Tuesday 27 December 2016

Christmas Gifts a Plenty

Hello Lovely,



The Christmas holidays were filled with so much love and food, family and friends.  This year I created most of the gifts for my loved ones, and you know what, it felt so much better then buying anything ever has. NOT to say that it doesn't mean as much to pick out a present that will be just as a appreciated, but I really felt the thanks when each of them found out I made their gift. It wasn't anything extravagant, place mats for the adults, all of them loved that I took the time to create something just for them. My Nana received a beautiful purple infinity scarf and was so very happy with it, I chose the fabric because it was so her. A few blankets for the kids and their reactions were priceless "this is my favouitest blanket ever" one proclaimed and the other jumped up and down as he squealed. Pjs for the boys, which were a bit too loooooong for 11 year olds but hemming can always be fixed (thank goodness) but overall I think they were appreciated. Baking is always a hit as well, truffles and snickerdoodles for one and all!   


I really realized that we don't need to over spend and get super stressed about money. It's the little things, like creating a gift or just spending time with one another that truly counts. My family and friends are so generous, I am so very thankful for all that I received over Christmas. Definitely the season of giving! Hoping your Holiday season was filled with so much love, that you feel full and excited to greet the  new year with joy and enthusiasm.

Monday 12 December 2016

Lifestyle: Selflove





When I was 6 years old I decided no one liked me. What a thing to think and make as a life statement so young, but it's true. I wasn't invited to a girls birthday party, being one of the only kids not invited. I was so upset, I lied. Yep, I was 6 so what do you do. I told my very best friend that I lost my invitation and needed the address and time. She gave it to me, I wrote it down and went home and told my mom I needed to get a gift for a girl in my class. 

We bought a dress and some pretty sweet lip smackers, I was actually so excited! But, we got there, and I was looked at like a fool. By the kids and her mother. I didn't get to go to the party and I never told my Mom what I did to get there. I was 6 years old and I decided no one liked me and I wasn't good enough. 

This thought led through my whole life, I can see how it followed me in every relationship, family, friend and romantic. So many situations kept confirming that I was not enough and I was constantly comparing myself. 




Then, body image began to be a big part of the "I'm not good enough" mind. I started to diet at a young age and wanted to be skinny like my friends. I gained a lot of weight or "baby chub" when I was 11 and was made fun of for it. I didn't always eat the best, there was a convenience store right down the street. So yeah I ate a lot of junk, that didn't help. I was made fun of one too many times and decided to stop eating and start working out ALL the time! 

I was 13 when I became anorexic and 14 when I thought I'd give bulimia a try (that didn't last long, thank goodness). But 3 years later I still wasn't eating much, before high school. I was 100 pounds, skin and bones. I never felt more less, and not enough. In high school I had several wonderful people in my life who helped me eat and gave me some hope. BUT, I wasn't happy and it showed in so many ways. Becoming an over eater I gained weight and lost once again. I compared myself to everyone who I thought was prettier, thinner and well, better than me. I wasn't enough for anyone, especially not myself. 

I tried so hard in every single relationship, friend, family and romantic to be the one person they would love, and be there for. Except I didn't try with my own, the relationship with me. Self love is such an important relationship to have. When you have a strong sense of self worth and love for yourself, things begin to shift. Friends who were your "Besties", fall away and men who you thought loved you, do too. Relationships that no longer serve you basically disappear. 


And what are you left with?  YOU. To love and be kind to, to be your best friend, the light that lifts you up and the heart that holds you close no matter what. Because, well, you are enough. You begin to see that the relationships you now have are the ideal relationships for you. They love and cherish you as you now do yourself. Taking care of yourself mind, body and soul, is the most wonderful, generous thing you can do in your WHOLE life. 

Self love, should be taught to our children and every person on the planet, period. Give yourself the opportunity to shift, love YOU more than anything else, and every one you love will feel it!

This shoot was to show that you can get to happy after an eating disorder. I recovered from Anorexia, I am a recovering over eater and very proud. I no longer put myself down because of my body or the decision that little 6 year old girl made so many years ago. I love her and ME every day. It's not always easy, but like in any relationship if its worth the fight, then FIGHT. I am enough for me and I know I am enough for every one else too. 

Thank you so much to Michelle Liane for being apart of the beginning of something wonderful. 

Self love is all you need to be happy.    


You are beautiful just the way you are..


I hope this serves you.


Your Designer,

                                                           Amanda Garrett






Thursday 1 December 2016

A little Birdy told me..

Hello Wonderful!

Isn't just the best time of year, with joyful music playing and every ones spirits start to lift as we get into the holiday season. Christmas parties and get togethers come by the plenty and all the time we have gets compiled into one month where we really make time for the ones we love.  It certainly is one of my favourite times of the year.

I get to see family that lives on the other side of Canada and have every one all together under one, two, or three roves, how exciting!  There are many gifts to be given and love to be had, that we must always remember those in need. I have heard a lot of families who instead of buying things for each other, they donate what they would have spent to charities, local and global. THIS is so amazing, and what a time of year to do so when many who are less fortunate then we, really need a lift in spirits. 

The Canadian Women's Foundation and Raising the Roof are the two that I contribute to all year round. BUT I like to give a little bit more a Christmas to help an individual or family in need. I truly believe that giving to another, not only lifts them up but gives us our own strength to say thank you for all that we have to be grateful for. 


This morning I received a little birdy in the mail that made me so very grateful for my own healing and hope. The fact that I can help someone else's journey to an awesome life, makes me so thankful.

I will be donating to The Canadian Women's Foundation this year and all ask from you my amazing readers and tribe to share this like crazy! For every new 'Like' on my Facebook page up to 300, I will donate a dollar and match it to my own contribution.

Since 1991, the Canadian Women's Foundation has invested in more than 1400 community programs across Canada that help women and girls move out of violence, out of poverty and into confidence and leadership.  It's a chance to offer hope to a woman starting out on a difficult journey.  

This Christmas help someone in need, human or animal, whatever foundation speaks to you the most and put your heart there. Any contribution is big, whether a dollar or one million, donating gets someone closer to a better and happier life. 

SO be grateful for all that you have because someone certainly wishes they were in your shoes!

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas love!


Your Designer,

Amanda Garrett


Wednesday 16 November 2016

Events: Holiday Edition

Fashion is a huge part of the life we live, from what we wear every day to what we see and love about the world.

BUT that is just the beginning! Fashion is a massive industry and through media we have been conditioned, that we need to "look" a certain way.

Fashion Fades, Style is eternal. - YSL


By accepting what we do not like, we can start accentuating what we do. Your clothes should serve you, isn't that wonderful.  Finding clothes that fit our frames and provide a feeling of comfort like no other. 

Style -lifestyle if you will, is how we show personalities, feel about ourselves, live our lives, are in and are to the world. SO this is much greater than fashion to me, but the style of life. Making all your dress dreams come true and helping to illuminate the beauty in you. One stitch and woman at a time.

Our most recent event was incredible and just in time for the holiday season! All the amazing women who joined us, sponsors who were involved and my amazing team, I am so grateful. We had several dresses that spoke for themselves and that all the ladies fell in love with. They're all perfect for holiday parties from office to New Years!

We also had our fabulous Stylist from Stella & Dot, a wonderful jewelry company with great quality items and awesome price points. Helen, styled myself and the models with jewelry that really complimented the dresses. The truck show was a complete success and can still be accessed, just visit the link below and start shopping!  



If you love fashion but never have had the chance to go to a fashion show or you have and would like to experience something more personal, you have found the right type of event for you!

These evenings include; networking with other wonderful women such as yourself, a fashion show, time to meet and greet with the designer and much more! 

Now take a sneak peek into A.M.E.G. Designs Holiday edition.

Your Designer,

Amanda Garrett


Join us at our next event!

Become a part of something much greater than fashion and let A.M.E.G. Designs help illuminate the beauty in you.


Sign up for more information


Photography: Michelle Liane
Stella & Dot Stylist: Helen  Themistocleous




Thursday 10 November 2016

Dress Making Report: A Fall Inspired Wedding Shoot

At the end of August, I did an amazing collaboration with quite a few talented ladies. This Fall elopement shoot was incredible. We just got to the location just after a storm passed at 8am, it was a bit chilly that morning and very windy. But as we all arrived and got every thing set up, Models dressed and camera ready. It got warm, blue skies appeared and the sun created such great light peaking through the woods.


Claireville Conservation in Brampton, Ontario is like a dream. Especially for a photo shoot, we had several landscapes to choose. From rolling Hills to a rocky road and even into the woods, no wonder we all had such a fabulous day! 

The couple were gorgeous and really so in love, which truly takes your breath away with such intimate moments. I was lucky to be apart of something so very special. 


Creating this dress was really wonderful, from the first designs to the day of the shoot. It is romantic and flowing plus a little flirty underneath the beautiful veil like removable skirt. I love the way the wind carries and fills it up in some of the gorgeous pictures by Roxana Silva Photography.

I hope this inspires you and fills you with so much joy!



Published by: The Bride Link
Cake : Cakelaine 
Dress : AMEG Designs
Beauty : Beauty by Sacha
Credit to models:


Monday 31 October 2016

Halloween



Once again this year I created a costume that made me really excited to be going to a Halloween Party. I was a Galaxy, in which my name was Galaxy that night. Oh SO in love! I made the peplum top with extra fabric, the silver piece is covered in colourful and glow in the dark fabric paint. Comets and shooting stars I had so much FUN with the paint part (haha). Searching the dollar store for stars, I found some CHRISTMAS decorations that were perfect! I sewed them on and voila! Inspired by my galaxy yoga pants, add the very high heels and make-up and there you have it, A GALAXY.
The night was enjoyed with some very fabulous characters, I wish I got all the other costumes too but here are just a few. People really do go all out and are so incredibly creative. 
Happy Halloween!!! 




 


Monday 10 October 2016

Lifestyle: Working through an Injury

Hello Friend,

It has been a while since I have written. 

At the beginning of August, I suffered from a concussion. It seems silly but after hitting my head, not so hard, on one the rides I felt a little sick. BUT, it was the last ride of the day and I thought I was just tired from the 8 hours spent at Wonderland.

Unfortunately not, for a week I felt sick, in and out of work. I went to the doctor the following week, leaving there thinking I had vertigo. Feeling dizzy and nauseous every day for weeks, finally I saw my nautropath and massage therapist who recommended I see a physio therapist who specialized in vertigo.(AND luckily concussions) Here we go, I was going to try anything at this point. I couldn't work out, being an avid runner and yogi, I wasn't able to read any more or do much of any thing without feeling terrible. 

At the end of the day, having a head injury is NO JOKE. Loosing motivation is a huge part and a major symptom. SO here's the thing; head injury or not you can loose momentum in what you're trying to achieve or a routine you would love to keep on track with. BUT life happens, remember that as long as you do a little something every day you can definitely stick to it.  Yes, we fall but the most important thing is we get back up and try again, focus and move forward.

Being told that I could start running/walking intervals and yoga again was music to my ears! Yoga has always been my non-negotiable, but when that even made me feel sick I didn't know what to do and my body certainly has been feeling it.

I am now happy to say that I am back to work full time, still suffering from symptoms but on the mend. Feeling better mentally has made a world of difference with my motivation, seeing others doing what I want (like running) helps me to work even harder to get better. WHICH means lots of sleep and not taking on more than I can handle. 

SO follow people who inspire you to do more, be more and be grateful that they have shown up for you to see it is possible. YOU can do anything you want to and more you just have to believe. Keep going lovely you are most certainly on the right track.

Your Designer,


Amanda Garrett

















Sunday 4 September 2016

Lifestyle: When you feel like quitting..

Hello Lovely!

So here's the thing, keeping commitments to ourselves can be hard. We have the best intentions and the perfect picture in our heads of how it is "supposed" to go. The truth is some things are hard, because of habits that have been a part of our lives for sooooo long, to step in front of them can be tricky when they hold on to your left foot like tar. 

The best part is though, you did move that one foot, even just a little. And what does the mean??! It means you've got this for all the reasons you decided to move from habitual tendencies in the first place. Think about why you started, for your family and friends, to feel good, to be able to play with your nieces and nephews or daughters and sons, until you all fall on the floor laughing, (one of my favourite things of all time, just saying). To run with your dog so when you get home he's passed out in his bed well before its time to sleep. Those my friends are good moments!

When you feel like quitting remember why you started, why you even had the thought to move forward. Because you are ready to stretch your wings and soar. Be easy with yourself my love and just pull that foot right out of what was never tar, but just a sticky piece of gum.


I promise to continue to honour myself and share my journey. Even though my 40 day challenge of not over eating is complete, I will not quit, stop or hold myself back. I have never felt more clear and happy. Finally free! I've got this and so do you.

I hope this serves you.

Your Designer,

                                         Amanda Garrett

Tuesday 30 August 2016

Holiday Season 2016



Happy Holidays........?

 This may sound crazy and you may think it is too soon but..

























A.M.E.G. Designs is now accepting Holiday Custom Dress orders! Weddings, Thanksgiving, Holiday and New Years events start in October, ahh so soon! 


'Sign Up' and you will receive promotions for Holiday orders and  an exclusive invite to our next event.


Your Designer,

                                  Amanda Garrett

Friday 19 August 2016

Custom Fall Wear 2016

Hello Sweets!

The summer is almost over, ahh, ugh, O-M-G!

But fall is always a great time to have a wardrobe lift. With so many fall fashions coming this month I want to extend my hand and show you some from A.M.E.G. Designs. From pencil skirts to loose fitting blouses, you can get your custom fit wardrobe right here.

The style can be anything that you like, in which fits your frame and helps to bring out the best in you. Fall colours such as burgundy, brown, green and many others to choose from, you can also mix and match pieces together. The best way to be yourself is to feel good inside and out, here's your chance to do both!







Also, 'Sign Up' and you will receive 15% off Custom Fall Wear and a e
xclusive invite to our next event.

Your Designer,

                                               Amanda Garrett



Wednesday 17 August 2016

Lifestyle: My Recovery from Overeating

Hiya Gorgeous!

I have been posting my journey to stop overeating on Instagram. I am on day 22 and it hasn't been easy. Some days have been filled with the struggle of consuming so much at once that I feel I have failed. Others have been easy breezy and healthy, my struggle is not just with junk food but with all food. Overeating is something a lot of people do because we eat with our emotions rather than when we are hungry.

The grief of loosing my dog a little over four months ago had me constantly binge eating and not witnessing what I was doing. I am sad, but joyful at the same time with life and so it is hard to recognize sometimes when the grief is showing up. In one of my previous blogs, I wrote about my eating disorders when I was 13 years old. Although I no longer starve myself like I did back then, overeating is just as bad for my health.

This journey of 40 days without overeating was a decision I made because I was feeling foggy and exhausted. I needed help and with the plethora of books and support I have received I believe wholeheartedly  that I can do this. YES, I have fallen off, and most likely will again. BUT, I do my best with meditation and awareness to come back to who I really am. A healthier, happier me!

So I am more than half way done my 40 days and here is what I have come to notice, I forgive myself more easily than I once did, I have completely let go of it being about my appearance and I love myself even more today than yesterday and when I started at day one.

Some tips for those of you who feel like food is something that controls you; Meal prep HELPS a lot! Meditation, books (Mindset, Willpower and The Best Diet Begins in Your Mind etc), following blogs and others on a similar journey, support of and from others , hobbies, and working out. The number one thing is know that you are going to fall off and that is okay. 
“I don't believe in the words "success" and "failure" any longer. For me, it's all experience.  The only thing that defines experience is the way you choose to handle it in any given moment.” - Stacy London

Be easy with yourself and love the process, you can do anything you put your mind to!


I hope this serves you.

Your Designer,

Amanda Garrett

A.M.E.G. Designs



Wednesday 3 August 2016

Dress Making Report: Flower Girl Dress


Isn't she the sweetest? This is one happy little client of mine, she was so excited for her dress. I think this day was the most she spoke to me. After putting it on she was spinning and jumping around, "oh Amanda it's beautiful and it spins up to my waist", words I can't seem to forget. But WHY would I? She is my youngest client to choose the style she wanted and a big pink bow for the back. I also decked out a flower girl basket , which she "walk down the isle" of my living room with. I love kids they are just so joyful and excited about everything! A lot like me most of the time. In addition to her Mom's wedding dress, I also created a ring bearer pillow for the wedding. All in all I am super excited to see the pictures from Jamaica! 


Your Designer,

                                             Amanda Garrett



Making all your dress dreams come true and helping to illuminate the beauty in you..



Tuesday 26 July 2016

Lifestyle: What's the biggest challenge right now?

Hiya Sunshine,

Do you have any challenges right now that you know if you just let that one thing go, so many more possibilities would open up for you?

Right now, I think my biggest challenge is letting go of overeating. Body image issues have been a huge part of my life and I know that it all comes down to this last hurtle of being a recovered over eater, not just recovering. 

I was with a friend the other day and she said, "You know I just always have eaten only whenever I am hungry. I never understood what the big deal was, with say an event that had a bunch of free food. Not something that ever interested me". WOW - when she explained about an event that showed up once for her in the past, I got really excited. I loooooove food so much! But it has always been a hindrance in a lot of ways for me. What I took from that is, I know I want to only eat when I am hungry, enjoy and savour food instead of allowing it to control me in a lot of ways.

When something aggravating showed up today, I immediately wanted eat something. I couldn't believe how strong the feeling was. I have been witnessing and paying way more attention to how I am feeling when I think I want food now. This is such an important thing to do! Taking a step back and distracting myself, doing something else makes a huge difference. I'd much rather make a dress then eat my feelings(lol). Not having junk or anything sweet or salty that doesn't nourish my body in the house is extremely important as well.

I made strawberry banana bread and in three days it was gone. So I know I WANT to let go of this overeating emotional habit. EVERY single day I am working on it. I know I can do this, and this is the last that I need to do. Because it isn't about the food, or gaining weight. I love my body. I am comfortable in my OWN skin. It is recognizing when I am eating with my emotions continuing the block, rather than working through my stuff.

Today is a new day and here I sit happy I said 'NO', to a doughnut and yes to me!

Remember, we are all going through something and it is so important to show up for yourself, then you can show up for others too.

I hope this serves you.

Your Designer,

Amanda Garrett





Wednesday 20 July 2016

Lifestyle: Guidance for Body Love



Hello Gorgeous,

As a recovering overeater, there are times I fall off. Day to day life can have stresses good and bad. I find that certain tools such as a good book, The Best Diet Begins in Your Mind, about eating with our emotions vs hunger and this meditation Guidance for Body Love, really help to step back and be aware of why I am overeating. It is a battle sometimes but I think the most important thing is to move forward and high five myself for the little victories! I hope this can serve you too.
Strength and guidance Xo


Your Designer,

                          Amanda Garrett