Local Notes: Taproom Coffee

October 6, 2014

I have lived in Atlanta for several years now, and I am still discovering new places. Every area takes on it’s own character, and Kirkwood is no exception. An older part of Atlanta with old Victorian homes that give you heart eyes as you drive past their wrap around porches and three story windows. Sigh…

Tucked in a cobblestone shopping street is Taproom Coffee. I have yet to find a space that offers both a strong cup of joe and brew on tap. Something for morning, noon, and night! Pastries are made fresh by Mae’s Bakery if you need a little something with that latte. Taproom Coffee offers a very upbeat urban vibe with bold oranges and blues, hanging light pendants, and cement walls.

If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of trying Counter Culture Coffee, this is the place to try it. They use Bonmac drip cones to make sure an ounce of flavor is not lost in the process.

I will let the pictures tell the rest of the story. These are extra from a story I am working on for Conde Nast Traveler. Will report the rest of Atlanta’s finest coffee shops this week!

Taproom Coffee
1936 Hosea L Williams Dr. #R106
Atlanta, GA 30317

Thank you Haley Sheffield photography for the photos and introducing me to the space!

Conscious Closet: Building a Wardrobe from Scratch

September 30, 2014

Well now that it is on the blog, I am committed! 😉
Taking the leap and putting a conscious effort to build a smart closet and eliminate excess.

I thought it would help to show you items I already have or recently purchased I am putting into this category. This way, you all can join along with the challenge if you choose, but really it’s just to hold me accountable;)

About the pieces: I wanted to choose pieces that are interchangeable, comfortable, high quality, and timeless. Trendy pieces are fun, but I realize it ends up being money down the drain, since the trend leaves as fast as it comes. Granted, I will still report to you on trends for the eHow style blog, but these are the pieces I am focusing on for a long term closet.

I admire minimalism and simplicity and want to be more disciplined about this lifestyle. It can be challenging when you are surrounded by a materialistic culture, but ultimately, I know I feel so much more at peace when there is less, and gratitude for what you have.

Also hoping to support brands who incorporate ethical guidelines in their product creation and distribution. I am learning so much about this topic and hope to learn more!

Ready? Join in the fun on instagram and share your closet building fun!

*Anna

Starting from the top left: Chambray shirt (another similar one)// Utility Jacket (similar here or here) // Wool Fedora // Blush Blouse // Dark Wash Skinnies // Blush Leather Flats (similar) // Striped Skirt // Wide Brim Fedora // Checked Button Down // Track Pants // Sleeveless Trench (similar) // Seed Stitch Raglan // Black Coated Skinnies // Leopard Flats (similar here or here)

Styling the Classic Trench

September 25, 2014

Finally found a few good options for classic trenches to style this fall. Did a little Nancy Drew sleuthing and styled these a few ways over on the eHow style blog. See ya there!

I am headed to D.C. this weekend for The Brand Market workshop Any good spots to check out while I am there?

x, Anna

P.S. If we were playing a game of who wore it best, I would obligingly agree that Audrey wore it best;)

Look One: Dress // Trench Coat c/o // Shoes c/o // Tote c/o // Umbrella (Madewell)
Look Two: Dress (Gap old but similar) // Sleeveless Trench // Flats (Gap old)) // Sunnies

Shop Scoop: Zuzii

September 24, 2014

After three little ones I have quickly realized how pointless it is to buy shoes that a) do not stay on their feet or b) are not durable. I have concluded leather lasts the longest and fits the best. I will only get a few pairs for each (Veronica sometimes being the exception;)) and they wear them on repeat until they outgrow them.

When I stumbled on Zuzii footwear I died a little inside of the miniature cuteness and handmade leather quality. I just want you all to go peek at the whole collection, and then come back and tell me what you think:) Pretty bonkers right?

Veronica insists on wearing her pair to bed at night and I reassure her they will still be there in the morning. The proved durable and stable enough for Max the tornado and so I am nodding my hat to their successful design.

x, Anna

P.S. There is a women’s line.

Veronica: Cardi // Dress // Specs // Shoes c/o
Max: Shirt // Trousers // Dad’s hat // Shoes c/o

Local Notes ATL: Bar Taco

September 23, 2014

My secret wish is that a taco stand will open right across the street from me one day, but until then, I have found my taco match.

Bar Taco is new to the Atlanta area, but has a few locations across the country. Not only are the soft tacos addictive, savory, and spectacular, but the whole menu is. Gabe and I took the family and ordered the Chef selection small tray and it was plenty of food for the both of us. Whatever you order, make sure the chorizo taco is one your selections;)

The atmosphere seals the deal.
An open garage door walks you into the center bar where you can look up and view the masses of hanging basket light fixtures. A fine selection of large art prints right above the navy striped seating, and each employee dressed in gingham and chucks. A breezy back patio in case you want to enjoy the outdoors, and just the right music selection.

I promise this place will not disappoint! And you may see me there….just indulging in one too many chorizo tacos. 🙂

Bar Taco
969 Marietta Street
Atlanta, GA

Instagram | Facebook

Photos by Chelsey Heidorn and IHOD

Runway to Room + Weekend Clickables

September 19, 2014

The Fig Hotel from the latest post on Conde Nast Traveler

We have two days left of summer till September 21st brings in the new season. I think Atlanta took note. It’s beautiful here. Hope to meet some of you local friends at the Maiedae Mixer!
Wanted to leave you with some fun reads for your weekend so TGIF!

x, Anna

Clickable wonders:

The marvelous Hilary Rushford launched her Style & Styleability series!

10 business tips by Joanna Goddard.

A snack I can’t wait to try that fits in with clean eating!

Every article in Darling Magazine Issue 9 was good, but there is an incredibly well written article about sex. You will just have to order an issue to find out why:)

A genius budget shopping app.

Thinking I’ll add one of these to my #consciouscloset.

Had a highlighted spot on my calendar for Wit & Delight’s line for Target release.

Cleverest pregnancy announcement I ever did see.

This recent kickstarter may not be raising big funds, but its garnered it’s fair share of attention (and for good reason!)

Elsewhere:

Condé Nast Traveler: 8 Camping tips for a stress free weekend
eHow Style Blog: Double fish braid bun tutorial
Condé Nast Traveler: Interior Design inspired by Spring ’15 Runway

Diary of a SAHWM

September 19, 2014

Photo by Chelsey Heidorn from our Family photo shoot.

Every day that I have been a mother, I have been a stay at home working mother. (SAHWM)
What I would call a mother who is sincerely trying to balance it all, who desperately wishes she had more hours in the day, more organization, more patience, and more coffee. I have had a range of titles, trying to figure out what works best with my family. From a graphic designer, accessory shop owner, blogger, and now creative business consultant, every week of motherhood has been a fight to balance the two worlds for fear one may squash the other. A work hard at night so that I don’t miss to much of their sweet little lives during the day mentality.

“Normal Day, let me be aware
of the treasure you are.
Let me learn from you, love you,
bless you before you depart.
Let me not pass you by in quest
of some rare and perfect tomorrow.”
-M.J. Iron

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