LIFE'S LITTLE DETAILS

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

Happy Tuesday, m' dears! We're Missouri bound tomorrow, and as you can imagine I'm in the thick of packing and list-making. On a side note, why do babies require SO MUCH STUFF? I can't even begin to think about what I'll need for the next ten days. It's all about the babe. Anywho, I thought I'd pop in for a hot second and share a few of my favorite details from the last week. It was a good one.

A FEW NOTES ABOUT THE FEATURED DETAILS:

• Maxwell is on the move. While I can't say his crawling motions are fluid or graceful, he shuffles across the floor with all of his might. Real talk, the entire show lasts a total of fifteen seconds before he gets tired and face plants on the rug. Hey, at least he's moving forward! In fact, if you're not careful you might just miss the big performance. Ha Ha! I was initially kind of bummed that he didn't just zoom off like I'd envisioned, but then I remembered that he did inherit my German peasant stock legs. Have you ever tried moving around a set of beefy gams? Yep, it's kind of the reason I choose not to run. It's downright exhausting! For now I'm just grateful he lacks any motivation to crawl more than two steps. The house and dogs are probably thankful as well. I have a feeling we're not ready for the madness just yet.
• On Friday, Flyboy's students got to turn on the beer light in the flight room. Big deal alert! Around five that evening, I decided it was time to turn on the beer light at home. It's not often that I imbibe on anything that doesn't require gin, but I was eager to whip out the latest addition to my cocktail napkin collection. Longneck? It seemed fitting and super cute.
• Finding adorable boy clothes for summer hasn't been as easy as I'd hoped. In fact, I find myself deferring to statement tees to add flair to Max's wardrobe. The Fresh Prince inspired tee from Passive Juice Motel was a no-brainer, but part of me thinks that all of these tees make him look too grown up. Suddenly I have the urge to dress him in onesies and footed pajamas forever. Maybe then he'll continue to look like a little baby? Please. Stop. Growing. Deal?!
• Who knew a simple canvas tote featuring m' fave boss lady, Jenna Lyons, could bring so much delight? It almost feels as though she likes to tag along for an afternoon of errands. Pinch me. In true Swell Rio fashion, I've had a handful of people ask who's on my bag, and I can't help but feel like I come off a little strong when I drone on about the creative director. Did somebody say Crewcults? You know I'm a card-carrying member.
• Speaking of J.Crew, I have a feeling what I pack for Missouri will consist primarily of these tanks and accessories. Perhaps if I stick with a color palette I can play with the basics and maximize my outfit options. I should really get to packing...
• It's been confirmed by both of my parents that Max is definitely saying mom. I'm certain he hasn't attached the title to me specifically; however, he does make a point to say it when he needs a bottle or wants attention. Oh, hey! Is it okay if I reject him saying the m-word until mom is said in a joyful or excited manner? Also, can anyone tell me why dada is said with excitement and mama is uttered whenever he's ticked off? Oh, my sweet curmudgeon.
• I recently ordered a pair of metallic Birkenstocks (mirror green), and I must admit I'm at odds with them. I love the shiny factor and the comfort level is crazy great. That being said, I just don't know if I can pull them off. Part of me wonders if I should keep them to wear around the house, or if this is just a big no-no and it's time I return to sender.
• And since HEB had my favorite color of Peonies,  you better believe that's worthy of TWO pictures in today's post. Two.

Enough of my babbling. How are YOU? I hope your week is off to a fantastic start.

LURVE LOAVE LUFF

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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

• Kiss Cuddle Repeat Banner // Over the past three weeks, Max has cut five more teeth. I might regret saying this, but I think we're getting a reprieve this week because he's been a real treat. Most days consist of kisses and cuddles.
• Zebra Hobby Horse // I get a little Ramotional when I think about Max growing any more, but then I also get really excited about playing with him when he gets older. I have a feeling he's going to have an incredible imagination.
• Painted Dash Convertible Clutch and Circle Coin Purse // This cobalt combo is calling my name. I love a good pop of color.
• NARS Audacious Lipstick in Grace // I've tried a few different shades of lipstick recently, and I'm struggling to find something I really like. Something tells me it's time I turn to the Audacious formula. This bright pink coral is perfection.
• Feather Flower Branch // How gorgeous would this be as a centerpiece? Or displayed on a bookshelf?
• Mix Brûlée Necklace // I've ogled over J.Crew's latest and greatest countless times, so how did I miss this beauty? You had me at chartreuse. This might be the next piece I add to my arsenal of accessories.
• Hello Lady Note Card // Attention paper lovin' peeps, Yellow Owl Workshop has some of the cutest designs. Hop to it!
• Classic Tank Top // The closer we got to summer, the more frustrated I became with my current tank situation. I was down to one maternity tank from last year and it wasn't pretty. Thankfully, I gave these tanks a try recently and I'm just a little bit obsessed. I think I need ALL of the colors now. The weight of the material and the neckline are fantastic. 
• Reminders Pencil Set // Shouldn't all pencils have gentle reminders inscribed on them? I smell an office supply revolution.
• Cobalt Media Credenza // If I had this front and center in our living room, I would miss most of the Housewives drama and we can't have that, now can we? It's just too pretty. I wouldn't be able to stop concentrating on that bright hue.
• Otto Fan // The lovely folks at Rejuvenation emailed me my tracking information. I can't wait to see the fan I won.
• Bright Penguin Classics // The colors of these classics are just as delicious as candy. I could eat them up.

As always, thank you kindly for stopping by. Cheers to a snazzy weekend, m' dears! Make it count.

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

THINKING ABOUT: As a new mom, there comes a day when you realize you're being played by your baby. I told myself months ago that I wouldn't allow this to happen and that I was too savvy to fall victim to a twenty-pound infant's scheme. It turns out I'm a fool. He's on to me. I called my mom with a few examples and she couldn't help but laugh. I asked, "Well, when do I start telling him 'No' ?" She replied, "Now." Sigh. Just moments after hanging up the phone, I was already being tested. Grrrrrreat. It was time to put on my disciplinarian hat, which inevitably leaves you with the WORST hat head, but I digress. Max grabbed hold of my top knot and pulled with all his might. Yikes! I attempted to shut it down with a big fat NO and shook my head with a disapproving look. The fact that he responded with a smile makes me certain he still has no clue what it means, but at least it's in practice. I can already tell he's going to love Flyboy the most. Argh! And since I'm going to have to wear this silly enforcer hat, could it at least be kind of cute?

FEELING: While browsing Instagram on Sunday morning, I noticed that Rejuvenation—a house parts general store—was hosting a Father's Day giveaway in which one lucky follower would win this sleek fan. I didn't think much about it and tagged my mom because I know she adores the online shop just as well. Later that evening, I opened up the app before going to bed and found out that I was the lucky winner. Get. Outta. Town. I was so giddy; I had to read the comment several times to make sure it was real. I can't say I've ever won anything substantial. Does a bag of lollipops from my 8th grade science teacher or a pencil from Frau Nicholson count? As far as I was concerned my lucky streak ended in middle school, so winning this giveaway feels like a pretty big deal.

THANKFUL FOR: Alert the press! A CVS just opened in Swell Rio, and you better believe Max and I made a trip on Monday morning. I'll admit I was mostly in it to check out the selection of Essie polish (meh), but came home with this Burt's Bees Honey and Grapeseed Hand Cream that my mom uses instead. I have the hardest time finding it anywhere, so I felt like I was winning at life. Whenever I smell it, I think of her. Maybe using it will make her supermom powers rub off on me? It's worth a shot.

EATING: When it comes to my relationship with bananas, you could say we're on a break (You're thinking Ross and Rachel, aren't you?). I blame Max for coming between us. Have you ever seen a baby nosh on a banana in one of those mesh feeder things? Although incredibly messy, it's cute to see him devour the fruit all on his own. But with his gain comes my loss because the smell of wet banana seems to linger all day, and I just can't get over this aversion. Just one bite and I begin to gag. It's horrible! Flyboy swears he can't smell it, but after cleaning Max and the mesh feeder, I can't seem to escape the scent. Does this make any sense?

LISTENING TO: Since Max's original Jumperoo bit the dust over a month ago, we now have all new songs to learn. How's that for keeping things fun and fresh? Sometimes I turn it on and expect to hear the old tunes. Which way to Nostalgiaville?

WATCHING: Here's a fun fact. Summertime isn't official until Big Brother premieres. It's true. Flyboy and I couldn't be more excited to "meet" more of the house guests tonight. How pathetic are we? Ha Ha! Three cheers for an eventful DVR filled with more trash TV!

READING: At this point, I'm saving any books and magazines for our upcoming road trip to Missouri. How about I share a few online articles I found helpful or entertaining instead? Let's see what I've got in this random mix of reads. I promise, it's ALL over the place.

Erin Loechner On Style And Substance — LOVED so much about this interview. Could Erin just be my next door neighbor already?     

The Genius Way To Remove Sunless Tanner — I'm the queen of random streaks, so I'm intrigued by the suggestions.

Should Women Shave Their Face? — If it's good enough for Mama Manzo...

How To Take Tack-Sharp Action Photos — Since Max is a man on the move, this post was incredibly helpful!

The Thank You Plate — A beautiful reminder from Tatiana to stop and really digest life's goodness.

What It Means To Have The Heart Of An Empath — So much emotion in this piece. It's a blessing and a curse to feel ALL the feelings. 

LOVING: Kristin's blog, The Hunted Interior, is the best. In fact, I kind of wish I could just hop right into the computer screen and live in her lovely abode. Just recently, she shared a DIY Sculptural Vase that made my crafting confidence skyrocket. All too often I pin projects with big intentions, but rarely get around to making them. This is one DIY I'm definitely going to make a priority. It's too easy not to. I'm fairly certain I can find most of the supplies in Swell Rio, which is a bonus. This weekend's agenda is looking productive.

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

SHOP SPOTLIGHT: PRETTY PEGS

When I realized our Josef Frank-inspired armchair was damaged by the Hawaiian sun and we'd need a replacement, I immediately thought of the Strandmon from IKEA. Something about the shape screams classic and playful—you can't beat the reasonable price tag either! When we brought it home and placed it in the living room, I instantly fell in love with the rich navy color; however, something about the chair's legs looked generic and hokey. The hardware cheapened the overall look of the piece and it lacked the personality I craved. With a little bit of Googling, I learned about Pretty Pegs—a Swedish company that offers replaceable legs for brands such as IKEA. Offering a variety of styles, models, and colors, it's easy to give your furniture character. Intrigued by the notion, I submitted an order and waited patiently for Estelle (the name of the hardware, obvi) to show up.

Much to my delight, the snazzy legs arrived last week and I couldn't swap them out fast enough. After they were installed, I was silly giddy with the end result. I'm reminded once again that accessories make ALL the difference. It's the little details that make any home personal. Since the possibilities are endless with Pretty Pegs, I'm already pondering what I could do with another set.

LIFE'S LITTLE DETAILS

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

Happy Tuesday, m' dears! I hope your week is off to a smashing start. Let's get straight to the details, shall we?

• Flyboy's first Father's Day was a real treat (think cycling, Starbucks, Home Depot, etc.). In fact, I've got some pretty adorable snapshots of my favorite duo to prove it. My goodness, would you just look at them?! I truly don't think I could love these two anymore. The best part? They let me dress them in cheesy tees. Dreams really DO come true.
• The extra pep in my step can be attributed to fresh peaches and hot-pink peonies. I could ride this high forever!
• How about some Type-A(shley) logic? Remedy an uneventful day with a snazzy belt. I promise, it works. Bonus points if you add a slightly askew bow. I've found this trick has the same effect as wearing a crown, but not as showy. Ha!
• Hoarding ephemera is a task I don't take lightly. Now that we've lived in Swell Rio for over a year, I found it necessary to glean my desk drawers for any mementos I've acquired since we moved in. All I can say is YOWZAH! It looks like it's time to buy a bigger Rubbermaid tub. Parting with my favorite pieces of paper (snail mail, art prints, magazine tear sheets, ticket stubs, etc.) isn't an option. One day they're going to take part in an epic inspiration board. I just know it!
• When it comes to entertaining my favorite fuss bucket, I get by with a little help from my friends. In an act of desperation last Friday afternoon, I found myself sifting through a basket of toys and books just trying to get Max to stop sobbing. You could say it was a rough day for both of us. Thankfully, a puppet-on-a-stick and If I Were a Puppy... did the trick.

Alright, enough of my babbling. How are YOU?

LURVE LOAVE LUFF

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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

• Owl's Brew // While scouring the web for Father's Day finds, I stumbled upon this company. Must try and soon por favor!
• Vintage Cotton V-Neck Tee in Metallic // A great basic like this can serve as the perfect canvas for any outfit. A hint of added sparkle doesn't hurt either. And I may have worn mine twice this week, so of course I'm going to say all that.
• Ban.do Sticker Book // I thought Lisa Frank would surely be the last time I got excited over stickers. Think again.
• Lace Panel Tank Top // I got a similar tank last year when I was preggo and I loved it. Mom-semble approved.
• Beaded Striped Tassel Belt // Oh, I think we're going to get along swimmingly! Stripes. Tassels. It must be love.
• Hello Clutch // Sweet salutations! Could this clutch BE any more charming or polite? I didn't think so.
• Metal Cactus Sculpture // I try to find the cute factor in cacti, but I just can't. This may solve my desert dilemma.
• Slingbacks // You had me with that winning color combo and snazzy stripes. The $25 price tag is the cherry on top! 
• Wild Thang Print // It's true! Britt Bass and her beautiful artwork always make my heart sing. This might be my favorite.
• Canvas Bin // Max and his growing collection of stuff will require more storage. New bins are a must!
• Dino Surf Tee // So Max and I definitely have this tee so we can match some day when he grows into his size 2. He He! Remember that part in yesterday's post about me being crazy obsessed? Yep, this is just another example of that.

As always, thank you kindly for stopping by. Cheers to a snazzy weekend, m' dears! Make it count.

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

Illustrations via Asia Pietrzyk

THINKING ABOUT: I'm sure there's no need for me to tell you that I don't like when things get messy. News flash! Babies are messy. As a result, I have no choice but to embrace the mess. I'm told it will make me a better person or something. Anywho, since the new roommate arrived last October, I've learned that changing Max's diaper only gets more complicated. I thought I had mastered diaper duty by ensuring his WMD was always covered, but it turns out that getting sprayed was the least of my worries. Now that he's so mobile, the squirming is out of hand—especially in terms of deuces, if you catch m' drift. Yikes! On Monday night, erratic kicks and excited wiggles left his heels and thighs covered. My thumb and knuckles looked as though they'd been dipped in a chocolate Pudding Pack. Yep, I just went there (sorry I'm not sorry). With a grossed out giggle, I surveyed the mess and grabbed his ankles. In that moment, I couldn't help but think of Phaedra Parks who always knows the right thing to say—"Fix it, Jesus!" 

FEELING: Weeks ago, I made a bold claim that Max was ready to crawl. Now I just feel like the boy who cried wolf. I promise you, Flyboy and I have videos to prove our little guy was ready for liftoff. My parents and all of their baby experience thought we were just days away. Nope. Somewhere along the way Max learned that he can get to toys and the dogs quickly by just rolling instead. I suppose it does the job, but it looks terribly uncomfortable. Of course everyone keeps asking if he's crawling yet, and I really wish I could give them the answer they're looking for. Once again, I'm reminded that babies be babies.

THANKFUL FOR: I've used Estee Lauder's Double Wear Foundation for a few years. From time to time I experiment with other formulas and brands, but I always come back to this one. Unfortunately, one of my biggest pet peeves about my go-to foundation is that it doesn't come with a pump, so it's very easy to waste the product. One night, out of boredom, I started Googling to see if there was a hack that might solve my problem. Sure enough, I found a few bloggers who tested MAC's Foundation Pump on the Double Wear bottle and it works! Thank goodness for people who share their tips and tricks online! Ten dollars later and my problem's solved.

EATING: On our way back from Austin last Tuesday, we took an alternate route home and made a pit stop in Fredericksburg. Flyboy was hell bent on getting some fresh peaches from the Hill Country. Who can argue with a tasty scheme like that? We devoured the fruit for a few days, and now that they're gone I wish we would have bought more. 

LISTENING TO: I hope I never forget the sweet sounds Max makes whenever he sees Tripp or Beesly. The most joyful gasp that's immediately followed by a darling giggle. It's almost as though they're meeting for the first time. Every time. Such bliss and wonder.

WATCHING: Since my current selection of mindless entertainment peaks by Tuesday night, I'll go ahead and broaden this category a bit. Instead, I think I should tell you how I've watched myself tip the crazy scale since becoming a mom. For instance, I sat in front my hair stylist last Saturday and explained that I might (emphasis on might) be interested in lightening my hair color in the next few months. Say what?! A year ago I would have scoffed at the idea, mostly because dying my hair brown ten years ago made me one step closer to becoming Rory Gilmore (#lifegoals). But now that I'm toting Max around, I get a lot of questions regarding his blonde hair and I want people to know that he's definitely mine—as if the bright blue eyes, stocky build, and matching striped ensembles aren't enough. The hair-raising notion makes very little sense, and I'm left wondering WHO AM I?? Crazy obsessed. That's who!

READING: These days it's all about Peek-A-Zoo! and Peek-A-Who?—one of these two board books must accompany us at all times.     

LOVING: Awhile back I ordered a set of PRETTYPEGS for our IKEA armchair. The hardware company originates from Sweden, so I couldn't help but wonder when they'd ever arrive in good ol' Swell Rio. Two months later, they showed up at our doorstep and I didn't waste any time slapping them on the living room chair. The gold tips totally elevated the look, and I couldn't be more impressed by the quality. I'm thinking this calls for a future blog post. The possibilities are endless!

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

LET'S TAKE FIVE

Because on Wednesdays you like to stop by One Fine Day for a colorful pick-me-up...

1. Karma Baby Onesie via Strawberry Moth // I'm fairly certain it's time to add this onesie to Max's growing collection. Whether we're running errands or strolling the neighborhood, I've found this twenty-pound chunk of love is a goodwill ambassador to all he meets. Swell Rio curmudgeons, you've been warned—Max is coming for you and he WILL make you smile.
2. Indoor/Outdoor Pillows via Pencil Shavings Studio // This isn't the first (or last) time I've professed my love for Rachel's online shop, Pencil Shavings Studio. On a mission to banish beige, she added these adorable indoor/outdoor throw pillows and I couldn't be more thrilled. I truly love the idea of outdoor living and entertaining, but I've found it's difficult to find pieces to fit my aesthetic that don't break the bank. Better yet, the selection of prints and colors can be customized to suit your style!
3. Raffia Lamp with Textile Cable via lacasadecoto // Choosing just one item to share from this vender was difficult. Can we also take a moment to discuss all that's perfect about this pom-pom wool pillow? You had me at hot pink stripes, my friend!
4. Life is Tough Art Hoop via Little Low // A stationery favorite based out of Austin, Texas—need I say more?! I often browse Little Low's Etsy shop to stay on top of all the latest and greatest designs created by Caitlin McClain. I'm currently smitten with these cute art hoops. They would be a fabulous gift for family and friends, or the perfection addition to any gallery wall! 
5. Recycled Neon Lips via Ann Howell Art // About two weeks ago, I heard about Ann's work and immediately pinned it to share in an upcoming post. Believe me, it's been hard to keep this one under wraps! From handprinted textiles and framed works (like the b-e-a-utiful one featured today), what's not to love about Howell's "just put some paint and glitter on it" mentality?

If you're not grinning over these goodies, well then, I can't help you.