HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Happy Thanksgiving, sweet readers! 

Thank you for making this little space so dear to me. 

It's been a great reminder to start each day with a grateful heart.

xo,

ANF

LIFE'S LITTLE DETAILS

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

Happy Tuesday, m' dears! My father-in-law is in town for Thanksgiving and while we're busy prepping for this week's festivities, I thought I'd pop in and share a few snapshots from Sunday's spouse taxi. As you can tell from the photos, "take your wife to work day" was a riot! I was a bundle of nerves as we spent the morning listening to briefings and practicing how to egress from a T-6 in the event of an emergency. The odds of this happening were comical as we never actually left the runway (we got up to 70 knots and then taxied back to the plane's parking spot), but safety first, right?? I guess when dealing with a four-million-dollar aircraft, I couldn't help but worry about pushing the wrong button. Trust me, I tend to do REALLY embarrassing things when I get nervous. Aside from messing up a few radio calls (Oops!), I managed to successfully complete the taxi without breaking anything while also offering Flyboy a few good laughs at my expense. What else is new? The opportunity to suit up and strap into the jet was definitely a memory I'll never forget, and the afternoon gave me a better appreciation for what Flyboy does on a daily basis.

For those of you who are wondering, I opted NOT to break out my sparkly sneakers. Sigh! I just worried about Flyboy suffering the consequences when he returned to work on Monday. I can only assume it would go something like this... "Did you hear about Fine's wife and how she FOD out the jet with her glitter shoes??" For my husband's sake, I stuck with my trusty Tretorns instead. #selfless

Enough about me. How the heck are you?? Also, who's ready for Thursday??

LURVE LOAVE LUFF

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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

• Annabelle Bracelet // Earlier this month, Design Sponge featured artist and sculptor Orly Genger in this post (a must read!). Her installations look incredible! The use of color and texture will make you weak in the knees. If you fall hard for Genger's work just as I have, you'll be excited to learn that she recently collaborated with jewelry designer Jaclyn Meyer by creating a collection inspired by her work. See the full collection here. It's fantastic!
• J.Crew's Coat Fabrics // I love when J.Crew features behind-the-scenes blog posts. The footage from the Italian mills where the fabric is made were almost more than I could handle. Seeing bins of colorful swatches took my breath away. 
• Collar Cape Blouse // Can we just take a moment and applaud that darling neckline? The chartreuse-yellow may have just sent me over the edge. It's freaking adorable!! Could I get this number in my size, por favor?!
• Tangerine Stripe Vase // Flyboy stopped in San Antonio and picked up ALL of my favorite flowers at Whole Foods and Trader Joe's. Of course that meant I had to get out ALL of the vases and vessels to scatter the blooms around our house—not a bad problem to have!! This piece by Jill Rosenwald should probably come join us. It would feel right at home.
• Polka Dot Shopper // Because one can NEVER have enough bags, this polka dot delight is an absolute MUST!
• Bracelet Flask // Y'all, this bangle is grin inducing. At such a reasonable price point, it would make the BEST gift!
• Painting Today // What a stunner! I can already envision it stacked on top of my collection. The cover is a design dream.
• Chic3 Flats // I'm in the market for new leopard flats—a task I don't take lightly. The might just fit the bill!
• Buffalo Check Phone Case // I was excited to learn that Caitlin Wilson has expanded her line to include these cute cases.
• Chambray Headwrap // Ever since I found out I was pregnant with Max, I've had the urge to buy cute baby headwraps. Unfortunately, everyone I know is having boys. Would someone please just have a baby girl so I can get my fix?? 
• Tipsy Cocktail Napkins // A nod to the great state of Texas, these longhorn clad cocktail napkins are a no-brainer.
• The Pocket Dial by Jimmy Fallon // A collaboration dream come true. Created by Jimmy Fallon with the help of J.Crew, we now have an iPhone case AND pocket square all in one. The best part?? One hundred percent of the proceeds go to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust—a Kenya based charity that protects elephants from ivory poaching and extinction.
• Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Bang // This bold orangey-red screams BRING ON THE HOLIDAYS, and I lurve it!
• Rotary Phone Decorative Pillow // I wonder if I could convince Max to add this to his Christmas list. Cuteness OVERLOAD!

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

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

THINKING ABOUT: On Tuesday morning, I went to greet Max in his room and was surprised to find a big red welt/rash on his left cheek. I couldn't help but wonder if it was just rosy after laying on it overnight; however, thirty minutes later the redness remained inflamed. After a brief consultation with Lady Google and a quick call to the hospital, we ended up at the base clinic for two hours and returned home with a bag of antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection. We're still not entirely sure WHEN or HOW it even happened, but it appears to be improving. Phew! In an attempt to monitor the size of the rash/welt, the doc whipped out a purple skin marker and drew a circle (kind of?) around the infected area. Yep, it's about as adorable as you can imagine! And in the event the purple marker fades before Friday's follow-up appointment, I'm supposed to whip out a Sharpie!?! WTF?? As a result of this wacky skin irritation, we've made it a point to lay low in Swell Rio until Max is seen again tomorrow. The purple smear paired with the rosy swelling and people are bound to ask what happened. While it's not contagious, I highly doubt people at the grocery store want to hear me talking about my kid's bacterial infection. Until it heals, I say stay home wig and order takeout instead!

THANKFUL FOR: I try to keep this corner of the Internet fairly light-hearted, but with all of the newsworthy events that have occurred these past few weeks, I can't help but have a heavy heart. Max's world currently consists of Nibbly Fingers and wooden blocks and for that I'm so very grateful! Amid the horrendous headlines, I get the chance to see life through his eyes—where things are simple and pure. I warmly welcome this break from reality, but that doesn't mean I don't think about how I'll explain complex matters like these as he gets older. And just when I become overwhelmed at the idea of such an important task, I see a clip on the evening news of a French father explaining terrorism to his son and reassuring him in the sweetest way possible. "They might have guns, but we have flowers." Gulp. I don't think I'll EVER forget that poignant moment. His explanation not only helped his son make sense of the vicious attacks on Paris, but I believe it had the same effect on millions of viewers like myself. Humanity prevails.

FEELING: Around three months Max began sleeping through the night and he's continued to be a good little sleeper ever since (knock on wood). Aside from the occasional teething episode, we rarely have to get up in the middle of the night to console him. Hallelujah! Unfortunately, we were reminded of the tired feeling that comes with the newborn stage this last week since we have to administer his antibiotics at 1:00 AM. Thankfully, this will only last for ten days, but I'm over it already.

EATING: I tried Pirate's Booty on a whim this week (treat yo self!), and I'm still trying to decide how I feel about it. You can't really go wrong with a crunchy white-cheddar treat, but the texture and consistency threw me for a loop. It's somewhere between a rice cake, popcorn, and those Styrofoam packing peanuts. Something tells me I should probably buy another bag to form an official opinion.

LISTENING TO: Max started walking last weekend. Squeeeeee! We thought it would NEVER happen, but after weeks of boycotting he finally took off. When it comes to moving around quickly, crawling is still his preferred mode of transportation, but with each day his walking becomes a little more coordinated and a little less drunk looking. Because this way of getting around is still such a novelty to him, he makes the most giddy and high-pitched sounds with each step he takes. You can tell it's such a rush for him. I love it!

WATCHING: I saw this video (Company is Coming) circulating on social media and I'm so glad I took the time to watch it. You guys, I don't think I've laughed so hard in ages!!! I watched it three times in a row with tears streaming down my face, only taking a break in between viewings to text a link to my mom and sister. My sides still hurt from all the giggling. It's SO good! I can't help but contemplate whether or not I should share the hilarious spoof with Flyboy because I think he might find it more traumatic than funny. Gayle might act this way when visitors are en route, but this is Type-Ashley 24/7/365.

READING: On the last page of Danny the Champion of the World, Roald Dahl includes "A message to children who've read the book—When you grow up and have children of your own, do please remember something important: a stodgy parent is no fun at all. What a child wants and deserves is a parent who is SPARKY." Parenthood certainly brings out both a stodgy and sparky side to any personality. On days when I feel like I say the word "no" on repeat, constantly redirect my dear babe AWAY from any mischief, and I feel like the meanest mom in the world, I cross my fingers Max can recall my sparky (and sparkly) side.

LOVING: Who doesn't adore Naomi (of Love Taza fame) and her sweet little family?!? They're precious beyond words. I mean, have you ever seen a family so ridiculously good looking?? It's incredible and slightly unfair! Anyone out there agree?? If you're like me and you've followed her blog for years, you know Naomi is effortlessly beautiful. When I'm not drooling over her dreamy ensembles, I'm probably staring at her choice of lipstick. While reading a recent post, I was excited to learn about the everyday lip color she uses from Maybelline called Pink Me Up. I was expecting the shade to be some YSL tube that would set me back about forty bucks, so this came as total surprise! On Wednesday I found the lipstick at the grocery store and I'm obsessed. It's natural looking with just the perfect pop of pink. I wish it had the staying power of my trusty NARS lipstick, but for five dollars I'm more than happy to reapply.

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

COLOR STUDY

GET 'EM WHILE THEY'RE RED HOT:

Crosley Cruiser Turntable via Amazon

Knot & Bow Twist Red Wool via Waiting On Martha

Gemma Flats via J.Crew

Poppy Party Crown via Makeshop NYC

Decorative Red Coral via Furbish Studio

Textured Dress via H&M

Kate Spade New York Layla Pumps via Nordstrom

Lips in Champion via Topshop

Ebbets Field Flannels Brooklyn Bushwicks Ball Cap via J.Crew

Fingers Crossed Enamel Keyring via Georgia Perry

Stila Aqua Glow Watercolor Blush in Water Poppy via Sephora

Jojo Lips Metallic Leather Makeup Bag via Claflin, Thayer and Co.

Boys' Cotton Buffalo Check Bow-Tie via J.Crew

Cocktails Napkin Coasters via Sideshow Press

Kate Spade 6 Qt. Covered Casserole via Macy's

Red Oars Cocktail Stirrers via Sideshow Press

Happy Hump Day! How about that poppy hue?

LIFE'S LITTLE DETAILS

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

Happy Tuesday, m' dears! Is it Friday yet? Yeah, I didn't think so. Sigh. Maybe it's best if we just get straight to the details??

• We're incredibly eager for Flyboy to return from his weeklong trip to Missouri. Woo Hoo!! Now, I realize I can't even complain about a measly seven days spent apart, but teething and this rainy weather has made the time pass by at a snail's pace.  A little relief and the promise to return home bearing Trader Joe's goodies has me feeling extra giddy today. I can already envision myself passing Tot off to Pop while I devour Corn Chile Salsa and Three Layer Hummus. 
• Sometimes I forget we've grown accustomed to mild temps and sunny weather after spending the past seven years in Hawaii and Texas. Now that Max has become so active, I can't help but feel for parents with littles who are stuck inside during the yucky Winter months. We had several rainy days in a row, and I never realized how much I rely on our daily walks. Can you say SANITY SAVER?!? It helps us break up the day! The recent spell of drab weather had us itching to bust out the stroller, hit the pavement, and spend some time at the park. I promise to never take good weather for granted.
• I grew up in a family of mostly girls, so having Max throws me for a loop! Everyone tells you how rambunctious and mischievous boys can be, but I never envisioned it would start this soon. Yowzah! I see my friends with little girls and they're all very mild-mannered and focused. Meanwhile, Max acts quickly and is constantly scheming. I like to think I always bring my A-game (hardy har har), but this wild fella keeps me on my toes. When he's not climbing onto armchairs or chucking his toys and food, he's chasing the pups or rearranging his books. How did I get a child so stubborn and determined? Unfortunately, I have a feeling it's only the beginning with this one. Lord help us, and buy me ALL the gin!! 
• On the off-chance Max decided to nap this weekend (blergh, teething), I spent my free time catching up on Bravo drama and correspondence. These simple remedies help me bounce back after experiencing the insanity that is Hurricane Max. And when all else fails, just dress him in striped socks and colorful kicks. Crazy is better when it looks cute, am I right??
• Running errands got a little more adorable when this cheeky carryall arrived last week from Reese Witherspoon's company, Draper James. Eeeeeeeeek! My parents got it for me for my birthday (it was backordered), so I've been eager to sport the tote all around Swell Rio ever since. Do you think this means I'm one step closer to becoming Reese's bestie?? I'm sure it all sounds borderline stalker-ish, but I had the bag monogrammed just in case...

Enough about me. What are YOU up to these days??

LURVE LOAVE LUFF

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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

• All In Good Taste // The more I pore over the latest Kate Spade book, the more I adore it. Pages like the one featured above leave me feeling verklempt. The whimsical layout, colorful illustrations, and classic typography are giddy inducing.
• Satin Suit Pants // Wait a minute. Satin pants in NEON PINK. Shut up and get in my shopping bag, why don't you?!
• Buzzy Merit Badge // I think I want to collect them all—for Max, of course... Just think of all the cute possibilities!!!
• Cable-Knit Hat // It's on sale for $9.99. Say what?! And how about that faux fur pom-pom on top? All signs point to YES!
• Fair Isle Crewneck Sweater // Slip into this colorful classic. It's the perfect cure for any cold Winter day. 
• Chelsea Rain Boots // Show inclement weather who's boss with a set of sunshiny boots. I'm a sucker for yellow wellies!
• Dana Gibson Handpainted Pink Leopard Tray // How perfect is this? I was a huge fan of the original, but this smaller version is beckoning. With Christmas 41 days away, it would be a fabulous gift idea. One for me and one for YOU!
• Colorblock Gloves // We're headed east this Winter, which gives me the perfect excuse to scout out a new pair of gloves.
• Wooden Toy Camera // Have you heard of The Twig Company? I'm obsessed. Maybe this gadget will keep Max from toying around with my camera?? The fact that it has its own camera strap is icing on the cake. He's going to flip!!
• Dark Orange Confetti // Light and Co. is one party planning Etsy shop you'll want to bookmark and stat. There's a little bit of everything, but my favorite is the selection of confetti. Who doesn't love confetti?? I definitely need more confetti.
• Vintage Rotary Phone // About two years ago, West Elm wooed me with their vintage Kelly Green rotary phone that was used as a prop in one of their catalogs. Then Kate Spade decided to nonchalantly place one in their latest home decor ad campaign. It's not funny you guys!!! You can't tease us with this level of fabulosity and NOT offer these adorable phones for purchase. In the words of my childhood bestie Stephanie Tanner, HOW RUDE!!! My search continues...
• 123 Multidrawers // Organization never looked better! Bisley's brilliant design is a classic. I'll take one in each color.
• Cedar Street Confetti Dot Stacy // I absolutely adore the layout of this wallet. I've had my eye on the style for awhile, but I've yet to take the plunge. Something tells me the gold polka dots were made with me in mind. Well played, Kate Spade!

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

MAXWELL'S CREATIVE CORNER

 A few weeks ago, I mentioned some useless space in our kitchen that we recently transformed into a creative space for Max to work and play. As our half-pint has gotten older and his needs have changed, I've found it's important to have various areas throughout the house that are dedicated to his stuff. It's helped him differentiate what he can play with and what is considered a no-no, which has made baby proofing minimal. Hooray! For now, at least...

Here are a few nook necessities we've found invaluable as Max continues to explore and entertain himself:

World Is Your Oyster Print via Rifle Paper Co.

Pendant Light via Color Cord Company

I Could've Bin An Art Caddy via Land of Nod

Modern Kids Table and Chairs via Sprout

High Contrast Storage Cube Bin via Land of Nod

I Could've Bin a Chalkboard via Land of Nod

Paper Towel Cardboard Tube (Max's favorite!)

Washi Tape via Oh Happy Day Shop

Baby Color Stackable Crayons via Amazon

Rhymoceros by Janik Coat via Amazon

Pantone Color Flash Cards via Amazon

Kid O Red Go Car via Amazon

Grimm's Large Wooden Stacking Tower via Amazon

Wooden Duck Pull Along Toy via Land of Nod

Happy Wednesday!

LIFE'S LITTLE DETAILS

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

Happy Tuesday, m' dears! It's back to the Swell Rio grind after a week filled with visitors. Might as well jump in feet first with a set of sunny flats and a triple grande macchiato in hand, am I right?!? Extra caffeine and snazzy accessories seem to be the only way to come down from a fun-filled family high, especially when that means we get to share Max. Our little guy has changed so much since our trip to Missouri this past July, so you can only imagine how exciting it was to see him interact with my in-laws again. It's safe to say his grandparents left Texas with a pretty accurate idea of what life with this Fine one-year-old is like these days. There was lots of stacking books, snacking, shuffling around the house, picking up, and putting down. Then shampoo, rinse, repeat. You know Max loved every second of it! Visiting grandparents is a tough act to follow, so I'm going to try my best to amp up the fun factor this week in their absence. Wish me luck! I promise to keep an eye out for colorful details amid the routine snacking and stacking.

A FEW NOTES ABOUT THE FEATURED DETAILS:

• Flyboy really wanted me to snap a few pictures of Max to celebrate the Royals big win. Woop woop! I got out all kinds of props and dressed him up in his KC gear, but this was honestly the best I could get. I've found whenever I try to force a photo-op, it inevitably backfires and results in some sort of meltdown. Aside from oodles of crying outtakes, I managed to get a few of him hitting the books. Because of course. Oh, and beware of the giant bat he opted to swing right at me.
• I have a feeling the next few weeks are going to fly by, so I needed to sit down and get upcoming dates figured out. It was the perfect opportunity to use some of my Sugar Paper for Target goodies. Yipppppeeee!
• Flyboy is Missouri bound next week, so I've got a few projects I hope will keep me busy in his absence. Finding a place for this NYC print might be top priority. After Sir Fussbucket's every need is tended to, of course...
• Alyssa of Glitter and Grey messaged me recently with a Tarjay-related tip, and I owe her BIG time for this lovely lead. If you're in the market for an adorable and budget-friendly Advent Calendar, look no further. This is where it's at!
• After I gave up on the whole Droopy Poopy Smoothie thing a few weeks ago, Max decided he likes yogurt again. Who knew?! I guess I had to let it be HIS decision—because he's stubborn like that. I wonder where he gets the trait?! Anywho, we've both been enjoying morning probiotic parfaits for breakfast, but he opts to treat his more like a facial than anything else. Pictures are in your imminent future. Just please try to contain yourselves.

Enough of my mundane. How the heck are YOU?! Go on and spill the beans.

LURVE LOAVE LUFF

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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

• Yoko Wrap via Kelly Hyatt // Wrapping a present in this lovely paper would be a gift in itself. Just look at all the patterns!
• Sequined Flamingo // An ornament this adorable deserves to come live with me. You'd look perfect on our tree!
• Wood and Fabric Necklaces // I need to add a necklace from Harthorne to my collection. They're so simple and fun!
• Mirella // My mom recently bought a piece by artist Leslie Weaver. I'm obsessed with her abstract portraits. Stunning!
• BDB Jewelry Dish // How fantastic are these little trinkets? I wouldn't mind stocking up on a few to give as gifts this holiday season. Then again, I wouldn't mind calling the stripes or polka dots my own either.
• Hooray For Today // Because it's Friday and we survived. Everybody say it with  me, "Cheers to the freakin' weekend!"
• Sugar Paper Holiday for Target // I typically try to exercise some discipline when it comes to buying anything Christmas related until AFTER Thanksgiving, but I broke my rule last Sunday and stocked up on Sugar Paper's goodies at Target. While I wasn't able to browse the selection in person, I feel pretty good about my online order.
• Studio Series: Flowers for June // Most of us probably can't afford the pieces from Loren Hope's Studio Series (sigh!), but it's such a treat to see how artists like Lulie Wallace's work is interpreted via Hope's colorful and sparkly jeweled designs.
• Bow Pumps // You guys, these heels come in under forty bucks! That's just insane. Someone buy them and stat!
• Kate Spade Gift Guide // Has anyone else been anticipating the Kate Spade Gift Guide?! That's what a thought!! A few swoon-worthy pieces I'd like to find in my stocking include this Leather Initial Keychain and this Camera iPhone 6 Case.
• Girls' Stadium-Cloth Bow Coat // Two words. Neon. Tangelo. Squeeeeeeee! I swear this coat was made for me—or my non-existent daughter! And can we just take a moment to fawn over the sweet placement of that bow??
• Neon Alpine Sweater // Okay, the price point is slightly horrendous, but this is The Love List and I LURVE to dream. Something about that neon pink trim has got me feeling all the wintry feels. Apres-ski anyone??

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

HUMP DAY HAPPY HOUR

I wanted to sip on a punchy pink cocktail for my 30th birthday, so I hopped on Amazon and ordered some dried dragonfruit. I've had my eye on this recipe for almost two months and thought it was only fitting I celebrate in style with my spirit of choice. Out of all the cocktails I've whipped up in the past year, this is definitely one I wouldn't mind making again and again. And that color though...

DRAGONFRUIT GIN AND TONIC

Recipe from Quitokeeto

(Serves 1)

INGREDIENTS:

1 OZ DRIED DRAGONFRUIT

2 CUPS OF GIN

ICE CUBES

2 OZ DRAGONFRUIT GIN

2 OZ TONIC WATER

2-4 OZ SPARKLING WATER

LEMON SLICES

DIRECTIONS:

1. Combine the dragonfruit and gin in a jar and allow to infuse for a couple of hours, or overnight if you have the time. I opted to infuse mine for a full day so I could get a really rich hot pink color. Priorities, my friends...
2. When you're ready to mix drinks, strain the gin to remove any slices and solids.
3. Combine two ounces of dragonfruit gin, two ounces of tonic water, and two ounces of sparkling water in a cocktail shaker or mason jar with lots of ice. Double or triple the amount depending on the number of drinks you plan to make. Shake well, taste, and add more sparkling water if you'd like.
4. Pour into ice cube filled glasses, each with a thin slice of lemon.
5. Refrigerate remaining dragonfruit gin.
6. Enjoy your pretty pink drink!

Cheers, m' dears!