The lost art of vocabulary.

January 21, 2014

My mother was an English teacher and she always emphasized the importance of creative writing. This worked well for me since math and science were where I pedaled my heart out and never achieved any distance. Even though 5 interpretive essays on The Scarlet Letter was next to a slow torturous death, and reading the Iliad of Homer was needles to the eyeballs, I have always appreciated writing. I would get lost in books and stay up all night to finish a good one. I have never liked to write, but I have come to see the importance of stretching your mind and keeping it exercised. We live in an era of emoticons and abbreviated words (guilty), and the use of words such as whether and therefore are long gone…

At our last Brand Market Workshop Mandy shared in her segment that there are millions of blogs being started EVERY year. I started blogging at the dawn of the boom, and so I have seen it shift each year. Social media is taking over, and chances are, the blogs you do read are through your social media streams. Instagram is fast becoming the instant fix to quick blogging on the go, and has replaced blogging for some individuals altogether. In conversations, vocabulary use is being replaced with imagery, snap chat, text messaging, and photo captions.

Is this a good thing? Is it a bad thing (well I have strong feelings about snapchat…)? Neither. Just a shift. But as my personality goes, where the stream chooses to flow, I choose to paddle against. Its the stubborn nature rooted in me that loves to go against a trend. I have seen this shift in blogging as a bold faced invitation to write more, challenge my writing, and continue to stretch the power of the english language.

I am a sucker for a good photograph just as much as the next, but with The Portrait Project and other posts here and there, I hope to muster up enough motivation to put power to the pen…or keyboard rather;)

x (abbreviation for hugs), Anna

P.S. Astounded by the response to The Brand Market over the weekend. Tickets are going fast and sponsors are pouring in. Thank you so much!

Rockaroo Giveaway

January 19, 2014

4moms became part of the family when Maximilian arrived:) We think so highly of their products. From Max’s first bath at home, his weeks with silent reflux troubles, and all the way through today, I feel so blessed to have had these products as part of the experience. They were soothers, entertainers, and safe guards.

When I put Max in the rockaRoo for the first time, he literally started giggling out loud. He loved the rocking motion on speed 3…soft and stead but just a bit of a thrill;) He also is at a perfect age to try to catch the plush toys on the top.

Being a third child, you always want to be where the action is. When Gabriel and Veronica are playing, he wants to watch. He can’t crawl yet, so his rockaRoo offers the perfect front row seat to see what is going on. This is how I make dinner at that challenging 5 o’ clock hour. It is one of the few things that will soothe him when me or daddy cannot old him. Gabriel loves to make him laugh and he takes so much pride in being able to do so as you can see above:) This rockaRoo is the perfect perch for interaction with his siblings.

A few perks you should now about why this rockaRoo is such a dream (and why you should add it to your baby registry;)):

Rocks like a rocking horse, which maximizes the sensation of motion for your baby.
It features five speeds to fit different baby preferences:)
It has an MP3 hook-up for your iphone or mp3 player, so you can play your favorite music for your little one. (Max loves Baby Einstein.)
It has an optional newborn insert accessory that can provide a more secure feeling to newborn and smaller babies.
Mobile attachment with soft plush toys that are removable for the babies to interact with as they start to become more interested in objects and touch.

I can’t say enough good things about this company and this product, so I am so happy to be able to recommend it to you from one mother to another:)

One reason why I love working with 4moms is that they are super sweet AND generous. They are giving away one of these genius rockaRoos today! Enter through rafflecopter below! (Sorry U.S. residents only.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Well this is only one stop on your RockaRoo giveaway tour. There is a giveaway going on each day of January and you can follow along here.

*This is NOT a sponsored post and all opinions are 100% my own. The rockaRoo was gifted to us by 4moms.
Tent from Be Little You and Me , Artwork from Kori Clark, throw and rug from Dwell Studio

Local Notes: Sugar Boo and Co.

January 16, 2014

White wooden floors and walls. That is all you need to know…
But I will tell you some other fun details about this incredible little storefront discovered by my friend Amarena.
She warned me that when I walk in I might just not be able to process all of the greatness. It was true….

After breakfast at The Flying Buscuit (which is another story for another day), we escaped the rainy downpour and stepped into ~~Wonderland~~….Sugar Boo and Co. Every nook and cranny was filled with whimsy and charm as they promise. You would think it was a store filled with local artist products, but we come to find out the majority is actually all designed and created by the one and only Sugar Boo Designs. Incredible.

From the textiles, to the stationary, children’s decor, animal busts, and that darling ampersand…..it put my heart at full speed pitter patter. So thankful to the very sweet gals behind this store for letting us share it with you all!

Head over to visit and take a look for yourself. I couldn’t show you everything because you will enjoy it more in person;)
804 Town Boulevard Suite 1070
Atlanta, Georgia 30319

Keep up with them on instagram or facebook!
Let me know how you like it! And if you can check out some other recent Local Notes features here.
x, Anna

Outfit details: Coat: c/o Sheinside (on sale) // Sweater: Old Navy (similar) // Jeans: c/o Articles of Society // Necklace: c/o Dear Margot // Socks: Shopbop // Boots: Hunter // Umbrella: Madewell

Recently Said.

January 15, 2014

^^ It took all efforts of co-ordination for him to try to show us his new wink and point trick.^^

I keep a written journal of things my children have been saying, what their newest milestone is, and reflections I go through as a mother. I hope they can read it one day and know just how much I love them no matter how stubborn they can be at times;)

Some recently said favorites…

Gabriel: Mom, I can’t feed Max. Only mom can feed Max.
Me: Yep, that is right.
Gabriel: You have bottles on your stomach. Gaber (he still talks in third person at times) doesn’t have bottles on his stomach, so I can’t feed him.
Me: Stunned and impressed silence.

Gabriel (currently 4yrs old): When I was 7, I went to Colorado and was small like a baby like Max.
Me: No sweetie, you have never been 7 before. You will be 7 after 5 and 6.
Gabriel: No mom, I was seven a while ago, you just don’t bremember.
Me: Okay sure.

Gabriel on Christmas Eve: Mommy, when I go to sleep is Santa Claus going to come on our roof?
Me: Maybe.. if you have been a good boy!
Gabriel: Is dad going to throw open the windows and tear open the sash?
Me: ….sounds familiar.

Gabriel: Veronica, if you don’t buckle your seatbelt, you will get boring. (Still trying to figure this one out…)

Veronica is all sass and facial expressions lately. I am starting to hear myself through her 2 year old high pitched voice…

Veronica: Mom, stop talkin’! You no say that to me! (With a serious scowled brow.)
Me: Mouth on the floor.

Veronica: Gaber! You no sharin’! You go in time out! (Shoes on backwards, hands on hips.)

Veronica: Baby Maaaa-aaax. Hi sweet girl!

Veronica: Gaber, look at my new dressed!
Gabriel: Wooowww, that is so beautiful Pookie! (He’s an affirmer.)

Just a few gems for the day.

And by the by, my super sweet friends started a new children’s line that you must check out. Their sneak peeks are killing me! You can keep up with their instagram fun here. Veronica INSISTS on wearing this shirt every. single. day. I have to wash it while she is sleeping. I make her wear dresses on Sunday, but other than that, I fight my battles elsewhere;)

x, Anna

Gabriel // Tee: Welkin NYC c/o //Jeans: Gap via Thred Up // Vest: Old Navy // Shoes: Gap (similar)
Veronica: Tee: Welkin NYC c/o // Leggings: Old Navy // Jacket: Old Navy // Shoes: Old Navy // Bow: Kinder Companie
Anna: Tee: Target (the softest most durable kind) // Jacket: F21 (similar) //Jeans: Henry and Belle c/o // Flats: Gap (similar)

Golden Globes One of a Kind Red Carpet Style

January 13, 2014

I go into award shoes with low expectations. I watch merely to see who is wearing what, and usually don’t watch the actual award show. However, The Golden Globes this year were thoroughly entertaining! Everything was humorous whether it was intended to be or not, and I think most people will agree that Tina Fey and Amy Poehler should host The Golden Globes every go around:)

There are always dress mishaps and unfortunate wardrobe malfunctions (poor Robin), but there were an equal share of women who chose didn’t let the gown they wore outshine their natural beauty. Instead of loud dresses and extreme opulence, the underlying tone this year was minimalism. I don’t think anyone even wore a statement necklace (besides Sofia Vergara). Some of the best dressed stars were in simple cut black and white gowns and an occasional bold color. Case in point…

(image source)

Bam! That is how you wow the red carpet! Cate Blanchett must have gotten wind of the fact she would be winning Best Actress. She was as regal as they come, so when she accepted her award, no one was distracted by what she wore, but rather it complimented the elegant glow she transmitted. Exactly what a dress should do! Thus, she is my pick for One of a Kind Red Carpet Style. Here are a few more black and white selections from the night…

(image source)
Why Jennifer Lawrence chose a pixie cut on the cusp of Miley Madhouseness is beyond me, but she did look stunning, and was as genuine as we all hoped she would be. Some of my other favorite simple cut and stunning gowns included Lupita Nyong’o and Olivia Wilde (most radiant mother to be!). What about you? Who did you vote best dressed??

Well, I received a challenge to create a daytime look reflecting this year’s trends, and here is what I came with…

Coat: c/o Sheinside // Skirt: Maple Boutique // Necklace: Gift (similar) // Boots: Sam Edelman //Clutch: (similar)
And in case you were googling where to find Meryl Streep’s amazing specs. Look no further. I did my homework. (Try here or here.)

Pulling from the simple cuts and black and white memo, I put together a look that most gals can relate to. Modern touch to the classic colors. Dressy enough for dinner and fun enough for a party, while maintaining a minimalist theme:) (I did the 5 Step Messy Twist for hair.) I can’t seem to step away from black and white this year despite my love for color. (In fact, Julie Bowen’s dress was not received well last night, but I loved it.) The good thing is, black and white forever and always will be stylish and the pieces you add to your wardrobe in these colors compliment all their lovely neighbors in the closet!
Would love to hear your favorite picks of the night!

x, Anna

P.S. Please tell me you saw the best moment of the night?

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Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Diet Dr Pepper via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Diet Dr Pepper.

The Portrait Project

January 10, 2014

As I mentioned previously, this year will be about blogging more about what I am passionate about.
I am passionate about these three.
They push me to my limits and fill my heart to the brim.
They can cause an emotional pendulum swing in my heart on a daily basis.
They put into question my purpose on this earth and what is most important in our time here.
I sometimes am overwhelmed with gratitude to the point of tears for their little souls that are entrusted to me.

Max’s eyes are changing from blue to brown. They are crazy wild and I get sucked in so easily. We have stare downs whenever I feed him. Gabriel and Veronica fight over being near him. Watching their relationships grow has been one of my favorite parts of motherhood for me.

These three children of mine are my motivation to start a new series this year: The Portrait Project (also will be doing the 52 week project!) It will stretch my view behind the lens and allow me to document the people I love. Gabe will also be getting behind and in front of the lens as well as some additional special guests:)
I will be doing additional photos on instagram throughout the year as well. #PortraitProject

Feel free to join in if you like! It would be an honor to have you join me!
I hope you all have a fantastic weekend ahead.
x, Anna

Winter Berry Pie

January 9, 2014

Today’s post is written by my sister Maria.
Over Christmas I spent a lot of time in the Kitchen. My family’s best moments are all around the dinner table over a good meal, and I find that the time and effort I put into the food we prepare is well worth the happy moments they contribute to. This is the pie we had for Christmas dinner, and can be made throughout the the season as a winter warmer:)

Winter Berry Pie
9 inch two crust pie OR 1 box of ready made pie crust

Filling:

4 cups of thinly sliced and peeled cooking apples

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries.

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup flour

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

2 Tbs. cold butter

Top Crust:

1 egg

1/2 Cup cream or milk

Sugar

Heat oven to 425. Line pie dish with pastry. I usually take a fork and poke a few holes in the bottom of the crust. I don’t know why – I just learned that way…

For the Filling:

In a large bowl, whisk sugars, flour and spices together. Add apples and cranberries and stir together to coat them well. Pour into pie crust. You can arrange fruit so it forms a higher mound at top. Cut 2 Tbs. of butter into small squares and dot over fruit filling.

Place top crust over pie (see perfect pie crust in 10 steps if using homemade crust).

For a pretty top crust, beat an egg with the milk and brush over the top of the pie crust. Sprinkle top with sugar. Make sure to cover edges of crust with foil or pie crust protector so the edges don’t over brown. You can remove the last 15 minutes of baking.

Bake in oven for 50-55 minutes or until juices are bubbling out top. (always a good sign).

Baking a fresh homemade pie is a lost art, takes time ,and isn’t something you do on a regular basis, but it will make any dinner or gathering extra special and memorable when you do! ~Maria