Blog - The Anastasia Co.

January 29, 2019

Brand Photography | Anthem in Austin, Texas

Last fall, a brand new restaurant concept opened in Austin, Texas. Anthem is the newest addition to the Flagship Restaurant Group family. Other members include Blue Sushi Sake Grill, Blatt Beer & Table, Roja Mexican Grill, Plank Seafood Provisions, and Flagship Commons.

Austinites have already taken a liking to this Tex-Asian pub located on Rainey Street. Anthem was named America’s Best New Restaurant by USA Today.

Velvet couches, hanging egg chairs, and vibrant patterns are just a taste of the atmosphere you’ll find at Anthem. Think eclectic, retro tiki bar combined with fresh, unexpected details.

I had the tasty privilege of taking Anthem’s brand photos before the big opening last fall. From experience, I can tell you this food tastes even better than it looks!

Below you’ll find a small sampling of the photos from this shoot. (There’s typically over 1,000 for sessions of this size.) We highlighted Anthem’s vintage vibe and aesthetic with the editing style. I took photos of each menu item, along with some table shots featuring several dishes. You’ll find this imagery on their website, social media accounts, and throughout a variety of media publications.

This shoot was a blast. At the time, the restaurant wasn’t open yet so we took the photos in Omaha and got creative. We had a few wallpaper samplings, decor pieces, and the tabletop that would be used in the restaurant. Most of the shots are tight due to our space, highlighting the beautiful detail of each dish. This menu is truly a work of art.

If you’re ever in the Austin area, be sure to visit Anthem!

See more of my photography portfolio here. (More projects are in the queue to be posted, so check back for updates!)

Anthem Brand Photography

Note: Some menu items may have changed after these photos were taken.

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January 25, 2019

17 Funny Valentine’s Day Cards

Taking a few moments to write a card is one of the easiest, most thoughtful ways to show someone you care. These funny Valentine's Day cards are sure to bring some genuine smiles! / shop.theanastasiaco.com

Taking a few moments to handwrite a card is one of the easiest, most thoughtful ways to show someone you care. A greeting card is simple, but the words you write inside have power to deepen your relationship while bringing some laughs!

While a text message will quickly be buried, a Valentine’s Day card is a tangible way to show your lover, crush, or bestie some extra love in a way that will last.

These funny Valentine’s Day cards are sure to bring some genuine smiles. :) Can’t decide on just one? Enjoy a savings with you pick up a few!

Funny Valentine’s Day Cards

1. Happy Valentine’s Day Big Spoon

2. I Don’t Hate You

3. Mutual Weirdness Forever

4. FYI I’m Trying to Woo You

5. Happy Galentine’s Day

6. Weird and Wonderful

7. You’re the Bee’s Knees

8. I Like Naps and You

9. Thank You for Keeping My Feet Warm

10. You Make Me a Happy Camper

11. Coffee Date

12. Pizza My Heart

13. You’re Just My Type

14. You’re Neat

15. Good News, I’m Still Not Bored of You

16. I Love You More Than Tacos

17. You’re My Favorite Person to Text

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January 22, 2019

The Anastasia Co: The Meaning Behind Our Name

I had the opportunity to be a guest on the Get Planty podcast hosted by Dusty from Revive Nursery the other day. (Keep an eye out for the episode in March!) One of the questions asked was where I came up with the name for The Anastasia Co. I was then hit with the realization that I haven’t yet shared the story in this space.

Although the explanation is pretty simple, it holds a lot of meaning.

This name represents the thing I wake up for everyday for two reasons.

The Anastasia Co: Where the Name Came From

Part 1: Anastasia is my middle name! Thank you, mom. (Sometimes it’s mistaken for my first name, and I’m not mad about it. It’s kinda fun!)

Part 2: More importantly, it means resurrection. As a business rooted in faith, I love this opportunity to glorify our Creator and the ultimate sacrifice He made out of love for us. I get to point others to Jesus when asked where the name comes from, and I think that’s pretty dang cool.

BONUS: The Anastasia Co. abbreviated is taco. Pretty perfect, right? Meant to be.

If you’ve been around here long enough, you may know I had two other names before this one. When I first started, my print shop was called The Paper Boutique for a hot second. Jillianastasia Paper Co was next. (Here’s a throwback!) Goodness. Such a mouthful. So glad those names didn’t stick, but they were a part of the journey.

One benefit of incorporating your name into your business name is that the name can grow with you; you get to define what it means. If you ever want to switch gears somewhere down the line, you can do this with more ease than if you have a specific product or service tied into your name.

It’s OKAY to evolve and change as your business changes! While name changes aren’t usually the most fun process in the world, nothing has to be permanent.

This is another reminder for you to step out of your comfort zone + go out there and get started!

Photo by Erin Ren Photography, edited by The Anastasia Co.

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January 15, 2019

8 Reasons Why You Should Journal

When I was 8 I had a fuzzy journal with a little lock that I kept in a super (not so) secret hiding place. This was the place I would spill my heart, dish on my crush, and dream of the future. There was a something magical about those empty pages. It felt like anything was possible.

20 years later and my journal isn’t fuzzy or locked, but the inspiration that comes with empty pages hasn’t changed a bit. Filling in the crisp, fresh paper with the perfect pen is so satisfying.

Whether it’s a travel journal, prayer journal, gratitude journal, reading journal, to-do list, or just a brain dump, pouring your thoughts onto paper is an immense stress and anxiety relief. It’s as if your racing thoughts now have a cozy home on the page, and you can finally relax.

8 Benefits of Journaling and How it Can Change Your Life

Journaling helps you to build a relationship with your mind. Writing in a journal allows you to relieve anxiety, track goal progress, spark creativity, and come to know yourself on a deeper level. Keep reading for just a few of the many journaling benefits!
If you’re in need of a new notebook or journal to put these practices into place, you can find some handy journals here.

1. Reduces Anxiety and Clears Your Mind

Get a grip on your worries to by taking a few minutes to write down everything that’s on your mind. You don’t have to write in complete sentences or make it a masterpiece. Simply list some bullet points of all the thoughts that are consuming your conscious. Let those internal battles happen paper rather than in your head. You’ll hopefully feel the weight on your shoulders lessen, and the worries in your mind won’t feel as heavy as they did before.

2. You Know Yourself Better

“There’s simply no better way to learn about your thought processes than to write them down.” – Barbara Markway. As you regularly dive into your journal, you’ll find writing is a powerful way to help you explore your sense of self. In order to be able to tackle any problems or stressors we have in our lives, we first have to know what they are. If you’re gearing up for tough conversation, writing out what you want to say can help you discover how you actually feel and how you want to say it.

3. Lower Your Stress Level

Putting pen to paper helps to release any negative energy that may be brewing inside. A writing notebook lets you release tension and examine exactly what is stressing you out. Once you can visually see your thoughts in writing, you’ll then be able to discover a different perspective. Sometimes a mindset shift is exactly what we need to lower our stress. Stress tends to take a toll on our immune system, so finding easy ways to relieve this tension will help boost your immune system!

4. Spark Creativity

Creative people tend to jot down a ton of notes and lots of lists. Our minds process about 60,000 thoughts per day, and 1,000 words per minute. Journaling allows you to slow down and capture some of those thoughts on paper. Maybe you’re writing music, poems, inventions, business ideas, or drafting up some sketches. Don’t let those genius ideas slip away! Lock them down with this Ridiculously Amazing Ideas journal. :)

5. Better Make Decisions

Dig to the root of a choice or dilemma by digging in and making a list of the pros and cons when you’re trying to sort through something. Maybe it’s something like deciding whether or not to take a trip, which school to go to, if you should change jobs, or what house to buy. Journaling all of your thoughts around each potential path to take will better help you see the overall picture.

6. Set and Accomplish Goals

Goals can be set any day at any time. There’s no need to wait until the year changes on the calendar! Keeping all of your goals in a journal or notebook is a great way to track progress and look back at what you’ve accomplished. Your trusty journal makes a great companion and road map leading to where you want to go.

7. Increase Positive Vibes

Keep an attitude of gratitude by writing down at least one thing you’re grateful for each day. Journaling what you’re grateful for with a gratitude journal will help keep a positive perspective, resulting in less stress and more happiness. Studies have also shown that cultivating gratitude can help you sleep better!

8. Exercise Your Brain

Writing in a journal can have such a positive impact on your mental health and well-being. The process activates both the analytical and creative hemispheres of our brains. Journaling is a great strategy to invite both sides of the brain to work together to come up with fresh ideas, perspectives, and improve memory.

If you’re sold on the idea of journaling and ready to hit the ground running (or writing), you can find a variety of journals and notebooks to fit your mindset and style in our shop!

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January 11, 2019

Power Word Ideas (with Printables) and Getting Consistent

I don’t do a word of the year. But I do a word of right-now-until-I-feel-like-changing-it. Enter: my power word.

The power word right now is consistency.

Consistency is something I struggle with. I get myself pumped up about a new routine or goal, but following through over a long period of time and sticking with it regularly tends to be tricky.

Only doing something once in awhile won’t result in change, which is why consistency is so important. Nothing changes unless you change your habits!

I wrote down a list of areas I know could use a dose of consistency. Next, I narrowed it down to three so that I could keep it manageable in order to devote enough energy to those things to produce change.

Here is that list, and the action I’m taking to make it happen!

Marketing Strategy → PLAN AHEAD. The key to success in anything is having a plan. As the saying goes, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” I know this. Marketing strategy was my corporate job for six years. It’s business 101. Yet, I still find myself working in the moment and going with the flow. #CreativeProblems This is great for some things in life; but planning ahead is an important piece of the puzzle. This is going to be a year of working ahead, and it’s already making a huge impact on my productivity and mindset!

Working Out → PRIORITIZE. Currently, I work the gym around my day instead of the other way around. If time allows, I’ll squeeze it in. This results in a scattered exercise schedule and inconsistent results. To fix this, I’m going to commit to my gym days ahead of time. Prioritizing workout days in advance will make it much easier to hold myself accountable!

Food Prep → BATCH COOK. I’ve found when the fridge is full of healthy, delicious food that’s prepped and ready to go, I’m far less likely to give in to those Oreos. Spending a few hours at the beginning of the week to batch cook starts the week off on a high note. Hard boiled eggs, chicken, roasted veggies, and fresh fruit are some of my favorite staples to have on hand. Nothing feels better than fueling your body with the right nutrition!

To keep consistency top of mind, I printed it out to hang in my office. I find having a visual reminder to be so incredibly helpful. This word has me fired up, so I wanted to pass it along!

With help from our amazing Instagram community, I put together this list of words you can use as your power word or word of the year. Thank you so much for the amazing replies!

Power Word Printables

The free downloads of each word can be found below. Select the word(s) you like best, save to your computer, and print!

Consistency
Simplicity
Relentless
Fearless
Empathy
Focus
Grow
Love
Create
Encourage
Independent
Nourish
Valuable
Action
Wild Heart
Unapologetic
Integrity
Intent
Strength
Kindness
Download All 20 Power Words

More Power Word Ideas

Surrender
Driven
Curious
Purpose
Bold
Grace
Patience
Joy
Brave
Forgive
Learn
Hope
Balance
Accomplish
Ignite
Grateful
Enough
Warrior
Confidence
Compassion
Peace
Resilience
Worthy
Persevere
Pursue
Free
Bloom
Renew
Empower
Intentional
Strive
Disipline
Passion
Celebrate
Gentle
Flourish
Begin
Commit
Dedication
Tenacious
Conscious

My hope is for these words to encourage you, year-round. I’d love to hear: What is a power word that invokes change in your life?

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January 8, 2019

11 Kitchen Decorating Ideas for Your Walls

It’s thyme to spice up the best room in the house. The kitchen is a place to intentionally gather, create memories, and – of course – whip up a delicious meal! With a great amount of time in the kitchen, make it a place you truly enjoy. Give new life to the place where you cook, eat, and dance with these ideas!

Kitchen Decorating Ideas

*Disclosure: Some affiliate links are included; 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!

1. Open shelving

via Bigger Than the Three of Us
Open shelves are a fantastic option if you like your kitchen to feel larger and open. They’re also incredibly versatile. Use them to show off pretty dishes, plants, accents, even artwork. If you’re a cookbook collector, open shelves offer a great opportunity to show them off! Add baskets to keep like items together, and ensure things stay neat and orderly.

2. Kitchen Gallery Wall

via Chelsea McMahon
If you have open wall space and you’d rather not put up a shelving unit, consider a gallery wall. Hang a mix of art prints and framed portraits, quotes, oversized wooden or metal letters and symbols for an eclectic look.

3. Kitchen Wall Art

via The Anastasia Co.

Let all who enter know what your kitchen is really for with a This Kitchen is for Dancing art print from our shop. This wall decor would make an excellent addition to your gallery wall, too ;)

4. Coffee Mugs Display

via The House of Wood

Instead of keeping your prized coffee mug collection hidden behind closed doors, put them out for the world to see! A coffee mug rack, like this one, helps to keep them tidy and within reach for your morning cup of joe.

5. Hanging Pots and Pans

via Better Homes and Gardens
Your kitchen utensils and bakeware can serve not only you, but your decor, too! If you love your pots and pans them and use them often, try making a curated assortment. Hanging racks are usually suspended from the ceiling, but you can also perch your pots and pans on the wall.

6. Chalkboard Wall

via My Paradissi
Chalkboards are a wonderful way to add some rustic, homemade charm to your kitchen. This can be used as a space to write your grocery list, schedule, dinner menu, or an inspiring quote! Chalkboard walls make an easy DIY project and give you the chance to practice your hand-lettering skills :) Switch it up for the season to keep things fresh!

7. Command Center

via The Small Things and Lovely Etc

A command center can be made up of several different pieces. Simply combine several organization tools together to serve a variety purposes. Here are some potential materials you can mix and match to create your own:

white board for notes
weekly planner for meal prep, to-dos, and plant watering schedule
cork board for things you want to save for the future or keep close at hand
shopping list notepad
calendar to see the date at a glance
metal baskets to sort mail
clipboard to hang invitations
wall art for inspiration

8. Cutting Board Collection

via Heart Home Magazine and Savvy Southern Style

Try something different with your kitchen decorating ideas! Cutting boards often have exquisite, natural pattern and texture. Boards of various shapes, sizes, and wood finishes can create a striking display. Bonus: they don’t take up cabinet space if you’re limited in that department.

9. Bold accent wall

via Sugar & Cloth
A simple way to make your space stand out is to grab the paint brush! Transform an accent wall with fresh color to instantly bring in a little character. Go bright and bold or saturated and subtle with your hue selection. Either way, this pop of color will set the tone for the rest of your room.

10. (Faux) Brick

via Patsy Schmidt
Brick is a gorgeous, timeless texture. The historic nature makes it especially perfect for a farmhouse kitchen. If your home wasn’t built with this traditional element, hope is not lost. You can add visual interest and charm by adding a faux brick veneer wall that looks incredibly real. Mandy from Vintage Revivals has a great tutorial on how to install brick in your home!

11. Macramé Wall Hanging

via Kindred Company Goods
Macramé is another texture option while also adding a touch of boho and whimsy. These beautiful wall hangings come in a variety of sizes, so you can feature one as a statement piece or a smaller accent.

When it comes to kitchen decorating, think about what works well for your living room and bedroom, and apply it to your kitchen!

Which element are you most excited to incorporate into your home decor? Share in the comments below!

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January 5, 2019

Winter Family Photos | Sarah, Dan + Cameron

I’ve had a blast dabbling in photography more over the past few months. It’s something I’ve loved since I was young, and the more I learn, the more I fall in love with it.

In my 2018 recap I mentioned working with some rad companies and capturing some beautiful families. I’m planning to share more of these projects, but I’ll kick things off with the most recent.

The day before Christmas Eve, I got to hang out with Cameron and his parents, Sarah and Dan, for a fun family shoot in honor his first birthday!

Each year Mulhall’s Nursery (a greenhouse and home decor store in Omaha, Nebraska) transforms into a magical winter wonderland. The live trees and lush greenery gave us the perfect scene for some winter family photos.

Winter Family Photos with Baby | Christmas Family Pictures | Holiday Photos with Kids | Mulhall's | Omaha, Nebraska | theanastasiaco.com

First Birthday Photos | Winter Family Photos with Baby | Christmas Family Pictures | Holiday Photos with Kids | Mulhall's | Omaha, Nebraska | theanastasiaco.com

Winter Family Photos with Baby | Mulhall's | Omaha, Nebraska | theanastasiaco.com

Christmas Set | Winter Photos | Mulhalls | Omaha Nebraska | The Anastasia Co

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December 28, 2018

Free 2019 Calendar to Print (Updated for 2020!)

Happy end of 2018! What a year it has been. One of my favorite things to do at the end of the year is take some time to reflect back on the past twelve months.

Life is now drastically different now than it was in January. This year has been full of true sorrow and true joy. Caring for family member has made this year seem like the toughest yet; but it has changed my heart and perspective forever.

This year tested my ability to practice gratitude and find peace in tough situations, but I prayed the Lord would keep my heart fixed on Him, and he constantly reminded me to count it all joy.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:1-4

On the business side, we tackled some big accomplishments! Now, it’s not all about numbers – but I’m all about setting goals and keeping celebrating the wins, big and small!

Set up shop at 20 local events
Launched our own online store
Welcomed 16 new retailers and 10 new states into our wholesale program
Designed 13 sets of wedding invitations
Shipped ~3,000 items
Branded 6 small businesses
Photographed 11 photo sessions for local businesses and families
Reached 2 million monthly viewers on Pinterest
Grew our Instagram community by 15%
Collaborated with 3 awesome companies
Celebrated one year flying solo!

It’s so easy to feel like you’re not doing enough. Anyone else struggle with this? I am. All the time.

Go make a list of all the things you did this year, business or personal! Recognizing where you’ve been will help you decide where you want to go and where you want to grow.

Here is our annual calendar update for home or office!

Free 2019 Calendar

Download this free 2019 calendar for your home or office. This vintage-inspired, minimal calendar complements any decor style and serves as a simple at-a-glance reminder.

December 18, 2018

6 Perfect Gifts for Coffee Lovers

We all have that friend who just can’t function without their morning cup of coffee. While coffee shop gift cards and high quality coffee beans are great gifts, we’ve brewed up some more unique gifts for coffee lovers!

Your caffeine-addicted friends will appreciate these fresh finds, perfect for birthdays, Christmas or really any occasion. Because there’s never a bad time for coffee. :)

Gifts for Coffee Lovers

1. French Press

A French Press is a simple, sophisticated update from drip coffee. A French Press doesn’t use a paper filter (which can remove the flavors and oils), giving your coffee and richer and stronger flavor than drip coffee has. According to Lifehack, using a French Press requires a closer attention to detail — the brew time and weight in particular — but it’s well worth it for the quality upgrade. Get it here. (affiliate link)

2. Funny Coffee Mugs

Coffee mugs are like greeting cards — full of funny sayings and witty quips. Picking a mug that perfectly matches your friend’s personality is a true sign that you know them through and through. Will it be “Chances are this is wine!” or “I like big cups and I cannot lie.” The options are endless! Featured: White Confetti Box

3. Coffee Date Card Set

There’s just something about a coffee date. It’s perfectly casual, cozy and cute. These adorable cards are a sweet and personal way to say “let’s catch up.” Whether it’s a new friend or an old acquaintance, no one can turn down a coffee date when they’re invited with a coffee card this cute. (And, you can gift your favorite coffee lover with a set of their own use or just ask them on a coffee date as part of your gift!)

4. Coffee Wall Art

Every coffee lover should have a special place not only in their heart but also in their home for their love of a fresh brewed cup o’ joe. This coffee wall art is perfect for the kitchen, above a coffee bar or even as office decor. It’s great in a gallery wall or framed as a standalone piece.

5. Cozy Sweatshirt

Curling up with a cup of coffee requires nothing but the coziest of clothes. A warm mug of coffee on a Saturday morning is the perfect start to any weekend and any coffee lover will appreciate a cozy, coffee-drinking sweatshirt. Featured: Emtizee

6. Journal

There’s just something about sitting at a coffee shop that seems to inspire big goals and dreams. A journal for your favorite coffee lover is the perfect way for them to keep track of those goals a dreams, write down their prayers, start creative writing or take notes from their devotions.

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December 13, 2018

6 Thoughtful Gifts For Your Boyfriend

Guys can be tough to shop for! If you’re looking for a sentimental or practical gift idea, there are several great options for the man in your life.

Whether he’s sporty, stylish, a music lover or a beer connoisseur, it’s fun to choose a present that fits his personality and hobbies.

If his birthday, Christmas or an anniversary is coming up, here are six great gift ideas for your boyfriend. Many of these gifts can found at a variety of price ranges.

1. Glassware for His Favorite Beverage

A quality set of whiskey, beer or wine glasses is a great gift for a guy who loves to enjoy a good drink. Customized glasses with sports team logos or monograms give the gift a personal touch, allowing it to be thoughtfully geared toward your boyfriend. Don’t forget to throw a bottle of his favorite liquor, wine or beer in the package so that he can start using the glasses right away! Get it here. (affiliate link)

2. A Funny Card

What’s a relationship without humor? While sappy cards can be sweet, there’s something about a corny joke that can mean just as much — and show just how well you know your man. Choose from sayings like I Like Naps and You, Mutual Weirdness Forever, or I Love You More than Taco s and add your own sweet (or sassy) message inside.

3. A Watch

While a watch may seem like a standard guy gift, you can add your own special touch by getting the back of it engraved with a short and sweet note. Make sure he’s always thinking of you when he puts it on in the morning with a message that makes him smile. Looking for a unique timepiece? Try a wooden watch, which can be versatile for a dressy or casual outfit. Featured: Wild Watches

4. Tickets to a Concert or Sporting Event

He can’t go alone, so when you give tickets as a gift, it’s also a gift for yourself! Whether your boyfriend has a favorite sports team or a band he can’t get enough of, giving tickets is giving the gift of an experience, which can be even more fun than an object.

5. A Framed Photo

We have a tendency to just post our pictures on social media and forget to print them. Find a frame that matches your boyfriend’s decorating style and then choose a photo that brings back memories of a fun weekend you spent together. Whether he sets it on his nightstand or hangs it in the living room, you’ll always be in his home (and his heart). Featured: DUST and THINGS

6. Meaningful Wall Art

Guys aren’t always the best at choosing home decor, so help your boyfriend out with these simple but thoughtful I Choose You and And I’d Choose You prints. Pair them with a framed photo to help him start a simple gallery wall or let it hang solo to spruce up his man cave.

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Anthem Brand Photography

Funny Valentine’s Day Cards

The Anastasia Co: Where the Name Came From

8 Benefits of Journaling and How it Can Change Your Life

1. Reduces Anxiety and Clears Your Mind

2. You Know Yourself Better

3. Lower Your Stress Level

4. Spark Creativity

5. Better Make Decisions

6. Set and Accomplish Goals

7. Increase Positive Vibes

8. Exercise Your Brain

Power Word Printables

More Power Word Ideas

Kitchen Decorating Ideas

1. Open shelving

2. Kitchen Gallery Wall

3. Kitchen Wall Art

4. Coffee Mugs Display

5. Hanging Pots and Pans

6. Chalkboard Wall

7. Command Center

8. Cutting Board Collection

9. Bold accent wall

10. (Faux) Brick

11. Macramé Wall Hanging

Free 2019 Calendar

Free 2020 Calendar

Hey, thanks!

Weekly Planner

Gifts for Coffee Lovers

1. French Press

2. Funny Coffee Mugs

3. Coffee Date Card Set

4. Coffee Wall Art

5. Cozy Sweatshirt

6. Journal

1. Glassware for His Favorite Beverage

2. A Funny Card

3. A Watch

4. Tickets to a Concert or Sporting Event

5. A Framed Photo

6. Meaningful Wall Art

Courtesy

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