#aBetterMeWithAandD

Humans amaze me. Think about it: out of the seven billion people in this world, we all differ. No one person is the same. Regardless of the similarities in our genetic makeup-- two eyes, two ears, two arms, two legs-- we all look completely different. And then we consider the emotional and mental differences. The variety of personalities, preferences, and peeves contribute to create a completely unique and perfectly imperfect person. That person is you.

We want to hear when you are your best self. Is it when you exceed your running goal and your muscles are tense with exhaustion and excitement? Is it when you look at yourself in the mirror after showering, when you are perfectly clean and completely raw? Or is it when you watch your loved ones accomplish something that is of great importance to them? Let us know. Here are some responses we have received so far...

"You know those people that just sparkle? Their eyes light up and when you are around them, you feel good about yourself and you want to do the same for others? Yup-- THAT is when I feel my "best self"-- when I can uplift and inspire others to SHINE! We are all meant to!"

"I feel best when I am surrounded by people that motivate me. I love knowing that I serve a purpose."

"What makes me my best self is helping others become their best self. Whether thats by inspiring them or doing service for them, etc. I enjoy making others love themselves just as much they should and helping them see their own potential. Thats when I find myself molding into the best ME."

"I am my best self when I am around those who believe in me and love me for me. When I am in that type of positive environment, I find myself being motivated to act selflessly and putting my best self forward."

Snap a selfie. Use our hashtag. Allow yourself to love yourself. And let us know why.

#aBetterMeWithAandD

A Photoshoot: Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is over-- more importantly, chocolate is now discounted. This past week, the A & D team had a blast celebrating the holiday. One of the highlights was our Valentine photoshoot. We rounded up three gorgeous girls and their handsome beaus and made some magic. Until next year, lovers! XOX

 

Four Things To Do Instead of Dinner and a Movie

DISCLAIMER: I love a mouth-watering meal and an entertaining movie just as much as the next girl.   However, "dinner and a movie" has become the "jeans and a T-shirt" of fashion. They go together. The words flow together and become one because they are so often associated. It's something dependable. Something familiar... Although not particularly head-turning or night-changing. This Valentine's Day (or any weekend of the year), branch out of the stereotypical date night of dinnerandamovie and do something that will make your Saturday night extra special, just like you!

1. Four Course Meal
    Okay, so I know I just kind of bashed on the whole "dinner" thing, but this idea has a little spin to it. For the four courses of a dinner (appetizer, soup/salad, entrée, dessert), choose a different restaurant for each component! Bounce around town and hit all of your favorite restaurants instead of spending half the night deciding on one.

2. Art Masterpieces
    This option can be a bit more personable. Choose your desired art-- canvas paintings, pottery, pencil sketches, watercolors-- and create! To make it extra fun, make something for your partner and have him do the same. You'll always have the physical token to remember the night spent together.

3. Retrace Your Steps
    If your Valentine is a long-time boyfriend or a much-loved spouse, revisit the best places of your relationship! Go to the location of the first date, a favorite coffee or ice cream shop, or the location of your first kiss. Take a Polaroid camera for instant images to capture the process of retracing your steps.

4. Baking Class
    Master an unfamiliar cuisine or a unique dish that you've been wanting to try forever. This enables easy conversation and delicious sampling, too! For local Utah dwellers, I recommend checking out the link found here!

Happy Love Day!

Conversation Heart Manicure

Conversation hearts are the candy canes or candy corn of Valentine's Day. Whether you actually eat them or not, it's so fun to read the cute messages! We took our obsession with this festive candy to the next level and painted them on our hands. Follow this simple DIY tutorial to get an adorable holiday-appropriate manicure. Extra points if you take a red pen and write little love messages on your nails, too! Happy conversing!

A Photoshoot: Mommy and Me

A couple of weeks ago, some members of the A & D team tagged along to the cutest playdate ever. Fatima, Cecilia, and Brooke brought their mini-me's and we had a blast capturing their interactions on camera-- while decked out in Agnes & Dora apparel, of course! We loved the love between these sweet moms and their cute babes (plus, how cute are our leggings on tiny bodies?!). Check out these pictures for inspiration on how to dress your kiddos. 

A Love Playlist

HAPPY FEBRUARY! There is nothing that gets me in the mood for this month of romance more than a sappy love song. Whether your Valentine's Day plans consists of a romantic night with a significant other, a girly night with your friends, or eating chocolate and watching Netflix by yourself (I see you), include this Spotify playlist for your best February 14th to date!*

1.  Feel the Same-- Joshua James
2.  To Be Alone With You-- Sufjan Steven
3.  Atlas Hands-- Benjamin Francis Leftwhich
4.  Painting Roses-- Dresses
5.  Can't Help Falling in Love-- Elvis Presley
6.  Beneath Your Beautiful-- Labyrinth
7.  On Your Porth-- The Format
8.  Winter Song-- The Head and the Heart
9.  All I Want Is You-- Barry Louis Polisar
10.  The Girl-- City and Colour
11.  Only You-- Joshua Radin
12.  Colours-- Grouplove
13.  The Way I Am-- Ingrid Michelson
14.  Naked As We Came-- Iron & Wine
15.  Who You Love-- John Mayer
16.  Dead Sea-- The Lumineers
17.  Thinking Out Loud-- Ed Sheeran
18.  Bloom-- The Paper Kites
19.  Sweet Pea-- Amos Lee
20.  Anchor-- Mindy Gledhill
21.  You And Me-- Neil Young
22.  Never Tear Us Apart-- INXS
23.  Unchained Melody-- The Righteous Brothers
24.  I And Love And You-- The Avett Brothers
25.  Fall Right In-- Beach Fossils
26.  First Day Of My Life-- Bright Eyes
27.  Such Great Heights-- Iron & Wine
28.  Real Love-- Regina Spektor


*for best results, sing along and dance