THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

via Chocolate Editions

THINKING ABOUT: Sometimes I wonder if Max and Tripp know one another exist? I've found it's entertaining to watch them catch a glimpse of the other. It's as though a tiny lightbulb goes off like "Woah, where did you come from? When did you get here?" Over the course of the last week, Tripp seems to have taken an interest in whenever Max is fed in the high chair. This is huge, people!! While he maintains his distance and watches us from the kitchen, I have a feeling he knows this will some day become prime real estate when Max can feed himself. Mama didn't raise no fool, but she certainly picked the most socially awkward rescue pup in the bunch...

FEELING: There are certain silly milestones you hope to reach when you have a baby of your own. For me it's something as simple as Max's first set of seersucker shorts. Squee! You see, I've waited patiently for the moment he'd fit into his first pair since I learned we were having a boy. From time to time, I'd have Max try them on but they remained far too large. I contemplated buying a smaller size, but exercised some restraint because I knew his first time donning them would be epic. Since the Texas temps recently climbed into the 80s and 90s, I figured it was worth another shot. Much to my delight, they finally fit on Wednesday!! I sat there and beamed. It was equally as magical as the first time he wore gingham. Some things you just don't forget.

THANKFUL FOR: They've been doing some maintenance on the aircraft so Flyboy has been getting home each evening earlier than what we're used to. It's been such a treat; I'm afraid I've gotten spoiled! It's rare that we get to eat dinner together or take evening strolls around the base. I know the tempo will pick up again soon so we're enjoying the extra time together while it lasts. 

EATING: I'm trying to behave after all the indulging I did on our trip, so I'm just going to pretend I'm diving into one of these gorgeous Chocolate Editions candy bars. Just look at these beauties! They are quite literally a work of art with packaging created by the über talented Mary Matson (Kate Spade fame) and Matt Even. The duo launched Chocolate Editions from their home as a means to celebrate the candy bar as a perfect pop object. The deliciously artful line draws inspiration from an eclectic array of favorites—rugby shirts, works by Sol LeWitt and David Hockney, Neapolitan ice cream, etc. I don't know about you, but I'd say they achieved their goal of modernism with a smile. I may be a little late to the game, but how do I get my hands on one (or all five)? 

LISTENING TO: To prepare for the Adventure Race, one of Flyboy's co-workers stopped by the house last week for an evening bike ride. Max was in his Jumperoo, which means everyone inside the house is subjected to listening to the ONE razzle-dazzle tune it plays while he hops around. FB's friend didn't even make it through the entire song before he made the following observation, "Wow, I bet that song gets old fast." We couldn't help but laugh because we barely even hear the torturous tune anymore. Oh, parenthood...

WATCHING: On Monday night I cozied into bed and had a date with the DVR. The latest episode of Shahs of Sunset had been recorded and I was eager to see GG's results from the lie detector test. Clearly I'm talking about pressing issues here. I guess I didn't realize the episode had greater moments in store for me. I'm talking about my favorite train wreck MJ and her deceased Pug, Pablo. Did anyone else freak out a little bit when they realized she was keeping him in the freezer? Yikes! Oh and how about Mercedes' mom, Vida, and her mad ping pong skills?! Shut up. I almost fell out of bed from laughter when she whipped out her special shoes.

READING: Because not every day can end with Persians, Pugs, and ping pong, Flyboy and I have decided we're going to pick a night each week to read before we hit the hay. Maybe then it will become more of a habit? The time I spend reading is typically devoted to children's books and parenting guides, so it might be a nice opportunity to delve into something fun or insightful. Who knows, maybe I'll finally get around to that stack of glossies that's sitting pretty next to my desk?!

LOVING: I so badly want to see the new Iris Apfel film by Albert Maysles. While it opens in theaters April 29th, I have a feeling it won't be showing in Swell Rio anytime soon. Oh well! If you get a chance, PLEASE go and see it for me. I've watched clips from the documentary and the trailer a gazillion times, and I can assure you it will be SO worth it.

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

HUMP DAY HAPPY HOUR

While we visited my parents, I picked up two bottles of craft gin (Aviation and Green Hat) to try in various cocktails. Priorities, am I right?! After sipping on a Cucumber Gin and Tonic at Matchbox with my family, I thought I'd make something equally refreshing but with a little springtime in Swell Rio twist. As a nod to Flyboy, this particular recipe takes wing with a splash of Aviation Gin.

CUCUMBER GIMLET

Recipe from Refinery 29

(Serves 1)

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 ENGLISH CUCUMBER

2 TBSP WATER

2 OZ GIN

1 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE

1 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP (RECIPE HERE)

CUCUMBER SLICES, FOR GARNISH

ICE

DIRECTIONS:

1. Chop English cucumber and puree with water in blender until smooth.
2. Shake three ounces of cucumber juice with gin, lime juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker for 30 seconds.
3. Strain mixture into an ice-filled glass.
4. Garnish with cucumber slices.

LIFE'S LITTLE DETAILS

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

Happy Tuesday, sweet readers! You could say that spring in Swell Rio is in full swing because we've spent the past two weekends sprucing up the joint with paint and plants. Once again, Home Depot becomes our home away from home as we put that delightful military discount to good use. The small changes we've made feel refreshing, and it's been relaxing to attack random projects as a family—after all, there are three of us these days. Being in the company of a six-month-old baby certainly keeps things interesting. In the old days we could divide and conquer as a duo, with great ease I might add. Now we attempt to tackle to-dos together, but that realistically means that one of us has a baby strapped to our chest and will most likely have to bail in the event the love nugget needs something and he usually does. Simple projects seem to become drawn out when you're tending to an infant, but we're learning that's okay. We have nothing but time down here. If anything, it's a nice reminder that all of this togetherness is a blessing.

A FEW NOTES ABOUT THE FEATURED DETAILS:

• In the past week or two I've been off my 'Grammin game. Forgive me. Max has become so handsy and feels the need to reach for my phone every chance he gets. Since it's fairly new I'm extra paranoid about him chucking it across the living room, which he's been known to do in the past. As a result, I haven't been taking as many photos and my Instagram feed feels a bit lackluster. While prepping today's post, I realized this is problematic. Better fix that and stat.
• I can't say enough great things about Benjamin Moore's Simply White. After painting the walls in the living room, I look around our rental and every piece of furniture and knick-knack really seems to pop. I love it! The space feels so clean.
• Speaking of clean, Tripp and Beesly visited the groomer last Sunday. They look so shiny and actually smell pleasant. It's a miracle! I can't say either dog was very pleased with their spa day. In fact, Beesly has been playing hard to get and refuses to look at the camera whenever I attempt to document her primped prettiness. Ah, the art of the look away...
• On Saturday morning, Flyboy rode his bike from the base to Lake Amistad in Laughlin AFB's Adventure Race. While the route was nothing new for him, it was a blast to see him get so jazzed to ride with a team and cheer them on.
• I'm not going to lie, it's taken awhile for the Swell Rio Starbucks to really master the Caramel Macchiato. I don't have much room to complain because I still can't believe we have one in this rinky-dink town, but in the last month I've noticed my initial sip is absolute bliss (as it should be) and my first thought is "Bravo baristas! You really nailed it."
• As evidenced by the photos, Max has such a happy spirit. His smiles are absolutely intoxicating; I could eat him up! Sure there are moments in which I feel overwhelmed and out of my element, but as each day passes he becomes more fun. It's a riot to witness this tiny human with such a BIG personality grow. Seeing the world through his eyes is a treat.

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?

Spot The Golden Dots 5 via LIV MAC

Royal's Advice via Mr. Boddington's Studio

Things Can Only Get Better via Daydream Prints

Flower Power via

Little House Baby Rattle via Colette Bream

Yellow Velvet System 123 Chair via Verpan

Ultramarine Blue Buttermilk Frozen Yogurt via Jeni's

George Lipstick via Troi Ollivierre

Green by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

Fuchsia Wedges via Old Navy

Laser-Cut Circle Midi Skirt via J.Crew

Striped Sweater via Amelia Presents

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.

• Intersecting Passages by Julie Hansen // Excuse me while I fan myself for a moment. The vivid hues scream HUBBA HUBBA! While the bright colors had me at HELLO, I was endeared when I learned the artist hails from Kansas City.
• Slim Broken-In Boyfriend Jean // Up until recently I had a hard time finding a pair of Boyfriend Jeans that I really liked. Desperate for new denim, I gave these a whirl and I'm so glad I did. I even ordered another pair on sale last week because they suit the daily mom-semble quite nicely. They're comfortable and I still feel polished.
• Got It From My Mama Sweatshirt // In Max's case, this should probably read "I Got It From My Gampy"... #TWINSIES
• Glitter Bow Gift Set // While browsing Leif Shop, I couldn't help but drool over these adorable paper bows. Naturally the attraction led me to Meri Meri's website, which is chock-full of pretty paper party goodness. I think I'm going to need to add these candles, these hats, and these party horns to my arsenal.
• Inflatable Cactus // I saw these and immediately thought about Swell Rio. In my opinion, cactus are not entirely cute plants. I couldn't help but wonder if the terrain surrounding Highway 90 was filled with these instead the landscape in this area might be considered pretty charming. Is there a magic seed I could sprinkle and these would appear instead?!
• Beachwear Sandals // Some days I forget I ever wanted a little girl (I may be fibbing just a tad), and then I come across something so stinking adorable like these sandals. Squee! A splash of leopard with neon orange piping?? I'm dying.
• Karuma Pull-Back Car // Then it's back to the reality of having a little boy and I choose to get jazzed about colorful cars. I convince myself I feel the same joy as I did when I saw the sandals. I am such a liar. The sandals are stellar.
• Bite Matte Cream Crayons // This week Whoorl featured these Matte Cream Crayons, and I'm intrigued. Sucre and Framboise are calling my name. Have you tried anything from the Bite Beauty line?
• 25 Things That Make Us Really Happy // I loved this list featured on the Kate Spade blog. I found myself nodding along.
• Hape Scoot Around Ride On // Thankfully we have awhile to go before Max is this mobile, but that doesn't mean I didn't pin it for future reference. That color green speaks to me, but you already knew that...

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