Equipped for Summer

May 20, 2014

When I was younger, summers seemed like yearssss long. From dawn to dusk my sisters and I would roller skate, swim, run behind my dad while he was mowing paths for us in the yard, bike ride around the neighborhood, watermelon in my grandpa’s backyard, and the list goes on. I have a log of invaluable memories of the smells, tastes, and sights of the summers of my childhood. What I wouldn’t give to have just one more of those days.

Gabe and I have started to create our own favorite summer activities with our family and we just created a summer bucket list. Bike rides, tubing, hiking, camping, splash park, travel to the coast, and lots of backyard bbq’s are on the list. I also have a summer uniform to get me equipped:) The Levi’s 501® Shorts, a tee, sunscreen, and sneakers. It’s really all I need to get through that list!

You all will have to check out the Levi’s 501® Shorts where you can grab your own pair so you are #Equipped for the summer! They are vintage-inspired with the same iconic fit that have been loved by every generation. Super comfortable cutoffs that are an easy relaxed fit.

Do you have a summer bucket list?? Would love to hear your ideas!

This post is sponsored by Levis, and is 100% my own opinion. Thanks for supporting the companies that make this blog possible!

Film Fix: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

May 19, 2014

Gabe and I watch movies every week. It is our way to spend down time together. We like to analyze the characters and plot, and Gabe is an especially tough critic. If a movie cannot make us laugh, make us think, or leave us intrigued or inspired, we usually cut it from our list of must watch or must ever see again movies;)

The other week, based on a few recommendations from friends, we tried out The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. It is based on a short story by James Thurber. If you watch the trailer alone you might feel a little confused like I was, and wondering what the heck the plot is about. However, this was one of those movies that by the end, you have to verbally make known that it was such a good film. And maybe even mumble it to yourself two or three times. “Such a good movie.”

The life of main character (and director) Ben Stiller as Walter Mitty unfolds by the moment, and you find yourself rooting for him to catch a big break. Dutifully dedicated to his job as film negative developer for Time Magazine, Walter daydreams his way out of his mundane life. When new management takes over, he is given one important task: to develop a reel of film by Sean O’Connell (played by Sean Penn) for the final cover of Time Magazine’s print issues. Only problem is, the slot designated by Sean to be the cover image is missing.

This sets in motion a series of adventures as Walter Mitty sets out to track down the illusive Sean O’ Connell across the globe to find Negative 25. With his job on the line and a love interest (played by Kristen Wiig) at bay, Walter Mitty travels the globe in a series of unexpected adventures to prove to himself he can reach beyond the boxed life which he has lead thus far.

The cinematography is captivating, the scene set ups are brilliant, the soundtrack is addicting, and the characters are so perfectly cast you can’t help but feel like you have met some of them before. Incredibly entertaining and often times comedic, this is the perfect Friday night watch. Let me know what you think!

Anna

Wink & Winn + Giveaway

May 16, 2014

Top: J.Crew // Denim: Old Navy // Sandals: Old Navy // Necklace: Gold and Gray c/o, Mourning Dove // Watch: Jord Watch c/o // Tote: Wink & Winn c/o

Do you all remember me telling you about how I got to design my own tote with Wink & Winn? I seriously felt like I got to step into a designer’s shoes (albeit a much easier process) for a day and get my DVF on. You pick the color, the materials, the finish, the style, and even the lining. Thank you for helping me decide what to go with. Kind of fell in love with the bucket tote. Well the bag arrived, and it was all I hoped it would be:) Just the right color for summer and lots of space for me to throw my life in. (I use an organizer insert!) You will probably be seeing it on a regular basis here on the blog, like such.

Wink & Winn is giving away a $200 gift code to one of you! Enter below:) Giveaway ends next Friday!
Also, if you would like an instant $50 off any purchase, simply email: frontdesk@winkandwinn.com with $50 gift card as the subject line.
Best of luck friends! Have a wonderful weekend:)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Two Easy Beach Braid Tutorials

May 15, 2014

I have long, wavy, and often times crazy hair that needs to be tamed at the beach.
These are two super easy tutorials for keeping your hair in place through the day. The wet braid tutorial has survived wave riding and all!
Head on over to eHow for the full step by steps!

But first, snatch up some of this miracle potion. It’s worth every dime!

x, Anna

P.S. If you have any style or DIY requests for the coming months let me know! I would be happy to be your guinea pig;)

Floral and Silk.

May 14, 2014

Top: Zara (old) // Silk Pants: Calypso St. Barth c/o // Shoes: Shoemint (Similar) // Bucket Tote: Wink & Winn c/o // Earrings: Bauble Bar // Beaded Bracelet: Gold and Gray // Rose Gold Love Bracelet: Gemvara c/0

We had a heat wave hear in GA and so I immediately dove for the light silk pieces in my closet. These pants from Calypso St. Barth are better than pajama pants I am telling ya. Wore this to church and brunch on Mother’s Day:)
Have you tried out palazzo pants or silk pants? Kind of hope they stick around a while!
Have a happy hump day! #livingfortheweekend
x, Anna

The Brand Market Raleigh

May 13, 2014

It has been really cool to see each Brand Market workshop unfold into it’s own unique experience. Each group is different from the next, and they have all been wonderful. Raleigh is a beautiful city bursting at the seems with creative entrepreneurs. We got to have the event at the new HQ Raleigh in the warehouse district. It was in incredible space with cool rooms in every corner and big open space for us to stretch our legs. It was such an invigorating experience talking to this crew and co-hosting alongside Mike and Megan Gilger of The Fresh Exchange. We finally got to meet after a few years of online friendship! They had so much wisdom and helpful tips to share. Here is a re-cap in photos:

Market Tote Sponsors:
Be Kind Totes: Off Switch Shop
Necklaces (including mine!): Shop Rkitekt
Be Bold Banners – Sharp Tooth Studio
Cord Tacos: This is Ground
Bracelets: Mes2PetitesEtoiles
Leather Keychains: Son of a Sailor
Prints: Jenny Highsmith Lettering
Raleigh Maps: The Flappers Feather
Candles: Good Girl Come Back
Temp Tattoos: Tattly
Hand Stitched Cards: George & Olivia
Jotters: 45 Wall Designs
Ink Pens: Jet Pens
Scarves: Three Bird Nest
Hand Painted Mugs: Creations by Meryl

Food and Drink: Slingshot Coffee Co. – Emily served up refreshing drinks for everyone early in the AM! They also provided a really fun set to raffle off at the end.
Yellow Dog Bread Co. – They provided homemade jam and fresh croissants along with the adorable dog cookies!
Raleigh Raw – Fresh juice from purely raw fruits and vegetables served throughout the day! Such a nice crew behind this company
Capital Club 16 – A ridiculously delicious lunch spread. They even provided options for our gluten free guests! It was so nice to meet the family behind this restaurant. Highly recommend them!
Cocktail Mixers: White Whale

Geometric Backdrop and Decor: Kathryn Godwin

All photos by the super talented Mike Gilger, a few iPhone photos from one of our attendees, Still Being Molly More re-cap photos on The Brand Market instagram stream!

Tickets are flying fast for NYC and L.A. workshops if you have been waiting to grab a seat!

Picnic for Two: Martha Stewart for Macys

May 12, 2014

May is by far one of my favorite month’s of the year. Here in Atlanta the weather is supreme and there are no bugs out yet…perfect for picnics. We have had quite a few in our own backyard or at the park already. I had the pleasure of getting a preview of some of the fun outdoor picnic items by Martha Stewart Collection for Macy’s. I thought it would be fun to try some new picnic ready recipes too. The menu and recipes are below!…

On the Menu:
Hibiscus Honey Iced Tea
Fresh Pea Hummus
Avocado, Radish, and Basil Soup
Watercress Horseradish Deviled Eggs
Penne Frittata with Basil and Feta
White Wicker Picnic Basket Set

Products Used:
Martha Stewart Collection Seas Stripe Picnic/Beach Blanket (available in store)
Martha Stewart Collection White Wicker Picnic Basket for 2
Martha Stewart Collection Star Spangled Melamine Storage Containers
Glass Bottles and Napkins via Target

One of Gabe and I’s first date was in college when he surprised me with a picnic for two overlooking the city. I still find it worth it to surprise your loved one once in a while with something personal for just the two of you. If you can’t get away, have one in your own backyard!

We have taken this zip up picnic/beach blanket everywhere! Nice and large and easy to wash. We used it at the beach yesterday for Mother’s day. I consider it one of those shortcuts to easy traveling and days out!

You wouldn’t believe how easy it is to make this fresh pea hummus! And the Penne Frittata was a little intimidating, but shockingly enough I managed not to burn it. I have made this Hibiscus Honey Tea several times since the first time because it is such a hit in the family. Pack sturdy containers to go like the ones pictured for easy cleanup and storage. Let me know if you all give any of these recipes a try! Curious to know your thoughts!
Happy Picnicing!
x, Anna

All photos are by the very talented Kathryn McCrary Photography!

These items are from the Martha Stewart Collection, exclusively at Macy’s and part of the ‘American Icons’ campaign. These products were provided by the Martha Stewart Collection available exclusively at Macy’s.