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Saturday, December 29, 2012

A Year in Reflection



Wow! I always find myself in awe of how fast a year seems to go by. So many things happened this year, and I admit it wasn't the easiest. In January, I started my very first "big girl" job working for a media company. I am still there today and love it. It feels so good to be earning my own money and having a little extra to spend. I am so thankful that I was able to get a job in this economy.

In April, I came down with a case of the flu. I was home all weekend and happened to stay home from church that day. I remember laying in bed when my phone rang. My Mom called me crying to tell me that my Dad was in an accident while on vacation in a different state. It was bad. Really bad. They didn't expect him to even live through the night, and I knew I had to get there to be with him. I wasn't able to get any information on my dad at all. It was the scariest moment of my life. Through his brothers and the persistence of my amazing mom, I was able to find out that he was hit on the highway at a very high speed. One of my Uncles rushed to my apartment (nearly 2 hours away from his own home) to bring me back to my Mom's house. We hardly slept that night and another uncle picked us up early in the next morning to head 12 hours away to the hospital he was in. It was terrifying. I remember praying just begging God to let me be able to tell him I love him. I was begging that he would be able to hold on for that. When we got to West Virginia, we signed into the ICU and received badges to enter. The first time I saw Dad was the hardest. I remember praising Jesus that he was holding on to life and at the same time I could hardly breathe. I walked into that room and saw him. I remember his head being so swollen it was the size of a basketball. He was unrecognizable. I was told not to touch him as so many bones were broken. I remember walking out into the hallway after my 2 minutes with Dad were up and collapsing to the floor crying. I was able to go in later that night and talk to him before the ICU closed to visitors. That night my family just walked around downtown and explored. I remember going out to dinner and not eating a thing on my plate because of the constant stream of calls I was getting. Throughout the next few days (the ones he wasn't even supposed to be alive through) Dad made many improvements. I looked through some of my facebook statuses to look back on what they were, and thought I'd share them with you:


April 24: My daddy knew I was there! SO EXCITED! The nurse told him "you have someone in the room for you! Vince, open up your eyes!" He opened and I told him I was there. The nurse had him show me how he wiggled his toes and fingers. As soon as the nurse left the room, dad started wiggling those toes like crazy- just showing off now! :) It was amazing to see a little bit of his humor even during this. Keep praying! Our God is hearing them. Little miracles are happening all over.

April 25: I was able to give daddy a kiss! I asked him if I could and he nodded. He also smiled! Just a little one, but it still meant the world. It's in the little things.

June 6: Just heard Dad's voice for the first time since the accident. :) Such a miracle! So thankful he was able to call me tonight!

July14: Praising Jesus that my dad was released from the hospital and able to go home Friday! God has worked incredible miracles since April. So thankful he spared my dad's life!


It's amazing to me to look back at those. Thinking someone is going to die and realizing Jesus is going to spare them is an amazing feeling. I remember at the beginning the doctors saying he could be in a different state for an entire year. Within 4 months he was released. God is spectacular. Dad just had another surgery yesterday (he will probably still have tons) and is dealing with his pretty severe brain injury, but he's doing awesome in contrast to where he could have been. 



In May, my adorable hubby directed his very first play. I was SO proud of him! The kids did a fabulous job, and he was absolutely amazing with them. 



We helped out with many school events during the year, since he teaches at a very small school. It was so fun to stay involved and serve God there. 

He completed his very first year of teaching at the end of May, so we had a huge amount of open houses to attend. He is an incredible, fantastic man!



His Summer was spent recuperating and preparing for the next year. We spent so much time with friends and are super lucky to live by the Great Lakes. 



We also were introduced to a new niece (actually born last year but she lives so far away!) and two new nephews this year! We love our amazing nieces and nephews so much and it's always so exciting to meet them.








On June 9th, my Mom graduated. I cannot even tell you how proud of her I am. I know going back to school wasn't easy for her, but she did it and stuck with it. She is my hero. She is the strongest person I know, and constantly makes herself a role-model for me. 

Last week, my mom found out she scored her first job! I couldn't stop smiling! I knew it was going to happen, but just hearing that news made me squeal. She is incredible. I know she's going to do amazing at her new job, and will be a huge asset to the company. 



Earlier this month we lost our sweet 15 year old puppy. She was a huge part of our family and we miss her every day. 



My gorgeous little sister lived at a camp for the majority of the year serving Jesus. She is so awesome! She is such a beautiful, hardworking, strong girl! She was amazing when Dad's accident happened and was strong for me. I'm so thankful for her. 



It's amazing how much happens in a year. When I look back, I can hardly believe it. We faced so much loss, shed many tears, celebrated lots of happy times, and gained a million new memories. Although this year wasn't easy, I'm so thankful for each event that has happened. I know it has been shaping me into a better person. I'm thankful that God's plans are better than my own. 


Here's to high hopes and many memories for next year! I'm thankful for all of you and wish you the best in the year to come. 

xoxo




Saturday, December 22, 2012

OOTD- I'll Be Home For Christmas


The proportion of my hand in this picture is cracking me up!

New Shirt from TJ Maxx- Only $12.99
AE Jeggings
Nords Rack Shoes
Charming Charlie's Necklace

Friday, December 21, 2012

My First Sewing Machine



I am the proud owner of a brand new sewing machine! It was an incredible birthday surprise from my beautiful Mom and sister. I took it out of the box and was completely 100% intimidated by the cute little thing. I didn't even know how to thread it! In the last couple hours, I learned how to thread, change needles, and (possibly the biggest of all) turn on the machine. Ha! It was definitely an experience. I decided to make a pillow cover for my first project. Quite ambitious if I do say so myself! Below is the result! I used two dish towels to make them, and was so pleased on how it turned out! I definitely need to iron them, but the shabby chic. I am going to buy some more fabric tomorrow to whip together a tutorial on this, so keep on the lookout for that! =) Hope you all are having an absolutely fabulous Christmas break! 


Monday, December 17, 2012

My Favorite Holiday Giveaways



Head on over to Shop Crystal Faye and enter her fabulous holiday giveaway in collaboration with Aboutfais.com.

You will adore everything, I promise! Hurry, because there's not too much time left.


Sunday, December 16, 2012

Happy Birthday To ME!





It's my birthday! I absolutely love birthdays. Today I was thinking back on my favorite birthday memories. I remember as a child my mom reserved a historical home and hired a lady to come in to teach us etiquette and have a tea party. It was fabulous! To this day, exploring the old house ranks up there in my favorite memories. On my sixteenth birthday, I was given TWO surprise parties! My favorite of the two was my parents renting out an ice rink to have private skating with my closest friends. I'm so thankful I had parents that valued birthdays! 

As selfish as it sounds, my love language is gifts. I love giving and receiving gifts! I adore shopping for other people, because for me it's the closest way I have to communicating my love for them. That being said, I am so thankful for all those that have spoiled me on my birthday! I don't think people realize how much it means to me when they take time out of their day to send me a card or surprise me with a little gift. I'm incredibly thankful for those that have shown me so much kindness. 


I know this post is incredibly scatterbrained, so I apologize. So thankful for all of those that take the time to read a silly blog like mine. You all mean the world to me! 


Anna

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

A Pop of Pink


Cardi- Target 
Dress- Gap
Shoes- TJ Maxx



Happy Tuesday! Today was seemingly endless. I was so glad to finally see 4pm roll around and know it was time to go home. With my birthday in a few days and Christmas in 2 weeks, time seems to be slowing down. Very excited for the weekend and to celebrate! 


xoxo





Monday, December 10, 2012

Relaxed Monday- OOTD



Pretty boring day today. I kept my usual comfy/casual standard for a Monday. A comfy sweater and black skinnies make it office appropriate and relaxed. 

Sweater- Target
Jeggings- AE
Shoes- Nords Rack


Sunday, December 9, 2012

Goodbye, weekend!

I had a very productive weekend! I love being able to say that on a Sunday night. Friday was spent working from home and running errands. Saturday I spent the entire day relaxing with the hubby. It was SO needed. I hardly did anything all day other than online shopping and catch up on my favorite TV shows. I finally was able to use my modcloth gift card that my little sister gave me on my last birthday (umm... my next birthday is in ONE week!) and ordered this fabulous coat! I got an incredible deal on it too. I cannot wait to get it in the mail!




Also, my amazing hubby bought me an Apple Tv today! SO excited! It's my early birthday present. =) 



Today after church, I spent five hours... yes you heard that right... FIVE hours cleaning my apartment! It was so very needed, and I still have some more to do. We are having a little party tomorrow, so it was a nice excuse to deep clean this place! 

I also started working out and dieting this weekend. Usually it seems incredibly daunting, but I'm actually feeling pretty determined with it this time! I am using the Lose It! app on my phone to keep my calories in check. Amazing how much food you can cut out when you have to record it! I have been using pinterest to find all kinds of fun work out videos. My new faves? Definitely the Jillian Michaels Yoga video and the Victorias Secret model work outs. 

My OOTD today is pretty simple. I go to a very conservative church, so knee length skirts are a must. Modest and classy cuts are my go to looks for services.  



Skirt/Cardi/Shirt- Target
Shoes- TJ Maxx
Necklace- Nords Rack



Have a fabulous Monday!
xoxo



Saturday, December 8, 2012

Makeup Haul!









I've always had super sensitive skin- in fact, most makeup will inevitably cause a break out on my face upon use. I discovered this amazing brand through my sister-in-laws. It's called "Everyday Minerals," and is a natural, vegan, mineral makeup brand. I LOVE IT. This is the first brand that has actually cleared up my face. Their makeup is very high quality, and super affordable. It ends up being cheaper than store brand makeup for me because it lasts so long. In the pictures above, you will see the long-haired kabuki brush. I own two of these already, and they are better than any professional brush I have ever used. At $12.99, I consider it quite a steal! :) Their brushes are incredibly soft. They make many of the super expensive brushes seem scratchy in comparison. I use their bases (foundations) in semi-matte. It provides incredible coverage, and looks so natural. 

My favorite eyeshadow is "Wish You Were Here" with "Comfy" coming in at a close second. The brow defining kit is fabulous. It's so easy to fill in those eyebrow-plucking mistakes (we all make them!). They also have "custom kits" where you can select many of their products for 35% off! They are already a steal, so this makes them even better. I ended up ordering around $100 of product that will last me about a year. In the grand scheme of things, this is going to cost less than drugstore brands and be way better for your face. 

Have you tried this brand before? How did you like it? 

Friday, December 7, 2012

Blog facelift and a few new favorites

Phew! I worked hard last night to bring a new look to my blog. I know it's nothing professional, but I love my fresh new look!

Lately I've been obsessing over a few new nail polishes. This seasons favorites? Leading Lady by Essie and Crown Me Already by OPI. Both are absolutely fabulous!





I also decorated my first Christmas tree! My favorite part is most definitely the hot pink, glittery tree skirt. The hubby wouldn't help decorate, so his punishment was getting stuck with the most girly tree ever. ;) Serves him right.


Most people that know me know I am a little more than obsessed with Disney. Literally. Obsessed. I've spent countless hours researching the ins and outs of Disney, enjoyed many trips to Disney World, and have made a few too many sneaky trips to the Disney Store after work. ;) They have so many amazing items this season! With the New Fantastyland now open, they've come out with even more adorable products. This mug is definitely on my birthday list! *hint, hint, hubbs*



I hope you all are well and enjoy the new look of Pink Anchors! xoxo




Monday, December 3, 2012

Catching Up


It has been a crazy couple weeks. I'm so sorry that i've been MIA. Thanksgiving week was spent across the state, and we had a blast with the hubby's family. It was such a fun time with constant happiness. We celebrated his Grandma's 90th birthday that weekend! Can you imagine 90 years of life? I can't even begin to fathom the experiences she has gone through in that time!








Early on last week, my puppy of 15 years died. I had a really hard time with it... as did my whole family. I already miss her so much and can't believe I won't be greeted by her adorable little face every time I visit home. She was our first and only pet, so it was a big loss to all of us. It's amazing how these little pups can be such a huge part of our family. She was an irreplaceable part of ours. 

You are missed, sweet puppy! 





Christmas Ornaments- A Cinnamon Delight!


Cinnamon Ornaments!

When I was in preschool, I made this adorable gingerbread ornament that has hung on the tree every year since. It's always given off this incredible cinnamon aroma that fills our house with Christmas scents. It's been 18 years since preschool, and it still smells divine! I decided to make some of these today as gifts with my Williams-Sonoma Cookie Cutters. They turned out so great! These ornaments are incredibly easy. In fact, you probably have everything you need to make them in your kitchen!






Ingredients:
2 cups Apple Sauce (1 15oz can)
2 cups Cinnamon
1 straw
Ribbon to hang
Cookie Cutters

Directions
  1. Mix the apple sauce and cinnamon with your hands to make a ball of dough
  2. Roll out the dough (I did this in between two pieces of wax paper) 
  3. Cut your shapes! Make sure they are at least 1/4 of an inch thick.
  4. Poke a hole where you want to put a ribbon with your straw.
  5. Heat your oven to 170 (I just set mine to the warm setting) and bake for 2-3 hours. You also have the choice of not baking them and letting them sit out for a few days. 
That's it! They make super great gifts for the Christmas season.