Amanda McNeil (she/her)

Thank you!! I think in this case it was less brave and more had no idea it would be more difficult than thread, LOL.

Goodness this is adorable

If you’ve ever looked at a handmade piece and thought, “That looks peaceful,” this episode is your reminder: creative chaos counts as crafting too. ✨
What DIY have you tried because it “looked easy” only to find out….not so much?

The project taught me that “shirring” (those cute stretchy seams you see on dresses) is deceptively difficult.
Let’s just say my sewing machine and I had some tension issues… literally and emotionally. 😅 (Did you know crying is a rite of passage for shirring? I sure didn’t!)

YouTube video by Acutely Amanda Upcycling a Dress into a Shirred Skirt for Fall

This week, I’m sharing how what was supposed to be a quick DIY project — turning a too-big fall dress into a skirt — became a full-blown sewing adventure. 🧵🍂
🎧 Watch here: Upcycling a Dress into a Shirred Skirt for Fall
youtu.be/s7l7NffY7hc
#Crafting #Sewing #DIY #Upcycling #Podcast

The next time you feel like social media is inescapable, think about that 34.3%.

I know I will be.

Sometimes it feels like EVERYONE is on social media.

But that's patently untrue.

About 1/3 of people are not.

They can't ALL be children. (Especially with how many children have social media).

Only 68.7% of the world's population uses the internet. *The internet.*

65.7% of the world's population uses social media. (Shout out to that 3% on the internet but not on social media).

This statistic really surprised me.

#BookSky 📚💙 #digitaldetox #socialmedia

I love this thanks for sharing.

If that resonates, I hope you’ll stick around.
Let’s build a quieter corner of the internet together.

What phrase brings you peace when the world is loud?

🫶

That koan kept circling my mind during a road trip for my 10th anniversary with my husband.

I don’t want to add to the firehose.
I want to be a brook in a meadow.
A place to breathe.

This fall, I’m letting silence speak more often.
Building something alive with meaning.

Sometimes the world feels like a firehose aimed at your face. And we’re all under pressure to add to that flood. But this fall, I’m choosing something else.

One phrase that brings peace is better than a thousand words that have no use.

#Koan #CreativeLiving #RecoveryPosse #FallVibes #BookSky 📚💙

Curious—what’s one little swap you’ve made that helps you scroll less? Or if you haven’t yet, what would you try?

I’ll be honest: it didn’t happen all at once. My hands were used to grabbing my phone,. But each time I chose creating over scrolling, it gets a little easier. Now my days feel calmer and more intentional.

I’ve been slowly replacing doomscrolling with something better: crafts. 🪡🎨

This week it was coloring + cross stitch—and the difference in my mood has been huge.

#Crafting #DIY #MindfulLiving #CreativeHabits #BookSky 📚💙

Urban fantasy doesn’t have to stay urban.
Sometimes the strangest magic shows up in the woods behind your house. 🌌

Would you believe in Bigfoot if she turned up in your hometown?

#fantasybooks #indieauthor #paranormalromance #BookSky 📚💙

Tova’s world has always been rooted in paranormal Boston. 🌆
But the sequel expands into central Massachusetts, where forests, backroads, and small towns hide their own supernatural secrets. 🌲👀

Bigfoot is just the beginning…

YouTube video by Acutely Amanda Bigfoot Speaks from Leominster Urban Fantasy Short Story

👣 Bigfoot has arrived in the Tova Gallagher universe—
but not in Boston.

This week’s Acutely Amanda short story takes us to Leominster, MA, where cryptids walk among the pines. 🌲✨

🎧 Watch/listen here:
youtu.be/qQKKR5UDh7E
#urbanfantasy #specfic #Bigfoot #BookSky 📚💙

Aw poor spruce. At least it hung in there for you!

Thank you!

Nitrous is a great option for those who can have it! (It’s contraindicated for me personally.)

The leaves are gorgeous 😍

Zone 6! This particular species was first discovered in Ohio - similar zone to me.

Aren’t they? The first time I saw one at an arboretum I knew I wanted one someday.

Love this! Thank you for sharing. I’m really looking forward to the golden leaves.

It depends on the variety. My dwarf will grow 2-3” a year and should reach full height in 10 years.

Buddy might be small now, but one day he’ll be full of golden fan-shaped leaves. 🌟
Have you ever planted a tree or a plant that really means something to you? I’d love to hear about it. 🌱💬

#nature #sustainableliving #greenhope #BookSky 📚💙

Ginkgo are drought and deer resistant, and their fibrous roots help prevent erosion.
Planting one felt like adding a tiny bit of resilience + hope to my own yard. I can’t wait to watch him grow and change with the seasons. 💛🍂

YouTube video by Acutely Amanda Ginkgo biloba ‘Buddy’ Maidenhair Tree #treeplanting #diy #bethechange

🌱 Planted my very first tree this week — meet Buddy, my Ginkgo biloba ‘Maidenhair Tree’! 🌳✨
The process was messy, grounding, and honestly kind of magical. Here’s why I chose Buddy 👇
#gardening #treeplanting #BookSky 📚💙

youtube.com/shorts/wdUG4...

Yes! Knowing yourself and what helps you is a great tip, thanks for sharing.