TRIP RECAP: PART ONE

In an effort to ease back into the bloggie groove, I thought I'd share some photos from our trip out east where we visited my parents in Washington DC. You guys, let me just tell you, it was a good one! This trip was just what I needed. We spent 13 days with my family, and my heart is SO full. In fact, it's a little hard to come down from a high like that, but I guess that's what Max is for. 

Two weeks away from Swell Rio allowed us the opportunity to visit some of our favorite museums (art for me, planes for Flyboy), frequent a few stellar shops, eat WAY TOO MUCH, and finally witness my dad sing hours of karaoke. Hot mic! Speaking of which, you have probably noticed by now that most of the photos include my father holding Max. That's because they were inseparable. Other than changing the occasional diaper, Flyboy and I did very little in terms of parental duties. My mom and dad had us covered, and I think we got a bit spoiled in the process. I would say there were times I almost forgot we had a baby, but then I'd catch a glimpse of my mom making Max giggle or my dad napping with the babe—such beautiful reminders that our little guy is incredibly loved. 

Tomorrow I'll share another round of photos including some memorable highlights and stories. Stay tuned.

TGIF Y'ALL!

CHILLIN' OUT MAXIN' RELAXIN' ALL COOL...

Happy Friday, m' dears! I wanted to pop in and let you know that regularly scheduled blog posts will return Monday. 

Until then, take some advice from Max and have a fabulous weekend! Make it count.

A BLOGGIE BREAK

Hooray! We're off to visit my parents! Regularly scheduled blog posts will return NLT April 13th. 

Until then, be sure to follow along via Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Toodles!

ANF

IMAGE CREDIT VIA KATE SPADE

LURVE LOAVE LUFF

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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

• Navy Stack by Jennifer Flannigan // The Magenta looks magnificent! I wouldn't mind hanging this beauty above my desk.
• Kate Spade Watering Can // If for some reason I win the lottery, I'd buy this for my mom in a heart beat. It's just perfect!
• Dulci Fabric-Bow Kitten Heels // Because we have visitors in town, I originally created this post last week, and it appears these amazing heels have sold out since I whipped up the graphic. Oops! They're still incredibly pretty to stare at and they make today's Love List extra marvy. Here's hoping they'll be in-stock soon, because they're flipping fabulous!
• Moss Table Runner // How many more days until the Lent online shopping lockdown is over? I would SO add this adorable touch of spring to our kitchen table. In case you forgot, I have this thing with moss...
• Watermelon Slices by Elizabeth Graeber // I don't think I'll ever stop singing Elizabeth Graeber's praises. Eventually I plan to own a piece of her work. I can't decide if it will be something food-related (like this!) or if I'd have her illustrate a favorite piece from my wardrobe. I lean towards the latter; however, these watermelon slices are seriously superb.
• Sleeveless Silk Shell in Pin Dot // I'm thinking this might be on the top of my J.Crew wish list. The silk isn't terribly mom-friendly, but I imagine my dad will be holding Max for the next two weeks, so it doesn't really matter. Ha Ha!
• Fantastic Mom Card by Emily McDowell // Speaking of parents, I can't wait to hug my mom and dad next week. Squee! I can't even believe it!! We saw them last October and so much has happened since. I just want to squeeze them and thank them for the support they've offered. Nothing makes you appreciate your parents more than having a child of your own.
• Fuchsia Rocker // I need another Eames-inspired chair like I need a hole in my head, but I had NO clue they started to create them in such punchy color palettes. Hubba hubba! Maybe Max will need one in his size in a few years?! He He!
• Bobbi Brown Hot Nudes Eye Palette // I'm in the market for some new eye shadow. My old palette busted last week, and I'm just barely getting by with what's left. I can't wait to hit up Sephora or Ulta with my mom. I think this Bobbi Brown palette is a serious contender. I love the combination of matte and subtle amount of shimmer.
• Zara Home New Arrivals // Sometimes I forget to look at Zara Home, but I was really impressed with their latest batch of New Arrivals. I'm especially loving this Sleep Mask, these Pink Tumblers, and these affordable and colorful Linen Pillows.
• Bunny Hop Sweatshirt // Clearly this is a Maxwell Must. I've already got this festive flair packed for our big trip. 
• Namesake Beaded Bracelet // I got a Krysos + Chandi bracelet last summer, and I wear it on repeat. This neon orange and metallic blush convertible piece (doubles as a necklace and bracelet) might be a nice addition to my collection.

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

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

FEELING: Whenever we get excited in my family, we say we've got bubbles. Essentially, that just means you're so stinking excited you simply can't take it anymore. Now I realize we have five days before we depart, so it' s probably a bit early to be feeling all the bubbles, but I can't help it. I just do. It's not a bad thing to feel preemptive bubbles, it just makes the waiting part unbearable.

THANKFUL FOR: I'm so grateful for my in-laws. They're watching Max for a few hours this morning while I tend to my ashy roots. In fact, I believe there's some rule that says you can't leave town looking like a mousy hot mess. Hmm, where did I read that? Anywho, it's such a treat to run errands and go to appointments sans baby DURING the week. I could definitely get used to this! Honestly, I can't thank them enough for this little outing; it's exactly what I needed. And let's face it, Max is loving all the attention.

THINKING ABOUT: Oh. Em. Gee. I've got a duffel bag that's hanging out in my closet just waiting to be packed. How do I even begin to approach such a hefty task? This is the first big trip I've taken since Max graced us with his presence, and I'm not entirely sure how I'm supposed to make room for all of HIS stuff when I really need room for MY stuff. Selfish much?! You see, I typically like to have options when I travel. We're talking a dozen different necklaces (that bling gets heavy) and flats in a variety of colors and styles. Sigh. Over the past few weeks, I've attempted to give myself little pep talks (It can be done!) and draft a plan of attack in my mind. Let's see how it goes. I suppose it won't hurt to be a little practical...

EATING: I never know what to cook when we have guests. It feels nerve-wracking just trying to think of possible meal ideas. Do you ever feel this way? I always struggle with trying new recipes or sticking with old classics. Since my in-laws were driving down from Missouri and we weren't exactly sure when they'd arrive Wednesday night, I opted to prepare these Balsamic Roast Beef French Dip Sandwiches from Add A Pinch. I didn't know how hungry they'd be, and I needed something low-maintenance. I typically despise Crock-Pot recipes. No matter how much I season the dish, it always tastes terribly bland. What am I doing wrong?! Thankfully, this recipe turned out to be surprisingly flavorful and was a fantastic option considering the timeline and circumstances. 

LISTENING TO: My dad, who adores Max like crazy cakes, pointed out that my child can simultaneously be pleased, pissed, and passé. Yes, it's true. Even as the colic has passed, Max can never decide what mood he's in. Lately he's been making this sound that starts out like a cry and turns into a laugh. It's SO confusing! I really feel like I'm being played by a five-month-old mastermind. These voodoo tricks must be payback for the roller coaster of emotions I submitted my parents to (and still do!). I suddenly feel like Meg Ryan in the movie French Kiss, "Happy, smile. Sad, frown. Use the corresponding face with the corresponding emotion." Oy!

WATCHING: Over the past few weeks, I started to place Max in his Jumperoo while I spin in the afternoons. Now that he's become more active, it keeps him entertained while I work out. I typically set his crazy technicolor contraption (Yep, I still abhor it!) next to my bike. I figure if I'm panting and pedaling, I might as well have something cute to stare at. Lately I've noticed that whenever I'm up and out of the saddle doing jumps and climbs, he proceeds to hop around with oodles of excitement. It's absolutely hysterical to watch and it warms my heart. He's also quite mesmerized by the flywheel and its swirling motion. I can tell he's getting tired whenever he starts staring at it. Ha Ha! I suppose cardio isn't so bad when you've got a tiny cheerleader right next to you.

READING: A big piece of my heart belongs to Roald Dahl. His playful words and silly stories meant so much to me growing up. Even now, as an adult, I realize how nuggets of his wisdom continue to offer guidance and inspiration. I recently read this quote and it stopped me in my tracks. When I look at how I'd like to approach each day, task, and my various roles (as mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend, etc.), I'd like to think of this as a mission statement to make each day count.

"I began to realize how important it was to be an enthusiast in life. If you are interested in something, no matter what it is, go at it full speed. Embrace it with both arms. Hug it. Love it. And above all, become passionate about it. Lukewarm is no good." — ROALD DAHL

LOVING: This is going to sound terrible, but life in Swell Rio can be a little (okay, a lot!) draining at times. If I'm being completely honest with you and myself, I've been running on empty for the past few months. I'm SO ready to fill up my tank with family and a change of scenery. This trip could not come at a better time. I look forward to spending time with the weirdos in my tribe. I'm talking about an afternoon of shopping, a morning at the museum, dinners filled with belly laughs and glasses spiked with gin.

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