The Tuesday Ten

Learn a thing or two about my dear friend, Kim!

And while you're at it, you should check out her witty blog ramblings here.

10 Random Facts: Kim DeMass

Kim is a fellow military spouse whose current residence is jolly ol' England...

• Cooking for people makes me anxious – very anxious. Except for family – they always have to love me, even if it sucks. I always catch myself making excuses when I cook for others. I think the perfectionist in me is never truly satisfied with my cooking.
• I am doomed to diabetes because sugar and I are not-so-secret lovers. We meet everyday. And because I think every meal should have a dessert….or be a dessert if it’s breakfast. I'm slightly better at this (or am trying to be), but I also love carbs, mostly in the form of bread or sweet breads - puddings, as they are called in the UK.
• I think toasters are completely pointless. They can’t do anything that a toaster oven can’t, but they don’t make toast. You know, cheese toast, butter toast, cinnamon toast. Toaster ovens, people, toaster ovens! The UK does not have toaster ovens - I'm adjusting.
• I love puma shoes! I just bought a new pair for work – they have lime green accents. I found out today that I have to wear all-white shoes to work. Oh well, I guess I’ll have to buy another pair in white!
• I’m terrible at girlie things – especially doing hair and makeup and being crafty. I might be getting better, but I might be lying to myself.
• My dog’s full name is Jackson Henry DeMass. He is a Vizsla, and he is my child.
• I love to buy people presents! I also have the worst time keeping people’s presents a secret; I just get so excited about surprises. Kristen Wiig does a pretty great impersonation of me on SNL – see the clip here. I seriously get great amounts of joy & excitement from buying someone an awesome present. Something they didn't think to ask for or is perfect for them or they really wanted but wasn't easily obtainable. I get so excited that I usually end up giving it early or giving it away. I can't hold it in. I should start wearing turtlenecks to cover my mouth with. 
• My mind does not process big things in a timely manner, so I never have the appropriate emotional response at big occasions. For example, the last day of the honeymoon I looked at my husband with a big smile and said “Hey, we’re married!!!”  – still emotionally inappropriate/delayed.
• I can be ridiculously indecisive.
• I am a multiple-choice test slayer – just ask the ACT. 

Thanks for sharing, Kim! Putting this post together made me miss you like crazy cakes.

Interested in sharing your 10 Random Facts?

Email me.

Happy Tuesday!

Toodles,

ANF

P.S. Don't forget about the Shabby Apple Giveaway. Enter to win a $50 gift card. The winner will be announced tomorrow, August 1st!

Image Credits: French Kitchen Art // Chocolate Cake by Wayne Thiebaud // Dualit Toaster // Puma // Hair, Makeup, Fashion // Jackson // Gift-Giving // Timelines // Yes or No? // Scantron 

Giveaway Monday

Nothing says "Hello, Monday!" like a sweet giveaway. 

Did I pique your interest?

You can only imagine how excited I was when the lovely folks at Shabby Apple contacted me to see if my readers would be interested in the opportunity to win a $50 gift card. Say what?! I couldn't help but reply with a ginormous and emphatic YES! The brand is known for their flirty and feminine pieces. Take a look! I'm sure you'll find something you'll love.

So how does a gal go about winning this fabulous gift card? 

I'm glad you asked...

• "Like" Shabby Apple on Facebook and leave a comment below. 
• Stop by Shabby Apple's Website and leave a comment below. Tell me about your favorite piece from their latest collection!
• Be (or become) a follower of One Fine Day and leave a comment below. Here are a few ways to follow -- get updates via @onefineA on Twitter, join via Google Friend Connect (look to your right), and Bloglovin.
• 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!!

*Eligible contestants must have a U.S. shipping address.

Complete all four entries, and you'll be entered four times. Way to increase your odds, my friend! As always, each entry counts as one separate entry! The lucky winner will be announced on Wednesday, August 1, 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! Now go get 'em!

Happy Monday, my dears! 

I hope your week is off to a swell start.

Toodles,

ANF

Lurve-Loave-Luff

Just a few things that made my heart go pitter-patter...

- Slightly obsessed with the field of green in Andrew Guenther's work of art -- it deserves to be front and center!

- The contents of Mrs. Lilien's Wrapping Cabinet made my heart sing! Every present should include a pom-pom.

- I die. Metallic fuchsia ballet flats -- a fun twist to a classic shoe. Get in my closet now!

- What's cuter than this candy striped iPhone case? Pink and red is one of my all-time favorite color combinations!

- Love the "What has that girl been up to?!" series on Gadabout's blog. Check it out!

- I think I'd like to sip my morning cup of Joe from this striped mug. Isn't it just darling?!

- The Funberry Striped Pillow featured on One Kings Lane this week made me squeal. Literally.

- I'm convinced that Bri Emery of designlovefest can do no wrong. I would just die to attend a Blogshop!

- Stumbled upon this fabulous illustration by Rob Mason on etsy. Every kitchen deserves a pop of color!

- I'm looking forward to this weekend's Starbucks run. Mama needs an old-fashioned donut!

- Take a moment and bookmark A-Thread! You'll thank me later. This pleated green skirt has me smitten...

- Looking for a subtle and natural colored polish? Pick up a bottle of Essie's A Crewed Interest. It's quite nice! 

- I'm fairly certain that I deserve a tasty dessert. I plan on whipping up this Peanut Butter-Chocolate Chip Pie.

Any exciting weekend plans? Do tell.

via

Happy Friday!

ANF

On Trend: Spots & Dots

via J.Crew

For someone like myself, the current polka-dot trend is heavenly. Did you see the new J.Crew catalog? Spots and dots were executed to absolute perfection. It left me feeling verklempt -- but that's par for the course! I guess my obsession can be attributed to my mother. I specifically remember that moment when we watched Pretty Woman together, and my mom pointed out the brown-and-white polka-dot dress worn by Julia Roberts at the polo match (see look here). Do you remember that dress? Her spotted frock was flawless. It's a remarkable look that's timeless. As per usual, mom knows best.

Thankfully, you don't have to look far to find this cheerful and friendly print. Like the chic and sophisticated stripe, the polka dot is a wardrobe staple. It's fun and makes a statement! In the event that this supposed trend goes out of style, please do me a favor and don't tell me. If polka dots are wrong, I don't want to be right. Here are a few of my favorite dotty finds...

Thursday's Thoughts

via

Romcom to Wardrobe: French Kiss

Fact: The women in my family are obsessed with Meg Ryan and her classic romcoms. As a blonde adolescent, I spent the better part of six years in pursuit of achieving her coveted care-free haircut. I mean, what normal teenager dreams of a day at the salon getting coiffed by Sally Hershberger? It was by no means healthy, but this tenacious hair-raising phase spanned from middle school to college -- sadly, I have pictures to prove it! 

And while I said c'est la vie to Meg's signature cut, I'm still just as smitten with her movies. One of my absolute favorites is French Kiss. Please, tell me you've seen it! It's one of those classics I find myself quoting on a regular basis. In fact, this past weekend I recited one of my favorite lines:

"Happy - smile. Sad - frown. Use the corresponding face for the corresponding emotion."

Although I'm not sure the people around me had any idea as to what I'd just said, uttering those words made me happy inside. Days later, I'm still thinking about the movie and wishing I had an hour to dust off my DVD and take an imaginary trip to France with Kate (Meg Ryan) and Luc (Kevin Kline). In the meantime, I think I'll spend the rest of the day spouting out movie quotes. I hope you enjoy my interpretation of Meg's French Kiss wardrobe.

"Spasm! Spasm! Oh, God, here it comes... lactose intolerance!"

Paris: Oxford Boy Shirt // Schoolboy Blazer // Toothpick Denim // Tretorn Sneakers // Necklace

Cannes: Boatneck // Market Tote // Flats // Scout Chino // Sunglasses // Floppy Hat

What's your favorite chick flick?

Happy Wednesday, dear friends!

Toodles,

ANF

The Tuesday Ten

Learn a thing or two about Jordon Furnell from Life is Better Messy Anyway...

Monday Moodboard

I came across this Eames design for a kite last week. The brilliance and ingenuity of Charles and Ray never ceases to amaze me. The colorful swatches of paper made me instantly happy and inspired, so it's only appropriate that I use it to kick off this week's blog posts. Whenever I'm in a rut and I find myself staring at a blank computer screen, I turn to some of my favorite creative geniuses, sift through old design books and magazines, and scroll through my Pinterest boards. The result: Monday's Moodboard...

 

Sunnies Print // Janey Patent Flats (Great gold details!) // Marketplace Day Bag // Emerald Bauble Bead Necklace //

No. 357 Bracelet // Swiss Dot Pie Server // Roxy Marj Spotted Envelope // Misia Vase // The Old Man and the Sea // 

Short-Sleeve Crepe Top // Be Yourself // Eames Rocker // Bubble Earrings // Striped Flats //

Inslee Haynes Sketchbook // Happy We Met // Leather Bow Skinny Belt

Toodles,

ANF

Lurve-Loave-Luff.

Just a few things spotted and hearted this week...

via Angela Scott

Cute striped folders via Kate Spade.

Suede Peep-Toe Sidewalk Skimmer + Colorblock = A match made in heaven.

Calf Hair Card Case

We're not good. We're super.

DIY: Personalized Coasters

Crack Pie -- I must make this!

Skinny Mini Bow Bangle

Essie: Orange, It's Obvious

Heart Me Tippi Sweater -- I've been living in mine!

A nice reminder -- Stay true to who you are.

Striped Heartnote Cardigan -- It has heart-shaped elbow patches. Shut. Up!

DIY: Initial Heart Balloons

Take Note: This is how you address a package!

Sip on this: Cucumber Mint Gimlet

Budget Friendly: Margot Earrings

Cheerful ceramic coasters.

Have a wonderful weekend,

ANF

Currently Coveting

Who needs coffee when you can wake up and feel invigorated by J.Crew's newest arrivals?

I'm seriously smitten with this Cashmere Polka-Dot Sweater. It's an investment piece, right?

Oh well, for now I'll wear this scarf and dream about the day I own this piece. 

(Of course, cooler weather wouldn't hurt either. Le sigh.)

Toodles, dear friends!

ANF

Inspiration Board: Hot Spot

I stumbled upon this paper mosaic, entitled Hot Spot, by Hallie Torrey last week. I was instantly intrigued by the bold colors and texture of each watercolor tile. Be sure to check out Hallie's etsy shop: Hallie Lu Ya. Her illustrations and mosaics are lovely! Go on and heart it.

Cosmic Raspberry Lipstick // Mark Rothko // Pom-Pom Flower Pin* // Striped Bin // Macarons
* I know I've featured these pins countless times, but they make me so incredibly happy!

Tassel Keychain // Charlotte Necklace // Ice Cream Sandwich // Pencil // Do Good // Christina Shoe // Vintage Clock

Damask Dragon Fruit Rug // It's gorgeous!

Clarity Pouch // Cake Knife // Hot Pink Silk Wrap // Triple Threat Bangle // Painted Pouch // Canvas Duffel // Never Too Much 

Toodles,

ANF

Be My Guest: Clubhouse & Cocktails

Note: If you're not down with Bravo TV, you can stop reading here.

Just a few of Andy's favorite things: His book, Most Talkative, Snoopy, the St. Louis Cardinals, Snyder's Pretzels, Fresquila (Fresca and Tequila), a comfy mod chair, Tramona, Ramona Pinot Grigio

Mazeloha, readers! It is no secret that my greatest guilty pleasure would have to be Bravo TV. While I would love to be one of those sophisticates who spends their free time revisiting classic literature, I like to unwind with trash TV. I'm on a first-name basis with most of the characters, and I've never met a Bravo series I didn't enjoy. Okay, it did take me awhile to get attached to The Real Housewives of Miami, but Mama Elsa's appearances kept me slightly entertained.

Each day, I look forward to sitting down on our couch and catching up on my Bravo stories. And it's not just the variety of series that I love. You see, Missouri-native and Bravo exec, Andy Cohen, has m' heart. He's stylish and quirky and somewhat awkward in front of the camera. He owns it, and I love that about him. Where else will a Mazel and Jackhole be crowned nightly? Drinking games and pleading the fifth are the norm. I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I tune into his late-night show religiously. I haven't felt this way about a daily show since Tom Brokaw hosted the Nightly News. It's pathetic, but true. What can I say? I love a man with character.

I'll admit that this AC in the NYC obsession is a bit out of control. A few weeks ago I was prepping for my in-laws and their impending visit. I caught a quick episode of WWHL and learned that one Bravo super fan would get the chance to fly to New York City and mix cocktails as the Clubhouse bartender. Are you kidding me? That sounds like heaven. And if it wasn't for my hefty to-do list and visitor preparations, I would have been ALL over that! I think we can all agree it's a good thing that I was a busybody, because I could have come off as a fatal attraction. I'm thinking a restraining order would have been inevitable.

Weeks later, I'm still thinking about my fictitious essay. Had I submitted my 500-word ode to Bravo TV, I'm sure it would have been illustrated to look something like this post. It's proof of my super fan status. While I still think I should be flown to the Big Apple to play the role of mixologist, I thought I'd whip up my idea of the perfect Bravo shindig. Chin-chin, dahling! Don't tell the Countess she wasn't invited...

The Tuesday Ten

This week's Ten Random Things is brought to you by Jess Gambacurta from Curating Style...

I rarely wear a belt, though I like them on other people. They just seem so expensive and a little frivolous (though that makes no sense, since they help you keep your pants fitted!).

The only songs I know by heart are *NSYNC songs. (Sad, yet true.) Here we go...

Until I lived in Egypt, I was scared of lighting matches or being around fire. But when you have a stove without an automatic pilot, you get used to it quickly!

I have an unhealthy love for French fries. I like ‘em piping hot, a little salty, no ketchup.

Speaking of frivolous things, one of my “it’s on my wish list but I can’t justify ever buying it” items is a pair of Stubbs & Wootton slippers. (Especially the political themed ones, which fits my academic background.)

Though I love my iPhone and iMac, there’s nothing like pen and paper. Who else has too many notebooks? I just picked up a new one at Target this weekend, and I always have my all-purpose plain Moleskine with me.

When I’m feeling a little blue or stuck in a reading rut, I always pull out Harry Potter. I received a copy for my birthday one year, from my uncle’s girlfriend (now my aunt!). It doesn’t have a Book One stamp on the spine, so this cherished book fell into my hands back when there wasn’t any thought of a second book in the series.

Apparently I feel very hungry while writing this; all of a sudden I want some black coffee ice cream. This is the good stuff, steeped in organic cream, and made right here in my city.

A little-known tidbit (well, at least to the blog world) about my personal life is that my boyfriend and I met through OKCupid. It’s not all weirdos and downtrodden on there; we’ve been together for two years now! I moved to a new city and figured it would be a fun story to tell my grandkids someday.

My new favorite drink is the French 75. Made with gin, champagne, lemon juice, and simple syrup, it’s a perfect combination of refreshing and boozy!

Thanks for sharing, Jess! I'm eager to whip up a French 75 this weekend. Doesn't it sound divine?

Be sure to bookmark Curating Style. Jess' blog is darling, and I just know you'll love it! In fact, my heart skipped a beat yesterday when I read her post about monograms. She's a girl after my own heart.

Happy Tuesday!

Toodles,

ANF

"The details are not the details. They make the design." -- Charles Eames

Well hello, Monday... we meet again! While most weeks I despise you, this week I'm happy to welcome a fresh start. I spent most of last week trying to get ahead of my to-do list. There were emails that began to collect dust, blog entries to be planned, work to be completed, and exercise that needed to be a priority. I feel like a broken record, but I swear I used to dominate my to-do lists. Do you ever feel this way? Time management and finding a balance came so easy to me -- I mean, my sister calls me Type-A(shley) for a reason! These days, this title feels a little unearned, and I'm left feeling slightly overwhelmed. I get frustrated with myself because I want to do it all. There aren't enough hours in the day to do everything; therefore, I must prioritize.

 

I've realized that my routine when Flyboy is away is entirely different than when he's home. I thrive in both situations, but it's the switching gears part that doesn't come easy to this "Fish sticks on Friday" gal. What can I say? I'm working on it! Maybe one day I'll get quicker at transitioning... For now, I'm blessed to be busy and eager to conquer this juggling act, if that's even possible! Of course, that's when a fizzy gimlet or a colorful pair of flats come in handy -- they seem to always paint a ginormous grin on this mug!

And while I'm on the topic of things that make me happy, take a peek at a few moments that left me feeling smitten this past week...

Weekly Round-Up

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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

A Word to the Wise: Lisa Congdon

Just a few things spotted and hearted on the Interwebs this week...

Secret Heart Earrings // Color me smitten!

Young Grasshopper // This brass paperweight reminds me of my dad.

Mixed-Fabric Bangles // Can you ever have enough bracelets?

She's Got Peplum // A bargain buy!

"It's Nice" Print // Oh, just another adorable art print by Sugar Paper...

Ballet Flats // Colorful, comfy, and cute.

Tri-Color Thread Belt // Mama likes!

Doodles Pencil Necklace // Doodle away the day... I think I need this!

Set High Golds // A budget-friendly bag.

NARS Illustration // Another happy image via Katie Evans.

Bright Notes // I'm starting to run out of notepads. This may be my next purchase!

Hands Up! // Prada and Vahram Muratyan have teamed up to create a series of illustrations used to accessorize.

Blueberries // Take a moment and check out these delightful Food On Paper illustrations.

Basil French 75 // Cocktail anyone?

Die-Cast Mini Shopper // Eek, it's on sale!

Noted - Rubber Stamp // So excited to have stumbled upon this etsy shop: Ann-Marie Loves Paper.

Imperfect: The New Perfect // Working to adopt this mantra.

Link Love:

Cool down with this a-mazing iced coffee recipe!

How cute is this desktop background designed by Ampersand design?

This weekend, I'll whip up a loaf of this Coconut Raspberry Banana Bread. You should too!

Treat Yo Self! Why don't you try one of these at-home spa treatments?

And in case you missed it, I had the opportunity to guest post on a few different blogs this week.

Check out my perfect summer day over at Style Your Life and Quote-a-rama at Design Editor.

Thanks for having me, Jennifer and Catherine!

Got any weekend plans?

Toodles,

ANF

P.S. Need a good laugh? Check out Pintester -- a blog about failed attempts at testing pins from Pinterest.