Coastal Interiors: Baskets and Blankets for Fall and Winter

September 29, 2015Home Blog Posts, InteriorsAnneke McConnell

Hello friends! Be sure to follow along on Instagram and Pinterest for all the behind the scenes, not to mention my new FAVE app Periscope!!

There are also some pretty FANTASTIC sales right now at Pottery Barn for dining tables, home office furniture, lighting, halloween, drapes, rugs, the entryway and more.

So, when it comes to fall, it's tough to make black and white decisions about what is my favorite. From hot coffee or tea in the mornings to the cozy fireplace and candles, paired with comfort foods and family gatherings for the holiday season - I love it ALL. But blankets.....they really have the ability to make a house a home in these cooler seasons.

As a mom of three kiddos, I love spending time with them snuggled in a good chair or the sofa reading books together in the evenings. I wish I could say it happens every night, but hey....no one is perfect. ;-) You can bet that this time of year though that I bring out all the fall and winter weight blankets and fill every basket I can throughout our little beach house. It's a necessity for those morning devotions, evening reading time, Saturday morning cartoons, and watching the waves during winter storms. Baskets and blankets - they carry us through the season! Not to mention make fantastic gifts for friends, family, hostesses, etc.

It's not too difficult to go wrong with a good sturdy basket and quality blankets, but I've rounded up some that have caught my eye this season at various price points. Whether you love cotton, wool, or cashmere......rattan, wicker, or rope, I've brought my personal favorite throw blankets (a few oversize!) and baskets that are sure to bring years of warmth and storage wherever life takes you. :-)

source

Hover over the items above and click for details.

source - faux fur blanket

source - greek key throw

source - gold throw blanket

source - oversize chunky knit throw blanket

Baskets

Blankets

What are your favorite kind of blankets? Connect with me in the comments below or on social media. I love to chat with you guys!

xo,

Anneke

Follow along on instagram at:

@coastalcollectiveco

@coastalcollectivestyle

@coastalinteriors

Follow along on Facebook

Make It Happen: Getting Back to Basics

September 27, 2015Personal DevelopmentAnneke McConnell

Hello friends! Be sure to follow along on Instagram and Pinterest for all the behind the scenes, not to mention my new FAVE app Periscope!!

To some people, it may be a bit cliche, but the basics of life are where it's at. They are the things that boost our productivity ten fold when we adhere to them. These are those lovely things such as getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising our bodies, and enjoying times of rest and relaxation. But why oh why is it SO hard sometimes to stick to these basics?!

You honestly don't need someone to tell you you need to eat well, sleep and be merry. I know that. Hopefully, however, these tips that I have to share with you will help you get past the "Why is it so hard?' part of making these basic (life-changing, productivity boosting) habits more of a consistent reality. You ready?

Tips To Getting Back To Basics and MAKING THINGS HAPPEN in your life.

1. PLAN AHEAD.

That's right - I said it. When you plan ahead and plan these activities into your day WITHOUT COMPROMISE, they are a million times more likely to occur. (in my own estimation and experience). Don't just say you'll eat well, do well for a week and than fall of the wagon. WHAT will you eat and when, and when will you shop? Don't just say you'll work out 5 days a week. WHEN will you workout and what will you do? What's your back up plan when something goes wrong in your schedule? Schedule these things into your day with a little bit of grace and a back up plan when things don't go how you anticipated!

2. HONOR YOUR SCHEDULE.

Playing off of tip #1, if you don't honor your schedule, you won't honor these basic activities that will make a huge difference in accomplishing your end goals. It also doesn't do you good if you don't allow "space" in your day for mishaps, rest, and life! Don't over schedule yourself. #preachingtothechoir So, if you've decided that it is important enough to you to schedule, honor it without compromise.

3. THINK PAST THE ACTIVITY.

Sometimes in order to achieve one goal, you need to focus on another area of your life. For example, I realized after months of struggling to wake up earlier, I was focusing on changing the wrong habit. What I needed to change was my evening routine. I needed to change everything I did in the evenings to compound into going to bed earlier, and therefore waking up earlier. What is it in your life that is affecting you from reaching other goals? Take literally at least 5 minutes to think about your goals and brainstorm on paper. What stands out to you?

As a weekly series, I'm keeping this quick and light. I'd love to have you tackle one thing at a time and join me on Periscope for #MakeItHappenMondays where we share what we do and our goal for the week! It's a great place to find others who can help you with your goals as well. :-)

What "basics" do you struggle with, if any? (for my overachievers) ;-) What tips do you have to share with others on getting a grip on the "basics" of life for success?

Share your thoughts below or on social media. Have an awesome day friends!

xo,

Anneke

Follow along on instagram at:

@coastalcollectiveco

@coastalcollectivestyle

@coastalinteriors

Follow along on Facebook

Fashion Friday: Mad for Plaid

September 25, 2015Fashion Blog PostsAnneke McConnell

Hello friends! Be sure to follow along on Instagram and Pinterest for all the behind the scenes, not to mention my new FAVE app Periscope!!

Hello there beautiful friends! I don't know about you, but I can seem to get enough plaid this time of year. From the classic collared button down shirt, to rainboots, bags, scarves, and more, plaid screams cozy, fall, and fashionable.

Today I've rounded up some of my favorite finds for you to pick from if you are on the hunt for the perfect plaid top. As much as I'd love to personally own a kajillion plaid tops, I suggest finding maybe two that you love, are great quality, and fit well for your height and (ahem) chest. ;-)

Pair it with distressed denim, heels or tennis, a puffer vest or faux fur vest, dainty necklace or statement necklace and you are good to go! Mix and match is where it's at!

scarf / vest / bracelet / earrings / heels / tennis shoes / t-shirt / jeans

xo,

Anneke

Follow along on instagram at:

@coastalcollectiveco

@coastalcollectivestyle

@coastalinteriors

Follow along on Facebook

Want to start your own blog? Check out my FREE tips at www.CreativeBloggingResourceGuide.com

Coastal Interiors: Living Room Design

September 23, 2015Home Blog PostsAnneke McConnell

Hello friends! Be sure to follow along on Instagram and Pinterest for all the behind the scenes, not to mention my new FAVE app Periscope!!

Fall is officially my favorite time of the year. As a Pacific Northwesterner, born and raised, the air turns crisp, the rainy season has not quite arrived, and the occasional evening of an outdoor fire with smore's always makes the kid's happy!

I lean toward simple decor and don't change things too much from a seasonal standpoint, but when you do, simple changes in pillow covers, table linens, curtains, and foliage seem to do the trick. Not to mention pulling out the pumpkin spice candles! I can never get enough of those!

This living room design is a great place to start. Just add pillows, blankets, and other decor with a seasonal color scheme that you LOVE!