LURVE LOAVE LUFF

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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

• Oh Happy Day Shop // Did you hear the great news? Jordan Ferney of Oh Happy Day opened up a party shop. Squee! It's chock-full of colorful cuteness. A few of my favorites include this bunting fan garland, washi tape galore, and this adorable cutlery kit. Maybe it's time to throw a party so I can stock up on fun supplies? The introvert in me says order it anyway (to hoard) and stream something on Netflix with m' clique instead. Typical Ashley...
• Snail Mail Opener // The Paper Chronicles recently featured a preview of what's to come from Sugar Paper, and I couldn't be MORE excited. I've got my eye on this letter opener along with a few of their gorgeous note sets.
• Summerweight Cotton Sweater // I wouldn't get much use out of this striped beauty in Swell Rio, but it's awfully fun to dream of wearing it while skipping around Kennebunkport on an easy breezy east coast evening. Maine, I think I love you!
• Sandals // Please don't ask me if I have a favorite color. It's much too hard to choose! That being said, I do have a sweet spot for vibrant shades of orange. At $18, these sandals from H&M are one bright bargain!
• Lily Avenue Carrigan // This tote might just be on its way to Swell Rio this afternoon—just in time for Mother's Day.
• Shell We Have Another? // Since cocktail napkins are my weakness and the crab is my spirit animal, this is a no-brainer.
• Sparkling Tarragon Gin Lemonade // Sipping on one (or two) of these might just be mandatory this weekend.
• Get Outside via Scout's Honor Paper // I'm eager to spend time outdoors with Flyboy and Max. Fresh air sounds perfect!
• Small Album, Big Picture // Oddly enough, I've never been someone who collects scrapbooks or photo albums. However, this Kate Spade number could convince me otherwise with its simple design. Polka dots. Need I say more?!
• California Girls // While scouring the Internet for fabulosity, I was instantly smitten with Ellen Surrey's work. This book, in particular, features a wonderful portrait of Ray Eames.  If you're into that sort of thing, it's definitely worth a gander.
• Forever Stamp Lapel Pin // In the words of cheeky artist Adam Kurtz, "How can a sticker be worth 48 cents? How can 48 cents buy you first class mail service forever? How can anything be forever at all?" He He.
• Nipprig Green Chair // If I lived closer to an IKEA, I'd totally snag a few of these emerald gems. Come live with me!
• Thick Stripes Pillow // I can see it now. Polish a pair of those fun green chairs off with something bold and classic.

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

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

THINKING ABOUT: On Saturday, HRH Charlotte Elizabeth Diana graced the world with her royal presence, and I was tickled pink at the sight of Wills and Kate with their precious little princess. Swoon! When events like this take place, I love reading what others have to say on social media. Flyboy, Max, and the pups aren't much for royal chitchat, so I have no choice but to turn to Twitter, blogs, etc. for a little entertainment. Perhaps I'm being too sensitive, but I couldn't help but notice the general feelings of excitement turned sour when images of the Duchess surfaced. People were rather harsh about how coiffed she appeared just hours after giving birth. I get where they're coming from to a degree, but do we really want to see royalty step out in yoga pants? And why are we so quick to judge others when something isn't done in a manner that we see fit? Do we feel threatened? If I had the staff that she does, you can guarantee I'd want to leave the hospital with a blowout and a beautiful dress. 

FEELING: After Monday's juice mishap, Max and I headed to HEB for a few odds and ends. I stopped by the fresh flowers, as I typically do, to see what was available and got a little queasy when I realized they dyed the Hydrangeas. Who in their right mind thought that was a cute idea? If that wasn't bad enough, they dyed them in pastels. Ew. I got out my phone, snapped a quick picture, and sent it to my mom. I knew she would be equally terrified at the notion. I really never thought I'd use Hydrangea and tacky in a sentence together, but this was hideous, folks! I'm certain Yolanda Foster from RHOBH and all of her Dutch fabulousness would cringe.   

THANKFUL FOR: Whenever I earn a free drink from Starbucks Rewards, I see it as an opportunity to splurge, so I always swing for a venti. I can't rationalize the cost and calories if I'm the one paying for it on a regular basis, but if they're going to treat me to a drink, then I might as well get the most bang for my buck. Just yesterday I opted to use my free drink and it was delightful.

EATING: This week I tried a few new recipes that are definitely worth sharing. On Sunday, we devoured Grilled Spicy Cilantro Shrimp and Spinach Salad. It was fabulous, and I can't wait to use the marinade in other ways! It's definitely one of those recipes I'll make frequently this summer. On Tuesday I dabbled with the Veggetti and made zucchini noodles for the first time. For $15 I figured the contraption was worth a shot, and I was actually impressed with the outcome. I can see myself incorporating the "zoodles" into other recipes even though saying "zoodles" feels a tad bit awkward. Last night, I whipped up these Thai Chicken Salad Wraps with Blueberries. Since Flyboy has been coming home around 9:00 pm, lighter meal options are ideal.

LISTENING TO: As I attempt to write today's post, Max is screaming from his crib. It's nap time and he's fussy. We've been going and going all morning, jumping around from one activity to the next. He MUST be tired because I'm exhausted. I really think we both need (deserve?) a little break. As he wails and whimpers, I can hardly think straight. It's taking everything inside of me not to just give in and go get him. Gah, I can't help but wonder how it's possible to love someone so much, yet they have the ability to drive you bonkers at the same time. Was this what my mom meant when she said "I love you like crazy cakes", because this kid is driving me crazy, and I could totally eat my feelings with a fat slice of cake.

WATCHING: It all started when Flyboy was gone for a few weeks in January and I found myself sending him videos of Max. At that time our darling child was really starting to be expressive, and I would do ANYTHING to make him grin or giggle. Then one night, after a particularly rough day, I got out my phone and played a video of Max to feel the good feelings. You know, as a reminder for myself... Well, I couldn't help but notice that Max also liked to hear and see himself, so I showed him the video. BIG mistake. Huge. From that moment on, I think I created a narcissistic monster. This kid lights up when he sees footage of himself. Quite honestly, it's sweet but also slightly embarrassing. I really don't know what to make of it, but it's clear I've already ruined him.

READING: I read the Iris Apfel quote above, and it immediately made me think of my mom and what I find most beautiful about her. She has this incredible way of connecting with others and makes everyone she comes into contact with feel treasured. I think that is such a gift! In an age of cell phones and selfies, I think we're slowly losing the art of being genuinely interested in others. 

LOVING: While visiting my parents in DC, I picked up one of these Side-Slit Scoopneck Tees in Navy from J.Crew. I had no clue how much I would adore the simple shirt or how often I'd wear it. They're on sale right now, which means I should stock up, but I wish they would consider making them in more colors. The neckline is perfect, and they wash up like a dream.

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

ART I HEART

"VERY WELL"

"TWO WAYS"

"LEMON DROP"

"OFF THE RECORD"

"ENJOY THE VIEW"

It's no secret I've got a sweet spot for colorful abstracts, so I was ecstatic to learn about Charleston-based artist, Cindy DeAntonio. The distinct brushstrokes and bright hues that characterize her paintings are simply delightful. When I originally set out to create today's post, I had no idea it would lead me to DeAntonio's art, but I'm so glad it did. Amid the stormy Swell Rio weather, it turned out to be the burst of color I was desperately craving. For more of Cindy's work, visit her website and Furbish Studio's Pop-Up Shop.

LIFE'S LITTLE DETAILS

Maxwell Christopher Fine, you are my favorite.

Don't forget!! Mother's Day is THIS Sunday! Mom always knows best.

Sometimes you engage in a little spring cleaning and come out bearing a disco ball. Winning!

Stripes and tassels forever. This combination makes for a mom-semble worth donning on repeat.

In a recipe rut? Trust me and try The Foodess' Spicy Fish Tacos with Cabbage Slaw and Lime Crema. 

Sometimes Nanny Fine assumes the role of neighborhood watch. Queen Bee is on Berner Patrol.

Monday's outing might have been a little uneventful, but at least we came home with flowers and mail.

Pureed peas are on the menu this week for Sir Maxalot. I hope he's just as giddy about this lovely shade of green.

Color lovers will rejoice when they get their hands on one of these adorable stickers from Pencil Shavings Studio.

Max gives a whole new meaning to the term "sloth meltdown". In fact, this looks more like shade.

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

Happy Tuesday, sweet readers! This week started off hopelessly optimistic, as most Mondays do. You see, I spent the bulk of last week sniffling and popping cough drops like candy. I'm still not entirely sure if it was a cold or allergies, but I felt crumby and was eager for a fresh start. Naturally, I threw on my rose-colored sunnies to greet the week ahead with gusto. Or so I thought... 

Living in Swell Rio, it's very easy to get caught up in all the amenities this border town does NOT have to offer and I've found myself going to that negative place a lot since we returned from our vacation. This week I was bound and determined to find something new or exciting to appreciate. Thankfully, I heard about a new juicery via social media, Googled the hours and location, and planned a little Monday morning excursion for Max and me. Upon arriving at the address, I got a little confused by the residential surroundings, stray dog, and roosters, so I flipped a u-ey. If we went any further we would have greeted Mexico. 

While I'm certain the address was accurate, nothing about the location said "We sell fresh juice!" Part of me was tempted to pull over and ask the gentleman in the Border Patrol truck if he knew about the place, but it started to rain and Max began to sob dramatically. I suppose this was probably divine intervention. In a stubborn attempt to escape the mundane, I can imagine myself showing up at a stranger's house with my infant in tow requesting a cucumber and mint concoction. Then again, that might cost me my "Mother of the Year" title and we can't have that. He He! Instead I was left wondering, "What would Meryl do?" We're talking about Streep, obvi.

Bummed and befuddled with a hankering for fresh juice, we headed to HEB for a few odds and ends. The ridiculousness of the situation was enough to make me call my dad because I figured he would find the humor in our uneventful outing. All chuckling aside, I've got a little digging to do because I'm not giving up on this magical and mysterious juicery. Until then, we'll stick to Starbucks.

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

GIFT GUIDE: MOTHER'S DAY

THE GOODS:

Mirabeau Necklace $66 // Sweater $79 // Lily Avenue Darla $88 // Hand Lotion $5 // Striped Scarf $49 // 

Mishelle Cuff $68 // Pattern Play Tassel Keyring $45 // Vitamin C Body Oil $58 // Lipstick $28 // 

No. 1 Mom Card $5 // Candy Stripe Pareo $48 // Bad Taste Print $25 // Ceramic Heart Dish $10 // 

Hampton Street Rosebowl Vase $75 // Namesake Beaded Bracelet $40 // Pom-Pom Beach Tote $90 // 

Soy Candle $20 // Jo Malone Cologne $60 // Sunshine Pennant $24 // Capri Earrings in Turquoise $88 // 

Headliner Sunglasses $55 // Double Breasted Jacket Polish $8 // Ikat Napkins $40