'Tis the Season

Indeed.

I hope you're having a jolly weekend!

xo

ANF

The Great Cookie Caper!

Happy Friday, lovelies! I made it to D.C. safely, and I'm currently enjoying the company of my parents and our family's sweet pups, Maggie and Schatz. Life is good. I'll post pictures on Monday so you can better acquaint yourselves with my lovely fam and see what we've been up to. I want you to feel like you're joining us for the holidays. Not gonna lie, it's pretty cozy around here. The more, the merrier.

Of course, this holiday cheer won't be complete until my sister arrives next week. Once she joins us, I know we'll be busy baking cookies -- that's just a holiday must! In anticipation, my mom and I started to brainstorm what kinds of cookies we might bake this year for our family cookie caper. Our baking mania is only complete with adorable Anthro aprons and catchy Christmas tunes. Here are a few ideas that looked pretty darn delish! 

Triple Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies

Gaga Gingerbread Gals 

Chocolate-Peppermint Wafers

Lemony Slice & Bakes

Dutch Speculoos Cookies -- A family favorite and pastime!

Cookies & Cream Kiss Cookies 

Marshmallow Monster Cookies

Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies

Impressive, isn't she? A Gingerbread Typewriter

A classic. Snowflake Sugar Cookies

So, what's your favorite cookie recipe? 

Is there a cookie you love and think we should try baking? 

Have a lovely weekend!

xo

ANF

Merry & Bright

//

I read this again recently and found it hilarious. I believe it was originally posted by the ever-adorkable Zooey D. back in August, but I found it appropriate to post and share because I'm visiting the Mainland. The transition from 80 degree temps to 50 degrees is a big change, but warmly welcomed. We're talking three weeks of sweater- and boot-wearing bliss. I couldn't be happier.

TOP 10 TIPS AND TRICKS FOR A WINTER BODY

by Zooey Deschanel

Ladies, winter is coming up and we have to get ready. With the equinox just 5 short months away, what does the modern woman need to do to get ready for sweater season?

1. Start practicing with your parka. Wear it around the house, to a barbeque or to the beach. When a dude says, “You look hot,” say, “Thank you, this jacket is certified to minus 60% below zero.” Then wink. You know what he means ladies, right? Right?

2. Try doing everyday stuff with mittens on. Like typing. Have fun!  E.g. ahudfnjk;afbdjfbjkls093u84urahlu = happy holidays

3. Eat gingerbread willy-nilly. You’re welcome.

4. Q. It’s the holidays! Calories don’t count, right?  A. Correct. You must adopt this attitude to successfully attain a winter steaze.

5. Fly some family members out to see you, preferably more than can fit in your apartment or house.Make them share towels.  Watch the magic as it happens.

6. Rock some Christmas tunes at work. People will love this. No one loves ‘Holly Jolly Christmas’ more than your co-workers. Play it loud.

7. Time for pajamas! You sweat at night? Too bad! You have to suffer for a winter body.

8. Festive sweater time. Get comfy in your sweet Cosby with X-mas trees or a menorah. Let everyone know what’s up.

9. SPF 1 zillion. Do it.

10.  If it doesn’t have a crust, don’t eat it.  All the best winter meals start and end with pie. Embrace this, now.

Well that’s all I have.  Attaining a winter body is a challenge, but with enough perseverance and ambition, you can do it.  I know you can.

Tomorrow is pajama day at my mom's school. Did I tell you I get to volunteer at her school? Woo hoo! I finally get to meet her teacher friends and precious students... in plaid jammies and slippers. It's not exactly the ideal way to meet new people, but why not?

Happy Thursday!

Toodles,

ANF

With Flying Colors

My Travel Essentials

Hi Friends! I'm CONUS bound, and I'm so ecstatic. My flight leaves tonight, and after several phases of editing, I believe I'm completely packed and ready to jet set east. This is the first time in three years that I've got to celebrate Christmas with my mom, dad, and sister. It's going to a-mazing!! I hope to blog while I'm with my family over the holidays. Bear with me, as it might not be every day. Posts will most likely be short and simple. I can't wait to share our family's Christmas and New Year with you. And by the time I return, Flyboy will have completed his deployment and our little family will be reunited. There's so much to be happy about!!

Be back soon. Out to live!

Toodles,
ANF

P.S. Do you have any travel tips you'd like to share? Can you think of anything I might have forgot to pack? What about some good reads? I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I don't get seated next to Alec Baldwin or some screaming child. Wish me luck. Words with Friends anyone?

A Festive Gift Idea

Still in desperate need of a great Christmas gift?

How about another extraordinary etsy find? This one is both sparkly and graceful.

Take a look at Dreamy Vintage's feminine bracelet with jewels. Precious!

Nice Package

The only thing that tops making or buying the perfect gift is the act of wrapping. Before you get out your bows, Washi tape, leftover ornaments, kraft tags, and pretty paper, take a look at a few bright and cheerful images that I hope inspire you this holiday season. I guarantee you'll be all aflutter with ideas and ready to set up Wrapping Station 2011. Oh, and don't forget, 6-inch ribbon curls, honey...

Cute & Colorful

Packages so pretty, I don't think I'd ever want to open them!

I'm serious about stripes and stacking.

Simple and heartfelt.

Does it get any cuter than jewel tones, ric rac, and polka dots?

Mad about plaid.

A simple and sparkly bow.

I know that you're itching to get out your paper, scissors, and start your folding, but don't forget to dress your gifts up in charming style by adding darling details. I'm talking about the fun part. Bows. Pom Poms. Ribbons. Tassels. Here are some of my fave gift goodies.

Holiday Gift Wrap Ideas: A Pair of Pears

Martha's Monogram Tags

Read, Wrap, & Recycle Bows

Brunch at Saks: DIY Pom Pom Flower

Creature Comforts: Gift Topper & Tag

Odessa May Society: Simple & Metallic

Brunch at Saks: Glitter Bow DIY

The secret to tying the perfect bow.

If you're one of those people who believe bows are so last season (Oh Boo Hiss!), perhaps an adorable tassel would do?
Check out this tutorial.

Matchbook's Pom Pom Tutorial

Can't get enough?

Check out 45 of Martha's greatest gift-wrapping ideas here.

Need some more insight on bows and how to tie them? Consult the Queen of Crafts here.

Final Thoughts: In case you were wondering, there really is a Gift Wrap Rap. Watch it now. 

I promise you won't regret it. Hands down, the best two minutes of my day. I can't stop singing.

Paper slapping

Scissors clapping

Ribbons snapping

Yeah, we're wrapping

Well, friends, that's a wrap. Ba-dum ching!

Tell me you knew that corny punchline was coming. 

Happy Tuesday!

Toodles,

ANF

An Ornament Exchange

Bicycle / Gin / Wire Bird / Sushi / Stocking / Cardinal / George / Pinecone / Reed Chair / Margarita / Colander / Tree / Whale / Flowerball / Cucumber / Polka Dots

I'm headed to an ornament exchange tonight. Wish me luck! New people and social events are always a recipe for disaster when it comes to Type-A. 

Oh yes, ever the eternal optimist... 

No, but really, I don't know what it is, I just have the hardest time being myself. In the past, I've set this awful precedent by putting my foot in my mouth. I think the more I worry about it, the worse it gets, and I'm afraid to just be myself. How's that for a dose of self-fulfilling prophecy? I handle these sorts of events SO much better when I have a trusty wingman. If only I could bring one of you with me. I know I'd feel instantly at ease. Wouldn't it be grand? 

So, what's the big deal? Well, we've lived here for awhile, and I'm a bit ashamed to admit that we still don't have a ton of friends. Womp womp. As a classic introvert, I haven't made it top priority, and that's just a shame. Over the past few months, we've had several visitors, and we've adjusted to our new place and Flyboy's new schedule. We didn't really put it to the forefront. We're the kind of couple that really enjoys our time together, and since he comes and goes a lot, our time is über precious. But now that things are coming together and we've got a good grasp of what life will be like for the next three years, it's time that I make it a point to branch out and meet some more people.

It's been a little rough to persuade myself to attend these sorts of events. I always find some sort of excuse, and I'm tired of being so darn predictable. It's a Type-A flaw. I'm in no way perfect, so there's always room for improvement. I guess it's most important to be aware of your flaws and fears and try to face them head on. It's been especially hard this time around because we don't live on the air force base. Nope, we live on a secluded hill. It's a rather serene retreat, which I like. However, it also reinforces my introvert ways. On a good day, I'm lucky if I see my neighbor on his roof in his banana hammock. Woah, brown chicken, brown cowwww....


So, here's to a night of fun and meeting new people. For those of you who know me quite well, I aim to avoid my typical nervous chatter. Instead, I'm going to let this little guy do the talking for me. 

Happy Happy Monday!

Toodles,

ANF

Lazy Sunday

via

Lazy Sunday? Don't mind if I do.

xo

ANF

The Office Obsessed

via

Clip Board / Poppin Pens / OMG! Eraser / The Long List / Calling Cards / Bright Solids Ballpoint Pen / Address Labels

Kate Spade / Sarah Pinto / Persimmon / Dozi / Jessica Hische / Metallic Leather Desk Diary / Erin Condren / Sarah Pinto

Notebook Set / Bin / Ruler / WTF Stamp / Multi Tape Dispenser / Washi / Chevron Pens / Susy Jack Pencil Cup / The Seven Year Pen

Jess LC / Kate Spade / Target / Ric Rac Sleeve / Kenneth Cole / Kate Spade / Kate Spade

Semikolon Box / File Flags / Magnet Clips / Baggu Zipper Set / Airplane Clips / Sharpies / Push Pins / Pencils / Sweater Duct Tape

Have a Happy Weekend!

Toodles,

ANF

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

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According to Random.org, Christina (#27) is the winner of the adorable Kate's Paper Goods gift tags.  Congratulations! Please email me to claim your prize. Thanks to everyone who participated. And just like the giveaway greats Oprah & Ellen might say, the rest of you aren't going away empty-handed. Nope! Be sure to download this free holiday iPhone wallpaper courtesy of Kate Spade. Wow, talk about a silver lining. Not satisfied? Scroll down for another holiday gift guide.

*Be sure to check out Christina's blog here.

The Bookworm

via

Domino: The Book of Decorating / The Perfectly Imperfect Home / Decorate / Design Sponge at Home / A Perfectly Kept House... / Details

The Barefoot Contessa Collection / 5 Ingredient Fix / Food Rules / The Pioneer Woman Cooks / Homemade

The Happiness Project / H is for Holy Crap / Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? / Steve Jobs / The Guide to Living Colorfully / Then Again / Bossypants

Lee Krasner / Van Gogh: The Life / Seven Days in the Art World / Seen Art?

Living Beauty / Like I Give a Frock / The Gospel According to Coco Chanel / The One Hundred / Bubbly On Your Budget

A Zeal of Zebras / Press Here / Of Thee I Sing / Paul Thurlby's Alphabet / Art for Baby / I Want My Hat Back

Print / Tote

Happy Friday!

Toodles,

ANF