Happy Friday!

"Let's love life today and forever."

via

Weekend Essentials: Fedora // Swimsuit // Stationery // Polish // Gimlets // Sunnies // Tote // SPF //
September Issues // Tennis Shoes // To-Do Lists // Coffee // Clarity Pouch // Herbs // Blog Inspiration // Doodles

All the stars seem to have aligned today, and I couldn't be happier. Flyboy and I both have the day off! Eek! He's leaving tomorrow for a few days (womp womp), so we plan on cramming all of our Labor Day weekend festivities into one day. Can you say BEST DAY EVER?! We're going to get an early start by hiking Koko Head, then hop on over to our favorite beach, grab some groceries, and then devour something delicious. I haven't decided exactly where or what we'll eat, but I'm thinking we'll end the day with a big bowl of ice cream topped with some Trader Joe's Cookie Butter. My parents sent us a jar this past week, and I've been dying to try the combination! Once Flyboy departs, I'll hunker down at Lil' Puna and prepare some snail mail. There are some serious thank-you notes in order -- I'm one blessed gal. There are also a few odds and ends that need to be done around the house (touch-up painting, yard work, dog bathing, etc.). Needless to say, I'm ecstatic about the long weekend that awaits.

What do you have planned? I hope you have a lovely Labor Day weekend!

Toodles,

ANF

Stationery Spotlight

A few nights ago, I was ready to unplug. I thought I'd seen all that Pinterest and my endless blog subscriptions had to offer that day. I was exhausted; my eyes began to twitch and my thumb started to ache -- these are the trivial side effects that come with a technology overdose. However, within minutes of calling it a day, I stumbled upon 9th Letter Press. Perhaps my vow to step away from the computer and iPhone could be delayed just a few more minutes?! Suddenly my tired eyes lit up and my heart began to race. I knew this was going to be a stationery sighting worth sharing. Ladies and gents, say hello to...

Your Friendship Is Gold // Baker // Initial // Lady

Quill + Pens // Eating For 2 // You Are The Sweetest // Love + Bubbles For The Couple

In this instance, my online overdose proved to be quite the success. 

It's just another paperie I look forward to frequenting. Be sure to bookmark this one, my friends!

Happy Thursday, dear friends.

ANF

Top Illustration Images: 1 // 2

Need Read Greed

• Need: Brown Riding Boots for Fall
• Read: The Predicament of Culture by James Clifford // This is a great cultural anthropology book  that really looks at where cultural anthropology and art meet. It's perfect for my master's research!
• Greed: Standard Size Parti Poodle // Way expensive and I just don't have time for one right now. Plus, Mack, my Golden Retriever, might get jealous! A girl can dream, right?

Be sure to bookmark Danielle's blog, The Flying Bread Machine. 

She shares amazing recipes, fitness tips, her favorite finds, and more!

Interested in sharing your Need, Read, Greed? 

Just email me with your info, I'll whip up a graphic, and you'll be featured on m' blog!

Happy Wednesday!

Toodles,

ANF

Brush Strokes & Baubles

Artwork and accessories -- they're two of my favorite "A" words! When paired together, they're even more perfect.

via Lily of Paper Harbor

By Hagihara Takuya // Libby Colorblock Necklace in Flame

Heron in Stripes by Sarah Boyts Yoder // Notoriously Cheerful Necklace

M, by Alistair Frost // Blu Bijoux Square Tube Link Neon Bib Necklace

Color Study No. 2 by Emily Rickard // No. 41 Necklace

California Oranges by Emily Rickard // Tangelo Bib Necklace

Untitled (Blue) by Cliff Hengst // Bauble Bead Necklace in Cobalt

Stumblin in the Neon Groves by Francesca Spille // 5 Knot Necklace

Toodles,

ANF

Monday Moodboard

It's the kind of Monday that only the marvelous Maira can cure...

The contents of my Maira Moodboard:

Maira Kalman illustration from And the Pursuit of Happiness // Pink Velvet Chair // Textured Turquoise // 

Tickets Illustration // Grosgrain Ballet Flats // Keep Calm // Eyelashes // Neon Pleated Skirt // Vivid Lime Flats // 

Red Sweet Tea Glass // Twirl Perfume // Bow Studs // Royal Typewriter // Hello Darling // Move On // 

Vintage Fan // Chartreuse Chevron Pillow // Colorful Books // Pink and Red Felt Pastille // 

Just Plain Happy // Elements of Style // Avedon Fashion // Colorblock Clutch //

Toodles,

ANF

Lurve-Loave-Luff

Because sometimes love is too weak a word...

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

• How brilliant is this Bunny Heart by Castle & Things?
• I can't get enough pattern -- especially dots! Take a look at my favorites, courtesy of Castle & Things and Ashley Goldberg.
• Another gem of an illustration by Katie Evans. I'm absolutely smitten with her workplace sketches.
• I suddenly want a reason to buy school supplies after seeing this print by Lisa Congdon.
• A Tippi with 3-D polka dots... You've got to be kidding me! This Swiss Dot Sweater is amazeballs!
• Did you happen to see Baggu's fall color palette? I love the leather pouch in poppy.
• I've gone completely bonkers about the blog August Empress and this week's Color Study post regarding my fave color: chartreuse. Why didn't I think of that?
• I don't plan on having a child for awhile. Is it bad that I want to buy this and save it for when I do have one? The Baby Glasses Sweater is just too precious for words.
• I might just have to swing by my local Kate Spade and see this Bow Necklace in person. 
• Stay Golden.
• Cool off with a Honeydew-Lime Pop!
• "Never look back darling. It distracts from the now."
• In need of a new iPhone case? Be sure to check out this round-up at Inspired to Share.
• Please your sweet tooth with a Peanut Butter Haystack (recipe found here).
• I'm obsessed with this Squared Starburst Bracelet at J.Crew.
• Images like this one by Cig Harvey make me wish we had a bathtub. I'd give anything for a nice relaxing bath!
• Did you see the newly added Personalized Address Stamps at Pencil Shavings Studio?
• Kick up your feet and welcome the weekend with this Raspberry Collins. It looks refreshing!
• Check out the new prints and stationery at Sycamore Street Press. Don't you fancy the Always & Forever card?
• Eek! I'm in love with the Ikat Chevron throw pillows at C.Wonder. 
• Do me a favor and check out the work of Sarah Boyts Yoder. My favorite is the Pink Raincloud.
• This lettering made me smile.

 Happy Friday! Enjoy your weekend.

ANF

Thursday Thoughts

Diptyque: Baies // Roses // Mimosa // Jasmin

This is going to sound rather silly, but here it goes... What's the big deal with Diptyque candles? Will someone give me the skinny? Am I missing out on something? For years, I've seen these French fragrances grace the pages of endless shelter magazines and home decor blogs. Chic and hipster bloggers like Katie Armour and Emily Schuman have recycled Diptyque jars scattered throughout their homes, filled with colored pencils and makeup brushes. Aside from the simple and elegant design and packaging, will someone tell me what's so fabulous about this $60 luxury candle? What makes it different than the $20 candle? I'm just dying to know. Do you recommend a particular scent? Is it crazy to spend this much on a fancy-pants candle? As the "Treat Yo' Self" queen, I'm down with the occasional splurge. From what I've read, they burn for 50-60 hours and the scent is strong, so a little goes a long way. Diptyque lovers, please fill me in. I'll do just about anything to keep my home smelling so fresh and so clean.

Happy Thursday!

Toodles,

ANF

Need Read Greed

I thought it might be kind of fun to start a new series on m' blog. The Tuesday Ten was an absolute blast. It was an awesome opportunity to learn about YOU! Some days, I honestly get tired of composing posts about me. I start to run out of ideas, and I can tell when my content is lacking the pizazz my readers so desperately deserve. What's a gal to do? After a few hours of bloggie browsing and brainstorming, I figured I might take direct inspiration from one of my favorite blogs, Jane Reaction. Jane is a freelance graphic designer and blogger who has a weekly feature Need Read Greed in which she invites other bloggers to weigh in. What do you think? Are you game?

• Need: Woodland Park Owl Vase  // How adorable is he? I mean really!
• Read: Blog, Inc.: Blogging for Passion, Profit, and to Create Community //  I could use some advice.
• Greed: Sparkle Bow Top // I can't even muster the words to describe how much I adore this shirt.

So now that you know the name of the game, please tell me you'll partake!

Just email me your Need Read Greed items, and a reader/blogger will be featured each week.

Toodles,

ANF

Currently Obsessed

Color me smitten. How fabulous is the selection of handbags from ModCloth?! 

With the bright pops of color and unique details, these bargain bags go above the call of beauty. 

I think I'll take one of each, please! 

1. Travel Bright Bag -- My personal fave from this collection!
2. Bright Lights Big Citrus Bag -- How about that name? So clever!
3. To The Quilt Bag -- So chic in stripes.
4. Mail Me to Miami Clutch -- The pop of pink and pale blue are a perfect combination.
5. Orange You Adorable Bag -- Yes, you are! And as a result, you tote-ally deserve this bag.
6. Something About You Bag -- Look at that luminous shade of orchid pink!
7. Grasshopper, Skip, and Jump Bag -- I could see myself hopping around town with this satchel at my side.
8. Enveloped in Style Tablet Clutch -- A contemporary carryall!

I think a girl's bag says a lot about who she is. What does your choice say about you?

When looking for a new bag, do you opt for fun, functional, or both?

Happy Tuesday, m' dears!

Toodles,

ANF