LURVE LOAVE LUFF

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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

• Elizabeth Graeber // I've said it before and I'll say it again, Elizabeth Graeber's work brings me so much joy! Whenever I feel like I'm in a creative slump, I turn to her whimsical and witty illustrations. There were a few times this week where I needed a little mental escape and I found myself browsing her website. The pink splash of color in this drawing, this loopy pattern, and these amazing stamps take the cake. Would it be too much for USPS to sell stamps like this?
• Yellow Accessory Tray // Operation organization is still in full swing at our humble abode. The more colorful the better.
• Blue Ikat Throw Pillow // I need another throw pillow like I need a hole in my head, but this bold blue is SPECTACULAR!
• Hot Pink Skinny Belt // While picking up a thing or two at Wally World this week, I started thinking about how much I miss Target. Sigh. I was nostalgic about the colorful belts, cute scarves, delightful wrapping paper, the dollar bin, and home decor. If you frequent Tarjay, think of me the next time you take a trip. Pretty please?!
• J.Crew New Arrivals // Have you seen the latest collection of new arrivals? Squee! I already professed my love for the Uptown Tote. I've also heard amazing things about the Tilly Cardigan. You know how I feel about this wardrobe staple.
• Kate Spade Saturday // Speaking of new arrivals, Kate Spade Saturday also unveiled a slew of fabulous items. I'm crazy about this Abstract Cosmetic Case and the Zig Zag Two-Sided Card and Coin Pouch.
• Brass Mini Snail // Attention all postal lovin' people!! You're going to want to add this precious snail to your desk.
• Beautiful Print // This poster is such a terrific reminder. I could think of a gazillion different places to hang this.
• African Vinyl Beads // A splash of hot pink is my preferred way to add some POP to the ol' mom uniform these days.
• Striped Canvas D'Orsay Flats // A chic and classic flat that's under $16. You've got to be kidding!! Sign me up.

Cheers to a snazzy weekend! As always, thanks for stopping by.

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

Polka Dot Lady via Olimpia Zagnoli

THANKFUL FOR: Words can't express how grateful I am that I "met" Jen of Lemon Drop Love via the blog world. We started emailing when we found out we were both pregnant at the same time. We exchanged emails with similar worries, and she was incredibly patient with my untimely responses or lack thereof. Oops, sorry Jen! Shortly after both babies arrived, she emailed to check on Max and me. She kindly gave me her number and we began texting back and forth just recently. It turns out that she has been experiencing a lot of the same struggles with colic. When we realized that we were enduring similar obstacles, we started to exchange stories and tips. She's been an absolute godsend these past few weeks while Flyboy has been away, and I don't think I'll ever be able to thank her for the support she's offered me. Colic is one of those topics that can be really hard to discuss with people who've never dealt with the issue. It's been so refreshing to have someone to turn to that really gets it.

FEELING: My plucky pup's pill-popping days are in the past! Woo Hoo! In case you couldn't tell by the alliteration, I'm clicking my heels with joy. Over the last three weeks, all eighty pounds of stubborn sass continued to fight the good fight, but we managed to get through the remaining tablets successfully. With lots of creativity, I met her tenacity with all sorts of tricks. Some worked and some didn't. Her persistence was impressive, but all modesty aside, so was mine. It's what I like to lovingly refer to as the battle of the b*tches (pardon my French). Now that it's behind us, I think we both share a newfound appreciation and respect for each other.

THINKING ABOUT: My Facebook feed is typically filled with mom-related posts shared by friends and various blogs that I follow. While I should probably take the time to look at some of them —I could learn a thing or two—I'm usually too busy reading about Twitter feuds between Bravolebrities. Hey, sometimes I need a break from this whole mom gig! Anywho, I was scrolling through posts and statuses one evening and saw a link shared by Little Hip Squeaks. Have you seen this commercial? I'm really glad I took the time to watch it. Who knew a formula ad could be so powerful? At first you'll find it comical, but the end is what really surprised me. As a new mom, I've felt very self conscious about one of the major decisions I made for myself and Max. I've been hesitant to share my thoughts on the blog or confide in friends because I was afraid I'd be judged. For the majority of my pregnancy I thought I would breastfeed (Breast University Alumni represent!); however, weeks leading up to Max's due date I came to the conclusion that I would bottle feed. With hormones and stress at an all-time high, my migraines were out of control during the first and third trimesters. I went 39 weeks without my medication, and I wasn't sure I could survive any longer without it. I couldn't help but wonder how I could possibly take care of a newborn when my head was pounding? As I hemmed and hawed, I got all sorts of lectures as to why "breast is best" and my nurse warned me I'd never lose the baby weight if I didn't at least give it a shot. I couldn't help but take it personally when complete strangers would ask if I planned to nurse and they seemed disappointed or shocked by my honest reply. I felt like I couldn't be confident in my decision, especially when I saw ads plastered on buses and highway billboards that warned me my child may never be a genius because I opted to not breastfeed. My goodness, I suppose I'll just have to make more flashcards or something?! Ha Ha! Quite honestly, I never realized that it would take almost three months to come to terms with my decision to do what was best for me. When Max arrived and they placed him on my chest, I couldn't enjoy the moment because I was too caught up on whether or not I'd made the right call. I felt like I had to defend my decision to the nursing staff; it was overwhelming. Weeks later, I remember feeling embarrassed to whip out a bottle of formula at Starbucks. It seems ridiculous, but I felt like less of a mother because I wasn't nursing. Watching this commercial reassured me that there's no shame in doing what's best for you because in the end that's what's best for your baby. If people could only come together and support one another's decisions there wouldn't be any room for mom shaming and guilt. We're all just trying to do the best we can with what we've got.

LISTENING TO: I'm not entirely sure why I choose to listen to the iTunes Lullaby Station while Max naps throughout the day. Perhaps it makes me feel like I'm earning extra mom brownie points? Or could it be the key to long naps and productivity while he snoozes? Maybe I'm just a glutton for punishment? Yep, that's definitely it. By listening to the station, I've learned the range of songs they offer in lullaby form is quite extensive. Sometimes I'll hear a tune and it will stop me in my tracks. Some "tributes" are a lot easier to decipher than others. One afternoon I heard everything from Bob Marley's Get Up, Stand Up to Garth Brooks' Friends in Low Places. I started to giggle uncontrollably at the ridiculousness of the lullaby options available. Is this supposed to make it bearable for parents? Maybe it's a test to see if you're paying attention? Since when is Twinkle Twinkle Little Star no longer enough?

WATCHING: When Flyboy left, I promised him that I'd wait to watch any new episodes of Parks and Rec until he returned. It's been tough, but I've honored the agreement because I'm trustworthy like that. I just really feel like this past week was a test to see how vulnerable I am right now. Is it true that Tom and Donna reunite for a Treat Yo Self 2017? Oh. Em. Gee. This ought to be epic!!

EATING: I'm hosting a little baby shower/brunch on Friday for a friend, and I'm pretty pumped to prepare something other than soup or fish and roasted veggies. I plan to make this quiche and this granola for fruit and yogurt parfaits. Max and I are headed to the grocery store today to get the goods. I'm not sure what else I'll add to the menu, but I should probably get it figured out soon. 

READING: Don't tell this to anyone, but I've got two issues of Real Simple magazine that haven't even been touched. It's a travesty, but I hope to change that this weekend and get nose deep in the January and February issues. Nap time, anyone?!

LOVING: I had a J.Crew gift card burning a hole in my pocket and decided to pull the trigger on this Uptown Tote Bag in bright flame. It's schlep-tastic, which is precisely what you need when you carry around a bunch of miscellaneous baby gear. I'm especially excited about the snap closures, which allows you to fold in the sides. It's like I'm getting two bags in one.

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

CARDS FROM CUPID

THIS VALENTINE'S DAY SMOTHER FRIENDS AND FAMILY WITH A LITTLE SNAIL MAIL LOVIN':

Hey Girl! Postcard via Rifle Paper Co.

Your Love Is My Drug via Ashkahn

Cupid Is Stupid via The Social Type

Amour Card via Pei Design

God Only Knows Card via Ashkahn

Hello Valentine Card via Sugar Paper

Forever Postage via Beau Ideal Editions

Red Heart Cards via Paper Source

Pink Leggies via Mr. Boddington's Studio

Only You Card via Scout's Honor Paper

Petite Red Stationery via Carde Blanche

Lookin' Good via Idlewild Co.

Valentine's Perks via Little Low

Hello Gorgeous via Rifle Paper Co.

LIFE'S LITTLE DETAILS

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

In recent weeks, I've found these posts have been rather popular on m' blog. And since it's also a great way for me to document this current season of life, I thought I'd make Life's Little Details a weekly feature. I hope you don't mind! In many ways, the picture-filled posts have been more frequent since Max arrived in October, so I suppose this was inevitable. Let's be real, I spend most of each day armed and ready with my camera, I might as well share some of my favorite moments with you.

I can't say much has changed since I checked in last week. We spend most of our time searching for the swell in The Rio. Quite honestly, some days that feat is a little easier than others. This whole colic thing continues to kick me in the patootie, but grins, giggles, and sweet moments with Queen Bee make it all worthwhile. Lately I've found joy in little things like assembling a birthday box for my sister, budding Hyacinths, hot pink garland, and an abundant amount of organization. I relieve any stress on my spin bike or creatively via Photoshop. I try not to let Max's crying get to me, but that's also easier said than done. In the last week, there have been moments that have tested my patience. Pretty pictures aside, how about some real talk? Hmm, where should I begin...

After waking up with a migraine Friday morning, I ran a few errands with Max. When we arrived home, I spilled my venti coffee all over the kitchen island while unloading groceries. I hadn't even taken a single sip. This was supposed to be MY special treat. Oy! Tripp proceeded to lay in the mess on the floor (erm, sticky and sopping wet!), and when I yelled at him to move, Max decided that was his cue to start wailing. It was one of those moments that leaves you scratching your head and asking, "Which fire do I put out first?" 

And then there was Sunday Fun Day—a day in which it's nice to slow down and relax, no? Naturally, I decided it might be fun to get some fresh air, take advantage of the sunny 70-degree weather, and burn a few calories, so I threw Max in his carrier and headed out for a long walk. At the halfway point, he lost it and began to kick and scream. I swear EVERYONE and their mother was outside walking their dogs or washing their cars. It was as though Max wanted to make his presence known to the entire Air Force base. Oh. Em. Gee. With no choice but to hide behind my sunnies and pick up the pace, the cries and kicks intensified. It was the kind of resistance training that no gym membership can buy. I don't think I've ever been so happy to unlock the front door and sit down to regain my composure. Nothing could make this child happy, so I placed him in his swing, turned up the white noise, and jumped on my spin bike for some sanity. Mind you, the pedaling was strictly so I could enjoy a stiff drink that evening without any guilt.

When I share snippets like this, I hope it doesn't come off as me being ungrateful or complaining over minutiae. I only divulge these tidbits with you because I know that life online can sometimes come across as though everything is sunshine and unicorns. Yes, I'm blessed, but life is also messy. I'm a new mom, and I can assure you I rarely have my $h!t together. Being mindful and finding beauty in the mundane is my only choice. Deciding to laugh about unfortunate events is optional but preferred for my own sanity. At the time, the aforementioned moments sucked the life out of me, but now they're humorous fodder for discussion. How's that for a win?

 How do you embrace life's messy moments?

P.S. When you dress your kid in a crab tee, his attitude may be a direct reflection of your wardrobe choices. Noted.

MONDAY MOODBOARD

I don't know about you, but I could use a little virtual sunshine to kick off the week...

Asking for Directions Print via Emily Rickard

Evil Eye via Furbish Studio

Tilt Cone via Cedar & Moss

Hearts Tee via Ily Couture

Lots of Love Valentine's Day Card via Sugar Paper

Abstract Painting via T Magazine

Louis Lipstick via Troi Ollivierre

Eames Dax via Cast & Crew

The Mira Heel via Madewell

Back in the Limo via Essie

Leather Tote Crossbody via Gap

George Lipstick via Troi Ollivierre

Love Arrow Valentine's Card via Blackbird Letterpress

Art Caddy via The Land of Nod

Have a swell week, 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.

• Coney Ankle Strap Sandal // Hey, Flyboy! If you're reading this and you're feeling particularly generous and need an idea for Valentine's Day, I wear a size 8. The rose gold is FABULOUS, daaaaahling!
• Stripes // Beyond smitten with Jess Bruggink's incredible artwork. The best part? She sells some of her pieces on Etsy.
• Kiss and Make Up Wink Studs // Kate Spade's latest round of new arrivals has left me feeling rather verklempt. This clutch and these studs? I've got so much LOVE for all the cheeky designs! Need I say more?
• You & Me Card // Next week, I'm going to share some of my favorite V-Day cards. Woo Hoo! I'm super excited with the assortment I've found. I think you're going to be equally as smitten with the heart-filled selection.
• Striped Sneakers // Max is at that weird stage where the shoes he has are too small, but 3-6 months are still too big. I have a few pairs that I'm just itching for him to wear, but we're not quite there yet. Sigh. I wouldn't mind adding these to his collection. They'd be perfect for spring and summer, or any season really. Who am I kidding? They're stripes.
• Bangle Bracelet // Have you heard of The Giving Keys? When you get this key, you must give it away at some point to a person you feel needs the message. How great is that? I think this might just be my new go-to gift.
• The Getaway Duffle Bag // The Ban.do gang can do NO wrong. Look at this thing! Just as promised, it's epicly adorable.
• Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Shampoo // I always look forward to Kelly's beauty-related posts. This week, she shared five of her latest favorites. Conveniently, I need to order some shampoo and one of her recommendations has me convinced I need to try this line. Oh, and I also really intrigued by the YSL Tint-in-Oil.
• Pigeon Tee // Now that I looked at it again, I see that it's a seagull, but I'm going to say it's a pigeon (channeling David Hockney, obvi). Why? I'm glad you asked. My sister believes her spirit animal is a pigeon (eww), and it makes me laugh hysterically when I think about it. Naturally, Max needs a tee that represents his Aunt Aubrey. So this is his pigeon shirt. 
• Typeset Throw Pillow // Oh Em Gee! How perfect is this for Max's room?! Need it. Want it. Gotta have it.
• Pure Cloud Chair // The weekend makes me dream of cozying up in this chair with a good book. Yes Please, perhaps?

Cheers to a snazzy weekend! As always, thanks for stopping by.

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

THANKFUL FOR: Remember those glitter tennies I mentioned off and on in previous posts? Yeah, well, they've saved me from a meltdown or two in the past week. Best. Gift. Ever. Thanks, mom and dad! Just when I feel a teensy bit overwhelmed or frazzled, the sunlight hits them, and I see nothing but a sparkly reflection. It's like I've got disco balls on my feet! They might get a few silly stares when I wear them into town, but I dare anyone to don something this snazzy and not walk around with an extra pep in their step.

THINKING ABOUT: Ah, the woes of living in base housing! When we moved to Swell Rio a year ago, we opted to live on base because we didn't really like the idea of purchasing a home here. We didn't want the hassle of selling it when Flyboy's assignment was over. Not to mention, the local aesthetic/architecture isn't quite what we envisioned when buying our first home. We sometimes go back and forth wondering if we made the right decision. I blame these growing pains on Lil' Puna. Not everything about our Hawaii rental was perfect (remember #PUNAPROBLEMS?), but we lived away from people (this introvert's dream), we had the most amazing view (sigh), and there was an abundance of natural light. What more could you ask for? No matter where we move, I try to make the most of our current living sitch. It's like putting lipstick on a pig, right?! Since we'll be in Swell Rio for awhile, I've decided I'm going to get rid of the ugly khaki-colored walls and paint them white. Huzzah! I think it will really lighten up the space and make our furniture and colorful knick-knacks POP. Now I just need to find the right shade of white, which is a task that will require my mom's expertise.

FEELING: Despite a few rough patches, Max, the pups, and I have hit a real groove. I like to think I'm approaching these fives weeks sans Flyboy with reasonable expectations, and I'm proud of how we've handled the time apart so far. I think I can, I think I can...

LISTENING TO: I'm a glutton for punishment. Whenever Flyboy's away, I get stuck on the sappiest of songs. Ugh, why do I do this to myself? The latest culprit is Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran. It will start playing, and I experience all sorts of mushy gushy emotions that either lead me to smile or shed a tear. Like I really need something else to toy with my hormones right now. Ha Ha!

WATCHING: I started recording Girlfriend's Guide to Divorce when it premiered on Bravo back in December, but I never got around to watching it until this past weekend. After a few episodes, I'm hooked! Unfortunately, it's near to impossible to get through a show without Max fussing and wailing, so I typically have to wait until he's in bed before I watch m' stories. In fact, I kind of feel like a rebel because I know I should get some shut eye while he's asleep, but it feels like such a treat to relax with a guilty pleasure.

EATING: As I type today's post, I've got veggies roasting for Spoon Fork Bacon's Cauliflower Parsnip Soup. Recently recommended by my mom, I thought it might be a nice way to switch things up for dinner around here and take advantage of the cool Texas temps. If the divine aroma that fills our house is any indication, I have high hopes for the recipe. The folks at Spoon Fork Bacon have never let me down, so I think it's safe to say this ought to be a real winner. Now how many more hours before supper time?

READING: Glennon of Momastery always reminds me of goodness. Her blog is where I go for a daily dose of authenticity and perspective. If you're not already a devoted reader, you will be. I assure you. Her thoughts and insight never cease to amaze me! After reading one of her recent posts, When Her Good News Makes You Feel Bad, I immediately sent a link to my mom and sister. I truly believe this is one of those articles that EVERYONE should read. We've all been there before, and if you haven't, you must be a saint. While it's easy to get caught up in comparison and competition, Glennon reminds us, "There is always more on its way—more opportunities, more ideas, more love. Think abundance—always think abundance. Belief in abundance is the source of all generosity and peace. Know that there is enough. Know that YOU are enough. Know that you have enough."

LOVING: When my parents gave me a sister, they gave me my first best friend. This week, I got to talk to her on the phone, which is a rarity these days because Aubrey is one busy bae. Yup, I definitely just used the term "bae" in regards to my dear sibling. Deal with it. Anywho, it was just really nice to catch up and hear her voice. I wish so badly we could hang out on a regular basis. But for now, we'll just have to settle with reading Yes Please at the same time so we can discuss the genius that is Amy Poehler together.

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

HUMP DAY HAPPY HOUR

Two weeks ago, I shared my New Year's resolution with you in this post. And since I wouldn't want to let you down, I've been hard at work testing my latest cocktail, a Blackberry Gin and Tonic. While searching for recipes, I was intrigued by the idea of a cocktail shrub. Honestly, I can't say I even knew what it meant before I found this recipe. I guess hipster and mixologist aren't synonymous with Ashley. Ha! With a little assistance from Lady Google, I learned that a shrub is just "a concentrated syrup that combines fruit, sugar, and vinegar, resulting in a sweet and acidic mixture that can be used in a variety of drinks." I've never had much of a green thumb, but this seemed like one "shrub" I could handle. See what I did there? Anywho, I gave the recipe a whirl and enjoyed the fruits of my labor this past weekend. The end result was equal parts tangy and tasty—a great way to welcome the week ahead! 

BLACKBERRY GIN AND TONIC

Recipe from A Thought For Food

SHRUB INGREDIENTS:

1 Cup Blackberries

1 Cup Balsamic Vinegar

3/4 Cup Sugar

*NOTE: The shrub in this cocktail takes a week to prepare.

FOR THE GIN AND TONIC:

1.5 oz Gin

.75 oz Blackberry Shrub

Tonic Water

Blackberries

DIRECTIONS:

1. Toss blackberries in a bowl with sugar. Let mixture sit at room temperature for one hour.
2. Mash blackberries with large spoon. Let mixture sit at room temperature for one hour.
3. Mash the fruit mixture again. Let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours.
4. Add vinegar, stir, and let sit, covered, for at least one week. Make sure to give mixture a good stir every day.
5. After a week, strain the fruit mixture and save the liquid in a covered jar.
6. For the G+T, pour gin into a glass, followed by the shrub. Add a handful of ice and top with tonic. Garnish with blackberries.

The shrub-making process is a fun one with oodles of fruity possibilities. 

If gin is your spirit of choice, give this recipe a shot. You won't be disappointed.

ETSY: TAKE FIVE TUESDAY

Read my lips—there will be NO regrETSY purchases on my watch. Trust me.

Instead, how about five shops that will make you push that little heart button with utter delight:

• BRIGHT JULY // Add spice to any space with Caitlin's gorgeous selection of punchy throw pillows. How adorable is the appliqué? With a selection this fabulous, there's something stylish for everyone.
• PARROTT DESIGN STUDIO // Sarah has the happiest assortment of hand-printed paper goods on Etsy. That's a fact! I'm particularly obsessed with this simple Mini Heart Notebook. It would the perfect size to keep handy in my trusty tote.
• SCOUT AND LILLY // After purchasing this pennant as a Christmas gift for Flyboy, I got hooked on Kathleen's simple accessories and home decor. The colors in this geometric and sunset-hued silkscreen print are fan-flipping-tastic!
• MOGLEA // It's not the first time I've expressed my love for Meg Gleason's lovely letterpress goods. While I adore all of her snazzy note cards and notepads, I think it would be really fun to have one of her custom return address stamps. I know we move a lot, but I think I could get some good use out of it until it's time to pack up again.
• WREN AND RUMOR // This past Christmas, we received this striped swaddle blanket from my aunt and uncle. Max is a big fan of the black-and-white print. I can't help but be smitten with the quality. It washes up like a dream and the cute aesthetic is easy on the eyes. If I saw this Lime Stripe Sweater Blanket sooner, I probably would have planned the nursery around it. The happy hue makes my heart burst with joy.

Have you stumbled upon any like it, love it, gotta have it, Etsy treasures lately?

LIFE'S LITTLE DETAILS

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

Just hanging out with a fox in a bow tie. No biggie.

Being a big sister is hard work, you guys. 

This beautimous gem was originally intended for the nursery, but I got greedy during nap time and gave it a new home in the living room. Oops!

Throw pillows that distract me from atrocious baby gear. Can I get an amen?

Max has monkey feet. There, I said it! They just look so odd; I can't stop staring. In my defense, Flyboy agrees.

Fake it 'til you make, it right?

My goodness, I adore this dog in a really BIG way! 

I couldn't help but be inspired by this colorful goodness.

Singing along to a happy tune.

Happy Monday, m' dears! I hope your weekend was glorious. It was sunny and seventy degrees in Swell Rio, which means we spent a lot of time outdoors and running errands. Woo Hoo! I don't have much on my mind today, so I'll spare you the silly rambling. I just know that we survived our first week sans Flyboy. Oh, yeah! Go Team Fine. Now on to the next...

Here's to another marvy week ahead!

LURVE LOAVE LUFF

 

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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

• Flask Bangle // How clever and functional is this? And I'm totes kidding about making it part of m' mom uniform. Or am I?
• Deco Dots Pillow // Are you familiar with Erin Flett's Etsy shop? If not, hop to it! I love all of her screen print designs.
• Essie Polish in Roarrrrange // Hello, Tiger! I might consider trying this shade at my next manicure. I'm pretty sure my nail lady thinks I'm boring. What's wrong with alternating between red and pink?
• Teardrop Vase // I got this adorable vessel for Christmas, and I'm just a little bit obsessed with its perfect gold spots.
• Jeweled Flat Sandals // Last Spring I missed out on the PERFECT sparkly sandals from J.Crew. Now I've got my eye on these bad boys. To act now, or wait to see what else they come up with?
• Poplin Pocket Top // I snagged this in French Blue, and I can't wait to wear it. It will be covered in spit-up in no time, but at least I'll feel fancy for a hot second. That's really all that matters, am I right??
• Joyful Necklace // Add a colorful touch to any outfit. Not to mention, navy, red, hot pink, and mint are my jam.
• Jersey Duffle Jacket // Toggles and stripes. Be still my heart. I'm thinking this coat is a Maxwell MUST! 
• Real Techniques Bold Metal Brushes // My cousin got me hooked on these reasonable and quality makeup brushes. I'm especially smitten with their new collection. They look so luxurious.
• DIY Sequin Marquee Heart // In case you're looking to get creative this weekend Sugar and Cloth has you covered.
• Finger Wall Clock // I was browsing the CB2 website recently and stumbled upon this gem. I think it would look adorable in the nursery and it would be über helpful during his bedtime routine.
• Hiya Toots! // From a time when saying "Hello" was a verbal art form... Well done, Anemone Press!

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

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

THANKFUL FOR: The pill-popping sitch seems to be improving for Beesly, and that makes me a very happy camper. Out of the three capsules she takes a day, I usually have success with two. Per the vet's recommendation, we gave Pill Pockets ANOTHER try. If I get it sealed up just right, she won't resist it like she did when we were in Hawaii. I'm not sure why she's okay with them now, but at least it works most of the time. That being said, I do have to woo her with a Beggin Strip reward after she's swallowed her meds. I'm not only pleased with the ease of pill-popping, but I'm also impressed with the puddle of drool she produces. Get it, girl!

THINKING ABOUT: A piece of me died last Friday when Max's Jumperoo arrived. Why must baby toys be so stinkin' ugly? Yuck! Up until this point, I haven't had to buy anything too incredibly hideous. For months, I dreaded the day I had to buy an exersaucer or jumper. In anticipation, I Googled high and low to find at least one tasteful option. I mean, what sort of snazzy things do the Europeans use? In all of my searching, I found zilch. I read hundreds of comments on Apartment Therapy in hopes someone, anyone, would share at least ONE aesthetically pleasing product. Nope, not happening. With the coercion of my mother, I finally gave in and purchased one. Eww! Max loves to stand, and she thought it would be a nice option to have while Flyboy is away. Since mom's always right, I gave in. She reassured me that I could stow it in the spare bedroom whenever it wasn't in use and that put me at ease. Then it arrived. With my nose turned, I put it together and it's just as atrocious as I thought. I didn't realize, however, how ginormous it would be. OMG! In an effort to save myself from a potential meltdown, I attempted to hide it in the guest room. I picked it up and found that it's too wide for me to fit in our hallway. I have to turn it on its side. Honestly, I'm not even sure if Max enjoys it. Can't I just give it away? Could he be one of those oddballs that doesn't like toys like this? Pretty please. When I shared all of these sentiments with my mom, she erupted with laughter. I feel like this is payback for all of the Fisher Price crap we had when I was a kid.   

FEELING: The nuthouse was in rare form yesterday. It seemed as though everything went to hell in a hand basket by 11 am, which didn't leave me feeling very hopeful about the day or weeks ahead. I wanted to cry, but that didn't seem like my best option. In an effort to regroup, I took a moment to focus on something that brings me joy. Enter rare bird, Iris Apfel. Seeing pictures of her and reading about the fashion icon makes me dizzy with delight. In fact, I've decided I want a life-size cutout of Iris to have on hand when I need a little pick-me-up. It would be something similar to the Flat Stanley Project we participated in as kids. Does anyone remember that? Anywho, I think a "Flat Iris" would help me channel her pizzazz. It would be just the right oomph to take on the day with gusto.

LISTENING TO: There was a moment this past Tuesday night where my phone was shuffling through my iTunes library, and I couldn't have picked a better song for the shit-uation. It was poetic, really. Just wait as I paint you a picture. You see, I had everything set up so I could bathe Max in the kitchen sink. Feeling hopeful, I thought, "Maybe tonight bath time will be fun?" So I changed his diaper, grabbed a few washcloths, and wrapped him in his adorable hooded towel. Feeling rather peppy, we skipped down the hallway with nothing but smiles and coos. Then I started to feel a rumble in my hand. "Oh no, it can't be. He's never done THIS before." I slowly peeked inside the towel and realized we better go back to the nursery and get ANOTHER towel because the stinky explosive mess he just made is no longer fit for, um, drying. As this is all happening, I hear Hall and Oates in the background: 

Well well you (ooh ooh ooh ooh)

You make my dreams come true (you you) you (you you)

Well well well you (ooh ooh ooh ooh)

Oh yeah you make my dreams come true (oooh ooh ooh) hell yeah

As Max started wailing, I began cackling. Sometimes life has the best comedic timing. Yep, this child makes my dreams come poo.

WATCHING: Please tell me you watch Fixer Upper on HGTV? I seriously love me some Chip and JoJo. Just one episode will have you dreaming about shiplap and subway tile. If we're going to live in TX, why can't it be in Waco?

EATING: I'll be honest, I'm using Flyboy's absence as an excuse to really hunker down and focus on my diet. I'm starting to see progress when it comes to losing the baby weight, and I'm hopeful that with a little extra TLC, I can drop a few more pounds. I'm sure this is probably annoying to read about, but it's a priority to me. Aside from the occasional Starbucks treat, I'm not indulging in anything really exciting.  Most of my meals these days consist of roasted veggies and either some salmon or baked chicken.

READING: This mom stuff is tricky. As the queen of self-doubt, I've found a lot of solace in the Shel Silverstein poem, The Voice. I guess it makes me feel better about the choices I make for myself and for Max on a daily basis. I need to trust my instincts.

There is a voice inside of you

That whispers all day long,

"I feel this is right for me,

I know that this is wrong."

No teacher, preacher, parent, friend

Or wise man can decide

What's right for you--just listen to

The voice that speaks inside.

LOVING: Last week, I decided to switch up my spinning routine. I have five DVDs that came with my stationary bike, but after watching the same videos for five years, the workouts tend to get a little stale. With a little online digging, I learned about the Peloton iPad app. Have you heard of it? The free app has a variety of on-demand spinning workouts in addition to live classes that you can stream on your device. How cool is that? I was worried that I'd have to have a Peloton bike in order to use the app; however, I've found that any ol' spin bike will work. Whenever I work out, I put Max in his Mamaroo Swing and he watches as I pant and sweat. 

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