Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Monday, March 11, 2013
Hiatus from the blog: Unplugged
The thing about a hiatus is that it's often unplanned. I don't usually go this long without posting/blogging about something that's on my mind, but what's on my mind right now has caused my hiatus.
My great grandmother is 99 years old, but you'd never know it. She's amazingly intelligent, extremely well-traveled, sweet but witty, and does the newspaper crossword in pen. There's an infinite number of things I love about her, which is why it's so difficult to suddenly have another not so lovable quality added to her list: Cancer. Again.
A few years ago it was breast cancer. Now it's lung cancer.
Writing that "c" word is difficult for me. Understatement...it makes me want to kick and scream and throw a tantrum like a two year old. It makes me want to ball up my fists and punch something.
I'll be unplugged for awhile longer. Keep this amazing lady in your thoughts.
My great grandmother is 99 years old, but you'd never know it. She's amazingly intelligent, extremely well-traveled, sweet but witty, and does the newspaper crossword in pen. There's an infinite number of things I love about her, which is why it's so difficult to suddenly have another not so lovable quality added to her list: Cancer. Again.
A few years ago it was breast cancer. Now it's lung cancer.
Writing that "c" word is difficult for me. Understatement...it makes me want to kick and scream and throw a tantrum like a two year old. It makes me want to ball up my fists and punch something.
I'll be unplugged for awhile longer. Keep this amazing lady in your thoughts.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Dear Valentine, I made this for you
To all my valentines (my friends, family and loved ones),
This is my last Valentine's Day as a 'single' woman, and even though this is a silly Hallmark holiday, I still feel the need to celebrate. Over the past year, I've learned a really difficult lesson: it's impossible to love someone else unconditionally without first unconditionally loving yourself. I've been carrying around so much self-doubt and unnecessary, displaced guilt that I wasn't able to love any of you fully. I can do that now, and I hope that you embrace and love yourself unconditionally so you and I can have the loving relationship that we deserve.
The more love you accept and have for yourself, the more you can show for others. I truly believe that. Love you all dearly!
Love always,
Your Anna
PS: I went a little craft crazy, so I really hope you all like homemade cards :)
XOXO
A
 |
| XOXO |
The more love you accept and have for yourself, the more you can show for others. I truly believe that. Love you all dearly!
Love always,
Your Anna
PS: I went a little craft crazy, so I really hope you all like homemade cards :)
XOXO
A
Monday, February 11, 2013
A Passion for Compassion: Give Your Heart This Valentine's Day, No Roses Included!
I've had a longtime love affair with Heifer International, and Valentine's Day is one of the best opportunities you have to use Heifer to show unconditional love to your sweetie! Most Valentine's Day gifts involve chocolates, roses, romantic date nights, etc., but I dare you to give an unconventional gift...something you'd never think could be even remotely romantic: a goat. Or, a cow. Hey, even a chicken!
As wacky as this seems, I believe there's no better way to show love for your valentine than honoring that person by giving a gift in his or her name that could not only improve but possibly save the lives of a family or an entire community of people you've never met. Have a passion for compassion this holiday by checking out this amazing organization and giving what you're able. I promise, ladies like a man who has a giving heart!
Gift Different. Give Heifer.
XOXO,
A
Check out these stats ----------->
 |
| Give a gift that's life-changing this Valentine's Day. |
Gift Different. Give Heifer.
XOXO,
A
Check out these stats ----------->
Friday, February 8, 2013
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Bridesmaid Gifts: Wonderful or Wasteful?
I absolutely love giving gifts. I love picking out items for other people that I know they'll use for a long time, and that's tough task if the gift is for someone in your wedding party. It's very tempting to give things that refer to your specific date, but come on, who wears a shirt that says "I'm a bridesmaid!" after the wedding is over?
So, trying not to be wasteful means steering clear of gifts that adorn the wedding date, bride & groom names and even words associated with weddings or wedding party. I thought to myself, "What do I use on a daily basis, and how could I personalize that item as a bridesmaid gift?" Well, here's the first gift I chose: monogrammed cosmetic bags in colors that complement each girl's wardrobe/personal decor. I made sure to use their first initials, as their last initial could easily change. Behold, the outcome:
I love these bags because they're soft on the outside but durable and waterproof on the inside (in makeup terms that means they are super easy to clean!). They even have a pocket inside for extra storage. Each is a different color and has a contrasting stitched monogram. I'm kicking myself for not buying one for me! Five of them are for the bridesmaids and the sixth is for my officiant. Our officiant is a dear friend of mine and would have been a bridesmaid but we decided that we would love for her to 'marry' us instead!
More gifts to come, and I'm even more excited about the next batch! My hope is that each gift given during our wedding planning will be something that will be useful for a long time, whether it be a makeup bag or a goat given to a family on the other side of the world.
Journal entries with photo inspirations are becoming quite habitual, so I'll leave on the note of one of my most recent collages. I figure that if I document my street style, it will be easier to decide on a dress.
Crossing my fingers, anyway...
Ciao,
Anna
 |
| These are so soft and really handy! |
I love these bags because they're soft on the outside but durable and waterproof on the inside (in makeup terms that means they are super easy to clean!). They even have a pocket inside for extra storage. Each is a different color and has a contrasting stitched monogram. I'm kicking myself for not buying one for me! Five of them are for the bridesmaids and the sixth is for my officiant. Our officiant is a dear friend of mine and would have been a bridesmaid but we decided that we would love for her to 'marry' us instead!
More gifts to come, and I'm even more excited about the next batch! My hope is that each gift given during our wedding planning will be something that will be useful for a long time, whether it be a makeup bag or a goat given to a family on the other side of the world.
 |
| Street style I love |
Crossing my fingers, anyway...
 |
| D + A at the Hoover Dam |
Ciao,
Anna
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)