Coastal Collective Co.

Make It Happen: The Value of the Past

Personal DevelopmentAnneke McConnell

It's that time of year when people are already thinking about New Year's Resolutions and goals and this is clearly something I'm passionate about helping people with.

But today I was struggling with a particular area of my life (gosh I hate admitting that!), and thankfully I have an amazing husband of 13 years to talk these things through.

I could easily identify why I was feeling disappointed, but knew that the answer was one that would take focus, time, and consistency.

One thing that surprised me about our conversation, admittedly a bit emotional on my end, was when he said, "You know.....there's value in NOT looking to the future".

Woah.

I think God knew I needed to hear that one today and I'm thankful for to my husband for that tidbit of wisdom.

It actually hit me like a mini wave.  Like many people, I'm goal driven, purpose driven, looking to the future, planning, preparing, dreaming and constantly goal setting.

But I haven't taken much time to pursue the past in a way that would allow healing in some areas.  I haven't taken nearly enough time to celebrate the accomplishments, the journey, the relationships and moment that brought me to this moment in time.

There's value in not always looking to the future.  There is value in remembering, in reaching out to those who have influenced your life and saying, "Thank you" and "How are you?".

There's value in taking the time to heal, so that you can move forward in a more whole and healthy way.  There is value in visiting the past and remembering how far you've come.

I hope you'll take a moment today or soon to remember and find value in the past.

 

 

xo, 

Anneke

 

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Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
— Hebrews 13:7-8

Coastal Interiors: Blue and Gold Living Room

Home Blog Posts, Interiors, Living RoomAnneke McConnell

Today's blue and gold living room design came from browsing all of the fantastic Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales going on right now.  With high end quality home furnishings and decor up to 40% off or more, it's an amazing time to be decorating your home!

Place you'll definitely want to check out:

HORCHOW: Up to 40% off - I'm a huge fan of their lighting, mirrors, and bedroom furniture.

SERENA AND LILY: Up to 25% with code CELEBRATE. Their designs are clean, fresh, and airy. I'm pretty sure there isn't a single item of theirs I don't love!

ONE KINGS LANE: This is a free membership site with flash sales on all things amazing for home decor.  No joke.....you don't want to miss out on these holiday sales with blowout prices up to 85% off on some items. And it's a GREAT selection!!!  I particularly love their prices on chairs, sofas, artwork, and tables and the occasional lighting. They even have some beautiful jewelry!

 

SHOP THE POST

COMPLETE THE LOOK

I hope you enjoy today's design! It was a fun one to customize the furniture and put together!  That's another reason I love some of these sites - you get to pick your fabrics!! Also, be sure to check out the Gift Guide HERE and Winter Boots post HERE.  

 

xo,

Anneke

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Winter Boots 2015

Boots, Fashion, Fashion Blog PostsAnneke McConnell

We just got back from our Christmas tree farm adventure and, well........we never quite made it to the location! Sad right?! I'm so bummed that somehow our maps failed us.

We spent the morning getting bundled in sweaters, scarves, winter jackets, and of course our warm winter boots, and seemingly all for nothing! At least we were together. ;-)

 

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales in full swing (see the Gift Guide HERE), I've rounded up some great winter boot options. Unfortunately, I've searched and searched, but can't find my Ralph Lauren boots shown above (a few years old). 

I'm finding that when most sites get low on sizes, Amazon always seems to have more in stock. We live in Washington state, so that's my personal reference for the choices I picked, just so you know.

I love the Sorel and Tory Burch brand boots  for high quality and style, but there are some GREAT alternatives that are just as stylish and affordable. Hope this helps you find that perfect warm boot for this winter!

 



 

xo,

Anneke

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Christmas Decorating Ideas + Christmas Gift Guides

ChristmasAnneke McConnell

Christmas is admittedly my favorite season to decorate for. I'm personally not much of a seasonal decorator, but I LOVE bringing in fresh greens this time of year in the form of trees, wreaths, garlands, front porch Christmas decor, and on and on.  

I do have a tree that I like to decorate with sparkly crystal ornaments, silver and gold and some ribbon.  It hasn't changed much over the past few years, because I love it so much! But then we bring out the Christmas ornaments and as a family reminisce about when we got each one and how special those moments are. 

If you have yet to decorate for the Holidays this year, here are a handful of Christmas decorating ideas to inspire you in your own home.  Remember, oftentimes you can't go wrong with simple decorations, but don't be afraid to layer in different elements here and there.



This is a perfect example of simplicity on this porch/entryway. You could even add red bows or similar on the plant containers for a pop of seasonal color.



I feel like this room was decorated really well using the color scheme that was already there with the orange. The pink, green, and gold colors for this Christmas living room look beautiful together!



I'm so inspired by Kim of Sand and Sisal to add some sea stars and sand dollars to my Christmas tree and decor.  I think the different color blues look beautiful together with the mercury glass ornaments!



This kitchen is the PERFECT example of how to add a touch of Christmas to a room instantly with a red berry wreath.  I'm loving how the subway tile backsplash and open shelving still shine as design elements, and the pop of red brings in a bit of the Christmas spirit.



I LOVE how this stone looks similar to our recent fireplace makeover. I can't WAIT to share all the details, because it was super easy!!


So aside from decorating our home fort he holidays this year, like many I'm preparing for Black Friday shopping, shop Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday.

I used to be willing to brave the crowds, but have stuck with online shopping since the kids were little.  It went from a stressful experience to something I really look forward to!  No long lines, a yummy drink in hand (rotating between hot cocoa, coffee, Spark, and wine!), saving money on deals and actually spending less because I'm a lot more focused on what I'm looking for. Lol

In preparation for this year's best deals, I have a few places I'm browsing around right now for great deals.  

Amazon (of course!) makes the cut since many of my favorite places to shop actually list their products on amazon's site.

They have some amazing Black Friday Deals already listing throughout this week, which I think is kind of nice.  It helps to avoid a massive rush of shopping for the lowest prices out there. I was surprised to see they even had a ceiling fan with palm leaf blades as an option today - go figure!

More of my go to shopping sites are listed below, but first.....

Is anybody else feel a bit crazy busy at the moment??? Maybe it's not feeling crazy busy as it is feeling the need to say NO to a lot more than I'd like to.

I have had every intention of putting together some gift guides, but I'm really focusing on the Blogging for Biz course for small business owners right now. I am making it the BEST I possibly can and am so excited!

There are still a few days left to join if you've been on the fence. Click HERE to check it out!

So, GIFT GUIDES!  I haven't put together my own for you at this time, BUT I would recommend checking out the following Gift Guides put together by some of the places I'll be shopping this holiday season.

It's only a bummer I can't link to local shops - be sure to support your local stores on Small Business Saturday!


ShopBop




6pm

I hope these help point you in the right direction! More details to come, but for now, Happy Christmas decorating!

 

xo,

Anneke

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