A Little about IHOD

January 7, 2012

The mind of an creative is never at rest…
Lucky for me, I found a way to outsource all the inspiration and creativity that runs through my mind on a daily basis. IHOD is a design and lifestyle blog, where I share lookbook posts, DIY’s, shops and artists, design elements, and of course tidbits about my family (the loves of my life).

FAQ’s:
How do I balance blogging, designing, and being a mother?
Well the truth is, I never have it all together! You can get a good feel for the real me in this post or this post.

Who takes the photos for your blog?
If a source is not specified, I took the photos. My super cool husband takes all my outfit posts and sometimes our family snapshots. I couldn’t run this blog without him. Get to know the man behind the camera here.

What camera do you use?
We use a Canon EOS XS with a 1.8 50mm lens. Its fantastic!

Did you design your blog? Did you pick up graphic design along the way?
My major in college was actually studio art with a specialization in Graphic design. I am lucky that it goes hand in hand with blogging! I did design the blog space here on IHOD. I am no coding expert so it has been a work in progress. The main area of graphic design freelance work I focus on is branding and magazine layouts!

Thanks for reading IHOD blog. I love hearing from you so be in touch! I hope by visiting, you have found something to smile about:)

Anna

Get in touch: email | twitter | facebook

Style Files: Heidi Merrick + J. Crew Spring 2012

January 6, 2012

{Heidi Merrick Spring 2012 via Eat Drink Chic}

{J Crew Spring 2011 Arrivals}

Hooray for these brights on the menu for spring 2012!

I am head over heels for Heidi Merrick’s line up!

Even in these winter months I wear these colors because I find it just lightens the mood:)

Today is the 12th day of Christmas, which means we have to take down our tree tomorrow:( Have been dreading it being such Christmas fans over here! I guess thats why I was looking to spring wear to cheer me up;) Happy weekend ahead!

Free To Do List Printable: Making the Most of Today

January 5, 2012

{Due to low ink on my printer, the colors here are more muted than they will print!}

With the start of a new year, I find myself making constant lists:) Its a time to get yourself motivated an organized. I re-designed the last to-do list I posted a while back, in the pink and gold tones I am really loving. I hope it will help you with all your goals for the new year!

You can download yours (two to a page) here!

Goal #1: Write More Handwritten Letters

January 4, 2012

{via Brooklyn Bride}

{via Mary Kate McDevitt}

One of my 12 goals for 2012 is to write more handwritten letters.

I had a great dose of inspiration to get me going.

These are just a few handwritten notes I received over the holidays from cousin Maggie, friend Marisol, and blogger buds Elisse and Brandi. A handwritten note can say so much about a person’s character don’t you think??

“Nonetheless, nothing expresses respect for another like a handwritten letter, and no love e-mail, text message or cell phone call will ever be carefully bundled into a memory box and savored for years to come. In a world that thrives on acceleration, the handwritten letter calls us to a time more deliberate, elegant, and gracious.” -Tom Barlow

P.S. Thank you all ever so much for the clever, witty, and fantasticly awesome title suggestions for the new modest fashion posts! Head over to the fan page to help vote for the final 5!!

Lookbook: Sequins to bring in the New Year + Something New…

January 3, 2012

{Leather Jacket: Windsor Store, Sequins Top: Old Navy, Pants: Gap, Shoes: Francescas, Pearls: Made by me}

Sequins….the best way to end and begin a year, eh?? 😉

So friends, I want to start connecting my lookbook posts to something close to my heart: modest fashion.

I see so many women today suffer from self-esteem and self-image issues. I know so much of this is caused by the way “beautiful” women are portrayed in fashion and media. Not only does it seem you have to be skinny and perfect, but you have to “flaunt what you’ve got” to get attention….except its not the kind of attention our hearts are made for.

I am really more of the Audrey era in mindset:)…

“The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her hear, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It’s the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows & the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years.”

~ Audrey Hepburn

So, here is where I need your tips! Starting something new, where I am going to be opening up the Lookbook posts as a chance to link up your own outfit posts on your blog as well! Here’s the dilemma: What to title the link up party’s?? Would love your suggestions! Shoot me an email or leave a comment with any catchy phrase ideas that embodies modest fashion:)

Cheers to new things in 2012!

12 Goals for 2012.

January 2, 2012

{via Oh Hello Friend}

1. Write more handwritten letters.

2. Get back into running and nail a 10K.

3. Morning Prayer.

4. Explore a new part of Atlanta.

5. More phone calls to loved ones.

6. Journal about my children.

7. Continue to grow and improve IHOD.

8. Show Gabriel the beach for the first time.

9. Read the top 5 books on my reading list.

10. Dance lessons with Gabe.

11. Visit a new city.

12. Make our house a home, room by room.

I loved Danni’s idea of 12 before 2012, but since I missed the opportunity I decided to make 12 simple goals for 2012. Some are more challenging than others, but each important to me. Hoping by making them realistic I can meet these goals by the end of the year:) I love a fresh start and blank page…

{via pinterest}

Here are some of the trials and triumphs of 2011 that brought both
tears and suffering, joy and peace:

1. Losing Gabe’s Oma and my Aunt Amy.

2. Giving birth to my first daughter, Veronica Rose.

3. The Happy 1000’s.

4. Welcoming two new nieces to the family, and receiving a new nephew on New Years Eve!

5. Running a successful business, and knowing that it was time to close the doors.

6. Celebrating three years of marriage with my spouse.

7. Moving back to Georgia.

8. Getting to teach first graders a few hours a week.

9. My best friends wedding in NYC.

10. The first time my son said, “I love you mom.”

11. Christmas morning with almost my entire family.

Thankful for each one of you that have been a friend along the way! Looking forward to what God will bring in 2012. His plan is the perfect plan. 🙂

Bloggers Favorite Moments of 2011 Part 2…

December 31, 2011

Thank you wonderful ladies for sharing with us your memorable moments of 2011!

{photo via pink sugar photography}

“2011 is ending on such a sweet note! This is the first year my daughter ‘gets’ Christmas, so it’s been a blast experiencing it all through her eyes, like a kid again. And we welcomed her very first cousin last week – I could not be happier for my little brother!”

~Erika of Small Shop Studio

“My favorite moment of 2011 was my first night with my husband in our new home in Santa Monica. With not a piece of furniture yet inside, Jonas & I spent the evening on the hardwood floor eating Chinese take out. We laughed all night and talked about our plans for the new place. Although it was quite a simple evening, it was the most special. “

~Jenny May of The Swede Records

“My favorite moment of 2011 was realizing that blogging could open up so many doors and possibilities for my true passions and dreams to become a reality, along with meeting some extraordinary and inspiring ladies around the world who share similar interests! The possibilities truly are endless!”

~Drew of Coral Cafe