The Perfect Nude Pump

July 8, 2014

Wearing: Dress: J.Crew (on super sale) // Clutch: BaliELF c/o // Sunnies: Old Navy // Necklace: Roe BLVD // Pumps: ShoeMint c/o

As you can tell I am over the posey pics, so we played around with movement and shadows this go around. The shoes made me do it you know….

I have a tendency to avoid looks that are too matchy-matchy so throwing in a nude pump with some bold electric blue is my way of throwing off the expected. It’s tough to find a good nude pump though, I tell ya what! I searched high and wide. So when ShoeMint offered to team up again, I said sure…… as long as you throw me a nude pump that can kick the tires and light the fires! (Wink wink.)

As you can see, these do the trick and they really do kick it too the curb on all fronts! Comfortable believe it or not, not too round, not too pointy, and that perfect hue of blush nude. I can even do my squat jumps and not topple over so we are winning. A few other fab things you should know about ShoeMint in case you aren’t familiar: Free shipping both ways (tops my list!), refined materials such as leather and suede at an affordable price point, AND new styles are added monthly which makes it fun to re-visit. Whenever I login I see what shoes are geared towards my style profile, and always I nod my head and say “mmmmhmmm….you got that right.” On par every time!

UPDATE: Giveaway closed.

This post is sponsored by ShoeMint. It is 100% my own opinion. Thank you for supporting the companies that make this blog possible!

Outtake Reel: Fourth of July

July 7, 2014

4th of July is a huge celebration in my extended family, but since we are traveling next week, we stayed put and enjoyed the long weekend with some friends. Fireworks, steam engine parade, pool time, s’more making…..you get the idea. I am taking some much needed time off in July for the most part. No big events, workshops, or even big blog projects (I have some content already done that I will be sharing:))! For the first time in a looooong time, I had no big deadline looming over my head and was able to spend a solid four days with my sweet family with no interruptions. I even baked a pie friends. It was grand.

I think as a blogger there is a pressure we can put on ourselves to only post perfect photos. I value good photography and keeping strong visuals, but when it comes to my family, some of the best photos that capture the moment are in my outtake real. so I thought it would be appropriate to show you a bunch of outtake (and a few that made the instagram cut;)) snaps from my iphone that are actually some of my very favorite. Happy Monday. I know it might be a groggy one, so enjoy this.

Nena & Co. + Giveaway

July 2, 2014

When I was in L.A., I had a little time to meet up with some friends I have kept in touch with for a while through the blog world and finally got to connect with in real life! Ali of Nena & Co. was one of them. She is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful gals I have ever met, and she had a heart of gold to match! I loved getting to chat with her about all the behind the scenes ins and outs of our crazy entrepreneur lives.

And I believe I am not the only one who goes a little nutty for everything in her shop. We wanted to team up again to give one you all a new Day Bag II (it’s dreamy!) AND a pair of Corte Leather Loafers! To enter, head on over to instagram! Good luck friends!

Love, Anna (and Ali!)

Wearing: Tee: J.Crew (on clearance!) // Denim: Free People // Shoes: Shop Dress Up // Sunnies: H&M (similar)

The Brand Market: Chicago here we come!

July 1, 2014

This rad photo of Carly by Eslee

Hey Chicago entrepreneurs,
I can’t wait to see your beautiful city again and tackle business talk with you!
The Brand Market is heading your way and for the first time, we will have break out sessions with the coolest bunch of super savvy men and women who are ready to help you take your brand to the next level! Mandy Kellogg Rye will be my main co-host with three other group session leaders that will target specific topics you will be able to choose from. Whether you are a blogger, shop owner, photographer, florist, brick and mortar shop, or just beginning to dream your idea, this workshop is designed for you! And you can write it off as a tax deduction for business learning and development!

The workshop will be held at the breathtaking Palm Court at Loyola University. Ticket sales are now live and there are only 20 spots, so snag one here.
Can’t wait to meet you!
*Anna

P.S. D.C. you are next! Mark your calendar – September 20th!

Short Stack Reading .01

June 30, 2014

{Three ways to style Printed Shorts this week for eHow}

I have been making a point to take time to read more. It is something I have always loved, but feel the need to do more of it now to keep my mind sharp (which seems to drastically shrink after having kids…). I want to be aware of the different current events in the world, open my eyes to different cultures, and learn about different topics….

A short stack reading list:
Worth pondering: In Search of Meaning

A must read for bloggers: this article by Grace Bonney on Racked.

A book I read in one flight, that I couldn’t put down. (We are reading this for sister book club:))

Watched and learned about the You Are Beautiful project and promptly booked Matthew Hoffman to be a speaker at our Chicago Brand Market workshop.

A magazine I am hooked on and newly subscribed to.

6 secrets to being a happy mother – I couldn’t agree more.

And in good humor, if you are familiar with Ann Coultor’s opinion on soccer and the World Cup, you will appreciate this brilliant article.

I won’t overwhelm you, so we will keep it at that for now! Have a great start to your week!
*Anna

Maximilian Francis: 1 Year + Giveaway

June 29, 2014

{Max’s little shortalls from Ladida Kids}

One year ago, Max arrived in the early hours of the morning, right after our anniversary dinner. It has been by far the fastest year of my life to date, and it is kind of hard for me to accept that his baby days are slipping through my fingers. He has been my dream baby. Chubby rolls, smiles often, and a sweet laid back nature.

He is into everything right now, and prefers to explore every place he is not supposed to be….the toilet, the fireplace, the stairs…he takes a sneaky silent approach. As most babies of the family can do, Max generates so much joy in our family. He has been the greatest surprise in my life thus far, and I am so glad God decided to send him our way.

To celebrate his little life, we wanted to give some of his favorite things to one of you! Earth’s Best was so kind to offer a whole slew of goodies to send your way including: SPF 30 Mineral Suncscreen, Cold Vapor Rub, Bubble bath, Baby toothbrush + toothpase, Gluten free baby cereal, Organic snack packs, Organic granola bars, Organic baby food puree squeezables, and more. Enter easily below:)

Max also wants to share some of his favorite shoes! We teamed up with Freshly Picked and giving aways some moccs on our facebook page. Thank you all for being such a wonderful crew and support of our family. We love you!

P.S. Max’s Birth Story, and First week of Life

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Small Space Solutions: Backyard Dinner Party

June 26, 2014

{Dress and Earrings via Deloom}

After all the party planning and treasure hunting, we finally got to enjoy the finished result of our backyard dinner party over the weekend! It was the evening before my birthday so it was so nice to spend time with friends. I may have done the scheming, but once again, it was Gabe who did all the labor….:D:D

Furniture: We have been wanting a custom table for our dining room so we decided to bite the bullet and make one. Gabe worked on this for days, and I owe him my right arm at this point, but he reassures me he loves to woodwork….hmmm. After the table was finished we set it outside on our patio and brought in the weatherproof outdoor chairs as well as the San Martin chairs for a little color.

Table Top: As you got a sneak preview already, I bought mix of floral and melamine plates to bring in an array of color and pattern. I even used retro patterned forks. Fresh florals (last minute snip from the side of our house) made for a great centerpiece and the citronella candles kept the mosquitos away:)

Ambiance: Lighting can do so much for a space so we strung up these lights across 8 foot 2×2 steaks and staple gunned to the tops. We added the lattice board on one side of the patio behind our planter boxes to really make the space feel like a comfortable outdoor dining room. When the sun set we had dessert and a little music.

Food and Drink: We threw everything on the grill. Steak and Chicken Skewers with cilantro sauce, carrot medley, and grilled corn (for grilled corn salad). Goat cheese and crackers, guacamole, etc. for apps. Coconut Mojitos and Sangria filled the glasses.

Here’s the easy Sangria recipe:
1 Bottle Sparkling Peach Water
1 Bottle Sparkling White Wine (I used a bottle of peach from Trader Joe’s)
1 Bottle Red Sparkling Wine
2 Oranges
2 Lemons
4 Limes
4 Peaches

Throw in the fruit and pour in the liquids to simmer for at least a few hours!

Hope we get the chance to have many more opportunities to gather around this table with family and friends over the next few months. It is that time I value more than anything else! We poured a ton of hours into this, but now you cannot pry us away from our backyard. Happy summer!

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.