How Would You Wear It- T-shirt Dress

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Hey, friends!

A few weeks ago, I got on my Instagram stories saying that I realized how I wasn’t doing anything groundbreaking when I post my outfits of the day. I truly just want to be a space on the internet for real women to see how to wear their pieces multiple ways over and over again! Because that’s what we do. Well, that’s what I do! I got to thinking that I wanted to be more intentional about it and shared that with my followers which lead to lots of messages with positive feedback to do so. This week I went for it! I did underestimate the amount of time it takes to change, take pics, repeat, so I think some weeks are going to be more in-depth than others but I’m super excited about this series!

With spring on the mind and a request by a follower, I started with a t-shirt dress. This exact dress is from my good friend Laura’s boutique, Lane 51 last season (she does have it in a blush color now though)! If blush isn’t your color, here is another option from Target that comes in grey and a few other colors too!

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A lot of these pieces I’ve had in my closet for a long time now, but if something caught your eye, I will link similar items on the LiketoKnow.it app (a free app I use to make it easy to shop my looks in favor of a small commission) or by following this link!

So how would you wear it?

Xo, Anna

Galentine’s and Bridal Party Photo Shoot

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Galentine's Photo Shoot

This past Monday, I was given the opportunity to play the role of a model in a bridal and Galentines photo shoot over at the Loveliest in Sewickley, PA. It was an afternoon of creative minds working together, laughs, and shivering in the cold for the photos! It was women coming together to share their talents with the world in such a beautiful way. We had so much fun and I think it shows through the photos even though with most of these women, it’s only my second or first time meeting them!

I just have to share some of my favorite photos with you all.

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This day couldn’t have been done without the talents of all these ladies below.

Bloggers/ Models: Jordyn, Leilani, Crystal

Hair: Katherine- The Lavendar Loft

Makeup: Annika and Raquel (Owners)- Glam to Go– Artists: Amanda and Rachel

Bridal Gown: Erin – Luna Boutique

Photographer:  Photos by Molly M

Charcuterie: Erin- Olive & Brie

Cookes w/ Names: Carly- Harper + Honey Bakery

Cookes for coffee: Marissa- Marissa Lynn Bakery

Pinata: Kayt- Hey Kayty Studio

Planning/ Floral: Hannah Di Cicco- Sip & Celebrate

Planning/ Studio/ Coffee: Kathryn Richardson- The Loveliest Co

 

It blows my mind on how organized and thoughtful the entire day was. I’m so thankful to be apart of it and I hope we can do it again soon!

Xo, Anna

Frozen II Event with Mystical Dream Travel

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Hi, everyone!

This morning I had the pleasure of attending the Frozen II Event hosted by Mystical Dream Travel. Originally, the plan was to attend with my little family of three but when Henry came down with a nasty virus, his big cousins (and my brother!) were MORE than happy to take his place for the morning.

Mystical Dream Travel is a local travel agency that has ten independent contractors who are ready to help you plan your next vacation or to their specialty, Disney! I had a chance to chat with Tina McHugh, the owner, and it is so clear that she has a passion for traveling and helping families create special memories that will last a lifetime.

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This team of agents cares so much about their clients that they host customer appreciation events like the one we were invited to today! We were given complimentary tickets to talk about our experience and I have nothing but positive things to say about this team. We were given fun swag bags full of trip planning info and Frozen goodies for the kids. When Tina found out I had a change of plans with Henry being sick, she was quick to roll with the changes and thoughtfully gave me a swag bag to take home for him and another one for my nephews! The agents also truly value making a difference in the community and asked everyone in attendance to bring an unwrapped toy for Beverly’s Birthdays. On top of that, there was a gift basket raffle with six different baskets to potentially win! All the money raised for the raffle also went to Beverly’s Birthdays which is a local charity that’s mission is that no child is forgotten on his/her special day. They have created thousands of birthday experiences for children in need. Definitely an organization worth looking into!

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Before we knew it, it was time to head to our seats! We got seated and Tina gave a heartful thank you to all the attendees and a little shout out to me for covering the event (thanks, Tina!). Then we were anxious to hear who were the lucky winners to the basket raffle so you can only imagine the excitement when I won! There were a lot of really cute themed baskets like Disney Princess, Stars Wars and Disney Game Night. I won the “Very Mickey Christmas!” basket which was full of fun Christmas themed Mickey Mouse items. Henry, who is currently Mickey obsessed, was so excited when I came home with this win! After the raffle excitement settled, it was time to watch the highly anticipated Frozen II.

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To no surprise, Disney nailed it… AGAIN. The rich storyline and Olaf’s little zinger’s made it just as compelling to adults as the kiddos. I’m seriously contemplating buying the soundtrack because I think the music is even better than the first!

All in all, it was such a fun morning with Mystical Dream Travel. I have no doubt that their trip planning services will be just as well organized and executed as this morning’s event was. I cannot wait to book a trip to Disney with them in the future!

Thanks to Mystical Dream Travel for having us!

Xo, Anna

Happy Blog-iversary to Me!

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Woohoo! Another year in the books. I know there are a lot of people who wonder why I chose this little hobby of mine and I realized never really shared my blogging story. So what better time than now?!

In November 2016, the company I was working for laid off our entire team. I was pretty devastated at the time, but it was actually the best thing for me. I wasn’t even happy working there and it was beginning to be too much because I was also working for Stitch Fix part-time. With my full-time job off the table, I wanted to market myself for a job in the actual field I wanted to be in and also get back to writing/creating.

I’ve been actually blogging off and on since 2012. I recently found my old blog after some heavy googling. It’s still out there and it’s pretty crazy how things have changed! Hah! Any guesses on it’s name? Anyway, I was ready for a fresh start and I opted for dropping the blog name to rebranded as just me, Anna Hinkle. I built a website that I love and shortly after Stitch Fix promoted me to be a full-time stylist. So my energy went back into my new job and still not 100% blogging.

As life went on, my son was born and I stepped down from my full-time position into part-time so I can spend most days with him. I underestimated how time-consuming and exhausting it can be to work and raise a tiny human in the same space. To this day, I know I can be better as I’m not always consistent in posting but this whole thing is genuinely fun for me! I enjoy the connections, flexing my creativity and writing. My blog content ebbs and flows with life, but I promised myself I will always get back to it because my little space on the internet makes me happy.

Lately, my blog has given me some fun opportunities to work with companies I love which has been such an exciting milestone for me. I also got accepted the Rewards Style program (aka LIKEtoKNOW.it) which allows me to make a small commission when you purchase off the links I share. For the people who are using my links, I seriously appreciate your support!

I truly find so much joy in sharing my life with you all and the connections we have made. Thank you, thank you thank you for your ongoing support! I can’t wait to see what the next year brings!

Cheers!

Xo, Anna

P.S. If you think we’d be a good match in working together, my inbox is always open at annahinkleblog@gmail.com!

Finding Confidence in Motherhood

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Finding Confidence in Motherhood

Hey mama,

Have a seat, let’s chat… Becoming a mom rocked my confidence, which is actually super ironic considering I look pretty damn put together in this photo and I truly believe all moms are superwomen. That is literally one of the only things I remember saying immediately after my son was born… that I felt like a superwoman (ask my husband!) So if anything I should feel more confident than ever right? Well, I don’t.

Before becoming a mom, I was in a few successful sales roles speaking on behalf of companies to new strangers on a daily basis, which isn’t really a job you can have without confidence. I also knocked on everyone’s dorm door during my first week of college to introduce myself and make some new friends. Two things that actually make me squirm now. Where did THAT confidence go?!

This happens to so many of us, whether it be hormones, deciding to stay home majority of the day, the changes in our bodies or the enormous weight upon our shoulders to raise this tiny human right all while gripping on to our last bit of identity before we were born into our new role as a mother.

Read that again. Because that’s A LOT. A lot of newsness and just a lot of quick change of things that are really, really important to many of us.

But I’m here to remind you that you are superwoman and we are ALL a work in progress, mama. Whether you bounce back “quickly” or not, it’s OKAY. It’s taken me closer to two years to really feel a build on my confidence again. I wish I could wave a magic wand over all of us and poof it would be there… but I don’t. What I can give you lots of support, encouragement and like many have done for me in this process.

So keep your chin up, pour some more coffee, and keep going. I’m rooting for us because we deserve it.

Xo, Anna

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How to Find Your Enneagram Number

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How to Find Your Enneagram Number

Hey guys! If you know me personally, you know I’ve probably brought up the enneagram around you. You may have heard of it, but don’t know where to begin! Yes, it’s another personality test… but this one really digs deeps into your motives and fears. I really gravitated to this test because I felt so seen after reading about my type! I didn’t know there were other people that have the same internal struggles as I do! I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders as I felt a little more understood. It has really helped me grow as a person and work through some of my internal conflicts. I always encourage others to look into the enneagram for themselves because of this. If we all understand one another’s motivations it would go along!

Not sure where to begin? You’re in luck! I’ve taken a lot of free tests, but this one at Eclectic Energies Enneagram is most accurate in my opinion. And don’t worry, it’s free!

Be sure to explore your results and see what really resonates with you. It may be easy to figure out, but it can also make you confused! I get it. I had a hard time figuring out my number at first because I was letting the influence of others and how they perceive me influence it. You need to dig a little deep for yourself and figure out what really motivates you and your actions. I kind of realized it when I was recently going through an internal conflict with someone and it clicked why I was acting the way I was. For me, it is that I want to be loved, to be needed and appreciated, I act to get others to respond to me, and to vindicate my claims about myself… also know as a 2, the helper.

Let’s say you read the description of your results on the previous website and weren’t completely sold. I’ve found that The Enneagram Institute is also full of helpful information and a little easier on the eyes.

If you are more into actual books, this one called The Enneagram Made Easy, it a great place to start.

At the end of the day, you are the only one who will be able to figure out your enneagram number because you know what internally motivates you to act the way you do. If you don’t know right now, it’s okay! It can take some time!

I look forward to learning more about this subject and am by no means an expert. I do enjoy sharing the tools I’ve used to learn about it though! I’d love to know your enneagram number, so leave me a comment below. Also, I’m always here to help because well, it’s just the way I am.

Good luck!

Xo, Anna

Why Visiting the Library is a Secret Ingredient to Toddlerhood

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When is the last time you visited the library? It may be a little intimidating to walk back into a place where an older generation frequents and is staring at you as a clueless millennial… especially with a moody toddler in hand. But trust me, it’s worth taking the plunge! Before Henry, it had been a loonng time for me.

Henry has been in love with books since he was born. It still is so fun to watch him flip and inspect the pages! I could spend a small fortune on buying him books. Luckily, we live near a really nice library and who knows, you may live near one too! Here is why visiting the library is a secret ingredient to toddlerhood.

  1. All the books (obviously).
    • With a toddler’s ever-changing interests it can feel impossible to keep up with! So having all of these books on all subjets at your disposal is huge!
    • Pro tip: Use the online catalog ahead of time- I always search things Henry is into (filter into the kid’s section) and it will bring up all the book titles in that theme. Browse through and see what sparks your interest. Sometimes, I even go onto Amazon and read the reviews/get a peek into the book. This makes it easy to get books you know your kid will like rather than aimlessly trying to look at titles while also watching your wandering kiddo. You can then request them and pick them up, right at the front desk!
  2. Different toys.
    • There are toys that may be the same as the ones you have at home but are in a different place making them extra fun again!
  3. Social Interaction
    • Not always, but a lot of times there is usually someone else there for you and your kid to interact with! Some little boy read Henry a book today and it was the sweetest thing ever while I chatted with the boy’s mom. Big win for the both of us!
  4. Storytime and other events.
    • Storytime is a good activity to just get you and little on out of the house especially during the cold weather months. Lego classes, music classes, all of the things to give you something to do!
  5. DVDs.
    • Not only does our library have all the books, but there is also a huge DVD collection! Since video rental stores are no longer in existance (boo hoo) it’s a fun alternative to try new movies.
  6. It’s free.
    • Sign up for that library card, stat.

Disclaimer: If your kiddo is anything like mine, know that pages will accidentally get ripped. Our library is very understanding about it, so invest in some clear tape next time you are at Target.

Now, are you convinced to go try out your local library? You can follow along on my Instagram page to see what books we check out each week at @Anna__Hinkle! Happy reading!

Xo, Anna

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