#EncourageBeauty in November

October 30, 2013

I remember when I started dating Gabe I would mumble a good deal and look away when I was talking to him. It was a bad habit I didn’t even realize I was doing. He started to challenge me to look at him straight in the eyes when I was talking to him. Something simple but so challenging to me. Why? Well for one he was so darn cute he made me revert to a third grade level of communication! The other reason being I just wasn’t that confident in some areas of my life. I was always strong in my convictions and was very focused, but when it came to how I felt in general, it would show in my actions. I didn’t really feel that beautiful. Gabe single handedly wrecked down those walls of insecurity (dare I reference him as a wrecking ball??) and re-built them brick by brick…one compliment, one good deed, one authentic act of service at a time. I began to realize his genuine love was giving me a new shield of confidence and an armor of strength I still carry to this day. I thank God for that.

So there’s a point to this story. Give your words thought, and give them away carefully. Love often. Love strong. Love big and small. We all are in need of it, and we all could use a good dose every day. I am so happy to be teaming up with Hilary Rushford again to bring back #EncourageBeauty for the month of November. Its our small way of paying gratitude for those around us, for what we have received, and what we hope to give. Will you join us??

There are many ways you can join in. The above graphic is just a guide with daily prompts/ideas to encourage beauty this upcoming month. You can post it on instagram or print it and tape it to your bathroom mirror. Link up across social media, and check out how everyone is joining in. Participate one, three, or all days! We can’t wait to read your stories. There is an endless amount of possibilities and each and every small act makes some level of change in the world around us. It may feel a tad awkward the first few days, but I bet by the end of the month you will be __________, the girl on fire!

Head over to Dean Street Society to see Hilary’s art quote – its a good one! And just get hooked on her blog while you are at it. She is one of my very favorites.

Tips for Successful Family Photos + Photography Package Giveaway

October 29, 2013

Chelsey moved down here from Connecticut this year and she introduced herself at just the right time. I was really needing a photographer for IHOD and she was up for my crazy adventuring. I have been blown away by her ability to bring out the best of EVERY photoshoot and she is always willing to go the extra mile (sometimes literally). I was especially impressed by the way she handled our family photos. She is so good with kids and knew how to make them comfortable. She even got out on the rocks in the lake to get the right snap.

Chelsey is sharing some of her best tips from a photographer’s perspective and a mother’s perspective on what makes family photos less stressful and more enjoyable – because yes, we actually had such a fun time!

The best thing you can do is to be comfortable. Wear clothes that reflect who you are but also that don’t require a lot of fussing. If you are pulling and tugging and fixing, it will make it difficult to get a photo when everyone is looking. This requires you to PLAN AHEAD! Outfits pulled together the night before hardly ever turn out how you want. Try on outfits ahead of time to make sure things fit okay and ready to go.
Another part to being comfortable in front of the camera is to not to stress about the perfect pose and everyone smiling. Children can really sense tension, and if you are stressed, they will be too. If you are able to have a relaxing setting, they will feel comfortable.
Plan something your kids will enjoy. That will keep their interest and genuine smiles on their faces.
A few “bribe” techniques that have worked with some families in the past: Marshmallows are quick to eat and mess free. One marshmallow given for each smile. Pennies can also be offered that add up to buying a treat at the end of photos. It doesn’t get them all sugared up, and is mess free.
I often bring squeak toys with me to get the attention of small kids, but if there’s something that they really love that will pull out those smiles than bring it!

Its amazing how simple and effective these tips can be! …

Knowing my children, I decided to combine a few things they love…food and a body of water. We did a mini picnic by the lake – hot cocoa and cider, hummus and veggies, salsa and pita chips. It was Veronica’s dream come true (she is a hummus fiend). There was also room enough for an impromptu rock skipping lesson. There was minimal bribing involved simply because they were so happy to be in an environment with so much to see…. boats sailing by, fish in the water, rocks on the sand…we wouldn’t mind spending many evenings like this one.

Well Chelsey Heidorn Photography (new site coming soon!) is so generously giving away a photography session up to $350 value to a lucky reader!! She can drive anywhere in the Atlanta area (and up to 6 hr radius if you get a few families to book), and she also TRAVELS for weddings!! If you would like to go ahead and book a session, she is offering a 20% discount for any session booked by December 1!! Just mention In Honor of Design

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Gabe: Shirt – J. Crew // Shorts – Old Navy // Sandals – Reef
Anna: Shirt: J. Crew (gift) // Jeans – 7FAM // Boots – J.Crew
Gabriel: Sweater – Ralph Lauren (consigned) // Pants – Old Navy
Veronica: Sweater and jeans -Baby Gap (consigned)//Shoes – Osh Kosh // Headband – Jennifer Ann
Max:Overalls and Denim Jacket – Baby Gap (consigned)

The Wonder Bag – Lily Jade

October 28, 2013

I have always rated a bag by the amount of pockets it has. I never could understand why a super cute bag would have a disappointing amount of pockets inside. Two maybe three. I was left with the option of piling my life in a heap and hoping nothing would get tangled or wet from spilled water bottles….because in truth, I really do carry all areas of my life inside my bags.

This is why when I met The Madeline Tote from Lily Jade, I was starry eyed and twitterpated. Pockets on the outside, and a copious amount of pockets on the inside. Complete with all sizes and variations. Better yet, half the pockets are an insert that is detachable and washable canvas fabric (as well as a diaper changer rollup!). It is made of soft luxurious leather and has both shoulder straps and a detachable strap that allows you to wear it as a backpack. I am telling you its a wonder bag. It even smells good. Not kidding.

I am able to fit my camera, wallet, phone, diapers, wipes, bottle, two sippy cups, lip balms, gum, pens, checkbook, snacks, books for the kids, keys, etc. etc. etc…..and each with their own pocket! (Dreamy.) Since I received it, it has gone everywhere with me.

It is definately an investment, but after a pile of cheap carry all bags that have broken straps and and zippers I am realizing it might just save money in the long run to go with the winner in the beginning!

P.S. This beauty is on sale! Also use my discount code Anna20 for 20% off your order! Now you have yourself a real deal.

All photos by Chelsey Heidorn Photography, outfit details here.

DIY Costumes Part 2: Kate Middleton – The Duchess

October 24, 2013

Costume Breakdown: Dress – De La Hooke // Jacket – Sheinside // Nude Pumps // Hat – DIY

That Kate Middleton….always classy, always cute, and always has a smile on her face. What’s not to love? This is an easy DIY modeled after one of her many many cocktail hats she wore. Pair it with a cocktail dress, long jacket, and nude pumps for the finished look! And of course don’t forget the Royal wave.

Cocktail Hat Supplies:
2-3 Big ivory florals
Girls Tights or Hosiery in Ivory
Wire hanger
Pliers
Hot Glue Gun

Instructions:
Using your pliers, re-shape your wire hanger into a long oval shape.
Cut one leggs length off of the tights and slide over your oval shape. Tie the end into a knot.
Hot glue the backs of your florals over the knot area.
Secure over your head by sticking bobby pins through the tights.

And in case you missed last week’s DIY Halloween Costume.

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