but you’re not missing much]! I barely maintained the blog, but in Fall of 2015, I decided to resurrect it + really start taking it seriously. It’s become an incredible outlet for me + has turned into something I’m really proud of! 🙂
2- What brand would you like to work with the most?
I’ve been asked this in the past + have given it a lot of thought…obviously it‘d be amazing to work with a luxury brand, but at the end of the day, that’s really not me. With that said, I think I’d honestly say Target! My posts focus a lot on affordable fashion and beauty…which seems to resonate with the majority of my readers, and I feel like Target offers all of that! Not to mention, I adore the store. Who doesn’t though?!
3- Do you ever become overwhelmed with blogging and how do you recharge your batteries?
Yes, absolutely! It’s my baby! When your heart + soul is in something it really becomes all consuming. There have been many sleepless nights. I usually have to talk myself down, take a step back, and realize that I’m only human! If a post goes up a day late, it’s not the end of the world. I could honestly work 24/7, but I don’t want to miss out on spending quality time with my friends or family…at the end of the day, that’s always the most important.
4- Do you plan on creating beauty vlogs in the future?
Yes! Many people have asked me to start filming tutorials – which is sweet! My sister + I actually had a fairly successful YouTube channel at one point. It became too much to manage since she’s been away at school, but we LOVED filming! I am not opposed at all…in due time! 🙂
5- When shopping, what color do you gravitate to most?
Hmm! I’d have to say black. Although I do love orange + navy!
6- How would you describe your style?
All over the place! I love dressing all kinds of ways. I can be preppy, sporty, edgy, simple, trendy, etc. One thing I’ve never really been is “sexy” – at least not in the manner most people think. I don’t like pieces that are super short or too exposed. I think it’s ok to show a little here + there, but I prefer to wear something with a flattering fit over something that lets it all hang out! Ex: I’d opt for a snug turtle neck that hugs you in all the right places over a deep v-neck top any day.
7- What’s your favorite makeup brand?
I am a drugstore makeup girl! I love Maybelline + CoverGirl products.
7- What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time?
Be with my family. The older I get, the more I enjoy my time with them. Not just my immediate family, but also my Aunts, Uncles, and cousins! They are the most kind, honest, generous, genuine, supportive, loving, talented, and beautiful group of people I think I’ll ever know. If I turned out to be half as great as any of them, I’ll have done something right in life.
8- Do you ever leave the house without wearing makeup?
Oh yes, all the time. I love the feeling of a naked face. Although, if I’m going out with friends, have a meeting, or know I will be seeing people I’ll definitely put some on.
9- Where do you see your blog in 5 years?
I see myself keeping up with it, and I see it evolving. I have so many thoughts + plans for it. I hope it allows me to continue connecting with wonderful people [like you!], I hope it serves as a valuable tool + positive outlet for others, I hope it brings new ventures into my life, but whatever it becomes, it’s very important to me to remain true to myself. 🙂
I hope you all enjoyed this post as much as Amanda and I enjoyed meeting each other. Head on over to Amanda’s blog to get her take on our lovely brunch. Until next time.
Xoxo,
-gg
ijaykheavens says
This is sooo cool. I wanna good for a bloggers brunch ????
simplygailg says
Let’s do it! If you’re in NY, I would love to do a brunch. ☺️
everythingnothin says
I have so much love for this post!! You both are such amazing bloggers and I love seeing bloggers connect!!! AAAA Love it!!
simplygailg says
Thanks hon. This was a great collab and it was fun meeting Amanda. She’s the sweetest! ?
Amanda Bella says
Aw, I loved your post – it was so much fun putting these together! These picture crack me upppp LOL! It was really nice to get together, I hope we can do it again soon! 🙂 XOXO
simplygailg says
Thanks hon. There are some pictures that were so funny of the both of us cracking up. I laugh every time I see them. Lol. We should definitely do this again. It was so much fun! Xoxo
Cara Siskova says
You both look so cute and the food looks delicious! Enjoyed reading both articles a lot. More please!!!
simplygailg says
Aww, thank you! We had a lot of fun doing this. Thanks for reading!?
Kait Elizabeth says
Love this post!!! It’s so cool that you were able to have such an amazing afternoon. Hugs, Kait
httpsss://makeminemaroon.com
simplygailg says
Thanks Kait. We had a really good time and the weather was perfect! Enjoy your weekend! Xoxo
Jen Frick (@mrsjenfrick) says
What a great post! Your brunch looked absolutely delicious and I love the kindness you both exude! I’m excited to head over to Amanda’s blog and get to know her as well! Thanks so much for sharing, Gail!
Jen | MrsJenFrick.com
simplygailg says
Aww, thanks Jen. We had a great time – good company and good food. Thanks for stopping by! ?
Christina says
I just came from Amanda’s blog, I love all the pictures and both of your outfits! 🙂
simplygailg says
Aww, thank you and thanks for stopping by. Xoxo
popcornandpandas says
So fun! Gorgeous gals, and I love North Square! 🙂
XO,
Gina
popcornandpandas.com
simplygailg says
Yes, North Square is a quaint little spot. Thanks for reading! Xoxo
Nena says
How lovely to meet a fellow blogger! You both are stunning!!
simplygailg says
Thank you! It was a nice day. Amanda is as sweet in person as she is on her blog.
Nena says
How fun:) you both are wonderful!