Wednesday, August 28, 2019

WHAT I'M WEARING WEDNESDAY



Max starts preschool next Wednesday and I can't believe it! In an effort to soak up our time together, today's post will be the only one this week. I'm sure you'll understand! The program he's enrolled in isn't anything special (three days a week for a few hours each day), and it's intended to give the two of us a small break from one another and help Max socialize with kids his age. I still don't have the foggiest idea what I'll do when he's away, but I hope it includes a little bit of blogging at SBUX, reading (What is that?), volunteering, and the chance to dress up more often for running errands solo. While the two of us have spent almost every waking moment of the past 4.5 years together, I'm equal parts anxious and excited to see what's to come for us both. Here's to big round sunnies, which will hide my ugly cry as we part ways next week, and polka-dot accessories to inject a little bit of happy to our new normal. Let's do this!

THE "FRILLS" LIKE FALL ESSENTIALS:

*J.Crew is offering 40% off your purchase through August 29th with code SUNSET
(Retail therapy, anyone?!)
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Friday, August 23, 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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Thursday, August 22, 2019

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS


VIA RACHEL CASTLE

FEELINGOne thing I worry about the most in terms of Max starting preschool is what he'll share with his teachers and classmates, particularly his love for shows like Naked and Afraid and Chasing Monsters. I don't know, you tell me. Do normal four-year-olds beg to watch these shows? I blame my dad and Flyboy for our kid's love of the ubiquitous survival show on the Discovery Channel in which the contestants strip down to the bare essentials. As for Cyril Chauquet's series, I'm at a loss. Can somebody tell me why this show about colossal underwater creatures is featured on NETFLIX KIDS? Ha Ha! His peers will be off in a corner discussing Paw Patrol or PJ Masks and Max will be asking his schoolmates about their PSR (primitive survival rating) and what they know about Vampire Fish in the Amazon jungle.

THANKFUL FOR: Starting tomorrow, we *should* get a week long break from the heat and I'm not mad about it. I've been itching to visit the local orchard to pick peaches, but there's nothing fun about doing that in 98% humidity. Perhaps this will be the weekend we finally make it happen?! Getting to wear a sweatshirt would sweeten the deal.

THINKING ABOUT: When I chose the hardware to update our kitchen cupboards, I had NO clue how difficult it would be to install the brass pulls we bought from CB2. Gulp! I can see now why so many people opt for knobs after watching Flyboy struggle with getting the measurements accurate. We've taken multiple shots to get this right over the past few months, and despite purchasing several jigs, getting out the level countless times, and turning to our family for help, we've decided it's time to call in a professional. This is one of those instances in which the installation is just not worth the hassle for us. We're less likely to notice if the handles are a hair off when we're not to blame.


READING: Every two weeks, Max and I make it a point to visit the Dover library to check out a dozen books. We scored several winners this past visit and enjoyed a handful of the books so much, I ended up buying a copy for us to keep at home. Here are the children's books we added to our personal collection. Prepare yourself for cuteness overload!


WATCHING: We started watching HBO's Succession a few weeks ago and now we're absolutely hooked. The melodrama about the dysfunctional Roy family (read more about it here) took an episode or two for me to get into, as it's not my usual choice of entertainment, but now I've found myself opting to watch it instead of Below Deck or RHOC. Gasp!  

EATING: Starting the day off with protein doesn't come easy to yours truly. Give me all the carbs! While I understand the benefits of increasing my protein intake, eating sausage or eggs first thing each morning got old really quick (not to mention the migraines eggs can trigger—yowzah!). Bored and unsatisfied with my options, I looked all over Pinterest for recipe ideas and started whipping up my own version of an Iced Coffee Protein Shake instead. 

Iced Coffee Protein Shake
(2 Servings)
1.5 Cups of Ice
1 Cup of Trader Joe's Cold Brew Coffee
1 Banana

LISTENING
: Four-year-olds say the darnedest things. For instance, this past week on our way home from signing up for preschool, Max caught me off guard when he told me: "My heart is sure going to miss you when I'm at preschool, mommy." Be still my flipping heart. But don't worry, in true Maxwell fashion, the kid kept me humble when a few hours later he asked: "Why do they call it running errands? I've never seen mommy run anywhere!" Guys, he's not wrong.

LOVING: After texting back and forth with my sister regarding Kristin Ess products, I realized I never shared my adoration for The One Signature Hair Water from her line, which can be found at Target. It's my favorite way to hit refresh when I want to stick to washing my hair twice a week, but I still need to work out and style my mop on the days in between. It revives and hydrates my hair in ways different than your trusty dry shampoo. Oh, and for the fellow moms out there with kids that wake up with insane bed head, this fine mist works wonders on Max as well. One bottle lasts approximately 4.5 months, so if you're skeptical about buying a can of water, I promise it's worth the $10.


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

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Wednesday, August 21, 2019

LIFE'S LITTLE DETAILS


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

Happy Wednesday, m' dears! Today's shaping up to be a rather busy one, so I'll leave most of the rambling for tomorrow's post. Max begins preschool in two weeks and we're trying to soak up as much Summer as possible. Impromptu Monday night water balloon fight, anyone?! On top of that, my parents visited Delaware this past weekend and it was a treat to catch up with them, as they haven't been to our house in over three months. That's got to be a record since we moved East! Ha Ha! I was most proud to show my mom that our plants weren't dead yet—proof all of the stuff she's been teaching me has paid off. While today's post doesn't look all that different from others in this "series," I find a lot of comfort in knowing that with all the change that's coming our way, there will most likely be more bright blooms, robots made from Unifix cubes, watercolor C-17s, and a flight suit our little one has outgrown in the future. There's just something reassuring about a Saturday steak night followed by a Stroopwafel McFlurry.


What delightful details have brought you happiness lately? I'm dying to know.
FEATURED DETAILS: CROSSBODY // STRAP // SCARF // SWEATSHIRT // LETTER // LIVING ROOM // COAT RACK // MASK

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Friday, August 16, 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.

  • Felipe Flower Pendant // I dream about adding a Stray Dog light to our abode. Chartreuse is a given.
  • Zenji Funabashi // I stumbled upon the Japanese illustrator's portfolio on Behance and felt super inspired.
  • Hand-Tufted Scalloped Rug // A rug so lovely, I can't look away. The white is impractical, but...
  • Vierra Heart Drop Earrings // Because anything in cerise will result in all the heart eyes from yours truly.
  • Darling Clementine Lavender Journal // Did you know Loren Hope has a line of snazzy lifestyle goods?
  • Turban Headband in Leopard // J.Crew's headbands are the bomb dot com. This purchase is inevitable.
  • Ella Eyeglasses // Gen Sohr is known for her jet black spectacles. If I buy these, will I become her? Ha!
  • Expect Miracles Brass Cuff // A simple accessory with a big message. This would make a sweet gift!
  • 2020 Wall Art Calendar // We can ALL have 2020 vision with a calendar this cute. See what I did there?
  • Neon Orange Crossbody Strap // My go-to bag got a little update this week and I'm slightly obsessed.
  • Darling Sweater // This is one of those instances in which a sweatshirt becomes a work of art. Right??
  • Lip Socks // Is anyone else getting some serious Clare V. vibes from these socks? Color me adorable!
  • Compliment Card Set // Flatter your friends or strangers and keep a deck of these cheeky cards handy.
  • New York Keytag // Did you all see that The Color Factory opened an online shop this week? Eek!!
  • S'mores Chocolate Chip Cookies // These remind me of the heavenly croissants we devoured. OMG!
  • Apple Beanie // I'm going to hand out an A+ to whoever it is at Gap that designed this precious number.
  • Velvet Penny Round Cover // I'd love to add one or two of these to the bench in our bedroom. The colors!
  • Customizable Mat // Letterfolk did it again! This beautiful and versatile mat is at the top of my wishlist.
  • Pegasus Alaskan Peonies // The Bouqs is selling this bundle for $47. Holy swoon! It's got me thinking I need to talk to my "flower guy" down the street and see how I can add this variety to my row of "panties."

Have a fabulous weekend, m' dears! Make it count.
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Friday, August 9, 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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Thursday, August 8, 2019

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

LIFT BY KEES GOUDZWAARD

FEELING: I definitely underestimated the level at which four-year-olds back talk. And since a certain somebody decided to really kick things up a notch this past week with his sassiness, I opted to take away his LEGOS for three days. You guys, what was I thinking? Seriously?? For Maxwell, this stings more than losing any dinosaur or the iPad. When I made the decision on Tuesday morning, little did I know that the consequence would actually affect me the most? I feel like I'm the one who's really suffering right now. It's the one toy he adores and actually plays with for hours on his own! I've been reminded that without LEGOS, he looks to me for nonstop entertainment and I just don't think I'm going to be able to make it all three days. Flyboy keeps encouraging me to stay strong and be more stubborn than our child, but holy cow this is so hard!!! In the future, I'm going to think again before I hide those blissful little bricks.

THANKFUL FOR: Tomorrow I've got a doctor's appointment on base to have my thyroid checked. I know I mentioned hair loss and thinning a few weeks ago, and while I'm fairly certain it's the result of telogen effluvium, thyroid issues do run in my family, so I want to be certain it's not the issue. I want to be as proactive about this as possible.

THINKING ABOUT: As we get closer to Max turning FIVE in October, I feel a sense of urgency to get it all figured out. It being whether or not to have another kid. I've spent a lot of time praying (and crying) about this decision because frankly it feels like a really big one and I haven't the foggiest clue what we should do or what I want to do. For the past 4.5 years, Flyboy and I have been in survival mode with Max. Looking back, I don't think there was ever truly the right time to pull the trigger and add to our brood. Perhaps the parents of multiples who surround us are better at this parenthood gig or stronger than us? I feel confused and conflicted over the matter and envy those who don't struggle with this decision at all. Max will always be Max, but in a lot of ways, life has gotten a little bit easier and more convenient over time. I wonder if we want to do it all over again and what it would look like this time around? Everyone assures me that lightning doesn't strike twice and the second one is usually far different than the first, but I don't know what to think. Just saying that feels kind of selfish, but pregnancy and motherhood weren't all that easy for me—not that they're easy for anyone—but it's taken a while to regain my sense of self after Max entered the picture. My biggest fear about all of this is regret and disappointment. I don't know why I feel the need to make a decision soon, but I do. Variables such as the age gap (this one is a biggie!) and only-child stereotypes run around in my mind and I begin to feel overwhelmed. Time doesn't seem as though it's on our side, and I'm not sure I can really afford to avoid the topic much longer. Goodness, is it really any wonder my hair is falling out like it is? Truthfully, when Max came into our lives back in 2014, I didn't realize that "figuring it all out" would be so hard. When do you get that feeling your family is complete? With Max starting preschool in under a month, it's no secret I'm highly emotional. I know I've got to loosen my mom grip and be open change, but it's a tough pill to swallow when this little guy has been my sole purpose for the past 4.5 years. Life is about to look a little different and that's okay, too. Do I miss all that's gone into the past five years, or do I just miss "baby" Max and I'm scared that he's growing up? Woof! Aren't you glad you're not my brain right now? Ha! She's working overtime, I tell you! 


READING: On a much lighter note, Hilton Carter was at Terrain's Design Sponge Farewell last Friday night and he was just as cool as you might imagine. Naturally, this was enough for me to finally pull the trigger on his book, Wild at Home: How to Style and Care for Your Beautiful Plants. You guys, I'm learning SO much!! I can't wait to share more.

WATCHING: I keep trying to talk Max into going to see The Lion King together, but he insists we see the new Dora the Explorer movie at the theater instead. Gulp! Have you seen the previews? You guys, it looks AWFUL! I can't figure out what it is about the previews that suck him in, but Max genuinely wants to see the film and I don't think I can handle paying to see it and then having to sit there and watch that creepy CGI version of Boots for 102 minutes. You might as well call me Meat Loaf at this point because I would do anything for Max, but I won't do that...

EATING: In case you're in a cooking rut, here are a handful of recipes I've tried or hope to try in the coming weeks:

LISTENING
: I had just taken Maxwell's LEGOS away on Tuesday morning, so my BS meter was at an all-time high when the two of us ventured to Produce Junction for some fresh fruit and flowers. Max seemed to understand that I meant business and was on his best behavior. Hallelujah! Little did I know when we entered the store that an old man would make me roll my eyes instead of my kid. Go figure! The scenario went something like this...
Old Man:
"You know why you should stop wearing your hair in a ponytail?"
Me:
"No, why?"
*Immediately starts thinking it has something to do with my thinning hair. How does he know? Ha Ha!
Old Man:
"Because when you lift a pony's tail, you get a horse's ass, and we already have enough of those in this world."
Me:
"Sounds like you're an expert on the topic."
*Grabs hydrangeas and avocados and hauls tail out of the store. Maybe he can try that joke on someone else??

LOVING
: When it comes to pants, you'll either find me in some distressed boyfriend jeans or polka-dot chinos—both are #momsemble musts around here. Thanks to J.Crew, I now have three pairs of the latter and they are indeed my happy pants! Who doesn't love a fresh dose of fun, anyway? The latest version in navy has a flattering fit in comparison to the relaxed version from previous seasons. I adore them all, but there's something about the Vintage Straight Polka-Dot Chino that makes me think they really nailed it this time around. Bravo!


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

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Wednesday, August 7, 2019

LIFE'S LITTLE DETAILS


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

Happy Wednesday, m' dears! Let's jump straight to the details...
  • You know you've reached peak parenthood when your kid's behavior has been downright awful lately, but you'd still go ahead and say this past weekend was one for the books anyway. Ha! Where to begin?
  • Routine be damned, we ditched our usual Friday night frozen pizza and gin for a little road trip to Glen Mills, PA so I could see THE Grace Bonney bid her blog, Design Sponge, adieu. While I felt fancy sipping on cocktails and mingling with other devout fans and readers, the boys were really great sports and dined at the Terrain Cafe. I feel incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to attend her farewell. The event made my heart oh-so-happy! Would you believe me if I told you that I worked up the courage to approach Grace and thank her for the past 15 years? This is typically the sort of thing I wouldn't do and then I'd have major regrets afterward, so I was proud of myself for going through with it. But in true Ashley fashion, I made a total boob out of myself when I got choked up right in front of the beloved blogger and proceeded to shed a tear or twenty. Can you say awkward? Thankfully, Bonney lives up to her first name and was more than gracious. She puts the "OG" in blogging, always choosing people over products.
  • On Saturday morning Flyboy took Max to a kids workshop at Home Depot to make a rocketship pencil box. We've wanted to attend one of these classes for a while, and I think it's safe to say the two of them had a blast. Afterward, we spent some time doing yard work as a family, which resulted in Max finding a three-legged toad in addition to an injured Two-Tailed Swallowtail he named Ginger. Whenever there are behavior issues and power struggles, I like to spend as much time outdoors as possible. Nature is more often than not the perfect salve for Max. It doesn't fix everything, but it brings a little calm to the chaos.
  • Because we've had a few rough patches with our "fournado," Flyboy and I were on the fence as to whether or not we should reward the bad behavior with a trip to the Please Touch Museum on Sunday, but we decided to go through with it anyway. We honestly did it more for our own benefit than the kid's and I think it turned out for the best. A change of scenery is always nice, but this children's facility in downtown Philadelphia was magical for both kids and adults alike. As we made our way around the beautiful old building checking out one miniature exhibit after another, there was no shortage of color, whimsy, or smiles. Don't get me wrong, there were still meltdowns in every corner (because kids...) including a few courtesy of Maxwell, but when you're surrounded by hundreds of parents, no one cares. It's solidarity.
  • Max finally came to terms with the fact that Ginger is in fact dead. Upon the realization Monday morning, he went on to say: "Ginger's probably really happy he died with me around." Since parting is such sweet sorrow and I wasn't about to engage in another battle, I suggested we get out some art supplies and glue the dead Swallowtail to some construction paper in the name of closure. Thanks for the save, Gorilla Glue! Now a framed dead butterfly sits on the bookshelf in Maxwell's bedroom positioned at an angle so he can see it when he goes to bed. I wonder how long we'll have to hold on to this one??? Jesus take the wheel.


Wow, I was a bit long-winded this week. How the heck are YOU?


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Friday, August 2, 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.

  • Empire Painted Composition // Meg Gleason and her team are bringing affordable art to the masses. Yes!
  • Strike A Rose // It's not often I stray away from an orangey-red, but this shade of pink looks sweet.
  • Lola Sunglasses // I got these in pink, but the color was all wrong on me. Perhaps black would be better?
  • Bonjour Matches // The XL matches are fab, but cheeky greetings in gold foil?!? You had me at HELLO.
  • Alum Wall Sconce // Has a light fixture every stopped you dead in your tracks? No, just me? Um...
  • A Lot Can Happen 12-Month Planner // Well if that isn't the truth? Time to set some intentions in style.
  • Terrazzo Drop Earrings // Emily Green really brought it with these darling danglers. Can you say GLITTER?
  • Mr. Boddington's Italy Capsule // There are a handful of cards I'm itching to buy from this cute collection. 
  • Turban Knot Headband in Polka Dots // My latest favorite purchase from J.Crew that's been on repeat.
  • Ruffle Shirt in Swiss Dot // I'm headed to Grace Bonney's farewell at Terrain tonight. You'll see me in cerise.
  • Chino Shorts // The Warm Canary and Rich Gold are stunners. I wonder what they look like in person.
  • Tropicana Beaded Box Clutch // If a trip to Italy isn't in your future, teleport yourself with this accessory.
  • Slingback Ballet Heels // I'm a sucker for anything and everything Kelly Green. These are no exception.
  • Dot Bedding // I wish I had somewhere to put this adorable duvet. The black-and-white dots are precious!
  • Leather Key Ring // You can bet I'll be banking this for future gift guides. Form and function on fleek.*
  • Hot Pink Dragonfurit Shrub // What I wouldn't give to sip on something so vibrant this weekend. Gorgeous!!
  • Vintage Cosmos Mini-Print // Cabin's collection of prints are the pop of color and cheer we all could use.
  • Lunch Box Notes // The thought of Max heading to school is scary, but lunch box notes will be fun. Haha!
  • Artwork by Kees Goudzwaard // Colour studies created with paper rectangles and masking tape. What's sweeter? The minimalist hails from Utrecht in the Netherlands. Um, did we just become best friend? Yep.
  • Birthday Letter Jumble Greeting Card // I'm going to sound like a broken record here, but Greer Chicago is where you need to go when you're interested in new stationery and letterpress shops. Trust me on this one, folks! Loyal Supply Co. is new to me and I'm already crazy for their collection. You will be too.
  • My Treat Scalloped Card Holder // Have you ever given or received anything from Packed Party? The snazzy selection of goodies looks like so much fun! Also, confetti. There's A LOT of confetti.

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

*Not sure if people still say "on fleek" but I'm a sucker for alliteration.
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