Oh, snap!

Be sure to check out the new issue of Adore Home Magazine. 

(Yours truly is featured on page 34. Eek!)

A special thanks to Loni at Adore! I feel so incredibly blessed for this fabulous opportunity.

ANF

'Tis the Season

I've been so excited to get out our Christmas decorations, but I'm a firm believer that this shouldn't happen until after Thanksgiving. It was my mom's rule, and I guess it just kind of stuck. As eager as I get to pull out the garland and trim the tree, I think it's worth the wait. The excitement builds and it makes this time of year extra special. Don't you just love having something to look forward to? Over the past few days, I've been preoccupied with work, so I didn't give much thought to dusting off the holiday decor. However, once work was finished on Thursday and I realized that I wasn't scheduled today, I pulled out the Rubbermaid containers and went to town. I just couldn't take it anymore! After hours of moving around knick knacks and dusting furniture, Lil' Puna is officially bedecked with sparkly ornaments and felted pom-poms. I'm smitten! Unfortunately, blogging took a back seat. I just kind of threw this together; I'm sorry, friends! This past week the blog has felt more like a blah-g. I promise to bring it next week with a handful of gift guides and a holiday surprise. Stay tuned! Until then, enjoy your weekend. Let it be merry and bright—just like you! I think I'll eat some more Candy Cane Oreos and drink a few mugs of mulled cider. Cheers!

Toodles,

ANF

Image Credit

Pinterest Pairs

A Pinterest sesh is successful when I've stumbled upon something bright and cheerful. I get especially giddy when I'm introduced to a new artist —if it's abstract and colorful, it's a winner! So you can imagine my level of excitement when I turned to my virtual pin board for a little bloggie inspiration on Wednesday night, and I learned about the amazing work of Monique Van Genderen. I was so awestruck by her art, I just had to share some of my favorites with you. In addition to these abstract beauties, I've included some of my latest and greatest pins that coordinate with the artwork. I hope it adds a splash of color to your day!   

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Toodles,

ANF

P.S. Hop on over to Blair Ritchey's blog today! I'm so excited to participate in her "Spill It!" series. Take a look at what's inside my Lulu here.

Need Read Greed

This week's Need Read Greed contributor is the lovely Caitlin Brennan from Weeknight Wandering.

• Need: So I am switching my need/greed decisions. I really 'need' this leather jacket, right? I have no fun jackets and I have been wanting a leather jacket for.ev.er. I need it - you can see, I'm sure. The weather in Chicago is quickly falling and I would love this transition piece to take me from fall to winter. I'm already cold and don't want to break out my winter coat just yet.
• Read: I finished this book a couple weeks ago and it was a page turner. I think I finished it in a couple days, a week tops. I love a good suspense/thriller/mystery and this book hit on all three.
• Greed & Greed: So to me, these cute little dainty rings are my real  'greed' item because I would love to be able to buy 10 and mix and match them.  Stack a couple on one finger, put one on my pinky and throw some on different knuckles. I do not need any of these rings but want a dozen. I also just really love Catbird and everything they have!

Interested in sharing your Need Read Greed? Email me.

Have a swell Wednesday!

Toodles,

ANF

Glittens Galore!

I have no real need for gloves or mittens at the moment. It's a shame, really. I love a reason to accessorize, and I've seen a lot of cozy and charming options in stores and online. Pom-poms, frills, fair isle, and stripes — I'm left pining for a reason to wear them! One of the perks to blogging is the chance to live vicariously through posts and bloggie friends. I thought I'd take the opportunity to share my favorites. Perhaps you're in the market for a new pair?

Gloves + Mittens = Glittens     

Rib-Knit Mittens // A bargain buy adorned with metals bows! Adorbs.

Vivienne Westwood Leather Heart Gloves // Pricey, but precious. I just had to include them.

Cashmere Short Gloves // Love that ruffle on the wrists!

Pom-Pom Mittens // These just look cozy and fun. I'm a big fan.

Cable Pom-Pom Gloves // Chunky and knitted. That sounds like perfection.

Pow Pow Mittens // These are cheeky and pack a punch.

Fox Converter Gloves // Can't help but think of You've Got Mail. F-O-X.

Stripe Merino Glittens // And they're on sale... Good deal alert!

Big Apple Taxi Mittens // Leave it to Kate Spade to come up with something so charming!

Tech Sassy Gloves in Turquoise // Accessing your phone is a must.

Fair Isle Mittens // It's such a fun color combination.

Fair Trade Heart Mittens // It feels like I should be in a Jan Brett book with these mittens.

Red Birdseye Mittens // Another cute pair with a great price tag.

Stripe Cuff Glove // Classic stripe details in a lovely shade of mustard.

Wool-Angora Colorblock Gloves // Super soft and cozy. Mama likes!

Trompe L'oeil Gloves // Shoulda put a ring on it.

Stay cozy out there.

Happy Tuesday!

Toodles,

ANF

A Wicked Good Time

On Friday night, Flyboy and I pulled the trigger and bought tickets to see Wicked. Eek! We knew we'd both be around, and it's been on our mutual Bucket List for awhile. I don't think we ever actually believed the musical would make its way to Honolulu; it's not often that productions like this come to the island. I guess it was just meant to be! So last night, we got all gussied up (I wore my snazziest shade of emerald) and we had the most memorable evening. I'm not sure what I loved more — the actual musical or the excited discussions that followed. I'll never forget FB's reaction to "Defying Gravity", or the way I fought back the tears when Elphaba and Galinda sang "For Good". The story was so witty and wonderful and exceeded any expectations I had. I have a feeling that I'll be wearing this smile for awhile. I only wish it was possible to bottle this kind of enchanted feeling. 

I'm sorry that today's post isn't anything special. I typically spend Sunday nights blogging, but last night I was too busy checking something off my Life List. It was a blast! I figured you might let it slide just once. Thanks!

I hope you had a scrumptious weekend.

Toodles,

ANF

P.S. Is anyone else tired of leftovers?

Image Credit

The Friday Five

Here's what left me feeling thankful this week...

1. Optimism — Flyboy returns today, and I couldn't be more grateful! We initially thought he'd be home in time for Turkey Day, but I never actually let myself believe it. I know that probably sounds like the opposite of optimism, but I knew I would be protecting myself from getting my hopes up. After a year or two of experience, I've grown savvy to these sorts of frequent changes. I'd come to the realization that Thanksgiving would be whenever he returned. And while I spent yesterday in the company of Tripp and Beesly on Lil' Puna, it was actually quite peaceful. I once read a quote by Mindy Kaling that really spoke to me. She said that her mom told her to be best friends with herself first and that she'd never feel lonely. I focused on that quote a lot this past week. With the help of the fur kids and FaceTime with my parents, I was reminded that I've got a lot to be thankful for.  Now it's time to finally dig in to a 12 lb. turkey and some apple pie!
2. Striped Shirts — I've yet to give a shout-out of gratitude to my favorite wardrobe stable. They're a no brainer; just add a statement necklace and you're good to go! 
3. Grace: A Memoir —This may be one of the most beautiful books I own. Her story of glamour and adventure is sensational and the sketches are whimsical. I find myself thumbing through the pages with such great delight. If you're a fan of Grace Coddington's work, this is a bookshelf must! 
4. Sparkly Skimmers —These flats add a dash of party and pizzazz to any outfit. Sometimes I wear them around the house for a little afternoon pick-me-up. I've found it has similar effects to gin — you're left feeling rather spirited, my friends!
5. Fabulous Etsy Finds — I love hopping on to Etsy and checking out activity from friends in my circle. My dear pal, Anna Beth, has spectacular taste! She found some ah-mazing vendors this past week. How much do you love this tote? Adorbs! I love the feeling I get when I can't seem to press that little heart button fast enough. Thanks, AB! 

Alright, enough about me... 

What made you feel happy or grateful this week?

Happy Friday!

Toodles,

ANF

Image Credits: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 

Gobble Gobble

Since gratitude is the theme du jour, I hope you know that I'm thankful for YOU!

Enjoy your time with family and friends. While you're at it, do me a favor and carb-load like it's your job.

Toodles,

ANF

P.S. Feeling crafty? Make this last minute banner for Thanksgiving via Poppytalk.

Need Read Greed

I'm so honored to welcome the lovely Loni Parker to the blog today. She's a talented graphic designer and the founder of Adore Home Magazine — Australia's first online-only home and lifestyle magazine.

• Need: I'm currently planning a tropical island holiday for next month, and I think this adorable watermelon coin purse will help me get into the summer spirit.*
• Read: I've popped this book on to my Christmas wish list; I've heard brilliant things about Megan Morton's new book 'Things I Love'.
• Greed: I'm off to Hayman, a luxury resort located on the Great Barrier Reef for a couple of nights and I'm so looking forward to sipping cocktails by the pool in the sun! The resort looks ultra decadent — I can't wait to visit. It's one of the only islands in the Whitsundays that I haven't yet visited.

Thanks for sharing, Loni! 

Soak up the sun and sip a cocktail for me. Cheers!

Interested in sharing your Need Read Greed? Email me.

Have a swell Wednesday!

Toodles,

ANF

*P.S. In case you were thrown off a bit, the first day of summer is December 1st in Australia.

Get Your Sparkle On!

How about a swarm of sequins and shiny stuff?

Image 1: Sequin Peplum Top / iPhone Case / Bow / Bracelet / Earrings / Tee / Clutch

Image 2: Pajamas / Pillow / Heart Pin / Pom-Pom / Heart Studs / Flats / Nail Polish / Belt / Bow Earrings

You all know how much I love and adore my mom. Well, her birthday was Sunday, and it made me miss her like crazy cakes! She's such a wonderful woman and the quote featured above describes her to perfection. She's an amazing example of what it means to be beautiful inside and out. On this Tuesday before Thanksgiving, I think it's important for all of us to unleash our inner sparkle — just like m' mama does! Work it. Own it.

Have a swell day.

ANF

Life's Little Details

"The details are not the details. They make the design." -- Charles Eames

Happy Monday! Thanksgiving is THIS week. Is it an appropriate time to use the word "cray"? I hate to be such a fuddy-duddy, but where has the time gone? Are you excited for the week's festivities? Are you traveling? Do tell.

Lately, it's been rather busy around Lil' Puna — and that's exactly how I like it! When I'm not at work, I'm focused on blogging, chores, the dogs, and working out. While I like to give myself a pat on the back for staying preoccupied in Flyboy's absence, I can't tell you how excited I'll be to hear his truck come roaring up the hill. I think the dogs and I live for that very moment each time he returns. Just thinking about it now makes me grin from ear to ear! Isn't it funny how little moments like that bring you the most joy? I'm not exactly sure when I'll hear his screeching tires next, but I'm certain it will be grand. Until then, I'll continue to focus my energy on all of the good that surrounds me and acknowledge the little moments and details that make this life a whole lot sweeter.

The Friday Five

Here's what left me feeling thankful this week...

1. Gussied Up — Who's got two thumbs and got her hair colored and brows waxed? This gal! Isn't it amazing what a little pampering can do for your confidence and morale? Ashy outgrowth and bushy brows be gone.
2. What Lies Ahead — I love it when I have something exciting to look forward to! As of now, I'm not really sure when Flyboy will return. We're hoping for Thanksgiving Day, but there's always a chance he could be delayed. I'm trying not to focus on this or even plan for that matter, so I'm focusing on Christmas instead. My parents will be visiting us in a month, and I want to click my heels. Let the list-making commence.
3. Puppy Love — It's no secret that I'm crazy about my dogs; they bring so much joy to my life. It's nice to come home to wagging tails and wet noses. They make shedding and slobber totally worth it.
4. Million Dollar Decorators: Season 2 — The new season premiered on Tuesday and it was a bright spot in my week, namely because I missed the nutty Kathryn Ireland and her French maid, Jacqueline. Please tell me you watch this gem of a TV show. It's probably one of my favorites! In my next life, I want to be a voluptuous British woman who gets massages and sips the bubbly with with my lush housekeeper. Of course, I would be remiss if I didn't give a shout-out to the divine Martyn Lawrence-Bullard. Decorating is delicious, dahling...
5. FaceTime with Flyboy — The highlight of the week was seeing FB's mug on FaceTime. Isn't technology great? It almost felt like we were together in the living room, watching our stories, in the company of fur kids.   

Alright, enough about me... 

What made you feel happy or grateful this week?

Toodles,

ANF

Image Credits: Audrey / Planner / December / Tripp & Me / Jacqueline / Swell Swill / Wine Glass / The Sun / Jane Eyre / Gingham PJs / Essie / Cocoa