2015.

January 5, 2015

(Pic we snapped on New Year for this Conde Nast Traveler post. Dress by Donna Morgan)

2015. That is large number to type out and frankly has my 1999 heart wigging out.
I’ll come to terms eventually….maybe in June or July.

2014 was such a whirlwind that I crashed hard towards the end. It left me in need of a clear calendar and time to rest.
I was doubting everything, which meant it was time to reflect and renew. I don’t think we always have to have all the resolutions and clarity come January 1st, and sometimes those goals take a while to formulate. I am patiently waiting for those big clear ideas to arrive, but maybe they flew the coop and will never come back? Oh well. For now, these bigger, non-concrete goals that will take daily attention are taking root…

1) No Expectations – Not out of fear of disappointments, but a freedom to live each day as it comes with an acceptance of the good and the messy and everything in between. Small stepsI’m taking for living a peace filled home:)

2) Break free of those negative limitations we can easily put on ourselves, and allow God to break through and surprise me with what He can do when I let go of the controls.

Gabe and I always make goals for us and for our family as well. I also set business or blog goals, but to be honest, I am waiting for the fog to clear on the direction of this blog and The Brand Market. Will keep you posted on that;)

What about you friends? I’d love to hear your goals, resolutions, or WORD of the year!

Thanks for being a part of 2014, and I am looking forward to a fresh new year with you all!
Anna

Christmas is here!

December 30, 2014

I think it’s safe to say my children start counting down till Christmas all year long. Me brothers and sisters all travel home each year to my parent’s home in St. Louis so we can spend a few wonderful chaotic days all under one roof for the best day of the year. The best moments are kept in good memory with no need for camera captures, but here are is just a glimpse of the days that carry me through the new year and till the time we all can meet again…

Christmas Eve carols with a bossy 3 year old choir director.^^

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Christmas and New Year Table Setting Ideas

December 22, 2014

I admit I am completely lazy with table setting during the year, but Christmas brings out the best in everything! It is a time to bring out the showstoppers and extra details, because it is a celebration! Of the best days of the year surrounded by your nearest and dearest. Here are a few ideas to get your wheels turning for your own celebrations coming up…

1) Party poppers create an instant dinner party when you have a surprise waiting for each guest at their setting. These are popular this year so you can find them at HomeGoods, Costco, etc. This particular one is from Anthropologie. I used a french napkin fold for the center of the bowl with a geometric napkin ring.

2) You can mix and match plates and bowls depending on the color scheme you are going for, but charcoal grey, white, and gold are easily interchangeable. You can place napkins directly under the bowl with ornament centers to round out your place setting;)

3) A little festive bow fold napkin takes a few minutes to create, (try this tutorial), and is especially fun when you have patterns to mix. Make sure you test out the width of your bowls so it rests well on top.

4) I picked up some red berry branches at Whole Foods to use in a vase. Tuck them inside a napkin ring to add your instant holiday color. This was a simple roll up napkin fold inside of a geometric napkin ring.

5) Oranges are in season so take advantage! Use a thumb tack to stick a wire edged ribbon on top for a bow. The vibrant color always adds life to the table.

I included links for everything pictured below. Any other fun ideas? Do share!

I can hardly wait for Christmas and New Years with all of my brothers and sisters. We wait all year for this! Wishing you all safe travels if you are heading to see family or friends!

x, Anna

ITEMS FEATURED:

Black and Gold

December 15, 2014

What are you all wearing Christmas/ Christmas Eve? It is usually a decision I make the day of, and scramble to get things together like tights with no snags;)

I teamed up with Anne Klein to style a few holiday pieces and fell for the detailing in this skirt, which is now a contender for Christmas festivities. And the sweater with leather trim? Definately adding this piece to my #consciouscloset efforts. (Both pieces launching on the site soon!)

I am looking forward to this last full week before Christmas. The anticipation is in the air!
Wishing you much peace this coming week!

Outfit details: Top, skirt, watch: Anne Klein c/o // Boots: Sam Edelman // Necklace: Kendra Scott // Clutch: Wink & Winn

Gift Guide Throwback: Christmas DIY Gifts

December 14, 2014

I haven’t been able to devote the time like I used to in creating holiday gift guides. I probably spent a little too much time on them;) A few years ago was the last one I published, and there were quite a few golden DIY’s, recipes, and festive ideas included….

(DIY Geometric Chocolate Stir Sticks by Hank and Hunt)

(Throw a Christmas Dinner with Friends by Marshall’s Abroad)

(Peppermint Chocolate Truffles by Oh My Veggies)

(DIY Table Runner by Ampersand Design Studio)

(DIY Berry Syrup by Freutcake)

You can still see all the how-tos and images in the original IHOD gift guide🙂
Hope you all had a splendid Decemeber weekend!

A Festive Holiday Bar Cart

December 11, 2014

I skimp over holiday decorating throughout the year. Maybe some fall decorating, maybe some spring florals for Easter, but Christmas? Make way! I save all of my decorating energy for this most wonderful time of the year. Our neighbors surely think we are party poopers until Christmas rolls around;) We have our annual Christmas party next week and even the bar cart was converted to a festive merry maker on wheels! Here is how I gave it a Christmas punch…

I don’t think I have made a cranberry and popcorn garland since I was 8 years old. Maybe it’s the old Christmas movies that convince me it is needed in the world though, so the over achiever in me decided my bar cart needed a garland. Didn’t actually take very long to string up, and is the perfect mindless activity to do while watching a Christmas movie! I also added in some fresh berries and greenery, long branches, and faux gold berries in mercury vases for the top and bottom shelves. I love a silver and gold theme, and will probably carry that them over to the table.

Next, WINE. By the way, it was fun hearing from you all on FB of what wines you love to entertain with. Recently, Kendall-Jackson AVANT® sent over some of their blend to try, and I cannot wait to serve it to guests. K-J AVANT Red Blend has rich raspberry and bold black cherry flavors and hints of spice and dark chocolate which you can imagine dances on the palate. I am dreaming up some appetizers to pair it with such as bacon wrapped dates! Any other ideas you all have? Appetizers are my favorite thing to talk about;)

The bottom is stocked with glasses which is only visible after sweet little toddler hands are snoozing in bed of course. The wine and whiskey decanters are a fun way to display your drinks and offer a way for guests to get an aroma before pouring!

A gold tray for holding the bar tools, bottle opener, and a few fun entertainment options like playing cards, and conversation starters were a few more additional elements on top.

I can’t wait to have some time with good friends so close to Christmas. Will share some more entertaining ideas soon! Cheers!

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Details from Top to Bottom: Bar Cart: West Elm c/o // Bar Tools // Gold Tray // Coasters // Bar Cards // Bittermilk // Antler Wine Opener // Wine: K-J Avant c/o // Wine Bottle // Bottle Stoppers // Mercurey Tall Vase // Mercurey Gourd Vase // Whiskey Bottle // Glassware

This post is sponsored by K-J AVANT wine. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the companies that make this blog possible!

December morning with Anthropologie

December 10, 2014

As you all know, December has been slow down month for us. It has been a really good time of rejuvenation and getting ready for the new year ahead. I especially look forward to weekend mornings. They are never quiet mind you (hello little miss morning bird Veronica!), but they are easy paced and always involve a hot breakfast and a record player.

Recently, I got the royal treatment in bed which hasn’t happened since mother’s day! My little ones love to surprise me lately even if it means a scribble scrabbled note they made the moment before. So when Gabe schemed up a breakfast plot, they were beaming with smiles to deliver it. I love how they can’t really keep surprises either since they can hardly stand to keep it to themselves.

I would say my husband can cook up a better breakfast than I any day. Scalloped potatoes with over easy eggs, sauteed tomatoes, cranberry orange juice, and fresh fruit. Still thinking about it…ahhh. Although, I don’t believe any mother has every really eaten breakfast in bed without a few hands tackling it before she does;)

We have a few more weeks before we head to St. Louis for Christmas. I am hoping I get a few more mornings like this (no breakfast needed, maybe just coffee) with my little ones. It has been so good to have more time with them.

Also, so grateful to Anthropologie for helping me re-vamp our bedroom! It was time to give it some much needed attention:) Will be posting more photos soon! Details of the room: Enmore Embroidered duvet c/o and shams, Embroidered Aravalli curtains c/o, frames via Frambebridge, end tables made by Gabe, Anthropologie candles and hardware c/o, rugs by Momeni via Home Brands USA c/o