Blues

dress: H&M (save, splurge)
heels: Payless (save, splurge)
bag: Ralph Lauren
vest: vintage (similar on sale!!!)
belt: GAP

The temperatures have dropped below reasonable for outfit pictures outside. So I had  to resort to inside photo shoot to make sure everyone's limbs stay in tact. The Christmas decor is put away and only the cold remains with not a ray of sunshine on most days. I want to take Jonathan out and let him experience the winter wonderland but when it's 3F outside, even the bravest mom gives up. It is supposed to 'warm up' (a.k.a. stay above 25 this week) which means opportunity for sledding and some fun. Most days we survive the cold with naps and hot tea. Stay warm my friends! 

xo, Anna

Pregnancy Tips - What I Learned Last Time

This is the nicest picture from my last pregnancy, the rest, I must say are quite horrible. My style has evolved in last two years and I hope this pregnancy is going to be different from the last. I've learned a few things and gained a few wisdom pounds. I want to share with you some hard learned lessons and things people don't want to talk about. Maybe you have read them somewhere or never heard of such things, but these are the things I've learned. Every woman's pregnancy is different and if you are to experience anything which gives you worry, seek medical advice. Otherwise, learn from my mistakes and enjoy your preggo time.

1. Watch Your Weight. 

Paying attention to your weight should not be just a thing you do before you get pregnant but during pregnancy also. First, it's easier on your entire body to not carry extra pounds, and second you will have much easier time getting back in shape once you deliver. The American culture promotes 'eat for two' mantra for pregnant women and even supports unhealthy weight gain (up to 35lb). Whereas, in most European country the top number is 25 pounds after which the doctor will warn you that you are gaining too much weight. I've been there. I know how easy it is to let yourself go and just give the 'i'm pregnant' excuse. In the end no one will suffer but you. So do yourself a favor - eat a healthy, balanced diet full of protein, leafy greens and fruit. It's OK to treat yourself once in a while but don't make it a regular part of your diet.

2. Keep Hydrated. 

During pregnancy it's very important to keep well hydrated with water, not with sugar drinks or soda. The baby is swimming in amniotic fluid the entire time which can be up to 1000ml and you will need more water than usual to keep up with the demands of your changing body. Drinking about 10-12 glasses of water a day plus adding 2 glasses for every hour of light exercise. Juices can count as part of fluid intake but remember they have lots of extra calories and sugar which can make you more thirsty. Dehydration can cause edema, dizziness, nausea, headache and cramps.

3. Exercise Regularly. 

Being active during pregnancy helps with a lot of things. Not only will it help you stay active and keep your weight gain to a minimum, it will help with backaches, fatigue and even constipation. After the baby is born you will find it easier to spring back into exercise routine if you kept it up during pregnancy, Also it's a good way to relax, relieve stress and get out of the house. Staying active doesn't mean a grueling work out at the gym. Walking, hiking, and swimming are all great options to keep active. 

4. Invest in Shape Wear. 

Dressing like a woman is very important during pregnancy. Wearing the right shape wear can make or break an outfit. It really is a life-saver especially during the last trimester. Don't be fooled - all the celebrities, bloggers and other ladies who seem to have the perfect bump wear it. It's the little secret no one talks about. The right shape wear can help support your growing belly, hide the extra pounds and help you feel and look your best. Find what works for you and because you will be wearing it day in and day out, go for the best. 

5. Have (more) Sex. 

During the last trimester it becomes increasingly difficult to have intimacy because of the bulging belly in the way. While you may be puking your guts out the first trimester, take advantage of the time you have together. After the baby arrives it will be several weeks or even months before you body goes back to normal and you will actually care for anything except sleep. Having a baby is a life-changing experience so enjoy the pleasures of life while you still can. Your hubby will love the new found enthusiasm and you will ease the aches of pregnancy with a little bit of pleasure. 

6. Be Aware of Emotions. 

It's a well know fact that pregnant women are a little bit more emotional than usual. They get upset easily, cry at the sight of a cute kitten and get angry at the dishwasher (personal experience). Being aware that changes are happening in your body and staying in tune with your emotions can help you spare other people's feelings. Again, only because you are pregnant it doesn't mean you can run over other people and say whatever you want. Also, it will help you with recognizing emotional eating and fatigue. It's a stressful time so taking extra care of yourself, resting whenever possible. Sharing how you feel will help you avoid unnecessary confrontations and hurt feelings. 

7. Trust Your Gut. 

A lot of times pregnant women are accused of overreacting and panicking for no reason. Other times that gut feeling saves lives. My first pregnancy I had a gut feeling to switch hospitals and go to a more holistic place with natural birth in mind. I didn't listen to myself and paid for it with a c-section. Of course, there were other factors which contributed to my c-section but over all I think it could have been avoided. If you are feeling restless, it's better be safe than sorry. We are talking about another human being here so trust your motherly instinct!

I hope these things help you in some way!

xo, Anna

The Best of 2014

Last year was big for my blog. I went from a little hobby on the side to full time blogging for real. Our photography improved and my styled evolved into something more classy, less girly and yet simple. I look back at the very first photos I put up on the internet and it makes me cringe. But lately, I love everything about blogging. The community of blogger that surround me, the personal involvement in other people's lives and the friends I have made in this space. Sometimes it feel lonely because everyone is competing for likes and page views but really, it's so much fun. Thank you so much for sticking with  my little blog and being a huge part of my success so far. Here's to even better 2015!!!

xo, Anna

Pop

skirt: vintage (similar)
blouse: LOFT
heels: Target (similar)
bag: Ralph Lauren
watch: FOSSIL

Winter is a perfect time to add some color to your wardrobe! It's dreary and cold outside so why not go with bright? Most of the time it snows or rains without a ray of sunshine for weeks at a time. On the other hand, it's perfect light for pictures at any time of day. Pop of hot pink and some heels is all need to have a little pick me up. Hope you enjoyed your weekend and got a good start on your week! 

xo, Anna

New Year's Goals {2015}

I don't like making resolutions because if I start slacking I feel like a looser. Well, maybe I am one but it doesn't get me any more motivated for change. So I set some goals for myself instead which seem like a process instead of just an abrupt change I have to do right now.

GAIN WEIGHT:: it is part of pregnancy but how much and where is very important. I became lazy and inattentive last time I was pregnant, thinking I will lose it all on the way back from hospital. I gained too much and it was difficult to get back into shape. I learned my lesson and this time I will keep it under control by eating right, exercising regularly and actually stepping on the scale.  My goals is to have a healthy weight gain which won't strain my back as much, enable me to move more and hopefully make the labor easier.

MOVE MORE:: I have a regular exercise routine I stick to but that doesn't mean I can lounge the rest of the day. Simply, moving around the house, doing chores and getting up every 30 minutes when I'm blogging to stretch is a must. It will help with my chores that pile up at the end of the day and keep me motivated. I've been really tired lately and very sleepy, plus Jonathan had an awful chest cold so we weren't able to get out of the house for the last two weeks. I'm looking forward to warmer weather when we can take enjoy the outdoors. Even when it's chilly a brisk walk around neighborhood is good for everyone.

GET OUTSIDE:: we live in a cold climate so most of our winter months we spend inside. Of course, I love snowboarding and ice skating but compared to how much time we spend inside, it really is depressing. I noticed that I sleep better when I get fresh air and Jonathan gets his energy out. I love being outdoors and going to try to do a better job of taking Jonathan to the park, taking a walk after dinner, biking, rollerblading, hiking and more.

DAILY DEVOTIONALS:: I  have been doing Bible Studies and devotional receiving emails every day which helped me to keep up with Bible reading a prayer. But during busy times of year (summer, holidays, birthdays, vacations) I tend to forget and get off course. Honestly, there is always something going on to take my attention of the most important things. But let's face it when something is important to us, we will find the time and opportunity to do it. It's a matter of priorities and I'm changing mine.

LESS SOCIAL MEDIA:: This one is so hard to do when your life depends on being present in every social media channel. As a blogger, I tend to get lost in the millions of blogs I follow and countless Instragram accounts flooding my feed. It's all about time management and I'm determined to have a system down to keep up with the demands of my expanding business and yet be present in my own life.

BUDGET:: One of the biggest goals for this year is for us to design and keep a budget. I'm an impulsive shopper and a sale-hunter but I'm determined to stick to it and not buy junk. A lot of times it's the price that gets me interested and not even an item that I'm buying. If it's $4.99 and originally it was $50 I must buy it right? Sticking to a budget is tough at first but knowing we have financial security is worth trouble. We downloaded the You Need A Budget app and synced it to our phones. Let's do this!