My Story of Family, Baking, and Being Myself
I’ve been blogging for over 15 years, and when I was recently asked to share some of my story for an article, I found myself realizing: where do I even begin?!
Our stories are layered. They're important. Why? Because each one of us is different - and when we share our stories, we create connections, spark inspiration, and better understand one another.
If you step into my kitchen, you’ll find more than just spilled flour from our recent muffins or half-eaten cookies left behind by my kids. You’ll find pieces of my story - the layers that have shaped who I am today.
The kitchen was where I first learned to bake alongside my mom. It's why I started this blog in college. And now, it's where I have dance parties with my kids, mix muffin batter with the help of their little hands, and maybe - just maybe - cook a homemade meal.
Chad and I sometimes dream of a bigger house, a larger kitchen, more windows, more room... “One day,” we say. But there’s something about the intimate walls we live within right now - the ones that have seen creativity, chaos, love, tears, and growth. In many ways, they are part of the story, too. Part of me never wants to leave it.
Earlier this year, my friend and talented photographer, Katie Prestemon, spent a morning with my family in our kitchen, capturing our everyday life. Not just the polished moments - but the real ones, too.
As I looked through the photos she took, I was struck by two things:
How much my kids have grown (!!!!!)
How much these images reflect the journey I’ve been on to get to this moment.
Growing up, creativity was always a part of me. I loved art, writing, baking - anything that let me express myself and connect with others. I studied journalism in college and that’s also when I started this blog - to share my life, recipes, and memories from my childhood. It was a creative outlet that brought me so much joy, and still does today.
After college, I went to law school. I loved reading and writing and I did well at school, and law seemed like a good next step to build a strong foundation to support myself. With it brought discipline and perseverance, but it was after law school while working at law firms that I realized something very, very important: my life wasn’t going to be a straight line. I wasn’t meant for just one thing. And our success in life shouldn’t be measured by a degree.
I was meant for a layered life. A purpose-driven life that honored all the pieces of who I am.
Today, as a mom of three, a writer, a content creator, an attorney, a waterless beauty mentor/leader, I can see it more clearly: my journey has never been about choosing one path.
It’s about letting creativity and purpose coexist. It’s about making room for joy, meaningful work, and the chaos of motherhood.
Now, there are days that feel overwhelming, when balancing everything seems impossible. Or ones where I have self-doubt. It’s not always sunshine! But there are also many days like the ones Katie captured - simple, sweet, and full of life. There are many, many days where I am with my kids more than I am working. There are many, many days that remind me why I keep choosing this imperfect life again and again.
Because at the end of the day, life isn’t about fitting into one box. For me, it was never about that.
It’s about showing up fully. Loving fiercely. Creating boldly. And savoring every little moment that makes up your own story.
Thank you for being part of mine. I hope you find inspiration here to embrace your own story and path (and remember - it’s not always one straight line!!).
We are in this together. I am cheering you on!!
xx,
Anna
Thank you, Katie, for taking these photos!
If you are in St. Louis and looking for a photographer, Katie Prestemon is amazing!
