Family Threads – New Style Series!

January 14, 2013

I call this phase of growing out my bangs the sheep dog pirate phase. Suitable, right?
{Anna: Top: c/o Sheinside, Velvet pants: Gap, Tote: c/o George, Gina, & Lucy, Pumps: HM, Necklace: F21, Charm Bracelet: The Silver Acorn, Gold Bangle: InPink 
Gabriel: Shirt: Gap (similar), Jeans: TCP, Shoes: Converse via ebay (similar)
Veronica: Top, Leggings, and Boots: Old Navy }
Hi friends:) How was your weekend? I want to start incorporating more family style posts since the kids are always with me, and it just seems more natural. I know I will treasure the photos with them as they grow as well. Gabe promises to make an appearance too – right now he’s our camera man:) Hope you all don’t mind this new direction in outfit posts! I so enjoyed all the True Beauty Files looks, but as life is changing, so will the blog. I will still be doing some solo style posts and maternity style posts when as my bump continues to grow:)
Don’t be fooled by the lack of coats here. Although we were blessed with a sunny and warm day in Atlanta, I do believe we still have one more month of winter ahead before it comes to stay. One dose of Vitamin D brought the entire neighborhood out of hibernation and doing strange things like mowing lawns, and climbing on top of their roofs. I even felt motivated enough to go for that run I have been mentally pumping myself up to for four weeks…
Funny what a little sunshine can do for you.

 

Planning in Pattern: Tackling a Room Design

January 11, 2013

It takes me forever to plan a room design simply because I am drawn too many different colors and patterns, and can’t ever decide which to settle with. When it comes to pattern picking, I compare it with dating and figuring out which person you are compatible with, and when it comes to wallpaper, its deciding to get serious with that pattern you love. I know, I take this overboard. This is why, there is still nothing but a rug in our living room. I have plans to change that asap, and will keep you posted;)

After playing around with these patterns by Wallpaper Update and narrowing down different style I am drawn too, I felt like I was staring at a paper evaluation of my personality! These can all be found in the contemporary section. 

You should give it a go. Take some time to figure out your favorite design patterns. It will really help give you a better perspective at what style you are drawn to, and what you might be able to commit to;) I tend to go neutral with pattern and more bold with solids so that I can switch them out as needed. Looking forward to living room updates with you as I go along!

Happy January weekend!

*This is a sponsored post that is 100% my own opinion.

Boots with the Furrr…

January 10, 2013

{Coat: (similar), Fur: H&M (similar), Cable knit Hat: F21, Boots: Carlos Santana}
{Because sometimes you have to make fun of yourself…}

I am looking forward to sharing a little different take on style posts (might include the kids if we can pull it together all at the same time;)), as well as show you my growing bump! Until then, sharing a few pics from how I stayed warm while visiting St. Louis. We got a winter wonderland for New Years and it was splendid. A wool coat, fur snood, and thick hat did the trick.

What are your wainter weather faves? 

P.S. This fur snood is a look alike from one out of our dress up box from when we were kids. My mom held onto some pretty cool items for years that became our dress up box. Makes me think about what I want to hold on to. Its a cool way to time capsule the era!

1 Minute Frozen Yogurt: Strawberry-Blueberry

January 9, 2013

We have been playing around with our Yonanas gift I mentioned in yesterday’s post, and this is one of my favorite combinations so far. Very simple, and takes all of 60 seconds to make, so I can’t use that excuse of not having time to make a healthy breakfast anymore…darn it.
This would be simple to blend in a blender as well! 
My children think its ice cream so we fool them with this surprise treat on occasion.
Green smoothies in the blender are also ideal for serving up multiple vegetable servings for breakfast with a sweet disguise. 
*Tip: Let your frozen fruit sit out until it perspires-makes for easier blending! Also, freeze your fresh fruit when its over ripe. Its perfect for frozen yogurt:)
Will share more of these soon, and can’t wait to introduce you to my new food columnist!

First Trimester Survival Kit

January 8, 2013

I have to admit, I am not a huge fan of the whole pregnancy process. Give me all the babies in the world, but can I skip the 9 mo. of uncomfortable and strange??

That being said, I have learned a good lesson or two these past few years after witnessing good friends go through the loss of their pregnancies, infertility, and even the loss of their newborns. I have shut up the complaining and turned it into a whole lot of gratitude that I even have this gift of life inside of me. The rest is miniscule. I have friends who love the whole pregnancy experience too. What about you?

However… I still unashamedly seek those little comforts to help out with the non graceful moments of my first trimester and beyond… and these my friends are my top products that got me through the last icky winter months…

Kiehls Ultra Facial Moisturizer  – Since I am terrible at keeping up with a skin care regimen (this happens when you don’t have time to think of what you look like until you run into a mirror), I try to do at least one thing right.  In the summer, all I use is tinted moisturizer with an spf, in the winter, this tall drink of water for the skin makes me feel like I am preserving dignity and grace in the shape of a moisturizer bottle. Its the best I have tried so far. Now to figure out a good product for the sudden pregnancy breakout parties that happen on my forehead..

Benefit They’re Real Mascara – I don’t wear a lot of makeup. I only have time for the basics, so mascara is my favorite tool to feeling awake and ready to go. I have tried every drugstore mascara (favorite being cover girl), and spent a good while at the mascara bar at Sephora. The result of the endless pursuit? This guy. It converted me from my $5 ways because it outshined and outlasted. Second runners up – Tarte and Urban Decay.

Teavana and Herbal Tea, 4oz – I drank a cup of joe a day with Gabriel and Veronica (they turned out fine!) and thoroughly enjoyed it. Due to a stomach condition, I can no longer have caffein (or any of life’s greatest pleasures for that matter like wine and chocolate). I have mourned and moved on, and discovered that tea is actually an incredible stomach soother, mental booster, and nerve calmer. Who knew?? My sister gave me Teavana tea for Christmas, and my brother gave me a tea cup with strainer. Its been the most used gift yet. Lipton’s Backberry Vanilla tea is fantastic – at your local grocery store.

Super B Complex and Magnesium – Thank you Grace for this life saving tip! We both are on the anemic side during pregnancy, so she recommended Blood Booster and Magnesium. I started taking these, B-complex, and pre-natals of course. (I know its a lot, but I don’t have time to be drowsy) These have helped immensely with my energy levels. It was worth the money to me to buy the extra sources of energy and good health for both me and the baby.

Yonanas Frozen Treat Maker – When I am feeling sick to my stomach, or don’t feel like eating in general. Smoothies, popsicles, or ice cream will always lure me. My MIL gave us this Yonana for Christmas and its been our favorite contraption in the kitchen. Straight sorbet from just frozen fruit! Its kept me away from indulging in too much ice cream as well. Plus! We add a little greek yogurt as well.

Microwaveable Herbal Heating Pad– I would have never thought to buy this for myself, but Gabe customized one from this shop as a birthday gift one year, and I have used it more times than I can count. It has been relief for headaches, cramps, and stomach issues. The herbal scent is divine and provides immediate aromatherapy relief.  I have used this throughout my pregnancies:)

I hope this helps some of you entering into pregnancy bliss (insert a little sarcasm- I can’t help myself.) Each person’s experience is so different, I would love to hear what worked for you? 

Thank you Kate Middleton…

January 7, 2013

{Coat: c/o Sheinside, Dress: c/o De la Hooke, Boots: Target (similar here or here), Necklace: DIY, Bow ring: Hello Fab, Chain Bracelet: Loren Hope, Charm Bracelet: Silver Acorn, Clutch: Russel + Hazel}
Thank you…Kate Middleton,
for always being the epitome of dignified dress, 
Sass meets class,
and an unending source of dress envy…
jk…but no really.
Sincerely,
Anna
P.S. You inspired today’s look.
Speaking of the English…Should we talk about Downton Abbey? Yes? Okay fantastic. Otherwise the alternative is to talk about my not so interesting recap of the post traveling weekend that involved lots of napping, eating (because I am so good at that when I am pregnant), baby snuggling, and movie watching…
Downton…you save us from our winter woes and allow us to escape into a world of Ladyship and Lords, old english accents, dramatic musical interludes, and the welcome comedic relief provided by the Dowager Countess. Words can do you no justice. Season 3 – I have waited one day too long for you.
Did you watch??

Color Theory No.1: Garnet

January 4, 2013

{Necklace: made by Meg, Card: Puddleduck Paper Co., Lip Crayon: Ulta}
Hope you all enjoy this new Color Theory series! Its a continuation of color files, but from my own personal collections:) I tend to see things in color patterns, so this will be a fun way to experiment and play around with different hues. 
Have a happy weekend ahead!
Love, Anna

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