THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

THINKING ABOUT: Remember the last Thursday Thoughts post where I was certain we were SO close to Max walking?! Yeah, no. Nothing has changed. In fact, we've regressed since then. Oh, grrrrrrreat! While my parents were here, we were ALL convinced it could happen at any moment, but a certain half-pint lacks the confidence needed to take his first steps and refuses to even stand at this point. When I encourage (okay, force) him to use his walker or hold my hand, his lower half goes limp and he dramatically melts to the ground. The curious and independent child I had to watch closely a few weeks ago, wants to be held ALL the time and won't leave my sight. This paired with MORE teething is dynamite, m' dears. I'm reminded yet again that babies be babies.

THANKFUL FOR: Afternoon naps that last a little longer than expected (Here's looking at you, Tuesday!) and result in me tip-toeing around the house as I attempt to accomplish "just one more" task before the babe awakes. Afternoons like these are unpredictable gifts that make you feel like you're winning at life. Did somebody say JACKPOT?! Oh, and could we make this a weekly thing??

FEELING: While getting my roots colored last Saturday, my stylist asked how I felt about turning thirty (it's my birthday today!). I guess she had a hard time coming to terms with it herself and was surprised I didn't think much of the milestone. Over the years I've been told I was born with an old soul, which probably explains why I feel somewhat relieved to welcome this new decade. I proudly donned walking shorts and blazers in middle school, and I spent the better part of my twenties relating more to middle-aged women than my actual age group. If this means I'm one year closer to my mental age (whatever that is...), bring it on.

EATING: I'm not sure how I started following Lauren Brimley on Instagram, but she recently shared a two-week meal plan with a focus on whole foods that piqued my interest. After my parents left, I wasn't all that motivated to brainstorm this week's dinners, so I happily chose a few recipes from her plan. If you're looking for ways to mix up next week's meal plan, I highly recommend Lauren's Salsa Chicken, Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup, Honey Sriracha Salmon, Cauliflower Rice, and Seared Chicken Thighs with Confetti Hash. Since I experimented with several new recipes, I was certain there would be at least one or two that we'd find mediocre, but Flyboy and I were pleasantly surprised with each meal and plan on repeating them again in the not-so-distant future.

LISTENING TO: Max's first birthday resulted in many new and obnoxious toys (namely this and this). Now I have a fresh set of hokey lyrics to memorize, which you know I secretly love to hate. "Red, green, yellow, blue, let's follow the jungle crew!"

WATCHING: The rapid and deliciously clever banter between Lorelai and Rory Gilmore might be one of my favorite things. Ever. So when news broke this week of a possible Gilmore Girls revival on Netflix, I was instantly twitterpated! Twitterpated, I tell you! The idea of a Stars Hollow reunion has got me frolicking through imaginary piles of leaves and belting out "Where You Lead" in my best impression of Carole King. Now how can we ensure Sookie signs on for the mini-movies? This calls for a town meeting.

READING: Why am I just NOW reading this a-mazing article by Elizabeth Gilbert? Alright, never mind. Maybe I was supposed to see it today? Maybe it's exactly what I needed to read on my 30th birthday? Yes, definitely YES! Here are a few of my favorite excerpts:

"So here's what I want to know: Can we lighten up a little?

Can we draft a joint resolution to drop the crazy-making expectation that we must all be perfect friends and perfect mothers and perfect workers and perfect lovers with perfect bodies and dedicate ourselves to charity and grow our own organic vegetables, at the same time we run corporations and stand on our heads while playing the guitar with our feet? 

Let's just anticipate that we (all of us) will disappoint ourselves somehow. Go ahead and let it happen. Let somebody else be a better mother than you for one afternoon. Let somebody else go to art school. Let somebody else have a happy marriage, while you foolishly pick the wrong guy. (Hell, I've done it; it's survivable.) While you're at it, take the wrong job. Move to the wrong city. Lose your temper in front of the boss, quit training for that marathon, wolf down a truckload of cupcakes the day after you start your diet. Blow it all catastrophically, in fact, and then start over with good cheer. This is what we all must learn to do, for this is how maps get charted -- by taking wrong turns that lead to surprising passageways that open into spectacularly unexpected new worlds. So just march on. Future generations will thank you -- trust me -- for showing the way, for beating brave new footpaths out of wonky old mistakes. Fall flat on your face if you must, but please, for the sake of us all, do not stop. Map your own life."

LOVING: I heard about the beloved Aztec Clay Mask a few years ago when we lived in Hawaii. Unfortunately, I got sidetracked at Whole Foods (standard) and never ended up buying the magic mud mask—the primary reason for my trip. Damn you, fresh flowers and chocolate chip cookies! I guess it took Mindy Kaling's recent Instagram to jog my memory and convince me to finally buy a jar of the goodness. After several weeks of slathering my face with this clay concoction, I couldn't be more obsessed. In fact, I convinced Flyboy to try the easy at-home spa treatment with me last weekend and he couldn't get over how clean and smooth his face felt.

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

IMAGE CREDIT: SMALL BLACK DOTS VIA SUGAR PAPER

SHOP SPOTLIGHT

COLOR CORD COMPANY

Whenever my mom comes to visit, I can count on her to give new life to our living space. Squeeeeee! Within hours of her arrival, the two of us were plotting to swap out throw pillows, slap a fresh coat of paint on the dining room walls, and brainstorming ways in which we could best utilize an awkward nook in the kitchen. Yep, all of that AND a boat load of yard work took place within the first three days of my parents' visit. For this Type-A task master, it was heavenly, my friends! And since my mom and dad bought Max a table and chairs for his birthday, the useless space in the kitchen seemed like the perfect spot to create a place for the babe to work and play—especially as he gets older. Unfortunately, our creative kid-friendly corner lacked any sort of ambient lighting. I'm talking about a fluorescent nightmare. Oy! As the wheels started turning and we began thinking about our options, the Color Cord Company immediately came to mind. For almost two years I've had BIG ideas to incorporate their snazzy shades and colorful cords somewhere in our house but never really had a NEED until now. I jumped at the opportunity to place an order and I couldn't be happier with the results. I can't wait to share specific details about the pieces we used to transform the space in an upcoming post. Now I can't stop looking around the house for other places to use these budget-friendly and creative light sources. They're SO much fun!!

Oh, and I can assure you that NOTHING about this post has been sponsored. You know that's not my thing!

 I'm just incredibly giddy about good lighting and cute sources. You could say I got it from my mama...

P.S. For more DIY ideas and inspiration, be sure to check out the Color Cord Company's blog.

LIFE'S LITTLE DETAILS

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

Happy Tuesday, m' dears! It's been awhile since we last touched base. Sorry 'bout that! I honestly never intended to take a two-week hiatus from m' blog, but I think I needed some time to digest Max's first birthday and my parents' recent trip to Texas. So. Many. Emotions. And SOOOOO much gratitude!!! I suppose sharing photos in a blog post means that I finally have to accept that the party is over and it's time I get back at the Swell Rio routine. But even as I sit here and attempt to summarize  what the past few weeks have meant to me in writing, I can't help but draw a blank. It may be awhile before I can eloquently express how it is that I'm feeling (MAX IS ONE!!!), so for now I'll let the photos do the talking and leave you with a few random thoughts...

• I did a lot of useless planning for Max's birthday, and I learned the details were mostly for my own benefit. He could have cared less about the personalized papel picado banners, fringed party horns (that never arrived), or the catchy hashtags I concocted in his honor. Ha Ha! It was all about the cake, wrapping paper, and talking birthday cards. In this age of Pinterest and Instagram, it's only human to be wooed by all of the picturesque party images. However, in the end we were lucky to capture the moment with a few decent photos. Bonus points if Max wasn't crying or moving!
• On the morning of Max's birthday, Flyboy and I took the babe to the clinic for his one-year wellness exam. Getting all three of us out the door by 9 am is a bit tricky, so I opted NOT to wash my hair and threw it up in a messy bun. BIG mistake. Later that afternoon after holding back a flood of tears, it was time for cake and pictures. I was all "Waaaaaah, my baby is turning one!!" and the proof is in the photo outtakes. Trust me. My hair is a greasy mess and my makeup is atrocious (hence the black and white images). Thank goodness the rest of our posse proved to be photogenic that day.
• On the bright side, Max must have known I was due to wash my hair because as soon as I passed my camera to my mom and posed for a quick pic, he took his frosting smothered fingers and went straight for my unsightly weave and schoolboy blazer. I had NO idea that frosting could stink so bad because hours later a gross stench lingered. A shower and trip to the dry cleaner were in my immediate future. Oh, memories...
• In an effort to spread a little party cheer, I mailed a dozen boxes (filled with piñatas, balloons, maracas, etc.) to members of our family so they could help celebrate Max's first birthday. I never envisioned they would be such a hit!! Throughout the day, we received emails and text messages with photos of our relatives donning their party sombreros and mustaches while enjoying their very own #TEXMAX feasts. I'm excited to print all of the photos and make a book with the pictures. One day Max will look back on the images and he'll be reminded that he's SO very loved.
• My parents left Texas a week ago and I'm just now at a point where I can (kind of) talk about them without getting all choked up, so I'll keep this next part short and sweet. With each visit and the more time they're able to spend with Max, I feel blessed beyond measure. We're a pretty close-knit family, so I didn't think it was possible to love them any more. However, adding Max to the equation has only intensified my adoration and respect for my mom and dad. Seeing them interact with my baby is one of life's greatest gifts. I'm eternally grateful for the love and support they've shown me these past thirty years, but there's something incredibly special about watching them give that same love to my child.

Alright, enough about me. Tell me what's been going on with YOU! I'm a little bit rusty at this blogging bit, but it's nice to be back.

LURVE LOAVE LUFF

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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

• Balloons // Much like confetti and glitter, I don't t think I'll ever get tired of mylar balloons. They're a party MUST!
• Wardrobe Updates // Max is growing like a weed. Not much of his 12-month clothing fits anymore, which is slightly problematic when most stores are selling sweaters and pants and the Swell Rio temps are still in the mid-90s. Thank goodness for cute tees (like this one from Kid + Kind) and cotton leggings. A new set of colorful moccasins (OOOH, ELECTRIC BLUE!) wouldn't hurt either. Hey kid, STOP growing so fast! Mmmkay?! Great. Thanks.
• Aqua Glow Watercolor Blush // When Kelly featured this on her blog this past week, I immediately got excited! Her beauty recommendations are some of the very best. She never steers me wrong, and that's precisely the reason I'm eager to give this blush a shot! A natural glow with staying power?! That almost sounds too good to be true.
• Deck-Striped T-Shirt // Let's face it, most J.Crew customers don't sugarcoat their reviews these days. Naturally, I couldn't help but take notice when I saw the consistent positive feedback for this tee. It gets close to FIVE stars, my friends!! The bright blue hue makes me think I could totally justify it as different from the others. Who's with me??
• MŌGLEA New Arrivals // You guys, you MUST check out the latest additions to Meg Gleason's shop. They are in-freaking-credible! Letterpressed goodness is a giant understatement. It's better. I want it ALL!
• Tassel Gift Tags // I think I just died and went to heaven. The tags would be a gift on their own. Gimme.
• Marais AC Chair // Holy swoon!! I can't help but LOVE this colorful take on the traditional French bistro classic.
• Desktop Calendar // I was ecstatic to see Sugar Paper updated their FREE desktop downloads with the best month ever.
• Favorite Sweater Candle // I wonder if lighting this adorable scented candle in our house would feel the same as finally getting to wear my favorite sweaters? If it doesn't cool off here soon, it might just have to do.
• Salted Caramel Brownies // Do you think I could talk Max into these brownies in lieu of a birthday cake?! Just kidding. I wouldn't do that, but you can bet I'll make them in the not-so-distant future. They have my name written ALL over them.

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

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

GINGER BY ASHLEY ORLOVICH

THINKING ABOUT: When Flyboy called me on Monday afternoon to discuss the possibility of a spouse taxi this Wednesday, two things immediately came to mind. For those of you who may not know what this is, it's essentially an opportunity for spouses to dress up in flight suits, get fitted for a helmet, and taxi down the runway in whatever aircraft your spouse flies. Yep, I'm talking about the danger zone. NOT! While you don't actually take off, it's typically a fun way to get a better appreciation of the plane and your spouse's job. I probably should have been excited, but my first thought was Max and childcare. When Flyboy said this part would be taken care of, I freaked out because he hasn't actually been watched by anyone but family. I have NO qualms about taking him somewhere, it's just that he's SO close to walking. I suddenly had visions of him taking his first steps in front of a stranger and I got a little queasy. I haven't given this child every ounce of my being only to miss a HUGE milestone. And since life has a wicked sense of humor, I just knew it was bound to happen. Gulp! The other silly detail that made me a tiny bit anxious dealt with the uniform of the day. We'd be required to wear our husband's flight suits and close-toed shoes (ballet flats and top-siders don't count). I was fully prepared to be swimming in Flyboy's uniform like the rest of the wives, but I really hate when I'm told I HAVE to wear tennis shoes. Any rebels out there feel me?! I finally decided I'd show up in my glittery Keds and snazzify the situation, but the last-minute spouse taxi was canceled. For the record, Max has yet to take his first steps and I no longer have to worry about whether the glitter from my sneakers would be considered FOD (foreign object debris) on the runway. Crisis averted!

THANKFUL FOR: The idea of my parents arriving this weekend brings me so much relief. I can't wait to pass Max off and take a little staycation from my problems. With the love nugget's first birthday quickly approaching (NEXT Thursday!), it will be nice to sit back and absorb what's happened in the last year. It's easy to get caught up in the monotony of the day-to-day, so taking some time to reminisce about the past twelve months and reflect on all this change will be good for my soul. And just in case I revert to the ugly cry (that's a given), I'll be surrounded by the people who've been there with me before.

FEELING: With all of the Pope Francis buzz these past few weeks, I couldn't help but notice an uncanny resemblance between the pontiff and Dr. Terry Dubrow. What else did you expect from this Bravo-holic?? Ha Ha! I was slightly hesitant to share my shallow observation with anyone, but finally worked up the nerve to discuss the similarities with a very selective audience—Flyboy and my sister, of course. Little did I know, the topic would be discussed a week later on WWHL and I feel very vindicated.  

EATING: My dear friend Jen, of Lemon Drop Love fame, recommended this recipe (Zucchini Spaghetti, Crispy Prosciutto, and Roasted Cauliflower with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce) and I'm eager to give it a whirl this evening. It looks insanely delicious, but please don't ask me to rattle off the name of the meal again. When Flyboy asked me what's for dinner tonight, I responded with a blank stare. Umm...

LISTENING TO: Sometimes I like to shoot my sister a text with the hopes it will make her laugh or smile. In my ongoing mission to lift her spirits, I messaged Aubrey last Friday and told her that I feel pretty confident in my ability to "Hit the Quan." I knew she'd get a kick out of it, but I didn't think my snarky text would result in me agreeing to show her my moves when I see her at Christmas. Yikes! Suddenly I'm having visions of Will Smith and Kevin James in the movie Hitch. I'll go ahead and let you decide which one I resemble. With two months to go and two left feet, I pray she forgets about this little promise. And just in case she doesn't, I better pack a pair of pants that allow for lots of movement and a tall glass of liquid courage. I said get down low and swing your arm...

WATCHING: As I pen today's post, I feel like I'm living in a Windex commercial. Three Grackles have plowed into our living room windows over the course of the last five hours. No exaggeration. Does this mean I should I buy a lottery ticket?? I guess Max's fingerprints aren't the only smudges I'll be cleaning this afternoon. Yowzah!

READING: My college roommate works alongside books editor and author Elizabeth Egan at Glamour magazine. When he raved about Egan's debut novel, A Window Opens, I knew I had to get my hands on a copy. With my parents' upcoming visit, I think I might actually get some free time to read and I couldn't be more excited to dive into this literary cocktail. It's been described by Gretchen Rubin as Where'd You Go Bernadette meets Bridget Jones's Diary. What's not to love about that?!

LOVING: You could say I'm besotted with Ashley Orlovich's artwork. Based out of Raleigh, NC, the artist uses metallic leafing and acrylics to create abstract modern and pop-art paintings. Based on some of the works featured at LEIF, it's clear Orlovich speaks my love language with her appreciation of color and texture. I think the original, Ginger, is my favorite from the collection.

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