sign me up

I've wanted to go to ALT for the past 2 years, but it just hasn't worked out. Now, I'm turning to some of the online classes that they're offering in hopes of becoming a better blogger with an even better blog.

Have you taken any online ALT classes? I haven't yet, but I am interested in taking a few, come July. There are so many wonderful and helpful classes being offered, it is going to be so difficult to narrow down.

"Growing Readership" and "Graphic Design for Bloggers" are sounding like musts.

Bing is offering free classes if you simply spread the word about their Summer of Doing. I am so excited to start doing... thanks Bing!

Get in on the deal HERE. 

gah.

How beautiful is this? I'm in love...

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gimme

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brunch at my place

Over the weekend, I hosted a small brunch at my house for some of my favorite ladies. Here are a few quick pics:

My DIY Confetti System garland was a fun little touch!

I tried to have a good mixture of breakfast-y and lunch-y foods… and there was definitely more than just cucumber sandwiches and banana bread. :)

I finally got to use these cute mugs that I found a few months back. I just knew they'd be perfect for having friends over for coffee.

To top it off, we got crafty and painted canvases. I thought it was a fun little "take home."

in need

Ok, maybe I don't need this outfit… but I want it. 

Get in my closet now!

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finally

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Today is the 1st official day of Summer, and I am so excited about it. Here's to lots of time spent having fun in the sun!

And for some strange reason, I haven't been able to stop thinking about Fall for the past week, so I'm trying to not wish away any season... trying to also learn to better appreciate the season in life I'm in as well. Ya feelin' me?

*Catch me sharing about one of my favorite spaces in our home today over at Sadie and Stella!

recent favorites

Hopefully everyone had a great weekend... I did! A little fun, a little relaxation and a little work thrown into the mix.

-photo with my dad from my wedding (for Father's Day)

 -downtown Columbia from Rooftop while celebrating a friend's 31st

-Anthro pillow I'm in love with

-Saturday morning coffee watching our boys play

-Avery's 1/2 birthday (18 months) 

-Chambray twins with my Hudson

find, follow & see all of my instas:

annaweaver

And if you didn't already know... Wink of Pink is open for business TODAY! I am so happy for Christine of Bijou and Boheme. She is so so talented. I need a piece from her shop stat!

DIY Lava Bead Bracelet

This bracelet was so easy and extremely inexpensive. I have nothing with a skull on it and don't really know how I feel about the trend altogether, so I decided to give it a shot. I picked up a strand of lava beads from Michaels for $3.59. The skull charm was found at Hobby Lobby for $1.99 (without their 40% off weekly coupon). I already had the clear stretchy string from a previous project as well as a package of gold spacers. With all of my supplies in hand, I got to work...

Ahhh, the juxtaposition of the shiny gold rings beside those lava beads…

I removed the charm loops on top of the skull, drilled a hole through it and spray painted it black so that it'd blend in with the lava beads. I only had a satin finish spray on hand, but if you used a flat finish, that little guy would be even more inconspicuous. (OR if you're totally on board with the trend, you could spray him gold.) Lastly, I knotted the string and added a dab of super glue to keep that sucker together.

I think this bracelet adds the perfect amount of edge to my arm party, what do you think?

I've got to give my hubby credit here. He found the lava beads and made himself a bracelet first. His is just the beads (no spacers or skull). I'm so glad he cares about style just as much as I do. We are a match made when it comes to this stuff. 

For about $5 you can't beat it. Plus, if dad is trendy, it's a great last minute Father's Day gift idea that the kids can make… easy as 1, 2, 3.

crushin' on this look

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the big boy room

A couple months ago, I switched Hudson's room with our former guest bedroom. I am just now finishing up what I started. And last night, I made drapes… out of drop cloths. Because of the slanted ceilings in his room, I had less room to work with around his window. I was in need of thinner drapes than standard sizes and was able to use 1 6x9 cloth which amounted to $10! I cut it down the middle, sewed the unfinished edge and sewed up a pole pocket at the top. At first I thought I'd bleach the canvas cloth, but since we aren't painting his room, the beige/grey contrast works well with those stark white walls. The orange trim adds a little whimsical feel to his big boy room, and I'm loving it. What do you think?

1st Blogiversary

That's right. This 'happy place' of mine launched 1 year ago, today! Exciting stuff.

I knew that there would be something different about this blog of mine, and I can honestly say that gaining over 570 faithful readers in a year's time baffles me. Thank you! All of your sweet comments and emails have put many smiles on my face over the past year, and I've enjoyed sharing all of the things that make my heart go pitter patter. This year has been chock-full of newfound treasures... here's to another.

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I'd love to hear what your favorite thing is about A.N.T.

this + this

My ideal kitchen would look just like this:

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It doesn't have to be huge... just bright and airy like this one. Floors with character, ah! Maybe with a fun rug like my favorite one in my parents' house, only smaller:

Something about it reminds me of Jenny. I love how she mixes bright colors... so playful, yet sophisticated. 

Good...

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I can't believe it's already Monday. Here's to a productive week ahead.

Practical

Comfortable. Not too trendy. Classic.

Hope you have a great weekend! I'm in Charleston once again, enjoying a few relaxing days at the beach.

PS: Did you catch Chassity's I'm Not A Poser challenge yesterday? My breakfast nook canvas was one of the features... from before I painted it a solid color last week. :) Things are always changing around my house!

F21 Favorites

I am so impressed with what I'm seeing from Forever 21... here are a few things that I need.

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my kind of...

DIY

arm party

neon

just my style

I'm completely over-wearing this shirt these days. Dress it up or dress it down. Either way, I am loving it! Do you have a favorite piece in your closet that's on repeat?

Check out my guest post over at Michaela Noelle Designs to see more.

Gift Guide for Dad

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The new Toms?

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I've been eyeing all of the fun prints that Soludos come in and kind of fell in love. I found these yellow espadrilles for $10, so I figured I'd give them a try.

I still really like my Toms, but these are fun for the Summertime. That yellow is so bright and playful! Maybe I should splatter them with a little bleach for a different look? Either way, I'm happy with my look for less.

breakfast in bed

Gracious. Look at that cute little boy eating cereal in my bed. His smile just lights up the room. I sure do love Sunday mornings!

white out

Lovely.

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Looks so effortless, right? #1 and #5 are totally me.

Here are some of my favorite pieces in white:

white staples by annaweaver

So, have you tried the white-on-white look? I haven't yet, but today might be my day. Happy Friday y'all!