TRICK OR TREAT YO SELF!

GO ON AND TREAT YO SELF!

Mini Bucket Bag $23 via ZARA

Soft-Touch Scarf with Shimmer $30 via ZARA

Pointed Flats With Bow $25 via H&M

Oui Sticker Patch $10 via Anthropologie

Forest Soy Candle $22 via Madewell

Two-Tone Twist Thru Scarf $58 via LEIF

Turquoise Ring Key Chain $48 via GAIA

Born To Be Mild Patch $5 via These Are Things

Alligator Enamel Pin $8 via Rifle Paper Co.

Tres Chic T-Shirt $30 via J.Crew

Velvet Bow Hair Tie $17 via J.Crew

Version Originale Hand Balm $28 via LEIF

Cashmere-Blend Gloves $35 via H&M

Stockholm Ceramic Jar $24 via LEIF 

Compact Portable Wireless Speaker $60 via KSNY

Hustle Nail Polish $13 via Cirque Colors

Urban Decay Troublemaker Mascara $24 via Sephora

Hand Jive Statement Earrings $34 via Madewell

Ribbed Beanie With Faux Fur Pom $40 via J.Crew

Flying Colors Rock Candy Studs $48 via KSNY

NARS The Multiple in Portofino $39 via Sephora

Orange LP Neclace $45 via Ibu Movement

Have a Happy Halloween!!

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LURVE LOAVE LUFF

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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

• Colorblock Gloves // It's our chance to stop dreaming of cooler temps and start stocking up on gloves and hats. Yesss!
• Rural Romance // Gah! Why should I be penalized for having such great taste?? Do you ever feel this way too? If I was rich, I'd SO snag this Marnie Gilder screen print. The title alone reminds me of our next chapter in Delaware. Something tells me the open spaces and countryside are something we'll fall head over heels for. Also, PINK + Navy!!!
• Beaded Oval Earrings // Hold up! Wait until you hear the good news. These vibrant fuchsia beauties are $14.50.
• The Ella Pump in Metallic // I see you Madewell with your walkable heels that give a whole new meaning to SNAZZY!!
• The Ella Beanie // With each adorably cozy purchase, proceeds support the company's Give-A-Sh*t program and a knit kit is donated to young adults undergoing cancer treatment all over the country. How great is this gift idea with a cause?! 
• Jen Peters' Instagram // Follow along as the graphic designer and illustrator shares her whimsical work on the regular.
• Lips Sweatshirt // One of those birthday gifts that could become a problem. The material is just as delicious as I hoped!
• Ugh! // This week felt like we took one step forward and two steps back with our move. Swell Rio can't get enough of us.
• Beaded Party Bracelet // The name of this accessory practically promises every day you wear it is a party. Sign me up.
• Pom-Pom Pillow // Clearly the peeps at Pepper B want to be BFFs because this pillow is everything I adore and more.
• Long Tag Oaxaca // Anyone else giddy about gift wrapping? Meg Gleason's latest array of gift tags will make you squee!!
• Easy, Tiger // The debut of their latest shop additions at this year's National Stationery Show was incredible. I'll admit I want one of everything (because it's cute and Kansas City, duh!), but this 2018 planner along with their cheeky selection of pens is killing me. They may be sold out online, but I found a hidden stash here. RUN! Don't walk.
• Sip and Swizzle Drink Stirs // In case of a cocktail emergency, just remember to stir and savor, sip and swizzle.
• Gift Box // Because I can't seem to get enough of their witty goodness, how perfect is this? You had me at hot pink.

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

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THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

ILLUSTRATION BY MELODY HANSEN

THINKING ABOUT: I'd heard people throw around the term "threenager" often and now I totally understand why. It was like Max woke up on October 9th and his sass level just skyrocketed overnight. How can someone three-feet tall be SO stinking mouthy?? Part of me kind of misses the days in which his communication wasn't all that great and he'd just throw a ginormous tantrum instead (Let's be real, he still has them but now they include a more extensive vocabulary!). In all seriousness, where did this come from??  

FEELING: This week has been REALLY productive and has put a lot of my worries to rest. Hallelujah! It feels nice to cross a few items off our PCS checklist. We are still without orders (WTF?!) and Flyboy's training dates just keep getting pushed back (it's ridiculous, quite honestly), but we're chalking up whatever little victories we can. At least if kind of feels like we're finally moving FORWARD!?!

THANKFUL FOR: It's been unseasonably cool in Swell Rio and I kind of LOVE it!! Don't get me wrong, I still put the sweat in sweaters by the time noon rolls around but the heat is bearable and I get my cardi fix first thing in the morning. Squee! It's just nice to have a legit reason to turn on the seat warmers in the car and order a hot beverage at SBUX as one typically does in the month of October. 

LISTENING TO: I studied journalism at Mizzou so it's safe to say that I know a thing or two about The Five W's. That being said, life with a toddler has taught me to resent the question "WHY?" on a WHOLE new level. Woof! Just yesterday I found myself arguing with my child when he asked WHY one of the housing maintenance guys waved at us. I responded with "Because he's being nice and friendly!" but that answer just wasn't good enough for Max. He continued to ask me the same question four more times before I threw in the towel and blurted out "I don't know WHY he waved! I don't know EVERYTHING about EVERYONE!" The wily wonder looked at me all ticked off (AGAIN!), stomped his feet, and offered one last roaring rebuttal. "No ma, it's not fair! You DO know!" Sigh.

WATCHING: Max can't decide what he's going to be for Halloween, but we have a few options on tap this year to prevent us from another flight-suit flop. Remember last year?! Anywho, one of his favorites is a bat costume and it's kind of my favorite thing. Ever. There's nothing terribly special about the actual costume, it's just the way he gets into character when he's wearing his wings that makes me want to eat him up. After our last visit to Austin he became obsessed with the nocturnal creature. In fact, he LOOOOOVES to tell anyone that will listen how bats sleep upside down. Naturally, he has to reenact it upon sharing the factoid with others and that requires the help of yours truly. Much like a figure skating duo, the two of us assume our positions and prepare the routine. I try to control my laughter, lift him up, and flip him upside down, all while he folds his wings inward. It's really quite a sight!

EATING: You know how Starbucks has the mummy cake pops right now? Well, Max doesn't hear the difference when I say mummy and confuses it for mommy. We've read a few books and watched a cartoon or two with mummy characters, but he still insists it's MOMMY. You guys, the cackling that ensued yesterday morning while he devoured two cake pops and I tried to explain mummy vs. mommy to him was insane (Erm, sugar high?). "Watch out, ma! It's time for Max to eat MOMMY!" I wonder what he'd think if I just showed up in his bedroom wrapped in toilet paper next week?? It might be time to give the ol' threenager a thrill. Who's with me??

READING: Last Friday night while Flyboy watched two episodes of Game of Thrones, I laid in bed next to him and knocked out the first 88 pages of Brené Brown's latest book Braving the Wilderness. I can't remember the last time I did that, but it felt pretty damn good! Too lazy to get up and grab a pencil or highlighter, the first half of the book has pages folded in a variety of ways so I could go back and scribble my notes. Rarely will I disrespect a book like that, but it was just so incredible I couldn't bring myself to put it down. I had to keep going and going! Sweet readers, grab yourself a copy stat. I guarantee it will looked just as "loved" as mine. 

LOVING: This m-61 JetGlow Serum might be the best skin care product I've added to my regimen in a very long time. I love the way it makes my complexion look smooth and hydrated when I wake up in the morning. Paired with the line's PowerGlow Peel (I've been using for about a year now; it's AMAZING!), you have a match made in skincare heaven.

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

LIFE'S LITTLE DETAILS

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

Happy Wednesday, m' dears! I'll save the long-winded rambling for tomorrow's post. Here are a few details worth highlighting...

• As evident from the photos, Max is still as dinosaur obsessed as ever. I guess that only makes sense since both parents hoped to be paleontologists when we were younger. Shocker!?! When Max isn't donning his dino tail (designed and sewn by Flyboy's dad) to the grocery store or sporting it on his scooter, you'll find us reading about them, recreating fossils of our very own, and role-playing with prehistoric plastic figurines and marshmallows that serve as dino eggs.
• Last week we stopped by the base clinic for Max's three-year wellness exam. I imagined our appointment would consist of the usual questions (diet, development, etc.); however, the doctor used the bulk of our time slot to try to convince me that NOW is the time to add to our family. Wait, what?! You mean to tell me that you don't even want to know how many hot dogs and cheese sticks my child is devouring on a daily basis? Tell me, why are we here again?? Ha Ha! I should note the gentleman we saw was very kind, but I'll NEVER understand why people insist on sharing their opinion regarding life-altering topics like this. Hell, even my own mother isn't campaigning for another grandchild quite like the doc was. Pump the brakes, pal! Leave the big decisions to us otherwise I want to know where I can send future invoices for nanny services and a therapist. Lord knows I would need them with all we've got on our plate these days. Yowzah!
• I turned 32 on Sunday. As family and friends so thoughtfully called and messaged throughout the day, I felt a big relief knowing this would be the last time I'd welcome a new year with fun-tivities centered around dinner at Chili's or a trip to Walmart. He He! Can you believe I will have spent a total of SEVEN birthdays in Swell Rio? That's just nuts! It's time to shake things up, don't you think?! Next year I promise to tell you about all the snazzy things we did to celebrate, but for now I'll bask in the glow of this endearing border town one last time. Yep, that's definitely the gin and macarons talking...
• A few months ago after featuring Laurie's artwork on my blog, she contacted me to say thanks and mentioned sending me a piece to show her appreciation. I felt overwhelmed/shocked and brushed it off as her just being nice (I'm not one of those fancy bloggers, you know?!), but then she messaged me again at the end of September wondering if I had a preference as to what painting she could mail to Texas. Y'all, I was in stitches! Giddy doesn't even begin to describe my emotions or the gratitude that came over me. How could this be? I've pined over her work for so long and dreamt about owning one of her pieces. I never thought it might actually be a reality. Eek! Now I've got this chartreuse stunner seated at the center of the house and you better believe it will be the first thing I hang when we move into our new home.
• Finally, the offer was accepted on the house we're interested in buying. Even though there are still a lot of boxes to check to ensure this process goes smoothly and we have a set of keys in our hands, we're tickled pink!  

Enough from me. What have you been up to? I'm dying to know.

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TAKE FIVE TUESDAY

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 

If I've come off as a nervous ninny lately, it's probably because I AM. But I can assure there are a lot of excited wheels turning alongside the anxious ones. For instance, the thought of personalizing a space that doesn't have popcorn ceilings or linoleum floors is mind-boggling at this point. You mean to tell me that a kitchen clad with subway tile and an interior bedecked in brass details actually exists OUTSIDE the pages of Domino magazine?! Shut the front (colorful) door!! In all honesty, I hesitate to get jazzed about the subject of home buying at this point, but the notion of spending the next four months fidgeting and freaking out seems like a real drag. You feel me on this one, right? I'm going to allow myself to feel apprehensive and overwhelmed from time to time (Type-A control freak—let's be real here!), but you better believe there's a handful of bright ideas buzzing around in m' brain as well.

I hope you enjoyed today's dose!

P.S. I promise to make time today to respond to all of your thoughtful comments from the past week!

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LURVE LOAVE LUFF

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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

• Moroccan Wool Pom-Pom Blanket // If swaddling adults was a thing, you could go ahead and wrap me in this. Thanks!
• Birthday Card // With all the October birthdays, Max can't decide who he's singing the Happy Birthday song to next.
• Black Polka-Dot Bowl // I'm going to rationalize including this piece by reminding you it's a work of art. You feel me?
• Erin Jang's Portfolio // My dream of all dreams would be to have a portfolio that's even 1/4th as darling as Jang's.
• Gin & Tonic Candle // Who's the genius at Wax Cabin Candle Co. that read my mind and concocted this perfection??
• Seat to Stardom // If poring over snazzy artwork is your jam, then hop on over to Uprise Art. You'll be amazed!!
• Midnight Dot Bandana // Imagine this cute adornment tied around the handle of your favorite bag. Boom!
• Heart Hook // The dream of settling down in a cute house has me eager to organize and tend to ALL the details.
• Tippi Sweater in Cat Print // If Sugar Paper and J.Crew had a sweater baby, I'm 100% positive it would look like THIS!
• Everyday Cashmere Cardigan // You've got to admit, the price point on this puppy isn't that bad for cashmere. Thoughts?
• Awaken Satin d'Orsay Flats // I follow SJP on Instagram (because of course) and a few weeks ago she was hanging out nonchalant at Bloomies with her besties trying on shoes from her latest collection. My eyes went straight for the hot pink BOW flats. Natch! Hey Sarah, I'm positive you'd adore me. Can I be part of the squad? Andy Cohen's m' boy!!
• Alistair - Petit // Holy buckets you guys! This bag is SO good. Thanks for the birthday surprise, mom and dad!!
• Porcelain and Gold // What's a girl got to do to get this installed in her future home? It's a textured dreamboat.
• Tangerine Sugar Scrub Cubes // They should just call this jar spa candy because that's exactly what it is! Swoon.
• Cobalt Earrings // Just when I thought the gals at Gaia and their goods couldn't get any cuter, they come up with these!
• Fan Pleat Sofa // If I was rich I'd use my Anthro birthday perks on this, but I'll swing for a scented candle instead. Hehe!

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

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LIFE'S LITTLE DETAILS

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

Now that I got all of that Terrain goodness off my chest (SWOON!), I should probably update you because a lot has transpired since we last touched base (almost two weeks ago?). Buckle up, m' dears! There's a healthy dose of chaotic rambling straight ahead...

After dropping both cars off at one of the Volkswagen dealerships in San Antonio (oil changes for both cars, and a window replacement for the Touareg—ARGH!) on October 7th, the three of us boarded a plane later that afternoon and arrived in Washington DC around 10 PM on Saturday night. My parents picked us up and we went straight to bed. A full day of house-hunting in the Dover area was on the itinerary the next day and we needed to get as much rest as possible. We were equal parts exhausted and excited.

Because we're the world's okayest parents, we spent Sunday "celebrating" Max's 3rd birthday by trying to figure out if we were leaning more towards a new-build or an older home that might require some tweaking. We visited several properties, talked to a handful of locals, and got a better understanding of what our priorities are when we're searching for our first home. It felt overwhelming at times, but it was nice to have my dad around to entertain Max and my mom close by to get input and advice.

Since that Monday was also Columbus Day, my mom, Flyboy, and I opted to leave my dad and Max behind so we could head back to Delaware (approximately two hours away) and continue our search without subjecting the resident toddler to any more traveling. We'd arranged to meet with a realtor and had appointments to visit two more houses. As we listened to the agent rattle on about the specs of the homes visited and offer suggestions regarding other listings, we knew there was a clear front runner in the mix and there was no use in looking at anything else. I'm hesitant to say much about the place we're actively pursuing because I know A LOT of things can go wrong before a key is in our possession, but the prospect of settling down there makes me giddy.

After a whirlwind 72 hours, we spent Tuesday crunching numbers, discussing potential house projects, and asking my parents for the occasional nugget of reassurance. Ha! After learning Flyboy's training in Oklahoma was pushed back a week or two (date still TBD), we had the opportunity to map out a rough game plan as to what the next few months might look like logistically.

When we weren't freaking out about the process and cost of home buying, we delighted in visiting a local plant nursery with my mom, meeting my parents' new pup Fergus (the sweetest Bouvier), and eating/drinking our feelings with lots of really great food and beer. On Wednesday I got the chance to visit my mom's school (always a treat!) while the boys stayed home and had fun with a power washer. Thursday was special for a handful of reasons (museums, our inaugural trip to Jeni's, farmer's market flowers, etc.) as Flyboy and I ventured into the city for a day date. Five hours alone was just as incredible as the flight of ice cream we devoured!

Since we were in the company of a THREE YEAR OLD (How can this be??), a small celebration for Max at the local pumpkin patch that Friday was inevitable—even if we were five days late! Oops! As evident from the photos, our day at Cox Farm was an absolute riot. The games and assortment of slides, along with the hayrides and animals, are still a source of discussion almost a week later. Success! Despite the fact that we couldn't bring a goat or tractor home with us, I'm positive it was a hit with the birthday boy and my fingers are crossed he won't remember the year we went house-hunting on his actual birthday. #PARENTINGFAIL??    

Over the course of ten days, my mom's side of the family lost both an uncle and aunt to cancer at the beginning of October. Having just said good-bye to her brother, my grandma flew down to Florida to visit her sister-in-law one last time. My mom's sister (also lives in the DC area) drove to be with my grandma and brought her back to Virginia while we were visiting last week. The circumstances for which our trips overlapped are incredibly unfortunate, but it was so nice to get to spend some quality time together. It had been almost NINE years since Flyboy and my grandmother got to visit, so I was especially proud and grateful to watch them reconnect. Seeing her race ducks alongside Max and sing along to the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle" on a tractor ride are moments I didn't expect would happen when we boarded our plane from Texas, but they turned out to be memorable highlights.

There's no telling what will happen now through February (tentative Dover arrival pending official orders—don't ask!), but we got a taste of what life might be like at our next assignment and we feel very blessed to be afforded this opportunity. The fear that comes with change and the unknown is very much alive and real on this end, but our next chapter looks bright. Thanks for following along!   

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A TRIP TO TERRAIN

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

Happy Wednesday, m' dears! We're back in Swell Rio after spending a week out East house-hunting in Delaware. I'm still trying to wrap my head around all the numbers and logistics that come with buying our first home (BRAIN FREEZE!), so I figured it was only appropriate to share snippets from our pit stop at Terrain in Glen Mills, PA. You know, keep things light and charming for a bit?! Anywho, we checked an item from my bucket list on Columbus Day when we stopped by this magical wonderland after looking at a few houses. I've ordered from the online store a handful of times, but visiting the shop in person was surreal! You guys, it served as the dreamiest mental reprieve and made me giddy to learn that we will live just an hour away from somewhere so darling. Can you even?! The photos don't do the place justice, but I tried to capture some of my favorite details from our visit. This post also serves as a heads up that you will be seeing A LOT more of Terrain on One Fine Day. Ha! I envision MANY more trips in our future. Squeeeeee! 

Alright, enough from me. What have you been up to? I'm dying to know.

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