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."

Art I Heart: Julia Denos

In my next life, I want to be a wildly talented illustrator like Julia Denos. Some of you may be familiar with her work, as her illustrations have graced numerous magazines (Anthology) and children's books (I Had a Favorite Dress and Just Being Audrey). There's a playful elegance to her art; each piece is packed with color and texture. Her youthful imagination and whimsy is bound to rub off on you. I dare you to look at the following delightful illustrations and not smile. In fact, I think her work is worth a double-barrel grin. Won't you agree?

images via Julia Denos

Please tell me your cheeks are hurting after scrolling through these darling images. I hope you're smiling like a buffoon. You deserve a quality smile today. It looks good on you! Don't you just love it when a splash of cheerful artwork instantly changes your outlook? The day already looks a little brighter.

Have a swell Thursday!

Toodles,

ANF

P.S. Can't get enough of Ms. Denos and her self-proclaimed love affair with color? 

Check out her Website, blog, and shop.

This 'N That

...hang this print of the NY Public Library by Bella Foster in your living room and 

dream of that fabulous Crystal Necklace...

Happy Wednesday!

Toodles,

ANF

Color Crush

Lovely shades of green for a refreshing spring day!

Sonia Delaunay: Watercolor, 1924 /  Bow Cuff / Dots Telegram Clutch

Radio Solar Crank / "Shit, It's Raining" Umbrella

Love / Tessellate Necklace / Luggage Tag / Paper Grass / Olive LePen / Lilibeth Patent Sandal / Clover Envelope

Festival Green Toothpick Jean / Quotation via Note to Self 

Toodles,

ANF

Color Me Preppy

I can't stop dreaming about these colorful twill Sperry Top-Siders.

Talk about tough life decisions...

Dark Spearmint or Neon Azalea?

Perhaps these boat shoes would make me feel a little more bold and adventurous?

I Married Adventure

via Fifi du Vie

We have this particular postcard on our fridge, and it makes me smirk every time I see it because it's so ironic. I am not adventurous; I prefer to play it safe, but this is no surprise to you. It's precisely what you would have expected from Type-A, right? Lucky for me, Flyboy appreciates his routine just the same (although, I do find him a tad more daring than myself). We're the perfect match in a Rain Man sort of way, and this card is intended to remind us to shake things up every now and then -- like have breakfast for dinner. We're wild and crazy, I'm aware!

As of late, my "fish sticks on Friday" tendencies have been haunting me. Just when I get into another predictable rut, I'm tested. I knew it was only a matter of time because I started to feel settled with work, blogging, and my balance at home with the Mister and our pups. A few weeks ago, we found out that Flyboy would be attending a training course that would take him back to his home state in April. As a result, I would have the option of flying with him at no cost, which would also give me the opportunity to spend some time with my sister. Sounds great, right? I was instantly excited at the prospects of this potential trip.

• "A chance to finally ride on a C-17? Sign me up!"
• "Watch Bravo with Aubrey and walk the streets of Columbia together. Score!"
• "What should I eat while I'm back? A James Brownie Funky Jackhammer from Andy's is a must!"
• "Escape the routine and get off this rock. Um, Midwest is best!" 
• "What about an afternoon at the Nelson-Atkins Museum?"
• "Maybe I could see some old friends?"

But within 15 minutes, the logistical side of me started to take over with thoughts like these...

• "Ugh, that means I'll have to put a halt to the mail." Not kidding, my first thought is always the mail.
• "Will I be an inconvenience to Aub? Would that even work for her?"
• "What about the blog? Gawd forbid!"
• "Will I be able to take time off from work? I just started. Won't that look bad?"
• "What about the dogs? I'll need to make a kennel reservation."
• "Tripp and Beesly are going to stink after 12+ days at the kennel. They'll definitely need a bath!"

I started to get overwhelmed by minute details because this wasn't something I'd planned on doing a month ago. Can you say lame sauce? My mind gets clouded with "noise" and I automatically rule things out. All too often, I'll choose my routine over new experiences because it's what I know. I like feeling comfortable, which is ultimately a matter of control for me. It's terrible, but I'm trying to make myself more aware of this awful trait.

While Flyboy has been away this past week, I've had a lot of time to think, and I've decided I'm going to go for it. My reasons to opt out of the trip were quite absurd. In fact, I feel rather silly for making these thoughts public because it seems like a no-brainer. I guess this forum has always been a way for me to hold myself accountable and a chance to reflect. While weighing the pros and cons, I realized the following...

• I would regret not spending time with my sister.
• I still have a little over two weeks to prep. Talk about being bold and daring (wink, wink). 
• Paul, the mailman, will still be here when I return (phew).
• My job is part-time, so they don't need me, and that's the whole reason I wanted a flexible position. 
• I'll plan for some guest bloggers while I'm away and create posts in advance. Any volunteers? 
• The dogs, namely Tripp, really enjoy their time at the kennel. 

The moral of the story? Don't over think things. Oh, and keep reading One Fine Day when you're in need of an instant ego boost. Who's got two thumbs and is nuttier than you? This gal.

Happy Monday!

Toodles,

ANF

Why Don't You...

Think like a lady with this flirty look.

Go on and daydream. 

Hit a creative block? Keep a notebook handy. 

Add some pizazz to a plain envelope. 

Try my new favorite Essie shade. 

A sea of bright books. How divine?!?

That stack looks similar to my very own collection.

Confetti Sprinkled Napkins: That just sounds like a great time!

It's your duty. Leave no cocktail behind.

This is intended to motivate me in particular, but feel free to clean out your closet this weekend.

TGIF via Lisa Congdon

Do you have any exciting plans?

Have a fabulous Friday!

Toodles,

ANF

The Art of Accessorizing

Jeweled by Caitlin McGauley

Last Thursday, I posted some of my latest and greatest jewelry finds. I got a lot of positive feedback, but one reader asked if I might discuss how statement necklaces could be worn. What a great idea!! I love reader feedback. It totally makes blogging and creating post topics SO much easier. Anywho, she said she felt a little uncomfortable wearing bold and chunky baubles and wasn't sure if she could pull off the look. Do you ever feel this way?

Now let me be really honest, I don't consider myself an authority when it comes to fashion. However, I do know what I like, and I draw all sorts of inspiration from my favorite blogs, Pinterest, magazines, and catalogs. Must I remind you about my love affair with J.Crew? I didn't think so. But, in case you're new around here, I started poring over their catalog in the 5th grade -- that's no exaggeration. In fact, it's almost as nerdy as reading Real Simple since the 10th grade. Are you starting to catch on to a trend? When I'm smitten with something, it's a long-lived and intense love affair. So, when I pondered how I could best answer this reader's question, I turned to my favorite source...

The Look: Keeper Chambray Shirt & Double-Strand Resin Link Frog Necklace 

The Look: Perfect-Fit Boatneck Tee & Bubble Necklace

The Look: Nolita Jacket / Crystal Venus Flytrap Necklace / Perfect Shirt in Classic Stripe / Rose Quartz Necklace

The Look: Bubble Necklace & Featherweight Cashmere Cardigan 

The Look: Cotton V-Neck Tee / Jacey Tortoiseshell Necklace / Jade Circles Necklace

The Look: Striped Blazer (similar) / Monotone Beaded Necklace / Keeper Chambray Shirt / Coral Branch Necklace 

Just because I've used J.Crew as a source of inspiration doesn't mean that I'm telling you to drop hundreds of dollars on accessories and clothing. Some of my favorite necklaces and bracelets have come from affordable stores like Forever 21, Target, and H&M; I'm also a big fan of online sources like Bauble Bar and etsy. When it comes to higher priced pieces, watch for sales. I can spend a good hour just scouring Web sites for a bargain. If you share a similar aesthetic, check Kate Spade, J.Crew, and Anthropologie -- they have amazing deals, but their jewelry goes fast!

Sometimes there are instances when splurging on one great bauble or bangle can be incredibly worth it. These sorts of investment pieces are timeless and often give your ensemble a real "wow" factor. If you love a piece and you're considering a splurge, get it because it fits your personality and suits your individual style. Don't wear anything that's going to make you uncomfortable. Your accessories should say something about YOUR personality. The way you pair these pieces with your wardrobe makes it unique to YOU. Get creative and explore your style.

Some of my go-to necklaces in action. Just one necklace can really change up your look.

Do you have any styling tips to share with those who might be anxious to accessorize?

Happy Thursday!

Toodles,

ANF

P.S. Take a look at this helpful post by Rachel at Pencil Shavings. She offers excellent step-by-step instructions to mastering the art of necklace layering.