Blog - The Anastasia Co.

October 23, 2018

How to Arrange Pillows On Your Bed

Throw pillows are an easy, affordable way to update the look of your bedroom, living room, or home office! These accessories can add a simple pop of color, texture, and personality while pulling the room together in an effortless way that takes almost no time at all. Learning how to arrange pillows on your bed will add depth and style to your bedding arrangement.

There are many ways to arrange pillows according to your space and aesthetic. At the beginning of the year, I gave my bedroom an earthy, boho makeover. The layered pillows quickly became one of my favorite focal points! Here is one simple recipe you can use to recreate this look.

How to Arrange Pillows

(1) body pillow
(2) 20-inch pillows
(2) 18-inch pillows
(1) 15 x 27-inch pillow (Find the pictured geometric pillow here!)

Fluff, toss, and enjoy!

When creating your pillow arrangement, you will want to place the largest pillows in the back and the smallest pillows in the front. This will allow all patterns and colors to be visible. Since I don’t have a headboard, I used a body pillow as a foundation. If you have a headboard, three layers of pillows can do the trick.

I purchased all of my bedroom throw pillows from Target – they offer an incredible selection of styles, colors, and sizes, without breaking the bank. Their website lets you filter by color, size, type, and price which makes the shopping process a breeze!

Elements to Keep in Mind While Selecting Your Pillows

Color
Texture
Pattern

For a bold approach, don’t be afraid to mix colors, textures, and patterns! If you go this route, choose a similar element such as color or pattern to keep a cohesive look. Texture is also an important piece of the puzzle. Textured pillows add so much visual interest and make a statement without being over the top.

Decorative pillows are so easy to switch out for the season or your mood. In just a few minutes you can breathe new life into your room without having to paint or rearrange furniture. To top it off, you can also add a contrasting throw blanket for even more style and comfort.

Pin the image above to save this idea for later! You can find a ton of other ideas on our home decor Pinterest board.

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October 19, 2018

Junkstock: Fall 2018 + New Paper Goods

It’s hard to believe we’ve been doing these Junkstock recaps for four years now! This is the tenth time setting up shop at the farm, and I still fall more in love with the people and the atmosphere every time.

The harvest edition of Junkstock is one of the very best times of year. The crisp air, pumpkins everywhere, and vintage goodness never gets old. You may remember back in April when we had a ridiculous amount of snow. Rain replaced the snow this time — but, it was a great show! The amount of people who will brave any weather to come out and support local businesses never ceases to amaze me.

When I first started this business, I didn’t know prints and greeting cards could tear down walls and open hearts. I didn’t know how much words could impact a person’s perspective and mindset about life. I didn’t know how many truly incredible, inspiring people I would meet.

Opening a shop has blessed me with the opportunity to become friends with complete strangers in a matter of minutes with some simple encouraging words and a little humor. THANKFUL does not even begin to describe how this feels.

The set up and tear down process for the show takes about a week. It’s a ton of work, but it is always worth it. I tried out some new display vignettes this time while keeping many of the same elements to keep a cohesive, branded look. Let me know what you think! Filling the space with seeded eucalyptus is a great way to sprinkle in a touch of nature. It adds SO much!

Six new art prints and six new greeting cards (including some special Christmas cards!) were released at this event. You can find them in the shop and at the bottom of this post. These pieces created some awesome conversations.

We’ll be back at the farm in a few very short weeks for Junkstock’s Winter Wonderland: Nov 30-Dec 2 and Dec 7-9, 2018. If you’re in the Nebraska area, be sure to come say hello!

NEW GOODS

I’ve Fallen for You | You’re the Bee’s Knees

I Would Miss You | You’re Neat

I Like Naps and You | Season’s Greetings From Nebraska

The Time is Now | Purpose Fuels Passion

Once Lost, Now Found | I Have Found the One Whom My Soul Loves

Psalm 91 | Hail Mary

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October 16, 2018

3 Reasons Why You Need Indoor Plants in Your Home

Why You Need House Plants in Your Home / Houseplants / Indoor Plants / House Plants / Air Purifying Plants / / theanastasiaco.com @theanastasiaco

The best way to bring the outdoors in? Houseplants, of course.

Some people shy away from indoor plants simply because they’re afraid they can’t keep them alive, but in reality, there are many options that even the least green of thumbs can care for. Some good options for a beginning plant owner are aloe, a jade plant or a peace lily.

If you’re not completely convinced a houseplant is right for you, here are three reasons to put plants in your home.

Succulents / Why You Need House Plants in Your Home / Houseplants / Indoor Plants / House Plants / Air Purifying Plants / theanastasiaco.com @theanastasiaco

1. Indoor plants purify and detoxify the air.

Think back to elementary school science class — we breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide while, through photosynthesis, plants release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide. Without plants, we would be suffocating! When we say we love the fresh, outdoor air it’s because we’re around dozens and dozens of plants. By bringing plants indoors, we’re freshening the air indoors. Plants can scrub the air of compounds like formaldehyde and benzene. The bigger and leafier your plant, the better it will do in this purification process.

2. Houseplants add beauty to your home.

Whether your style is minimal or bold and colorful, there’s a plant to fit your aesthetic. For a minimal approach, accent neutral colors and decor with a hint of greenery. Air plants are perfect for a minimal, stylish aesthetic. (Here are tips for how to care for air plants and style them in your home!) Placing beautiful English Ivy on a floating shelf is a lovely way to bring a fresh and warm touch to your home. If you’re looking for something more vibrant, the African Violet blooms several times a year in deep pink and purple shades. Pot it in a colorful container for an extra pop of color even when the flowers aren’t in bloom. Succulents are another favorite — you can learn all about succulents here!

3. Having plants in your home can reduce your stress levels.

This amazing effect of plants starts at the roots — in the soil actually. Forbes says potting soil contains microbes that work as natural antidepressants. Touching and smelling plants is known to reduce stress, similar to the way a pet or therapy dog reduces stress. One plant in particular that is especially recommended for stress relief is potted lavender. While lavender essential oil is common, lavender plants can have the same effect!

You may also like: 7 Gift Ideas for Plant Lovers

Plant Lady Art Print / Plant Decor / 3 Reasons Your Home Needs Indoor Plants / theanastasiaco.com @theanastasiaco

Do you think you have what it takes to be a plant lady? Of course you do. :) Grab this Plant Lady Art Print as a staple piece of decor for your plant collection, or gift it to a plant lover in your life!

Plant Bar Cart / Why You Need House Plants in Your Home / Houseplants / Indoor Plants / House plants / Air Purifying / theanastasiaco.com @theanastasiaco

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September 20, 2018

Running a Business Full Time: A One-Year Reflection

One year ago I was standing on the edge of a cliff. The only way to get to the other side was to take a BIG leap of faith. I had to jump.

I reached a point where I couldn’t keep working two full-time jobs between my corporate job and my business. After four years, I was drained. I needed more time for life. My business was growing, but the amount of hours in a day stayed the same. It was time for a change.

I loved my corporate marketing career. The people, the work, and the company was incredible. But I knew I had another calling I was meant to pursue. I prayed, hustled, prayed some more, and worked as hard as I could.

And then I did it. I took the leap. (You may recall this announcement!) A day came last September where I no longer had a boss. I no longer commuted to work everyday. It was now all up to me. Woah. The best way to describe it? FREEING. I felt more alive than I ever have. The realization that I can do anything felt so real.

Over the past 12 months, I’ve been able to chase my dreams harder than ever before. Guess what? It’s no longer scary. I am nowhere near having it all figured out. There is still so much I have yet to learn, and I certainly don’t have all of the answers. I constantly think I’m not doing enough. There are so many things I struggle with. However, that’s the beauty of the journey. I’ve created a weird world where my business life and personal life are intertwined. Some days I work 16 hours, some days I work 2 hours. I wouldn’t have it any other way. When you’re in love with what you do, it really doesn’t feel like work. Even the low moments outweigh what I left behind.

A few milestones from the past 365 days include becoming an LLC, opening a new online store, growing our Instagram community, and starting an e-mail program. In the coming months, I would LOVE to explore new ways to give back to the community, partner up for more collaborations (Have an idea? Let’s chat!), and I have a big product launch up my sleeve – gotta keep this one a secret for now ;)

Looking back, the decision was clear. It was fear I needed to work through. God is the one running the show here. I believe He gives each of us unique gifts and talents so we can glorify Him in our own way. He provides us with the people, opportunities, desires, and skills we need.

My hope for you is that you don’t live in fear of pursuing your passion. You, too, can do ANYTHING. The secret is: you just have to get started. Take action. Sometimes it takes time to figure out what your ‘thing’ is. But as long as you’re doing something, you’ll get there. It took four years for me to know this is what I wanted to do full-time, and my business looks completely different now than it did four years ago.

If you don’t love where you’re at right now; that’s okay. What you’re doing right now is important, and will be a stepping stone to help you find what sets your soul on fire. Promise.

Cheers to one year of flying solo. (And happy almost five years to The Anastasia Co!) THANK YOU for supporting this wild ride. I wouldn’t have made it to this point without rock solid support from family and friends. Internet friends included ;) I appreciate you.

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August 29, 2018

We Have a New Shop!

Drumroll, please. I am ecstatic to finally announce: Our new shop is open!

You can now:

shop greeting cards by occasion
shop wall art by theme
treat yourself to free shipping on orders over $50
stay in the loop on new product launches
see what we’re up to on the blog
sign up for our mailing list to receive a free greeting card

Check it out here!

This is a project I’ve been working on for quite some time. It has been a goal for a really, really long time now. After researching the best platform to use, I landed on Shopify. I wanted something easy to mange, sleek, and user-friendly. So far, Shopify has exceeded all of my expectations.

You may be wondering ‘Why the new shop? What about Etsy?’

Here’s the answer: Our Etsy shop isn’t going anywhere. It will stay open, updated, and active! I love Etsy, and I highly recommend it. We simply wanted to create an additional space all our own where we have the flexibility to grow our brand, present a cohesive aesthetic, and connect with you more directly. :)

Visit the new shop →

Let me know what you think!

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August 3, 2018

How to Stain Your Deck + Host a Taco Party in One Day

This post has been sponsored by Behr. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

One of my very favorite ways to spend summer evenings is to call up a few friends, make some tasty food, and enjoy time together outside.

I’ve always loved spending time on my deck, but I’ve never wanted to entertain guests as it was not party-ready. The wood was unfinished, dull, and lacking life.

Staining the deck was a project that has been on my wish list since moving in a few years ago. However, like most of us, there’s rarely time when I’m not on the go. My schedule is filled with meeting with clients, working to meet deadlines, designing new paper goods, and setting up for events. Finding time to stain the deck was seemingly impossible, or so I thought.

When Behr reached out to collaborate on a deck makeover featuring their BEHR PREMIUM® QUICK DRY Oil Base Wood Finish, I was sold on two words: quick dry.

This stain made the project a breeze! With just one coat, it’s ready to use within 60 minutes, making it ideal for homeowners with hectic schedules. Plus, (after those quick 60 minutes) it’s water-resistant and offers mold, mildew, and UV protection, so you don’t need to worry about the weather ruining any of your deck-staining plans.

Since it dries so quickly, you (and a helper or two!) can easily Prep, Stain, and Entertain ™ All In the Same Day.

For all of the preparation and application details, you can learn more here.

Here are a few tips I learned along the way!

Before

PREP

Properly prepping the space is crucial to setting yourself up for staining success.
To remove existing coatings, you’ll want to make sure to use a stain and finish stripper and wood cleaner to clean and neutralize new or stripped wood.
If you have new wood, you still need to use a wood cleaner product such as BEHR PREMIUM® No. 63 All-In-One Wood Cleaner to remove any mill glaze and clean the surface.
Next, rinse off the wood with a pressure washer or garden hose, make sure to remove any standing water and let dry for about an hour.

STAIN

I chose Behr Quick Dry in Transparent Cedar Naturaltone as the finish to complement my wood floors in the attached dining room. I absolutely love how the transparency lets the wood’s natural grain shine through.
To cover the large boards, a flat lambskin pad applicator is recommended. You’ll want to avoid styrofoam pads for an exterior deck application as they will disintegrate during use. Shy away from using rollers for application – you’ll end up in splash city!
A paint mitt and natural bristle brush worked perfectly for the spindles, and a toothbrush was my best friend for those hard-to-reach corners.
The formula is very forgiving, so no need to worry about streaks and drips.
It also provides mold, mildew, and UV protection!

ENTERTAIN

A fresh new deck sets the perfect backdrop for entertaining guests!
In the spirit of keeping things easy, tacos are the perfect way to finish off the night.
Simply pick up some shredded lettuce, cheese, taco shells, beef, chips, guacamole, a side or two of fruit, and you’re all set for a casual taco night!

Prep, Stain, and Entertain™ – All In the Same Day (literally) for this busy family! You can find Behr Quick Dry at your local Home Depot.

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July 13, 2018

3 Tips for Creating a Hat Gallery Wall

Image credit: @agentlewoman

*Disclosure: Some affiliate links have been included in this post; which means I may earn a small commission should you click through and make a purchase. This allows me to continue to create content for you, and I greatly appreciate your support!

Have you ever thought about wearing your wall decor? Since becoming a homeowner a few years ago, I’ve found the best kind of home decor is both beautiful AND functional. Presenting: the hat gallery wall.

If you need to fill some wall space, or if you’re looking for a hat storage solution, consider hanging your hats in a thoughtful way.

Here are three things to consider when decorating with hats:

Arrange hats vertically, horizontally, or scattered
Combine with art prints, plant shelves, and scarves for an eclectic, textured display
Choose hat colors that complement your room and tie the color scheme together

Whether you have two hats or twenty-two hats, these accessories can make a statement in your room in addition to your wardrobe!

Looking to start your hat collection? Shop the accessories at the bottom of this post!

Image credit: Victoria Pearson

Image credit: 100 Layer Cake

Image credit: A Pair and a Spare

Image credit: @nenaandco

Image credit: I Spy DIY

Image credit: A Pair and a Spare

Image credit: @coffeecreep

Image credit: @undecorated_home

Image credit: Apartment Therapy

Image credit: Stiletto Beats

Image credit: Camille Styles

Image credit: @blissfully_eclectic

Image credit: Style Me Pretty

Find these hats right here! Urban Outfitters and Target also have great hat selections to choose from. Happy hat hunting!

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July 7, 2018

Easy Recipe: Tomato and Mozzarella Salad with Basil

Put those garden tomatoes to good use with this Tomato and Mozzarella Salad. This easy recipe makes a great addition to any summer spread! It’s a delicious, simple side dish or healthy snack. Top with basil for a burst of freshness.

If you don’t already have one, consider growing your own herb garden for homegrown, natural ingredients at your fingertips! Adding basil, mint, chives, parsley, or cilantro to your dishes is a sure way to take your cooking to the next level.

Save Print

Tomato and Mozzarella Salad with Basil

Prep time: 10 mins

Total time: 10 mins

Whip up this easy recipe with just a few ingredients! Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil make a simple side dish or healthy snack.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes
1 cup mozzarella, diced
1-2 tablespoons olive oil
3-4 fresh basil leaves
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Combine tomatoes and mozzarella in a serving dish.
Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and give it a stir.
Top with basil leaves and serve.

Nutrition Information

Serving size: 2 Calories: 285 Fat: 23g Saturated fat: 9g Unsaturated fat: 13g Carbohydrates: 7g Sugar: 4g Sodium: 436mg Fiber: 2g Protein: 14g Cholesterol: 44mg

Easy Recipe - Tomato and Mozzarella Salad with Basil - Side Dish Recipe | theanastasiaco.com

You may also like: How to Host an Indoor Picnic.

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June 28, 2018

A Spring Bridal Shower Brunch

2018 is proving to be one non-stop celebration. This is the year most of my close girlfriends have changed their last names and taken on the new role of ‘wifey.’ Throughout the showers, bachelorette parties, and events it has been so cool to see each friend’s beautiful personality and character shine through.

Sprint Tablescape | Brunch Party | Bridal Shower | Tabletop Fireplace | Gold Accents | theanastasiaco.com

My dear friend Sarah, of SCraw Art, was married on May 5th at Glacial Till Vineyard in Palmyra, Nebraska. To prepare her for this special day, Rachel Richards of STEP Group designed an elegant spring bridal shower brunch.

The menu featured a delicious breakfast casserole, fresh fruit, homemade doughnuts, mimosas, and Bloody Marys.

Rachel used stems of greenery, terrariums, mini bottles, gold accents, and personalized place settings to create a thoughtful, natural tablescape.

5 Tips to Create Your Own Modern, Garden Tablescape

NATURAL ELEMENTS / Pick up an inexpensive grocery store bouquet, cut the stems, and place flowers + greenery in decorative containers. This could include small bottles and decorative jars or vases. Terrariums are a great way to add a modern, geometric vibe.
LAYERS / Add dimension and height with cake stands or plate pedestals.
PLATES / Use a decorative charger as a base for your place setting. This adds a decorative element and ties your color scheme together. (Hobby Lobby often has these on sale, and they come in a variety of colors.)
TEXTURE / Linens are another easy, elegant way to bring color into your tablescape.
PERSONALIZE / If you’re looking for something to wow your guests, consider a personal touch. The personalized cookies Rachel included at each plate made each guest feel special, and they were delicious, too!

Shop this look below!

Get the Look

Pin the image below to save for future party planning!

How to create a modern garden tablescape - the anastasia co - spring tablescape - summer tablescape - garden tablescape

1 Gold Charger / 2 Champagne Flutes / 3 Pedestal Plate / 4 Tabletop Fireplace / 5 Terrarium / 6 Black Linens / 7 White Plate / 8 Mini Bottles / 9 Gold Vase

Find more tablescape and party planning ideas below!

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May 30, 2018

Junkstock: Spring 2018

Spring Junkstock this year looked a lot more like a winter wonderland. The amount of snow we received in April was unreal.

Despite frigid temps, the people still came! One of the many things I love about this event is the loyalty Junkstockers have for supporting small businesses.

This spring marked The Anastasia Co’s ninth Junkstock – woah. Here is a look at this season’s set up! Coming up with new, creative, and easy-to-shop ways to display paper goods is a always a challenge I enjoy.

We added 14 brand new products to our collection. Find ’em at the bottom of this post and in the shop! To be in the loop on future events, be sure to follow us on Instagram and check out the Upcoming Events highlight.