HUMP DAY HAPPY HOUR

While searching for gin cocktails to create, I try to keep the recipes somewhat simple. I do this primarily because Swell Rio doesn't have many options in the realm of snazzy spirits and fancy liqueurs. Trust me, I couldn't get a bottle of Hendrick's in this rinky-dink town if I tried. In fact, after Max was born, I had to have my parents bring me a bottle. Then when Flyboy took Beesly to San Antonio for her surgery at the end of December, my dear husband made a pit stop at Specs (a popular Texas liquor store) and brought home an emergency spare for me to have while he was away at training. I realize I probably sound like some sort of loony lush, but our bar cart must be stocked with my favorite gin at all times, so it's important we plan ahead and stock up whenever we go to the city. I have a few special ingredients I hope to snag for future cocktail recipes when we return from D.C., but for now simplicity is key. 

GIN BUCK

(Serves 1)

INGREDIENTS:

1.5 OZ GIN
JUICE OF HALF A LEMON
GINGER ALE
ICE
LEMON WEDGES FOR GARNISH

DIRECTIONS:
Get ready, this one's a doozy...

1. Fill a Collins glass with ice.
2. Add gin and lemon juice. Preferably laid back, with your mind on your money and your money on your mind.
3. Fill with ginger ale and stir briefly.
4. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

When I whipped this up last weekend, I should have kept the whole simplicity thing in mind. You see, I fell prisoner to an organic brand of ginger ale from HEB. Ugh, cute packaging gets me every stinking time! Does this happen to anyone else? I should have opted for something classic like Canada Dry. Our cocktails ended up having a heavy ginger taste and weren't quite as sweet as I'd like. 

LIFE'S LITTLE DETAILS

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

Happy Tuesday, m' dears! Feelings of joy are just buzzing around Swell Rio. Can you feel it?! In two short weeks, I'll get to hug my parents and watch them as they love on sweet Max. Squee! As if things couldn't get any better, my in-laws are planning an impromptu trip down to Texas and they'll arrive next week. It's going to be such a treat to be surrounded by so much family in such a short period of time! Sometimes I feel like I spend a lot of energy searching to find the swell in The Rio, so it's really nice for life to suddenly seem eventful and exciting. A change of scenery is going to feel great for all of us. March never looked so good!

A FEW NOTES ABOUT THE FEATURED DETAILS:

• It's a proven fact that overcast weekends are better when you're toting around fresh Tulips. I currently have three dozen scattered around our house, and I don't hate it. I suppose if Texas isn't ready for spring, then I'll just fake it indoors.

• Can someone pass the tissues? Last Friday afternoon, I packed up all of Max's old clothes. I told myself I wouldn't be "that emotional mom" who sobs incessantly about how her baby is no longer a baby. Yeah, right. Good luck with that! On the bright side, I managed to keep it together until my mom called. As she asked what I was up to, I stared at a ginormous pile of newborn gowns and the tiniest striped leggings, and crocodile tears began to squirt from my eyes. Talk about feeling all the feelings. What a goober! I remember waiting anxiously for Max to finally fit in his adorable yellow jacket or his little sheep sweater and now I kind of want to hit the pause button. In a lot of ways, the Space Saver Bag that's chock-full of Max's first clothes feels like a badge of honor because those first few months were rough. I suppose it's just proof that we survived and there's a lot of great moments and precious outfits ahead.

• Our Home Depot gets shipments of great plants and flowers at the most inopportune times. The practical side of me knows that we probably have at least one or two more freezes in our future, but how am I supposed to practice self-control when they continue to woo me with Ornamental Kale and Ranunculus?!

• Attention all color lovers, you're going to want to get your hands on the latest issue of Domino. I've officially thumbed through it with glee on three different occasions, and I can assure you it's worth the $12 price tag.

• Over the weekend, I tried this quiche recipe from Sally's Baking Addiction. I had an extra pie crust I needed to use, so I tweaked the original low-cal version. We're talking about cheese and sausage here. How could I go wrong??

• In an attempt to get ahead on March's cocktails (look at me being so devoted to my resolution—wink), Flyboy and I whipped up a Gin Buck cocktail. You can expect the recipe and a review in an upcoming Hump Day Happy Hour post. 

• After choosing photos for today's post, I realized that Max has a few key poses. Do you see any similarities in the last two pictures of him? He He! I'm thinking it's a disgruntled Blue Steel. For the most part, he seems to take after Flyboy when it comes to being photogenic. Now if he could just be like his father when it comes to cavities and dental work...

• Here's a pathetic and sparkly confession. I got these jeweled sandals from J.Crew over a month ago. Sadly, they haven't made a Swell Rio debut just yet, so I sometimes get them out of my closet to stare at and wear around the house. Hey-O!

Alright, enough of my babbling. How are YOU? How's your week?

MONDAY MOODBOARD

How about a dose of virtual sunshine to jump start the work week?

Softline Apricot Swivel Chair via ABC Home

Melange Stripe Knit Pillow via Leif Shop

Knock Out Punch via Erik Barthels

Patterned Pom-Pom Beanie via White Lodge Knitwear

You're Okay via Wild Humm

Dots Rope Knot Necklace via Homako

Blossom 1 via Inaluxe

Roller Lash via Benefit Cosmetics

Brushstroke via Jess Bruggink

Hip Hip Hooray Note Cards via Ink Meets Press

Illesteva Leonard II Stripe Sunglasses via J.Crew

PAK Mini in Cement via Blair Ritchey

Hot Pink Art Stick via Bobbi Brown

Crisscross Leather Belt via J.Crew

Cedar Street Leather iPhone 6 Case via Kate Spade

Crackled Leather d' Orsay Flats via J.Crew

Ribbed Cotton Cardigan via J.Crew

Happy Monday, m' dears! I hope your week is off to a swell start.

LURVE LOAVE LUFF

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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

• Big Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Crinkle Cookies // I can't say I've ever made peanut butter cookies. Is that crazy? It's always such a treat when others bake them, especially around the holidays. This recipe from Averie Cooks might be enough to get me to dust of my mixer this weekend. So much chewy goodness! I wish I could eat my computer screen.
• Cerise Loafers // That color and the $15 price tag? I'd say stupid cute is the only way to truly describe a bargain like this.
• Boden Rose Bow Dress // So many pieces from Boden's spring line make me want to twirl. This dress is no exception.
• Crystal Palace No. 6 // It's a good thing Lent is in full swing because I could get in some serious Inaluxe trouble.
• Haba Magic Arch Clutching Toy // I stumbled upon this while doing some "research" on Amazon. Dear colorful wooden toys, I adore you! Just look at the fabulous color choices. It's so happy—a definite Maxwell must!
• Learn the Rules via Molly Jacques // There's so much creativity floating around online. I love it! Sometimes I find myself poring over Molly Jacques work. The playful nature of her lettering is like sunshine for my soul.
• Pattern Play Tassel Keyring // Oh. My. Word. This has Ashley written ALL over it. Gimme now. Por favor.
• Habit Cosmetics Nail Polish in Sweet Life // How fabulous is the packaging? A few bottles of Habit's colorful polish would look gorgeous displayed in any bathroom. Could Tabou be the new Clambake? Oh, please don't make me answer that. 
• Black Stripe Bamboo Blanket // I wish I could just jump into The Land of Nod catalog and maybe cozy up with a blanket like this one. Does anyone know how I could make that happen? Ah, kid-friendly cuteness that doesn't make me vomit.
• Sachet Set // I fear I've been wooed by the punchy neon-orange thread and embroidered polka dots. Please send help.
• Mixed Buttons Kit // What a novel idea! The adorable packaging suddenly piques my interest in sewing. Kinda.
• Drapey Crepe Cap-Sleeve Top // I doubt this will make the mom-semble cut, but that doesn't mean I can't swoon over it.
• Ribbon Necklace // Another bargain buy from H&M that I can totally get on board with. How great is the striped ribbon?

As always, thank you kindly for stopping by. Cheers to a snazzy weekend, m' dears! Make it count.

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

via Ann Street Studio

FEELING: The grey weather this week is seriously killing my creativity and motivation. What gives Swell Rio? Thankfully, the latest issue of Domino showed up in my mailbox on Tuesday afternoon and offered just the bright boost I so desperately craved. Shelter magazines in print seem to have that effect on me, although I still wouldn't mind a little sunshine.

THANKFUL FOR: It's been three weeks since Flyboy returned, and I'm more grateful than ever to have him around again. At the end of a long and outrageous day with baby, it's just really nice to have someone with whom I can laugh.

THINKING ABOUT: There are moments when babies can be really great for your ego and confidence. For instance, Max laughs at all of my jokes, finds my dance moves utterly delightful, and he thinks I can hit the high notes just like Adam Levine whenever I sing along to Maroon 5's Sugar. Years from now I imagine it will be the opposite, so I'm going to soak it all up while it lasts.

EATING: After Mary of Tulips and Flight Suits recommended this orzo salad recipe in a recent post, I immediately bookmarked it to make when Flyboy returned from training. Well, I finally got around to trying it this past Tuesday, and we're both crazy obsessed. It was a light and fresh meal, which we warmly welcomed after eating so many heavy comfort foods that seem to tag along with this bleak winter weather. I knew it would be a winner once I realized it was a recipe from my favorite, the Barefoot Contessa. Just as I assumed, the orzo salad didn't disappoint and I'll be adding it to the list of meals on rotation.

LISTENING TO: I could go on ad nauseum about my dad's fantastic wit. He just has this incredible way of working with words, and he often puts his skills to good use by creating comical limericks and songs for our family's amusement. His latest work goes to the tune of Single Ladies and is dedicated to Max and his newfound love for sweet potatoes. It goes something like this:

Sweet Potatoes (Put a Bib on It)

All the hungry babies, (all the hungry babies)
All the hungry babies, (all the hungry babies)
All the hungry babies, (all the hungry babies)
All the hungry babies, Now put your feet up!

Up in his crib (crib), tuggin’ on his bib (bib), Lil’ Max ready for breakfast.
Momma’s in the kitchen (kitchen), sweet potato mixin’ (mixin)
Ain’t got no time to waste.

If your baby got a hunger, put a bib on it
When you feed him sweet potatoes, put a bib on it
Don’t be mad once you see that he want it
‘Cause if you like it, then you shoulda put a bib on it
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh x2

WATCHING: It's been awhile since I've rambled about Bravo, so here it goes... Shahs of Sunset returned this past Monday, and my life feels full again now that I get to see Reza and MJ interact on a weekly basis. Tuesday's episode of RHOBH left me frustrated. Of course these women could find a way to ruin a perfect trip to Amsterdam. Shame on you, Kim Richards! Also, how wonderful is Yolanda? Much like space cake, I imagine she's an absolute treat. Ha! As far as the ATL goes, I think I'm an episode or two behind, but I plan to take care of that ASAP. I must know more about Chocolate and stat! While I'll be sad to say good-bye to the wacky women of Beverly Hills and Atlanta in the coming weeks (hello, reunions!), this preview for the upcoming season of RHONY makes me giddy.

READING: I suppose the presence of two new pearly whites and this whole eating real food thing kind of hit me last week. Max is growing up, you guys! I can't say I truly loved the whole newborn and infant phases, so part of me is really excited but equally anxious about how to prepare for this next phase. Do any of you have any parenting book recommendations? Just a month ago, it felt like Max was still so fresh we couldn't really mess him up. I realize that probably sounds like scary rationale, but it's the truth. Ha Ha! Perhaps this is just the intense side of me talking, but I feel like it's time to get down to business. Soon enough we'll have to start making real decisions as to how we want to raise our little guy. As hokey as it sounds, I plan to read Bringing Up Bebe this weekend. I'm not entirely sure what makes French parenting so special, most of what I've read seems like common sense, but I'm totally on board with the ideas presented. It seems very similar to the way my parents raised my sister and me.

LOVING: Have you heard of the company Let's Playground? Jeni and Mare are the creators of these all-purpose leather mats, which are created for park lovers, al fresco eaters, and mess makers. What started out as a kickstarter project was funded within 34 hours. How awesome is that?! I pre-ordered the Midi, and I can already tell it's going to come in handy, especially as Max becomes more mobile. I like that it will be easy to clean, it can be used both indoor and outdoors, and it's not bulky to store like most blankets and quilts. I only wish we had something like this when we lived in Hawaii. It would have been great for the beach!

Enough about me. How are you feeling today? What are you up to? Thanks for stopping by!!