Happy 4th of July Weekend!

July 5, 2015

We changed our plans last minute due to a rainy forecast and stayed put for the weekend. I know, I’m the idiot who thought she could go camping with three little ones at 36 weeks pregnant, but I held onto hope because I realllly wanted to see all of my family. Swallowed that humble pill and moved on to lockdown pastures…

It ended up being a really good weekend though, just the 5 of us + baby belly, and a good deal of time with friends. Along with millions of other proud Americans, we did many of the patriotic pastime traditions. You know, something like this….. the smell of hot dogs on the grill, watermelon stained shirts, wide eyed faces under firework lit skies, chins dribbled with popsicles, grass stains and bandaids,a history lesson from Gabe to the kids on the meaning of Independence Day (ohhh the questions were comical), sparklers, flag waving, lighting bugs, and a few delicious naps in between.

The babe in utero got a little excited and put me in bed Saturday morning with severe braxton hicks contractions. I kindly reminded him/her that we still had a few weeks to go…their chance to be a firework will come soon enough;)

The highlight may have been getting to meet little miss Claire Vivien in the hospital. I was a little bitter my pregnant pal Jessica had to go have her baby, and leave me in the dust to be pregnant all by my lonesome for a few more weeks, but I quickly forgave her after holding this brand new softer than soft swaddle of beauty. Looking forward to seeing our babes take down milestones together:)

How was your weekend my friends? Hope you had a splendid weekend with your families and loved ones.

“Those who won our independence believed liberty to be the secret of happiness and courage to be the secret of liberty.” ~Louis D. Brandeis

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P.S. Links to some of the maternity pieces I am wearing in the new shop page🙂

Maximilian Francis: TWO yrs old.

June 29, 2015

I’m telling you, June is not short on excitement around here.
“Max the moose” was born a few hours after our anniversary dinner two years ago. I seemed to have blinked this year and woke up with a toddler….or mini man-child. I knew the only thing Max would want for his birthday is cake, balloons, and his best buds so that is what he got. Noticing my keep it simple theme this year? 😉 VIEW FULL POST

7 years of Marriage looks like…

June 29, 2015

Today Gabe and I are celebrating 7 years of marriage.
Each year, the one behind us looks very different from the year before, and we realize more each year how LITTLE you actually know about marriage until you are in the depths of it. We both are continually learning from each other, from our children, and the great examples of marriages of some of our peers and mentors. I don’t think you can ever fully prepare for what marriage holds, but if you are lucky enough to find someone who is willing to always seek the best for the other, chances are, you will do just fine. You may even end up ridiculously happy. Gabe has never given up on loving me through my best and my worst moments, which continues to encourage me to reciprocate the same level of love. The consistent, never waning love through the both the highs and lows is what mounts up to an intimate history that you share only with your spouse. Ultimately, that is the best gift of marriage. A love that holds each other. A love that never gives up or gives out, and changes your personhood for the better… VIEW FULL POST

Fourth of July Party Favor Packs + Weekend Reading

June 26, 2015

We are going camping with my family for Fourth of July Weekend (don’t worry, this preggo will be sleeping in an RV), and I thought it would be fun to surprise the kids with some little distractions for the trip there. Super easy to throw together and customize, which makes for fun Fourth of July party favor packs. I got everything from the $1 bin at Target! Total cost for everything was under $15. Some ideas to get you started….

Fourth of July Surprise Packs
Paper staws
Sunglasses
Lollipops
Glow sticks
Flag hankerchief

The instax mini camera we gave them on our last family trip to use when we were out exploring. It’s pretty hard to break, and seems to give them an incentive to pay closer attention to their surroundings. I chuckle over the polaroids coming out of that camera.

And some weekend reading/viewing:

A few friends of mine shared this awesome take on what Victoria’s Secret Bathing suits look like on real women.

My new one stop spot for party supplies.

My love for stripes runneth over.

Date Crates! Really digging the Sushi one.

What do you all think of the new search and explore option on instagram?

Taking note for our camping experience next weekend…14 Camping Hacks.

I’ve got to see this place in person. The end.

Enjoy your weekend! We have an anniversary and a little 2 yr birthday party to celebrate:)
x, Anna

P.S. Started a shop section for an easy way to share my favorite fashion, home, and children’s finds with you all:) Will update regularly!

3 ingredient Strawberry Pie

June 25, 2015

I recently spent the week in St. Louis with my family, and we had this meal for Sunday dinner. It was delish. My sister Jana treated us all to her homemade Strawberry pie. Oh my lawd, words can’t even describe. I was shocked that the filling requires 3 ingredients. 3! The homemade crust is the recipe of the other Martha in the family…my sister Maria. These forces combined can make a wicked pie!

3 ingredient Strawberry Pie
Filling:
1/4 c. flour
3/4 c. Sugar
4 c. of strawberries quartered (you can add a few more cups of strawberries if you like!)

Mix all ingredients in a bowl and pour into crust.

Crust:
Perfect Pie Crust Recipe
Brush top crust with egg whites.
Foil edges of the crust to prevent burning.
Bake at 400 degrees for 1 hr.

Hope you all enjoy and let me know how it goes!

DIY Wooden Cornhole Set

June 24, 2015

Somehow next weekend is 4th of July! I wanted to share some festive fun this week that my family will personally be putting to use! Today, I am handing this DIY wooden cornhole set over to my husband, Gabe. He kind of knows a little more about woodworking than I. But hey, I did take the pics! Teamwork folks.. VIEW FULL POST

S’more Bar!

June 19, 2015

We have a pretty simple summer bucket list. It is more like a summer goals list.
One of the musts: S’mores. And then repeat as often as possible because you know.

We have a basic backyard firepit grill, and I keep some necessities in stock in our pantry for when the right nights come around. Our preferred magic maker ingredient for that winner smore recipe? VIEW FULL POST