A BLOGGIE BREAK

IT'S TIME TO KICK BACK AND RELAX...

Hooray! We're off to visit family in Iowa! Regularly scheduled blog posts will return NLT August 25th. 

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

LURVE LOAVE LUFF

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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

• Lemon Drop Terrarium Sand // I'll be honest, I have no intentions to create sand art or fill glass orbs with this stuff. I'm just crazy smitten with the vibrant hue. What else would you expect around here??
• Blue Swatch Velvet Cushion Cover // Simple with a splash of colorful velvet. You are delicious, my friend! I guess this is where you might insert #ihavethisthingwiththrowpillows. Problem or hobby? I'll just let you decide.
• S'mores Marshmallows // Upon seeing this on Pinterest, I began to salivate. If this is for real, I gotta get me some of that.
• Raen Sunglasses // My goodness I'd love to try these on! I'm oddly attracted to the color, and I'm not entirely sure why.
• Belted Oxford Dress // For as long as I can remember, I've been ALL about the belted shirtdress. The fact that it comes in this fabulous shade of orange? Even better! So on Saturday while I'm trying my best to keep Max under wraps on the plane, I'm going to imagine I'm wearing this dress somewhere fancy with a handful of Peonies preferably sans baby.
• Pining for Pineapple Print // I recently added this wonderful print from Minted to the gallery wall above my desk. Total game changer. I've got a taste of Hawaii right at my fingertips. I can't almost see Lil' Puna from here.
• Rustic Pom-Pom Wool Blanket // Have you ever seen a blanket more delightful than THIS? Ugh, I think I already know what I want for my birthday. Of course, I always have two months to be wooed by something else.
• Calhoun Mini Pattern Binder // How gorgeous is this binder from Russell and Hazel? Swoon!
• Retractable Ballpoint Pens // School supplies are set up throughout the stores. It's the most wonderful time of the year...
• Pink Ric-Rac Tape // Oh geez, why didn't I think of this? And here's the real kicker, it comes in several shades of neon. 
• Zond Brass Arm Desk Lamp // Are desk lamps the new throw pillow? I can't decide, but I'm quickly becoming obsessed.
• Little Blue Paper Sculpture // It looks like Rachel Castle has expanded her whimsical shop to include textiles, clothing, and sculptures. Sign me up! I have no clue what I'd do with this, but I love it!
• Mid-Century Two Door Accent Table // I didn't realize that Target had such a great selection of mid-century modern pieces. They're killing it right now! Should I just go ahead and send Emily Henderson a thank-you note for this?

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

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

THINKING ABOUT: Upon finding out I was pregnant with a boy last year, this J.Crew fanatic was elated to add a few of their baby items to Max's wardrobe. Sure I was smitten with the miniature gingham button-downs and colorful wool sweaters, but I didn't realize how much I'd adore their onesies. They're perfect! Since Max inherited my long torso, we quickly learned that it doesn't take him very long to outgrow his onesies. He needs the added length, and that's precisely what J.Crew's basics had to offer. Although a tad bit snug in the belly, there are still a few 3-6 month onesies that Max can wear from m' fave store. Eager to add more to his closet, I hopped on the website a few weeks ago and was heartbroken when I realized there's no longer a baby section. What the what?! I really hope they plan to bring the collection back because their basics were some of my favorite purchases—well worth the money!

FEELING: Last Wednesday while waiting for Max's doctor to see us, I got a glimpse of what things might look like on the plane this Saturday. All I can say is, YIKES! Up until this point, I wasn't too worried about traveling solo with the babe. I'm not sure what I was thinking; I tend to worry about everything. In fact, I probably should have worried about NOT worrying. Sure kids are unpredictable, but I figured as long as I packed a sense of humor and armed myself with ALL the baby gear, I would show up as prepared as possible for our trip. What I failed to remember is that the baby I'm flying with this time around is not the same Max I flew with four months ago. Nope. This nine month old is active and has no concept of what it means to sit still. Perhaps it would have been smart to practice this lesson in the weeks leading up to our departure. TOO LATE! Ugh, I guess this is what I get for encouraging him to jump, walk, crawl, etc. in an effort to wear him out each day. And since tranquilizing babies is frowned upon, I can only pray we're seated next to patient passengers. We're all in for a very memorable flight and a round of stiff drinks at our end destination.

THANKFUL FOR: Just as my dad promised, all of Max's crawling and cruising has resulted in some pretty lengthy naps. I'm going to try my best not to get too used to it, but I'll definitely enjoy one of the few perks to a curious and mobile baby for now.

EATING: This Grilled Corn Salad recipe featured on A Cup of Jo!! It's happening tonight and I'm all sorts of giddy. Someone tell me, is there anything better than a good char on fresh corn? Clearly I'm ready for ten days in Iowa...

LISTENING TO: Because Max struggles with digestion, his doctor recommended I make him a daily Droopy Poopy Smoothie (her words, not mine). So immediately after the appointment, we headed off to Wally World in the 102-degree heat to load up on ground flaxseed and a special organic yogurt that's chock-full of probiotics. Seems easy enough, right?! WRONG. Max refuses to drink out of anything but his bottle. Let's rewind to a few months ago, shall we? Flyboy was drinking from his own water bottle and Max was intrigued. FB proceeded to squeeze his bottle making a poof sound and Max flinched. Since then, our neurotic babe has remained leery of any bottle that doesn't require a nipple. We've tried straws, sippy cups, regular drinking glasses, etc. Nothing works. So imagine my dilemma when I whip up a batch of Droopy Poopy Smoothies and Max refuses to drink out of any of the cups and bottles he's presented. After dirtying seven different drinking vessels, I opted to pour the Droopy Poopy Smoothie into his bottle and cut an opening in the nipple. Ah-ha! Unfortunately, my genius plan was a flop because Max got ticked off and chucked the entire smoothie across the kitchen. Droopy Poopy Smoothie was everywhere. A week has passed since we received the doctor's orders and this stubborn child continues to refuse the fruity drink. I just want him to successfully down some of the concoction (it's delicious, I swear!) at least once so I don't have to hear myself say Droopy Poopy Smoothie ever again. What has my life come to? Honestly.

WATCHING: All aboard the fun bus! This last week's episode of Real Housewives of Orange County had me rolling. I can't remember the last time I laughed that hard at a TV show. In fact, I think my obnoxious cackling managed to wake Flyboy. Oops! Please tell me someone out there tuned in. Let's dish! Vicki, Tamra, and Shannon were hammered beyond belief, which I found hysterical. And what about when Vicki commandeered the golf cart to dinner? I lost it, you guys. Somewhere deep down I want to believe that Vacation Ashley could totally "whoop it up" with the OG of the OC, but I just know I wouldn't stand a chance.

READING: My sister found the quote featured above on Instagram and tagged my mom and me. After reading it, I was overcome with joy and excitement. It's all SO true! Growing up in the military, we had no choice but to get used to missing our people. Whether it be friends or family members, you learn how to say good bye often (almost 30 years of experience and it never gets easier), and you eagerly count the days until you're reunited next. While a big part of me wishes my dad and Flyboy could join us for this upcoming trip, I know our Iowa reunion with family will be brimming with memories. Bring on the hugging, the stories, and togetherness.

LOVING: I have very flat and fine hair so I'm always looking for new ways to get some volume and texture. After reading a ton of rave reviews, I decided to give Amika Un.Done Texture Spray a whirl and I love the results! It's giving all kinds of life to my messy topknot. Oh, and it smells fantabulous, too—a HUGE win when you wash your hair twice a week! I definitely won't hesitate to buy this again.

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

HUMP DAY HAPPY HOUR

Alright, it's time I share two confessions with you...

1. I haven't been keeping up with my New Year's Resolution, but that doesn't mean I haven't been enjoying m' gin.
2. Code red! We are currently out of Hendrick's in the Fine household. See what I mean about confession numero uno?

Last Friday I polished off a bottle of my favorite spirit when I whipped up a batch of these Watermelon Gin Fizz Cocktails. While I was sad to see the last of my Hendrick's ration disappear, I must say it was totally worth it because this recipe was delicious and refreshing. In fact, if summer could be poured into a Collins glass, I'm certain it would taste just like this. And just in case you find yourself wondering how I'm managing to remain so chill about the unfortunate state of our Hendrick's drought, it's only because I know that Flyboy is going to pick up a bottle or two this weekend after he drops his favorite people off at the airport. Hallelujah!

WATERMELON GIN FIZZ

Recipe from Ashley Brooke Designs

(Serves 2—or in my case, one parched Fine)

INGREDIENTS:

2 CUPS OF DICED WATERMELON

3 OZ GIN

4 TBSP FRESH LIME JUICE

1/2 CUP OF GINGER ALE

LIME WEDGES, FOR GARNISH

DIRECTIONS:

1. Puree or muddle diced watermelon.
2. Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker.
3. Shake it, shake, shake, shake, shake it...
4. Pour into an ice-filled Collins glass and garnish with a lime wedge.
5. Whip out a colorful striped straw and enjoy your delicious adult beverage.

Cheers, m' dears!

LIFE'S LITTLE DETAILS

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

Happy Tuesday, sweet readers! I'm so excited to be reunited with my dear family this Saturday. As a result, I can't seem to focus on much of anything at the moment. Perhaps it's best for all of us if we get on with the snazzy details already...

• I bought these striped sneakers for Max last March when we visited a H&M store in Washington D.C. Unsure of his shoe size at the time, I opted for the largest pair I could find. Certainly it would be awhile before he'd fit into them, right?! Um, not quite... I guess I forgot about the puffy factor. You see, my sweet babe has some thick hooves that I rarely have to think about when he's sporting his trusty moccasins. So while organizing his closet last week, I pulled the striped sneakers out to try on—you know, just for "kicks" and giggles. I was certain they would be much too big and we'd have to wait a few more months before Max could strut around in them. Like a scene straight from Cinderella, I struggled to get them on his feet. How could he possibly outgrow them already? With great determination to see them grace his feet at least once, I managed to get them on with just enough time for a quick photo op and he proceeded to tear them off.

• When you look up the definition of mischief, you will find the faces in the second photo. These days I can't look away for a second or I'll find the adorable duo into some sort of trouble, but I guess that's what you get when you choose the name Max. It's the curse of the Wild Thing. Most of my day is spent following the babe and Bees around the house saying the word "no." Whether he's crawling or cruising around in his walker, we make countless trips around the apartment. You'd think this place would get old by the third or fourth trip, but Max always manages to discover something new.

• It didn't take long for me to pull the trigger on this purchase, but hear me out on this one... The Uptown Tote is the PERFECT bag for schlepping around all of Max's necessities. Okay, and maybe some of my stuff too! But that color? Gah! I'm certain this was what John Denver meant when he penned the lyrics, "sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy."

• Rachel of Pencil Shavings Studio fame sent me a box of gorgeous pillows with the intent to be styled. Is this a dream? After fawning over these colorful beauties for weeks, it's been so much fun sprucing up drab corners inside and outside of the house! I still can't believe all of the color and print options offered via PSS; it's absolutely dreamy! Oh, and the fact that the pillows can be utilized outdoors is a HUGE bonus when you spend as much time living outside as we do. It's just too bad I'm stingy and want the pillows to follow me from room to room throughout the day. Maybe one of these days I'll figure out an exact spot for each pillow, but for now I'll continue to stare at all of the happy hues and designs.

• Max managed to kill my snail mail game in a really big way. After months of sending very few notes (the horror!), I've made it a point these past two weeks to sit down on Sunday afternoon and send an envelope or two out to family and friends. I forgot how therapeutic it is for me to sit with a blank notecard, a set of stamps, some washi tape, and a pen. I think I ought to make this a habit! Of course, cute new stationery from Sugar Paper is the perfect motivation.

• One of my sister's friends is a co-owner of Logboat Brewing Co.—a craft brewery in our beloved college town, Columbia, Missouri. Since Aubrey's friend was celebrating his birthday, we figured it was time for Max to get in on the celebration and flaunt his favorite brew, Snapper IPA. The expressions from this particular series of photos just crack me up.

• Since Max kicked back an entire six-pack of Snappers, I had no choice but to indulge in an iced coffee. This afternoon treat has become something I look forward to every day. Thank goodness for nap time and Crest Whitestrips!

Enough about me. What are some of YOUR highlights from this past week?