Friday, March 29, 2019

LURVE LOAVE LUFF



Let's get right to it, shall we?
Here's what made me feel all twitterpated, smile contagiously, giggle uncontrollably, etc.



Have a fabulous weekend, m' dears! Make it count.
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Wednesday, March 27, 2019

LIFE'S LITTLE DETAILS


"THE DETAILS ARE NOT THE DETAILS. THEY MAKE THE DESIGN." — CHARLES EAMES

Happy Wednesday, m' dears! After five weeks, I think it's safe to say that "dishwashergate" is in the rear-view mirror. In fact, the repair technician is here as we speak. It's Max's nap-time and while he should be sleeping, I've given him the task of taking care of Beesly. Her mama bear instincts are through the roof while Flyboy's away, so this seemed like the easiest way to go about things this afternoon. Yes, you read that correctly. Max skipping his nap is easier for me to deal with than Beesly in protective mode. Lord help us! By the time this guy leaves, I'm going to need some gin.

Without further adieu, here are a few things that have sparked joy around here as of late...
  • A few people on Instagram asked if I buy flowers every week and the answer is yes. We have a local place where you can buy them for dirt cheap and I load up on a weekly basis. After my family lived overseas for ten years, my mom sort of adopted the habit and I've followed in her footsteps. You could say it's our Dutch heritage*, but something about having them around the house makes me really happy. After reading Ingrid Fetell Lee's book, Joyful, my affinity for fresh blooms made even MORE sense. Flowers are one of those universal things that make people happy. However, more often than not, we only buy them for holidays or anniversaries. The author argued the cost of a weekly bouquet of grocery store flowers is the same as a few therapy sessions. It's safe to say, I appreciate her rationale!
  • Re Dutch Heritage: My parents had one of those DNA/ancestry tests done last year and it said we were Dutch. Those of you who have been hanging around here for awhile know that my mom believed this to be true all along as she's obsessed with the Netherlands. For the sake of cheese and flowers, I'm beyond thrilled. However, I still think there's got to be Deutsch genes in there somewhere. Otherwise, how will I explain my peasant-stock build?? This pear shape bod needs answers.
  • Max could spend HOURS creating things out of Legos. We recently got a few of the "real" sets to add to his collection of Duplos, but I'm over the tiny "OG" bricks already. My at-home manicure can't take the wear and tear. Not to mention, the box comes with a little pamphlet filled with ideas of things to make and that means I have to make the crap. Upon this realization, I thought it might be a good idea to organize them by color so I could find the pieces, but that approach lasted less than twelve hours when Maxwell decided to dump ALLLLLL the Ziploc bags into a pile. Never again, kid...
  • We did some yard work on Saturday, but my mom told me I need to pump the breaks when it comes to buying plants as it's still VERY cold in the evening. Le sigh. Something about the nice weather gives me the itch to start planting all the things, but I will heed her warning. Haha! This time of the year in Texas was prime for buying/planting plants. I suppose I'll just work on transitioning my closet and Max's from Winter to Spring instead. That feels like an equally colorful and fulfilling to-do.
  • Fellow art fanatics and color lovers, I swear it's as if someone got inside my head/heart and illustrated everything I feel when I'm at an art museum. I seriously get SO emotional when I flip through the children's book, My Museum. If art is your jam, grab a copy in the name of #shelfcare. You'll feel giddy, I know it!!


Enough from me. What details have you found delightful lately?
P.S. I wrote today's post before I found out there's yet ANOTHER problem with fixing our dishwasher (it requires a plumber now), but I don't have the energy to edit or update the text at this point. I'll spare you the thrilling details for now and sip on that gin I was talking about. Ha! I'm sure you'll hear more about it tomorrow. Lucky you!!

P.P.S. I also REALLY miss my husband. These sorts of shenanigans are wearing me out, y'all!


FEATURED DETAILS: RAIN JACKET // FLATS // MY MUSEUM // STRIPED TEE // PJ SHORTS // PILLOW COVER // VASE

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Friday, March 22, 2019

LURVE LOAVE LUFF



Let's get right to it, shall we?
Here's what made me feel all twitterpated, smile contagiously, giggle uncontrollably, etc.

  • Smoke Signals by Kathleen Markowitz // This abstract's colors are the inspiration behind today's post.
  • Clement Pendant // You know I'm a sucker for a great light. Make it a fabulous citron and it's a done deal.
  • BFFs Bloomers // Any chance I could get one of these in Beesly's size? Don't judge. She's my only hope.
  • Green Ink Pad // I found my old stamp-making supplies, but my ink pads have dried out. This is perfect!
  • Color Wheel Print // Yellow Owl Workshop has the most adorable paper goods, pins, and pennants.
  • Velvet Bow Mules // Have I featured these beauties in the past? If so, pardon me. They're eye candy.
  • Someone To Love // I sound like a broken record, but I will own a piece of Rachel Castle's work someday.
  • Citrus Print Matchbox // With those bright yellow tips, these matches are *almost* too pretty to use.
  • Cut & Paste Card // The cutest illustrations in all the land, Mr. Boddington's latest has me swooning.
  • Warm & Fuzzies Pennant // I'd call this one spirited greeting card, wouldn't you? This design is precious.
  • Fluffernutter Pie Pint // The next time I make it to Jeni's, trying a scoop of this is going to be a MUST!!
  • Stripe Swimsuit // I know, I know. Another swimsuit! Is it THAT obvious I'm itching to get away?? Ha!
  • Babe Town USA Print // A whimsical hand-lettered poster that's fit for Baberaham Lincoln. Am I right??
  • Lolita Fringed Tote // On my imaginary escape to somewhere warm, I pair the striped suit with this. Obvi.
  • Lush Kids' Faves // Max LOOOOOVES the bath, so I think his Easter basket will include some of these. The Rainbow Fun Bar gets incredible reviews (want to try it myself!) and that Bunny Bomb Bomb is adorbs.
  • Twiggy Flower Hoops // Inspired by its namesake, this statement earring from Loren Hope is retro and fun.
  • Funny Things My Kids Say // I stumbled upon this on Instagram and bookmarked the Australian site stat.
  • Aloha Pineapple Chamomile Tea Drops // This blend sounds decadent and fresh. Have you tried the brand?
  • Carrot Rattle // A perfect Easter gift idea for your BFF with the cute baby or that munchkin of your own.
  • Taffeta Belted Ball Skirt // Got fancy plans? Me neither. But I want to make some ASAP so I can wear this.


Have a fabulous weekend, m' dears! Make it count.

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Thursday, March 21, 2019

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS


VIA

FEELING: I was optimistic when I hit publish on last week's Thursday's Thoughts. Just when the repair technician stopped by to fix the heating element on our dishwasher, we learned our asshat contractor from last year installed the wood floors and didn't take the removal of the appliance into account when he laid them. As a result, the dishwasher is currently trapped and I need to find a way to remove a few floor boards so the repairman can pull the machine out to work on it. It could be worse, but it's just another thing I have to take care of in Flyboy's absence. I contacted said contractor to see if he could help, but he's been flaky, which only adds to the frustration. On top of this, I've had to rearrange vet and dental appointments to accommodate the ongoing issue and it's got me wishing life would return back to boring soon. Surviving is enough during a deployment. Anything additional is a pain in my rump.

THANKFUL FOR: I feel a bit silly for ranting earlier about my issues because in the big scheme of things, we're very blessed. This past week, my family in Iowa and South Dakota have been impacted by the devastating floods going on in the Midwest. With more catastrophic flooding on the way (due to snowmelt and additional rain), I pray they remain safe. Footage of small nearby towns being swallowed by the historic flooding are absolutely heartbreaking. I'm grateful that our family has kept us updated via text messages, but it's hard not to feel helpless in times like these. 

THINKING ABOUT: I got us to tickets for Jurassic Quest at the end of April and I know Max is going to have the best time. The event/exhibition allows you to experience "living, breathing, walking dinosaurs" through a series of activities, rides, science stations, fossil digs, etc. We've wanted to go for awhile, but they only stop at a few select cities each year. I've been checking the location list off and on for the past year and was ecstatic to learn they were coming to Virginia. It seems like it was meant to be. The only thing missing will be Flyboy!

READING: What's a girl got to do to get an issue of Domino magazine around here? About the time I let my subscription expire, I noticed the glossy was being sold at Target and Safeway, so I wasn't too worried about having access to the magazine whenever it hit newsstands. Well, it's a totally different story now, and I know as soon as I buy another subscription it will be available again locally. Lesson learned—always maintain your subscription, Ashley.

LISTENING TO: After Christmas, I got a set of wireless headphones on mega sale (this set) and I love them so much. Aside from when I blog or spin, I've found they come in super handy when I do yard work or the one time I had to shovel part of the driveway. The neighbors probably think I'm nuts, but every time I put them on and play music or a podcast, I swear it feels like a mini getaway. The fact that this pair is super cute doesn't hurt either. Hehe!

WATCHING: One movie night a few weeks ago, I introduced Max to The Little Mermaid and it made my heart so happy to see that he adored the film just as much as I do. I was fully prepared for him to be bored, but Scully had him at hello with the dinglehopper line. The fact that he shares the same name as the adorable sheep dog was icing on the cake! 

EATING: We've reached that point in the deployment where I don't miss cooking per se, but I do miss eating a variety of foods and the excuse to whip up a sheet pan of nachos on a Saturday night. Ha! If I was looking to meal plan, I'd refer to some of the tasty recipes I've been pinning. I probably won't get to test them for a few more months, so I thought I'd throw a few ideas your way instead and live vicariously through you! If you try any, be sure to report back.


LOVING
: A few weeks ago, I droned on about my kid and the holes he gets in the knee region of his pants?? Well, it's STILL an issue (we average two ripped pairs a week), but I've learned I'm not alone. It must be a *thing* with active/spirited kids around this age group. While I haven't been able to find any terribly cute options and places like Target are starting to offer mostly shorts (WTF?), I bought two pairs of these joggers for Max from Amazon Essentials and you can't beat the quality. They're perfect for the park or a day at home in which he doubles as a stuntman.


How are you feeling today? What are you up to? Thanks for stopping by!! 

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Friday, March 15, 2019

LURVE LOAVE LUFF



Let's get right to it, shall we?
Here's what made me feel all twitterpated, smile contagiously, giggle uncontrollably, etc.

  • Washable Placemats // You had me at washable AND navy dots. Add to your table for a fun update!
  • Minimalist Card Case // This poppy case from Poketo is what dreams are made of. I give it two thumbs up.
  • Green Pendant Light // I'm looking at all things GREEEEN! Do you have any big plans for St. Patrick's Day?
  • Ventall Lounge Chair // Sure the emerald fabric is stunning, but can we discuss the shape? Holy swoon!
  • Ellsworth Kelly Inspo // I love that Isabella cited Kelly's work as inspiration behind her colorful drawing.
  • George & Willy Studio Roller // I can't wait to add one of these to our kitchen. They're so much fun!
  • Beet Cookies // Not sure how I feel exactly about beets WITH cookies, but they sure look precious...
  • Petals // If anyone knows the source behind this punchy piece of artwork, please send info my way.
  • Letter Stickers // For those of us who can't afford $300+ luggage, but want the personalized option.
  • Purdy Navy Heels // One consonant off and these would be aptly named. Heels as purty as they come.
  • Pippa Bow-Tied Bag // Consider your girl a goner with gingham this sweet! The details. I'm obsessed. 
  • Striped Sweater Blazer // Currently 50% off!! I'm a sucker for double-breasted anything AND gold buttons.
  • Ping for Gin Bell // Need one and stat! I plan to make music with this bad boy upon Flyboy's return.
  • Hotsy Totsy Wayfarer // For $26 you can stroll through life looking snazzy with rose-colored glasses.
  • Bird's Nest Bowl // A handwoven bowl that screams SPRING. Have you seen a basket quite this beautiful?
  • Glossy Apple Green Desk Light // You guys!!! Can we stop and talk about that high-gloss apple green?
  • Hangover Patch // Hangovers aren't the norm around here, but the packaging of this line is eye-catching.
  • Domino Spring Magazine // I'm still trying to get my hands on a copy of Domino's latest. It's dreamy!
  • Marilyn Yellow Headband // Steep price-tag aside, we can all admit this hair accessory takes the cake.
  • V-Cut Swimsuit // I think & Other Stories has some of the most adorable and reasonably-priced swimsuits.
  • Number Rings // These Lulu Frost rings are lovely. Stack 'em up for the prettiest and personal memento!

Have a fabulous weekend, m' dears! Make it count.
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Thursday, March 14, 2019

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS


THE PERFECT BUN BY  NINA COSFORD

FEELING: My parents visited this past weekend and I wanted to get my mom's opinion on a potential light to replace the one that currently hangs in the entryway of the house (it came with the place). I had my eye on this Rope Net Pendant Lamp, but the photo on the website doesn't do the piece justice. I knew my mom needed to see it in person to fully understand why I was so smitten with the light and to also get her input regarding the size/scale of the piece. The ceilings are pretty high, so I wanted to ensure the light wouldn't be dwarfed once it was installed. After getting her approval, I went ahead and pushed the purchase button. Yasssss! Seeing it in the space has me giddy! I'll probably have to wait for a professional to install it because of the tall ceiling, but getting this detail pinned down is exciting.

THANKFUL FOR: The service repairman showed up today to fix our dishwasher. Hallelujah!! Thank goodness it's just Max and me, because I'm SO over hand-washing the dishes. I know it's pretty pathetic on my end, but I can't remember the last time I actually had to wash the dishes myself. It got me thinking about Home-Ec class at Bitburg Middle School and the strict teacher we had. Everything had to be perfect and we weren't excused for our next class unless the sink was dry and our dirty towels were wrapped in the way she instructed us. I couldn't help but chuckle because memories of Ms. Reisman started flooding through my mind these past few weeks while the dishwasher was kaput. 

THINKING ABOUT: We've got BIG plans to paint the kitchen cupboards and island in mid-April. Y'all, pumped doesn't even begin to describe how I feel about this looming to-do!! It's going to completely change the look of our kitchen. I'll admit that I'm a bit nervous, but with my mom taking the reigns for this DIY, I know it's going to turn out awesome and we're going to learn a lot in the process. That being said, if you have experience refinishing cabinetry, give me all the tips and tricks you've got up your sleeve. I need to gather materials and start prepping, so any help is appreciated.

READING: Max is currently obsessed with the book, Boy + Bot by Amy Dyckman. He walks around the house treating it as though it's an instructional manual or best friend. The story itself is adorably funny, but the illustrations take the cake. In fact, we're currently collecting boxes and other recyclables so we can create a friend robot of our very own. 

LISTENING TO: There's a tune Max and I can agree to listen to in the car right now and that's Kacey Musgraves' hit, Rainbow. Her voice and the message in the song mesmerizes all ages. Ha! 
It's no wonder she won Album of the Year. 

WATCHING: If you need me this weekend, you can find me taking the hedge trimmer to our Liriope and spending the rest of my free time binge-watching the new season of Queer Eye!!! Eeeek! Who else is ecstatic about the premiere tomorrow?? I'm SO ready to get my feel-good, happy cry on. Now to load up on some snacks. Who's with me??

DRINKING : On Tuesday, I ordered the Cloud Caramel Macchiato at Starbucks and was sorely disappointed in my drink. Two sips in and I could hardly stomach the rest. Yikes! Unbeknownst to me, we have Ariana Grande to blame for the concoction as she recently collaborated with the coffee company. Let me take this opportunity to say, "Thank U, Next." Fellow macchiato lovers, do yourself a favor and don't waste your money on this one. Ew.

LOVING
: These Acrylic Frames from Target are an incredible deal. I've seen pricier options at Crate & Barrel and West Elm for four times the price. I'm not sure how they compare in terms of quality, but for $20 to $25, they're definitely worth trying! The brass metal studs are such a fabulous detail. Can you picture a bunch of these in a grouping?? 


How are you feeling today? What are you up to? Thanks for stopping by!! 



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Wednesday, March 13, 2019

LIFE'S LITTLE DETAILS


"THE DETAILS ARE NOT THE DETAILS. THEY MAKE THE DESIGN." — CHARLES EAMES

Happy Wednesday! I'll leave most of the rambling for tomorrow's post, but I wanted to pop in quickly to say "Hi!" in hopes your week is off to an amazing start. Life post-DST in Delaware has been dragging, but I imagine you feel the same. I'm downright giddy to have an extra hour of light in the evening, but getting up early each morning to spin has been ugly. Naps for Max this week seem to be non-existent; however, he can barely keep his eyes open by the time 10 AM or 7 PM roll around. I'm at a loss and continue to repeat to myself, "This too shall pass!" On the bright side, we've been making the rounds on Dinosaur Drive and I'm doing my utmost to force Spring by wearing light eyelet tops and striped slides. Sunny temps in the 60s and budding Sedum are lovely promises that Winter is on its way out. Hopefully. 

Enough from me. What details have you found delightful lately?




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Friday, March 8, 2019

LURVE LOAVE LUFF



Let's get right to it, shall we?
Here's what made me feel all twitterpated, smile contagiously, giggle uncontrollably, etc.

  • Wall Task Calendar // I have a love/hate relationship with calendars right now. The Type-A planner in me feeds off of them, but with Flyboy away it feels like time is crawling along at a snail's pace. Helllllp!
  • Rectangle Brass Boxes // Okay, these are absolute stunners! I'd like to see them stacked up on a shelf.
  • Balloon Dog // How fabulous is Oeuf's woolly homage to the iconic balloon dog by Jeff Koons?! Bravo!!
  • Poole's Diner Matchbook Watercolor // Jessica Rowe's matchbook series exclusive to Furbish is dreamy.

Have a fabulous weekend, m' dears! Make it count.

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Thursday, March 7, 2019

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS


VIA

FEELING: Flyboy registered for the Marine Corps Marathon in October, and I'm super excited for him! It's a fun goal that both of us can look forward to. While he does the running part of our training program, I have seven months to plan our recovery meal. Ha! I don't want to sound haughty, but I have a little experience in this area as I've helped him make up for those lost calories after running the St. Louis marathon in 2008 and completing the Honolulu Triathlon in 2013. This Clydesdale has no business running, but I can definitely find us the best burger, pizza, or ice cream sandwich in the area. It's one aspect of marathon prep that people often overlook, but I'm up for the challenge. You're welcome.

THANKFUL FOR: In case you are invested in whether or not Flyboy received his care package, I'm pleased to announce that all three boxes arrived (in one week!!). The particular piece of contraband I was worried about (rhymes with "schmendricks") wasn't confiscated. Woo hoo! Maybe all of the heart confetti and Max's artwork threw them off?? 

THINKING ABOUT: Based on the riveting content in today's post, I think it's safe to say that cabin fever has set in and I'm SOOOOOO ready for it to be Spring. Who's with me?? Getting to spend more time outdoors is going to be a game-changer for Max and me. The two of us operate a lot better when we can "parallel play" outside. While he runs around the yard doing God knows what, I can work in the flower beds, water plants, pull weeds, etc. I'm already counting the days until I can order a truck load of mulch and have it delivered. Somebody remind me I said this when I start to gripe about the number of trips I have to make to and from the mulch pile with the wheel barrow, okay??

LISTENING TO: Honestly, I'm not sure how much longer I can stand hearing about Lucy Lucy Apple Juice. First, who gives a dog a name like that? And don't tell me it was the kids. Second, the cropped texts?? If this is going to be the only thing we hear about for the remainder of Beverly Hills this season, I'm out. Not really, because I'm a Bravo devotee, but can we find the drama elsewhere next time around?? Less Dorit and more Denise Richards. Mmkay?

WATCHING: I'm literally typing today's post and every few sentences I catch myself staring out the window to check and see if the garbage cans have fallen over again. It's windy outside and I was trying to be proactive, so I set both receptacles out in an effort to NOT forget tomorrow's trash day. However, they've tipped over multiple times over the past hour and I'm just hoping these gusts will give me a break soon because my heart wants to discuss the premiere of RHONY, but my head is like KEEP AN EYE ON THE TRASH and buy some freaking bungee cords while you're at it.

EATING: I picked up a bag of Skinny Dipped Almonds (peanut butter, por favor!) at Target last week and I can't stop thinking about them. Gulp! Are you familiar with them? Y'all, the ratio of the flavors is absolute perfection. WHY has it taken me so long to try them? In fact, I'm off to buy more of this delicious crack today. Did somebody say obsessed??

LOVING
: I've been VERY loyal to It Cosmetics CC Cream for the past four years. But for some reason or another (perhaps boredom?), I decided to give Nars Sheer Glow Foundation a shot this past weekend after visiting our local Ulta. Fully prepared to return and exchange it after a few days of use, I've been kind of shocked by how much I'm loving this new-to-me foundation. I do wish it came with a pump, but I saw that you can buy one separately.


How are you feeling today? What are you up to? Thanks for stopping by!! 


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