The Friday before a holiday always feels like it should earn a blue ribbon. You made it, although out of breath and maybe panting;) Our whole family has been in need of a re-charge, as even little Gabriel woke up yesterday crying because he was “too tired for Kindergarten.” (Which never happens.) I think our bodies always know when we are gearing up for rest, as it seems it starts to shutdown ahead of time. You know?… VIEW FULL POST
As my children get older, I want to make the effort to spend one on one time to each of them when I can. Since Veronica is now 3 1/2, she has become very curious in the kitchen. Since I never like doing anything alone (big family problems), I welcome the little assistant. At the right time of course. ie: Not at dinner time. More like when Max is napping, big brother is at school, and there is a little time for mistakes. We put on the record player, tie little aprons and get baking.
Baking with kids gives them a little challenge of responsibility and independence, which my little miss loves. These cookies are easy for kids to bake, and also a good option for them to eat at holiday gatherings! I adapted this recipe from Averie Cooks slightly because I always have a hankering for caramel, and made the batch for larger yield. VIEW FULL POST
Look 1: Baseball Tunic (50% off) // Front Panel Leggings // Booties Look 2: Signature Tee // Moto Jacket (similar) // Front Panel Leggings // Wide Brim Fedora // Necklace
I have found the perfect tees. And I mean, I will never be able to settle for another. The dating game has ended friends, and the marriage is happening to Lou & Grey‘s long and soft tees. And the price tag is stellar.
I also found a perfect mix of stylish neutrals to dress up or down in. Picked up this sweater dress for winter months, the front panel leggings to pair with longer length tops, and the softest baseball tee tunic that I will find every excuse to wear! (All #consciouscloset material;))
If you have a Lou & Grey store near you, I highly recommend walking in and swooning over their store set up. It will give you all the right ideas for apartment and home decorating. The copper pendant lamps!! The store pictured above is the brand new location at the Avalon in Alpharetta, GA. But alas, lucky for us, there is an online site to take advantage of too. And guess what? It’s currently all 50% off!
x, Anna
Shop the Post:
Photos by the talented Chelsey Heidorn. This post is sponsored by Lou & Grey, and all thoughts are completely my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make the blog possible!
All I had to hear was “travel friendly” and “wrinkle free.” Sold. MM. LaFleur is a new startup that specializes in stylish and sophisticated business travel clothing for women! I am spotlighting the company over on Conde Nast Traveler. Business travel outfits right to your door! Keep what you love, and send back the rest. And let me tell you, it will be difficult not to keep it allll….read on!
Hope you all had a great weekend! It’s cold and rainy here in the A, so we are snuggling up with music and hot drinks over here:)
Anna
Anyone who knows me well could tell you I go bonkers for all things Anthropologie😉 This flannel weekender is no exception. Thick, wooly, roomy, and…..flannel. Which means it wins all categories. (wink wink) This is what I will be toting to Nashville for Thanksgiving and St. Louis for Christmas. Just enough room for a smartly packed week or long weekend!
It’s kind of a dream to team up with my favorite company for a few posts! They are kindly giving away a choice weekender to one of you IHOD readers!
Enter via rafflecopter below! Best of luck friends! (Seriously wish you could all be winners!)
Happy Weekend!
Anna
All photos by Chelsey Heidorn Photography
Will draw a winner next Friday!
At the end of the day Saturday, I was physically and mentally exhausted, but felt so much happiness. When an idea for a business formulates in your mind, you only have a projection of what you hope it will be. After the last Brand Market workshop of the year, I looked around at the room full of people, and realized we all had something in common. We were pretty feisty fighters. Believers. Hustlers. Hard working hustlers. Maybe even stubborn;) We each are pursuing the American Dream. I was thankful to be a part of bringing everyone together, and see the small seed of an idea formulate and come to life in that room.
We won’t talk about how nervous I got this time around, but anyways… on to the fun pics…
How about this swoon worthy set up by Blue Eyed Yonder? Those vintage bleacher chairs did me in! (Atlanta on the Rise sign by Wild Standard)
The event was held at Foster ATL which was such a cool experience.
I don’t think I could have asked for better co-hosts and guest speakers!
Waiting on Martha
Phil Sanders
Moe Blake
Adam Lindenau
The insanely beautiful florals were brought together by Allison Song (who just launched a monthly flower subscription service btw!)
Lovable Foods killed it with their food set up, and provided a wholesome and delicious lunch for everyone. You have to check out their catering for deliverable lunches and events!
Jessica Garvin hand wrote some of the fun signs!
We had some fantastic companies send prizes for our guests:
Kelly Moore Bag (You have to read the winner’s story!)
Foto Strap
Julep Maven
Aspen Summit
Tiny Prints
Sterling Graves provided all of the photos for the day. He is incredibly talented.
It was quite a year 2014! You can sign up for the newsletter on The Brand Market website for some big announcements coming soon and new city reveals!
Grateful to each person who was a part of the day:)
x, Anna
I blame Seaside Beach for the incurable desire to have a yellow bike with a basket. Happiness is inevitable when riding a yellow bike;) I have a sturdy and faithful huffy bike that has traveled between states with me over time, and I was getting the drift she was ready for a change too. So we took the leap into golden yellow, and teamed up with ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape to make it happen.
{Before and After}
Supplies:
ScotchBlueTM Painter’s Tape Original Multi-Use 2090
Metal Primer Spray Paint
Advance Formula Spray Paint
Bike Seat Cover (optional)
Basket (optional)
Directions for Your DIY Bike Makeover:
1) Wash Your Bike – Just use warm soapy water and a rag and make sure you wash and dry before starting your project!
2) Remove Wheels – Thankfully I had some backup manpower to disassemble the wheels (thanks Gabe).
3) Apply Tape – Wrap and double wrap every section you do not want painted, with ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape You have to be really thorough and double check every inch of the bike!
4) Prime – I highly recommend using a primer spray for metal and aluminum bikes to hold the lacquer spray well and prevent chipping.
5) Spray Paint – Depending on the type and color of your spray paint you may need to apply two coats. I spray painted one coat on one side, let dry, flipped over, and spray painted the other side. This worked pretty well!
6) After your bike is completely dry, you can reassemble the wheels, add a basket, a bike seat cover, and maybe a batch of fresh florals. (Florals pictured by Allison Song)
You now have yourself a bike that makes you feel like you are on vacation;) There are so many ways you can get creative with this. Color blocking, stripes, or maybe even neapolitan. I would love to see what you come up with if you tackle a bike makeover!
I am proud to be a 3M sponsored blogger, and, as part of my responsibilities, I get the opportunity to evaluate ScotchBlueTM Painter’s Tape. Opinions are my own and additional products used in the project were selected by me.
Scotch Blue: