LURVE LOAVE LUFF

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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

• Small Ledger // Can we just take a moment and fawn over those hot pink edges?? It really doesn't get much better.
• Boldface Acrylic Neon Letters // The Land of Nod's latest batch of new arrivals makes me want to be a kid again.
• Mint Arrow Marquee // I'd like to incorporate another light source into Max's nursery, but I still can't decide what suits the space. In my ongoing search, I stumbled upon this arrow marquee. While it's not quite what I'm looking for, it's too fabulous not to share. Certainly there's someone out there who could slap this on a wall somewhere. Minty fresh!! 
• Pom-Pom Scarf // If you've been hanging around here long enough, you know I don't need any more scarves. That being said, I wish I would have snagged this when I saw it in Kansas City. The color, texture, and POM-POMS are wonderful.
• Huck Tote // Hello, lovely! I can already see myself skipping around Swell Rio with this on my shoulder.
• Bow Slingbacks // I've featured a lot of these slingbacks from H&M. One of these days I ought to try them. Ha Ha! The bows on this pair are classic and feminine. Perhaps it's time I finally give it a go??
• Vase Square Throw Pillow // Someone do me a favor and tell me all of the Kate Spade stuff at Bed Bath and Beyond is just awful in person. Pretty please?! The latest collection of home goods could get me in some serious trouble. 
• Plush Crocodile // What a croc! It's time this little guy comes to live in Swell Rio. Maxwell approved and utterly adorable.
• Manicure and Pedicure Tips // I got a really cruddy gel manicure a few weeks ago. I'm not sure if it was the application or the color I chose, but it was a total disaster. Chips galore! After TWO days! That's not supposed to happen. I have every intention to give it another shot this weekend. I'm in desperate need of a little color and Max-free pampering.
• Polka Dot Sunhat // With each Love List, you can expect at least one over-the-top item that's way overpriced. Call it daydreaming or even inspiration. I just think it's fun! So in true Love List fashion, I give you this dreamy hat. Somebody give me some pom-poms, and a glue gun stat. This might just be my definition of a crown.

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

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

HAND LETTERING VIA KRISTEN DROZDOWSKI

THINKING ABOUT: While we were in Missouri, we got a bit spoiled in terms of all our family and friends willing to assist with Max. So when this last Monday rolled around, I kind of felt like I forgot how to be a mom. I waved good bye to Flyboy and stared at Max wondering what to do next. As odd as that might sound, I felt so silly, but the baby I tended to a few weeks ago is not the baby I see before me today. His needs have changed tremendously since we left for MO (how is that even possible ?), and as a result, I was left a little overwhelmed as to how a normal day might look for us right now. He's currently boycotting his jumper and refuses to sit and play for very long. He wants to be held. All. The. Time. I'd be lying if I said I haven't shed a few tears of confusion and frustration.

FEELING: Holy week of migraines! When will the madness end? After unpacking and cleaning the house, I had BIG plans to get back into a Swell Rio groove this week. I'm talking about morning walks with Max, spinning, blogging, etc. Unfortunately, not as much of that has happened as I'd like, but that's okay. We'll get there eventually. Some days/weeks are more about surviving than thriving.

THANKFUL FOR: A few weeks ago, my mom introduced me to the wondrous world of Starbucks Passion Tea Lemonade. As an Iced Caramel Macchiato devotee, I never considered trying any other refreshing options on the menu, but this is pretty tasty. And since we're back to normal Texas summer temps, I could see myself whipping up one of the copycat recipes I've seen circulating on Pinterest (like this one). It's worth a shot, right?! I'm also not opposed to spiking the beverage with a splash o' gin for cocktail hour, which was my initial thought upon trying the drink for the first time. I guess some things never change...

EATING: My sister did something awful. She brought me a pint of cookie dough from The Cookie Dough Cafe. When I heard about it awhile back, I immediately sent her a text and told her all of the grocery stores in her city where this magical jar of sweetness is available. Being the assertive (that's nice for bossy) older sister that I am, I warned her I wouldn't talk to her until she tried it and reported back to me. Because I'm terrible at the silent treatment, adore her far too much, and a little ADD, we never discussed the cookie dough again, which was probably for the best. But then, on the last day in MO, she showed up with a pint in tow. Cue the hallelujah chorus and color me besotted! If you have access to a jar, grab a spoon, and jump on it. It's dangerously delicious. 

LISTENING TO: With each road trip an unofficial theme song is adopted. It's never planned. You just have to let it happen. In our case, traveling close to 2,000 miles through Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri, there are remote areas where there aren't a ton of radio station options. Part of the fun is hitting the scan button and crossing your fingers you'll come upon a pop or classic rock channel. Sure we could use our phones and create iTunes playlists, but this is the sort of thing you grow to love and expect out of a long road trip. I suppose it passes the time or something. Anywho, on our most recent adventure to MO, we couldn't seem to escape Walk the Moon's Shut Up and Dance, so naturally it was dubbed the official song of our road trip. Any time it played, Flyboy and I would belt the lyrics and Max would grin along. We couldn't help but get excited to think about the day he can join the ensemble.

WATCHING: The new season of Flipping Out premiered on July 1st, and I can't seem to wipe this silly grin from my face. The banter among the crew is unbeatable. Jeff, Jenny, and Zoila are the very best! And how about Gage's new assistant? Flyboy and I were dying; the similarities are uncanny. Despite the fact that he was a total train wreck and oddly inappropriate, I really miss Andrew. 

READING: When we returned to Swell Rio on Saturday, I was ecstatic to find Merrilee Liddiard's book, Playful, waiting for me on our doorstep. Thanks, mom! The book is brimming with charming projects to make with kids. After poring through the pages, I found myself incredibly giddy for the day Max and I can bring some of these projects to life. Until then, I'll just keep bookmarking the pages.

LOVING: While shopping in Kansas City, I managed to squeeze in a quick trip to Sephora (always dangerous) and snagged two unlikely products that I really enjoy. If you're looking for long-lasting lip color in a bright hue, you'll want to check out NARS Audacious Lipstick in Grace and Bite Beauty's Lip Crayon in Sucré. I'm loving the texture and color of each.

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

LIFE'S' LITTLE DETAILS

A BLOGGIE BREAK

Hooray! We're off to visit family and friends in Missouri! Regularly scheduled blog posts will return NLT July 14th. 

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

Toodles!

ANF

LIFE'S LITTLE DETAILS

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

Happy Tuesday, m' dears! We're Missouri bound tomorrow, and as you can imagine I'm in the thick of packing and list-making. On a side note, why do babies require SO MUCH STUFF? I can't even begin to think about what I'll need for the next ten days. It's all about the babe. Anywho, I thought I'd pop in for a hot second and share a few of my favorite details from the last week. It was a good one.

A FEW NOTES ABOUT THE FEATURED DETAILS:

• Maxwell is on the move. While I can't say his crawling motions are fluid or graceful, he shuffles across the floor with all of his might. Real talk, the entire show lasts a total of fifteen seconds before he gets tired and face plants on the rug. Hey, at least he's moving forward! In fact, if you're not careful you might just miss the big performance. Ha Ha! I was initially kind of bummed that he didn't just zoom off like I'd envisioned, but then I remembered that he did inherit my German peasant stock legs. Have you ever tried moving around a set of beefy gams? Yep, it's kind of the reason I choose not to run. It's downright exhausting! For now I'm just grateful he lacks any motivation to crawl more than two steps. The house and dogs are probably thankful as well. I have a feeling we're not ready for the madness just yet.
• On Friday, Flyboy's students got to turn on the beer light in the flight room. Big deal alert! Around five that evening, I decided it was time to turn on the beer light at home. It's not often that I imbibe on anything that doesn't require gin, but I was eager to whip out the latest addition to my cocktail napkin collection. Longneck? It seemed fitting and super cute.
• Finding adorable boy clothes for summer hasn't been as easy as I'd hoped. In fact, I find myself deferring to statement tees to add flair to Max's wardrobe. The Fresh Prince inspired tee from Passive Juice Motel was a no-brainer, but part of me thinks that all of these tees make him look too grown up. Suddenly I have the urge to dress him in onesies and footed pajamas forever. Maybe then he'll continue to look like a little baby? Please. Stop. Growing. Deal?!
• Who knew a simple canvas tote featuring m' fave boss lady, Jenna Lyons, could bring so much delight? It almost feels as though she likes to tag along for an afternoon of errands. Pinch me. In true Swell Rio fashion, I've had a handful of people ask who's on my bag, and I can't help but feel like I come off a little strong when I drone on about the creative director. Did somebody say Crewcults? You know I'm a card-carrying member.
• Speaking of J.Crew, I have a feeling what I pack for Missouri will consist primarily of these tanks and accessories. Perhaps if I stick with a color palette I can play with the basics and maximize my outfit options. I should really get to packing...
• It's been confirmed by both of my parents that Max is definitely saying mom. I'm certain he hasn't attached the title to me specifically; however, he does make a point to say it when he needs a bottle or wants attention. Oh, hey! Is it okay if I reject him saying the m-word until mom is said in a joyful or excited manner? Also, can anyone tell me why dada is said with excitement and mama is uttered whenever he's ticked off? Oh, my sweet curmudgeon.
• I recently ordered a pair of metallic Birkenstocks (mirror green), and I must admit I'm at odds with them. I love the shiny factor and the comfort level is crazy great. That being said, I just don't know if I can pull them off. Part of me wonders if I should keep them to wear around the house, or if this is just a big no-no and it's time I return to sender.
• And since HEB had my favorite color of Peonies,  you better believe that's worthy of TWO pictures in today's post. Two.

Enough of my babbling. How are YOU? I hope your week is off to a fantastic start.