Moving Day

Yay, we made it! The day has finally arrived! Is it weird that part of me is excited? There comes a time when you get so fed up with every little detail of moving and you're just ready to be finished. That's where I'm at. I've stuffed every possible piece of clothing and accessory into my allotted duffels, and I've chucked the last of our random pantry items into the trash cans. Don't get me wrong, I will undoubtedly shed a tear —okay, let's be honest, I'll probably go to the ugly cry — as we drive down the hill the last time, but I'm more than ready for the next chapter.

When I'm not fielding questions from the packers and ruling Lil' Puna with my fancy clipboard, you'll find me at our laptop Pinning, emailing, etc. If it's anything like the day we moved in, there will be Samoans singing with pizza boxes and water bottles strewn across the house. I'll not-so-secretly listen in on conversations with Flyboy. If he's around, I let him do the talking. After all, he's the outgoing and fun guy. They'll probably mention his "southern drawl" and he'll tell them about his job. I'll probably hear the word "cool" a lot, in addition to laughter and the sound of packing tape. They might even ask him questions about the C-17 and what it's like to have grown up in Missouri. They really got a kick out of that a few years ago. You can bet they'll pick up various knick-knacks and look puzzled by their purpose — that one is usually a given! And if FB is lucky, they may try to convert him to another religion like they did when we moved in. Ha Ha! We'll hold our breath as they move our precious household goods up and down the hill in a small pickup truck. They'll make countless trips, and we'll get used to the sound of screeching tires and the smell of burning rubber. I can guarantee we'll never experience a pack-out quite like Lil' Puna. These details may seem silly, but they're worth noting because they make this adventure memorable and fun.

What about you? Do you have any packing tips? Favorite moving memories? Do tell.

ANF

A Corner of Paradise

I've really been talking up Cocktail Corner since I snagged this Butler Tray Table from West Elm in January — yes, I said January! So why has it taken me SO stinking long to create a post about this little corner of paradise? Well, I tend to get a case of cold feet when it comes to being crafty. Sometimes Type-A(shley) also stands for avoidance. I think this is where my sense of creativity and perfectionism really clash. It's unfortunate, but true! Thankfully, Cocktail Corner has served its purpose over the past few months and has provided many fizzy gimlets. Huzzah!

When my mom visited over the holidays and we devised this little plan, we discussed the possibility of painting over a printed canvas that Flyboy and I had purchased when we were newly married. It hangs above the tray table. I'm sure many of you can relate to this scenario. Sometimes you acquire something early on that you may have thought was a good decision, but you later regret. At the time, the price was right, we thought it was cute, and it filled a big space on the stark walls of base housing. For four years, it served its purpose, but it was time to shake things up. Lil' Puna's intense sunlight had taken a toll on the once bright and colorful canvas. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to give the corner a little face lift. After all, the personality of your home should evolve just as you do! 

With the help of paper mache cardboard letters, white paint, Mod Podge, sponge brushes, and my trusty hot glue gun, I gave the canvas a simple spruce-up. As a lover of vibrant knick-knacks, I felt it was important to stick with the color white. The simplicity of the space would inevitably draw the eye to the surrounding bold tchotchkes and bar accessories. I wanted the dimension and texture of the letters to keep the canvas interesting. Although it's hard to see in the photograph, the words POP and CLINK have a subtle amount of texture. I attached masking tape and circle stickers to the cardboard letters and painted over them so you could see the variation in design. Because we move often, each piece of furniture, artwork, and knick-knack tends to take on a new purpose with every place we live. I imagine this canvas will be tweaked and changed a few more times — it keeps things fun and fresh!

Recreate the look with these fabulous accessories:

White Tray Table

Polka-Dot Cotton Napkins

Mr. & Mrs. Cocktail Glass Set

Pineapple Drink Stirrers

Dapper Bottle Stopper

Cast Iron Lobster Bottle Opener

Paper Straws

Decorative Ikat Bowl

Pop Fizz Clink Coasters

Mrs. Lilien's Cocktail Swatchbook

A well-stocked Cocktail Corner includes:

Grey Goose Vodka

Lorina Pink Lemonade

San Pellegrino Limonata (my personal favorite!)

Pimm's Cup No. 1

Hendrick's Gin (the only Gin for me)

Patron Tequila

St. Germain Liqueur

Plenty of lemons, limes, and a grapefruit would be nice.

And there you have it, Lil' Puna's Cocktail Corner. Cheers!

IMAGE CREDIT: The lovely scallop detail via Steffie Broccoli — a constant source of inspiration on m' blog!

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

Well hello, Monday... we meet again! While most weeks I despise you, this week I'm happy to welcome a fresh start. I spent most of last week trying to get ahead of my to-do list. There were emails that began to collect dust, blog entries to be planned, work to be completed, and exercise that needed to be a priority. I feel like a broken record, but I swear I used to dominate my to-do lists. Do you ever feel this way? Time management and finding a balance came so easy to me -- I mean, my sister calls me Type-A(shley) for a reason! These days, this title feels a little unearned, and I'm left feeling slightly overwhelmed. I get frustrated with myself because I want to do it all. There aren't enough hours in the day to do everything; therefore, I must prioritize.

 

I've realized that my routine when Flyboy is away is entirely different than when he's home. I thrive in both situations, but it's the switching gears part that doesn't come easy to this "Fish sticks on Friday" gal. What can I say? I'm working on it! Maybe one day I'll get quicker at transitioning... For now, I'm blessed to be busy and eager to conquer this juggling act, if that's even possible! Of course, that's when a fizzy gimlet or a colorful pair of flats come in handy -- they seem to always paint a ginormous grin on this mug!

And while I'm on the topic of things that make me happy, take a peek at a few moments that left me feeling smitten this past week...

Tour de Puna: Part II

Wow, thanks for your kind words regarding yesterday's post. You're too good to me! Seriously. Now I want a tour of your house. Send me pictures of your favorite spot in your home. Perhaps you'd like to post a House Tour via Instagram. That would be so much fun! Do you have an impeccable collection of books or a well-curated gallery wall? I want to come over. Please invite me. We can talk fabric, wallpaper, and dog ear pages of West Elm together. Oh, if only it was that easy!

Tour de Puna: Part I

So, here's the deal... I'm not a photographer, so bear with me! I wish I had a fancy schmancy camera and the shutterbug know-how to give you quality images you see in a fabulous shelter magazine. You know the photos I'm talking about that look clean and crisp with beautiful floods of white light. Oh well! In my dreams, this blog post looked uber professional.

And since I aim to be my truest self on here, I'll fill you in on a little secret. The perfectionist side of me wanted to cringe as I put this post together. In fact, it's probably the reason I didn't share Lil' Puna with you sooner. My house will never look finished to me. It's the sort of challenge I secretly love. I'll always be on the hunt for another great throw pillow, or devising a plan to save for a fluffy new rug for our bedroom and a pouf ottoman for the living room. That's terrible, isn't it? It almost sounds as though I'm not content with what I have. I assure you, that's not it at all. I love our house and I'm proud of what we've created. Our space is a true reflection of us as a couple, and I love that aspect about it. Like any great story or painting, when can you really say it's finished? Our style and interests grow and change. Each new place we move to becomes a part of us and should be reflected somewhere in the home. With time, our humble abode will inevitably evolve with us.

Can you tell how easily tickled I get by interior design and decor? I guess it reminds me of my mom, who taught me another valuable lesson. When your life is as mobile as ours, it's your "stuff" that makes a new place feel like home. Growing up, it didn't really matter where the Air Force sent us. I watched my mom work through the night to put our family's house together. It was her way of giving our family some sort of consistency. Her attention to detail added pops of personality to each place we lived and made any rental or base housing unit feel really special, as though we had roots somewhere. Here's my attempt at planting roots in Hawaii at our current rental -- a place I like to call Lil' Puna.

(See pictures after the jump.)

Life's Little Details

Happy Monday, my dear readers! I have to tell you, I was in stitches on Friday afternoon once I realized I officially hit my 300 post mark. How could this be possible? I grow more and more excited about dear ol' bloggie, and I feel so blessed by the opportunities it's afforded me. All of this amusement and feelings of gratitude got me thinking about my blog-a-versary in mid-June. Let the planning begin! I started brainstorming, and I'm pretty elated with what I've got brewing. Stay tuned. Feel free to pitch some ideas. I'm all ears.

I hope you had a fabulous weekend. What did you do? How's your Monday look? Today's post is quite simple, because Flyboy's leaving again this evening for a quick trip. I plan on helping him pack, and we have a few chores we're going to knock off the to-do list before he bids Lil' Puna adieu. As you've probably already guessed, I thought I'd share some moments captured over the past few weeks via Instagram. I realize these sorts of social media platforms can be somewhat exhausting. They can make life appear perfect and leave you pining for more from your own life. On the flip side, it's also a nice way to stay in touch with friends and family, meet new cyber peeps, and a subtle reminder to stop and soak up life's sweeter moments. As much as I love being connected, I'm also learning that it's nice to unplug, put down the phone, and just "be" in the moment. Do you ever feel this way? I guess I've never been one who loves photos, but with the help of Instagram I suddenly feel like a shutterbug with an artistic eye. I live far away from family and friends, and I find myself alone more often than not. This simple app gives a certain satisfaction to sharing life's beauty with others. What are your thoughts on the app and other social media outlets? Have you ever considered breaking up with Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram?

In the meantime, here are a few moments that made me snap happy...

I was tickled to receive a package of goodies courtesy of Blair Ritchey! / Can't get enough of this floral print.

Polka dots are one of those neutral prints, right? Just like stripes, you can wear them with anything.

A beautiful sight: C-17s lined up on the runway and my favorite stack of glossies and trusty notebook at the beach.

These images remind me of the old SNL "Lovahs" skit -- we love archery and smoked meats.

Beesly makes her case to get up on the couch. Close, but no cigar, my sweet Berner. / A year at Puna and we are settled.

Old home videos transferred to DVD, courtesy of my sweet dad. I was excited to find out there are 15 discs headed my way.

I adore this vintage brass frog from my father-in-law. / A new Cy Twombly book to add to my collection. Thanks, mom!

Gastro Love: The Greek Marina and fun with Scrabble Cheez-Its. Where's the F?

The intense sun streams through the windows at Puna each morning. / Our current desktop background -- a great reminder!

I hope your week is off to a great start!

Toodles,

ANF

Life's Little Details

Happy Monday! I hope your weekend was divine. What did you do? I tackled four out of the five items on my weekend to-do list. I'll let you in on a little secret -- the one thing I didn't do is work out. Oops! I figured I'd save that for today instead. Can I get an eye roll? Johnny G (my faux spin instructor) would be so disappointed in me. Thankfully, I have him penciled in for a one-on-one sesh this morning. I promise!

(I feel so guilty. Let's move on to the next topic...)

Remember my post a few weeks ago about being adventurous? Well, that trip didn't quite work out as I'd hoped. Darling, I tried to be adventurous... It was a major bummer! Flyboy left for his home state this past Friday night. I can't help but think about how I was supposed to board a C-17 for the first time, a little rest and relaxation with my sister, a chance to vacate this old rock, visit dear friends, and eat some really spectacular food. Womp womp! On the bright side, all of this planning for nothing has me incredibly eager to visit my sister once she treks west this summer. I already want bragging rights as her first official visitor in Colorado. I'm thinking an afternoon at the DAM. Anyone with me?

It's about time that I hop on my spin bike. I think I'll pretend to climb Colorado's toughest hills. That sounds pretty laughable, actually. Maybe I'll just daydream about an afternoon with my darling sister? I can see us surrounded by the work of Clyfford Still. Heavenly, isn't it? 

While I wipe the sweat and slobber from my face, go on and take a gander at some of my favorite Instagram moments from the past two weeks -- details that make life's design that much sweeter.

These studs give a whole new meaning to "as cute as a bug's ear." / This weekend I zhushed my display of cards and cutouts.

I felt very Mrs. O in my Easter ensemble.

Does this mean Flyboy felt very Hall & Oates? Notice the Buddha in the background striking a senior pictures pose. Work it!

The poster says it all. / The upside to Flyboy's departure? He got day off to pack and prep for his trip, which included a trip to the beach.

I scored this dress form and adorned it with some of my baubles. / Saturday nights alone = Pretty Woman reruns and  dog grooming.

Stripes. Flats. Striped Flats! I can't take it. They're happy feet! / Spring blooms courtesy of the mister.

The aftermath of our dog Easter egg hunt. Get it, Tripp! / Kate Spade mailers and coupons are so classy and fun!

A Lil' Puna sunrise. / Persnickety is just an all-around fun word to say. Go on and say it!

Have an incredible day!

Toodles,

ANF

P.S. I'm SO stinking excited about tomorrow's post. Be sure to drop by! You won't want to miss out on the fun.

Life's Little Details: Part III

I hope you had a swell weekend. Saturday was busy with an early morning car appointment, an afternoon at work, and an evening trip to the airport to pick up Flyboy. He's home again, and I couldn't be happier! We spent Sunday relaxing at the beach and working in the yard. It was nice to just be together without any real plans. I've been looking forward to a lazy Sunday at Lil' Puna, and that's exactly the reason today's post isn't anything fancy. I wanted to take advantage of every bit of our weekend together. I thought I'd share some of my favorite Instagram moments from the past few weeks -- details that make life's design that much sweeter.

Cheerful Daffodillies to welcome spring in Hawaii.  / My part-time gig is a chance to get all gussied up.

My old case broke, so I ended up getting a new one at J.Crew. It's rubbery with a snazzy print. Me-ow! / A mid-morning Pinterest break.

Flyboy visited Missouri and sent me a few snapshots. I woke up to this image of Mizzou's Francis Quadrangle and it left me giddy with delight. / My two favorite people met up for a quick lunch date. I can't tell you how happy this makes me!

This adorable card from my mother-in-law was a sweet snail mail pick-me-up. / I ran some errands on Friday and looked over at my bags in the passenger seat. Would you say I have a serious Baggu illness?

Just as I mentioned earlier, my favorite part about working is the opportunity to play with color and accessories.

There's nothing quite like an evening with the pups, a bottle of Essie Ole' Caliente, and the most current issue of House Beautiful. / I've seen this quote pop up all over Pinterest and various blogs. It's so very true!

I promised myself I'd clean out my closet, and here's the finished product. I filled up three garbage sacks and made a trip to the local donation center. Out with the old and in with the new. Hello, spring! / I keep this journal on my nightstand. I always seem to get some of my best ideas late at night.

As you can tell, I'm a big fan of my gold ballet flats. They're not only practical, but precious as well! / This may seem a little silly, but it was a total coup when I woke up to check my email and got this little Twitter notice. Deborah Needleman is one of my role models. It was probably a random accident, but it made me ecstatic.

Beesly spent 30 minutes watching this very gecko. She's a curious and gentle giant.

A scene from yesterday's trip to the beach. Sitting in the sun with my toes in the sand and people watching is my favorite. / Our newest tenant at Lil' Puna, courtesy of the landlord. I thought I would be witty and name this 5-foot statue, Big Zen, but my dad came up with something even more clever --  Zen Affleck. 

When Flyboy's at home, he takes care of the yard work. I love that! I have very little business running a weed whacker.  Note: He's asked me to clarify that this particular work ensemble (madras lounge wear) doesn't leave the hill. Ever. / Another piece of snail mail sunshine from my good friend, Kim -- she's the queen of baking cupcakes. 

Tripp's pose in this picture reminds me of Will Ferrell in Step Brothers. / Beesly gets tickled when the Frisbee comes out.

Beez goes nuts when Tripp is playful. He's not a very excitable dog, so it's like Christmas for her when he gets feisty. / After about five minutes of Frisbee fun, Tripp retires to his corner and  Beesly is bummed out. Where'd he go?

Happy Monday!

Toodles,

ANF

Life's Little Details: Part II

Take a look at some of my favorite snapshots from the past few weeks...

We've made it a point to meet up for the occasional breakfast at SBUX lately. It's fun to share some time together before we part ways and head to work. / My parents sent the winged "N" to Flyboy. Apparently there are an excess of "A's" around the house. I wonder why?!?

I had every intention to stop by Safeway and pick up some fresh flowers for the past few weeks. Due to my absent-mindedness, I got creative this last week and cut some of the local blooms growing in our yard. I thought I'd get fancy with my arrangement, so I threw in a few sprigs of Rosemary. We won't discuss the trail of ants that appeared within an hour of displaying my creation. / After learning my lesson with the ants, I made a Safeway pit stop and picked up a Hyacinth plant instead. Their smell reminds me of spring and the Netherlands! I'm hoping the intense morning sunlight doesn't scorch the precious plant anytime soon.

I saw this image in the Mizzou alumni magazine and got thoroughly excited!!! Perhaps these snazzy plates will adorn our vehicles someday? / This picture was taken from my Eames rocker. I sat down after work to take a quick breather and these two friendly faces came to greet me and show some love.

Enough said. / These ballet flats are feminine and comfortable, and I want them in every color. While a bit on the pricey side, I've never had a pair of shoes that didn't require me breaking them in. I'm a convert with my fingers crossed, just hoping for a sale!

House Beautiful March 2012 Issue: There were so many stunning spreads, but this feature stole the show! It got me thinking about what it would be like to be responsible for a beautifully designed spread with such a bold impact like this one. / Although I've read this month's issue of Real Simple countless times, I can't help but leave it out on display. The cover was jus so fabulous and colorful!

I'm crazy cakes about J.Crew's fanfare print. It's such a fresh update to the 60s Palm Beach-inspired pattern, and an easy way to make a statement. / A few weeks ago, I had a chronic case of wanderlust. My inner-Francophile was appeased when I googled "macarons in Hawaii" and was pleasantly surprised by the results -- La Tour Cafe hit the spot!

List-making is so much sweeter with a cute notepad or notebook, and Rifle Paper Co. has this detail perfected. / The Black Flash needed to be washed and detailed after weeks of abandonment. I completed that task and moved on to running errands at Target. As I approached the Jetta in the parking lot, I couldn't help but exercise my best Tyga voice and recite lyrics to "Rack City" -- "Look at the paint on the car." If that doesn't show pride, I don't know what does.

Since things have picked up around Lil' Puna, I've been slacking on the snail mail front. There's really no excuse, but I figured these adorable note cards would inspire me to get out my pen, envelopes, and stamps. / He's quick to shy away from the camera, but I was bound and determined to get an updated picture of Tripp for the blog. Unfortunately, this image doesn't accurately show the personality that's evolved over the past year. With each day, I see a little more spunk and excitement from him. While Flyboy and Beesly share a special bond, Tripp is definitely a mama's boy.

And now it's clear which dog prefers the spotlight. Beesly is a total poser, and I absolutely adore that about her! It keeps me thoroughly entertained. Can you tell by her nautical-inspired scarf that she keeps up with the blog? / The local yacht club races sailboats in the bay area every Sunday. After almost a year of residing at Puna, it never grows old. I can waste hours just observing from our couch. Inevitably, I end up accurately predicting which sailboat will capsize first. I realize it's terrible that I get so much pleasure out of such unfortunate events, but it's fun to get out Flyboy's spotting scope and monitor the weekend bay activity. Uh-oh, I'm starting to sound like my dad! It's true, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

I hope you had a fabulous weekend! Enjoy your Monday.

Toodles,

ANF