Happy New Year!! Sam, Oliver, and I just got back home after spending the weekend on Tilghman Island. It was a trip planned at the very last minute (literally - on Thursday). We wanted to spend the weekend focusing on what is important to us and cherishing the last, precious moments of 2016. We did a lot of snacking, cocktail-making (see: Instagram stories), running with Oliver, relaxing in the bath, and reading. We couldn't have planned the last weekend of the year any better if we had tried. 

​2016 was truly an incredible year for us and the blog. Sure, the past 12 months haven't been entirely perfect; they've each had their up's and down's and I would be lying if I said that I didn't have nights in my car in tears, doubting myself and my success. But, ultimately that is reality; we are all human, and I've grown to accept that life isn't just about the "happy" or "pretty" moments. There is time in between that we have to struggle, cry, and ultimately work it out to create the growth that leads to all of those rewarding moments and "Instagram-worthy" photos. 

I got to see my best friend graduate from college this year, I got to see our dog turn 4, we explored a beautiful city in Canada, celebrated 5 years as a couple, introduced a whole new series to the blog that has been so successful (thanks to all of you), I took photos in places that I never imaged with people that I never thought I would meet, I visited my girl friend in Charlotte and we ate our way through the city in one weekend, I learned self-defense and taught myself a new level of confidence, I got to work with brands that I never thought would reach out to me, and was featured on websites that I only dreamed of in 2015. All in all, 2016 was an incredible year with countless learning experiences, growth, and love. Thank you all SO much for continuing to read the blog and for all of the support that you've provided. I can't wait to see what this new year holds! 

Favorite moments of 2016: 
1. Featured on Lauren Conrad (for the third time *faints*) 2. Our Anniversary Trip to Montreal 3. Most loved style shoot to date 4. First Ever Family Photoshoot 5. Introducing men's fashion to the blog 6. Two-month collaboration with Tobi 7. Girls' weekend in Charlotte 8. Connecting with bloggers in Maryland 9. Organizing my first styled shoot

Have you thought of any goals or resolutions that you'd like to focus on in 2017? I'd love to hear them!

xo Anna Elizabeth

I'm BACK! Over Christmas, I took a tiny, unexpected break from new posts, social media, and the like to focus on family and soaking in as much of the holiday spirit as I could before it disappeared. My older sister, niece, and nephew flew home to Maryland - I hadn't seen them since last Thanksgiving which, truly, should be a crime in itself. Because they were only going to be home for a few days before heading back to Arizona, my whole family took off work and I organized our very first family photo shoot (ever) *gasp.

It turns out that organizing a holiday-themed photo shoot for 8 people (including toddlers) is a lot more challenging than one would guess. By no means did we have a large budget for choosing or coordinating our outfits but, we totally made it work in the short time frame that we had. Most importantly, we had so much fun during this session. Since Sam and I have gotten pretty comfortable shooting for the blog (especially in front of a crowd #citylife), my family had a ball poking fun at us and using expressions like "cheek to cheek, forehead to forehead" and laughing hysterically through the whole thing.

On Friday, we ventured out to Mount Airy in Western Maryland to Gaver’s Tree Farm and it was even dreamier than I had imagined. As a family that generally uses an artificial tree during the holidays, it was a nice change to smell the fresh pine and run through rows of fresh, pretty trees. It was the perfect way to jump start the holiday weekend and get in the spirit. 

Family is truly the most important thing to Sam and I (fun fact: Sam's parents live 4 streets down from us). This year, Sam and I proposed a small shift in the way that Christmas was celebrated: we didn't want the holiday to be focused so heavily on gift-giving (naturally). So, we created a gift-ban on my side of the family - one that was inevitably broken after a lot of sneaking around.

Although it didn't entirely alter our gift traditions, I have to say that it helped significantly in the overall feeling of the holidays. For the first time, I didn't feel that anyone was stressed out about what to buy each other, or frantically running to the store on Christmas Eve to finish shopping. I focused on mainly non-profit items (like Half United and Love Your Melon) and sentimental gifts (like photo frames or albums) for my family. It felt so much more special. 

In place of gifts, we focused more on decorating gingerbread houses (v. important), watching old home movies, late night dance parties in the living room, and rounded out the long weekend by hiking our favorite, local mountain all together. I must have said to Sam at least a dozen times that this Christmas had been my favorite yet.

Photography courtesy of Nicole Babcock Photography: 
Website / Facebook / Instagram​​

Shop our look:

Does your family do a holiday card every year? I'd love to see how yours turned out! Tag us viaInstagram (@anna_elizabethevents) or Facebook.

xo Anna Elizabeth

Now that we have all (hopefully) finished our Christmas shopping - just 4 days before - it's time to start thinking about what you'll be wearing for New Years Eve. With shipping delays and last minute alterations, I decided to put this guide out a bit early so that you have time to prepare. NYE is always my favorite night to get dolled up and wear something out that isn't necessarily fit for the rest of the year (think: sequins and cut-out's).

​Although, in some cases, NYE gets a bad reputation for being over-the-top or too 'hyped up', if you plan it out right, it can be a night filled with loved ones, bubbly champagne, and the big count down to 2017. It's significant for me because it is a night to reflect on the prior year's accomplishments and best memories, as well as make resolutions heading into the coming year. I can't wait to share these with you in my New Years' blog post (and hear about all of yours)! In the meantime, however, let's get to shopping so that we can look fabulous ringing it in. 

​I was loving so many different dresses, jumpsuits, and accessories that this guide is truly one of my favorites so far *adding to cart as we speak*. 

What are your plans for NYE? Let me know what you're wearing by tagging us via Instagram (@anna_elizabethevents) or Facebook!

xo Anna Elizabeth

Happy Friday, babes! We're getting down to the wire here for the holiday season and, for me, that means squeezing in as many festive events, treats, and adventures as I possibly can before the New Year. This past September on the blog, we featured one of my close friends in the blogging industry, Abbey from Twenty Something in the City. In our "Behind the Blog" series, Abbey shared her big move to New York City and what inspired it. So, today I've asked Abbey back to share her top 10 favorite places to visit as a Twenty Something in the city for those of you who are planning to travel this month: 

​​"I’ve been living in New York City for over a year and half now. That means two out of the six seasons I’ve lived here have been Winter, and even in those six months, I haven’t been able to pinpoint all of my favorite locations, moments and memories. There are so many brilliant places to visit in the city and the boroughs; yet [somehow] I was able to narrow it down to 10.

1. The Best Place to Warm your Hands and Your Heart: City Bakery in Flatiron - If you are anything like me, then you are constantly craving a cup of cocoa once the temperature dips below 50 degrees (okay, maybe 40). This place is sure to warm up any snowy afternoon with it’s delectable hot chocolate and fluffy, homemade marshmallows. Yep, they are homemade, along with everything else in this place. Fair warning, though… This stuff is lethal. It’s so chocolaty I swear it probably has 4 melted chocolate bars in one cup. I always share with a friend or a date.

2. The Best Place for Stocking Stuffers: Winter Village in Bryant Park - If you live in New York City, Bryant Park (along with Time Square and Grand Central) is usually one of those places you go out of your way to avoid because of the crowd. That said, New Yorkers usually flock there for the few short weeks leading up to Christmas. This place is a gift-giving dream fully equipped with artist booths, food vendors, and the second largest Christmas Tree in NYC. If you have time, ice-skating may even be added to your itinerary. I’ve gotten countless gifts from this market for as long as I can remember.

3. The Best Place for Pies, Puppies and Pine: Union Square Green Market - This hidden gem isn’t so hidden anymore. After living in the East Village for a year, this was a place I frequented often in the Summer. Now that the Winter has rolled around, the farmers' market has become a haven for aspiring chefs, dog-walkers and tourists alike. All of the produce is fresh and in-season and all of the locals bring their dogs along for a Winter’s walk. I don’t think there is anything better than walking around and enjoying the people, food and scenery while sipping on a large cup of hot apple cider. Pro-tip: The Union Square holiday market is open as an extension to the farmers' market for the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Years.

4. The Best Place for Foodies: Todd English Food Hall at The Plaza Hotel - With food vendors like Luke’s Lobster, Lady M and Todd English, it’s hard to believe that many people don’t even know that this place exists. Think -- any kind of food you could possibly imagine: Ice Cream, Caviar, Tacos, Sub Sandwiches, Pho, Pasta, and Lobster Rolls. While some of the vendors can cost a pretty penny, it’s a casual atmosphere and the food quality is literally out of this world. Funny story - the last time I was here I got a picture with Santa Claus and Dr. Oz…. In the same photo. How random!
​
5. The Best Place to Relive Your Childhood: The Plaza Hotel - Whether you were an Eloise fan or a Home Alone fanatic, this place is legendary. When I walk in, I can’t help say to myself, “Credit Card? You got it.” (see: Home Alone, Lost in New York). The lobby is covered in Christmas cheer, and don’t forget to have a drink at the Rose bar. It’s incredibly romantic. Not to mention, the last time I was here I saw Miley Cyrus, Bill Murray and a Yankee’s Player that I couldn’t recognize.

8. The Best Place to Go Sledding: Prospect Park, Brooklyn - While this one only applies for when there is enough snow on the ground to go sledding, it’s one of my favorites. Surrounded by kids of all ages (5-95), everyone treats each other as equal as they sled down the giant hill. Last year, we had a record breaking snowfall in New York and let me tell you, did we take advantage of it! Snowmen, snowball fights and sledding everywhere. I think Lorelai Gilmore said this one best, “Everything’s magical when it snows.”
​
9. The Best Place to See a Christmas Tree: Houston Street, Lower East Side - This one may seem a little odd, but I have never been surrounded by so many Christmas trees than walking east down Houston. While these Christmas trees are naked, and waiting to be bought, the smell of pine is overwhelmingly sweet and whisks you away into a Winter wonderland. At night, the signs for the tree stands lit up the sidewalk and it makes you feel like you’re home.

10. The Best Place for Christmas Caroling: 14th Street, Union Square Subway Station - This subway station is pretty legendary due to its roles in movies and a wall of post-it's past election season. While generally, this place is pretty quiet, around Christmas time the halls are filled with familiar Christmas tunes by soloist, guitarists, bands, quartets and even church choirs. You can't help but get in the holiday mood and want to sing along.  ​

To say that I am entirely unprepared for Christmas would be an understatement; I've only just begun my holiday shopping this week. Nevertheless, December is always my favorite time of the year. Sam and I finally got around to decorating our home last weekend and I must say that I have really been digging the holiday spirit since. I've been blaring non-stop, Christmas music - which is surprisingly not my style; I'm craving all things gingerbread, I switched out my favorite red wine for a festive moscow mule, and I'm styling blinged-out reindeer sweaters to the office (thankfully, we have a pretty relaxed dress code). Just this upcoming weekend, Sam and I have THREE different holiday parties to attend.

With that being said, I know that it can be difficult to find outfits to wear for your corporate holiday party, Christmas family dinners, and the ultimate New Years' Eve night out - especially on a budget. So, Sam and I decided to share our holiday best with you today! [I've added a ton of gorgeous options to shop from at the bottom of this post]

Since Sam and I both generally have fancy work functions to attend during the holiday season, I wanted to find a festive (and affordable) gown that I could easily dress up over and over again. This merlot-colored dress from LuLu's is the perfect Christmas gown and needs nothing more than a simple shawl draped over it to finish off the look. Although... a pair of crystal, drop earrings never hurt anyone, either ;)

To compliment my dress without going over the top, Sam styled his new Banana Republic chunky knit sweater with waxed Nudie Jeans, a button-down shirt, and simple dress shoes. He always knows how to dress up while remaining comfortable (and warm). Maybe he'll teach me one day - LOL.

Can you believe that this was our very first time shooting in Washington, DC? Sam and I both have lived within 1 hour of the capital all of our lives and had not visited the Lincoln Memorial together until this past Sunday. Although it was 35 degrees and my fingers had turned purple from shooting without a proper, Winter coat, it was decidedly very worth it. Even more so because I didn't wind up with an awful cold on Monday (the definition of a true Christmas miracle!) 

I mentioned on our Instagram story briefly that this day was an extra special one to put in the books of shooting with AEE. The afternoon before this was shot, our location had fallen through with a vendor so, we were kind of scrambling last minute because of the chilly weather. Jade, our photographer, and I had decided to just go for it and drive to DC to shoot outdoors instead. What you don't see in these photos is that between shots, Sam had me wrapped up in jackets, coddling my fingers, and shielding me from the wind to keep warm.

After we made it back to our car and I changed into the coziest of sweaters in the back seat (#bloggerproblems), we ventured over to the Union Market and got ourselves two, hot teas, Korean tacos, and warmed up while walking hand in hand through the gift stores. I could not stop smiling at how perfect the day turned out after being so stressed just the night before. It was a nice reminder that although life doesn't always go as planned, it is truly the people you are surrounded by that help make the best memories. 

Photography courtesy of Jade Nikkole Photo: 
​Website / Facebook / Instagram

Shop this look:

What are you wearing for your holiday parties this year? Tag us in your best holiday dress via Instagram (@anna_elizabethevents) or Facebook!

​xo Anna Elizabeth

Can you believe that we have less than 3 weeks until Christmas!? I'm not going to lie, I have not even made a signficant dent in my holiday shopping for this year yet (heck, I spent the better part of Cyber Monday shopping for myself #guilty). Sam and I are finally decorating our Christmas tree this weekend and I plan on whipping up my first batch of gingerbread cookies as well. So, I can't deny any longer that the holidays are becoming real. *whispers to self: get it together, Anna* I guess it's about time to start shopping my own gift guides. 

​Last week, we shared our first guide of the holiday season "under $150 for him & her". Now, since this isn't my first go-around, I know that we're all rapidly running out of time and money. So, today we're sharing an easy gift guide under $50. It's true that you don't have to break the bank to get the perfect gift for your significant other, parents, siblings, or friends. Sometimes, the best gift that you could give is a really good book or a pretty, personalized necklace. Shop our favorites below: 

FOR HIM:

FOR HER:

(Click on the image to be taken directly to the sale); photo via Bows & Sequins

Next up is our holiday style guide for him & her (including New Years Eve) so, stay tuned! What is on your holiday shopping list this year?

xo Anna Elizabeth