LURVE LOAVE LUFF

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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

• Stop Worrying // This has been a doozy of a week and I can't wait to shut off my brain this weekend.
• Heart Sunglasses // At $25, these stylish spectacles are serving major heart eyes. I think it's a must!
• Drunk Elephant Bronzing Drops // Has anyone tried this product from Drunk Elephant? I'm intrigued.
• Hex Brushed Brass Handles // These are on my radar for the kitchen. The reviews and price point are fab.
• Zigzag Trinket Dish // A ceramic vessel with visual intrigue. This cobalt catchall is the cutest.
• Scribble & Daub Stationery // Fellow paper fanatics, I discovered the sweetest stationery store recently!!
• Sleepy Head Print // This is a portrait of yours truly after the past few nights. I need to catch up on zzzz's.
• Becoming: Erin Jang // Have you checked out this new series from The House That Lars Built? It's gooood!
• HMM Scissors with Black Base // I saw Jordan Ferney feature these cuties in the latest issue of Domino.
• Henri Cutout Earrings // These playful earrings are wavy and imperfect, just like Matisse's collages.
• Herbivore Glow Mask // I'm searching for a good mask to try. This is on my list, but I'm up for recs.
• Kristen Bow Headband // This darling accessory would be worth the headband headache, in my opinion.
• French Fries Tee // J.Crew's mini collection of delicious tees inspired by Italian cuisine are utter perfection.
• Zara Ultimatte // It wasn't until recently that I realized Zara has a line of beauty products. Have you tried?
• Sailor Skirt in Stretch Linen // A nautical-inspired skirt that's perfect for Spring or Summer. Gimme.
• Woven Straw Crossbody Bag // The reasonable price tag is almost as lovely as the adorable striped lining.
• Gola Sneakers // I'm a sucker for ALL things green. But seriously though, how lovely is this shade? Swoon!
• Terra Cotta Gray Planter // I'm getting some serious Terrain vibes from this scalloped planter at Target.
• Bugs Vinyl Sticker Pack // The Printed Peanut has some of the cutest and delightfully bright products.
• California Lounge Chair // How fabulous is this chair? I'm obsessed with the mint green option as well.
• Chocolate Chips Salted Caramel Cookies // I think I need to work out some of this stress by baking. Ha!

Have a fabulous weekend, m' dears! Make it count.

LIFE'S LITTLE DETAILS

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

Happy Wednesday, m' dears! After five weeks, I think it's safe to say that "dishwashergate" is in the rear-view mirror. In fact, the repair technician is here as we speak. It's Max's nap-time and while he should be sleeping, I've given him the task of taking care of Beesly. Her mama bear instincts are through the roof while Flyboy's away, so this seemed like the easiest way to go about things this afternoon. Yes, you read that correctly. Max skipping his nap is easier for me to deal with than Beesly in protective mode. Lord help us! By the time this guy leaves, I'm going to need some gin.

Without further adieu, here are a few things that have sparked joy around here as of late...

• A few people on Instagram asked if I buy flowers every week and the answer is yes. We have a local place where you can buy them for dirt cheap and I load up on a weekly basis. After my family lived overseas for ten years, my mom sort of adopted the habit and I've followed in her footsteps. You could say it's our Dutch heritage*, but something about having them around the house makes me really happy. After reading Ingrid Fetell Lee's book, Joyful, my affinity for fresh blooms made even MORE sense. Flowers are one of those universal things that make people happy. However, more often than not, we only buy them for holidays or anniversaries. The author argued the cost of a weekly bouquet of grocery store flowers is the same as a few therapy sessions. It's safe to say, I appreciate her rationale!
• Re Dutch Heritage: My parents had one of those DNA/ancestry tests done last year and it said we were Dutch. Those of you who have been hanging around here for awhile know that my mom believed this to be true all along as she's obsessed with the Netherlands. For the sake of cheese and flowers, I'm beyond thrilled. However, I still think there's got to be Deutsch genes in there somewhere. Otherwise, how will I explain my peasant-stock build?? This pear shape bod needs answers.
• Max could spend HOURS creating things out of Legos. We recently got a few of the "real" sets to add to his collection of Duplos, but I'm over the tiny "OG" bricks already. My at-home manicure can't take the wear and tear. Not to mention, the box comes with a little pamphlet filled with ideas of things to make and that means I have to make the crap. Upon this realization, I thought it might be a good idea to organize them by color so I could find the pieces, but that approach lasted less than twelve hours when Maxwell decided to dump ALLLLLL the Ziploc bags into a pile. Never again, kid...
• We did some yard work on Saturday, but my mom told me I need to pump the breaks when it comes to buying plants as it's still VERY cold in the evening. Le sigh. Something about the nice weather gives me the itch to start planting all the things, but I will heed her warning. Haha! This time of the year in Texas was prime for buying/planting plants. I suppose I'll just work on transitioning my closet and Max's from Winter to Spring instead. That feels like an equally colorful and fulfilling to-do.
• Fellow art fanatics and color lovers, I swear it's as if someone got inside my head/heart and illustrated everything I feel when I'm at an art museum. I seriously get SO emotional when I flip through the children's book, My Museum. If art is your jam, grab a copy in the name of #shelfcare. You'll feel giddy, I know it!!

Enough from me. What details have you found delightful lately?

P.S. I wrote today's post before I found out there's yet ANOTHER problem with fixing our dishwasher (it requires a plumber now), but I don't have the energy to edit or update the text at this point. I'll spare you the thrilling details for now and sip on that gin I was talking about. Ha! I'm sure you'll hear more about it tomorrow. Lucky you!!

P.P.S. I also REALLY miss my husband. These sorts of shenanigans are wearing me out, y'all!

FEATURED DETAILS: RAIN JACKET // FLATS // MY MUSEUM // STRIPED TEE // PJ SHORTS // PILLOW COVER // VASE

LURVE LOAVE LUFF

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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

• Smoke Signals by Kathleen Markowitz // This abstract's colors are the inspiration behind today's post.
• Clement Pendant // You know I'm a sucker for a great light. Make it a fabulous citron and it's a done deal.
• BFFs Bloomers // Any chance I could get one of these in Beesly's size? Don't judge. She's my only hope.
• Green Ink Pad // I found my old stamp-making supplies, but my ink pads have dried out. This is perfect!
• Color Wheel Print // Yellow Owl Workshop has the most adorable paper goods, pins, and pennants.
• Velvet Bow Mules // Have I featured these beauties in the past? If so, pardon me. They're eye candy.
• Someone To Love // I sound like a broken record, but I will own a piece of Rachel Castle's work someday.
• Citrus Print Matchbox // With those bright yellow tips, these matches are *almost* too pretty to use.
• Cut & Paste Card // The cutest illustrations in all the land, Mr. Boddington's latest has me swooning.
• Warm & Fuzzies Pennant // I'd call this one spirited greeting card, wouldn't you? This design is precious.
• Fluffernutter Pie Pint // The next time I make it to Jeni's, trying a scoop of this is going to be a MUST!!
• Stripe Swimsuit // I know, I know. Another swimsuit! Is it THAT obvious I'm itching to get away?? Ha!
• Babe Town USA Print // A whimsical hand-lettered poster that's fit for Baberaham Lincoln. Am I right??
• Lolita Fringed Tote // On my imaginary escape to somewhere warm, I pair the striped suit with this. Obvi.
• Lush Kids' Faves // Max LOOOOOVES the bath, so I think his Easter basket will include some of these. The Rainbow Fun Bar gets incredible reviews (want to try it myself!) and that Bunny Bomb Bomb is adorbs.
• Twiggy Flower Hoops // Inspired by its namesake, this statement earring from Loren Hope is retro and fun.
• Funny Things My Kids Say // I stumbled upon this on Instagram and bookmarked the Australian site stat.
• Aloha Pineapple Chamomile Tea Drops // This blend sounds decadent and fresh. Have you tried the brand?
• Carrot Rattle // A perfect Easter gift idea for your BFF with the cute baby or that munchkin of your own.
• Taffeta Belted Ball Skirt // Got fancy plans? Me neither. But I want to make some ASAP so I can wear this.

Have a fabulous weekend, m' dears! Make it count.

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

VIA

FEELING: I was optimistic when I hit publish on last week's Thursday's Thoughts. Just when the repair technician stopped by to fix the heating element on our dishwasher, we learned our asshat contractor from last year installed the wood floors and didn't take the removal of the appliance into account when he laid them. As a result, the dishwasher is currently trapped and I need to find a way to remove a few floor boards so the repairman can pull the machine out to work on it. It could be worse, but it's just another thing I have to take care of in Flyboy's absence. I contacted said contractor to see if he could help, but he's been flaky, which only adds to the frustration. On top of this, I've had to rearrange vet and dental appointments to accommodate the ongoing issue and it's got me wishing life would return back to boring soon. Surviving is enough during a deployment. Anything additional is a pain in my rump.

THANKFUL FOR: I feel a bit silly for ranting earlier about my issues because in the big scheme of things, we're very blessed. This past week, my family in Iowa and South Dakota have been impacted by the devastating floods going on in the Midwest. With more catastrophic flooding on the way (due to snowmelt and additional rain), I pray they remain safe. Footage of small nearby towns being swallowed by the historic flooding are absolutely heartbreaking. I'm grateful that our family has kept us updated via text messages, but it's hard not to feel helpless in times like these. 

THINKING ABOUT: I got us to tickets for Jurassic Quest at the end of April and I know Max is going to have the best time. The event/exhibition allows you to experience "living, breathing, walking dinosaurs" through a series of activities, rides, science stations, fossil digs, etc. We've wanted to go for awhile, but they only stop at a few select cities each year. I've been checking the location list off and on for the past year and was ecstatic to learn they were coming to Virginia. It seems like it was meant to be. The only thing missing will be Flyboy!

READING: What's a girl got to do to get an issue of Domino magazine around here? About the time I let my subscription expire, I noticed the glossy was being sold at Target and Safeway, so I wasn't too worried about having access to the magazine whenever it hit newsstands. Well, it's a totally different story now, and I know as soon as I buy another subscription it will be available again locally. Lesson learned—always maintain your subscription, Ashley.

LISTENING TO: After Christmas, I got a set of wireless headphones on mega sale (this set) and I love them so much. Aside from when I blog or spin, I've found they come in super handy when I do yard work or the one time I had to shovel part of the driveway. The neighbors probably think I'm nuts, but every time I put them on and play music or a podcast, I swear it feels like a mini getaway. The fact that this pair is super cute doesn't hurt either. Hehe!

WATCHING: One movie night a few weeks ago, I introduced Max to The Little Mermaid and it made my heart so happy to see that he adored the film just as much as I do. I was fully prepared for him to be bored, but Scully had him at hello with the dinglehopper line. The fact that he shares the same name as the adorable sheep dog was icing on the cake! 

EATING: We've reached that point in the deployment where I don't miss cooking per se, but I do miss eating a variety of foods and the excuse to whip up a sheet pan of nachos on a Saturday night. Ha! If I was looking to meal plan, I'd refer to some of the tasty recipes I've been pinning. I probably won't get to test them for a few more months, so I thought I'd throw a few ideas your way instead and live vicariously through you! If you try any, be sure to report back.

Korean Chicken Bowls with Coconut Rice via How Sweet Eats

Chicken Enchilada Casserole via Gimme Some Oven

Chicken Shawarma Naan Salad with Sweet Potato Fries via Half-Baked Harvest

Green Goddess Salmon Burgers via How Sweet Eats

Korean Beef Sloppy Joes via Dinner then Dessert

Sheet Pan Cauliflower Gnocchi and Tomatoes via Domestikated Life

Mexican Mini Bell Pepper Nachos via Food Faith Fitness

Honey Garlic Steak Bites via Cooking Classy

LOVING: A few weeks ago, I droned on about my kid and the holes he gets in the knee region of his pants?? Well, it's STILL an issue (we average two ripped pairs a week), but I've learned I'm not alone. It must be a *thing* with active/spirited kids around this age group. While I haven't been able to find any terribly cute options and places like Target are starting to offer mostly shorts (WTF?), I bought two pairs of these joggers for Max from Amazon Essentials and you can't beat the quality. They're perfect for the park or a day at home in which he doubles as a stuntman.

How are you feeling today? What are you up to? Thanks for stopping by!! 

WHAT I'M WEARING WEDNESDAY

THE SWING INTO SPRING MOMSEMBLE ESSENTIALS:

(With an option that's $50 or less included underneath each item featured in today's graphic.)

Le Specs Matriarch Sunglasses $59 via Nordstrom

(Sunglasses $13 via H&M)

Tipped V-Neck Sweater $80 via J.Crew*

(Short Open-Front Sweater $25 via Old Navy)

Hello Nature Activity Cards $11 via Amazon

Yellow Floral Scarf $10 via H&M

Puff-Sleeve Top in Cotton Poplin $65 via J.Crew*

(Flounced Top $18 via H&M)

Palm Earrings $68 via Tuckernuck

(Mini Emma Hoop Earrings $36 via Bauble Bar)

Women's Wide Leg Crop $68 via Everlane
(Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Chinos $40 via Old Navy)

OPI A Red-Vival City Polish $11 via Amazon

Petite Lea $165 via Clare V.

(Round Paper Straw Handbag $25 via H&M)

Instax Camera $50 via Amazon

Trez Yarn Fringe Sandal $178 via France Valentine

(Suede Slides $50 via H&M)

(Violet Woven Mules $25 via Target)

*Items featured from J.Crew are 30% thru March 22, 2019