THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

LL(ama) Cool J Illustration by Megan Gray of Ghost Academy

THINKING ABOUT: Perhaps it's time I get Max a cape? If he's going to be running and jumping around the joint, he should probably dress the part. Not to mention, I've found toddler meltdowns are so much cuter when they consist of striped leggings or a cheeky statement tee. I imagine a colorful costume would have the same effect. Now, let the great cape search commence!

THANKFUL FOR: This whole blogging bit just improved BIG time! Would you believe me if I told you that our modem and router are hidden behind a bunch of cookbooks in a bread box displayed in our kitchen? Of course you would—you know how much I despise cords! As a result, we've tolerated shoddy Internet service for almost two years because yours truly can't stand the sight of a technological monstrosity. Can you blame me? Really, though?? I guess I kind of assumed it was my super secret hiding spot that was the cause for frequent buffering and disconnected Wifi, but when one of Flyboy's friends visited and they got to talking about our cruddy Internet, we started wondering if the issue was our router (purchased in 2008). Ah-ha! Since I set up the new equipment last Friday, it's been working like a charm. Oh, and I didn't have to change a thing about my concealed corner of cords! Woo Hoo!

FEELING: My better half will be MIA this weekend, which means I'll definitely be #maxedout by Monday. Sweet readers, if you notice a lack of pinning or 'gramming going on around here, please send fruit snacks and gin. But seriously though, we've totally got this! 

EATING: After we returned from our trip to DC, we vowed not to indulge in an evening treat during the work week and only snack on the weekends—you know, at least for awhile. Snore. I suppose it was a small way for us to cut back on all the indulging that ensued during the holidays. Yep, snooze fest. Lucky for me, I married a real rebel because Flyboy came home on Tuesday night with a box of Mike and Ike Candy. Yassssssssss! Truthfully, rules are meant to be broken, and with a box that fresh I can't even feel bad.

LISTENING TO: In the event you want to see Max dance (don't expect more than a subdued shimmy), you'll want to ensure that Missy Elliott's WTF (Where They From) is on your playlist. I noticed our tot had an affinity for the tune back in November when he began bobbing his head in his carseat, and the hit hasn't failed me since. I'm still not entirely sure what his selection says about our parenting, but I can handle it if you can. However, if one day he signs his school work as Maxwell 'Misdemeanor' Fine, I may wish that I'd stuck with Baby Einstein or something classical instead. Like m-m-m-m-m, yak it to the yak...

WATCHING: Please tell me you watch Lip Sync Battle on Spike!?! Did any of you catch the season two premiere, which included epic performances by Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan-Tatum?? For those of you who haven't seen the Tatum Takeover yet (are you living under a rock??), I won't spoil it for you, but PROMISE me you'll watch this clip. I still can't decide who I'd pick as the winner.

READING: Max's bed-time routine has become my favorite part of the day, but not for reasons you might expect. Ha Ha! No matter how crazy the day might have seemed, it's all forgotten when we make our way into his room and he climbs up on my lap to read a book. My heart explodes EVERY time, and I turn into a giant puddle of mush. These days Hippoposites by Janik Coat is "read" on repeat. Our nightly ritual involves some clumsy page turning and requires that Max touch all of the illustrations that have texture. Despite revisiting the book at least a dozen times a day, it's as though he's discovering it for the first time every night. I dreamt about moments like these before Max even arrived; I just wasn't prepared for how precious they'd actually turn out to be.

LOVING: I can't say I ever saw the need for a highlighter until I purchased Becca's Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal last fall. I've used Estée Lauder's Double Wear Foundation for years, but often found myself dissatisfied by the matte appearance. I worried if it looked natural, but I loved the coverage and staying power. Ready to ditch my beloved foundation altogether and search for something new, I ended up on YouTube and watched a boat load of tutorials. I couldn't help but notice a trend among beauty bloggers who also swear by Double Wear—most of them either mixed a liquid illuminator into the foundation or they'd brush their face with a powder version. Skeptical of the shimmer factor, I went on to read reviews and found that Becca's selection of highlighters stood out among the rest. I was blown away by the consistent positive feedback, and now I understand the hype. It really does give you that glow from within look that you want from a highlighter. I initially feared that too much shimmer might draw attention to some of the scarring and imperfections on my face, but this powder is quite subtle. While the initial investment is a bit spendy, a little goes a long way. I've had mine since last November and it looks as though it's never been touched.

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