WHAT I'M WEARING WEDNESDAY

MOM UNIFORM: LIPSTICK // TEE // STUDS // TWIST SCARF // WATCH // DENIM // GLITTER KEDS

I'll be honest, I spent the bulk of my pregnancy worrying about really silly details. As shallow as it may sound, I feared that life with a new baby meant that cute daily outfits would no longer be my norm. Believe me when I say I agonized about "letting myself go" for ten straight months. I probably drove Flyboy and my mom crazy; in fact, I know I did. So when Max arrived, I realized that in order for me to show up each day and be the BEST version of myself and the BEST mom to Max, I needed to make it a priority. Now I know this is easier said than done, and I'm probably going to get a lot of eye rolls for this post, but getting dressed and putting myself together is important to ME. Yes, I have to make a conscious effort to wake up a little earlier than I'd probably like to make this a reality each day, but it's worth it to me. Thankfully, Flyboy understands how much it means to me, so we typically get up two hours before he heads to work so I have some time in our morning routine to get gussied up. And by gussied up, I just mean dry shampoo, a messy updo, and simple makeup. As for my daily ensemble, I know there's a BIG chance that I'm going to get spit-up and poo all over me, but I also know about the power of the Resolve Stain Stick, so I don't let the risk of getting messy deter me from wearing things that make me feel happy or good about myself. If I have to change my shirt, then so be it. Obviously, I don't don my fanciest duds, but I do try to incorporate some of my favorite elements (sparkle, prints, etc.) into my daily mom uniform.

Since Flyboy left last weekend, I've been getting up each day around 5:30 AM to allow myself some time to drink coffee and prepare for the long day ahead. Max typically gets up around 7:00 AM, which works out pretty well. However, this past Sunday, he decided to join me for an early start to the day. Curveballs like this are to be expected, so I threw him in his swing and he watched me paint m' face. So what if he knows all of my NARS blushes by name? Ha Ha! I guess it's just what I've got to do to show up each day and be the best me I can be. A little lipstick can make any ol' hot mess feel put together. From my experience, a pink pout and a cute headband have even been known to cure colic. Perhaps Harvey Karp might consider this in his book, The Happiest Baby on the Block?! It might not soothe a crying baby, but it sure as heck soothes this mama's soul.

MAKESHOP NYC

Like many of you, I browse the J.Crew website like a boss—it's a skill that makes my mother beam. As a result of such "talent", my index finger often works the wireless mouse in overdrive as I scroll up and down perusing the New Arrivals. Just recently, I checked out the Home and Gifts section, and I was delighted to see one of my favorite Etsy shops, Makeshop NYC, selling their dainty paper garlands. Great choice, Mickey and Jenna! I suppose this is just another reason we're not-so-secret besties, but I digress.

I originally purchased a green garland from Makeshop a few years ago and wrapped it around a stack of books. Unfortunately, the bright sunlight at Lil' Puna took its toll on the cheerful garland, and I pitched it before we moved. I guess I forgot how much I loved this little detail and seeing the garland on the J.Crew website had me eager to check out Makeshop's amazing color selection.

If you're unsure as to how the garland can be used, hop on over to Makeshop's blog for a handful of whimsical ideas. Go on and unleash your inner creator. Wrap, wear, hang, tie, layer, drape, and adorn the garland for projects, parties, home decor, and more.

Having just read Anna Spiro's book, I ordered a spool of hot pink for a punchy pop of color. 

I haven't decided where it will go just yet, but that's the fun part! 

Which color would you choose, and how would you use it?

LIFE'S LITTLE DETAILS

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

Baby's can throw some serious shade. Just ask Max.

Because of this cheeky tumbler, my H2O intake has spiked.

A few weeks late, I finally finished my Christmas thank-you notes. What a relief!

Because any ol' appointment can feel fancy with bows on your toes...

Oh my heart! I can't wait to see these two together again. In a few weeks, my ashy roots will be grateful, too!

This SPEC-tacular bangle makes me feel closer to my mom.
She has the same bracelet, and I like to believe it gives me mom superpowers or something...

Slowly but surely, Beesly is getting her groove back. As soon as her stitches come out, rehab begins. Woo Hoo!

Anna Spiro, you are my spirit animal. This book is EVERYTHING!

Life is so much sweeter with the love nugget.

Happy Monday, m' dears! With Flyboy away, I've found it's more important than ever that I take note of the beauty that's in the mundane. Life in Swell Rio moves at a snail's pace, and while I'm aware this has its perks, I can't help but wonder how we'll fair these next five weeks. I mean, the past two days have felt like a lifetime already. Ha Ha! While I'd like to crawl into Max's teepee with a fizzy cocktail and hide for awhile, I've decided it's best I look to find the good no matter the circumstances. Today's post mostly serves as a little pep talk for myself. You see, Max and I are headed to the vet this morning to get Beesly's stitches taken out. In my head, I've planned how this whole scenario might go down a gazillion times and one thing's for sure—we'll look like a hot mess as we load and unload The Rig, but we'll survive and there will be Starbucks treats for everyone when it's all said and done. Hooray! In just 48 hours, I've decided the coming and going of Flyboy was SO much easier sans baby, but it wasn't nearly this cute or eventful. 

Here's to a week filled with new adventures! Don't forget to look around. There's beauty in the details. I promise.

LURVE LOAVE LUFF

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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

• Troi Ollivierre // He's the artist behind J.Crew's glow-y, not-too-perfect makeup look. Sign me up! Has anyone tried his lipstick line? Deetz, please. Inquiring minds want to know. The orangey-red looks spot on.
• Kaylee Studs in Sapphire // As much as I hate to admit this, necklaces aren't always the easiest thing to wear when you're toting around a baby. Le sigh. Lately I've been wearing a lot of snazzy studs to compensate for my innate need to accessorize with shiny things. Have no fear my dear necklace collection, I haven't forgotten about you.
• Wool Melton Hooded Bib Jacket // It's been rather chilly in Texas these past few weeks, which makes me dream of this yummy coat. We don't even need to mention the fabulous shade of chartreuse. That's a given, am I right?
• Stripe Satchel // Um, how cute are you with your adorable stripes? And the size? It's ridiculously perfect. Gimme.
• Cece Flats // When J.Crew retired their beloved ballet flats, the whole world mourned. Okay, that's dramatic, but apparently I wasn't the only one who went into a major depression, because they're baaaaaaaaacck!! Now let's hope for a killer color palette this spring. You can do it, J.Crew. We believe in you!!
• Raindrops Mug // Because you can never have enough coffee mugs... Actually you can, our kitchen cupboards are proof of this, but that doesn't mean I can't share these darling cups with YOU. 
• Neon Pink Greeting Card // Since Flyboy will be MIA, I have every intention to keep myself entertained with snail mail.
• Orange Rush // Domino featured the home of Minted artist, Kelli Hall, and I'm slightly smitten with her colorful office. In fact, this abstract number has left me all googly-eyed.
• OrganicZoo // Now that Max is getting bigger, dressing the little guy just keeps getting better and better. I haven't decided on which one of these pieces I want to get for him, but this onesie is pretty precious.
• Do Awesome Stuff Pennant // In case you need a little extra inspiration for the new year, I've got you covered.
• Lips in a Row Print // Did you see the Glitter Guide's collab with Thimblepress. I adore all of the cards, totes, and prints!
• Fuchsia Mohair Throw // Why not snuggle up in something that's sumptuous and slubby?

Cheers to another snazzy week, m' dears! As always, thanks for stopping by.

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

via Domino Magazine

THANKFUL FOR: Over the holiday break, we witnessed so many changes in Max's demeanor. It's amazing! I know I've shared some of the lows that come with colic, but lately there have been little hints of a BIG personality. Ugh, it makes my insides turn into mush. Even if the moments are fleeting, they're a glimmer of hope. This phase will pass soon, and I'm so excited about what's ahead! There's a period in the evening when he's really happy and oh-so entertaining. Since discovering this magical time of night, I find myself looking forward to it every day. I get the warm and fuzzies whenever he smiles at me and acts playful. Ugh, I better stock up on wrinkle cream because this kid is going to be the cause of many smile lines, and that's fine by me.

THINKING ABOUT: Okay, I'm going to be that annoying mother and talk about my kid just a little more. I've decided that if I had to pick a voice to match Max's personality, it would definitely be Billy Eichner's. Sure the trademark screaming is loud and dramatic, but at the same time he's delightfully adorable. How can that be? Much like the TV funny man, the bebe is also VERY impatient. Now if only Max's irritability made me laugh as much as Billy's does. Ha! Sometimes I find myself talking to Max with my best Eichner impersonation. Who knows, maybe he'll respond if I match his level of sass and gusto? I'll try anything.

FEELING: Flyboy leaves for training this Saturday and he'll be gone for five weeks. Yowzah! Oddly enough, I'm not as worried about my workload with Max. Nope, my biggest hurdle right now is Beesly and her pesky meds. Girlfriend is stubborn and smart—two traits I'd typically triumph, but not when it comes to her taking pills. The fact that she has to take three capsules a day for THREE more weeks has me feeling rather frazzled. Believe me when I say we've tried EVERYTHING under the sun, but nothing seems to work. We honestly have to pry her mouth open, shove the pill down her throat, hold her snout shut, and pray she swallows. Let me just tell you that watching us administer the meds is a real riot. With each pill, it usually takes about five attempts before we're successful. You can bet my hand is coated in slobber and dog hair. It's atrocious! Please keep this in mind if snippets of life in Swell Rio ever look particularly glamorous on m' blog or Instagram. You should know I'm probably on the brink of tears (dramatic much?) straddling our dog and my limbs glisten with slobber. Yep, it doesn't get any fancier than that, my friends. 

LISTENING TO: Remind me to send Madonna a thank-you note for the earworm Illuminati. I simply can't get it out of my head. It's not that I really love the song, I can just see it being used in a commercial on Bravo so I might as well master the lyrics. Seems rational, doesn't it?! Anywho, it got me wondering whether Madge notified Oprah and the Pope that they would be fodder in her latest single. I mean, it would be really nice to get some sort of heads up that you're now a lyric. Wouldn't you agree? In the event Madonna did call Bey and Jay to sign off on the hit, can you even imagine how a conversation like that might go? I giggle at the thought. And yes, I should really get a hobby. However, this is the kind of stuff you think about when you hang out with a wailing infant.

WATCHING: I got hooked on Parenthood when we lived in Hawaii. I'm talking about the series, not the REAL thing (jury's still out on that one...). Anywho, it was one of those shows that I could get away with watching while Flyboy was gone. Naturally, I was sucked into the Braverman family drama, and I'm forever endeared to characters like Zeke, Julia, and Crosby. With just four episodes left, I am a glass case of emotion. While I'd like to put the series finale off for as long as possible, you can bet I'll be tuning in every Thursday until I'm forced to say good bye. The mid-season finale made me revert to the ugly cry, so I can only imagine how this will pan out. 

EATING: Since Flyboy is Alabama bound, I thought I'd test this Jalapeño Popper Taquito recipe from Creme de la Crumb. When I stumbled upon it on Pinterest, I knew it had his name written all over it. Just as I hoped, it was a tasty little send-off and will most likely become one of those go-to recipes that I'll make again once he returns. Healthy? Erm, no. Delectable? Yes.

READING: Over the next few weeks, I hope to dive into The Andy Cohen Diaries and Yes Please. Most of my preferred entertainment could be considered low-brow, so I should probably be nose deep in something with more substance, but what's the fun in that?

LOVING: My parents got me a pair of Kate Spade Glitter Keds for Christmas, and I'm just a teensy bit obsessed. It's ridiculous how a pair of tennies can make you feel invincible. I might just wear them every day in Flyboy's absence. Swell Rio could use some sparkle.

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