My Fave Instagram Accounts to Follow

April 1, 2016Interiors, Dining, Coastal InteriorsAnneke McConnell

Hello friends! We are enjoying some crazy GORGEOUS sunny weather here in Seattle and I'm instantly happy and excited for summer - yes summer!

Surrounding yourself with people who inspire, motivate, encourage, and teach about a particular area of life that you really connect with takes time and effort but is so worth it in the long term. Over the years, I have found instagram to be an incredible way to find people who do just that in my life.

I have some recent designs shared below that were on my @coastalinteriors account on Instagram, but I wanted to change it up a bit today and share who I personally love to follow on Instagram.

Of course this is difficult with SO many talented friends within the DIY and Home Decor space. This is definitely personal, and people that I literally look up to see what's new and to help balance out my life. ;-)

FASHION

@alyson_haley - Sequins and Things

I love Haley's laid back casual, chic, and simple style. We have similar values and I love how she brings great fashion ideas, but never talks about how obsessed she is with this or that. She is constantly inspiring me and I love pretty much every outfit she shares! #literally

How cute is this recent outfit she shared!

@laurenkaysims - Lauren Kaysims

Lauren is also on the more casual, chic side, and I also relate to her perspective and the world of fashion. She has a calm presence on social media which seems rare when it feels like people are shouting at you from their posts sometimes. It's a tough balance as a blogger in this social media driven world! I love that she says she is "Striving to live every day on purpose and for a purpose".

One of my fave recent outfit posts from her is this one below. Cute am I right?!

FITNESS

@kayla_itsines - Kayla Itsines

There are not ENOUGH words for this woman. I LOVE her!!! Sure, she has almost 5 million followers on Instagram right now, but I've actually been following her on Instagram before she was even at 100,000 followers which to be honest, feels pretty special. Lol

I've stuck around with her because she is down to earth, pushes you with honesty and tough love, doesn't make it about her and her body (which is clearly healthy and strong), and you can see how passionate she is about helping women gain strength and confidence through fitness.

Just to note, I have purchased and completed her guides and the #deathbykayla hashtag is legit. There are a lot of plyometric, jumping type moves which is not for everyone, BUT I believe her guides are still effective even when exercises are modified.

I'm getting ready to start another 12-week round - wish me luck, or better yet, join me!

8 Moves For Flat Abs That Aren't Crunches

@AlexaJeanFitness - Alexa Jean Brown

I love, love, love Alexa and her sweet little fam. It helps to relate to another mama and getting back into shape after having kids. I love that her guides are affordable, and include to the point, classic and effective moves. When I want to switch it up and be doing less HIIT or plyometric training, I come to her guides which feel like a good challenge at an even pace. I love that she also speaks into people's lives about mindset, which is a huge part of positive change. :-)

Summer Ab Challenge

FOOD

Because I have lived with and through Hashimoto's thyroid disorder, kidney disease (minimal change disease), and have a rough family history of medical issues, I personally lean toward whole foods, more Whole 30 type recipes, etc. I'm still learning what works for my body and honestly believe every person's needs are different. I struggled through this A LOT at first, especially what to feed our kids. Thankfully I'm in a better place now and LOVE all the food I can eat.

@wholenourishedlife by Emily of Whole Nourished Life

I connected with Emily on Instagram and immediately fell in love with her and her recipes. How yummy does this Lemon Ginger Shrimp meal look?!! It can be found on her blog HERE. I feel confident getting recipes from Emily as some who not only "gets it", but is a trained professional striving to help others improve their lives through nutrition.

@TenleyMolzahn - Sweet and Free Life

I love how transparent Tenley is about her struggles with nutrition over a long period of time and how she is now helping others as a nutritionist and educator because of it. I love when people share their answers and help others get unstuck!

I'm still looking for good accounts to follow for hair and beauty if you have recommendations! I'd love to know your favorite accounts in general too!

To wrap up today's post, I'm sharing the sources for recent designs on my @coastalinteriors account and a few style finds. This sunny weather has me craving bright and flowy outfits lately!

Coastal Dining Room with White Table and Capiz Shell Chandlier

white dining table / bamboo chair / capiz shell chandelier / border pillow / leaf pillow / faux philodendron

HOME FAVES

STYLE FAVES

xo,

Anneke

Have you taken the Make It Happen Challenge? Join this free 5-video series to help you achieve your goals! >>>> www.MakeItHappenChallenge.com <<<<

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Coastal Interiors: Master Bedroom Retreat

March 28, 2016Bedroom, EdesignAnneke McConnell

It's easy for objects and decor to begin to clutter up areas of our home, whether it's a hardworking kitchen or your master bedroom you'd prefer to have a "retreat" like feel. Hands down, I've found when people clear items away (and I'm not a minimalist!), they are able to achieve that serene, calm, and functional space they dream of when they browse homes on Instagram or Pinterest.

Today's Master Bedroom Retreat is designed with simplicity in mind. If you have some items you like to keep by your bedside, a nightstand with drawers is a great option for keeping things looking neat and tidy.

I'm personally loving the mix of acrylic in furniture pieces lately including this gorgeous x-base stools from Wisteria Home. Mixed with caning, brass accents and a pop of navy blue and green palms, this design is classic coastal with fresh updates.

I'd love to know your thoughts or any questions below!

plant in vase [alternative] / brass table lamp [alternative] / cream nightstand with drawers / framed navy blue coral wall decor / white bed with caning / green palm lead pillows / acrylic x-base stools / blue and natural basket / blue traditional rug

STYLE PICKS

xo,

Anneke

Have you taken the Make It Happen Challenge? Join this free 5-video series to help you achieve your goals! >>>> www.MakeItHappenChallenge.com <<<<

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NOW ON PERISCOPE! @ANNEKEMCCONNELL

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Using A Console Table as a Desk in Small Spaces + Recent Fashion Finds

March 18, 2016Anneke McConnell

Thanks for the love on my last Living Room Design Post! And be sure to check out the Spring Fashion picks which I'm continually updating! #SpringFashion

When it comes to decorating, a little trick of mine that I've used repeatedly is using console tables as a desk instead of an actual desk. Often times, I have a skinny little nook that a desk of standard width would look bulky and stick out. That's not the look I'm going for, but need some function in our little beach house life!

We are slowly but surely becoming accustomed to "thinking outside the box" when it comes to small house living and on how to marry our needs with reality, multipurpose EVERYTHING, and in a way that makes our home feel light and refreshing.

Now, this admittedly doesn't work with every console table, but with these few points to look out for, you can implement this trick as well.

source

Are those console tables above not the CUTEST ever?! I spotted those and thought right away how perfect they would be in a kid's room!

Glass Waterfall Console Table

White and Gold Console Table with Drawers

Ok, so some things to take note of when shopping around for consoles as desks:

1. Avoid lower shelves and bars.

Ok, so you need a place to push in your desk chair or stool, as well as put your feet. Choose a console table that is the style of a writing desk. Maybe it has an upper shelf, but even that can be cumbersome when you're sitting there.

2. Determine YOUR optimal depth range.

There is no standard depth for console tables and they vary widely. 14" may be too slim for some people's work space (like those cute colorful ones above), but 16"-18" may be just about right. You're calling the shots! Measure the space you want to use it for and look for options within that range.

3. Check the total height.

Many console tables range in height and are often HIGHER (and sometimes lower) than desks, so this will of course affect your seating options. Standard heights range from 28"-32" high. If you're looking for a child, a lower table may be PERFECT. Just be aware of how this will affect your seating. Standard seat height is 17" give or take.

When considering these points above, you can narrow down your options along with your preferences of style, color, etc. and find the perfect console table to use as a desk.

As a happy note, I've found they tend to stay clear of clutter because they are smaller! Go figure! ;-)

Below are some console tables I believe are beautiful options for using as a desk as well. Have you tried this before? I'd love to know in the comments!

LATEST SPRING FASHION FINDS

xo,

Anneke

P.S. "Generosity always wins."

Let's Connect!

NOW ON PERISCOPE! @ANNEKEMCCONNELL

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Coastal Interiors: Seating Area with Bright Art and Spring Fashion Picks

March 13, 2016Fashion, Living RoomAnneke McConnellComment

Using artwork can be an easy way to change the look of a room for the change of seasons and today's design featuring artwork by Kristy Gammill. I fell in love with this Springtime piece of hers INSTANTLY when I saw it on One Kings Lane. Not to mention those fun brass sconces by Jonathan Adler! Below are design detail and alternative options plus 5 fun fashion picks for Spring (shop all Spring items HERE).