A market, bakery, cafe, and restaurant all in one Parisian setting. Alon’s is a place I frequent more than most places around Atlanta. It offers indoor seating as well as plenty of outdoor space. If you may remember, Max arrived a few hours after our 5th anniversary dinner and this was the place we dined:) I guess you can say I have sentimental ties to it (wink).
The pastry selection doesn’t hurt either. With plenty of healthy snack options and whole food groceries to pick up, you always have an excuse to stop in, which usually leads to a mocha and macarons. It’s just the way it has to be… If you stop for a visit, head to the bakery and ask for one of each cookie you see. I promise it’s worth the $6.00 you spend! And then maybe get a coffee to go and sit outside to enjoy the Atlanta sun in the morning with a friend. Or take your date for dinner Thank you to Haley Sheffield for photographing this space and for enjoying a visit with me!
Lip colors are a little easier to be spontaneous and outside the box with than what you wear. It still is easy to get stuck in your same color every day, every year routine so this is a little challenge to try something new! Head on over for the step by steps of three summer lip trends on eHow!
Sweet little Max of mine. A few things I am so desperately trying to keep fresh in my memory before you turn one and your baby days seem like a blur behind me…..
You hold onto my shirt tightly whenever I hold you.
You like to scrunch your nose and tilt your head up to make me smile.
You follow Gabriel and Veronica everywhere they go like a loyal puppy. They give you more attention than you will ever need.
You always have a cheerio or two stashed somewhere in your shirt or diaper.
Clapping your hands is your latest trick you like to practice throughout the day.
You jump up and down every time I get the guitar down…music makes you the happiest.
You mumble to yourself the sweetest little sounds while you are exploring. It is your way of processing everything you discover.
You can eat a whole banana in two minutes flat. It makes pop proud.
You explore into every nook and cranny of our home and make sure to avoid all toys. They aren’t your thing.
When I sing to you it is the only time you are still.
You prop your feet up on the bar as soon as you sit in the stroller. You know how to live life.
There isn’t much more delight for the eyes than your knee rolls and cankles. You are living up to your nickname quite nicely…
You greet mama and pop with raised hands a big toothy grin. That grin is hard to beat.
My typing hands would get sore from writing all the ways we love you. I feel God’s love so personally when I look at you. The story of your birth and your life is the testimony that His plans are so much greater than I could dream up. I can’t wait to see who you become, but for now I just want to enjoy this list of things day in and day out. There will never be enough of days filled with these reasons we love you so.
Kathryn McCrary was over at my house before Easter and snapped these photos. I am so grateful to her for these! Max is 9 months old here.
I can never resist this color. It will always be a favorite. In elementary school you are asked quite frequently what your favorite color is and mine was not flamingo pink or violet purple, but always cerulean. Guess some crushes never die! I will be finding any excuse to whip out this beauty this summer.
All of Balielf‘s products are genuine leather made in Bali. And the details are stunning. Their shoes?! Swoon. Would you like win one of this clutch or any other clutch or wallet of your choice? They are so kindly offering one to a reader this week! Enter the giveaway below:)
Gabe is always drink mixing to experiment with flavors and tastes. This is his latest combination that had me re-filling my glass throughout the whole day. It helps that the watermelon was farm fresh that we picked up the day before.
Watermelon Soaked Lemonade
2 Tbls. Sugar 1/4-1/3 c. lemon juice 1 1/2 c. Water 1 Watermelon slice cubed
(optional) add in a little rum or tequila;)
Directions: Shake all ingredients in a canister well and chill. Serve over ice and add a few more small watermelon pieces for garnish.
These flags and crosses are aligned outside our church and it was so powerful to see.
“Their silent wounds have speech More eloquent than men;
Their tones can deeper reach
Than human voice or pen.”
~William Woodman
Always feel so much gratitude today for those who went before us to secure what we have today. Wishing you all a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!
x, Anna
Pastels are not a color set I would have originally thought I would have enjoyed wearing. I think like some of you may agree, they are not as easy to integrate into a look. These photos are some outtakes from my most recent post for e-How featuring three ways you can try pastels out this season without them speaking too loudly. Head over to see the full post:)
Gabe gets off work for his summer break next week which means it is time to start the backyard bashes. We both love to entertain, and are really looking forward to summer as a chance to catch up with friends around Atlanta. I am excited to get to plan a dinner party with Pier 1! A few goals and tips for making it an enjoyable time for everyone (host included)!
A little ambiance can keep the party going after the sun sets. (Source)
Maybe some watermelon margheritas and other refreshing drinks;) (Source)
When you are the host, your main job is to make sure everyone has what they need and is enjoying themselves. If you plan ahead well, you can actually be present to your guests and enjoy the night along with them! Have several sources for beverages. Pitchers on the table, water bottles or water cooler at arms reach, and other options guests can easily get to. It creates an easier flow and more time to actually converse with your friends:)
When you are having dinner outdoors, it also helps to serve food options that aren’t heat sensitive. Nothing is worse than melting desserts or cold dishes gone lukewarm. Choose foods that are easy to manage and can go along way throughout the evening. There are some appetizers and sides that are best served fresh out of the fridge, but it is nice to have options that can be out to eat from in the meantime (ie: chips and salsa).
Yard games. Always fun to hang out over a good game of bocce before or after dinner.
A good playlist. I am a firm believer that music can make or break a good party experience. Music can really set the tone and atmosphere for an event, so we chose a selection of songs that have a laid back, fun, and chill summer vibe. From Band of Horses, Fleet Foxes, and Ingrid Michaelson to the upbeat patterns of Bastille, Ellie Goulding, and Mumford & Sons, each song compliments the next in a strand of songs you can’t quite get enough of. This playlist will be on repeat throughout the night and for the rest of 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.
A market, bakery, cafe, and restaurant all in one Parisian setting. Alon’s is a place I frequent more than most places around Atlanta. It offers indoor seating as well as plenty of outdoor space. If you may remember, Max arrived a few hours after our 5th anniversary dinner and this was the place we dined:) I guess you can say I have sentimental ties to it (wink).
