11 Things with Andrea #6

I can’t believe how long it has been since I’ve written one of these update posts! I’ve noticed that due to Quarantine, I have a weird relationship with time. It’s moving very slowly, yet I still am very confused how it’s not April still. If you are new around here, these are random update posts that help me share bits and pieces of my life and what I’m up to. They seem to be a favorite around here so I hope you’ll enjoy.

1. I still haven’t gotten used to the fact that I am debt free, even though it has been almost 9 months. Some of that is probably due to the fact that I’m still being mindful with the pandemic of how I’m spending my money, and also that I am not a super spendy person. I look at my budget sometimes and I’m like “I can’t believe I used to have to give away this huge chunk of my income to student loans every month!” It’s pretty great to get to use ALL of my income on my savings goals.

2. I thought I had found planner peace when I discovered the Passion Planner. I do absolutely LOVE the layout and think it’s great for keeping track of my crazy inconsistent schedule. However, I felt like I was overwhelmed with keeping both my home/life tasks and my work tasks in the same space. I had been wanting to try a Happy Planner, so I purchased one and it’s changed my life. I LOVE the disc bound system. I bought the punch and ended up doing some surgery on my Passion Planner to add it into the Happy Planner. I plan on doing a dedicated post to this once I have used it for a little longer and know exactly what I’m doing with it.

3. Mikey and I have been watching the Sopranos for the past couple of months and omg. How was I sleeping on this show, especially being ITALIAN?! Mikey loves a good TV series and over the course of our dating history, has made sure that we watch some of his favorites. Now I understand why he bought me that Sopranos cookbook for my birthday a few years ago. You do get very hungry watching it. haha We’ve had many pasta and Soprano’s nights. We are in the last season and I am going to be so sad when it’s over.

4. I’ve recently started a new morning routine and I am obsessed with it. First, I start the coffee brewing and tidy up the living room. It’s usually a little disorganized from the night before and I love getting it super tidy and clean feeling for the day. Then, I light some incense and turn on some meditation music and plan my day while I’m drinking my coffee. Sometimes I read a little too, depending on what I have doing on that morning. There is something about the calm music and incense with my coffee that gets my day started off on such a positive note.

5. Hamilton, Hamilton, Hamilton. I probably don’t need to elaborate but Hamilton Mania has reached our household and we can’t get enough. We listen to it all the time, we sing bits of the songs to each other and I am not ashamed. We love it. If you haven’t watched it yet, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! It’s amazing.

6. I’m still obsessed with the Essie Expressie Nail Polish line. I have many colors now and they are the only thing I’ve used to paint my nails since quarantine began. My current favorite shade that I keep reapplying every time I am painting my nails, is the shade Saffr-on the Move. It dries super quickly and lasts SO long which is huge for me!

7. I feel like I can’t write one of these 11 Things posts without sharing a cookbook update! It’s coming along. I am still recipe testing which simply takes a long time! I am hoping to be done with the book this winter,, with hopefully a Spring launch so wish me luck!

8. In case you missed the update on Instagram, I am back to nannying part time. Pre-COVID, my plan was to be done nannying this past June and jump 100% into everything I do for Andrea Fontana Beauty. However, with COVID and virtual school, both of the families I used to nanny for (and adore) asked if I could help out for a little bit during this weird pandemic transition time. I love my boys so much, so it is good to be back, but it’s weird having an actual schedule to stick to for work after having nothing for so long.

9. I finally bought my Schwinn iC4 bike and started using the Peleton app with it and I’m obsessed. I am going to be doing a full blog post dedicated to the bike soon, because I love it and I think it’s a much better option than paying over $2,000 for the Peleton bike.

10. My mental health is tricky these days, which probably comes as no surprise. The COVID pandemic has been really hard for everyone in so many ways and I find that while I have mostly good days, sometimes the days are REALLY difficult. It’s ok to not be ok. 2020 has been a very weird and difficult year so know you are not alone if you have been struggling. I’m always here to chat if you need it.

11. I know that I probably sound like a broken record, but I can’t stress how important it is to support your local small businesses always, but especially during this weird time. Some of the things I’ve done is buy gift cards (I even gave one to my best friend and asked her to go shopping for me with it which was so fun!), started my holiday shopping, shared about them on social media, recommended them to friends, etc. Intentional shopping is key in supporting our communities during this difficult time. Shop less, but from more meaningful sources.

How have you been? How’s your mental health? What have you been up to? Leave me a comment down below and let me know!

Sending you love,

Andrea

Reading Update

The last time I wrote a book review post was in April when quarantine was only a month in. I never could predicted that at my next book review post things would look so different. Quarantine is still in full swing 4 months later and the content in which I’m reading has completely changed, for the better.

At the end of May when George Floyd was killed a significant shift was made. If you follow me on IG (which I highly recommend you should because it is where I am most detailed and up to date click here) you have seen that this event has shaken me to my core and opened my eyes to the work that I need to do as an individual who happened to be born into a body that offers me great privilege. #BLACKLIVESMATTER

While I’ve donated to countless organizations and will continue to do so, I have vowed to do the work. I will be purchasing from more BIPOC small business owners, supporting causes that further the dismantling of the white privilege surrounding us, using my vote to support those who will create change, and much more. I wanted to take a hard look at my daily actions that I could change to support this very important cause, the first being my library.

Originally, I vowed to purchase one hard copy book from a BIPOC author every month for as long as I’m physically able, to add to my library. I’m very blessed to be in love with a man who values the importance of a library in our home and also wants to be surrounded by good books. What I realized however, is that in my love for secondhand living and reducing waste, I’ve relied mostly on borrowing books from my local library or purchasing secondhand through various methods of thrifting. While both of these options are still great, I realized that this was limiting what was permanently housed in our library and would affect the books that our future children were also surrounded by. I want so many voices to live in that library. I want my future children to hear from perspectives that I can’t possibly give them. I want them to be well rounded and educated so they can make the best decisions for themselves and their world.

That being said, when a friend reached out to encourage me to join her reading challenge, I said yes immediately, because it seemed challenging. She shared that a small group of friends would be taking a vow to only read books written by BIPOC authors from June 19th 2020 (Juneteenth) to the end of June 2021. I knew this was the perfect way to listen, learn, and educate myself on perspectives completely different from my own. It would give me a way to fill my library with voices that need to be read and heard.

Currently I am almost two months into this challenge, have read 7 books, and learned so much. I know this is only one tiny piece of the puzzle, but I am sharing this to encourage you to look at what you are reading, especially if you are an avid reader who values surrounding yourself with good books.

An update on what I have been recently reading will be coming soon, so stay tuned.

Thank you for being here,

Andrea

11 Things With Andrea #5

I’m trying to get better with keeping up with these posts because I know how much you guys love them. So here we are! New year, new 11 Things with Andrea.

1. Should we start off with a bang? In case you missed it, I paid off my last student loan on Christmas Eve this year and now I am officially DEBT FREE! I can’t believe this moment is finally here after years of hard work and dedication. Let me know if you want me to write more about my debt free journey.

2. I have officially joined the #PASHFAM and become obsessed with my Passion Planner. I have no idea how I’ve survived this long without one. Special thanks to my best friend Margaret (@edgewoodplace) who convinced me to take the plunge. This is the best planner I have ever purchased and it works so well for my brain.

3. Coming off of working so hard to be debt free, I wanted to make sure I didn’t treat myself too much in January, so this month I’m doing a No Buy. This means, no extras but the necessities for the whole month of January. I figured this would help me transition into life where I’m not putting more than a third of my income towards debt!

4. About a week ago I purchased the new iPhone 11 Pro Max and I’m so happy with it so far! The picture quality is amazing and I’m excited to experiment with it as I continue to create new content for you this year!

5. I received Alison Roman’s cookbook, Nothing Fancy, for Christmas and I’m already obsessed! The few recipes I’ve tried so far have been amazing and I’m excited to keep diving into more. If you like to feed your friends and family with cozy and easy meals that feel special, check it out!

6. Speaking of cookbooks…I’m still trekking along on my own cookbook journey. Still working on recipe testing which takes a lot longer than you would imagine.

7. For the first time in maybe ever, I feel like my two weeks off for the holidays was actually two weeks. I got rest, did puzzles, read books, took many naps, cooked and ate delicious food, and really relaxed. I think it also helps when you have created a life that you like getting back to. While it was nice to have a break, I’m so happy to be back to planning 2020 and amping things up for what this year has in store for AFB.

8. I have a secret project coming for Galentine’s Day that I CANNOT wait to share with you! Stay tuned, but your hint is that it will be located in the SHOP tab…haha

9. January was really hard for me last year. I think I even wrote a post about it? January is not usually my best month but this year feels so much better than years past! I think it has a lot do with being medicated for my anxiety and feeling like I have a stable but flexible plan for the month.

10. I’m already more than half booked for 2020 and I cannot believe it! If you or someone you know is getting married and needs a makeup artist, send them my way or email me ASAP (andreafontanabeauty@gmail.com). I don’t want you to miss out!

11. Mikey’s birthday is at the end of this month and I cannot wait to make his annual birthday cake. Every year I pick a theme based on something he loves. Previous years included the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Death Star, and Harry Potter. This year I’m thinking the West Wing? Stay tuned to my IG for that as well because you KNOW I’ll be sharing that labor of love when it’s done.

What’s going on in your life right now? Let me know in a comment below. I hope you feel rested and ready to start off the new DECADE on a strong note. I believe in you and I’m grateful every day for your support.

Have a great week,

Andrea

Update: New Studio Reveal

I am so excited to finally be sharing my new studio with you. After almost three years in my apartment, it was time to move out and create a new space. I am so grateful that my boyfriend Mikey welcomed me into this space in his home. I am so in love with it and I can’t wait to welcome my clients into this new space for makeup and consultations. It will also serve as an office for me. This means I will be filming more blog content in this space as well. If you’re interested in seeing how I created the DIY clothing rack to use for my thrifting content, be sure to comment below.

I am so in love with this doormat that I had custom made by a sweet soul named Meredith from Tiny Bits of Happiness. This is one of the few things I purchased for the new space.

I know you might be thinking, did Andrea move in with Mikey? The answer is no. Haha I am excited to share that I will be moving in with one of my favorite families ever. I was the nanny for an amazing family for the past 5 years and now that the boys will both be in school full time, I am no longer going to be watching the boys day to day. However, I will moving into their basement guest room. They have some amazing travel plans of their own for the next school year and needed someone to watch over their home when they are away. This lead to the perfect opportunity for me to move in with them for the next school year and still see the boys.

This gallery wall was really important for me to nail because I wanted to have inspiration to look at while working at my desk. It’s also what clients face when I’m doing their makeup, so I wanted them to have fun things to look at. It includes an old photo of my favorite Italian singer Louis Prima, a vintage postcard of the hospital I was born at, a map of Brazil, an homage to my favorite foods bagels and pasta, the only framed picture I have of Mikey and I (lol), and so much more.

Having a cozy seating area was really important for me because I wanted my clients to feel welcome to sit for a moment and chat with me. This studio will be used mostly for makeup consultations so I wanted my brides and their entourage to feel comfortable. Since I no longer need all of my furniture to complete an entire home, I was excited to just bring my favorite pieces into this studio space. I feel so productive in the two weeks I’ve been here because I’m just happy to be surrounded by so many pieces that bring me such joy.

The most important part about this studio is that it has reminded me how much I love my business and my clients. The support I receive on a daily basis never goes unnoticed and I am grateful to welcome you all to this new space.

What is your favorite part of the new studio? Let me know in the comments below!

Have a beautiful day,

Andrea

11 Things With Andrea #3

I can’t believe it’s been since March that I’ve done one of these posts! It just shows how time gets away from me during the start of wedding season. I’m happy to say that I’m getting back on track and bringing more consistent content to you now! So let’s get to it!

1. I have fallen in love with thrifting. That is no secret if you follow my Instagram and you probably aren’t surprised that I’m talking about it first. I have learned so much from my best friend Margaret. Originally I was going to have her write a post about all of her thrifting tips and tricks, but her plate has gotten a little more full recently due to opening her own shop within a shop in Jackson, MI. Therefore, I am going to be compiling the tips and writing the post about thrifting and have her guest post soon about all the fun stuff shes doing with her new shop, so stay tuned!

2. I keep chopping my hair and I’m obsessed. I feel like I’ve finally found the haircut that feels like the most me. It’s easy for most days when I want to shower and let it air dry, yet can still be pulled back when I need it out of my face (i.e. when I’m doing makeup). If you’re local to me, I go to Jenn Mina at Mirabella Salon in Okemos and she’s AWESOME! I finally have bed head that is voluminous, easy and not crazy flat… so basically Jenn has made me the happiest woman EVER!

3. Cookbook is chugging along. I’m just testing recipes and fine tuning things so there’s not much to announce. I’m not sure if it’ll be out by my original goal of my 30th birthday (May 2020) but I’m telling myself that is perfectly fine. It will be ready when it’s ready.

4. If you’re in the Lansing/Jackson or surrounding areas you should join me and a bunch of my favorite business babes in Jackson on Tues. July 16th from 7-8:30 pm at the Lean Rocket Lab, for a Michigan Tribe event called ‘No Such Thing as Balance: Finding your flow between work & play’. It’s going to be a panel based presentation and I’m really excited to hear about how other women balance all of the many roles we have while running a business. There are only a few tickets left so CLICK HERE ASAP, if you want one! If it’s sold out by the time you click on it, make sure you follow the IG account @michigantribe for information on the next event!

5. Debt-Free update! I only have a little more than 8 grand left, and I feel like I am finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel! I’m so excited to be done with this huge milestone!

6. Am I the only one who feels like they need ice cream every day in the summer? I can’t stop, but that’s ok. I love it.

7. I’m so excited for a new clothing boutique to open in Jackson soon. Apricot Lane is the new store that I did makeup for last month for a photo shoot and I’m so excited to go check it out this weekend. They are having their big grand opening this weekend from Friday to Sunday and I cannot wait to visit. The owner, Jenny, and all the ladies who work there are so kind and friendly so I know it’s going to be one of those places I just love to visit. Be sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date and check out all of their cute items!

8. I am currently booked for the next 16 weeks of bridal season and I couldn’t be happier. I know this means that the rest of summer and fall are probably going to fly by but every weekend I look forward to another special day with YOU; my Andrea Fontana Beauty Brides! I am currently booking for the 2020 bridal season, so be sure to click that ‘About Andrea & Contact’ page in the Menu bar and email me if you want to chat about your special day!

9. I’m doing my best to cross local Michigan businesses off my bucket list this summer and talk about them either on here or my Instagram! Do you have any favorites that I should add to my list? Make sure to comment below and let me know!

10. I spent the fourth of July in the UP in airplane mode for 48 hours and it was HEAVEN! I forgot how nice it is to be away from my phone except to take a million pictures of my niece Lily at her first cottage experience because….duh! The slowing down felt so good for my mental health and I loved getting up and reading on the front porch with the sound of the lake in the background.

11. If you don’t already own at least one of these pairs of block heels from Target, do yourself a favor and get one, or all of the colors! The style is the Michaela Pump by A New Day and they are the perfect shoe! Great height and comfortable enough to wear for long periods or as a wedding guest who won’t leave the dance floor! I started with the nude and loved them so much that I bought the black and red too! I also have the Ema which is really easy to walk in as well, but not good for as long of a period of time as the Michaela. Although this is understandable since it is much taller. So many of you were obsessed when I shared the photo below on my Instagram, so I wanted to be sure to include them in this post!

Those 11 things were really hard to come up with this time. haha I guess I don’t have a lot going on right now, which is fine with me. I love being able to work part time in the summer and relax a little more during the weekdays.

Has anything special or fun been going on with you? Comment below and let me know!

Have a great day,

Andrea