One Truth: I almost quit blogging every month.

October 23, 2013

I almost quit blogging every month. Literally….every. month.

Blogging is a funny thing. I love that its allowed me to stretch my creative wings, the opportunities it has brought still makes me pinch myself, and the friendships through readers and other bloggers has changed me for the better. And I mean honestly, no complaints because I get to work from home! If you really want to blog full time you HAVE to be a go getter. You are consistent, you are accessible, you pitch, you receive, etc.

However, you may not guess, but I battle between that line of wanting to live a more private unknown life. To live your life out loud on the blog and social media world through a brand, requires a certain type of energy and focus that can sometimes be totally draining for my melancholic mind! Ha! Its like you are at a month long cocktail party. Granted this can be totally fun, but there are days when I would love to toss the phone and the computer out the window, and close off the internet forever. Its an extreme that will never happen, but I pretend I am so going to do it….

I was talking a little about this last night over coffee with Lesley and Whitney (both whom I have met through blogging believe it or not;)), and it got me thinking more about what the future holds for this space. My children are my most important work and I never want them to be over exposed or feel second to my creative work. I love having this place to document parts of their lives but have heard a few stories that have scared me from sharing too much. When it comes down to it, when the time is right, I will probably cut ties with this place called IHOD and be at peace with it. BUT, for now, I am going to keep enjoying this crazy adventure I somehow tripped and fell into:)

What about you? If you are a blogger what do you think of the whole idea of living publicly? If you are a reader, what do you think of this whole blogging business? I would love to hear:)

Photo by Chelsey Heidorn. Outfit details here.

Free People Thermal Nation

October 21, 2013

Thermal Top : Free People c/o // Lace Top: Free People // Denim: Henry & Belle c/o // Boots: Jeffrey Campbell // Scarf: Deloom c/o //Shades: Ray-ban // Charm Necklace: The Silver Acorn // Bag: Lily Jade c/o

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

This has been a year of battling alongside the line of fear and courage, hope and doubt, storm and shoreline. There are days where I felt like fire was chasing our trail and others where I wanted to curl up inside a safehaven. The common battle of the soul, right? Life has so many trials and triumphs that can eat you whole or allow you to grow in strength. One of the aspects of my life that has kept my perspective clear and motivation fueled is when I get the chance to see the world around me a new light. It has become commonplace for the designer in me to look at the world through rose colored glasses. You almost have to in order to keep a fresh perspective. Seeing the world through a lens has become one of those aspects I really look forward to and relish. Maybe its the wanderlust in me. 95% of the time I have my camera with me when I leave the house because chances are, I find something I want to capture or freeze a moment spent with my family…

Now….onto the important stuff;) Let me introduce you to the Free People Thermal Nation series! I am wearing possibly the most comfortable, stretchy, and high quality thermals I have ever owned. Each day for 10 days (starting right here!), you will see this wonder thermal styled in a different city, by a different blogger. This is a project started as a faint idea and we have had underwraps for a while which forced me put the virtue of self control into practice….I was bursting at the seams! Its so cool to see this become a reality. I am so honored to collaborate with Free People in styling this piece among 9 other bloggers whom I call personal favorites. Chances are, some of your own favorites are in the line up:

Happily Grey
The Daybook
Dallas Shaw
Barefoot Blonde
Kelli Murray
Could I Have That?
Color Me Nana
Promise Tangeman
Charcoal Alley

Chase the fun with us under the hashtag #FPThermalNation and of course snatch up one of your own thermals right here.

Would love to hear from you…what has become an unexpected passion or hobby of yours??

All photos are by the talented Chelsey Heidorn.

DIY Halloween Costumes Part 1: Maypole or Midsommer Swede

October 17, 2013

Confession: Halloween is my least favorite holiday.
I have never been attracted to the creepy rubber masks, nasty smelling costume stores, and overdone cemetery decor. Its just not my thing. My neighbors surrounding us have some pretty impressive Halloween decor going on, complete with blow up pumpkins. We sit in the middle with a simple fall wreath….just wait till Christmas neighbors! We will bring it!

I still love to dress up my kids and bringing them trick or treating mind you. And my husband loves to dress up with him and I really think that’s the greatest. I also love a good themed party, which is why I am sharing some easy last minute ideas you can do with items you might have on hand!

Let’s start with a Maypole OR Midsommer Swede (thanks for the idea Sarah!) Yep…not a fairy or nymph or flower….a maypole where people can literally dance in circles around you;)

I promise its really easy to make a floral crown. There are flowers with wire stems at your local craft store you can wrap around your stem crown. Here or here are easy tutorials for floral crowns.

I went through my gift wrapping bucket and pulled out many different ribbon strands. Use double sided tape to loop around your floral grown and secure on top. Wear long flowy clothes to complete the vibe and you are now a Maypole. You always wanted to be one right?? 🙂

Be sure to share a pic if you try this out! Thank you Chelsey Heidorn for the photography!

Love, Anna

P.S. My “Flowy” layers: Skirt from Zara (similar), Top from J.Crew

DIY Ombré Golden Pumpkin for Style Me Pretty Living

October 16, 2013

This month’s DIY for Style Me Pretty Living is up! It really only takes a few supplies and its a fun addition to any corner of your home:)

Head on over for the full details. Hope you enjoy!

Style Tours: Black Layers + Boden Giveaway

October 15, 2013

I go through different phases of style and am currently in a post-bright color phase and embracing simplicity. My black layers have been put to much use with the cooler air coming in. This look combines some of my favorite pieces in my closet right now….

Herringbone cap – Parc Boutique – since I wear ball caps at least a few times a week (usually my OSU buckeyes or UK Wildcats hats), it was fun to find a dressier one I can pair with so much.

Quilted /Wool Panel Jacket – Sheinside c/o – Affordable price, light for fall, and perfect for Atlanta weather. We don’t dip much below 40 degrees in the winter.

Modal Cotton Embroidered pleat top – Jigsaw London c/o – probably the softest dress top I own (usually dress tops are sheer or satin!), and its oh so fun to layer. I have come up with 5 different looks already with just this one top.

JBrand Flare Denim – Because part of me will always love a good pair of retro inspired jeans. You can get JBrand denim for 25% off at the Shopbop friends and family sale with code: INTHEFAMILY25

Sam Edelman Booties – Sam always gets it right. One of my favorite shoe designers. (Also 25% off with code INTHEFAMILY25

Leopard Clutch from Boden US c/o – What I love most about Boden pieces is the quality. I can’t get over the quality of this clutch! And guess what friends? Boden has generously offered the chance for one of you to win a $75 gift card to buy one of your own or spend however you like! Did your heart skip a beat? I do everytime I even see their catalogue.

ALSO, Boden US is offering an exclusive 15% off discount of your entire purchase! Use key code: K155

a Rafflecopter giveaway

P.S. We got to draw a winner for The Brand Market Workshop! Announced here.

Brickyard Buffalo Guest Editor – Flash Sale Items

October 14, 2013

Those of you who are friends on instagram know just how much I love Brickyard Buffalo. If you haven’t yet heard of this site, count this as your warning. Addicting website ahead! Each and every week they are rolling out the best products at flash deal prices, and most of the time the shops are small businesses you want to support! And you all know how I feel about small businesses and ringing the bell for them when I can….

I was completely honored when they asked me to contribute as guest editor this week. The girls that run this site are the truest of gems, and it was so cool to be a part of this fun opportunity. As guest editor, I got to work with some of my favorite shops to bring you their products for a steal! I made sure to include favorite shops from each member of my fam:) Head on over to see what we have put together for you!

Jen Loves Kev // Flor de Luz // Twiddle and Tweet // Dress Corilynn // Red Clouds Collective // Honey and Bloom

*Dress Corilynn photos by Chelsey Heidorn

Local Notes: Caffé Gio Gelateria

October 9, 2013

Right next door to Anticos Pizza is this happy place. Owned by the same people, but run in a separate environment. Its somewhat hidden until you walk behind Anticos. My heart lit up when I read the sign…..GELATERIA. We all know what that means, and need we know more? I wanted to run through the doors which surely would have resulted in me tripping over the beautiful vespas in distractment on the way….

Caffé Gio’s had a window case full of options to choose from. The only drawback being you can’t pre-sample before you decide! (What horror for the indecisive soul….like me.) I eenie meanie mine moed, and decided on some chocolate chip number which I did not regret as soon as the first spoonful entered my mouth.

I would hit up this spot just for the pink and white striped awnings and fun atmosphere…even if there gelato was not a part of the bribe factor.

All in all, between Anticos and Caffé Gio, you may not ever want to venture to try anything else to eat … ever.

*All photos by Chelsey Heidorn Photography

Outfit: Tee: J. Crew // Denim: Henry & Belle // Beanie: F21 (similar)