LURVE LOAVE LUFF

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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

• Kindah Khalidy Hand Painted Clutch // I'm terribly smitten with Kindah's work. About a year ago, I purchased one of her clutches and the bright colors and abstract print make me oh-so happy. What's not to love?
• Gingham Utility Shirt // This in burnished citron with a hot pink Ban.do pom-pom has my name written all over it.
• Linen Grosgrain Cloth Napkins // If it's trimmed with pom-poms or grosgrain, then I'm probably obsessed. I guess that's just another sign I'm my mother's daughter. What can I say? We brake for tasteful embellishments.
• Copper Flatware Set // Lately I've warmed up to the idea of copper details. This modern set is outstanding!
• NARS Cheek Palette // I need another blush like I need a hole in my head, but this palette is functional AND lovely.
• Saftig Skifte (Juicy) // You know it's a great week when you learn about a new artist. This week, I learned a thing or two about Carey Sveen's hand-painted fabric art that can "shift from your wall, to your favorite frame, to an embellishing-spot on a beautiful table... and beyond. Her work is inspired by family artists in North Carolina and Norway, and, a never-ending obsession with color and shape." Å skifte means "to shift" in Norwegian—the inspiration behind her series.
• Rapha Bidon Water Bottle // I'm not going to lie, we stopped by Flyboy's favorite shop in Austin, Mellow Johnny's, and I got a little excited when I laid eyes on this chartreuse water bottle. It's SO my color! And since my husband insists you can never have enough water bottles, he convinced me I needed it. I feel so athletic and legit whenever I sip from it. Ha!
• Maya Brenner Letter Earrings // I'm a sucker for my initials, and while these earrings are nothing new in the blog world, I can't help but wonder why it's taken me so long to add a pair to my collection. They're just so dainty!
• Bonjour Camille // I thumbed through this book while we were in Austin and it's seriously precious. I just know you'll flip for the adorable illustrations, graphic patterns, and delightful collages.
• Fitted Striped Sheet // How many sheet sets could a child possibly need? I've got one grey set, but this orange stripe might come in handy. Anyone with bebe experience, feel free to weigh in. I can use all the help I can get.
• Lips in Legend // This shade of hot pink is seriously amazeballs. I'm just itching to give it a go; however, like the blush, I have NO real need for it. In fact, my sister would end up inheriting it from me at some point. I feel like we have this unwritten agreement with lip color in which I purchase various shades, but always return to my trusty Catfight.

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

P.S. Let's catch up again next Tuesday. Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend!

A TEXAS ROAD-TRIP RECAP

Greetings from Austin Mural Restoration Project on South 1st Street

A Type-A(shley) sighting at the San José Hotel.

A trip to ATX in the summer requires a pitstop at Lick Ice Cream. I sampled Texas Sheet Cake and Caramel Salt Lick. Delish! 

Whole Foods hails from Austin, so we picked up a few snacks on our way out of the city. I was jealous of the gorgeous flower selection. Obvi.

So grateful to have spent four days away with this guy!

Our stay at El Cosmico did not disappoint.

Our humble abode, the Spartan Mansion—complete with air conditioning and colorful striped robes!

Ballroom Marfa in all its glory.

I couldn't wipe the silly grin from my face after seeing Prada Marfa. It was one of those pinch-me moments.

I can't stop thinking about the amazing Latte Macchiato and Waffles I devoured at the Swiss cafe, Squeeze Marfa.

A Texas babymoon wouldn't be complete unless a Vulture takes out the driver's side window of my beloved Rig. Poor girl!

VULTURES ARE THE NEW HONEY BADGERS AND OTHER ROAD-TRIP REVELATIONS:

• Our arrival in Austin was delayed a few hours on Saturday due to traffic in San Antonio. Over the past year, Flyboy and I have grown to despise I-35; however, we were bound and determined to not let the pesky weekend road work affect our little getaway. That's nothing an Iced Grande Caramel Macchiato can't fix. Am I right?! Hooray for SBUX!

• When we arrived in ATX, we checked-in to our hotel, and I was ready to hit the ground running. All I could think about were the fun-tivities on our itinerary and four days away from the Swell Rio routine. Yee haw! This whole pregnancy thing was NOT going to slow me down. My family calls me Turbo for a reason. Just watch these short legs move.

• After waddling around the city for five miles in 102-degree heat, I finally admit defeat. My bladder is full AGAIN, my appendages are swollen, and that chambray dress I originally felt kinda cute in is now sopping wet from sweat. Thankfully, a handful of delightful stores keeps me upbeat and persistent. Half-way through our afternoon trek, Flyboy and I decide it might be a good idea to grab something small to eat. We stop at an adorable seafood and oyster bar called Perla's for some calamari and drinks. I can't help but wonder if everyone is staring at me because I'm sweating profusely. I hope and pray it's just that pregnant glow that people brag about. Yeah, right....

• We returned to the hotel around 6:30 pm with the intent to cool off and rest before heading out for a fancy pants dinner. Ha! You know you've been married for 6.5 years and you're 33 weeks pregnant when your Saturday night out on the town looks more like room service, pajama pants, and compression socks. Seriously, who are we?!

TAKE FIVE TUESDAY

Why don't you...

Take FIVE minutes and hop on over to Into the Gloss and read this interview with m' girl crush, Jenna Lyons.

A Few Notes:

• Upon reading the article, I immediately purchased MAC's Pro Longwear Lip Pencil in Staunchly Stylish. I mean, if it's good enough for Jenna... Now I just need to try the Stress Relief Eye Mask.
• I don't want to ruin the interview for you, but my favorite quote: "I approach aging with ice cream and a martini."
• When Peggy Guggenheim and Frida Kahlo are referenced as inspirations behind J.Crew's fragrance line, you have my undivided attention. Has anyone tried it? Do share the deetz.
• Years ago, I fell over when I read Jenna shares a love for Washi tape. You've got to be kidding me. Were we separated at birth?! Does this mean we're best friends?! And now I see she's got a thing for her label maker. I'm dying over here.
• From the One Fine Day vault, I present my take on Jenna's wildly stylish office in this post. You don't want to miss it!

P.S. We're bugging out and headed home today. I can't wait to share snapshots from Austin and Marfa with you!

In the meantime, you can find snippets of our trip on Instagram. I hope your Tuesday is tremendous!

MONDAY MOODBOARD

How about a dose of virtual sunshine to jump start the week?

Abstract Gouache by Vincent Hawkins

Yasmine Vase via LEIF Shop

Sputnik Chandelier Lighting via Stimulight

Lambswool Shirttail Sweater via J.Crew

Nautical Bracelet via Felt Like Paper

Amsterdam Side Dining Chair via Jonathan Adler

I'm So Sorry You're Blue via The Social Type

Cedar Street Stacy via Kate Spade

Dulci Scalloped Suede Kitten Heel via J.Crew

Collection Lace Dress via J.Crew

Snail Mail Print via Blue Specs Studio

Cobalt Polka Dot Duffel via Herschel Supply Co.

Happy Monday, m' dears!

LURVE LOAVE LUFF

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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

• Hand Dyed Linen Pillow Cover // Last week, I had an affinity for all things green. This week I'm obsessed with vermilion.
• Nora Calf-Hair Ballet Flats // Hands down, these are the greatest ballet flats I own. That being said, my current pair is looking rather pathetic. I was SO afraid J.Crew was going to discontinue the style, but I was elated to see them pop up in the latest batch of new arrivals. Phew, that was a close one! I was not ready to part with my ballet besties.
• Bright Lab Lights // I ordered a set of these last week for Max's nursery, and I can't wait for them to arrive! I tried to keep the room pretty neutral, but it was missing a few pops of color. This ought to do the trick.
• Six Month Stripe Scarf // It's a tad hard to think of sporting a scarf in 100-degree weather, but I look forward to cooler days and oodles of cute accessories ahead—even if cool means we're in the 70s. I'm particularly smitten with this gem.
• Lucite Tray // Okay, I obviously love this for many reasons (the stripes, gold foil, etc.); however, it's a nice little reminder that I'll reunite with m' friend Hendricks soon and very soon. Yee Haw! That's going to be such a delightful day!
• Union Suit // If Sir Maxalot wants to match the ol' blog motif, then this one-piece might just be a must.
• Organic Pear Rattle // I've had the most fun searching for baby odds and ends. The shop, Brimful, is my latest fab find.
• Mini-City Bag // Fall is my favorite season, but I have to admit I don't love most of the color palettes I'm seeing at my favorite stores right now. I've found that I have to actively search for just a splash of color—like this yellow bag.
• Cashmere Lip Creme // So you're telling me I can sport a bright lip while simultaneously thinking of my favorite sweater?! Sign me up. I've always wanted to try this brand and now that it gets J.Crew's seal of approval, consider it done.
• Big Hair Don't Care // There's something absolutely charming about Marcus Oakley's square drawings. In fact, this little lady could teach the state of Texas a thing or two, and that's saying a lot. I mean just look at her voluminous coif.

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

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

THAT'S RIGHT, I'M TALKING ABOUT YOU!

THANKFUL FOR: An impromptu Face Time sesh with my mom came to the rescue and prevented me from having an epic meltdown of sorts. A hearty thanks goes out to technology and my patient mother. Danke, sehr! Now I know I've written excessively about my less than Type-A tendencies in preparation for the bebe, but I'm not being dramatic—it's the truth. I kept acquiring all of the pieces to the nursery, and I had a vision in my head, but I just couldn't execute my ideas. It's like I'd walk into Max's room and freeze, which is totally NOT like me. Isn't this where I'm supposed to flourish?! Thankfully, with the encouragement of my mom and sister, I started to place tchotchkes and the room began to feel cozy and put together. Unfortunately, the bare walls kept staring at me with the most pathetic and stark look. I desperately needed help in the placement of the artwork. What's a girl to do?! Aside from creating lots of holes in the walls and sending my mom an annoying amount of picture messages, we could Face Time. Ah-ha, now we're thinking! So, I got out my supplies (hammer, nails, tape measure, command strips, etc.) and propped the iPad with a few books and level. I dialed her number, saw a friendly face on the other screen, and we got to work. I'd place the frames, she'd tell me if it needed to come up or down, and voila. Why didn't I think of this sooner? Suddenly Washington D.C. and Texas aren't so far away...

EATING: Did I tell you we're headed to Austin and Marfa for an extended weekend this Saturday?! He He! I know it's probably getting old, but I can't contain my excitement. We're getting outta Dodge for FOUR entire days. Cue the happy dance! That means we're going to do fun stuff that has nothing to do with Home Depot or Wal-Mart. Score! And we're going to have more food and restaurant options than we know how to handle. Is this a dream?! Of course, all of this babymoon elation leads me to a serious doughnut dilemma. You see, I could stop by Gourdoughs and get that Mama's Cake Donut I raved about before (seriously amazeballs). Or, we could travel 25 minutes outside of Austin to Round Rock and devour a Texas-sized donut that's bigger than your face. Thoughts?

WATCHING: Have you seen the Emmy promo featuring three of m' favorites? I'm talking about Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, AND Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Well, prepare to gaze at your computer like a goober for six minutes of silly bliss. Walt and Jesse forever.

FEELING: I summed up the delight I'm feeling in the "Eating" section of today's post. Hello, pregnancy stereotype! Pickle, anyone?

THINKING ABOUT: This will be our last little getaway before we become a family of FIVE—let's not forget Tripp and Bees! I'm trying my best not to get too wrapped into the details because it makes me a little bit Ramotional (minus the Pinot Grigio, of course). It's bittersweet, and I want to enjoy the little things. I'm talking about minute details such as hitting the road without a clunky car seat in the back of The Rig, or packing my weekender with just the bare necessities. This might be the first time throughout my pregnancy that I'm at peace with having four outfits on rotation. Ha! I just want to minimize once more because babies require SO much stuff. 

LISTENING TO: I've got the washer and dryer working overtime as I prep for Max's arrival. I suppose nesting mode is in full swing because I've washed all of his bedding and clothes, and I've organized and reorganized his closet a gazillion different times. Can you say neurotic? I'm still not certain what makes the most sense, but I've decided to hang most of the cuteness on hangers for the time being. There's so much adorable in such a small space, I can't help but gawk at everything all lined up. Of course, I imagine the setup will change at least five more times before October this weekend. That's how I roll...

READING: Immediately after reading this quote, I found myself sporting a double-barrel grin: "When you find people who not only tolerate your quirks but celebrate them with glad cries of "Me, too!", be sure to cherish them. Because those weirdos are your tribe." I couldn't help but think of the fabulous people I've met via blogging, the devoted readers, and those of you who comment and email regularly—thank YOU for being part of my tribe! You've been there during times of excitement AND uncertainty. I appreciate it.

LOVING: You guys, my sister ALWAYS makes me laugh. She's the absolute best! This week, Aubrey made me giggle hysterically when she posted this photo on Instagram. It appears Beyonce snapped a quick pic wearing a skirt my sister picked out earlier this spring when she and my mom visited Texas. Aub saw Bey's photo pop up on her Instagram feed and brought it to my attention. I asked her to recreate the photo and use the hashtag #BEYSTOLEMYLOOK. Ask and you shall receive. Within five hours, she messaged me with her take. I'm just a lil' bit partial, but I think my sister totally wore it better! The look on Aubrey's face is priceless.

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

ART I HEART: ALI MCNABNEY-STEVENS

HARBOUR WALL

SIMPLE PIECE

CLOUDY BAY NO. 2

SQUALL NO. 4

HARBOUR WALL NO. 2

Hump-day hues courtesy of Melbourne based British artist, Ali McNabney-Stevens, to get you through the mid-week slump.

Happy Wednesday, fellow color lovers! Feast your eyes on these vibrant abstract beauties.

TREAT YO SELF!

Nothing leaves me quite as twitterpated as school supplies. While I don't have any specific "need" for a fresh set of pens or a brand new notepad at the moment (blasphemy!), I can't help but drool over all the  delightful options I see popping up in stores and online. Thankfully, that's the beauty in blogging—I get to live vicariously through this colorful space and dream about all the things I'd buy to prepare for another school year or equip my office space. Take a gander at some of m' faves. Perhaps it's time you treat yo self!

TREAT YO SELF: THE BACK TO SCHOOL EDITION

Olivetti Typewriter $300 // Leather Brights Dictionary $168 // Cha Cha Cha Mug $20 // Pencil Cards $12 // 

Neon Pink Backpack $55 // Air Quote Paperweights $26 // Ballpoint Pen $36 // Lime Green Clipboard $5 // 

Privacy Skinny Pouch $26 // Orange Stapler $14 // Composition Notepad $7 // BKR Bottle $30 // Anchor Notepad $12 // 

Red Ruler $8 // Metallic Gold Folio $14 // Bento Box $32 // Yellow Globe $49 // Permanent Markers $8 //

LIFE'S LITTLE DETAILS

I received the coolest care package from a dear friend last week, and it included a set of vintage flash cards. Eek!

Color me smitten! It's always a joy to play around with Blair Ritchey prettiness. 

This cuteness arrived over the weekend, and I about passed out because it's so stinkin' precious. I suppose dressing boys isn't so bad...

Lately, this has been my go-to arm party. It complements practically every outfit and adds a fun factor to any ol' day.

I spent an afternoon reconnecting with my DSLR camera. Naturally, I grabbed a few cheerful props.

A weekend snail-mail sesh is so much sweeter with snazzy note cards and glitter stickers.

Proof I successfully made those Spicy Fish Tacos I mentioned in last week's Thursday's Thoughts. I'm telling you, they're delish!

"Because you know I'm all about that Bees, ' bout that Bees, 'bout that Bees, my Berner..." I'm sorry, I just had to! She's bringing booty back.

The latest adorable addition to Max's growing library. Thanks, Mom and Dad! This book is just perfect.

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

Happy Monday, m' dears! How the heck are you?! We're just keeping it swell in The Rio. We had one of those GSD weekends in which Flyboy and I showed Saturday and Sunday who's boss. With a fun weekend ahead of us (Hello, Austin and Marfa!), it only seemed right to check a few items off the ol' list. At 32 weeks preggo, I probably should have had things like Max's closet completed, but my mom assures me this is just my way of learning to be more laid back. While I still believe it was procrastination at its finest (Hey, sometimes I'm Type A-, maybe even more like B+.), I'll try to buy her rationale. With FB's know-how, he assembled a few drawer units to add to the nursery closet. Woo Hoo! They both came equipped with a booklet of pesky instructions and a gazillion screws. It was bad, really really bad. In fact, I probably owe the poor guy a case or two of beer. In addition to our little man's closet, we managed to hang a few shelves and a curtain rod. Of course, as I type all of this, I realize it was FB that was the productive one this weekend. I spent the past two days barking commands and exercising my index finger by pointing at where everything should be placed. Yep, it was a Bossy Pants dream! With those random tasks out of the way, I feel like I can finally enter nesting mode with zeal. I'm excited to sprinkle knick-knacks throughout the room and hang all of his adorable clothes. Things are really starting to come together. Yahoo!

Enough about me. Let's chat about YOU! What did you do this weekend that made you grin from ear-to-ear? Do tell.

LURVE LOAVE LUFF

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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

• Soft Structured Green by Malissa Ryder // I ordered a few accents for Max's nursery. Clearly I can't wait until they arrive because I keep seeing pops of green everywhere I look. Hey Mr. UPS Man, got something for me?!
• Louise Shrunken Robe // This is a Swiss Dot dream. The only downside is the hefty price tag. Why ya gotta be like that?
• Desert Basket - Sun Dance // How spectacular are the hues in this basket?! It's pretty much the perfect pop of color.
• Fluoro Orange Stripes // I can't say I'm on board with The Real Housewives of Melbourne (...yet), but I'm absolutely crazy cakes about this Aussie shop and its fabulous home line. The pillows, or should I say cushions, are outstanding!
• Crystal Bug Earrings // J.Crew said it best... "We don't want to bug you, but these twinkly crystal critters should really be on your lobes." All right, fine. You win AGAIN. You had me with the whole crystal critters bit.
• Ilustrista by Luciano Lozano // I got lost in a world of whimsy this week, thanks to Lozano's darling artwork.
• But First, Coffee // Have you checked out Ban.do's new arrivals?! Eek! This Hot Stuff thermal mug is calling my name.
• Floral Garnish Ideas // I can't get over these gorgeous photos. Leave it to Bri Emery's team to style such stunning images.
• Striped Sneakers // There's that green again—it's beckoning. Of course, Kate Spade always has that effect on me!
• Gold Turtle // I can't stop thinking about this little guy and all his gilded glory. I think he wants to come live on my desk.

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

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

ART RESIDES IN THE QUALITY OF DOING, PROCESS IS NOT MAGIC. — CHARLES EAMES
image via cast + crew

THANKFUL FOR: When we initially started acquiring odds and ends for the nursery, I ordered a whimsical cloud mobile to hang in Max's room. I've had it for a few months, and up until this past week, I'd yet to hang it. I guess I was afraid I'd choose the wrong spot or something—as though its place was permanent. Isn't that just silly?! Anywho, in an effort to feel like I was being somewhat productive, I got it out of the closet and chose a random spot on the ceiling. It took maybe two minutes to complete this tiny to-do, but it was SOMETHING I could cross off my list. For some reason or another, it made me feel just a teensy more prepared for this motherhood gig. Ha! Hours after accomplishing this task, I found myself putting away laundry. I came out of our bedroom and looked across the hall and into the nursery to find Beesly seated by the crib and mesmerized by the faint movement of the cloud mobile. In that moment, I wanted to rush and grab my phone to snap a quick pic. Afraid I'd disrupt her, I opted to stand there and just enjoy this sweet little moment. I wish I knew what she was thinking as she stared upward. I just know the whole scenario left me a little misty-eyed. Damn you, hormones! As we get closer to October, I find myself wasting so much time worrying about how things will change and if I'm prepared, but peaceful instances like this one remind me that every little thing is going to be all right.  

EATING: Last week, I tried two new recipes, and I wouldn't mind incorporating them into our monthly meal plan on a regular basis. If you're looking to mix things up or clueless as to what to cook next week, I highly recommend Skinny Taste's Sausage Stuffed Zucchini Boats and these Spicy Fish Tacos with Cabbage Slaw and Lime Crema from The Foodess.

WATCHING: If you want to make your day instantly better, then do us all a favor and take a moment to watch Broin' Out with Brad Goreski. Bedecked in his finest specs, our favorite television darling, celeb stylist, and bow-tie pioneer learns how throw a pigskin and dress like a dude. It's seriously as a-mazing as it sounds, so get ready for 3 minutes of adorable hilarity.

FEELING: If you've been hanging around m' blog for the past few years, it's no secret I abhor dental appointments. Every six months I work myself into a tizzy as I make my way to get the ol' pearly whites cleaned and inspected. I always have, and I always will. In fact, I think I fear routine dental check-ups more than I fear going into labor—but I'll have to get back to you on that one! Anywho, on Wednesday I went in for a cleaning and I'm so relieved it's over. From what I've heard, pregnancy hates teeth, and I DO NOT need to be plagued with any more cavities or fillings. Thankfully, this appointment was just a simple cleaning, so I didn't have to deal with x-rays, drills, and sealants (AKA reality). Phew! In fact, I won't have to worry about it again until next February. Victory is mine!

THINKING ABOUT: Awhile back, I divulged a nugget of squeal-inducing info. I believe it was this Love List post where I mentioned Swell Rio was getting a Starbucks in the fall—just in time for Baby Fine's arrival. Huzzah! We salute you, coffee gods! Well, every time I drive into town, I'm taunted by the soon-to-be SBUX. I can't help but be wooed by the snazzy signage and drive-thru. I get it, just open already! In most cases you could Google that sorta thing, but that would make too much sense around here. In a moment of desperation, I parked The Rig and decided to just walk up to the building and see if there was a sign or something. Once I approached the building, contractors and landscapers started to appear out of nowhere. As I awkwardly made eye contact with one of them, I pretended to pick up a piece of rubbish, turned around, and headed back to my car. Epic fail. Days later, I found myself getting my hair colored and it hit me, "Just ask the hairstylist. They always know the scuttlebutt." Sure enough, she whipped out the magic date: September 8th. So if any of the Swell Rio SBUX staff is reading this (chuckle)... I'll take an Iced Grande Caramel Macchiato.

LISTENING TO: There are few things I love more than being on the phone with my mom as she places an online order. It's not that this happens a lot, but when it does, it's proof that her multitasking skills are magical. I can't help but giggle because I can hear her keystrokes. As she types, she mouths the information she enters. All of this takes place while engaging in a FULL conversation with me on the other end. Skills like that are to be envied, m' dears! I'm taking copious notes.  

READING: This week, I read several really great posts that resonated with me, and I'd be remiss not to share them with you...

Blogging, Now by Design for Mankind

A Letter to My Pre-Mom Self by Coffee + Crumbs

When Love Feels Heavy by Coffee + Crumbs

People Who Need Help Sometimes Look a Lot Like People Who Don't Need Help by Momastery

LOVING: The more pregnant I become, the more complicated it is to get a good night's sleep. When I'm not frequenting the loo, I'm usually experiencing some sort of discomfort (back pain, acid reflux, etc.). It's not pretty, my friends! So last week, I took the plunge and ordered a body pillow. I originally thought it was a bit gimmicky and believed I didn't need one, but boy was I wrong? I ended up getting a pregnancy pillow from Bump Nest, and it's made such a difference. I only wish I would have bought it sooner.

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

BRINGING MARFA TO MAX

What's the point of blogging if you're not posting about what's relevant to you and your life at THIS moment?! Well, as annoying as it is, I've got two things on m' mind and they both begin with the letter M. Yep, my life right now seems to revolve around Maxwell and Marfa. When I sat down and thought about what to write or create for the blog this week, I couldn't deny the excitement that surrounds our upcoming trip and a new season of life that awaits us this Fall. Even though the Texas-style babymoon we've planned is all about Flyboy and me, I couldn't help but wonder how I could bring a little Marfa to Max. I guess when you waddle around with an enlarged midsection, there's no denying the love goblin—he's always on my mind in a Willie Nelson sorta way.

MAXWELL'S LOVELY LOOT:

• A trip to Marfa wouldn't be complete without a dusty and barren landscape and the occasional prickly plant. This cactus drawing by Elizabeth Graeber makes the desert foliage a whole lot cuter on paper than they are in real life.
• It's important we bring a taste of El Cosmico to Swell Rio, so as soon as our little guy gets to an age where we can play, you know I'll find a place for this adorable teepee. The orange stripe is just precious.
• A trip to this hippy-dippy West Texas town calls for the ubiquitous Vee-Dub van. I'm terribly smitten with this plush bus.
• This Texas native will need to learn the ropes of the Lone Star State. This book ought to do the trick! Oh, and if he could learn to speak his mom's language, then he's going to want to brush up on The Art Book. Just sayin'....
• Snakes are part of the Texas landscape. Eww, why do boys love that stuff?! At least Sophie the Sleepy Snake is cute!
• It will feel like Max scored at Farm Stand Marfa with this crate of vegetable rattles. Just don't eat them, little man.
• It's important to look the part, no matter where you go. Fringe booties scream teepees and Marfa. Am I right?! Oh, and you can't go wrong with a trusty pair of jeans, a sweet tee, and some shades.