Since life was a little cray when we moved and I didn't have time to do a proper goodbye post for my studio, I'm doing a little #ThrowbackThursday today!

While everything turned out just fine (as it usually does) I was pretty sad to say farewell to my colorful little studio! It was my second solo apartment, and will definitely go down as one of my favorites! Bright colors, cute little balcony, subway tile, and a dishwasher, oh heck yes! Living in luxury in NYC 😂

It was also unfortunately the second apartment I've lived in that the landlord ended up selling the building 😳. NYC real estate is no joke guys.. So today I'm giving it one last hurrah to share some of my final decor dets before it got boxed up! 

The perk to living in an apartment that is basically just a big rectangle is helloooooo wall space for a BIG gallery wall! Haha, I'm a sucker for a good gallery wall so I filled this baby up.

Something I've adopted in multiple apartments now, is my washi tape wall designs! Such an easy way to add some color or dose of excitement to your walls and it's just as easy to peel off when you move. Ideal for renters like me!

Another fun touch in the studio was my "confetti wall" above my bar cart. To add a little fun to that wall I got 2 different types of gold paper and used a die cut punch to create the little circles. Pop a little double sticky tape on them and wa-lah confetti wall!

I also had the most adorable little balcony that I LOVED! The perk to being on the top floor was there was nothing above me too -- the one perk to living on a 5th floor walk-up! Haha. In true Anna fashion, the balcony was just about as colorful as the apartment!

Little colorful studio, you are missed! Especially my extra dose of girliness, or as Chris referred to it as my "barbie dream house" decor. Well, that's a wrap! If you missed the apartment tour of the new digs make sure you check it out here too!

When Kate Spade launches a home pop-up shop in the city there are 2 guarantees..

1. There will definitely be some serious cuteness going on
2. That I definitely have to check it out

So I did just that so I could report back to you lovelies!

The SoHo pop-up definitely didn't disappoint either! I love Kate Spade because it has the perfect combination of elegance that is both girly and colorful -- hello Anna style!

I'm such a sucker for bright and fun throw pillows! They are one of the easiest ways to refresh a space without spending a fortune on a major piece.

I could not get enough of this table setting! While I certainly couldn't fit this whole set-up in my tiny little studio, I was definitely daydreaming! Maybe one day ;-)

Their kitchen decor was so fun and I loved the mugs. Plus, side note.. I'm totally digging the colored gum balls in the glass containers, what a fun idea!

Their staged living rooms were really nice. I loved the use of the neutral furniture with a pop of color in the accents and artwork. 

I also loved all of the adorable prints the shop had -- the perfect addition to any gallery wall.

Even if you're just window shopping, the Kate Spade Home Pop-Up Shop was so fun to check out! It's open through May 25th so definitely check it out if you can!

V-day is around the corner and whether you’re single or attached, we think it’s the perfect time to celebrate your love for the ones who are always there for you – your ladies! Planning get-togethers can sometimes feel intimidating and time-consuming but they don’t have to! Today I’m sharing some tips to make hosting your own Galentine’s Day party as easy as 1,2,3!

The Décor

First things, first, let’s talk décor! One of my personal favorites about Valentine’s Day (besides the sweets!) is the décor and it’s the perfect place to start when you’re planning your party. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Create a focal point
Living in a studio in NYC, my space is pretty limited so I have to pick one corner of my apartment to decorate, but the same concept applies for no matter where you live. Pick one table, a bar or a bar cart to highlight your party décor.  You don’t have to decorate your whole place to be festive. Pick one spot and do it right!

Tablecloths are a party’s best friend
Tablecloths are one of the easiest and inexpensive ways to transform a space from every day to party-ready. Plus they make cleanup a breeze.

Shop for props
The dollar bins at Target and Michaels can go a long way for your Galentine’s Day party! In fact, almost everything I purchased for my party was from both stores. I love the dollar bins because they always have the cutest holiday décor and you know it won’t break the bank. Here are some of my favorite options to pick up:

• Banners – One of my favorite ways to decorate for a party is by adding a banner. Often you can find these in the dollar bins either that are already festive or plain, allowing you to decorate them just the way you want.
• Napkins & paper plates – Skip the dishes and grab some cute options in the dollar bins for your party.
• Stationary – Cute stationary is always one of my go-tos for goody bags. Another way I like to use them is by laying them out on your table for decoration or using them as place setting cards.
• Paper straws – This classic item adds an extra dose of cuteness to whatever you are drinking.
• Confetti – Add a little confetti to a table and it already looks like a party!

The Sips
Because a party isn’t quite a Galentine’s Day party without something to drink!

It’s all about the hot chocolate bar
Take a break from mimosas and bellinis for this party and host your very own hot chocolate bar. Perfect for the winter season, a hot chocolate bar is a fun way to celebrate and very easy to put together. I suggest mixing up some hot chocolate in a crockpot so that you can make a large amount and keep it warm throughout your party. The great thing about creating a toppings bar too is everyone can customize their own drink just how they’d like.

Here are some ideas to create your toppings bar:

• Marshmallows
• Flavored syrups
• Candy hearts
• Chocolate chips
• Sprinkles
• Whipped cream

Want to add a little booze to your hot chocolate bar too? Add in some of your favorite liquor and even try out arecipe or two.

The Bites
Valentine’s Day is all about the treats so this Galentine’s Day party will have no shortage of sweets! Here are some easy ideas to put together.

Create a donut decorating bar
You don’t have to overcomplicate things either! If you don’t have time to bake your own donuts, buy a box of plain ones at the store and focus on the best part – the frosting! For this party I whipped up some classic whipped cream frosting with a touch of food coloring. Pick your favorite frosting recipe or even just pick up a can at the store. The fun is in the decorating with a variety of sprinkles!

Sugar cookie or cupcake decorating bar
If donuts aren’t your thing, you can try the same concept with sugar cookies or cupcakes. Whatever fits your fancy, it will all be tasty!

Add some sprinkles to your popcorn
Another fun snack idea is Valentine’s Popcorn. Add some white chocolate, a little salt, and sprinkles and you’ll have a delicious treat in only a few minutes! Add it into some cute paper bags, and your quick snack will look all sorts of festive.

Now that you have some inspiration, it’s time to plan your very own Galentine’s Day party! Have fun ladies and happy Valentine’s Day! 

Guest Blog originally published on CarryLove Designs