Thursday, September 17, 2015

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS


via Lulu DK
THINKING ABOUT: Earlier this week while fastening Max into his stroller, I noticed that the babe was chewing on something. As far as I knew, he shouldn't be chewing on anything. Oh boy! Worried he may have picked up a leaf or a piece of mulch that Tripp brought indoors again, I panicked and investigated inside Max's mouth. I didn't see anything, so I continued to prepare for our morning walk. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I found Max chewing some more. Bamboozled by his imaginary snacking, I wondered WHY he was doing this and it finally hit me. I was smacking on my gum and he was imitating me. I couldn't help but laugh and spent the entire walk trying to decide whether it's a good or bad thing he's so observant these days. Yikes! I'm definitely not ready for this.

FEELING: The cool morning weather (70 degrees is brisk in Texas) and the latest color selection of Tippi sweaters (swoon!) has me more than giddy for fall. But while my heart pines for Pumpkin Spice Lattes, my head says popsicles and tank tops will just have to do. You know I've reached a real low when I convince myself that a 90-degree high is a great sign it's cooling off around these parts. It's true, you can't spell delirious without Del Rio. *Note: Del Rio is the actual name of our town. Swell Rio is a term of endearment.

THANKFUL FOR: Glamorous tasks like getting the vehicle inspected are so much fun with a baby in tow. Speaking from experience, I ventured into town on Wednesday to cross the annual to-do off my list. Would you be surprised if I said that Max was being... Max?? As soon as we entered the body shop and I handed over the keys to The Rig, Sir Fussbucket was ready to put on a dramatic show. Classic, Maxwell! In an effort to quiet the child, I mosied on over to the "waiting room" (It smelled of gasoline, cheap coffee, and smoked meat. Pure machismo.) and began searching for that magical bag of Goldfish I keep handy in my tote. Unfortunately, this kid just wasn't having it. Whenever this happens, it's my instinct to scan the room and smile at EVERYONE. Thankfully, the gentleman that runs the joint offered to turn on the fan and TV in an attempt to keep us cool and entertained. Who knew The Rugrats en EspaƱol would be such a hit? I'm so grateful his bag of tricks worked, because my cheddar-flavored crackers just didn't cut it.

EATING: Since Max is a carb fanatic, much like both parents, I decided to pick up a box of Mini Nilla Wafers for the babe to snack on. Hold up! Did I just try to convince you the box of cookies was for Max? Because I'm certain I devoured EVERY single one of them and I'm not proud of it. When I initially gave one to the babe to try, he automatically threw it on the floor. Again, classic Maxwell! Instinctively I grabbed a few for me to eat and it was like a party in my mouth. You guys, I never remembered Nilla Wafers tasting THIS good. Maybe it's just me, but there's something about the miniature version that's so stinking tasty. It's almost like you get more Nilla to the wafer. I know that probably sounds ridiculous, but try them if you dare. As for me, I can't allow myself to buy them anymore because they're dangerously addicting and I turn into an absolute maniac when I eat them.

LISTENING TO: A love for pasta and bread isn't the only thing Max and I have in common. Nope! It appears our child has picked up on my introverted ways as well. Grrrrrrrrrrrreat! You see, about a week before we visited Iowa, I found he enjoys sitting in his crib with a few toys and a book— preferably alone. I discovered this unlikely remedy when I found myself at wit's end one day. I decided it was best for me to place him in his bed and walk away for my own sanity. Instances like these take me back to the days of colic and I'll try anything I can to soothe him. Sometimes it feels impossible. However, moments after I walked away, I could hear him in a state of babbling bliss. Go figure! Most babies cry because they want to be around their moms and mine requires a little "me" time. I suppose it works out for the best because it gives me some time to tend to chores, but from the sounds of things it seems like I'm missing out on a lot of fun. I've attempted to record him when he's playing by himself, but he inevitably catches me in the act and his party comes to a screeching halt. I will say that I have caught him jumping around on his mattress and doing belly flops into his pillow and it's an absolute riot! I imagine it's the same feeling I get when I sit down with a cocktail and tune in to Bravo. Introverts unite!

WATCHING: Has anyone out there watched the new season of The Mindy Project? Eek, I'm so excited to get on Hulu and stream it!! I've decided it's going to be my treat this Friday night while Flyboy hangs out with his co-workers and Max goes to bed. Now I just need to decide on a snack that doesn't rhyme with villa or safer. Know what I'm sayin'? I just can't be trusted.

READING: I've become REALLY bad about reading texts and not responding for days Some of you can attest to this. I assure you I reply immediately in my head, but putting the thumbs to the screen and hitting send has proven difficult in recent months. I swear Max knows what joy I get when I hear from friends and family (ADULTS!) and seeing me preoccupied with my phone is a perfect opportunity to explore. The moment my head's down, his mischievous side runs wild. You win, Max. You win.

LOVING: Did any of you see J.Crew's Spring/Summer 2016 presentation at NYFW? Gah! I almost felt out of my chair, it was SO amazing. I think the return of madras print errything is what really sent me over the edge. It makes me want to take back what I said about fall weather (kind of). If this is what my beloved J.Crew means by "back to heritage," I say BRING. IT. ON.


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

P.S. My apologies for another Max-centric post. It's kinda my life... Ha Ha!

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Tuesday, September 15, 2015

LIFE'S LITTLE DETAILS


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


Happy Tuesday, m' dears! How about another delightful batch of snapshots that add a little swell to The Rio?
(Because, let's face it, you haven't already heard that one before... Oops!) 
  • Perhaps we were coming off of our four-day weekend high, but last Tuesday was a real doozy. Max was testing me left and right, and by 4 pm I thought I was at my wit's end. Then the UPS man rang our doorbell. Dun, dun, duuuuuuuuun!!! Right before me was a ginormous box waiting at our doorstep. What could it be? As Max sat in his high chair and proceeded to throw Nibbly Fingers all over the kitchen, I ripped open the mystery package and was more than surprised by the amazing lamp my parents sent for my birthday. I'm a little biased, but isn't she a beauty?! While my 30th is still weeks away, it's clear my mom and dad want to ensure I get lit—or that's the nerdy joke I keep telling myself. He He! At any rate, I couldn't be MORE grateful and it came at the BEST time! It's almost like they just knew...
  • As evident by the series of black-and-white images, Max is synonymous with mischief. Do you see the look of determination in his eyes? This kid is seriously into EVERYTHING. Oh, hello Domino magazine!!! A twisted part of me loves to observe him whenever he's exploring, but then panic sets in because I know I'm not ready for him to walk. My mom keeps telling me NOT to encourage it because the day will be here sooner than we'd like, and she's probably right. At least with the walker, he has some sort of bumper to keep him from getting into too much trouble. Lord, help me!
  • Early last week, I told Flyboy about a new "word" in Max's vocabulary. I'm talking about the term zass. Have you heard of it?! Ha Ha! Of course Max NEVER said it around his dad, so FB loved to give me guff. Now why would I just make something like that up?? Finally, on Sunday night, Max uttered the word in front of FB. Score!! Unfortunately, neither of us know what "zass" means, but we have oodles of fun working it into our conversations. Ol' zassy pants...
  • Despite some of the crazy that's been going on around here, you know I've made time for cocktails (always!) and a little colorful organization. I should probably spend any free time tending to my to-do list, but a little spirit-filled bookshelf decluttering on a Friday night never hurt anyone. We all have our vices. Mine are cloth bound and spiked with gin.

Enough about me, how the heck are YOU?! Go on and give it up. What's great in your life?

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Friday, September 11, 2015

LURVE LOAVE LUFF



Let's get right to it, shall we?
Here's what made me feel all twitterpated, smile contagiously, giggle uncontrollably, etc.

  • Easy, Tiger Tee // We have a collection of glassware from this company, and from time to time I'll feature one of their cocktail glasses on Instagram. Hey, you might as well sip your Tom Collins in style, am I right?! So imagine my delight when I found out that I won a $25 credit to their shop for being a fan favorite. Ha! Now that I have a little fun money to spend at the shop, I've decided that Flyboy DEFINITELY needs this tee. It's a Missouri must!
  • Mr. Boddington's Studio // I think they might just take the cake when it comes to the cutest stationery illustrations. Honestly! In fact, I really want to buy this Kitchenaid card and this Diamonds card to add to a collage or to display in a frame somewhere in the house. They're both too perfect for words. Somebody give me ALL the cards.
  • Honeycomb Ball // The months September through November are chock-full of birthdays in our family. I find myself pinning all sorts of decorations and cake ideas. Who doesn't love a task like that?? It's time to party, people!
  • Suede d' Orsay Loafer Flats // Last year, Flyboy got me a set of strawberry loafers (similar to these), but the fit was much too narrow and they had to be returned. Sigh. Perhaps this fit would be better? Then again, they're similar to the Harper Flats, which are SO incredibly uncomfortable. I guess that color keeps wooing me. Please tell me they're comfy!
  • Big Dots Once-Piece // I'm fairly certain Max could wear this knitted one-piece, be as rotten as possible, and I still wouldn't mind. Two words, my friends. Polka dots. They kind of ALWAYS make everything better.
  • Fifteen Things Charles and Ray Teach Us // This book is a MUST for any Eames enthusiast. *Excitedly raises hand.*
  • Loren Hope Fall 2015 Collection // I woke up Thursday morning a little TOO eager to see what kind of magic Loren Hope and her amazingly talented crew concocted for the fall collection. The Autumn hues have me eager to dust off my sweaters and sip PSLs stat. I especially love the Sylvia Necklace in Marigold. The accessorizing options are endless!!
  • Desk Notepad // With all of the birthdays, visitors, and deadlines coming up, I really need to sit down and get organized.
  • Read My Lips Mug // I saw this mug recently and couldn't help but laugh. It definitely reminds me of The Max Factor I shared in yesterday's post. Wish my painted pout and me some luck as we make our weekly trip to HEB. We'll need it!
  • Cake Stand // Since Flyboy's 30th birthday is quickly approaching (September 19th), he still needs to decide what cake he'd like me to make. I typically bombard him with various pins to choose from (like this one from The Vault Files), but he tends to keep it simple. Thankfully, he won't need to decide on a cake stand or toppers—I've got that part covered!
  • Shiny Foil Gold Scallop Tape // Sometimes I begin searching for party supplies and get distracted by things like cute tape.
  • Ban.do Desktop Freebies // Give your computer some love and download these darling wallpapers by Maddy Nye

Cheers to a snazzy weekend, m' dears! Make it count.
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Thursday, September 10, 2015

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS


Because I'm such a blogging rebel, I've decided to deviate from the usual Thursday's Thoughts format once again to document a Max-related anecdote I think you'll find entertaining. While part of me wishes I could forget it ever happened, it's too good not to share.

Here we go...

Right before we left for Iowa, Max and I made our Friday pilgrimage to HEB for groceries. In an effort to add some pizazz to the ordinary, I slapped on my favorite necklace and painted the ol' pout in a punchy shade of pink. Our weekly trips to the grocery store are fairly predictable (read: imminent meltdown by the freezer section), so I try my best to up the fun factor by arming myself with cute accessories and a freshly doodled list. Hey, whatever works, right?!

Upon arriving at HEB on this memorable day, I strapped Max into his Ergobaby Carrier and we began tackling our list. A few elderly folks came over to coo at the babe and exchanged stories about their grandchildren. They mentioned how well-behaved Max was and I half-heartedly joked, "We'll see if you still think that when you see us at checkout." After conquering the produce with ease, we continued to shuffle up and down the aisles only stopping when absolutely necessary. Over the past eleven months, I've learned that coming to a halt for more than ten seconds can cause the child to become restless increasing our chances of becoming a Swell Rio spectacle. Unfortunately, HEB has been the scene of these Fine incidents more times than I care to admit. Yikes!

As we made our way through the store like bandits, I was baffled by Max's pleasant nature. From time to time, he'd grab my chin and lips, but I didn't think much of it because he wasn't crying. Is it okay if I repeat that part? He was NOT crying. Oh. Em. Gee. Hallelujah! The closer we got to the dairy and frozen foods, the more I began to wonder what I'd done differently to cultivate such a positive experience this time around. Could it be like this EVERY Friday?? I obviously knew we were just minutes away from getting in line at the cash register, so there was a really good chance the meltdown was still coming, but this baby of mine seemed different today. To prove he was a changed Max, he didn't fuss at all while checking out. Who stole my baby and replaced it with this angel??

Slightly confused with an urge to click my heels, I pushed the grocery cart to the car with the goofiest smile painted on my face. I proceeded to unload the groceries while showering Max with oodles of compliments and kisses. "Who's the best baby? In. The World." I placed him in his car seat and handed him his favorite toy and bottle. All I could think about was the celebratory drink I planned to pick up at Starbucks on our way home from the store. It was earned, my friends! SUCCESS!!

After starting up The Rig, I cranked the air conditioning and took a moment to look in the rear-view mirror. Something was caught in my eye and it had been distracting me since the cereal aisle, so I took off my sunglasses and leaned closer for further inspection. It was only then that I realized my face (from the lips down) was covered in smeared lipstick. Yep, I'm talking about matte and magenta. Suddenly I recalled EVERY moment Max grabbed at my lips and touched my face. Are you kidding me?? Then I thought about all of the people who saw me like this and never said a word. Oh, no! I erupted in nervous laughter at the sight of myself and grabbed a wet wipe to clean up the mess on my face. Let me just tell you, when they advertise long-wearing, they're not kidding.

I really should have seen this coming. Because when life with Max feels too easy and I feel the slightest bit confident, something is probably off. Now please excuse me while I find my brightest shade of lip color and smother this wily babe with kisses as payback.


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

P.S. Lip illustration via Donald Robertson's EmoJi Collection. Get it here. You won't regret it. Promise.
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