Weekly Round-Up

Let's get right to it, shall we?

Here's what made me feel all twitterpated, smile contagiously, giggle uncontrollably, etc.

A Word to the Wise: Lisa Congdon

Just a few things spotted and hearted on the Interwebs this week...

Secret Heart Earrings // Color me smitten!

Young Grasshopper // This brass paperweight reminds me of my dad.

Mixed-Fabric Bangles // Can you ever have enough bracelets?

She's Got Peplum // A bargain buy!

"It's Nice" Print // Oh, just another adorable art print by Sugar Paper...

Ballet Flats // Colorful, comfy, and cute.

Tri-Color Thread Belt // Mama likes!

Doodles Pencil Necklace // Doodle away the day... I think I need this!

Set High Golds // A budget-friendly bag.

NARS Illustration // Another happy image via Katie Evans.

Bright Notes // I'm starting to run out of notepads. This may be my next purchase!

Hands Up! // Prada and Vahram Muratyan have teamed up to create a series of illustrations used to accessorize.

Blueberries // Take a moment and check out these delightful Food On Paper illustrations.

Basil French 75 // Cocktail anyone?

Die-Cast Mini Shopper // Eek, it's on sale!

Noted - Rubber Stamp // So excited to have stumbled upon this etsy shop: Ann-Marie Loves Paper.

Imperfect: The New Perfect // Working to adopt this mantra.

Link Love:

Cool down with this a-mazing iced coffee recipe!

How cute is this desktop background designed by Ampersand design?

This weekend, I'll whip up a loaf of this Coconut Raspberry Banana Bread. You should too!

Treat Yo Self! Why don't you try one of these at-home spa treatments?

And in case you missed it, I had the opportunity to guest post on a few different blogs this week.

Check out my perfect summer day over at Style Your Life and Quote-a-rama at Design Editor.

Thanks for having me, Jennifer and Catherine!

Got any weekend plans?

Toodles,

ANF

P.S. Need a good laugh? Check out Pintester -- a blog about failed attempts at testing pins from Pinterest.

Weekly Round-Up

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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What's on the weekend agenda? I'm glad you asked...

• Today, I'm excited about everything! Flyboy is expected to return home this Sunday. Woo hoo!
• Yes, a celebratory libation should hit the spot. I think I'll take a guzzlet of The Falero -- What's not to love about this refreshing drink? Framboise, limes, and berries. Sign me up!
• I hope to wear this Ban.Do pom-pom flower pin with every outfit! I often plan my ensemble  around accessories. 
• Oh, and I intend on wearing comfy espadrilles (similar to these). When I'm in business mode, they make transitioning from errands to house work a cinch!
• We've got family coming into town, so I'll be a list-making fool. Groceries, meal planning, chores, etc. Sounds like my kind of heaven!
• Not to worry, I plan to relax and unwind. I think I'll take some time to write a few Happy Notes.
• With the next 1.5 weeks off from work, I can't wait to paint my fingernails a bright hue. Essie Clambake, I've missed you.
• I'll probably spend some more time pinning Brahmin bags. I can't stop thinking about this one in particular!
• Have you seen the video where Andy Cohen gets spooked by a bird at the filming of the OC Reunion? I die. Watch the clip here.
• The remainder of my free time will be devoted to looking at fun finds like this bottle cap collection -- Yup is up!
• If you have a free minute, be sure to check out Society Social's Magalog -- you're bound to find some great decor ideas! I must make that posh polka dot pillow mine. You've probably noticed that there's no shortage of spots and dots in today's post.

via Society Social

• I'm slightly obsessed with Inslee Haynes. She warmly welcomed summer with this adorable illustration of sunglasses!
• Did you see that BaubleBar and Noble House Designs collaborated? This Hybrid Sailor Collar is my fave! I think my mom and I spent a good five minutes discussing this necklace yesterday. Can you say obsessed?
• My ideal summer outfit. Contents courtesy of J.Crew -- but you already knew that!
• This illustration by the ever-so-talented Katie Evans got me thinking about Gladys Hardy. What a gal. I don't think I'll ever forget her phone call on Ellen when she said, "I love Jesus, but I drink a little." It's such a classic moment. You know what I'm talking about, right? Sometimes I watch this clip because it's such a hoot. In fact, I think I'd like to move to Austin for Nana Gladys alone.

Illustration via Katie Evans

And on that note, Beesly, Tripp, and I wish you a Happy Friday!

What do you have in store this weekend?

Toodles,

ANF

Weekly Round-Up

 Let's get right to it, shall we?

Here's what made me feel all twitterpated, smile contagiously, giggle uncontrollably, etc.

illustration via Matchbook

Whenever Flyboy's gone, I typically spend most of my day at our desk blogging or at work. I made a concerted effort to step away from the ol' computer these past few days, and I feel refreshed! Of course, if my office space was half as charming at this Katie Evans illustration, I'd never have any issues when it comes to creating!  

Just a few things that made me incredibly happy...

Berry Gimlet: It's been awhile since I poured myself a gin cocktail, and boy am I glad I did!

Bike Rides: This past weekend we dusted off our road bikes. It was an absolute blast. 

Fresh Strawberries: I got a heckuva deal on strawberries at Safeway, and I'm in heaven. This is my go-to snack.

List Making: When I feel a little overwhelmed and forgetful, nothing is more therapeutic than list making. Nothing.

Watering Plants: I'm sad to admit that I've neglected my herbs, but after routine watering they're coming to life!

New Girl: I kept waiting for that moment you expect from a season finale. My cheeks hurt, my smile was so big.

As Tom Haverford would advise, treat yo self!

My "Treat Yo Self" Picks:

Pretty Paper

Dipped Sessile Necklace

Fresh Flowers

Get your nails done. Oh, you fancy, huh?

Mezzaluna Hobo (it's on sale!)

Banter Banner

Isn't this rosette darling? 

I just love the hot pink ribbon and blazing gold details. I might need this for our office bulletin board, and stat.

Photo by Vincent Laforet

Could this photo be any more perfect? 

It makes me excited for the weekend, Flyboy's return (knock on wood), and a few days spent outdoors.

What are your weekend plans?

Toodles,

ANF

P.S. Sorry the images and fonts are a bit wonky today. I was running late for work, and I didn't have a chance to compress them prior to publishing! I just wanted to assure you that your eyesight is fine; the font is blurry because of this gal. Oops!

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.

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

The Friday Five

Happy Friday, friends! We survived another week. Can I get a ginormous WOO HOO? Life on Lil' Puna has been rather crazy lately. While I did post every day, I feel like it was lacking again in the creative department. I just hate when that happens! You make it a point to stop by daily, so I feel this dire need to produce something wonderful. I promise next week will be just as fabulous as you are.

Flyboy is leaving tonight for two weeks and things at work have picked up. Each night, I get home, throw something together for dinner, and sit on the couch with FB and the fur kids at my side. Sounds divine, right? Well, I've kind of neglected my family and friends in the process. I'm there physically, but I want to be "there" in that moment. I have emails that have piled up, and I sit on the couch in the evenings with the laptop attempting to throw together my next post. Before I know it, my sweet family is asleep and it's time to get ready for bed. It's been very "shampoo, rinse, repeat" around here. I need to find a balance in all areas of my life. This post sounds pretty familiar, doesn't it?

Anywho, instead of going on ad nauseum about this cray cray life, here are five ways I'm going to strive to achieve a balance and tackle my to-do list this weekend...

1. Create and zhush blog posts in advance. Try to get ahead while Mr. Fine* is away.
2. Work out. I'm ashamed to admit that it's been two weeks since I've hopped on the old spin bike. That's unacceptable! In the big scheme of things, I NEED that stress reliever.
3. Make lists on pretty paper. It makes being productive so much sweeter!
4. Take some time to unplug all iDevices. Being connected is not healthy. I have a silly callus on my thumb from my obsessive scrolling.
5. Do something creative with a pen, pencil, or paintbrush.

*Sometimes it sounds so silly to refer to him as Flyboy. Get used to seeing other references such as FB, Mr. Fine, the mister, etc. I'm sure there are times you want to roll your eyes when you see Flyboy mentioned ONE more time. Ha ha!

How do you get ahead of your to-do list? What's your secret to achieving a healthy balance? Sometimes I just need a few deep breaths and a handful of charming images to clear my mind. In the spirit of this Friday's theme, here are five of my faves.

The Illustrated Ensemble

Girlie Chiffon Bow

New Vintage

Donald Judd, anyone?

Thought Action Gainsborough by Leigh Wells

Have a WONDERFUL weekend!

Toodles,

ANF

P.S. A special thanks to Carlie for the sweet blogger shout out this week! I just discovered your post last night. Thanks for the blog lovin'. Be sure to add Carlie Crash to your Google Reader -- she's an absolute hoot! Her posts remind me of witty write-ups you might find by Tina Fey or Mindy Kaling.

Weekly Round-Up

 Let's get right to it, shall we?

Here's what made me feel all twitterpated, smile contagiously, giggle uncontrollably, etc

Welcome, April!

While I love the weather in Hawaii, 88 degrees and sunny can get a little redundant at times. You rarely get to experience the changing seasons, and I miss that! Blog posts with spring themes, Easter candy, and fresh bunches of daffodils from the local Safeway are fun reminders that it's time to welcome spring.

Chocolate Goodness

I've had the urge to make these bad boys since I joined Pinterest last summer, but they seemed a little bit decadent. After weeks without chocolate, I'm ready to bid this Lenten season adieu and dive into this dangerous dessert.

The World's Greatest Parents

Congratulations, mom and dad! Today you celebrate 27 years of marriage. Aubrey and I are so blessed to have such amazing parents. You're a wonderful example of what it means to love unconditionally. Your mutual respect for one another and your resilient sense of humor is unmatched. You're an inspiration to me -- the ultimate best friends. Cheers to 27 more years together! I love you both so very much.    

Egg Fun-tivities

I'm so excited that Flyboy will be home for the Easter holiday. We plan to do silly things like put bunny ears on Tripp and Beesly, and hide Milk Bones in little plastic eggs. Yeah, we're those weird pet owners! If you don't have a four-legged friend, perhaps you'd prefer to decorate some eggs instead? Be sure to check out these neon dip-died eggs or these thread-wrapped eggs. Visit Martha's Website for a bevy of last-minute craft ideas to add a little holiday cheer to your Easter celebration.

Who's to blame? The golden ballet flats or the Black Flash?

Let's call this one a life lesson. This week "Type-A" received her first speeding ticket. I prefer to refer to myself in this manner because I'm still a little embarrassed it happened. It feels a little less direct, like my alter ego got the ticket -- not me! I'm proud of myself for not having a meltdown in front of the officer. Instead of sobbing, I managed to lock it up, but that doesn't mean my legs weren't shaking. It happened on my way to work, and it's all I could think about for the remainder of the day. I came home to Flyboy with some 'splainin to do. With my head hung low, all I wanted was to be consoled with a cocktail. It looks like this week's paycheck is dedicated to my ticket instead of colorful cardigans or blinged-out bangles.

Swan Dive or Cannonball? You can find me beachside with a good book.

How was your week? Do you have any big plans for this Easter weekend? 

Any traditions or recipes you're dying to try?

Toodles,

ANF

Weekly Round-Up

Let's get right to it, shall we?

Here's what made me feel all twitterpated, smile contagiously, giggle uncontrollably, etc

image via

I came home from work on Tuesday night, and I was just so happy with the way things have come together lately. It's amazing what can happen when I put my ego to the side, say "yes" to new opportunities, and let God take care of the rest. A year ago, I didn't know what I wanted out of this adventure. I felt very lost. I've been reminded lately that some of the best gifts in my life have been unanswered prayers. I need to keep this in mind when I feel doubtful and worry (my biggest mistake). At this moment in time, I feel confident in my future, and I really do like who I'm becoming. I'm going to try to hang on to this optimism for awhile!

image via

One of my best-loved moments this week can be attributed to Starbucks. I ordered my favorite iced beverage, sat in the parking lot in silence, and savored my first sip. There's just something so divine about an Iced Caramel Macchiato. Since Flyboy's away, I went for the real deal -- none of that skinny business! It was nothing short of amazing. The best part about this treat? Taking your first sip and tasting nothing but milk and caramel.

It wouldn't be a Friday round-up without a few of my favorite finds...

Gigi Wallet / Hot to Trot Bangle / Lined Paper Notepad / Rainy Day Ballet Flats / 

thxthxthx: Thank Goodness for Everything / Sheer Dot Scarf / Sailors Knot Dog Collar

We're a sight, kind of like Ouiser and her unruly St. Bernard, Rhett.

I took the fur kids in for their annual appointment yesterday, and there are only two words to describe the situation: HOT MESS. For days leading up to the appointment, I was anxious. Surprise, surprise! I'd never taken both of them to the vet by myself. In the past, I tried to stagger their annuals so I wouldn't have to deal with 170 lbs. of uncooperative dog. Because of Hawaii's quarantine laws, their record due dates were all wonky, so I opted for one appointment to streamline the process. Then again, I also had hoped the Mister could join me, but that would have been too perfect. If you know anything about my dynamic duo (see this post), you know this isn't an easy feat. Tripp would be content never leaving the house and Beesly's sunny disposition is dunzo once she gets close to the vet clinic.

In preparation for the appointment, I couldn't help but wonder what the Dog Whisperer would say. I hearkened back to one of Cesar's tips in which he advises his clients to pretend to be someone that emits confidence and grace. He says it's all in your state-of-mind. If you're anxious, your dog will be as well. I started thinking about figures I admire like Kate Middleton and Audrey Hepburn, but I felt more like Ouiser Boudreaux in Steel Magnolias. There's nothing graceful about me wrangling two large pups. When they get nervous or excited, they start to molt. It's ridiculous! I showed up at the clinic covered in hair and slobber, wrapped in leashes, and swinging my Baggu full of records and fecal samples. Needless to say, we showed up and made a memorable scene. We left with a hefty bill, a follow-up appointment, and a warning regarding Tripp's weight. This Golden doesn't understand the word "diet."

Suede Sidewalk Skimmers

In the last week, I wore these Crystal Blue Skimmers twice. They're comfy and fun. Why NOT wear them? Well, I'll tell you why... 

I'm standing in line at Subway, and I'm more than ready to pay for my Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki sandwich. It's been a long day, I'm famished, and I just want to get home to my dogs. A bronzed middle-aged man with long, golden locks, clad in Aloha wear and cargo shorts, walks into the restaurant. He's one of those guys who's just waiting to lock eyes with someone for an ounce of attention. I always attract people like this, and I just so happened to look up and make direct eye contact. Big mistake. Huge. In a loud and local dialect, he asks me: "Do you get paid to dress with that much personality? Seriously. Oh my gosh, look at your shoes. Are those magic pot shoes? Those things are psychedelic -- like some kind of magic pot test!" He motions the sandwich artist to peek over the glass barrier to take a gander at my flats. "Am I high or not? I dunno, just look at her shoes." At this point, I couldn't believe all of the hubbub surrounding my skimmers. I smiled, painfully, grabbed my sub and hightailed it out of that joint. 

If only this book really existed...

I think I'm going to give my blue suede shoes a rest this weekend.

Have a fabulous Friday!

Toodles,

ANF

P.S. If you have a free moment, read this post by Jess Constable. Be prepared for a meaningful lesson with a fresh perspective! "I want to be in the icing, but not of it."