Favorite Finds: Inflated/Deflated

The Inflated/Deflated project was initiated by Jillian, Lauren, and Kady - three creatives based out of Chicago, IL.

Check out the Inflated/Deflated project here. It's got to be one of my favorite finds this week!

About the Project

The words written on balloons range from humorous quotes to heartfelt feelings and memories. These words are marked on the surface of inflated balloons, and like that of one’s thoughts being released, so too is the air of the balloon. Deflated the once largely marked letters become small, expressive, and intricate forms. 

Visit the artists' Tumblr and etsy shop for more information. 

Etsy: The Valentine's Day Edition

Another batch of lovely etsy finds, and just in time for Valentine's Day! Go on and push that little heart button and show your favorites some love. Perhaps you'd like to send a funny valentine to family and friends? Or maybe you're on the hunt for the perfect gift for schnookums? Not into this commercialized holiday? Well then, let's just use it as an excuse to treat yo self the handmade way! 

You, Me, Forever / Jar of Hearts

 Neon Pink Heart Card / Happy Heart Day

Love / Someone Loves You / Love Illustrated / Hello Love

Heart Straws / Arrows / Love Pencils / Heart Felt Magnets

 Stenciled V-Neck Tee / Chocolates / Heart Studs / Heart Pillow

Where You Love

And don't forget, there's still time to enter the fabulous Blair Ritchey giveaway.

Click here for more details!

Have a swell Tuesday!

Toodles,

ANF

Lulu Lovin'

Remember all of that hype last Friday? 

Well, here's the BIG news... 

<Insert drum roll here, and use your best Oprah voice!>

This Monday morning is being kicked off with another GIVEAWAY. Woo Hoo! 

Thanks to the oh-so fabulous and talented, Blair Ritchey, one lucky reader will win a cobalt Lulu clutch. I'm the proud owner of this particular handbag, and I can't seem to gush about it enough. Every time I'm out and about with Lulu, she steals the spotlight, and rightfully so! The bright cobalt color and luxurious suede clutch is adorned with an adorable tassel detail. It's a timeless classic accessory -- an absolute wardrobe must!

Cobalt Lulu Clutch / Ashbury Floral Shirt / Signature Spade Studs / Big Time Statement Necklace / Matchstick Jeans / Essie Clambake / Cobalt Skimmers / Bangles / Belt / Watch

So, how can you win? 

You have a few different options...

Entry 1.  

Be (or become) a follower of One Fine Day and leave a comment below. Don't forget to follow @onefineA on Twitter!

Entry 2.  

View Blair's collection on her website and take a look around.  Then come back and leave a comment to tell us what clothes or accessories you'd pair with your cobalt Lulu clutch.

Entry 3.  

Be (or become) a follower of Blair Ritchey on Twitter, then come back and leave a comment below.

Entry 4.  

Like Blair Ritchey's Facebook Fan Page, then come back and leave a comment below.

Entry 5.  

Spread the word about this giveaway on your blog, Twitter, and/or Facebook, then come back and leave a comment.  Don't forget to include a link to the giveaway!!

If you complete all five, you will be entered five times. Yahoo! Each entry counts as one separate entry! The winner will be announced on Thursday, February 2, 2012. Be sure to check back and see if you're the lucky recipient. If you're looking for an in to win, you'll have to sweet talk Random.org. Best of luck, and be sure to fight like a girl! 

My Lulu in action!

A note about the sponsor...

Over the past few weeks, I've been corresponding with Blair about this giveaway. I could go on for hours about her generosity and enthusiasm. I'm in awe of her kindness and tickled by her support for One Fine Day. Such thoughtfulness is evident in the quality of Blair's handbags. Her pieces are not only unique and functional, but they're created with great care and intent. Thank you, Blair, for such an amazing opportunity and for sponsoring this giveaway! I'm so grateful.

Happy Monday!

Toodles,

ANF

And just in case you missed the links within the post, you must check out Blair's website and blog. Your wardrobe will thank you!

Tweedlee Dee!

I know you're excited about Monday's big reveal, and that's precisely the reason you need to follow me on Twitter. I feel as cool as Bravo king, Andy Cohen, these days. Do me a favor and pretend like we're in the clubhouse together taking a guzzlet of our favorite gimlet. I go on to tell you what three things I'm obsessed with, and then I launch into the following spiel...

Post on my Facebook wall.

Tweet me @onefineA.

(@BravoAndy has a better ring to it)

Call 1-877-33-BRAVO.

(Yes, I have that part of his script memorized at this point.)

Can't get enough of Andy's cuteness? 

Check out more of his signature facial expressions here.

Hope you're having a marvy weekend -- more Mazels and less jackholes!

Toodles,

Ashley

P.S. I'm saving my inaugural tweet for Monday. It's going to be mayj! Extra brownie points to those who can offer any pointers. I still don't completely understand the whole hashtag thing and when it's appropriate to use. Are you on Twitter? How do I find you? Who else should I follow that's funny and informative? Okay, enough questions for now. I apologize if I lost you with my intensity, but that's the standard around here!

The Love List

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

Dear J.Crew, 

Please stop wooing me with your fabulosity. I can't handle it anymore. Just when I think you couldn't top your last catalog, you unveil another collection of "New Arrivals" and I'm left lusting for more.

Sincerely,

Your oh-so-loyal friend, Ashley

P.S. I will never stop loving you!

I just adore everything about this look! Check out My Style Pill stat. You'll be inspired!

 In a heartbeat, I would splurge on this necklace and beach towel. 

Necessities, no. That's the whole point behind "Treat Yo Self!"

 These Valentine's Day cards on etsy are pretty charming!

I'll take the Besties card and save it for Reese (wink, wink). The Work of Art card? Well, that's for you!

 We had some people over last week for dinner (Shocker!), and I made these little gems for dessert. Yowzah! 

They are absolutely delightful. I will definitely make them again. You must give them a try!

Yahoo! A printable meal planner from In Honor of Design and Surprise Lanterns for your next shindig. 

Oh Happy Day, indeed!

 I've got my mind set on you! 

There will be lots of beach time, tea, magazines, and planning this weekend. 

Note to Self: Must get this mug -- it's too perfect!

So very true! Thanks for the advice, Andy!

image via Geronimo Balloons

Buckle up, buttercup! I'm so ecstatic. I feel something like the picture above -- just bursting with sparkles, love, and excitement!!! I wish I could tell you right now, but it's best that I wait. We wouldn't want to ruin a surprise. Although, if you want you want to get a head start, be sure to follow me on Twitter! I signed up for an account awhile ago, and I never used it. Whoops! You can follow me @onefineA. My first tweet will be about the BIG reveal.

Have a swell weekend! Got any big plans?

Toodles,

ANF

Thursday's Thoughts

Woah! Where has this week gone? I still have so much to complete before I can even begin to welcome the weekend. Somewhere along the way, I got busy. I love being occupied, but right now I feel somewhat overwhelmed. Yes, my to-do list owns me and usually it's the other way around. I'm not proud to admit it, but it's the truth. Today, I will chip away at emails that have been sitting in my inbox for a week (Yikes!), run errands, create a flyer, blog, schedule appointments, get my hair did, prepare mail, visit the post office, etc. I know that probably doesn't sound like much, but I figured I'd share my laundry list of excuses as to why this post isn't as creative as I originally intended. I'm sorry, I can't come up with anything better because I'm too busy brushing my dogs. Actually, I need to add that to the list as well. Anywho, I've got big things planned for this next week, so buckle up, buttercup! 

While you wait in anticipation, enjoy these tidbits of wisdom...

Get it? Fine. Gosh, when did I become such a creep about my last name? 

Thankful for today.

Okay Thursday, let's do this!

This is where it's beautiful.

Hello, cuteness!

Quotes that suddenly make you feel in control!

Cheers to tackling a to-do list with gusto!

Toodles,

ANF

Color Crush: Yellow

via

What better way to keep on the sunny side than the color yellow? It's a bright and cheerful shade -- a no-brainer to beat the winter blues. Now I know I can't complain about 20 degree temps, but this time of year in Hawaii is typically quite rainy. Lately, it's been lovely -- very little rain and lots o' rays. Go on and incorporate a little yellow into your day and the sun will surely shine in. Say that five times fast, and take a gander at some of my favorite pops of yellow while you're at it!

Wake Up Happy / San Pellegrino Limonata / Bees Knees Polish / The Long List / Trois / Ballet Pumps /
Weekly Planner / Pony Tassel / Sweet Zinnia Studs / Tudor City Holly / Dots Bowl

Chit Chat iPhone Case / Lemons / Chevron Tray / Cropped Trench / Exotic Bracelet / Ribbon & Tags / Smile /
Pencil Note Cards / Tape Dispenser / Mustard Bow Belt / Spatula / Pantone Swatch / Drops of Sun Earrings

Coltskin Ballerina / Liquid Round Bowl / Keel's Simple Diary / Bellocq Breakfast Tea / Owl Measuring Cups / Toaster / Paper Straws

Hello, sunshine! What color puts you in a happy mood lately? Surround yourself with it.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

Toodles,

ANF

Brad-tastic!

 

I love Mondays for one reason -- It's a Brad, Brad World. When Bravo started airing commercials for Mr. Goreski's docu-series, I felt at odds. I love Rach, Rodg, and Brad. Do I have to choose sides in this divorce? For the love of baby Skylar and his "mayj" shoe collection, NO! There's room in this Bravo love tank for all things fabulous. Besides, I could never discriminate against this bubbly, bow-tie-wearing fashionisto*. In fact, his show has only intensified my love for him. He's as cute as a button! If he ever finds that he needs a stand-in BFF for Annabet, I would be there in a Canadian heartbeat. I just want to be around to wipe his tears and listen to his playful banter with Gary. What? He wants to take me on a shopping spree at Tory Burch? Enlist my help for styling at Kate Spade? Ba-na-nas! Oops, I probably shouldn't say that. It's okay though, we'll work on some other quirky catch phrase.

Around 10/9c, my geek-chic gush fest begins. Yes, you will find me on Mondays clad in plaid or a bow tie watching this budding stylist's fashion journey. My cheeks inevitably hurt afterwards because I've smiled or laughed too much. That is ALWAYS a good thing.

Happy Tuesday!

Toodles,

ANF

Final Thoughts...  

• My apologies for today's vulgarities. Can we just agree to call them pops of colorful language? I did it in the name of bow ties and POCs.
• Can't get enough Brad? You must read this interview. He's adorable as ever!  
• His book comes out in March. Can't wait! 

*Slight grammar inquiry regarding the appropriateness of the hyphens used. Eek, what a faux pas! Please advise as necessary.

images via 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7   

Happy National Handwriting Day!

Style Philes: Cover Lover

One of my favorite items to decorate my house with is books, and this past Christmas I was gifted with a few clothbound Penguin Classics. Obsessed would be an understatement. I've wanted to add these beloved beauties to my book collection for several years. Now that I have a few, I feel greedy. I can't seem to get enough. I want them sprinkled around every room. They're delicious! And yes, I just used an adjective commonly related to food to describe books. It just feels right. These eye-popping beauties have linen jackets that are both charming and bright. My current collection has taken on the role of gewgaws on our mantle.  I walk by them countless times a day, and they make me grin from ear to ear. While I rattle on about beauteous books, I might as well make a confession. I'm definitely a girl who judges a book by its cover. Anyone else guilty as charged? 

A few deliciously designed covers my fellow book snobs might enjoy...

Swerve / The Secret Garden / Blue House / How To Be A Man / Lolita / Mary Poppins in the Park / 

More Comic & Curious Verse / Amelia Lost / Taste of the Sun

 A few books I'm itching to read or revisit...

The Descendants / The Elements of Style / Sense & Sensibility / The Wonderful Wizard of Oz / 

Webster's Collegiate Dictionary / The Darling Buds of May

Happy Monday!

Toodles,

ANF

Words o' Wisdom

//

I hope you're having the best weekend!

xoxo

ANF

Friday Favorites

J.Crew's Spring catalog has got my heart aflutter, but what else is new?

I'd gladly wear any one of these looks!

The Ash-bury Floral - Isn't that a sign? This shirt is a MUST! 

I'm crazy for anything with scallops, sateen, and Navy. This mini is absolute perfection!

Peace is Everything Tee - Love the red embroidered heart at the hem, or the final pièce de résistance.

And now that I've gotten all of this J.Crew lust out of my system,
here's a little link love to brighten your Friday...

Snarky and I love it! 10 Things Pinterest  Should Do Right Now

Mrs. O on the arts.

Turn your scarf into a dashing necklace. 

Cheesecake To Go

 Check out this adorable fashion blog - Brighton The Day!

Tangerine Tango is the color of 2012 according to Pantone. I couldn't be more excited! 

Ah-ha! Four ways to knot a belt.

Low-fat dip recipes that sound delish! 

Joanna Goddard on her greatest fear. A totally relatable and touching post.  

Be in love with life. Thanks, Tulips & Flight Suits for your insight! The post isn't just for single ladies, although it does offer some fabulous advice.  

Your Dose of DIY: Watercolor techniques and tiny bows.

Leisurely Reading: Rue's January 2012 Issue 

Rent Midnight in Paris. You won't regret it! 

Take note, Rachel Zoe. The meaning behind the idiom... 

image via A Lovely Being

Have an exceptional weekend!

Toodles,

ANF