Lurve Loave Luff

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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

• Hey There, Fancy Pants! // I may have giggled a little when I saw this collage.
• Kate Spade 2014 Agenda // I'm just a little bit obsessed with this 17-month planner. The literary glasses print is my fave, although the roses are quite charming as well.
• Good One, Karen Walker // I don't think I've ever seen an ad campaign quite as cute as this one. 
• Kiss Me Exfoliating Lip Scrub // It helps keep my lips moisturized and soft!
• Horsing Around Sweatshirt // I can't explain my attraction for this silly sweatshirt, but I'm smitten.
• A Graceful Exit // It's darling little graphics like this that make me adore the Kate Spade brand.
• Colorblock Dot Trouser Socks // I'm pretty excited about the idea of getting to wear fun socks again once we return to the Mainland. Although it's warm in Texas, at least I can crank up the air conditioner and sport something as cute and colorful as these.
• Gonna Be Great // A cheerful reminder to think happy thoughts, even when times get tough.
• Stamps by Mae Mae Paperie // I say this EVERY time we move, but once we get settled in TX, I'm going to invest in a fancy personalized address stamp. Hold me to it, will you?!
• Tassel Trace Pillow // Anthropologie, you are killing me with this fabulous pom-pom trim. Seriously.
• Thyme and Lime Lemonade // This cocktail is like woah! You can bet I'll be whipping up a batch of these this weekend. In true Ashley fashion, the vodka will be swapped for a splash of gin.
• Leather Bag // For a few years, my love affair with Gap was up in the air. Over the past year, I've slowly grown to love their clothing and accessories again. Their latest collection of accessories has me swooning. How perfect is this neon leather tote?
• YSL Volupte Sheer Candy // Awhile back, Taylor of Peach Gingham shared the contents of her bag in this post and she raved about this glossy balm. Naturally, I had to try it and I absolutely LOVE it.
• BAGGU Small Leather Pouch // A few weeks ago I snagged this little guy. It doubles as a snazzy wallet, which is especially handy when I transfer clutches.
• Dream // I couldn't have said it better myself!
• Olimpia Zagnoli // This week, I found some serious inspiration in the bright doodles of Zagnoli. Hop on over to her website and check out her work. Your heart might just skip a beat!    

Cheers to a swell weekend! Make it count.

Thursday's Thoughts

Blue Gesture Series No. 3, 1972, by Robert Motherwell

FEELING: We had a "family meeting" on Monday morning, and all four Fines were in attendance. Tripp and Beesly's presence was requested for comic relief and to boost morale. I must say, they really brought their A-game this time around! There was a lot of slobber and belly rubs — both of which are meeting MUSTS! Now, I like to call this kind of organizational pow-wow a "meeting" because the bossy pants in me has always liked to lead with a notepad and pen. We will pack out in exactly a month (Are you tired of me talking about the dreaded move yet?), so it was time to regroup and hash out the details of the next 4-6 weeks. Sometimes updating "the list" brings piece of mind. As we divide and conquer our to-dos, everything's beginning to fall into place and we can both rest peacefully at night knowing that we've done as much as we can possibly do right now. After months of staring at a bunch of tasks, we're finally crossing things off. Productivity makes me pleased as punch!

READING: I have this thing about magazines. I like to stare at them for awhile before I even open them. I like them to just sit there in a stack and look pretty before I pore over each and every detail. I'm especially that way when it comes to the September issue of my favorite glossies. The anticipation builds, and I finally have possession of the magazines. I really hate for the fun part to be over with, so I wait, and after a week of drooling over the marvelous covers and the idea of having them in my grubby hands, I finally take time to devour the magazine madness. Few things in life bring me this much happiness!

LISTENING TO: Awhile back I was spinning and Lorde's "Royals" started playing. I began singing along to distract myself from the heavy panting and sweaty mess that was happening on my bike. Ever since Beesly was a puppy, she's insisted on placing herself in front of my bike while I workout. I like to think she's doing it as my personal cheerleader. Anywho, I spotted her sitting up in a regal fashion with her paws crossed ladylike just as the lyrics "You can call me queen Bee" played. I have a tendency to associate lyrics with certain moments or people, and this was just perfect! After that, I've listened to the song on repeat and look forward to serenading Beesly daily. I'm pretty sure she loves it and looks forward to it just as much as I do!

THANKFUL FOR: Since we moved to Lil' Puna, one of my favorite activities has been hopping on the roof and watching C-17s fly around the bay. When Flyboy told me they would be closing the local airfield for maintenance and it would be our last time to watch the cargo jets do pattern work, I knew we needed to head outside and soak it all up one last time. I may have got a little misty-eyed in the moment because this rooftop ritual has brought me so much peace and joy over the past two years. It's where we'd take visitors to show off the incredible view. I'd often stand there in the evenings, my chest puffed with pride, and I'd watch FB on local night flights. Some days when I felt really alone and FB was away, I'd hear the C-17 roar, run outside and gaze at that beast of a plane — it made feel closer to him, like it was God's way of telling me that everything was okay and that this time apart would all make sense in the end. We stood there together for the last time on Tuesday night and watched a few go-arounds as the sun set. Blessed doesn't even begin to describe this adventure. I am grateful for the small moments.

THINKING ABOUT: Once we get back to the Mainland, we plan on purchasing a shiny new car. I really hate to think about it because I can't imagine life without the dear Jetta, but it's going to happen. Thankfully, we plan on buying another German engineered piece of awesome. We're currently looking at the Jetta SportWagen and the Touareg. We'd love to get another Jetta or Passat, but we'd like to have this vehicle for awhile and we know it will inevitably need to be family friendly. The "family friendly" detail makes me both excited and nervous at the same time. A lot has happened over the past five years with the Jetta, and it's fun to think about where the journey will take us with this next vehicle. As hokey as it sounds, I'm glad you'll be around to join us for the ride.

EATING: After a week of pigging out while my father-in-law was in town, we thought it was time to cut back this week and load up on fruits and veggies. Coming down from the sugar high and exercising portion control is never very fun, but I found this amazing recipe on Pinterest and I was excited to give it a shot. The Chicken and Grilled Corn Salad with a Greek Yogurt Vinaigrette was flavorful and light; I highly recommend it!

WATCHING: I know I've said it before, but we're big fans of Duck Dynasty. Watch a few episodes and tell me you don't absolutely adore Uncle Si. He's a real hoot! 

LOVING: Madewell's new collection is amaze balls. Have you seen it? Somehow they manage to up the ante when it comes to laid back, simple, and cool. How do they do it? I'm terribly smitten with this Linen Paris Tee, the Shirred Silk Dress in Dot, and these Teddy Loafers in Calf Hair.

What about you? How are you feeling today? What are you up to?

Need Read Greed

Today's Need Read Greed courtesy of Shannon Buckley — one of my favorite Instagrammers:

• NEED: With a few new pen pals up my sleeve (thanks, IG!), of course I want to send them the prettiest snail mail possible! I'm a sucker for anything and everything Rifle Paper Co. puts out, and this stationery is no exception. Anything covered in flowers is fine by me!
• READ: Since being out of college the past couple years, I always try to be in the middle of a book so that my brain doesn't turn to complete mush. I'm a sucker for the bestsellers display at my local book store, so I picked this up recently. I'm only about half way through it, but from the get-go I got such a "Girls", as in the spectacular HBO show, vibe and I was hooked. Who doesn't want to read about dysfunctional twenty-something romances?
• GREED: Up until last year, I was never a big costume jewelry person, but then I introduced myself to the amazingness that is J.Crew's in-store jewelry displays. My new mantra is the gaudier, the better! This stunner manages to be both blingy and subdued, which I'm so drawn to right now. I might as well just sign over my next several paychecks to J.Crew because all their latest necklaces are calling my name!

Thanks for sharing, Shannon! You totally sold me on the book (okay, and the stationery and necklace, too).

Interested in sharing your Need Read Greed? Email me.

Treat Yo Self!

It's Tuesday, why don't you treat yo self?!?

Here's another colorful collection of fabulous finds — all $50 or less!

Totally Rad Tee $24 // Spotted Leopard Bow Clip $18 // Driving Moccasins $50 // Cray Cray Card $6 // 

Printed Calf Hair Belt $30 // Blue Dot Baby Baggu $7 // Bonjour Wire Script Sculpture $50 // 

Max Wanger Pink Balloon Print $25 // NARS Satin Lip Pencil $25 // 

Pocketed Leather Journal $24 // Home Chic $30 // Tahir Coin Purse $28 // 

Arrow Chalkboard Sign $14 // City Bag with Pocket $40 // Hi Postcards (set of 10) $30 // 

Monday Moodboard

Happy Monday! How about a little visual sunshine to help set the tone for the week?

Scallops & Dots via Steffie Brocoli

Y'ALL via Cubicle Refugee

Dotted Scarf via Madewell

Color Block Art Print by Color & Theory

Rock Candy Shoe Clips via Icing101 (Great find, mom!)

Less Pop, More Culture via Cubicle Refugee

Fall 2013 via J.Crew

Orange Cape Cod Necklace via Riffraff

Leopard Foldover Clutch via Gap

"One Good Deed" Key Tag via Waiting On Martha

Happy Note via Tokketok

Raspberry Polka Dot Journal via Sugar Paper

Metal Rollerball Pen via kikki.K

Cup Illustration via Lital Gold

TGIF

via

Lurve Loave Luff

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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

• A Classic Combination // This image made me smile and swoon. It also reminded me of Rachel's fabulous post about how to rock a Midi skirt. Read more here.
• Bubble Print // I wouldn't mind having a copy of Smith's Bubble Print. It would be a perfect little reminder to NOT take life so seriously—and that pop of hot pink is rather enticing as well!
• Laughing // If this theory is true, then I've packed in a whole lotta exercising this week. I guess that means I totally deserved my nightly serving of brownies and ice cream, too! Exercising is a blast.
• WTF? Note Cards // Talk about straight-shooting stationery. I think I need to add this to my collection.
• Leather Lips Makeup Bag // How stinkin' adorable is this? Who wouldn't look at this and smile?!
• Green Hat Gin // When my mom emails me with a subject line that reads, "Soooo You!", I hop to it immediately. When I realized it dealt with gin, I was doubly excited! The packaging and design are incredibly gorgeous and green is one of my favorite colors. It really was made for me! I just wish that the company would include lady gin-drinkers into their branding. How about a bottle that reads, "every woman has her vice"? Let's swap the top hat for a charming cloche!
• Mackenzie Horan's House Tour // Ever since Mackenzie teased about a home tour on her blog, Design Darling, I've been in stitches just waiting to see the finished product. Just as I'd expected, every inch of her apartment lived up to the fabulous hype. It's perfect! You must check it out. I especially love her gallery wall and endless stacks of colorful books. She manages to add punchy pops of pink throughout her home in a way that is both tasteful and fun.
• Fringe DIY // The possibilities are endless with this little project! For that reason, it's probably a good thing we're moving, otherwise Flyboy might find crepe tassels attached to everything in our home.
• Loren Hope Look Book // Loren's latest collection knocked my socks off. How gorgeous is the styling in her Fall/Winter look book? What else would you expect when she enlists the help of Sara Kate Huff and Sarah Tolzmann? As I pored over each page, I found that I'm absolutely smitten with these Ursa Earrings. Okay, well, I actually love everything (which is going to be a problem)!
• French Knot Skimmers // I'm already a big fan of Madewell's Skimmers, so I may have squealed just a tad when I saw the knotted detail. It's lovely in both the suede and leather options, but I'm sweet on the blood orange color! The brighter the shoe, the better.
• OUCH Aid Box // This first-aid box is functional AND cute. That practically NEVER happens!
• At the Bottom of Everything: A Novel // I have absolutely NO idea what this book is about, but I'm head over heels for the cover. That's a sound book recommendation right there, my friends!

I  hope you don't mind The Love List came early this week. 

With my father-in-law visiting, I think I might just call it a week early and enjoy the remainder of our time together. 

Cheers to a snazzy weekend! Make it count.

The Blogger Buzz

1. // Lauren Felix of La Petite Fashionista

La Petite Fashionista Koozie: You never know when the occasion might arise during football season—I always like to have a LPF koozie on hand!

Samsung Galaxy Camera: A blogger's dream; perfect for uploading pictures on-the-go to all your social media feeds.

Naked Eyeshadow Palette: My go-to eyeshadow palette in a convenient purse-sized compact. 

2. // Ashley Fine of One Fine Day

USPS Notification Slip: At any given time, you will find one of these peach paper slips in my bag. I'm a big fan of online shopping; it's just SO convenient and fun. However, we have a super steep driveway and our courier can't get his vehicle up to the house. Womp, womp! Needless to say, I visit the Post Office regularly to pick up my recently purchased loot! I toss the notification slip in my purse as a reminder that I have a 'piece of happy' waiting for me at the Post Office.

Backup Battery for iPhone: I'm on my phone probably too much, so it's imperative that I have this on me just in case I run out of juice. I should also note that I'm a sucker for anything with polka-dots, and it never hurts to have something cute AND functional in your bag.

'List Makers Gonna List' Notepad: In true Type-A fashion, I'm the queen of making lists. My sister sent me this adorable notepad from Sapling Press and it couldn't be more true.

Shop Spotlight

MACARONS // BONJOUR // AMOUR // GREEN BICYCLE // OOH LA LA // GREAT PAIR // LIPSTICKS

Stationery makes me squeal, and that's EXACTLY what happened when I recently stumbled upon Pei Design. You know how I take sharing this sort of sweetness on m' blog seriously, so this stationery shop based in Southern California and founded by designer, Pei Pinney, was no exception. If you ask me, simple joy comes in the form of snail mail. I would be elated to send something as darling as these whimsical note cards to my dearest friends and family. I'll take one (or ten) of each, please! Check out more of Pei Design's goodies here. If you're like me, you'll also be smitten with these pencils and this Paris-themed perpetual calendar. Absolutely adorbs!

Life's Little Details

Here's a glimpse of what's been going on around Lil' Puna lately...

"The details are not the details. They make the design." — Charles Eames

Happy Monday, sweet readers! I just wanted to pop in and say "Howdy!" As I mentioned last week, my father-in-law is visiting us this week. It's so nice to have a reason to take off from work and spend some quality time on the island together, but it's bizarre to think that this will be the last time we host family or friends while living at Lil' Puna. I want to soak it all up, so I'll probably keep posts this week pretty simple. Bear with me; it's time to live it up!

A few insta-update notes...

• Return to Sender // I was sifting through an old box of mementos and stumbled upon the postcard we sent ourselves from Swell Rio to Hawaii. It got me thinking about what our postcard from HI will say. One day it will be fun to look at all the postcards we've collected with each Air Force assignment.
• bridgeBOX // If you're looking for an amazing gift idea or you want to "Treat Yo Self," then you'll want to consider this incredibly adorable stationery subscription ($10/month) from River & Bridge. It kinda makes me wish I would have thought of this genius idea!
• The Life of Pie // I was sad to miss out on a fundraiser in which Flyboy got a pie thrown at his face. If you're wondering about the picture in which we looks like the Joker from Batman, it's because he got a Strawberry Cream Pie thrown at him and raised over $200 in the process. I was happy to find that someone documented the moment for the rest of us. Sweet, sweet revenge!
• Flyboy's Finny // About a week ago, Flyboy went on his final C-17 mission in Hawaii. It was bittersweet! He took off on a Sunday morning and his departure was bright and early. I always wanted to get up close and watch him take off from the base, so I loaded up the pups, grabbed some SBUX, and we watched him fly away. The moment was imperfectly perfect. Tripp was afraid of the jet noise (standard), Beesly was overheating and inattentive, the pictures I took were all blurry from my shaking hands. I found I wasn't coordinated enough to wave at Flyboy, get Beesly's attention, and work my camera all simultaneously. At one point, I just put everything down and blocked out the pups because I didn't want to forget this memory. I was overcome with so many emotions — proud, happy, and grateful.
• Carry On, Warrior // It's been awhile since I read a book that made me want to highlight passages and take copious notes. Within minutes of starting Carry On, Warrior, I was hooked! I've had the book for two weeks and could've easily finished it in one day, but I've been milking it because I never want it to end.
• Southern Slang // I was ecstatic to receive this "Y'ALL!" tee. It's the perfect way to suit up for Swell Rio!
• Sunday Fun Day // Yesterday was lovely! I pored over the September issue of Glamour magazine while sitting seaside and sipped on a French Gimlet later in the evening. I'd say we're whooping it up!

I hope you had a fabulous weekend. What's made you grin from ear to ear lately?

Lurve Loave Luff

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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

• Big Yellow Love // Nothing warms the heart like a bright felt heart stitched to a simple background.
• BAGGU Basic Leather Tote in Gold // I don't think I need to discuss my obsession LOVE for bags, especially BAGGU. The buttery leather is yummy and the metallic matches with everything!
• Loren Hope's Newest Arrivals // There are no words for Loren's latest batch of baubles. STUNNING! I've got my eyes on the Petra Tri-Color Necklace in "Aurora" and the Petra Cuff in Midnight and Electric Purple. In fact, I think both would go quite nicely with this Silk Ruffle Top from J.Crew.
• Playfulness // I found buckets of inspiration from this brilliant typography on Designspiration.
• Honeydew, Cucumber, and Mint Cooler // The recipe states Gin is "optional," but I'd say it's required.
• Ray-Ban Aviators // I think it's time I add a pair of these legendary specs to my collection. Cliche? Perhaps. Timeless? Most definitely! It's worth a shot.
• Brilliant Ideas Notepad // Ashley Brooke is just killing me with her cuteness. I'm certain this should be placed on my desk. After all, I'm a sucker for anything with gold foil. Fact.
• I Adore Fringe // These Diana Vreeland scribbles from Stephanie Fishwick were a definite bright spot to my week. There's just something about a delightful doodle that makes me giddy inside.
• Bloggie Nod // I was excited to see the ol' blog mentioned in Military Families Magazine. Woo hoo!
• Ashton Kutcher's Speech at the Teen Choice Awards // I can't say I really ever thought much about him, but I found this speech to be refreshing and encouraging. I'm excited to see his new movie, Jobs. 
• If you do this in an email... // Absolutely HILARIOUS. I just know you'll love it!
• DIY Paper Gift Bag // So simple and far cuter than anything you can buy at the store.
• Gorgeous Home Tour // I fell head over heels for Sarah Sherman Samuel's house tour on the Glitter Guide this week. I think the image of her garment rack was my favorite! Check out the DIY on her blog.

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

Thursday's Thoughts

FEELING: It's the first time in a few weeks that I've felt genuinely excited, and I kind of LOVE it. You know what I'm talking about, the kind of joy you wish you could bottle up and sprinkle all over the rotten moments. It's like that! There's so much to be happy about, and despite all of the unknowns that will come with the next few months, it's nice to have a reason to grin from ear to ear and truly mean it. Flyboy's dad is coming to visit, so I took next week off from work and we're going to kickback and explore the island. I honestly can't believe he'll be here this weekend. It's mid-August! How can this be?!? I remember a few months ago when I penciled in his arrival and it seemed so far away. Our time on this dear island is fleeting, so it's time to whoop it up!

READING: It's amazing the people you "meet" via Instagram, and I was elated to stumble upon Caroline from It Was Just LIke That. Now I may be a bit biased because I love the fact that she has a Bernese Mountain Dog, but this gal has some serious great taste in food (and dogs). I drool every time she posts a new picture of a recipe that she's tried. It makes me want to be more bold and adventurous in the kitchen. I can't wait to try some of her recipes!

LISTENING TO: As I type this post, I hear Flyboy's truck barrel up the driveway. I know I've mentioned it before, but it's honestly one of my favorite sounds. His tires screech, Tripp barks, and I hear the clicking of the dogs' nails as they run around the house with excitement. Cue the celebration because it feels as though someone just shot off a confetti gun and sounded the horns. It warms my heart EVERY time and will go down in the books as one of my favorite things about living on Lil' Puna.

THANKFUL FOR: This week, I encountered some of the sweetest acts of generosity. I won't go into specifics, but there were several instances in which I literally had to pick my jaw up off the floor due to the unwarranted kindness of others. I'm still a bit baffled and unsure as to what I did to deserve these acts of love, but I'm so grateful and eager to pay it forward.

THINKING ABOUT: I watched a segment on 60 Minutes about Marfa, Texas, and I'm pleased as punch about the prospects of finally crossing this item off my Life List. The Capital of Quirkiness? Um, sign me up.

EATING: Despite my better judgement, I picked up a bag of UNREAL Candy's unjunked version of a Snickers bar. Holy buckets this stuff is delish! I'd heard a lot about the brand and saw the selection of candy at Target, so I figured it was time to give it a whirl. I was initially intrigued by the cute packaging, but I'm also the candy queen — with a combination like that, it just seemed like a no-brainer! They've proved that candy can really be unjunked. Corn syrup? Out. Partially hydrogenated oils? Out. GMOs? Out. Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives? Out. Reduced sugar by over 40% per serving on average? Check. Now I really feel like it's my DUTY to try the other four candies. 

WATCHING: You guys, I can't believe the WWHL Oprah-calypse is officially here! Eek! You better believe I'll be tuning in with my favorite cocktail in tow. Will you be watching? I hope she's fun and rolls with Andy's quirks. Do you think she'll really plead the fifth? I can only imagine what the drinking word might be! Now, I've watched AC in the NYC conduct many awkward interviews, and I hope this one is more like Cher and a little less like Martha. Watching Andy get spanked by the homemaking queen was just wrong on so many levels. Wrong and oh-so hilarious!

LOVING: How fabulous is this free desktop download from Type & Title? Have you heard about J.Crew's upcoming Style Sessions Event in-store? Next Thursday, customers are invited to stop by their local store on Thursday night, August 22nd, for a Style Session. The best part? Take a selfie to show off your darling duds, Instagram it with the hashtag #jcrewstylesessions, and you could end up in the next Style Guide! How amazing would that be?!? I'm thinking that's worthy of the ol' Bucket List. Call it wishful thinking, but it could mean one step closer to meeting Jenna.

What about you? How are you feeling today? What are you up to?

Need Read Greed

Today's Need Read Greed courtesy of Kaylee McCullough of Kaylee Daily:

• NEED: Fall is right around the corner and these shoes need to be on my feet. I love a good pointed toe and ankle strap.
• READ: I LOVE Mindy! I have been a fan since The Office. I'm pretty sure everybody wants to be her best friend, including me. This book is hilarious from start to finish. It's definitely a must read!
• GREED: I'm drooling over all the cute new items at Kate Spade right now, and it only felt right to put this as my greed. If the adorable doughnut doesn't win you over then you should see the inside and the cute bow on the bottom of the bag. It's going on my birthday wish list.

You guys, I can't tell you how happy I am to have Kaylee share her NRG picks today. You MUST check out her blog. She's an absolute doll! In fact, you may already recognize her from this adorable holiday photo that went viral on Pinterest. Yep, that's her! Cute as a bug, isn't she?! The way she feels about Mindy, well I feel that way about her.

Thanks for sharing, Kaylee!!!

Interested in sharing your Need Read Greed? Email me.

TuesDIY

Some days you just want to roll up your sleeves, play with colorful crepe paper, whip out your glue gun, and CREATE. If you're looking for a reason to go snag some sequins, look no further sweet readers. With a DIY round-up like this, I'll have you covered in gobs of glitter and creative confetti in no time!

A Dazzling DIY Round-Up:

• Fringe Letter Garland via Hank & Hunt Party Crafts
• Paper Flowers via Mon Carnet
• Kraft Paper Grocery List via At Home in Love
• Party Blowers via Julep
• Crepe Paper Party Poms via Hank & Hunt Party Crafts
• Washi Tape Pencils via Julep
• Moss Table Numbers via Ruffled Blog
• Shoe Clips via Honestly WTF
• Clay Letter Cake Toppers via Julep
• Curly Q Stir Sticks via A Subtle Revelry
• Flamingo Cocktail Invites via Eat Drink Chic on Oh Happy Day
• A Birthday Balloon Bouquet via A Subtle Revelry
• Typographic Place Settings via Julep
• Colorful Crayon Place Cards via Julep
• Fringe Party Straws via Hank & Hunt Party Crafts
• Papercutting Fundamentals via Tuts+
• Sequin Polka Dot Clutch via Sprinkles in Springs