Simplicity. Making 2014 an Authentic Year.

January 3, 2014

My typing fingers are rusty, and you know, that is a good thing.
I needed this blog/work/mind break more than I realized.
Over Christmas, I had time to be fully present to my family and to really dive into the beautiful silence that the Christmas season can bring. And yes, that may be an oxymoron considering when my entire family is under one roof, there is never a moment of silence, but really, my heart and mind were at rest. I spent a lot of time thinking about the silence of that first Christmas 2014 years ago, and I took so much comfort there.

The noise of this world and the fast paced rhythm the world often demands can leave us feeling insufficient, spiritually malnourished, and physically exhausted. I felt all of these over the past few months, but I was hustling because it is what I knew how to do. I hustle and make things happen. Even if my motivation was my family, I was getting worn thin. As you remember with this post and this post, I was sensing a turning point for this blog, but I wasn’t quite sure what.

This blog link up was actually really good timing for me. It forced me to think, and mull, and contemplate. We only have one 2014. One year, 365 days, that are made up of simple hours, moments, and CHOICES. I realized it comes down to the small choices I make that pile up to make the life we live in. I crave an authentic simple life for Gabe, the kids, and I where they know they can rest, feel loved, and thrive in. That is all we need in this life and the rest is excess. The rest is the allurement of what I think will make us happy. In reality, it is excess. (Thank you Jen Hatmaker and SEVEN for blowing that can wide open!) Okay I know. I am rambling. I can hear you murmuring behind your screens;) Get to the point Anna!

My word for 2014 is simplicity. Authentic, real, and raw simplicity. Facing my motherhood, my marriage, my creative jobs, and even how I dress with simplicity. Keeping it as honest as possible with myself, my friends, family, and all of you! I might be blogging less, simplifying my calendar and commitments, and continue to simplifying my closet! I know this will allow me to keep my heart in the right place and really take the present for what it was meant to be….a reflection of the great love God has for us.

“There is no greatness where there is not simplicity, goodness, and truth.” – Leo Tolstoy

Now its your turn! I can’t wait to read your word, goals, or reflections for the new year! Read on for the instructions and link up!
VIEW FULL POST

Easy Tousled Waves Hair Tutorial

December 31, 2013

A quick hello to bring you an easy look for your New Years Eve!

Teamed up with the super fun Brielle Brenner again for RUEMag to show you how to get some easy tousled waves for every day or special occasion. Head on over for the How to!

Photography by Chelsey Heidorn

See you January 3rd for the New Years link up!

An Invitation to Join Us in the New Year

December 27, 2013

Merry Christmas dear friends! I can’t tell you how wonderful this time off has been, and after this post, I am going back to it till the New Year! You can see recaps of our Christmas over on instagram….its been a pretty spectacular one so far in all of the simple ways.

Today I am teaming up with a crew of ladies that I respect so much! I highly suggest you get to know them…..you won’t regret it. We thought it would be fun to get all of you involved on this. Hopefully this will create a space to build a strong foundation for the goals and aspirations of the New Year ahead. Sometimes all we need is to speak our hopes out loud and have our peers to support and encourage us. I have a feeling it will spark some great things in 2014~

Each of the hostesses will be sharing and we want you to play along!

THE HOSTESSES:
1. Small Fry Blog
2. Casey Wiegand
3. Kelli Murray
4. In Honor of Design
5. Little Baby Garvin
6. Summer Saldana
7. Oh Dear Drea

HOW IT WORKS:
First, if you want head to each of the hostess’ sites beginning Friday, January 3 check out their posts!
Then, share your own answers to one of the following prompts ( or all of them)!

1. What is something you want to change, or a goal you want to set for the New Year, and what is your plan for making it happen?
2. Many people choose a word to reflect on, live by, or aspire to for the New Year. Let us know your word, how you decided upon it, and how you hope to incorporate it into 2014.
3. I will make 2014 count by…

You will then link up on any ONE of the hostess’ sites. Our links will be interlinked which means that your post will be displayed on all of our sites!
Please share on instagram with the hashtag #making2014count so we can support each other! Can’t wait! See you on January 3rd!

*Photos by the talented Chelsey Heidorn // Skirt c/o Bel and Beau // Sweatshirt: Ily Couture // Shoes: Zara // Necklace: c/o Love Obsessed

Holiday Mulled Wine

December 19, 2013

I only recently came “home” – after 30 years of being abroad. One of the nicest things about my home in Germany is the tradition; especially toward Christmas time. There is probably nothing more enchanting and nostalgic than enjoying a mulled wine, or Glühwein, at a German Christmas market. I have created my own recipe so that you can enjoy it in the comfort of your own home, or near your own fireplace…

Add the following ingredients to a pot, and let it stand for a few hours, or overnight with the lid on, so all the spices can work their fantastic flavors into the juice:

200 ml of black current or concord grape juice (go for something organic, where no extra sugar has been added)
Zest of about a third of an Orange (to taste!) (go with organic, to ensure it has not been treated with chemicals)
4 Slices of Orange
10 whole Cloves
Teaspoon of ground cinnamon or two cinnamon sticks
Teaspoon of ground coriander
A small dash of nutmeg
(Bottle of fruity full bodied red wine) (to avoid the wine going sour, I do not add it to the mix above until I am ready to heat everything up!)

After the flavors have incorporated into the juice, strain out the cloves and orange slices and add the liquid to a pot. Add the wine, and simmer it over medium heat for about 5 to 10 minutes. The longer you simmer, the more alcohol will evaporate, which may be the preferred option for some! Do not let the mixture boil, however!

I love to enjoy these with some Spekulatius cookies, which are traditional spiced Christmas-time cookie popular in the north of Germany and throughout parts of France (Spéculoos in French) & Belgium (Speculaas in Dutch).

*Enjoy*

Eva Gold is the curator behind Passports & Pamplemousse. Born in Germany, she was raised in 6 other countries, and has only recently returned, 30 years later to her “Heimat”. In between trying to re-adapt and open her own business, she blogs about Epicuriosity & Wanderlust – and all things in between.

Messy Twist Tutorial

December 18, 2013

I rarely attempt much of a hairstyle outside of my standard messy bun or lose waves. After trying this 5 step twist, I am thinking I should change things up more often. This is a good one to style for a night out!

VIEW FULL POST

Red Red Wine + La Mer Collections Giveaway

December 17, 2013

Sweater Cape: c/o Kiki LaRue // Denim: c/o Articles of Society // Boots: J. Crew (similar)

Okay a few things…

1) have had these red wine jeans on repeat because a deep red is actually a really versatile and fun color to work with – especially in November and December when you are feeling a little festive;) Articles of Society denim fits me so well, is comfortable, and affordable…all I need in a pair of jeans! You check out their full line here, #ShowYourAOS.

2) I am pressing pause on the blog at the end of the week for a much needed time to focus on this special time of year with my family. I will have a New Years Resolution post, but other than that, its a few weeks of quiet. I will of course be sharing peeks at our Christmas over on instagram if you want to keep in touch there! What is your favorite Christmas tradition you are looking forward to? I have so many it may require a separate post…

3) The super sweet peeps over at LaMer Collections sent this beautiful watch and let me tell you, its pretty fantastic. Its an all in one wrap watch that makes it look like you perfectly matched and stacked your bracelets;) They are making dreams come true and offering one to a reader as well! I already can’t wait to draw a winner. Good luck to all!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cold Hands Warm Hearts Hot Cocoa Party

December 16, 2013

December in Atlanta has been a rainy one, but the sun came out this week and we headed to Bottoms Christmas Tree Farm for a Hot Cocoa party. Mandy Kellogg Rye, styling extraordinaire and super fun friend, organized this shoot for Style Me Pretty Living (see the full gallery there). My children were in happy world land with animals around every turn, hot cocoa and popcorn, and new friends to play with:) Kristin of The Hunted Interior‘s daughter Chloe immediately tackled Veronica in a bear hug and they were friends just like that. Amanda of Wonderfully Lost has a little guy Gabriel’s age and they bonded over hauling Christmas trees:)
Felt very lucky to be a part of this with my little ones!

Hope you enjoy the photos! And be sure to check out the talented crew we worked with:

Styling and Art Direction – Mandy Kellogg Rye, Waiting on Martha
Photography – Rustic White Photography
Chalk Art – Jessica Garvin
Hair and Makeup – Dina Shelton for Stila Cosmetics
Location – Bottoms Christmas Tree Farm
Mugs, Marshmallows, and Hot Chocolate Sticks: Ticket Chocolate

Clothing: Old Navy and Gap
Anna: Coat // Sweater // Blouse // Cords // Shoes
Gabriel: Sweater // Jeans // Shoes // Hat
Veronica: Sweater // Vest // Jeans // Boots // Hat