MAXWELL'S CREATIVE CORNER

 A few weeks ago, I mentioned some useless space in our kitchen that we recently transformed into a creative space for Max to work and play. As our half-pint has gotten older and his needs have changed, I've found it's important to have various areas throughout the house that are dedicated to his stuff. It's helped him differentiate what he can play with and what is considered a no-no, which has made baby proofing minimal. Hooray! For now, at least...

Here are a few nook necessities we've found invaluable as Max continues to explore and entertain himself:

World Is Your Oyster Print via Rifle Paper Co.

Pendant Light via Color Cord Company

I Could've Bin An Art Caddy via Land of Nod

Modern Kids Table and Chairs via Sprout

High Contrast Storage Cube Bin via Land of Nod

I Could've Bin a Chalkboard via Land of Nod

Paper Towel Cardboard Tube (Max's favorite!)

Washi Tape via Oh Happy Day Shop

Baby Color Stackable Crayons via Amazon

Rhymoceros by Janik Coat via Amazon

Pantone Color Flash Cards via Amazon

Kid O Red Go Car via Amazon

Grimm's Large Wooden Stacking Tower via Amazon

Wooden Duck Pull Along Toy via Land of Nod

Happy Wednesday!

LIFE'S LITTLE DETAILS

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

Happy Tuesday, m' dears! It's back to the Swell Rio grind after a week filled with visitors. Might as well jump in feet first with a set of sunny flats and a triple grande macchiato in hand, am I right?!? Extra caffeine and snazzy accessories seem to be the only way to come down from a fun-filled family high, especially when that means we get to share Max. Our little guy has changed so much since our trip to Missouri this past July, so you can only imagine how exciting it was to see him interact with my in-laws again. It's safe to say his grandparents left Texas with a pretty accurate idea of what life with this Fine one-year-old is like these days. There was lots of stacking books, snacking, shuffling around the house, picking up, and putting down. Then shampoo, rinse, repeat. You know Max loved every second of it! Visiting grandparents is a tough act to follow, so I'm going to try my best to amp up the fun factor this week in their absence. Wish me luck! I promise to keep an eye out for colorful details amid the routine snacking and stacking.

A FEW NOTES ABOUT THE FEATURED DETAILS:

• Flyboy really wanted me to snap a few pictures of Max to celebrate the Royals big win. Woop woop! I got out all kinds of props and dressed him up in his KC gear, but this was honestly the best I could get. I've found whenever I try to force a photo-op, it inevitably backfires and results in some sort of meltdown. Aside from oodles of crying outtakes, I managed to get a few of him hitting the books. Because of course. Oh, and beware of the giant bat he opted to swing right at me.
• I have a feeling the next few weeks are going to fly by, so I needed to sit down and get upcoming dates figured out. It was the perfect opportunity to use some of my Sugar Paper for Target goodies. Yipppppeeee!
• Flyboy is Missouri bound next week, so I've got a few projects I hope will keep me busy in his absence. Finding a place for this NYC print might be top priority. After Sir Fussbucket's every need is tended to, of course...
• Alyssa of Glitter and Grey messaged me recently with a Tarjay-related tip, and I owe her BIG time for this lovely lead. If you're in the market for an adorable and budget-friendly Advent Calendar, look no further. This is where it's at!
• After I gave up on the whole Droopy Poopy Smoothie thing a few weeks ago, Max decided he likes yogurt again. Who knew?! I guess I had to let it be HIS decision—because he's stubborn like that. I wonder where he gets the trait?! Anywho, we've both been enjoying morning probiotic parfaits for breakfast, but he opts to treat his more like a facial than anything else. Pictures are in your imminent future. Just please try to contain yourselves.

Enough of my mundane. How the heck are YOU?! Go on and spill the beans.

LURVE LOAVE LUFF

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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

• Yoko Wrap via Kelly Hyatt // Wrapping a present in this lovely paper would be a gift in itself. Just look at all the patterns!
• Sequined Flamingo // An ornament this adorable deserves to come live with me. You'd look perfect on our tree!
• Wood and Fabric Necklaces // I need to add a necklace from Harthorne to my collection. They're so simple and fun!
• Mirella // My mom recently bought a piece by artist Leslie Weaver. I'm obsessed with her abstract portraits. Stunning!
• BDB Jewelry Dish // How fantastic are these little trinkets? I wouldn't mind stocking up on a few to give as gifts this holiday season. Then again, I wouldn't mind calling the stripes or polka dots my own either.
• Hooray For Today // Because it's Friday and we survived. Everybody say it with  me, "Cheers to the freakin' weekend!"
• Sugar Paper Holiday for Target // I typically try to exercise some discipline when it comes to buying anything Christmas related until AFTER Thanksgiving, but I broke my rule last Sunday and stocked up on Sugar Paper's goodies at Target. While I wasn't able to browse the selection in person, I feel pretty good about my online order.
• Studio Series: Flowers for June // Most of us probably can't afford the pieces from Loren Hope's Studio Series (sigh!), but it's such a treat to see how artists like Lulie Wallace's work is interpreted via Hope's colorful and sparkly jeweled designs.
• Bow Pumps // You guys, these heels come in under forty bucks! That's just insane. Someone buy them and stat!
• Kate Spade Gift Guide // Has anyone else been anticipating the Kate Spade Gift Guide?! That's what a thought!! A few swoon-worthy pieces I'd like to find in my stocking include this Leather Initial Keychain and this Camera iPhone 6 Case.
• Girls' Stadium-Cloth Bow Coat // Two words. Neon. Tangelo. Squeeeeeeee! I swear this coat was made for me—or my non-existent daughter! And can we just take a moment to fawn over the sweet placement of that bow??
• Neon Alpine Sweater // Okay, the price point is slightly horrendous, but this is The Love List and I LURVE to dream. Something about that neon pink trim has got me feeling all the wintry feels. Apres-ski anyone??

Cheers to a snazzy weekend, m' dears! Make it count. 

HUMP DAY HAPPY HOUR

I wanted to sip on a punchy pink cocktail for my 30th birthday, so I hopped on Amazon and ordered some dried dragonfruit. I've had my eye on this recipe for almost two months and thought it was only fitting I celebrate in style with my spirit of choice. Out of all the cocktails I've whipped up in the past year, this is definitely one I wouldn't mind making again and again. And that color though...

DRAGONFRUIT GIN AND TONIC

Recipe from Quitokeeto

(Serves 1)

INGREDIENTS:

1 OZ DRIED DRAGONFRUIT

2 CUPS OF GIN

ICE CUBES

2 OZ DRAGONFRUIT GIN

2 OZ TONIC WATER

2-4 OZ SPARKLING WATER

LEMON SLICES

DIRECTIONS:

1. Combine the dragonfruit and gin in a jar and allow to infuse for a couple of hours, or overnight if you have the time. I opted to infuse mine for a full day so I could get a really rich hot pink color. Priorities, my friends...
2. When you're ready to mix drinks, strain the gin to remove any slices and solids.
3. Combine two ounces of dragonfruit gin, two ounces of tonic water, and two ounces of sparkling water in a cocktail shaker or mason jar with lots of ice. Double or triple the amount depending on the number of drinks you plan to make. Shake well, taste, and add more sparkling water if you'd like.
4. Pour into ice cube filled glasses, each with a thin slice of lemon.
5. Refrigerate remaining dragonfruit gin.
6. Enjoy your pretty pink drink!

Cheers, m' dears!

LIFE'S LITTLE DETAILS

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

Happy Tuesday, m' dears! We're spending time with family visiting from Missouri, but I thought I'd pop in for a second to share some photos of Max from Halloween. In case you missed it on Instagram, the babe went full 80s and channeled his best Tom Cruise in Risky Business. But instead of sliding across the floor and dancing to the sounds of Bob Seger, he spent most of the evening crawling on a sugar high or sitting outside in his high chair while I passed out candy to trick-or-treaters. It was an absolute riot! I kind of want him to teeter around the house in tighty-whities, a button-down, and tube socks forever. Hey, Max! Please stop growing. Mkay?!

I hope your week is off to a fabulous start! What's happening with YOU?!