Lurve-Loave-Luff

Color me smitten! 

Here are a few things I've fallen head over heels for this week...

This week's Love List includes...

Pink Brush Strokes

A beachy illustration by Lab Partners.

This H&M Blouse makes me wish I lived closer to a store. The price is right and the look is precious!

Odds & Ends: Mixed-Fabric Bangles, Lip Protector, Pantone Milk Jug, Bottle Opener, Pencils, Travel Wallet

(Note: The price of the wallet is rather steep, but I saw it in person, and it's ridiculously cute. I guess we can only hope that the lovely folks at Kate Spade have a sample sale with sweet markdowns in the near and distant future!)

A mixologist BFF = loads of libations and laughter. I seriously think Roxy and I would get along swimmingly.

(Be sure to take a look at her cocktail crawl here.)

Hello, happy.

Straw clutch with orange details -- just another H&M bargain beauty that's taunting me!

Frozen Fruit Pops

A chevron scarf with tassels. Oh my! I think I died and went to heaven.

Happy Thursday!

Toodles,

ANF

That's Clutch

The last time my sister and I were around one another, she laughed as I started searching through my bag. I can't remember what exactly I was looking for, but I started to pull pouch upon pouch out of my main purse. She equated my love for bags to Russian Matryoshka dolls. Within one big tote resides several smaller bags that house all sorts of necessities. It's very Type-A(shley) -- one must be prepared in any situation. I mean there's a reason that people who don't even know me assume that I'm carrying a Tide Pen at all times, and they're usually right! I hate that I'm so predictable. Anywho, back to the topic at hand. Within the past month or so, I've downsized a bit. Not to worry, I haven't changed my ways -- I can still come up with a reason to purchase just about any kind of bag (insert term #bagnostic here). But I've found that one piece in particular suits all of my needs, and that's my Lulu clutch -- courtesy of the ever-so-talented Blair Ritchey. I was recently gifted with this chartreuse beauty, and my life hasn't been the same since. It's literally with me at all times! It's not only functional, but it's darling as well. The bright and cheerful color goes with everything -- chartreuse is the new neutral, don't you know? It's such a fun bag, and it truly lives up to Blair's motto: simplistic, functional, luxury. I'm smitten! If you're in the market for a new go-to bag, I encourage you to hop on over to Blair's site and check out her gorgeous collection. I hear she's got some new stuff on the way, and I couldn't be more excited! Be sure to check out her blog for updates.

The Bag: Blair Ritchey Lulu Clutch in Chartreuse

The Contents:

1. Cell Phone -- useful, but addicting!

2. Miniature Notebook, Pen, and C-17 Pin (to remind me of Flyboy, of course!)

3. Car Keys -- complete with Blair's Tassel Keychain (such a fun design and it makes it easy to grab your keys)

4. Wallet (similar found here)

5. I call these my sassy sunnies (found here). They're silly, fun, and they put me in a good mood! 

(Who needs rose-colored glasses, anywho?)

6. Smashbox Lip Gloss and Laura Mercier Lipstick in Tea Rose)

There you have it, my latest and greatest go-to essentials!

I hope your Wednesday is wonderful!

Toodles,

ANF

The Tuesday Ten

Images via: Stationery / Seaside / Dawson's Creek / Dessert (1 & 2) / Fresh Linens / Routine (Pink Clock) / Organization / To-Do List (1 & 2) / Suitcases / Chevron Print / Happy

         10 Random Things: Amanda Hessler

         I love the beach, but am more than terrified of deep water.

         I dream of owning my own stationery business!

         My sister is my absolute best friend, and has been my whole life!  We have literally never had a fight, and call each other multiple times throughout the day even though we live in the same city.

         I’m a chocoholic and eat some form of dessert after dinner EVERY night.

        I have borderline OCD and organization makes my heart happy.

        There is nothing better to me than getting into a bed full of clean linens.

        Dawson’s Creek is still my favorite show, and my sister and I share the entire series on DVD that I watch more often than I should admit.  (I have a serious passion for television).

        I inherited a need for routine from my dad and am a major creature of habit.  I never apply body wash before conditioner in the shower, or put on make-up before making my bed in the morning.

        My nephews mean the world to me, and I feel so cool and honored when someone mistakes me as their mom out in public!  I only wish I was a hip, young mom with two adorable, fashionable little guys like my amazing sister!

        I love a good to-do list, and feel a sense of accomplishment anytime I get to cross an item off.  Sometimes I add an item I may have already completed, just so I can cross it off!

How much do I love Amanda? Let me count the ways...

         Despite our college rivalries (she's a Jayhawk, I'm a Tiger),  I'm convinced we could be long-lost sisters. We share mutual feelings about the beach and fine paper goods; adore our sisters; we've got a serious sweet tooth; love fresh linens, organization, and tackling our to-do lists; we're creatures of habit (what of it?); and I can't wait to be an aunt one day! Oh, and the part about Dawson's Creek? I think I'm forever endeared to Amanda. In my 7th grade English class, I wrote my parents an argumentative paper as to why I should be allowed to watch Dawson, Pacey, and Joey each week. For the record, I got an A on the paper and was allowed to tune in, but only with supervision. Thanks for sharing, Amanda! You've given me a reason to Netflix old episodes and escape to Capeside this next weekend.

Interested in sharing 10 random things?

Just email me.

Happy Tuesday!

Toodles,

ANF

Stream of Consciousness

Do you ever have those moments when you see something awe-inspiring, get instantly excited, and your brain won't stop jumping around from one wonderful thing to another? Those moments when one piece of happy triggers about a gazillion other bright and cheerful images and memories? This happens to me all the time, and I wish I could put a lid on it. And no, I don't mean I want to put a halt to it. I just want to be able to stop, take a deep breath, and control the stream of thoughts and thumping heartbeat that comes with this sort of elation. I want to be more methodical and less cryptic. Are you with me? As an intense and rather hyperactive gal, I try to be aware of this trait. It makes it especially hard for friends and family members around me. They can't read my mind. They don't know what I'm thinking when I get excited and start jumping from thought to thought. I guess today's post is the best way to illustrate such enthusiastic zeal.

It all started with this illustration by the über talented Jenny Bowers...

All of the color, lines, and pattern, in Jenny Bowers illustration made me think of...

Matisse Shopping Bags from Bloomingdale's (1982) -- I want one!

Thanks, Note to Self, for the inspiration. What a great find!

I can't help but focus on the pop of yellow. It's so cheerful! Kinda like this credit card wallet.

How about a summer in Nice, France? I best pack my trusty stripe boatneck.

It's just like the one in Caitlin McGauley's watercolor. 

How much do you love the details? Those bangles? The arm party? 

Recreate the look with a set of bracelets and this shirt. They're summer staples.

Oh, and don't forget your earrings. Pop some color with these orange studs!

There's nothing quite like a punchy pop of orange. I can't stop thinking about this necklace. The color. The strands.

Matisse also loved color. I'd love to have this old issue of Life Magazine featuring his cutouts.

Now I find myself planning another imaginary trip to Nice. I would definitely need a sturdy bag for my travels. 

Perhaps this Straw Basket Bag will do?

Stripe shirt. Check. Bag. Check. Shoes... How about these cutout flats? Add a little flair to your feet.

One can never have enough accessories. I think I'll throw in another necklace and this bracelet.

Le sigh. The closest I'll get to Matisse and Nice this summer would be this bowl. 

Eek! With the steep price tag, I'm better off doing something free.

I can always pretend I'm there with an afternoon of painting in my backyard.

Speaking of paints, how about this watercolor iPhone wallpaper via Samantha Hahn.

There's nothing quite like a pop of color to jump start the week. Thanks for the reminder, Matisse!

What about this clover green Word-a-Day journal?

Or the design of an iconic ticket stub? 

I think I'll end with wavy green brushstrokes. My absolute favorite.

(I told you I was all over the place...)

I hope you had a wonderful weekend.

Toodles,

ANF

P.S. I'm working to reorganize past blog posts with labels to make searching easier. Bear with me; it make take a few days. Did you happen to notice the new pages at the top. Love it? Hate it? Have an idea to make the site user-friendly? I'd love some feedback.

Friday Favorites

Why, Hello Little Miss Bliss! In the name of Friday, why don't you kick your feet up and pour yourself a fizzy gimlet? This Summer Tea Cocktail should hit the spot. You've earned it! And while you're at it, perhaps it's time to treat yo self. Go on and indulge with some of these fabulous finds -- $50 or less. I'll hold your drink while you browse. Gracious is my middle name.

Fabulous Finds: $50 or Less

Fishy Tote / Smitten Necklace / Lawn Flamingo / Skinny Belt / Lobster Bottle Opener / iPhone Case

Bow Sandal / Starfish Studs / Cocktail Swatchbook / Fuchsia Stripe Belt / Berry Basket / Watch

Princesse Necklace / Paintset Tank / Pom Pom / Crystal Galaxy Earrings / Bangle  / The Principles of Uncertainty

Spell It Out Pillow / Bright Notes / Palmer Method / Lillet Blanc / Kelly Wrap Duo

Enjoy your weekend! Any big plans? You know the drill around here -- I'm going to tackle my weekend to-do list, prepare overdue snail mail, respond to emails, read (any book recommendations?), soak up some Vitamin D, catch up with family, love on Tripp and Beesly, etc.

Toodles,

ANF