Wednesday Warm & Fuzzies

Don't Find Yourself. Create Yourself.

Be on the look out for all things good. Spread kindness.

Oh, Happy Day!

ANF

Currently Coveting

A Quirky Chameleon Plate

Wouldn't this be a smashing ode to our former family pet, Bruddah Iz?

I think it deserves a special spot in my kitchen -- it matches my stand mixer perfectly. 

Look at me talking myself into this purchase. I'm getting so good at it!

The ♥ List

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

From the Office of Jenna Lyons

Stylelist's photo gallery of Jenna's office made me swoon. 

I loved learning about the anecdotes behind her fave knick knacks. She's such a creative genius. I die.

Is it bad that I hope my vision gets worse one day. I really want an excuse to rock some frames like Jenna.
I guess not much has changed since my elementary school days, when I purposefully failed my vision test so I could wear eyeglasses like my American Girl doll, Molly. Don't judge.

Color Combo: rust + pink

A precious pairing.

Add 'em to the Wish List...

While full-blown Wellies might not be that appropriate for our current climate, 

these Hunter Turks would help fill the void. I think they're darling!

Behind the Shades: Anna Wintour

I love when I come across an image or quote that makes me instantly think of someone I love and miss dearly. Seeing this caricature reminded me of my lovely friend, B. Clark. Somewhere in NYC, he's making someone laugh hysterically. I'm glad he gets to share the love.

Subtle Details

How dainty & precious!

Bust-a-gut moments with Flyboy

I displayed some of my bangles and bracelets on this poseable wooden drawing hand. When I got home one night from my training course, Flyboy filled me in on how much he liked what I'd done with it. I was taken aback by his animated appreciation. He's a man who loves detail, what can I say? His genuineness makes me smile every time I pass by it.

We were lounging on the couch after our Saturday Koko Head hike. Flyboy is flipping through the Pottery Barn catalog -- it's one that he'll take a gander at from time to time. He comes across this DENIM slipcover couch, points to it and says, "Clearly Pottery Barn doesn't always get it right." I erupt in laughter, and he ends with this comment: "You could literally wear a Canadian Tuxedo and get lost in that thing!" I love these kinds of moments.  

Weekend Snapshots

A bottle of Yuengling + lounging around = a happy Saturday afternoon.

The hike up Koko Head made us deserving of a beer or two.
There are approximately 1,100 steps (or abandoned railroad tracks) to the top, but the view is worth it!
Let's just say my gams are still feeling the burn.

Say what?!? k.slademade has scarves!

I'm crazy for this one!

A Playful Palette

I love the bright and feminine colors used in each of these rooms! I love  Coco + Kelley even more!

Fresh flowers at my desk

Flyboy stopped to pick me up some blooms on his way home from work on Friday. Major bonus points!

And finally, adding a new pen pal to the list...

Talk about some major warm & fuzzies.

Well, that was random...

Happy Tuesday!

ANF

P.S. If you haven't voted, would you mind visiting this link? A friend sent me an email last week with info regarding this little contest and encouraged me to do it. Isn't it sweet when you feel kindness and encouragement from others? It means a lot when others believe in you more than you might believe in yourself. Anywho, I feel like a goober for asking and trying, but it's part of my effort to be more courageous, spontaneous and care free. While I can't say my middle name is "Glamorous", I would love the opportunity to get to write and use my degree for something. I just figure I can't feel like a giant J-School loser if I don't give opportunities like this a shot. Thanks for your support!! 

The Hot Seat

If you follow my blog, you know I have strong art love for les fabulous Fauvist, Henri Matisse. Here's my all-time favorite quote of his...

"What I dream of is an art of balance, of purity, devoid of troubling or depressing subject matter, an art which might be for every mental worker, be he businessman or writer, like an appeasing influence, like a mental soother, something like a good armchair in which to rest from physical fatigue." --Henri Matisse 

Could you imagine yourself seated in one of these tranquil nooks?

Hope your week is off to a great start!

God Bless Sunday Morning

Here's a beautiful devotion shared by Darby from Fly Through Our Window.

“Instead of striving for a predictable, safe lifestyle, seek to know Me in greater depth and breadth. I long to make your life a glorious adventure, but you must stop clinging to old ways. I am always doing something new with My beloved ones. Be on the lookout for all that I have prepared for you.”

I don't know about you, but sometimes I need to surround myself with positive messages to  make sense of life. When I read this in Darby's most recent post, it spoke to me. I feel like I spend so much time wondering and making comparisons of what my life should be like instead of just living in the present with gratitude. Do you have a favorite passage, phrase, or a piece of advice that keeps you on the sunny side?

Happy Sunday!

xo

ANF

Hope it's a great one.

Toodles,

ANF

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life

In a world that can be so black and white, it's important to remember to...

“I try to apply colors like words that shape poems, like notes that shape music.” -- Joan Miro

I hope there's some color in your day!

Toodles,

ANF

Bringing Rinah Home

I stumbled upon this touching story when I visited Fanciful No. 2 this morning. 

Browsing the blogroll + a cup of coffee = heaven. Read more about Carissa + Andrew on their blog.

If nothing else, take a moment or two to watch the creative video they put together. It's precious!

Happy Thursday!
xo
ANF

Cuckoo for Juju

Cameroonian Juju Hats have been on my design radar for awhile. I blame Domino for introducing me to a lusty decor wish list at such a young age. It's not healthy. And since the glossy is no longer in print, my index of wants has subsided to a less dangerous level. It's quite a shame that they're so stinkin' expensive, because I'm pretty sure I would have one adorning a wall by now. And thanks to Pinterest, I was reminded again of my adoration for these feather headdresses. The quirkier the wall art, the better. I love the texture and polka dot-like qualities. Aren't they gorgeous? Everyone needs a statement piece with a jolt of color and a pop of panache in their home. Here's what Table Tonic had to say about these darling design accessories:

Traditionally worn by Village Chiefs in the Cameroon region of central Africa, Juju hats (or Tyn hats) have since gained popularity with interior designers, and are often used as an eye-catching accessory for the home. Beautiful bird feathers are painstakingly hand sewn onto a raffia fiber base/basket that splays out into a huge circle. Feathers are considered rare objects of beauty and a symbol of prosperity and wealth associated with the positive qualities of birds. When not in use, the Juju hat can be neatly folded in on itself for easy storage. A perfect example of fine, unique and skillful weaving from Central West Africa, Juju hats have featured in high-end decor magazines, such as Domino, Elle Decor and Inside Out, to name a few.

Some bloggers continue to scoff at how mainstream Juju has gone -- they're OVER it! Is this just the next "Keep Calm" trend? As an owner of the original "Keep Calm" poster, I totally get it. I'm even a little bitter. When a "design darling" is used on Dear Genevieve, it makes you wonder if it's really THAT special anymore? When will it be knocked off at Target? Don't get me wrong, I love a great Tar-jay bargain, but when they mass produce EVERY little thing, it gets tiring, especially when you've spent the money on a quality and crafted piece. It's enough to make me want to take down my sfgirlbybay print and hide it in some closet from the design gods -- a fashion faux pas similar to shoulder pads or bouffant bangs. I've had this discussion with my mom many times, and in the end, she always advises me to stick to what I love, and what makes me happy (mother knows best). Trends come and go, but opt for items and invest in pieces that make YOU happy. I'm an overly intense person who occasionally needs to look at a print to remind me to take a chill pill. I will always appreciate classic colors such as navy and green. I came out of the womb with an affinity for stripes (and her quirky cousin, the chevron) and polka dots, and I will be buried in them (How morbid! Sorry I went there.). I love embellishments likes ruffles and bows. And after a year or two of coveting Juju, I still wouldn't mind the addition of a ginormous textured polka dot on my wall. I'll place it right next to my "Keep Calm" print. Suck on that decor gods.

Find out what you love and surround yourself with it.

Be the best version of YOU.

Toodles,

ANF

Taking Style Cues from Toddlers

I would be lying if I sat here and told you that I can't wait to have a kid or two some day.

But when I think about the reasons I'd like to have a child, they seem quite silly really.

1. I have some really great names picked out.
2. I especially can't wait to dress my future daughter, Olivia. She will be my mini-me!

I know there's more to having kids than superficial reasons such as these. 

Let's just say that it's not quite time for this Fine duo to pop out an addition. 

We often joke about how we might be better off just breeding Bernese Mountain Dogs.

A brood of Berners doesn't sound half bad. 

The biggest downside to this option? My mom would want me to return my Eames rocker. Ever since she saw little Eleanor's photo taken monthly in the Eames via Making it Lovely, it was part of the deal. The rocker was all mine, if she could have a grandchild one day...

And since this isn't happening any time soon, 

I'll continue to compile images for future Olivia's lookbook.

Who am I kidding? I would be ecstatic to look as stylish and polished as these trendy tots!

Cheetah Flats -- Are you kidding me? I'm squealing with delight.

I love everything about these three looks. Is it bad that I'd like to wear them myself?

Sassy & Classy

Preppy & Precious

Seriously? They make kids this cute?

Embellishments & Accessories -- Oh my!

Adorable child comes complete with a Baggu.

Cardigans, dresses, confetti & flats! Looks like my kinda party!

Woah! This is borderline Suri Cruise. The precious factor is starting to wear off. All I see is attitude!

A bob cut, polka dot shirt & ruffles. This looks about right!

Hey, it's fun to dream!
For now, I'll just continue to play dress up with Beesly. Here's a hoot of a video:

Popcorn the BMD in Uggs

One day, I hope it's something like this:

That giggle is contagious.

I hope you enjoyed your gratuitous Berner moments.
I promise to limit the number of BMD videos I post -- it's a bit crazy dog lady of me.

Enjoy your Wednesday.

Toodles,

ANF