LURVE LOAVE LUFF

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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

• DIY Paper Peonies // Eek, It's getting to be THAT time of year! Paper and Peonies are two of my very favorite things.
• Zuo Pendant // Who doesn't love a splash of orange?! This bold pendant makes a statement and packs a punch.
• Classic Large White Trunk // This vintage-inspired trunk is dreamy, you guys. When you're not globetrotting with this beauty in tow, it could double as a delightful bedside table. I don't think it gets any more beautiful than this.
• Citrus Sofa // Something tells me if I could be personified in a piece of furniture it would have to be this snazzy sofa.
• Cuba Libre Nail Polish // My sister got me this punchy nail polish for Christmas and I'm running on empty. Time to order another bottle of my beloved poppy hue and STAT. If you're in the market for an orangey-red (think Clambake), THIS is it.
• Wary Meyers Glycerin Soap // Break out the bubbly! These Rothko-esque looking soaps come in lovely scents such as Pink Champagne, Esprit De Peach, and Japanese Cherry Blossoms. They're *almost* too pretty to use.
• Pink Round Sunnies // I'm SO ready to say adiós to these pesky spring storms and break out my shades instead.
• Gingham Leather d'Orsay Flats // What do you get when you mix gingham and blue emerald? The PERFECT summer shoe.
• Midi Skirt in Cotton Clip Dot // I reeeally adore this skirt, but something tells me the white and Max don't mix. Le sigh.
• Polka-Dot Beaded Necklace // GAIA (meaning "Goddess of the Earth") creations are handmade by resettled refugee women in Dallas using vintage, artisan-made, and sustainable products. As if the mission isn't beautiful enough, you're going to flip when you see the gorgeous assortment of accessories, bags, jewelry, and pillows. I want one of everything!
• Minimalist Paper Notebook // Simple is best, especially when we're talking about spots and gold foil. Can I get an amen?!
• #1 Mom Card // Send this to that mom who's not like a regular mom, but a cool mom. You know who I'm talking about...
• Brass Letter Keep // With Flyboy out of town this weekend, I hope to get my snail mail butt into gear. Let's do this!
• 10 X Tickets // Attention fellow paper loving peeps! You're going to lose your mind when you visit this online shop. Gulp!
• Cruffin // They're the "unicorn of pastries." A cross between a croissant and a muffin. Where can I get a Cruffin?

Happy Friday, m' dears! Make this weekend count.

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

JUST KEEP GOING GREETING CARD VIA GREER CHICAGO

THINKING ABOUT: Max and I will be flying solo this weekend because Flyboy has to work. I need to figure out what the two of us are going to do to make Saturday and Sunday feel "different" than our typical weekdays spent together. It could be anything, really. 

FEELING: Max has been incredibly clingy lately and I think it has something to do with teething, or at least that's what I blame everything on these days. One might assume that lifting a 30-pound child at the most inopportune times would be a hefty nuisance, but I don't hate it one bit. Since our independent and spirited tot entered the picture, he's often refused cuddling of any sort. There were times when Flyboy and I would take it personally (we still do sometimes) because our paternal and maternal instincts would kick in, but that's just how our little guy operates best. It's for this very reason that I've been tickled and slightly flattered by the fact that he wants to be held. It might be a whole different story in a few days or weeks, but for now I'm savoring the neediness.

THANKFUL FOR: Am I the last person in the world to learn about Fels-Naptha? Apparently I'm not the cleaning guru I thought I was because this old-school bar laundry soap and stain remover has been around for over 100 years. What the?! Because I ride a weird high when it comes to tackling stains, I ponied over 97 cents, bought a bar at Walmart, and decided to give the soap a whirl. Life with a toddler and two dogs can get pretty messy, so treating stains is imminent around here. Since I purchased Fels-Naptha three weeks ago, I've conquered over a dozen stains with this magic bar. Whenever Max and I come home from the park, I can't help but get a bit giddy about the idea of tackling another mess. I realize this sounds sick and twisted, but victory is mine!

EATING: We've been going through an obscene amount of Justin's Honey Peanut Butter lately. I don't even want to begin to think about how quickly we (more like I) can finish a jar. I guess there's just something about the texture that makes me obsessed. It's so grainy and good! A heaping tablespoon paired with crisp Pink Lady slices and I'm in a state of buttery bliss. Dare I say I wish they stopped carrying it at HEB so I didn't have access to the stuff?? Well now, let's not get carried away...

WATCHING: Is anyone else underwhelmed by The Real Housewives of Dallas? I was expecting something more than charity events and plastic dog poop as story lines. Don't get me wrong, I continue to watch because it's too hard to look away. I guess I just wanted some hair teasing and bold personalities from the Big D. Giddy up, Andy! You guys must have been drunk when you cast this crew.

READING: I just started reading Big Magic last week and I'm hooked. It may be awhile until I finish (because who has time to read with a toddler?) and I can share some of my thoughts with you. Meanwhile, how about some link love?

Things I Wish I'd Done, Today via Design For Mankind

How To Win At Gin & Tonics via Dinner: A Love Story

I See You Babe via Flora & Fauna

49 Phrases To Calm An Anxious Child via Psych Central

A Mother's Paradox via Coffee + Crumbs

Would You Call Someone A Girl Boss? via A Cup Of Jo

LOVING: Fellow stationery aficionados, Lori of Carde Blanche has come up with a brilliant snail-mail subscription service called One-Per-Week. The idea behind it is simple. For each monthly subscription, you receive four cards (one birthday, thank you, blank, and monthly seasonal holiday—all from various designers) along with a colored LePen. These days I'm honestly more of a slug when it comes to snail mail, but I'd really like to get back in the routine of writing notes. Sending one letter a week sounds like a great place to start. With all of the right tools at your fingertips, all you need is a few stamps and your address book to get started. Sign me up!

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

P.S. I promise the part about Fels-Naptha, Justin's Peanut Butter, and One-Per-Week aren't sponsored. That's not exactly how things operate around here. Thursday's Thoughts tends to be a post about nothing and you know I get easily excited.

A MOTHER'S DAY GIFT GUIDE

THE GOODS:

Marimekko Dinner Plates ($25) via Target

Mini Heirloom Watering Can ($16) via Terrain

Yellow Stripes Flat Clutch ($98) via Parker Thatch

Pink Tassel ($15) via Parker Thatch

Suede d'Orsay Flats ($125) via J.Crew — Additional 40% off through April 29th

Vintage Short-Sleeve Pajama Set ($85) via J.Crew

Beaded Tassel Necklace in Pale Guava ($40) via J.Crew

Bobbi Brown Art Stick ($28) via Nordstrom

XOXO Valet Tray ($58) via Parker Thatch

Young Frankk Wave Cuff ($72) via Sycamore Street Press

Capri Blue Volcano Hand Cream ($18) via Anthropologie

Love Bird ($38) via Stray Dog Designs

Dot & Dash Cotton Napkin ($12) via Terrain

Blossom Napkins ($16) via Serena & Lily

Pineapple Candle ($15) via Target

Kai Studs ($68) via Loren Hope

Colorblock Throw Blanket ($60) via Kate Spade

9th Letterpress My Desk To Yours Notepad ($10) via LEIF

Black Dots Ballpoint Pen ($34) via Kate Spade

Colorful Enamel Hinge Bracelet ($23) via J.Crew

Boulevard Finn Open Canvas Tote ($67) via Tuckernuck

Odeme Cuba Libre Nail Polish ($12) via Sycamore Street Press

Heart Cleansing Sponge ($10) via One Love Organics

Vitamin B Enzyme Cleansing Oil + Makeup Remover ($42) via One Love Organics

Don't forget to smother your mother. May 8th is quickly approaching!

LIFE'S LITTLE DETAILS

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

Happy Tuesday, m' dears! There's no shortage of rambling around here, so you're more than likely up-to-speed with our current Swell Rio shenanigans. Real Talk: I actually "need" to utilize today's nap time for something really groundbreaking—i.e. watch Lemonade. Gasp! Bey and Jay, what?! The fact that we got a free HBO pass the SAME weekend of Yoncé's worldwide event is like manna from heaven. Yes, that might sound extreme, but I still take it as a sign I should sit back and watch Queen Bey spill the tea (or in this case lemonade). While I try to figure out how I'll ever belt XO while driving again, enjoy a few of this past week's delightful details...

• I never want to forget the face that Max makes when he waves at every single plane that flies above us. Thankfully we live on an Air Force base where students learn to fly, so I get to savor these moments and sweet salutations often.
• As I mentioned in last Thursday's post, Flyboy and I had the opportunity to dine sans Maxwell last Saturday night and it was divine! Dropping the kid off at Give Parents A Break gave me a fun reason to whip out my favorite seersucker blazer, new polka-dot flats, and these tassel earrings. Woo Hoo! While we didn't end up going to a movie (it was too late after we ate), we foraged the candy aisle at HEB for a sweet treat, and headed home to watch an episode of The Walking Dead. By 9 PM the two of us were missing our tot something fierce, so I headed to the Child Development Center to pick him up (two hours early). Alright, and maybe we're just really lame and we were ready to hit the hay, too...
• After we received The Rig last Wednesday, I was more giddy than ever to run errands on Thursday. I guess I kind of forgot how the sound of the diesel has this magical ability to put Max to sleep because he hasn't snoozed in a car like that for the last two months. Awww, sweet serenity! In the event VW recalls our vehicle after the whole emissions scandal, they're not going to want to deal with this angry mom. This is a matter of my sanity and survival, people.
• Sometimes having a kid makes you feel like a kid again. You'll find yourself excited the cashier gave your babe a free sticker at the grocery store, delighted by dinky toys in the dollar bin, and volunteering to go down the slide on your belly (when no one even asked you to). I only say this because all three of those things happened to me last week. Mind you, it's all fun and games until you plow down the tunnel slide head first while screaming like a goon and make eye contact with the neighbor you accidentally saw buck naked one morning a few months ago. For the record, said neighbor keeps his blinds drawn about 90% of the time now. Oops! For those of you who've been following m' blog since Lil' Puna, it's clear I have a history with male neighbors in the buff. Remember ol' Toasty Buns down the hill??
• Fellow G&T fans, snazzify your signature cocktail with these colorful fruit ice cubes (recipe here) and thank me later. 

Alright, enough of our small town shenanigans. How the heck are YOU?! Do tell. I'm dying to know.

P.S. A MOTHER'S DAY GIFT GUIDE IS IN THE WORKS FOR TOMORROW. STAY TUNED!

LURVE LOAVE LUFF

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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

• Original Abstract by Emily Rickard // One of my favorite purchases (ever!) is a 6" x 6" original abstract acrylic painting by the talented Emily Rickard. The colorful stretched canvas MAKES the gallery wall above my desk. It's SO cheerful!
• NakNak Wire House Numbers // Quirky and creative—just the winning combination to celebrate my half birthday!
• Wide Brim Hat // Now THIS is a great beach hat. If we still lived in Hawaii, you can bet I'd have this bad boy.
• Scalloped One-Piece Swimsuit // For the past two years I've waited too long to buy a swimsuit and the one I reeeeeeeeally like inevitably sells out. Not this year. No way! I have a feeling Max and I will be spending lots of time splashing around this summer, so I'll need something to frequent the kiddie pool. Scallops in sea spray sounds nice!
• Beaded Tassel Necklace in Pale Guava // You can bet I'll be wearing this dangly number on repeat as soon as it arrives. I snagged it this week while it was 30% off. Woop woop! It pairs with pretty much anything and everything!
• Mini Skirt in Bonded Linen // I'm a sucker for sweet persimmon. Can we talk about that cute button detail at the waist?
• Elsie Dotted Snakeskin d'Orsay Pumps // Slap me and call me smitten! These are my favorite from J.Crew's new collection.
• Leo Envelope Clutch // With Mother's Day on the horizon, this fabulous clutch (in many colors) is a slam dunk!
• Dipped Colorblock Sugar Cookies // These cookies are beyond adorable and the recipe looks easy to boot.
• Paper Flamingo Kit // Speaking of gallery walls, something tells me it might be fun to swap out the moose above my desk for this flamingo (pink + orange = THE BEST!). It might just add a summery twist to my current arrangement.
• Blue Minza Pillow Case // The Love List requires a big fat dose of whimsy. Well, here it is. You're welcome, m' dears.
• Bocce Set // I never knew I'd be down for a sophisticated round of bocce until I laid eyes on this striped set. Oh, hello!
• Blue Texas by Anna Dorfman // This is Marfa-licious, which you know I can't help but adore. The pink was is great, too.

Happy Friday, m' dears! Make this weekend count.

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

HAND-DRAWN LOVE BY MADDY NYE FOR DESIGNLOVEFEST

THINKING ABOUT: The base childcare center offers "Give Parents A Break" for a few hours one Saturday a month. The daycare event typically alternates from five hours in the afternoon to five hours in the evening depending on the month and the cost is a mere $25. This weekend they're having a Kids' Creative Night, so Flyboy and I plan to drop Max off and go to dinner and a movie ALONE. Aside from the squadron Christmas party, we haven't made date nights a priority since Max entered the picture. Living in Swell Rio, the excitement that comes with planning a fun date sometimes seems pointless when your primary options are Chili's and an evening stroll down the aisles of Tractor Supply. Then again, I haven't seen a movie at a theater since July 2014 (Maleficent) and the thought of eating dinner with my husband and not have to tear apart a grilled cheese or pick up crayons or Goldfish from the floor seems pretty great right about now. We still don't know where we'll eat or what movie we'll see, but it will be a nice refresh from our norm.

FEELING: Would you believe me if I told you that we drove six hours on Tuesday to retrieve The Rig and we didn't return with the vehicle after all? I promise I'm not pulling your leg; that DEFINITELY happened. If it wasn't for a trip to J.Crew later that afternoon (because new arrivals...), I probably would have torched the entire body shop. Looking back, I think my reaction and disappointment scared the bajeezus out of the gentlemen handling our vehicle (Flyboy = good cop) because they ended up compensating us approximately $400 and promised to drive the family chariot down to Swell Rio on Wednesday WITH a full tank of diesel. When it comes to anything regarding the February hail storm and matters with our car, I think it paid to be cautiously optimistic.

THANKFUL FOR: Who knew a routine visit to the dentist would be such a BRIGHT spot to my week? As some of you might recall, I have a bit of a checkered past when it comes to my dental hygiene. We're talking a lifetime filled with crowding, gingival grafts, damaged nerves, cavities, etc. Naturally, I tend to despise visits to the dentist and yesterday's appointment was no exception. That was, of course, until I found out that it's been TWO years sans cavities or fillings. What the bleep is going on here?! Go, me! When the doc pulled up her appointment software and started asking me about my availability this October, I couldn't help but look at her slightly confused and ask "You mean I don't have any problem areas?" She returned to my x-rays on the screen, at which point I immediately regretted asking any follow-up questions, and she reaffirmed that everything looked good. Phew! 

EATING: It's been a few weeks since I shared recipes I tried and loved so much I went ahead and added them to our repertoire...

Honey Sriracha Chicken via Creme De La Crumb

Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw via Pinch Of Yum

BBQ Chicken Quinoa Salad via What's Gaby Cooking

Asian Sesame Salad with Sriracha Salmon via For The Love Of Basil

LISTENING TO: This "smother" got a dose of unexpected inspiration from the Biebs and his latest hit Love Yourself. I'm talking about the lyrics, "My mama don't like you and she likes everyone." Yep, my inner tween just went there and I'm not even sorry. I guess I just have this sneaking suspicion it might be nice to have a t-shirt made with those words written on it for when Max starts dating. Thoughts? I realize we still have MANY years before any of this begins, but Type-A(shley) wants to be REEEEEEEEALLY prepared.

WATCHING: Amid Shahs of Sunset and far too many Housewives reunions (a good thing to bemoan, obvi), I kind of forgot that The Mindy Project premiered on April 12th. Terrible, isn't it?! First I leave the dentist without cavities or the need for fillings, and now I'm already two episodes behind on my supposed favorite rom-com series. So much for being up-to-date on baby Leo and the fate of Danny and Dr. Lahiri!!! I'm SO disappointed in myself. It's okay if the feeling is mutual, I promise to rebound from this one.

READING: Have you read Elizabeth Gilbert's book Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear? What were your thoughts?! I've heard nothing but fabulous feedback regarding the bestseller and since I feel like I'm in a bit of a creative rut myself, I'm eager to dive in head first this weekend. Here's looking at you, nap time! I'll be sure to report back with any favorite excerpts and musings.

LOVING: I realize out of all the stripes and polka-dots in J.Crew's latest rollout, this pick is rather snooze worthy, but sometimes you can't beat a good basic. When I visited the San Antonio store on Tuesday, I snagged this lightweight Garment-Dyed Crewneck Sweatshirt (the Bloomsbury Blue is bueno!) along with these Polka-Dot d'Orsay Flats.  

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