Friday, April 27, 2012

Hello, weekend...

If all goes as planned, Flyboy should return tonight. Yippee! After a two-week trip stateside, he'll have a few days of leave to relax and recuperate. I'm so excited! And since I haven't seen him in awhile, I took a few days off to ensure we get some quality time together. We're calling it our "staycation." I know what you're thinking, isn't life in Hawaii just one BIG vacation? It's pretty great, but better when you get to share it with someone special. In typical Type-A fashion, we do have a few items on our to-do list; however, the majority of this "staycation" will be spent at the beach. Whenever he's away, my diet consists of soup, salad, and Hot Pockets (healthy, I'm aware), so I'm elated to go grocery shopping and try out a few new recipes as well. Stay tuned for more details. If I try anything that's absolutely amazeballs, I'll be sure to share it with you. What do you have cookin' this weekend? I'm talking plans or recipes. Anything terribly exciting? Do tell. In the meantime, here's my weekend at a glance...
Word. / Tangelo Bib
While Flyboy catches up on "boy" TV and studies, I plan on pinning pretty things and clever words. 
Head Up Band / Osman Chair
I'll consider recreating this fabulous piece of head gear, and we'll celebrate one year at Lil' Puna!
The Essentials: Sun / Sea Bag / Soludos / SPF
As I mentioned earlier, we'll spend a day or two by the sea together. My idea of absolute bliss.
The Five-Year Engagement / "The Only Chocolate Chip Cookie..."
I think I'll tickle my funny bone and satisfy my sweet tooth. Hey, it's the weekend!

Enough about me. 
Go on and have a blast this weekend! You deserve it.
Wyndham Lewis: Blast I (1914)
Toodles!
ANF

P.S. A few fun ideas to kick off your weekend: Download this desktop wallpaper, DVR the show Best Friends Forever (hilarious!), make origami bows, and create your own succulent terrarium.
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Thursday, April 26, 2012

The Love List

You know what they say...
I absolutely adore the color combo captured via Happiness, Etc. Thanks for the inspiration!
1. How amazing is this coral reef brooch?
2. What can I say? Color Block. Cap Toe. Ballet Flat. Bliss.
3. Why don't you pack your lunch in this adorable bento box?
5. I'm terrible at telling jokes. Maybe this cheeky bangle would help me remember the punchline?
6. I'll also take a set of these bracelets, please.
7. Vintage Brass Stud Heart Earrings -- They're charming!
8. Compost Cookies. Oh, hello, sweet tooth!
9. I'm a sucker for spots and dots. What about this scarf?
10. This Crystal Crush Bobbi makes me want to get my sparkle on. Can't get enough Ban.do!

Have you pinned anything swell lately? 

I hope your day is as lovely as you are!
Toodles,
ANF
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Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Whimsical Wednesday

I thought I'd add a little whimsy to your Wednesday 
with my take on Matilda -- Roald Dahl's beloved bookworm -- all grown up!
The Cottage / The Companion / The Collection
Modern-day Matilda resides in a charming country cottage with her beloved pooch. She likes to poke fun at her past and has a wicked sense of humor -- hence the dog's name, Trunch (Trunchbull + Bulldog, anyone?). Ever the enthusiast for great literature, she collects books -- both old and new. She leads a very colorful life and travels often. Just as Dahl's book promised, "she went to Africa with Ernest Hemingway and to India with Rudyard Kipling." She travelled all over the world, but this time, she left her books and English village behind. Wanderlust was once a figment of her imagination, and it has since become her reality. A firm believer that you can have both "books and looks," she fancies a fun frock and bold accessories. A self-proclaimed paperphile, she collects stationery and writes Miss Honey often. Most nights, you can find her snuggled up with Trunch, a spot of tea, and the company of a good book. She lives her life by this motto: "If you are good, life is good."


Get Matilda's Modern Look:
Headbands: Betty Bow / Silk Dupioni / Beverly Bows
Necklaces: Monotone Beaded Necklace / Tessellate Necklace / Elements of Style Necklace
Fancy Frocks: Jade to Order Dress / Signature Shade Dress / Simple Dinner Dress
Earrings: Sweet Zinnia Studs / Crystal Galaxy Earrings / Bloom Studs 
Handbags: Striped Canvas Clutch / The Importance of Being Earnest Book Clutch / Traveler's Clutch
Shoes: Simon / Jordi Ballet Flat / Metallic Ballet Flat

Colorful Dictionaries / Library Cards / English Cottage / Isaac Salazar / Library Book Mug / Stacks of Books
"So Matilda's strong young mind continued to grow, nurtured by the voices of all those authors who had sent their books out into the world like ships on the sea. These books gave Matilda a hopeful and comforting message: You are not alone."
By now, you're already aware of my love for Mr. Dahl, so it's no surprise that I'm a huge fan of Matilda. My sister and I loved reading the book and watching the movie when we were young. I think we cherished the fact that this child protagonist was a super nerd and prodigy -- just another instance when the smart and studious girl prevails! The idea behind today's post is credited to my dear sister, Aubrey. I received an excited text from her about a week ago proposing the concept, and I was so tickled by the idea. It's fun to think about characters cherished during childhood and to imagine what they might be like if they matured, just as we have. I immediately started thinking about all of the great possibilities for the post. I hope this is what Aubrey had in mind!

Have a wonderful and whimsical Wednesday!
Toodles,
ANF

P.S. Do you have any ideas for future posts? Do tell.
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Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Fruits & Nuts

Just a few pops of pink and orange to brighten your Tuesday. Why? Well, I'm glad you asked! For the love of Laura Owens, I'm obsessed with her handmade board books, which feature 1960s-era newspapers from California. The piece plays on the joke that the Golden State is full of "Fruits and Nuts." A clever gal, indeed! And as you've probably already guessed, I'm smitten with the punchy pops of color, screenprinted illustrations, and nifty typography. Enjoy!
 
A Pop of Color: Glam Pink + Tangerine

Toodles,
ANF
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Monday, April 23, 2012

Being Audrey

As a perpetual list maker, I dedicate a few minutes each Sunday to bloggie brainstorming. This week, the pen hit the notepad and two ideas came to mind instantly -- Joseph Altuzarra's French preppy style at J.Crew and this photo of Miss Hepburn. What do these two have in common? They epitomize Parisian chic. The style is effortless, sophisticated, and uniquely feminine, which makes it absolutely appropriate to be the inspiration behind this Monday's muse.
Classic Audrey Hepburn


4. Cafe Capri -- A personal fave!

Have a marvelous Monday!
Toodles,
ANF

P.S. Learn more about CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund prizewinner, Joseph Altuzarra, here.
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Friday, April 20, 2012

Five Things

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Happy Friday, my dear friends! You could say that I'm tickled pink you stopped by today. Thank you for your constant support, comments, and sweet words of encouragement. You are precisely what makes this project so much fun for me! I started blogging for myself, because I wanted to focus on the good and share it with friends and family. When I post words of wisdom or some of my favorite quotes on here, I want to share them with you because I believe them 100 percent. One quote in particular makes me grin from ear to ear. I would like to think it's the closest thing to being a bloggie mission statement. You may be familiar with it already, as it's graced the pages of One Fine Day from time to time. I wanted to share it with you again because it's a fabulous reminder...

This week, I had a few situations that made my heart swell. I was so happy, I felt like I was filled with confetti -- I'm talking colorful bits of crepe paper and glitter -- ready to burst with joy and click my heels in utter delight! Despite the jovial imagery, I didn't click my heels. I'm really not that coordinated. I guess I finally realized that Vonnegut's quote is ingrained in my mind and my heart. I didn't just read the words, I believed them, and that's been my goal all along. I sat at a traffic light and said to myself -- wait for it -- "If this isn't nice, I don't know what is."

Here are five things that made me stop, smile, and feel incredibly blessed this week...
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Happy Snippet #1: Sunday
My sister, Aubrey, works hard and it's time that someone noticed. I received a text from her on Sunday with a picture of a picture. Confused yet? She used to volunteer with a local rehabilitation center, and the director stopped by Aubrey's workplace and dropped off an old photo of my sister working with therapy patients. Attached was a sweet note filled with kind and encouraging words. In a time when her future seems a bit uncertain, this random act of kindness meant the world to her. It was a sign of hope. It also meant a lot to my family. By the time Aubrey's text had circulated, I think my parents and I were in tears. We are her biggest cheerleaders, but sometimes it's nice to be noticed by those who aren't as biased. I'm not sure she'll ever know how much this gesture meant to Aubrey. In some way, I believe it was divine intervention. I wish I could thank her! There's something to be said for people who take time out of their busy lives to do something so kind for someone else when it's least expected.

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 Happy Snippet #2: Monday
At this point, you know a little about our quirky Golden Retriever, Tripp. It's taken almost four years to rehabilitate him, and he's still a work in process. His broken past as a stud at a puppy mill has left me in tears and frustration more times than I can count. He's an oddball, and I love him! At first, we simply coexisted. Then, he learned to accept love from us. This past week, he showed that he's able to give love in return. On Monday, I sat at the computer, checked emails, and ate my breakfast as usual. He sat next to me and started to pant excitedly. I looked down at him and smiled because this is the extent at which he shows love. I pet him a few times and went back to reading blogs. Suddenly, I felt a paw on my lap. I looked down and there he sat with smiling eyes. I couldn't help it, I was overcome with so much joy. I realize this isn't much. Most dogs do this all the time; however, this was a first for him. It was the sweetest and most uncoordinated gesture of love he's ever shown. I wanted to go for my camera, but I didn't want to push it -- he hates cameras! He also hates quick movements. I sat still for about 45 seconds and stroked his big furry paw. I don't expect for this to happen again any time soon, but it made me unbelievably happy. Even if it never happens again, it was a subtle reminder that our relationship has come a long way. He's no longer the dog that hid in our bedroom with a blank look in his eyes. He's happy and he's made our family whole.

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Happy Snippet #3: Tuesday
This week's MoMA post was incredibly popular. Woo hoo! I try not to pay too much attention to my bloggie stats and whatnot, but Tuesday's hits were through the roof. It was just the kind of encouragement I needed. Greetings, new readers! (That sounds somewhat cult-like, doesn't it?)

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Happy Snippet #4: Wednesday
I met my mini me at J.Crew this week. Approximately 10 years old, she walked through the store doors with an animated smiled and shrieked in delight. Her mom rolled her eyes and shared it was her favorite store -- "She can sniff one from miles away." My face lit up! I watched her buzz around Crewcuts, sifting through an assortment of stripes and polka dots. This little girl was on a mission. I learned that navy and coral are one of her favorite color combinations. Did I mention she has tremendous taste? Observing her moments of cheer was amusing. Is it any coincidence that her name starts with an A and ends in a Y? We are spirit animals. One day, I hope my daughter is just as excitable around cute cardigans and fun flats.

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Happy Snippet #5: Thursday
I came home from work and checked my mailbox. I found a small mailer with my dad's handwriting. "This is interesting." I drove up the hill, parked the Black Flash, and rushed into the kitchen to get a knife. I love mail, especially unexpected packages! "What could it be?" A note from my dad with two DVDs. He'd been telling me about a project he was working on; he was going to convert all of our old family videos to DVDs. I received two of the completed discs. I promised myself I wasn't going to cry on Thursday. Every other day was filled with emotion for one reason or another. I couldn't help it. My eyes welled up, and I felt so blessed that he'd taken the time to do this. I'm not sure I should watch these videos unattended. I'm in a glass case of emotion. Thanks, Dad!

Well, that was a rather lengthy post. If you survived, congrats! If you bailed after Happy Snippet #1, I totally understand. I just have a lot to be grateful for, and I felt like sharing it. What made you happy this week?

Have a confetti-filled weekend!
Toodles,
ANF
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Thursday, April 19, 2012

Thursday's Thoughts

Every now and then, I get wrapped up in the hubbub of living in Hawaii. I get tired of the traffic and fed up with some of the lackadaisical locals. I don't mean to generalize, but I'm often reminded that not everyone runs on Type-A's watch. Things here are just laid back. It can be a blessing for me, but it's also a curse at times. I experienced a bit of frustration earlier this week when I tried to arrange an appointment for our Volkswagen. I have nothing but love for Vee Dubb; however, our taillight cracked somehow and I'd like to get it replaced in a timely fashion. I already got my first speeding ticket, and I intend on keeping things street legal from here on out. I want to keep the Black Flash in working order. Is that too much to ask? I got transferred to different departments multiple times, had to explain the issue to various employees,  yada yada yada... Thirty minutes later, I learned that they don't have the part and I won't be able to make an appointment until they receive it. I felt like I was spinning my wheels with no results. Yes, you could say I was in a real tizzy. I called Flyboy outraged and in tears. They were rude, and I didn't get anything accomplished. I feel bad when he receives these sorts of phone calls while he's away. There's not much he can do, and I hate playing the role of erratic wife. I was a hot mess! I assessed the situation and considered my options -- whip up a gimlet and think about what MacGyver would do. Instances like these can consume you, if you let them. Lesson Learned: Take a chill pill and get creative -- with your cocktail or your selection of adhesives! In this case, it's okay to mix your pills with alcohol.

While I drive around with my taped-up taillight and wait for a phone call from the dealership, I've chosen to focus on the good. What do I love about living in Hawaii? I love our time at the beach; it brings such peace. Somehow the sound of waves is enough to stop my worries and puts a halt to any overthinking. It brings back sweet memories shared with family, which inevitably makes me feel closer to home. It's these kinds of happy thoughts that help me get back to me.
Seaside Essentials:
Pretty toes are a must! What's better than a coral pink neon? Try Essie's Camera
The older I get, the more I realize the importance of sunscreen.
A cute beach cover-up is a necessity. Can you ever have too many polka dots? I didn't think so.
How about a pop of color with these sunnies?
An adorable swimsuit that pairs stripes and polka dots to perfection.
A festive and comfy beach blanket.
beach boombox that's water and sand resistant.
A bag of pistachios to munch on!
A beach bag and a book.
Protect your face with a straw hat.
Keep your drinks and snacks chilled with this fun cooler.
Don't forget your lip balm!
A pair of Soludos.

Now that I've got you dreaming about the sea, what's in your beach bag?
via
Don't get too wrapped up in the minutiae of everyday life.
Today, focus on whatever it is that gets you back to YOU!
Toodles,
ANF
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Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Bill Cunningham New York

After receiving rave reviews from my mom and sister, I rented Bill Cunningham New York on iTunes this past Friday night. Flyboy left Lil' Puna, and I was in desperate need of a pick-me-up. Hands down, it was the best decision I've made in awhile! I had no idea that I was about to spend an hour and a half in a state of absolute bliss.

Bill Cunningham is a veteran fashion photographer and a New York City icon. This superb film documents the cultural anthropologist who's devoted his life to chronicling fashion trends for generations. His fascination with "street style" photography is his passion, and he's selflessly poured himself into his work. Ironically, Bill could care less about celebrities, personal fame, or money. He lives in a cramped one-bedroom apartment and wears bland clothing, but that doesn't keep this bright-eyed and grinning journalist from his trendspotting obsession. Entering into his ninth decade, Cunningham can still be found wearing his functional street-sweeper jacket and riding his worn-out Schwinn bicycle around Manhattan -- enthusiastically snapping photos of people and fashion found in the Big Apple. This documentary is a poignant portrait of a dedicated artist who finds beauty in both simplicity and the outlandish. Despite his modest lifestyle and humble outlook, it's clear that Bill Cunningham is a pioneer. His visual essays teach us to celebrate individuality and personal style. The film humanizes a real genius and allows the viewer to dream a little bigger. It's simple and joyful, just like the artist! 
Bill Cunningham New York

Bill Cunningham: Street-Sweeper Jacket / Film / Camera / Bike / New York Times / Sandwich & Coffee

A few of my favorite quotes from the film...
"The wider world perceives fashion as frivolity that should be done away with. The point is that fashion is the armour to survive the reality of everyday life. I don't think you can do away with it. It would be like doing away with civilization."
"If you don't take money, they can't tell you what to do. That's the key to the whole thing." 
“It’s as true today as it ever was, he who seeks beauty will find it.” 
The best fashion show is definitely on the street. Always has been and always will be. 
“Damn you, New Yorkers, you’re all so extravagant and wasteful.” 
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You must see the film and soon. He's the sweetest, most adorable man that's ever been caught on camera.
I hope you find a little beauty in your Wednesday!
Toodles,
ANF
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Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Blue Skies Ahead

I've been waiting for today's post. You could say my heart is a drummer.
I want to march my band out and belt these lyrics from the top of Lil' Puna...

"I'm gonna live and live now
Get what I want, I know how
One roll for the whole she-bang
One throw, that bell will go clang
Eye on the target and wham
One shot, one gun shot, and bam
Hey, Mr. Armstein, here I am..."

Nobody's going to rain on my parade today -- not with this "Funny Girl" earworm and my MoMA umbrella! All I see are blue skies ahead, and that's precisely why I'm so elated to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this iconic accessory, designed by Tibor Kalman.
"In 1992 the MoMA Design Store introduced the Sky Umbrella by legendary graphic designer Tibor Kalman and Emanuela Frattini Magnusson. A simple idea brilliantly executed, the umbrella's exterior gives away nothing more than a plain, black canopy and a simple wooden handle. Once opened, the umbrella's interior reveals a cheerful blue sky dotted with fluffy, white clouds. The umbrella became an instant favorite, perfectly capturing the humor and surprise that characterized Kalman's work and made him one of design's most influential voices during the 1980s and 1990s. Twenty years later, the now iconic umbrella is a faithful reminder that even in the fiercest of storms, a blue sky is never far away."
It's been an honor to join in on the celebration! Take a look at how I've styled mine with a little Type-A flair. (Note: No stripes or polka dots were spared in the styling of this post.)

Type-A: "Don't Rain On My Parade"
(And  yes, that's a genuine MoMA membership card. I'm kind of a card-carrying member these days. Must I remind you?)
From now through April 30th, you're invited to save 20% on MoMA's iconic blue sky umbrella with the code SKY20. We all know the month of April brings much-anticipated showers, so you might as well be prepared and welcome the rainy weather with a little cheer and style!

Already the proud owner of this darling accessory? Be sure to enter MoMA Design Store's Facebook contest and submit a photo of your umbrella in action.

Tell me, how do you brighten the dreariest of days?
Happy Tuesday!
Toodles,
ANF

P.S. As silly as this may sound, my favorite version of "Don't Rain On My Parade" is performed by THE Rachel Berry. You must watch Lea Michele's performance from the 2010 Tony Awards. Gleek or not, she's absolutely exquisite!
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