9 Neurotic Things to Do While Traveling

June 19, 2014

Destination: CATravel Behavior} IHOD

This post was written in my journal on the way to L.A. this past weekend, not really intending to post, but throwing myself under the bus just for your entertainment…

I got on a plane this morning destined for Alaska, but I am hopping off at Los Angeles. Lucky for me, planes are not like cars in which you can miss your exit or I surely would be that person who somehow finds themselves in Juneau, Alaska with a distraught look on her face. My alarm went off at 4:30 AM which has resulted in a befuddled state of mind and questionable behavior. So here I am somewhere over Minnesota or maybe Arizona, attempting to record my neurotic travel behavior. Things that may draw unwanted attention to yourself while traveling…

1) Sit on someone’s lap as you try to passive aggressively dive for the last charging station available while waiting to board your flight.

2) Start reading your phone on the plane while you wait for the flight to take off and cry puddles of tears to make your friendly neighbor to your right as uncomfortable as possible. (It was a particularly riveting blog post, what can I say?)

3) Laugh out loud at the terribly un-funny video on airplane safety.

4) Ask for peanuts at the un-ripe hour of 7AM and then eat them like it was the first meal you have ever had in your life.

5) Wear a sleep travel pillow around your neck and proceed to do everything BUT sleep.

6) Finally fall asleep with the travel pillow still around your neck and bob and weave and drool an excessive amount in the innocent passenger’s seat to your right who is now thinking through how he request a seat change.

7) Harass the person behind you by trying to get your seat at just the right position by adjusting it in recline and upright back and forth 17 times before deciding it was best to keep it up all along.

8) Speed walk yourself off that plane bonking your suitcase against every single seat you pass and as you thank the pilot take note of the concerned look they have on their face.

And had to add this one from my flight back to Atlanta…

9) Frantically chug your giant bottle of fresh squeezed juice that you forgot was in your bag before going through the security line. That decision not to waste the $9 you paid for it at a local CA coffee shop was worth sacrificing your dignity for as you dizzily stagger up to security check point feeling queazy and unstable…

It’s true friends, so I don’t blame you if you are questioning my sanity at this moment. You can make me feel better if you want by pretending you have done one of these before….{wink}.

x, Anna

The Brand Market NYC

June 18, 2014

New York…I think it draws in some of the most creative minds and outside of the box thinkers in the U.S. This is why I couldn’t wait to visit. I got my own dose of exploring in and observing store fronts and businesses. The Brand Market workshop on Saturday was a really great crew. Both the co-hosts and attendees are women I admire and respect dearly. It was an honor to experience this event with them! We had the event at M.Wild Studio, with decor by Tinsel Design, furniture by Octavia Brown, and all these brilliant photos by Diane Hu Photography

NYC Workshop {Social Media Panel}

Octavia Brown Rentals
{Octavia Brown Furniture}

NYC Brand Market workshopFloral Hanging {Florals and decor by Tinsel & Twine}

Jessie Artigue and Hilary Rushford{Jessie Artigue of Style and Pepper and Hilary Rushford of Dean Street Society}

Tinsel & Twine FloralsIHOD {Dress via Shop Dress Up}

Mica May {Mica May of May Designs talked on managing a growing business.}

May Designs {May Designs brought custom notebooks for everyone!}

one on one consult {One on one sessions}

Onli Bevs{Onli Beverages supplied fresh drinks for the day!}
NYC Map Print
{NYC Map Print and Field Trip Mouse Pad}

Valentina Black {Candles from Valentina Black}

Tote Bagsswag bags

Inside our swag bags:
Mouse pads: Field Trip
You are a Gem cards: Darling and Dear
Soap Bars: Koromiko
Temporary Tattoos: Tattly
NYC Map Print: Evelyn Henson
Bottle openers and Salt Shakers: Kate Aspen
Party Straws: Twigs and Twirls
Heart Stickers: Thatch & Thistle
Notebooks: May Designs
Leather Key Fobs: Son of a Sailor
Workbooks: Sponsored by MyFonts

I was all ears for Hilary Rushford’s segment on managing multiple businesses and creating content that keeps your audience coming back. I also picked up some fantastic resources from the business savvy Jessie Artigue. Mica May’s story of running her business May Designs from her living room to mega successful 24 person company had us all on the edge of our seats!

Once again I left the weekend feeling completely thankful for an opportunity to be connected with men and women such as this, and to have a part in helping others achieve their entrepreneur goals.

The next workshop will be in Chicago on August 2nd. Ticket sales will be announced in the newsletter first, so hop on if you want first dibs!

All photos by Diane Hu Photography

Floral Prints.

June 17, 2014

Floral Dress} IHODFlorals - IHOD

Hi friends!
Recovering from back to back trips and time zone switches which has me feeling like I have a hangover….for 48 hrs!

Thought you might like to check out my recent post on eHow about styling floral prints. Something I intentionally avoided till I found a few ways to wear them that felt like me. What other topics do you all want me to cover? Shoot me some ideas I am all ears!
x, Anna

Look 1: JunieBlake Dress c/o // Old Navy Hat // Dolce Vita Shoes
Look 2: TJMaxx Top // 7FAM Jeans c/o // Just Fab Sandals // J.Crew Hat // Ray-Ban Sunnies

Travel Wear: NYC

June 12, 2014

Sara KerensFlorals | IHOD | Sara Kerens Photography Sara Kerens
Wearing: Romper: Love Sadie // Sandals: Just Fab // Hat: Shop Sosie // Bag: Wink & Winn c/o
(All photos by Sara Kerens)

I spent an afternoon in downtown NYC with some friends a few weeks ago and I am looking forward to sharing some spots we found! Got to hang out with Sara Kerens who is a fashion photographer killing it in the big city! Loved getting to know her. I actually try to avoid big trends but this floral romper looked so comfortable and had so many of my favorite colors that I had to give in. It was perfect for a day of traveling.

Tomorrow morning I am off on another trip for The Brand Market, and we just got back from our family vacation in St. Louis. To be honest, my blog is taking a back seat these days and I am struggling to keep up. This is a first for me so I am in yet another re-adjustment period of figuring out how to manage two jobs without it taking away from my family. Will keep you posted on that!
x, Anna

P.S. If you want to follow along the L.A. trip I will be sharing some instagram shots on IHOD and Brand Market!

Somoa Shakes

June 9, 2014

My talented friend Meghan is taking over again today sharing a recipe I whole heartedly approve of;) She comes up with the best things!

Somoa Shakes| Stir & ScribbleChocolate Caramel Coconut ShakesToasted Coconut } IHOD homemade caramel sauce

This Chocolate Coconut Caramel Shake is several months of obsession in the making. I first caught the idea of a Samoa flavored shake over coffee with girlfriends one night and I could not stop thinking about it. I had to have one. So I went the usual shake making route of buying chocolate ice cream and caramel sauce and throwing them in a blender with some toasted coconut. Good gracious, it was delicious. The biggest problem was I wanted one everyday.

So I devised a plan to make a ‘healthier’ version of the original shake without ice cream. Yes, a shake without ice cream! It turns out coconut milk and ice come together in the blender and become a ridiculously smooth and creamy shake. I went a little over the top and made my own Coconut Caramel and Chocolate Syrup but I promise that this shake is just as delicious with good-old store bought caramel and chocolate sauce too.

Bonus – if you make the sauces yourself this shake is also dairy free and vegan!

Chocolate Coconut Caramel Shake
Makes 2 servings

1 cup ice
1 (16 ounce can) coconut milk, full or low-fat
½ cup Coconut Caramel
½ cup Chocolate Syrup
¼ Toasted Coconut Flakes, plus more for garnishing

Combine the ice, coconut milk, Coconut Caramel, Chocolate Syrup, and coconut flake in a blender and puree until smooth. Serve immediately.

Coconut Caramel
Makes 2 cups caramel sauce
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup water
1 tablespoon corn syrup
1 cup full fat coconut milk, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon kosher salt

Combine the sugar, water, and, corn syrup in a heavy-bottomed 2-quart saucepan. Attach a candy thermometer and cook over medium heat, without stirring, until the mixture turns golden amber and reaches 320 degrees F.

Immediately remove from the heat and add the coconut milk, vanilla extract and salt and stir carefully. Return to medium heat and cook until the mixture reaches 230 degrees F. Pour the caramel into a heat-proof bowl and cool for 20 minutes before using.

Chocolate Syrup
Makes 2 cups

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 cup cold water
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt until lump free in a medium saucepan. Add the water and whisk over medium heat until boiling, stirring constantly.

Continue boiling until mixture thickens, about 4 to 5 minutes. The mixture will still be thin, but will thicken as it cools. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Cool at least 30 minutes before using. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Toasted Coconut Flakes
Makes 12 ounces toasted coconut

1 12-ounce bag unsweetened coconut flakes

Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the coconut into an even layer on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes. Stir the coconut and bake an additional 2 to 3 minutes or until golden. Remove from the oven and cool completely on the baking sheet. Store in an airtight container.

Meghan Splawn is a professional recipe developer, wife, and mama. Meghan’s blog, Stir and Scribble, is full of clever cooking and useful kitchen tips. She’s a fan of candy, classic cocktails, and fuss-free family dinners.

Find more of Meghan here: twitter | pinterest |instagram.

Make your own Kimono – Verily Magazine

June 5, 2014

DIY Kimono | IHOD

Hey friends:) As you may already know, I was asked to be a style DIY contributor for Verily Magazine which was a no brainer because its a magazine that is creating such a positive impact on women in our society today. This week I am sharing the three simple steps to make your own kimono! I have made a few because they were too easy and a fun lightweight layer for summer.

I hope you enjoy!
x, Anna

Backyard Party Planning Part 2

June 4, 2014


As you may remember, I am planning a dinner party with Pier 1 to host in our backyard in a few weeks! Its been fun to treasure hunt at my local store to find items that really speak our style and what we want the party to feel like. It may have taken a few trips, and way too long decision making over something simple like what color bowls to use, but hey…. Serving Bowl
^^Found just the right wooden servers for a wide salad bowl.^^ Yard Chair
^^Picked up a few of these beauties for the heads of the table.^^ Drinks and Apps
^^Found a VERY large glass drink server which we felt was important to go ahead and try out…. gotta make sure the flow is just right… Watermelon Spritzer bohemian plates ^^And couldn’t resist the melamine bowls and forks to complete the dinner set. (Can you believe they are melamine??)^^ Pulling all of the pieces together and Gabe is busy working on the table (he is such a good sport and I am hoping he won’t resent me by the end of this…;)). There were so many fun seating options it was hard to narrow down which to use. I went with the basic seating on the sides of the table and the bright San Marten chairs for the heads of the table. I kind of just wanted to get this. Since we have the playlist ready, now it is time to menu plan! Will be sure to give you a re-cap after it is all said and done:) x, Anna
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Pier1Imports_Logo (1)Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Pier 1 via Mode Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Pier 1. Find What Speaks to You.

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