A few weeks back, my hubby and I were invited to attend the OC Blogger’s Bash, here in Orange County. It was great – we called it a date night (see the photo below), hung out and met friends, and won some seriously great swag!

My hubby, Brett, is a great writer. Since I made a commitment to post about the event and make dinner before I take my daughter trick-or-treating tonight, he’s going to step in here to take over and do a guest post for me. YAY! (I love working with Brett.)

Here’s Brett…

From a guy’s point of view, the OC Blogger’s bash was a treat indeed. As my date and I strolled up the garden path into our wing of the spacious and sleekly modern Anaheim Convention Center, I quickly noticed about twenty Jacqueline Bouviers sauntering up the path ahead of us. I knew right away that the Mad Men themed evening was going to be one to remember. When we stepped inside, the feel continued. Nearly everyone was slicked down and outfitted in their best plaid pants and pencil skirts. There was no lack of sensible heels and pill box hats, either.

The night was a serious gift to many of us bloggers out there, toiling away in obscurity, writing things we don’t really know if anyone reads and was complete with enough giveaways and attention to make all of us feel like celebrities. The lavish offerings came from all of the sponsors for the event who included Knott’s Berry Farm, McDonald’s® of Southern California, Disneyland® Resort, 300 Anaheim, Anaheim Marriott, Angels Baseball, Aquarium of the Pacific, Casa Resorts, Costa Mesa CVB, Hilton Anaheim, Honda Center, Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach CVB, Pacific Edge Hotel, Photo Booth Pro, Pretend City® Children’s Museum, Queen of Heartz Vintage Inspired Apparel, R.W.B. Party Props, Inc., Sheraton Park Anaheim, Sunset Flying, The Outlets at Orange, Anaheim White House, House of Blues® Anaheim, Huntington Beach Marketing and Convention Bureau, Irvine Barclay Theatre, Medieval Times® Dinner &Tournament, Montanya Spa, OC Wildlife and Travel, Universal Studios® Hollywood, Discovery Science Center, Hilton Anaheim Health Club, Lux Aveda Salon and Spa, RA Sushi, and Roy’s Anaheim.

The evening was also In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Anaheim Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau(AOCVCB) who decided to look back down memory lane and transformed the Anaheim Convention Center into a soiree set in 1961.

I think the very best thing for me was looking back on the time I’ve spent in Orange County and especially the memories I have of Anaheim. I used to come to this convention center, marveling at the modern architecture, with my dad and my brother to see trucking shows. I’ve lived within 10 minutes of Disneyland for so long that I barely notice the sound of the fireworks. It, too, with its mid-century modern design and love of all things futuristic, is the perfect addition to the period, the evening and the city of Anaheim which is always looking to the future. And for another moment encapsulated in a place, Knott’s and Snoopy were there to take me all the way back to wild west days of cowboys and steam locomotives so much so that for the rest of my life, OP corduroy shorts and Hang Ten polo shirts of the 70’s will be forever linked to stage coaches and cancan dancers.  It sounds like it could be confusing, but  for me, there is a permanence in the always looking forward and backward at the same time that grounds me right here in the now. Whether it’s planning for my daughter’s first trip to Knott’s Berry Farm or hearkening back to when my brother and I used to beg my mom for another E ticket, it’s all a part of another time and of now. I’m loving what’s going on around here in Orange County and Anaheim and I’m looking forward to what happens next.

And from Anney…

Turns out having a blog as a hobby isn’t so bad after all…it comes with perks all over the place, including a paid-for date night with my man and lots of free tickets to amusement parks. Do you think the universe is giving me a message to play even more? ;-)

xoxo,

Anney & Brett

Me and My Hubby, Brett

Well, hellooooooo!

It’s been a bit since I’ve written a post, I realize. I wasn’t just resting the whole time, really. ;-) I’ve been busy over here, creating lots of new, exciting things. I’ll be sharing more of that with you into the new year. I hope you’ve all had a fabulous fall, and are getting ready for the upcoming holidays with ease!

In our house, we’ve been dealing with transitions (aren’t we all, at every moment?) and working on new projects. But the most exciting thing about it to me is, thriving and growing in love and my connection with my husband of thirteen plus years in the midst of it all.

It got me thinking – since I have many friends, colleagues and peers asking how we’ve done it – that this topic might be of interest to other people out there as well.

I realize there are many families out their struggling through these financial times, but I am here to tell you, it is possible to thrive and become closer as a couple, despite whatever is going on around you – or whatever circumstances you find yourself dealing with.

Another one of us

My husband and I have been through job losses, deaths, professional burnout and lots, lots more over the years. In the past, we’ve done the fighting, the anger and pointing fingers – only to come to the conclusion that all that wasted energy is only making things worse. We’ve found that redirecting the energy transforms the situation – and our relationship gets better and better along the way.

Brett and I have been invited to share our story and tips in a talk next week…a FREE call series based on making more money and thriving during the holidays. We’re sharing the stage with some incredible speakers – all of them with fabulous insight and inspiring information. Seriously, don’t miss it.

If you are currently having your own “adventure with money,” then do you and your loved one a HUGE favor and register for this series to get on the call. We can show you how two people can grow stronger in love, life and money, when the going gets tough.

Click the link below to register. Remember, it’s FREE, and you’ll get replay information if you aren’t available to attend live.

Oh yes, one more thing? Please pass this information along to any family you know that would like to thrive, in love and their finances? You can use the links at the bottom of this post to share via Facebook, email, or whatever way works for you. I’d appreciate it, and I’m sure they would too. ;-)

One last one ;-) I can't help it - we had our pictures taken together for the 1st time in over 13 years!

Hope to “see” you on the call?  As always, thoughts, comments are feedback are always welcome!

xoxo,

Anna

+ Source: www.hngdecor.com

Okay, we all need a break from time to time, but how often do you truly rest?

I’m not talking about sleeping, I mean intentional rest.

As a wife, mom, business owner, friend (oh, how the list goes on), I know that it can be very challenging to even find the time. And then if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly on the move anyway. Actually sitting down to rest can seem almost impossible.

But the thing is, we all need to rest. Even God rested after creating the world. So why is it that so many of us don’t allow the same for ourselves? And how many times have you sat down to rest, but still can’t seem to feel energized?

I recently finished a major creative project I’d been working on for over a month. I seemed to be motivated and able to work at an intense pace until I pushed the last bit of it out. And then I felt exhausted. My work pace seemed to slow to a crawl, and I kept saying over and over that I needed a vacation (although couldn’t actually leave to take one!). After a day or so of this seemed lethargy, I realized I really just needed to rest.

So like any woman needing a break but unable to get away for one, I found other options. This time, I decided to opt for some good red wine, a little dark chocolate and a magazine. I happened to pick up a recent copy of “O” – and found that Martha Beck had written an article on the very same thing: Rest.

It was the justification I needed…I’ve since taken several weeks at a slow pace as I gear up for lots of great new projects and clients this fall. I’ve spent a lot of time summer time fun with my little one. I’ve continuously shut down that voice in my head that says I’m not doing enough. I took time off from writing, but found my creativity emerge in new and different ways. Above all else, I’ve re-energized after giving myself permission to do so. Now that’s intentional rest.

Are you resting at all? With intention? Do tell…

Hi All,

I don’t have a photo to put up for this request. Funny thing is, I tried to get one up, but it was taking so much time that I wanted to throw the towel in on the whole post (my little one was running around directly out of a bath, and so there were lots of wet towels around here – got me preoccupied and wanting to go play). So I’m forgoing the picture.

I’m wondering if you might help if you have a moment – I am writing an eBook to help people make more money and have more fun at their garage sales. After all, (or in case you don’t know), I have lots of experience selling my stuff and other people’s stuff, to raise money, clear space, and have peace of mind. I thought I’d share my proven methods with the masses as I’m writing eBooks. So I’m testing titles for the eBook and would really appreciate your help. It’s only four questions long and will only take a minute. If you have one to spare, click this link:

Click here to take survey

If you don’t have time to take it or don’t want to, that’s cool too. I appreciate you reading my posts, either way!

We grilled this whole wild salmon over the weekend and I thought I’d share the recipe, because it’s soooo good. {Don’t I say that about every recipe I post here? But then again, why would I post it if it wasn’t good?} I adapted this from things I’ve thrown together in the past and advice from one of my dearest friends who was married to a Japanese lady…(he cooked and ate a lot of yummy fish!)

There are some fabulous fish deals out there, especially if you’re willing to cook the whole thing. You may have to deal with some bones, but you get fantastic fish for a fraction of the cost of fillets. This recipe is great year round, and would be a fabulous addition to your normal Fourth of July party food (for those of you still looking for recipes for this coming weekend!). The fish comes out extremely moist and flavorful.

You can use any kind of fish. I used wild whole salmon here – I got a great deal on it from my fish monger at CostCo, and it was cut and cleaned for me as well. It’s also a great use of all the home grown herbs and fruits that are in season during the summer.

Let me know if you try it? Have you ever made whole grilled fish? What’s your favorite recipe for it? Would love your comments below…;-)

Herb Stuffed Whole Grilled Fish

serves 6-8

• One whole fish (preferably cut and cleaned, with or without the head removed)
• 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
• basil butter (see below)
• Fresh herb sprigs (I used dill, basil and parsley)
• Salt & Pepper

Preheat and clean grill.

Rinse fish, inside and out, and pat dry. Sprinkle inside with salt and pepper. With a large knife, cut deep scores into both sides of the fish.  Smear basil butter onto both sides of the fish, rubbing into the scores.

Stuff inside of fish with lemon slices and herb sprigs. (I like two layers of the lemon slices.)

Grill fish on low, flipping once. Depending on the fish, it’ll take about 15 minutes per side. Cook until fish is opaque and cooked through. Cut and serve.

Watch out for bones – you’ll need to pick through for the little kids. But it’s easy to do, and well worth any effort!

Scores cut into the fish

The fish, stuffed & slathered, ready to go on the grill

Basil Butter

Makes 1 cup. Leftovers are great on bread!

• 1 stick of butter (1/4 cup), room temperature
  
• 2 – 3 cups lightly packed basil leaves

Combine butter and basil in food processor until combined. Season with salt and pepper.

Basil butter after it's given a whirl in the food processor

Oh, how I love sweet, white summer corn. Yellow is great too. I have never been a huge fan of corn on the cob, simply because the corn gets stuck in my teeth. I know, yuck. So I found another way to make corn, and it’s become a staple in our house and at our barbecues (or cookouts for those of you not on the U.S. West Coast). Sometimes I still have to leave it on the cob for the other people in my household, but this is my favorite way to do it.

The brilliant thing about this salad, is that everyone loves it, it’s easy to do, it’s adaptable to what fresh herbs you have on hand, and is great as an addition to other salads, soups, stews…the list goes on. (I’ll share a few other ways to use it in an upcoming post.)

Let’s get to it.

Anna’s Grilled Corn Salad

A couple of notes: Use as many cobs of corn as you people you want to serve, and adjust other ingredients accordingly and to taste. You can also use one cob for 2 people if you have other sides. Use whatever fresh herbs you want – I’m using basil here because it’s my standard. Dill, Chives, Oregano – they’re great too. Don’t be afraid to experiment a bit.

• 4 ears of fresh corn, husks and hairy part removed
• 2-3 Tablespoons butter (or spread – I use Smart Balance)
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil (or other fresh herb)
  
• salt and pepper

Preheat your grill, and then place corn cobs directly on the grill at medium to medium high heat. Grill until cooked and a bit blackened on all sides. (This usually takes about 10 minutes on my grill – you know the hot spots on yours.) Just don’t leave it alone without turning for too long, or you’ll be making popcorn. Remove the cobs from the grill and let cool slightly.

Using a fork stuck in one end, slice the kernels off of the cob until all are removed and put the corn into a bowl. Add butter (or spread) and chopped basil. Stir the corn until the butter melts. Season with salt and pepper. Eat warm or room temperature (although, it’s great out of the fridge too!)

Serves 4

Every once in awhile, I’m asked to review products here on my blog. I’ve turned down many simply because they don’t fit with my values or philosophy on life. There are other times when a product fits in with what I believe and want for my family, so I consider it. Method Laundry Detergent was one of those products.

When the company told me that they were making concentrated laundry detergent that would slim down packaging and be better for the environment, I was in. I mean, just to get away from the huge jugs that sit up in my cupboard, I wanted to try it. (See picture above.)

The real question is, then, does it really do the job? Can it get mud off of the dog bed cover? What about all the gunk on my toddler’s clothes? How can it possibly work?

The answer simply: Yes. It works. I don’t know how (besides that it’s concentrated), but it does.

I’m a little girl (meaning, short). Reaching up into the cabinet to get to a heavy jug of  detergent is not fun. Grabbing a small bottle and squirting a few pumps into the washing machine…well, it’s much easier. It’s better for the environment, and that’s a good thing. I haven’t done a cost comparison yet – they gave me a free bottle to try, FYI.

Now if only they’d send me a new washer and dryer for review…mine are about to blow.

Disclaimer: I was given a bottle of Method Laundry Detergent to try in exchange for my unbiased review after testing the product. This review is simply my opinion, and your opinion of it may differ.

WOW, it’s been forever since I’ve put out a blog post! I’m working on a few right now… and on getting more regular with them.

Just as my own disclaimer, I’ve been inundated with the projects I’m juggling and family life. The posts take a little bit for me to get out. I will not claim to be a technical genius – just dangerous enough to hurt myself because I’m (somewhat) competent. However, that is making me sloooooooow. And that makes other, more important, things suffer. I’m hoping to outsource a lot more of that coming up very soon.

Either way, you’ll be hearing a lot more from me and what’s actually transpiring over here, like: what I’m working on, tips on how to balance it (hey, why not learn from my mistakes and time?), more on the money and business side of things, and most importantly, how you can do something incredible in the world – every day.

I’m working on some exciting things, and I need to show you what’s been going on! Maybe it’ll give you a little inspiration?

Stay tuned…

P.S. If you’d like to share how you’ve found ways to take some stuff off your own plate, I’d love to hear about it…

And maybe let me know what you’ve been up to? What is something (anything) that you’re working on that’s exciting to you?

Hey everyone – mark your calendars!

I will be appearing on FaveCrafts Radio on Sunday, May 30th at 4:00 PM Pacific Time, 7:00 PM Eastern as a featured guest. You can go here to set a reminder to listen in- and a replay will be available! I’ll be talking about how to turn your craft into a business – something you won’t want to miss…it applies to all crafts and passions.

Hope you check it out – let me know what you think of it! Oh, and tell your friends? ;-)

Recently I read the book, Five Wishes by Dr. Gay Hendricks. I had heard him talk of the book at a conference earlier this year and really felt compelled to pick it up. If you haven’t read it yet, check it out.

Gay’s own words about the book:

“In my thirties I received the gift of a conversation that changed my life. At the heart of that conversation was a certain question. Answering it gave me a life blessed with love, happiness and wealth, a life in which all my dreams came true.
Now, I want to offer you the same gift, in hopes you will use its power to create your own fulfilled life. “

All his dreams came true?! Okay, I had to read it. I did, in one sitting, and immediately went on to write out my five death bed goals…asking myself the question: When I look back on my life, what would make my life a success?

But the real revelation happened for me less than two weeks ago. I had a deadline to meet on a project that I’d been procrastinating on for months. The mere idea of working on it just seemed painful. And then I remembered one of my wishes:  To live each day, in joy, gratitude and FUN. I figured if I could look back on my life and had done that – really, what else would I need? I mean, that would equal a great life! So in that moment, I changed my outlook on the project I needed to complete. I decided to be joyful, grateful for it, and have fun with it!

Here’s the most astounding thing: IT WORKED!

And then it occurred to me that it is actually possible! I was doing it! And if I could do it then, I could also decide to make that choice at any time, in any circumstance! This is life changing, without a doubt.

Last week I had the privilege of sitting down with Gay and telling him about my experience. He mentioned to me his excitement in me learning of this at such a young age (Ha! He thinks I’m young!)…that most people don’t come to this information until much later in life. I told him that despite coming to it by way of a series of tragic life events, I’m here, I learned it, and am so grateful for all of it. I then told him how so many people I know and people around me, think it’s just crazy - they think I’m crazy to think in such a positive way, and that it just can’t be done. And then Gay asked me another, pointed question:

“At the end of your life, what will matter? That you lived by your principles, or that people thought you were crazy?” Hmmm, point taken. {Interesting side note, he also told me that if a lot of people thought I was crazy, I was probably headed in the right direction!}

While I was sitting with Gay, telling him about my revelation, I expressed my thrill in being able to raise children with this same awareness. How great that I can teach my two-year-old the same thing! Can you imagine a world where this is default thinking? And that we all actually think about what we want in our lives, living by design rather than default? Can you imagine growing up with that information and how it could make for such an incredible life?

I can. And my little one will too. How about you and yours?