big things are happening

Hi guys!

Recently I have started working on some huge goals I have set for 2014. One of those goals was to finally create a home base, no longer just a blog but a website. In doing this I've created XOXOHANNAH. For the time being it holds my blog at www.xoxohannah.com/blog and I am finishing up the small corrections from the transfer of Blogger to SquareSpace (yay!). I wanted to write all of my wonderful signed, xoxohannah readers and invite you to continue on this journey with me. I am still talking about life, design, Abe, adventures, and cakes as well as some new content ideas! More recipes, goals, insights, and wonderful things are coming to XOXOHANNAH and I want to make sure I can keep connecting with all of my wonderful blog readers friends that have kept me going and encouraged me to start what I hope to be a wonderful business someday.

You can follow the new blog via Bloglovin'.
(If you just search "xoxohannah" make sure you follow our "xoxohannah.com/blog" address for all our post updates!)
All of my other social media accounts have stayed the same.
You can find me on Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram via @andxoxohannah.   Thank you so much to each and everyone of you for being a dedicated follower! It means the world to me and I can't wait to see where this life will take us next :)

xoxohannah

labor day

I hope everyone had a great weekend. If it was long for the Labor Day holiday I hope you were able to get out and enjoy the weather (if it was nice). We had great sun but man was the humidity through the roof. I've been spoiled most of August with this fall like weather and I wasn't prepared for it to get 'meh' again.

Welcome September! Fall, here we come :)

xoxohannah

just going for a walk

Anyone who has a dog knows that walks are essential. They also become pretty unspectacular after the first couple times, especially when it's the same ol' same ol' scenery. I realized that I could enjoy myself more (James usually joins us but was at work last night leaving me on my own) if I made an effort to see the little things. So during our walk I took time to document the little things, to document HIM at this stage and even managed to take some video. I hate that our new place was in such disarray when we brought him home. I hate that I don't have any videos of that teeny tiny baby that has magically become a full blown, log-sawing bulldog. Okay, well, he isn't full grown (yet) but I swear he is some days, despite the additional 15 lbs he has to put on still. What a chunker he will be!

In other Abe news... he has officially joined INSTAGRAM! You can follow all of his adventures and his oh so witty comments about how embarrassing and silly his parents are on Instagram, username:
@xoxoabe. Yes, I'm that puppymama. I don't care. It has happened and his Instagram feed has been added to the sidebar for your viewing pleasure. He was starting to become all-consuming on mine so it was time to give him some independence :P

TGIF ya'll! It's the mother-effing weekend and I'm 'bout to bake some cakes!!

xoxohannah

citrus & airwalking

[click image for source] 

Not to be a debby downer or anything but I feel horrible. When I get sick it is never pretty. Add to it the fact that in 2 weeks I'll be in Memphis for work and that I am likely to be in Shanghai and then Orlando back-to-back for the first couple weeks of June...  means I am chugging C-Machine Naked juice like it's going out of style and taking cold & sinus medicine religiously to try and prevent it.

While I still have to get the house finished this weekend (read have to, not just work on) I plan to try and take it easy. Thankfully James isn't working this weekend and can take help pick up some slack for me. We might even sneak in a trip to see Iron Man 3 if we can. I know he'd be very happy if we did.

I hope everyone is feeling better than I am. Whether you are or aren't, I'm sure you will enjoy this awesome video of Abe air-walking. He is hilarious and this scene causes laughter from strangers passing by all. the. time. Such a little fame whore this one. TGIF!


Air walk from Hannah Reynolds on Vimeo.


xoxohannah

one project at a time

This weekend James worked during the day so I didn't have any major distractions, well... other than Abe, to keep me from getting some cleaning done on the apartment. We have been there for 2 months already and it still feels like we just moved in yesterday. While I took time off work to unpack and get settled, which did happen with the necessities, I ended up spending pretty much every waking moment with Abe since he was so very little and brand new to us.

Progress has been slow and it is driving me crazy. We are still downsizing piece by piece. We have made lots headway but still have a bit more to go before we are comfortable in the new size of our home. You can only hold onto things for so many years that never actually leave the box after each move before you begin to realize you should really just toss it or donate it. I think this is really starting to settle in for both of us. So while it may look fairly similar to this picture in the apartment still I definitely got a lot of unpacking, organizing and laundry finished. It's coming along :)

xoxohannah

life.blogging.inspiration.update

*CLICK FOR SOURCE. IF YOU KNOW ORIGINAL OWNER PLEASE LET ME KNOW.*

Life has a funny way of throwing opportunities into your path exactly when you need them. It just KNOWS...

Things have been a little nuts on this side of the computer lately and I would be remiss if I said I wasn't almost completely to "blame". I have a habit of being stuck inside my own head and we all know that is never a good idea. I've lost part of myself and I am on a mission to find it. It wont happen today, tomorrow or even next month. Heck it may take me the rest of my life but I have a renewed motivation to try. That's what is important right? To try, try again until you succeed. It's a motivational phrase for a reason I guess ;P

I often say how much I wish I would finish unpacking and how much I would like to get baking again (I've severely fallen off the 52 cake wagon) and despite my lack of follow through lately I think my first goal is to unpack. THEN I am going to catch up. No matter how long it takes. I made a promise to myself to renew my passion for baking because I haven't been the same since I stopped. I really think that keeping that promise to myself is THE most important thing I can do for myself this year. There is nothing like an outside point of view on your thought process to help snap you out of a funk!

It is going to be a busy next few days with a weekend away with Sarah but I think it is all apart of the plan. Because someone out there is making sure things go according to this big plan, even if I haven't been able to see it yet! I could write for days (even if I think I'm a piss poor writer) but I won't keep rambling, swear. Anyone who reads here knows I'm not exactly the grammar nazi that a writer should be (James, a writer, gently reminds me of that and I sincerely appreciate having him around for that even if I give him the stink eye for correcting me sometimes lol). It may be nasty out here in NOVA/DC and I'm praying tomorrow looks better (hello metro ride and walking in the rain if it doesn't) but even the weather can't bring me down. Granted I really need some Vitamin D. This Vegas girl is still having sunshine withdrawals 2 years later.

Happy Thursday guys! I hope you are finding ways to feel inspired. I am making a goal for myself (the OCD girl inside is going to die at the number on Bloglovin' at the end of this) to not read any blogs from now until the end of the month. Gasp! Wish me luck!! :)

xoxohannah

something about easter

I intend to write on this blog without getting overtly political or religious because it's just not who I am. Being that Easter is truly a religious holiday, let's just stick with the mindset that I'm referring to the fun activities, decorations and craft projects that come with the holiday. K? Awesome :)

Easter always feels like a kids holiday. I guess in a way it really is. The last couple years I've been on my own (technically) with James always on the road so decorating, making lots of colored eggs and definitely an Easter egg hunt weren't ever really that appealing. I mean, really. What's the point if you hide all the eggs for yourself? That's just silly. Especially when you can barely get yourself out of the house!

This year James is not only home but actually has Sunday off. Look-y there! Now I still don't think we will do an Easter egg hunt but I do plan to bake an Easter cake. I am SOOOOO far behind on my 52 cakes, it's embarrassing. I will be catching up. Guess I'll have to start sending out baked goods to friends to compensate, like Roxanne from by, Bun ;) [don't mind my humble brag about the super sweet blog crush post she wrote about me today!) and Eliza from Case Study who is back in Virginia! Anywho. Hopefully this weekend will mean a completely unpacked (don't mistake that for organized) apartment and a fun Easter craft!

Whatever Easter brings and means for you, I hope you have an amazing time! Here's to LOTS of cake this weekend :)

xoxohannah

JCKHMR moves again

It feels like just yesterday we were looking online for apartments closer to work and it wasn't long before we fell in love with this place. Now it's been 4 days since move in and life is just a little bit brighter. I just can't wait to finish unpacking. That has to be my least favorite part about moving. It will help us finish downsizing though which is ALWAYS a good thing.

I wanted to share a few snapshots. The natural lighting in this place is out of control. I've got almost a whole house of IKEA furniture to put together so I'm going to go get snappin' on that. Let's all keep our fingers crossed that Wednesday ends up being a snow day so I have some extra time to unpack. Selfish, I know. But I'll be honest... growing up in Vegas, we didn't have snow days and they are kind of awesome :)

xoxohannah

time flies

It has been a crazy week. 3 cakes in 24 hours. Valentine's Day was yesterday and James' birthday is today.

I've got posts lined up for next week to share it all with you.
I'm excited. I'm really proud of these cakes.

We are officially 12 days away from the move and nowhere near as ready as I would like to be. But that's always the case, we are getting there. Luckily Monday is a holiday, yay for extra sorting and packing time.

Enjoyed some of today's sun while I worked from home but the gnarly clouds have already started rolling in. Boo, NOVA. I keep saying this but I really hope Phil was serious, I need spring. I've always hated winter, desert winters especially. I didn't complain here like I did in Vegas but I've never tried to will spring like I have lately. I think my body is telling me I need sun. Now I just need to get my Vegas regulation tint off my car so the VA popo stop giving me a ticket for it. Ain't my fault I bought the damn thing that way in a state where it was legal. Lame.

Okay, I'm done ranting. That's all the energy I have to type. I hope everyone had a great week, whatever your plans may have been!

xoxohannah

it's time

Lately I've really been drawn to clean, open and free images. Something about it brings me comfort.
Plus, this moodboard really describes the way my alarm clock yells at me every morning.
Except it is with more of a soft glow like a sunrise than someone screaming.
(Truth be told I could probably use some screaming though. lol)

xoxohannah

IMAGES VIA [ 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 ]

go-go-going

It's Tuesday... which totally means it's almost Hump day, so this week is basically over already!

NOT.

This week is just getting started and I'm already behind. My team is having a conference this week so we are off to Baltimore for the remainder of the week. It'll be "go-go-go" from dawn 'til dusk. I'll probably be too busy to even think about anything other than work but I can't help acknowledging that this week is the reverse of what James and I went through for 18 months together. I think the fact that we both are going into this week with the knowledge that we'll finally understand the other side of the tracks (from that time) a bit better is really great. Don't get me wrong, I loved moving to the east coast. I also loved living together but those months were HARD. I don't miss them. I don't miss missing him all the time. I'm thankful that he gets to come home from work everyday now. We get to have dinner together and spend time together making up for that lost year. It's good to be aware guys. I'm thankful.

Lots of little things are going on that could inevitably end up being a BIG thing and I'm taking this crazy hectic week to focus on what it all means. Being aware, being cautious, being brave, being selfless and being selfish.

That probably makes no sense if you haven't been reading for very long. Hell, even if you have it might make zero sense but damn it feels good to just write it though.

(insert here a night out with "the girls")

I need to find some girls. haha
I really should finish reading MWF seeking BFF, maybe that will help? Yea, probably not. ;)

Have a great week everyone! See ya on the flip side...

xoxohannah


ps. I baked over the weekend and I just have to get the photos ready to post. It definitely isn't something I would normally eat but since I wasn't going to be there James got to have his choice (again, he's spoiled).

thanks

Happy Turkey Day!

Spending the day cooking for our family of two while James takes a nap/sleeps. Working retail for Black Friday and Black Friday prep is a ton of hours so I'm enjoying the time to jam (to music) and enjoy being in my element (the kitchen).

A couple days ago I realized just how excited I was for Thanksgiving. For a day to spend with the one I love and to do what I love, cook and bake. I am thankful for so many things this year but mostly I am thankful that I can be thankful.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful day (turkey or not)! Spend time with the ones you love and send love to everyone else. Today is for peace, love, and a whoooooole bunch of apple pie :)

xoxohannah

ps. thank you for stopping by to read here at signed, xoxohannah! The friends I've made, clients I've had and people I've had the pleasure of meeting through this blog is truly something to be thankful for. Your support and time means more than you know!

business as usual

Back in the office. Business as usual. We are thankful and grateful to be among the lucky ones. Although the power did flicker on and off for a bit yesterday we were never without power for long. My heart goes out to those north of us that weren't quite as lucky. I wish that I could be there helping.

Looking out the window you can see traffic starting to pick up and the sun peaking through the clouds. Things will be back to normal before we know it. Thank you to everyone for your well wishes and thoughts. I am so lucky to have made such great friends in the blog world :)

I am getting excited around these parts to find a groove and swing back into every day life. This week has been very eventful (outside of the Frankenstorm thing). Tomorrow I begin taking some much needed and highly anticipated classes for the next 6 weeks. Yay for learning! I am also slowing down on design projects to take a closer look and more of a focus on some things to help gear up for 2013. Of course, I can't stop completely so I have some top secret design projects in the works that may or may not ever make it to this page. Either way, I'm excited. I'm inspired. I'm looking forward to the rest of this year because it's definitely not over yet. Even if it feels like Christmas will be here and gone before I can blink.

I hope everyone has a spooktacular halloween. I'm excited for James to bring home loads of 50% off candy from work. Gotta love Target :)

xoxohannah

the calm

Although it's been windy and rainy since we laid down last night, I know this is the calm before the storm. After hunkering down for Hurricane Irene last year I can't say I'm surprised Sandy is showing up, but I wasn't expecting Frankenstorm.

We are stocked up on canned food, non-perishables, lots of water, batteries for our room lantern (that runs on AA's - yup, it's awesome) and the bathtubs are full. I know power could go out at any time so I am getting clothes ironed in case we have to go back to work before the power returns. Today will be spent working remotely and finishing any final chores so we can ride this thing out.

I hope that everyone up north of DC is prepared and safe. Sending my thoughts and safe keeping's to all of those affected.

xoxohannah

october is almost over

After setting big plans to go do things like shoot pumpkin cannons at giant Transformer robots and enjoying the last bits of fall we got wind (i'm so funny...) of Hurricane Sandy and the proposed Frankenstorm, headed our way. So we are holing up in the house when James gets home from work. We stocked up and are pulling out all our lanterns and flashlights from our Hurricane Irene preparedness kit. Okay it's not really a kit, you get the idea.

Secretly, I'm hoping it blows out power from here to my office for a day or so keeping me from having to tough out traffic to the office and allowing me to cuddle, play board games and quickly eat delicious food before it goes bad. Actually sounds like a much needed "vacation" for me. Regardless, I hope that everyone in Frankenstorm's way is well prepared and keeps safe. My thoughts and prayers are with all of those a bit farther north than I.

If you are elsewhere in the country, enjoy your awesome Halloween week and celebrate for all of us east coasters who can't! I'm going to guess that even if they postponed Halloween for trick-or-treating, it just wont be the same.

If you hear silence, then I'll talk to ya'll in November :)

xoxohannah

herriott grace & project 'feels like home'

[ALL IMAGES FROM THE HERRIOTT GRACE SHOP]

Herriott Grace is beautiful. I love everything about this shop, from it's products to it's back story.  Father and daughter duo, Lance and Nikole. He crafts these beautiful wooden pieces and she helps him share them with the world. It is pieces like this that I want to incorporate into my home someday. Growing up with a quasi-pack rat and vintage/antique die hard meant that wooden bowls, rusted metal and well-loved materials were always around. They make me think of home. (I'll have to share my vintage story someday, you'll have to remind me.) I think it is only fitting that these beautiful pieces are the intro to our news!

If you've been reading for a little while you know how much James and I move. In the last 2 years we've moved 4 times. In the last 5 years I have moved 7 times. Needless to say, I we are sick of moving. So naturally, after moving to Northern Virginia we realized that we live light-years away from my office in the DC traffic time continuum.Add a less than wonderful relationship with our landlord (yet again) and lack of pet approval, we have made the decision to move again. (I know, insert moans and groans here)

Luckily, it isn't until our lease is up so we can say we lived in one place for a whole year. (okay, 11 months. the new lease starts 30 days before the current expires. but who's counting.) We have found a charming little (770 sq. ft.) apartment in Fairfax/Vienna that we will be calling home come February 28th. I find it charming, but that word in no way implies historic or old. You see, we will be the first people to ever live in this new industrial style apartment of ours. I'll save all the excitement for when we can actually see our finished unit. But I am just so excited to live down the street from work, in a cozy space, where we can have a pup (FINALLY) and call someplace home.

Moving as much as we have (especially on our own, on the opposite side of the country from family and friends) makes it hard to feel "at home". Home is always where we can be together, but it will be nice to live somewhere for an extended time period (we are hoping a couple years) and to really decorate and create the first space that really feels like "us" as a couple. We are scrapping most of our furniture and starting on a decorating journey that I can't wait to share.

Needless to say, I've been obsessed with home decor since we found out. I've probably only redesigned the whole apartment, eh... 2 times. Okay, maybe it's more like 4. lol

xoxohannah

a neighborhood walk

This afternoon James and I took a little walk through the neighborhood. Fall has finally decided to grace us northern Virginians with its beauty. I never knew what I was missing, for 22 years. As much as I miss places like Red Rock Canyon... nothing beats this stretch of weather between hot hell and cold hell.

ps. we found a great trail that in the right light could be VERY spooky. Certainly won't be going there alone anytime soon. ;)

xoxohannah

bits + pieces

1. Lots of time spent with earbuds in. Spotify premium is totally worth it.
2. Practice, practice, practice. Love my Bamboo!
3. PLEATED SKIRTS. Yes, that does deserve capitols.
4. Afternoon sunlight. Weathermen lie. We totally could have gone apple picking. Hmmph.
5. Fall & Halloween = Candy Pumpkins. Way better than candy corn. Seriously.
6. Cooking most of the weekly meals on Sundays helps me eat right and on time. Just need to make it more of a habit.

I hope you had a great weekend!

xoxohannah

peaceful

[original piece featuring this image]

peaceful. isn't that what we all need?

xoxohannah

quietly stirring

[image one; image two]

Note to self:
Stop waking up late. You don't do well after being stressed first thing in the morning.

This image is the perfect combination of everything I feel right now. My head is in the clouds. My feet won't stop taking me places. Torn between the two.

This weekend is big. Like big, big. So things might be quiet around here. Rest assured, all is well. My toes will be buried in the sand and I will be living like a king surrounded by some of my favorite people in the world. It may only be for 48 hours but it will be my favorite 48 hours for many, many millions of hours to come.

Let's see if I can't come back with a new sense of synergy with this image. Regardless, it's beautiful and one of my favorite combos yet.

xoxohannah