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Galentine’s Day featuring Kendra Scott Spring Collection at Chateau Elan

February 11, 2019 by Autumn Murray 14 Comments

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Happy Galentine’s Day!

I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Galentine’s Day than by sipping a glass of wine and shopping for jewelry! Of course, Valentine’s Day has been celebrated for centuries while ‘Galentines’ Day is new to the scene. “Galentine’s Day” is gaining traction among girlfriends who celebrate love for their lady friends before the traditional holiday.

As the craze has grown in popularity, many have taken note — including Chateau Elan Winery & Resort. The 16th century-style French château and full-service winery, located just 40 minutes north of Atlanta. Chateau Elan partnered with Kendra Scott, a nationally-known American fashion and lifestyle brand, to offer everyone from mothers and daughters to girlfriends a unique Galentine’s Day experience with a curated “Sip & Style” wine tasting and jewel pairing event.

Kendra Scott Spring Collection

Attendees had the first local opportunity to shop Kendra Scott’s new spring collection outside of their store and the reception was well-received. I could barely make my way to take a look at the jewelry as the ladies were flocked around the table and were buying a lot of the pieces on display.

Sip & Style

The simply amazing gathering offered southern-inspired hors-d’oeuvres, hand-crafted wines, a tasting bar, personal on-site styling and the chance for attendees to win a staycation experience at Chateau Elan complete with Kendra Scott jewels.

Kendra Scott | Designer, CEO & Philanthropist

Kendra Scott is a loving mom, a driven entrepreneur, and a passionate designer who believes the truest form of success is giving back in a meaningful way.

As a creative mind with a love of natural gemstones, Kendra designed her first collection of jewelry in 2002. The foundation of Kendra’s success has been her infectious energy and entrepreneurial spirit, which took her from a $500 project in the spare bedroom of her home to a billion-dollar fashion brand loved globally. Known for her unique use of color and quality materials, Kendra has created collections of timeless pieces that have won over loyal fans, media and celebrities alike.

Since she began her company, Kendra has lived by three core values: Family, Fashion and Philanthropy. She created a brand and culture that authentically values giving back and making a positive difference in the community. The Kendra Scott company maintains a focus on its customers and the causes close to their hearts, abiding by the mantra “What Matters to You, Matters to Us.”

Galentine's Day featuring Kendra Scott Spring Collection at Chateau Elan

Kendra Scott Jewelry | Photo credit: Kendra Scott LLC

Kendra Scott Jewelry | Photo Credit: Kendra Scott LLC

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About Château Élan Winery & Resort

Donald and Nancy Panoz are the visionaries and founders of Château Élan in Braselton, Ga., USA. The luxurious resort is the first winery of its kind in the region since Prohibition. With numerous expansions over the past 14 years, Château Élan is now an award-winning winery and resort with an inn, conference center, four golf courses, eight restaurants, European-style health spa, residential community, wine market, equestrian show center and tennis center.

Come on out and experience for yourself the place where European Luxury meets southern hospitality!

Get Social with Château Élan Winery & Resort!

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We were hosted by Château Élan Winery & Resort and not compensated to write this post.
As always, the views expressed in my post are my own.

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PeachDish | Fresh Ingredients Delivered from farm to your door!

February 8, 2019 by Autumn Murray 35 Comments

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Simply Amazing Living was hosted by PeachDish and Cook’s Warehouse for a complimentary dinner. As always, all opinions are my own.

Discover the farm-fresh taste of the South with PeachDish!

PeachDish – Meal Planning Made Easy

Discover the farm-fresh taste of the South with PeachDish. PeachDish delivers perfectly portioned ingredients that are delivered ready to prep, cook and enjoy. There are no hidden or artificial ingredients and their meals are for every home cook, new to advanced.

PeachDish quick fix menus are designed to fit your busy day. They offer a diverse range of recipes highlighting food’s global influence and the menus are by James Beard award-winning chefs.

PeachDish has something for everyone as they offer vegetarian, vegan, and no gluten added menu items in addition to their omnivore selections
.

How does PeachDish work?

1. Browse & Choose menu items on their website (www.peachdish.com) and add to cart.
2. Your items are shipped quickly (nationwide shipping available).
3. Unpack your box, prep, and cook!

Discover the farm-fresh taste of the South with PeachDish!

Date Night!

We had a hands-on cooking experience at Cook’s Warehouse preparing a dinner from one of the three-course date-night kits they offer.

If you don’t want to deal with the crowded restaurants this Valentine’s Day, treat your loved one (or yourself) with a Date Night bundle meal kit from PeachDish delivered right to your door.

PeachDish has two different 3-course menus to choose from, each beginning with a delightful cheese course and finishing with decadent chocolate cake.

Sweet Grass Dairy Green Hill Cheese with Elderberry Jam

Rich and creamy Green Hill cheese, coming from Sweet Grass Dairy of Thomasville, GA, pairs happily with elderberry jam, which is made by Fairywood Thicket Farm from berries harvested from their land in Fairburn, GA. The baguette, baked by Atlanta’s own H&F Bread Co, is sliced and toasted until crisp and satisfying; a perfect vehicle for your cheese and jam spread.

Creamy Egg Noodles with Mushrooms and Poppy Seed

This is a vegetarian take on classic stroganoff. Earthy mushrooms and rich egg noodles bathed in a tangy sour cream sauce, while poppy seeds spark the palate with every forkful. This recipe is quick and simple, approachable enough for even the most novice cook to prepare a dish that’s impressive and tasty.

Filet Mignon & Mashed Potatoes with Arugula Salad and Cider Vinaigrette

In the words of author Alan Wolfelt, “Food is symbolic of love when words are inadequate.” With this perfectly marbled, properly aged, Georgia Grown filet mignon, velvety mashed potatoes, and a crisp green salad, there’s no reason why Date Night has to be at the steakhouse this year.

Kathleen McDaniel’s Flourless Chocolate Cake

Dinner is capped off with the essential for any romantic date: chocolate! Kathleen McDaniel, an Atlanta pastry chef, lends her recipe for flourless chocolate cake, which is paired with a cinnamon-spiced whipped cream that enhances its velvety and decadent flavor. The cake is gluten-free!

I loved how easy it was to prepare this gourmet meal! It was fun having everything at my fingertips to prepare a three-course dinner. Everything was delicious. I can see myself ordering from PeachDish to save time on menu planning and finding the time to run around in a grocery store.

About PeachDish

What’s for dinner? There’s nothing more satisfying than a home-cooked meal, prepared with love and shared among family and friends. And while going out to eat for something different is easy and exciting, it can really add up. PeachDish gives you the best of both worlds. We make it easy to cook a delicious and inspired homemade dinner in your own kitchen.

Order a PeachDish box, and you’ll receive recipe cards and all the ingredients you’ll need to prepare your meals. You get to do the fun part—prep, cook, eat and enjoy around the table with friends and family. Our classically trained chefs develop seasonally inspired recipes that you would order at your favorite restaurant but are surprisingly quick and easy to prepare at home. We source the freshest ingredients, pre-measure everything for you, pack it in a special insulated box, and ship it to your doorstep. PeachDish is a delicious adventure in a box!

Get Social with PeachDish!

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Michelle Obama Becoming Book Tour Stop in Dallas | #IAmBecoming

January 8, 2019 by Autumn Murray 44 Comments

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Becoming Book Tour Stop in Dallas, TX

I was so excited when my husband surprised me with VIP Meet and Greet tickets to see former First Lady Michelle Obama in Dallas, TX on her book tour for her memoir Becoming. For details on how the surprise took place, you can read about it in my post here.

We live in Atlanta, so he also arranged for a flight and overnight hotel accommodations in Dallas, TX.

Michelle Obama Becoming #IAmBecoming Dallas, TX

Atlanta Airport getting ready to board my Delta flight to Dallas, TX.

I love visiting Dallas where “big things happen.” It has been a few years since I’ve been in the Dallas airport and was surprised to see a large stage in the middle of the airport. How awesome is that? As listed in Guide Live, Musician Michael Clay approached Dallas Love Field officials with the idea to showcase local talent. I can’t think of a better way to spend my time waiting for a flight than listening to live music. With all of the musical talent we have in Atlanta, maybe we will get a stage sometime in our Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta Airport.

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Stage in the Dallas Airport.

Michelle Obama Surprises Students

When we checked into our hotel room (my friend Charis was with me as her husband also surprised her with tickets), we turned on the television to the local Dallas news and saw that Michelle Obama had surprised students at the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House during their annual Young Women’s Leadership Conference. Dozens of young women were discussing their thoughts on her book Becoming during one of the conference sessions when the former First Lady walked in and surprised the students. She was met with cheers, a few tears, and overwhelming admiration.

VIP Meet and Greet Check-In
We arrived at check-in around thirty minutes before we were expected to arrive to make sure we were able to get into the VIP reception. The information we had about the event specified that late arrivals would not be allowed into the reception, only the presentation following the reception. We were not taking any chances with arriving late as we were not giving away our shot at meeting Michelle Obama!

Michelle Obama Graces the Cover of Essence

Chris Bosh and Autumn Murray

Chris Bosh

As we were waiting in the VIP reception line, we see Chris Bosh, former NBA player and Dallas local, in the reception line with his wife and young daughter. He was kind enough to take a photo with me after I asked his wife’s permission.

L to R: Autumn Murray, Michelle Obama, Charis Hanberry

The Hugger-In-Chief

When I found out that I was going to meet Former First Lady Michelle Obama, I immediately wondered if I could receive one of her famous hugs. I have said numerous times that I want a hug from Michelle Obama before I leave this earth.

As we anxiously stood in line to meet her, we looked at the people around us. There appeared to be around 150 in attendance and everyone was dressed to the nines. I can imagine we were all thinking the same thing, that if you are going to get a picture with Former First Lady Michelle Obama, you want to look your absolute best!

We were in line behind Chris Bosh and his family and about twenty people back we saw Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, and his family. It was pretty amusing to us that the guy that owns the Dallas Mavericks and pays the lease of the facility we are in (American Airlines Center) has to wait in line like everyone else.

When it was our time to approach her, she greeted us by saying our names. I know she was given our names ahead of time, but it still freaked me out just a little to hear Michelle Obama say my name! And then she opened her arms and hugged me! I got my wish! As I was hugging her, I told her that I couldn’t believe I was hugging Michelle Obama and I might have jostled her a little in my excitement. She just laughed and then hugged my friend.

As they were telling us where and how to stand for the photo, I thanked her for continuing to go high as they continue to go lower. She looked at me and said, “There certainly is a lot of low in the world right now.” And I agreed. We took our picture and as we were leaving she held my hand and said: “Thank you.” At that point, I could barely walk out of the room. The security must have sensed my instability and told me that we could take the stairs instead of the stairsteps as we had entered.

I am just so proud of myself that I didn’t break down and cry and that I was able to talk to her without sticking my foot in my mouth.

It was a simply amazing experience.

“Hugging is how I connect to people – how I show warmth and make folks feel at home.” Michelle Obama (source: The Medium)

A Conversation with Michelle Obama

We had seats in the center of the 7th row. As we were waiting and everyone was getting to their seats, videos were being played on the flat screens. Videos from her on Ellen, the Jimmy Fallon show, James Corbin and so many others. Also, pictures from her childhood and throughout her life were being shown set to some of Michelle’s favorite musical artists (Stevie Wonder, Lauryn Hill, Diana Ross, and a host of others). Some people were dancing and a lot of us were singing along with the music.

When it was time for the program to start, Mark Cuban and a few other Dallas locals got on stage to say a few inspirational words before Michelle Obama was introduced. Mark Cuban had his two young daughters with him and expressed his views on the importance of diversity and female leadership and inclusion.

Valerie Jarrett, a former senior advisor for Barrack Obama, then introduced Former First Lady Michelle Obama and the crowd immediately stood up and gave her a standing ovation. And then for over 90 minutes, she held a microphone and answered Valerie’s questions in front of a transfixed audience that was hanging on every word she said.

During the “Conversation” as in the book, Michelle described her growth from the South Side of Chicago to First Lady of the United States, through stories of empowerment and overcoming adversity.

The entire event from meeting her to watching her presentation was extremely empowering. Everyone in the room was happy and there was such a positive vibe that it seemed infectious. Michelle Obama to me is an inspiration and a treasure. I love her compassion for others and her ability to remain classy no matter what is said about her. She knows who she is and she knows the sky is the limit to what she can achieve. I thank her for writing her book and for wanting to help others “become” who they were always destined to be.

Michelle Obama and Valerie Jarrett | Credit: Getty Images

Michelle Obama

Autographed Copy of Becoming
Included in our VIP Meet and Greet package was autographed copy of Becoming. I am in the middle of my second reading of the book. When I am finished, my daughter is going to read it and then we will discuss how every woman is becoming their best self.

VIP SWAG

Also included in our VIP Meet and Greet package was a Gift Bag filled with lots of Goodies! A recipe book by Sam Kass, Anastasia Beverly Hills makeup, a Motown Magic CD, a hat from the Ellen Degeneres Show, a water bottle, a free exercise class at Barry’s, a few postcard-sized pictures of Michelle Obama, a VIP “Becoming” lanyard, and all the items came in a sweetgreen recyclable bag.

Get your copy of “Becoming” by Michelle Obama today!

AN OPRAH’S BOOK CLUB 2018 SELECTION

Other books featuring Michelle Obama:

Get Your Tickets to see Michelle Obama HERE!

Follow #IAmBecoming on Instagram to see photos from her book tour stops.

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Free Admission to National Center for Civil and Human Rights – Courtesy of Coca-Cola

January 30, 2019 by Autumn Murray 13 Comments

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Free Admission – Thank you Coca-Cola!

You read that correctly – free admission to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Coca-Cola is paying for a month of free public admission to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Admission is free through February 28, 2019. Adult admission is usually $19.99, not including taxes.

Andrew Young Leadership Award

This decision was made possible by a $1 million donation from the Coca-Cola Foundation. The goal is to give visitors in town for the big game a chance to experience a part of Atlanta’s history of leadership in the American Civil Rights Movement and the importance of strengthening the worldwide movement for human rights.

The center is located in the heart of where several Super Bowl events will be taking place prior to the start of the game in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Free Admission to National Center for Civil and Human Rights - Courtesy of Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola Support for the Center for Civil and Human Rights

Coke has supported the National Center for Civil Human Rights long before it was event built as the company donated the land the center was built on. The Center for Civil and Human Rights is located near Centennial Olympic Park, next door to the World of Coca-Cola.

Choose Love

Tens of thousands are projected to take advantage of this opportunity to take a free tour of the center. And Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank will hold a private reception in the center for NFL owners.

Behind the Movement

If you live in the Atlanta area or you will be visiting anytime through February 28, make sure to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to tour the National Center for Civil and Human Rights – courtesy of Coca-Cola!

Photo Credit: Center for Civil and Human Rights

The Mission of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights

The mission of The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is to empower people to take the protection of every human’s rights personally. Through sharing stories of courage and struggle around the world, The Center encourages visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the role they play in helping to protect the rights of all people.

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The National Center for Civil and Human Rights harnesses Atlanta’s legacy of civil rights to strengthen the worldwide movement for human rights. Atlanta played a unique leadership role in the American Civil Rights Movement. Through harnessing Atlanta’s legacy and galvanizing the corporate, faith-based, public-sector and university communities, The Center serves as the ideal place to reflect on the past, transform the present and inspire the future.

About the National Center for Civil and Human Rights

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights in downtown Atlanta is an engaging cultural attraction that connects the American Civil Rights Movement to today’s struggle for Global Human Rights

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Mural by Pentagram inside the Center for Civil and Human Rights | Photo credit: Pentagram

Their purpose is to create a safe space for visitors to explore the fundamental rights of all human beings so that they leave inspired and empowered to join the ongoing dialogue about human rights in their communities.

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Five Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Her under $100

January 28, 2019 by Autumn Murray 39 Comments

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Happy Valentine’s Day!

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and I am going through and reading some of my favorite poems about love. Do you have a favorite poem about love? One of my favorite poems is by Elizabeth Barrett Browning – How Do I Love Thee.

How Do I Love Thee? By Elizabeth Barrett Browning

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of being and ideal grace.
I love thee to the level of every day’s
Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.
I love thee freely, as men strive for right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

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Five Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank

Shopping for Valentine’s Day gifts can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Simply Amazing Living has put together a list of five Valentine’s Day gifts under $100 that any woman would love. Check them out below!

1. Truman Capote’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Who doesn’t love both the movie and the book – Breakfast at Tiffany’s? Get her a leather-bound copy of the book that she will love. Cost: $82.00
Click HERE to buy it!

About the Book
Bound in full grain leather this seductive, wistful masterpiece, Truman Capote created a woman whose name has entered the American idiom and whose style is a part of the literary landscape. Holly Golightly knows that nothing bad can ever happen to you at Tiffany’s; her poignancy, wit, and naïveté continue to charm. This volume also includes three of Capote’s best-known stories, “House of Flowers,” “A Diamond Guitar,” and “A Christmas Memory,” which the Saturday Review called “one of the most moving stories in our language.” It is a tale of two innocents—a small boy and the old woman who is his best friend—whose sweetness contains a hard, sharp kernel of truth.

2. Jo Malone London Candle

This candle by Jo Malone London not only looks lovely – – the fragrance is also delightful. Cost: $67.00
Click HERE to buy it!

3. Jimmy Choo Illicit Flower

Illicit Flower 60ml by Jimmy Choo is divine and you really can’t go wrong with the Jimmy Choo brand.

Cost: $82.00

Click HERE to buy it!

4. Honey Bee Trinket Box at Terrain

The perfect accent for a gardener’s home, this tiny trinket box is cast from natural botanical clippings. Each one is hand-crafted by designer Michael Michaud.

– Pewter, antiqued bronze finish
– Hand wash with mild soap and a soft cloth
– Handmade in the USA

1.25”H, 0.8”D, 1.25” interior diameter

Online Exclusive

Cost: $64.00

Click HERE to buy it!

5. Swarovski “Dear Necklace”

This Swarovski “Dear Necklace” White, Rose Gold Plating is elegant and sophisticated and would be a great addition to her jewelry collection.

Cost: $99.00

Click HERE to buy it!

Make sure to stop by Simply Amazing Living’s Shop Page for a selection of some of our favorite things.

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2019 Academy Award Nominations – Complete List

January 24, 2019 by Autumn Murray 29 Comments

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2019 Academy Award Nominations - Complete List #SimplyAmazingLiving

Kumail Nanjiani (left) and Tracee Ellis Ross announced the nominees for the 91st Annual Academy Awards in Beverly Hills, on Tuesday, January 22, 2019.

And the Nominees Are…

The hilarious actor-comedian and Oscar® –nominated writer Kumail Nanjiani and the amazingly talented actress-producer-director Tracee Ellis Ross announced the 91st Oscars® nominations live from the Academy’s headquarters in Beverly Hills.

The complete list:

How are the award winners determined?

Academy members from each of the 17 branches vote to determine the nominees in their respective categories – actors nominate actors, film editors nominate film editors, etc. In the Animated Feature Film and Foreign Language Film categories, nominees are selected by a vote of multi-branch screening committees. All voting members are eligible to select the Best Picture nominees. Active members of the Academy are eligible to vote for the winners in all 24 categories beginning Tuesday, February 12, through Tuesday, February 19.

Oscar Night 2019

The 91st Oscars will be held on Sunday, February 24, 2019, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live on the ABC Television Network. The Oscars also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide. Click HERE to see my post and pictures from my 2017 Oscar party.

Oscar Party?

I look forward to Oscar night every year. The Oscars are my equivalent to the Super Bowl and I get the big screen in the man cave for the night. My daughter and I usually dress up and host a party to watch the stars walk the red carpet, critique the dresses, and to watch the show to see who will win one of the most coveted awards.

Do you watch the Oscars? If so, tell me about one of your favorite Oscar wins!

About The Academy

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is a global community of more than 8,000 of the most accomplished artists, filmmakers and executives working in film. In addition to celebrating and recognizing excellence in filmmaking through the Oscars, the Academy supports a wide range of initiatives to promote the art and science of the movies, including public programming, educational outreach and the upcoming Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, which is under construction in Los Angeles.

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Choose Love in 2019!

December 31, 2018 by Autumn Murray 46 Comments

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Make the Pledge to Choose Love!

In January of 2018, I made the pledge to Choose Love and I will continue that pledge in 2019. I made the pledge to accept others regardless of our differences, to not exclude anyone because they do not believe in the same things that I believe in, and to go out of my way to focus on love and not hate or division. Will you make that pledge with me in 2019?

With all of the negativity that is going on in the world right now, we need love more than ever. I believe that it is easier to love than it is to hate. I believe that we are all born with love in our hearts and that hate doesn’t come naturally – it is taught. It takes an effort to hate.

Always Choose Love! #Choose Love
In truth, I must say that choosing love comes second nature to me. I have tried to choose love in every aspect and circumstance of my life. As many of you who read my posts in the “My Story” section of my site, I experienced abuse and neglect throughout my childhood. I also experienced a lot of hatred because I am bi-racial and I grew up in an entirely all caucasian community. Regardless of whatever happened to me, I always believed and hoped that there was some higher meaning or purpose for my life and I chose to love those who didn’t love me in return.

Happy New Year!

I post daily motivational tweets on Twitter on reasons why we should choose love above all else. Below are twenty of my favorite quotes on love that I posted on my “Choose Love” Twitter campaign in 2018. Enjoy!

“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.” ― Martin Luther King, Jr
“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.” ― Martin Luther King, Jr
“Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.” ― Mother Theresa
“People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love…” ― Nelson Mandela
“Our life changes the moment we choose love over hate!” ― Avijeet Das
“Choosing to unconditionally love others is a path to deep joy.” ― Amy Leigh Mercree
“Love is the strongest force the world possesses and yet it is the humblest imaginable.” ― Mahatma Gandhi
“Whenever you are confronted with an opponent. Conquer him with love.” ― Mahatma Gandhi
“The day the power of love overrules the love of power, the world will know peace.” ― Mahatma Gandhi
“Where there is love there is life.”― Mahatma Gandhi
“When you choose to perceive Love over fear, life begins to flow.” — Gabrielle Bernstein
“Choose love and peace will follow. Choose peace and love will follow. —Mary Helen Doyle
“There is love enough in this world for everybody if people will just look.” – Kurt Vonnegut
”A purpose of human life, no matter who is controlling it, is to love whoever is around to be loved.” – Kurt Vonnegut
“A loving heart is the beginning of all knowledge.” – Thomas Carlyle
”Piglet: ‘How do you spell ‘love’?’ Winnie the Pooh: ‘You don’t spell it…you feel it.’” – A.A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh
“The way we can allow ourselves to do what we need to, no matter what others may say or do, is to choose love and defy fear.”– Martha Beck
“Life is the first gift, love is the second, and understanding the third.”– Marge Piercy
“Love is the bridge between you and everything.”– Rumi
“I choose love. No occasion justifies hatred.”– Max Lucado

Get Your Choose Love T-shirt!

Choose Love T-shirts are now on sale – – order one for yourself or for someone you love today! I can’t think of a better way to start the new year than with a message of positivity. An online ordering system will be up and running on the site in mid-January. For now, you can email me at autumn@simplyamazingliving.com to place your order. Cost is $25.00 and includes shipping and taxes.

We have the following sizes in T-shirts: Adult S, M, L, XL, XXXL

Tank Top sizes we have: Adult S, M, L, XL.

Along with spreading positive vibes by wearing this shirt, you can also be featured on Simply Amazing Living and/or Twitter, and Instagram. Take a picture of yourself or someone else in the Choose Love T-shirt and post the picture on your social media channels with the hashtags #ChooseLove and #SimplyAmazingLiving as well as emailing me the picture(s) at autumn@simplyamazingliving.com.

Positive Messages and/or Quotes

Please leave a comment with a positive message or a quote that inspires you to choose love! Thank you.

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The Power of Love #Giveaway

December 10, 2018 by Autumn Murray Leave a Comment

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The Power of Love by Bishop Michael Curry

This “The Power of Love” is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Penguin Random House. The opinions expressed are my own.

Always Choose Love!

“Dr. Martin Luther King was right: we must discover love, the redemptive power of love. And when we do that, we will make of this old world a new world.” Bishop Michael Curry

Last year, I made the pledge to Choose Love. I made the pledge to accept others regardless of our differences, to not exclude anyone because they do not believe in the same things that I believe in, and to go out of my way to focus on love and not hate or division. Will you make that pledge with me?

As a result of my pledge to Choose Love, I want to promote and share positive and inspirational posts. This past year at one of the most watched Royal Weddings in history, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, over two billion people witnessed the uplifting and dynamic sermon by Bishop Michael Curry. I think his sermon was one of the most uplifting and inspiring sermons ever done. He definitely got the royal couple off to the right start!

Bishop Curry is the first African-American presiding bishop of the American Episcopal Church and he is the first to give an impassioned sermon at a British royal wedding. His sermon touched on the topics of social justice, politics, slavery, and quotes from Martin Luther King, Jr. He encouraged all receiving his message to discover the power of love to make of “this old world a new world.”

Autumn Murray #ChooseLove

I am one of the many that were inspired by his sermon and the message of redemptive love and was excited to hear that Bishop Michael Curry has released a new book – “The Power of Love.” The book highlights the sermon he gave at the royal wedding and also has a variety of positive messages aimed at uplifting and inspiring others.

About The Power of Love

“Love is the way. Love is the only way. Those who follow in my way follow in the way of unconditional, unselfish, sacrificial love. And that kind of love can change the world.”
–Bishop Michael Curry

In The Power of Love, Bishop Curry shares the full text of the sermon, plus an introduction and four of his favorite sermons on the themes of love and social justice. The world has met Bishop Curry and has been moved by his riveting, hopeful, and deceptively simple message: love and acceptance are what we need in these strange times.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The Most Reverend Michael B. Curry is the presiding bishop and primate of the Episcopal Church. Elected in 2015, he is the first African-American to lead the denomination. He was previously bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina. A noted advocate for human rights and author of several books, Bishop Curry is recognized as one of the most popular preachers in the English language. He and his wife Sharon Curry have two daughters, Rachel and Elizabeth. They live in North Carolina.

Order The Power of Love today!

ENTER TO WIN THE POWER OF LOVE #GIVEAWAY!

Simply Amazing Living is partnering with Penguin Random House on a giveaway for one (1) lucky winner to receive a copy of The Power of Love by Bishop Michael Curry and (1) Choose Love t-shirt from Simply Amazing Living. Total giveaway value is $50 (US). The Power of Love by Bishop Michael Curry is now in stores. Enter to win a copy of your own along with a Choose Love t-shirt! Use the Rafflecopter to enter.

Open to US addresses only. Contest ends on December 24, 2018. No purchase necessary.

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Power of Love Moment

I am sharing the positive and inspirational messages from The Power of Love this holiday season and for years to come. The world needs more love and positivity! Do you have a #poweroflove moment that you want to share? Please comment in the comment box below.

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Michelle Obama | “Becoming” Book Tour Surprise

December 7, 2018 by Autumn Murray 39 Comments

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Meeting Michelle Obama - Becoming" Book Tour - Simply Amazing Living

Photo Credit: Miller Mobley and Penguin Random House

I’ve Got Tickets to See My Shero – Michelle Obama!

My husband Rodney gave me the surprise Christmas present of a lifetime – a ticket to see Michelle Obama during her “Becoming” book tour. Before I go into detail about the surprise, let me say that this is not a political post. This post is about the type of person Michelle Obama is and why I look up to her as a role model.

I have adored Michelle Obama ever since she stepped onto the world stage during Barack Obama’s presidential campaign in 2007 and gave her first speech. In that speech, she talked about her blue-collar background and growing up on the South Side of Chicago. She talked about her father and the love she has for her entire family and how commitment to her family shaped the woman she is today.

Choose Love

And then there are her impressive education credentials. High school salutatorian, followed her brother to Princeton and graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree, and then earned her Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School.

Dedication to Helping Others

While yes, all of that is awe-inspiring and admirable, it is her passion to help others that inspires me the most. I have always felt compelled to help others and I admire people that dedicate their lives to this mission. If you follow my website, you know that I come from an abusive childhood. What I endured in my youth drives me to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves.

In my opinion, we were all put on this earth together and we all should strive to live the best life we can live and that includes helping each other, accepting each other’s differences, and not putting our beliefs above someone else’s. As Thomas Jefferson wrote “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” (Declaration of Independence)

Community Service

Her dedication to community service prior to becoming First Lady:

While at Princeton University, she created a reading program for the children of the school’s manual laborers.
She left corporate law to pursue a career in public service.
While she was the executive director for the Chicago branch of Public Allies, she created a leadership-training program for young adults.
She developed the first community service program for the University of Chicago
She served as the executive director of community relations and external affairs at the University of Chicago Hospitals and was promoted to vice president within three years.
Served on numerous charitable boards.

Her dedication to community service as First Lady:

Targeted the epidemic of childhood obesity and encouraged healthy eating habits.
Launched the Let’s Move initiative to promote physical activity.
Co-founded the Joining Forces program with Dr. Jill Biden to expand educational and employment options for veterans and to raise awareness about the difficulties impacting military families.
Created the Reach Higher initiative to inspire and encourage young people to explore higher education and career-development opportunities.

Choosing Civility Over Party

I have always respected the position of First Lady regardless of the political party in office. Whether you agree with Michelle Obama’s politics or not, there is no denying that she is an inspiration for women and young girls around the world. She is also a shero to so many men and young boys as well. I am looking forward to meeting her and hopefully getting one of her infamous hugs. Hopefully, I will be able to maintain my composure so I can at least get a decent picture with her!

Michelle Obama Graces the Cover of Essence

Autumn and Charis

The Set Up

My husband Rodney and his friend Dwayne surprised Dwayne’s wife Charis and I with tickets to see Michelle Obama on her book tour. Rodney and Dwayne totally set Charis and I up for a surprise reveal and what a surprise it was.

Our husbands individually made plans for us to go out to dinner at Pappadeax (we all LOVE this Cajun seafood restaurant). They planned for us to “accidentally” run into each other at the restaurant. Not knowing this was a setup, Charis and I were thrilled to see each other as it had been a few months since the last time. So we sit down and talk and laugh and eventually order our food.

They made up an excuse to go outside and left us behind at the table. Their plan was to record an Instagram video of the big reveal and tag us thinking that we would get a notification and we would check our phones. Well, both of us were focusing on catching up and didn’t have our phones on the table so we didn’t see the notification.

The Surprise

Our husbands returned to the table and kept giving us hints to check our phones. We both thought this was weird, but we played along and retrieved our phones from our purses and checked our notifications. There was a notification on Instagram and a video of Rodney and Dwyane. We clicked to view the video and at first, we didn’t quite grasp what they were saying and then it sunk in. They announced in the video that for Christmas, they got us two VIP Meet and Greet tickets for Michelle Obama’s book tour stop in Dallas along with flight and hotel. We will get to meet her, take a picture with her, and sit in the 7th row during her presentation! I really wished they would have recorded our reaction because it was priceless. I teared up and we both were literally stunned. Their gift to us is Simply Amazing!

Bestselling Book of the Year

According to NDP BookScan data, in just two weeks after its release (Nov. 13), Michelle Obama’s memoir “Becoming” became the bestselling book of the year. The former first lady’s book has sold over 2 million copies in North America (selling 725,000 copies on release day alone). It is also topping bestseller lists throughout Europe.

Get your copy of “Becoming” by Michelle Obama today!

AN OPRAH’S BOOK CLUB 2018 SELECTION

Other books featuring Michelle Obama:

“Becoming” Charitable Focus

Penguin Random House strongly supports social responsibility and the mission of The Obama Foundation. Penguin Random House donated one million children’s books published by Penguin Random House to First Book, a longstanding Penguin Random House nonprofit partner and the Washington, DC-based partner for the 2016 White House digital education initiative, Open eBooks. First Book is dedicated to promoting equal access to education by providing new books, learning materials, and other essentials to children in need in the U.S. and Canada.

Former President Barack Obama’s memoir is expected in 2019. The Obamas will donate a “significant portion” of their author proceeds to charity, including the Obama Foundation.

Rodney, Autumn, Charis, and Dwayne

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Jada Pinkett-Smith’s Red Table Talk New Season!

October 22, 2018 by Autumn Murray 31 Comments

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Red Table Talk episode with Jada Pinkett Smith, Willow Smith, Will Smith, and Adrienne Banfield-Norris. Photo Credit: Stan Evans

Red Table Talk Keeps It Real

One of the most fascinating families in the world invites you into their home for a weekly series of groundbreaking, intimate, and candid conversations. Join Jada Pinkett Smith, her daughter Willow Smith, and mother Adrienne Banfield-Norris — three generations of women with three very different points of view, as they reveal their personal experiences and thoughts about the most compelling issues facing all of us today.

New episodes release every Monday at 9:00 a.m. PT / 12:00 p.m. ET. Will Smith joins the ladies at the Red Table! For the first time, Will and Jada share intimate stories of how they met, why their wedding was a disaster, and how Will’s obsession with building a picture-perfect family almost tore apart their marriage. Will and Jada are one of the most private couples in Hollywood, and for more than 20 years, they’ve been the subject of rumors and gossip, but they’re finally ready to set the record straight. Make sure to tune in to Red Table Talk to hear what they have to say!

Jada Pinkett Smith, Autumn Murray, and Adrienne Banfield-Norris

Red Table Talk in Atlanta

Jada Pinkett-Smith and her mother Adrienne Banfield-Norris were in Atlanta to promote the new series and I got the chance to sit down and chat with them. I was so excited to meet them as I have been following Jada and Will’s career since the 80’s.

I thanked them sincerely for doing this show. Most shows talk about “keeping it real” and don’t deliver. That is not the case with Red Table Talk. They talk about real life issues that relate to everyone. In fact, I am surprised at how much they reveal about themselves on the show. By sharing their personal experiences, they will no doubt inspire others and help people that are struggling with the same issues. It truly is a refreshingly honest show.

Jada Pinkett-Smith and her mother Adrienne Banfield-Norris

New Season!

This season, the women at the Red Table will explore social issues and topics such as mental health, forgiveness, divorce, race, and domestic violence. A lot of these topics were requested by followers in the Red Table Talk Facebook group. Click HERE to join the group and voice your opinions.

Throughout this new series, Jada, Willow and Adrienne will be joined by celebrity guests including Leah Remini, Ellen Pompei, J. Cole, Justin Baldoni, Toni Braxton and more.

Check out a preview of Red Table Talk:

Red Table Talk is produced by Jada Pinkett-Smith, Ellen Rakieten, Miguel Melendez and Todd Yasui.

About Facebook Watch

Facebook Watch is where content, community, and conversation come together. It is personalized for each viewer and helps them to discover new shows and catch up on the ones they follow, so they don’t miss an episode. It is available internationally and it is free on mobile apps across Apple and Android, on desktop, laptop and on Facebook’s TV apps. Facebook Watch’s Broadcast Guidelines, can be found HERE.

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Happy Galentine’s Day!

Kendra Scott Spring Collection

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Becoming Book Tour Stop in Dallas, TX

Michelle Obama Surprises Students

A Conversation with Michelle Obama

VIP SWAG

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ENTER TO WIN THE POWER OF LOVE #GIVEAWAY!

I’ve Got Tickets to See My Shero – Michelle Obama!

Dedication to Helping Others

Community Service

Choosing Civility Over Party

The Set Up

Bestselling Book of the Year

AN OPRAH’S BOOK CLUB 2018 SELECTION

Red Table Talk Keeps It Real

New Season!

Check out a preview of Red Table Talk:

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