LURVE LOAVE LUFF

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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

• Classic Plane 3D Puzzle // Our toddler wants all the gaudy toys, but I've got my eye on errrrything from The Tot.
• Classic Man Kid's Sweatshirt // I think we can all agree this top from Jean and June is going to be a Maxwell must.
• Satin Bow Scrunchie // Something tells me I should have added this to my shopping cart earlier this week. It's precious!
• 3' Balloons // I have approximately six dozen balloons I need to blow up for Max's birthday. Time to buy an air pump...
• Flore Bag // Oh Clare V! How much do I love thee? Let me count the ways. Keep up it up with the dots, won't you??
• Love Typography by Neil Rook // The amount of pink, orange, and red used by this graphic designer is fantastic!!
• Calf-Hair Key Fob // Starting your car never looked so snazzy. Every day deserves a little cheetah print. Right??
• Ruffled Cardigan // I donated a few of these cardigans to the Goodwill several years ago and now I'm having regrets.
• Suede Pointed-Toe Slides // I can't say I have any flats in this style, but I think I want to add a set to my wardrobe.
• Ashley Peifer Art // Ashley's work brings me so much joy! Are you familiar with the artist?? The patterns and color will make you downright giddy. Collage #9 and Papaya Party are some of my latest favorites. Check out her work.
• Color Cord Mini Notebooks // Ashkahn notebooks!! Shut. The. Front. Door. Can I get both colors?? Pretty please.
• Chanel Le Rouge Crayon De Couleur // Beige Rose might just be my new go-to everyday color. Fabulous!
• The Slim Boyjeans in Hayes Wash // Finally a pair of my favorite jeans in a dark wash with little to no distressing. 
• You're The Gift // Scott Patt's work is so fun! I can't remember how I came across it, but I'm so glad I did.
• Candlestick // The H&M home selection this time of year is outstanding. How adorable are these?? They're under $10.
• Large Polka Dots with Color Mug // It's a shame these are sold out. I hope they consider making them again and SOON!!
• Cheesecake // All this Keto forces you to get creative. I've yet to try any of the recipes out there, but this looks tasty.
• Decorative Bowl // I snagged this at Target a week ago and it might be one of my favorite purchases as of late.

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

VIA BEKKA PALMER

FEELING: They say parenting doesn't get easier, you just get better at it. Well, with almost four years under my belt, I certainly don't feel any savvier. For the past few weeks, Max and I have been butting heads nonstop. The constant battle for control is downright exhausting and makes me question whether I was ever really cut out for this mom gig in the first place. In fact, a few nights ago after reprimanding our toddler and then releasing him from timeout, he came to me and asked "Mom, do you even like me?" Gulp. Flyboy witnessed the exchange and swears Max knew what he was doing when he dropped that emotional bomb, but it honestly made me feel like a crappy mother. There's a lot of pressure to be present and fun, but at the same time, it's my duty to be consistent and to raise a son that's both brave and kind. Junk behavior is to be ignored and not reinforced, but very little about my current techniques/approach seems to be working. The hunt to expand my parental toolkit continues.

THANKFUL FOR: Flyboy's plane had some maintenance issues yesterday and as a result his work trip was delayed by a day, which meant we got to watch the Big Brother season finale together on Wednesday night. I'm so glad I didn't have to choose between watching it on my own in secrecy or waiting until he returned. While we're on the topic, were you rooting for anyone in particular? I was excited to see either Kaycee or Tyler win. They both played a pretty admirable game.

THINKING ABOUT: With Max's FOUR-rocious birthday festivities just around the corner, I've decided to dabble with fondant but I have absolutely ZERO experience. For those of you who have worked with the sugary substance before, what do I need to know? Is it doable? I mostly just want to cut out a few letters and maybe some polka dots. Is this too much to ask for a novice?? Also, is there a certain brand you recommend? I grabbed two colors at Michaels earlier this week, but I have no clue whether or not it's even enough and if I should experiment with it beforehand. HELP!!

READING: Here are a few articles/links I've either bookmarked or shared with friends and family that I think you might enjoy:

Shedding The Shame Of Dependa—a must for fellow military spouses!

What You Need To Know About Neurodiversity

A Very Simple Rule

Things We Can Do At The EXACT Same Time

10 Crucial Differences Between Worry And Anxiety

An Open Letter To Dogs

Your Smartphone Is Chopping Your Life Into Tiny, Less Meaningful Pieces

LISTENING TO: On Tuesday I called to confirm that we'd receive our Texas absentee ballots in the mail over the next few weeks. While I was put on hold two different times, I was tickled to death that the music playing was in fact George Strait. As if voting in the midterm elections couldn't get any sweeter, this afternoon ode to the King sealed the deal. God bless Texas! 

WATCHING: Eek! This Is Us returned on Tuesday. I'm so pumped, but I'd be lying if I didn't say I have SOOOOOOO many questions. Flyboy fell behind on the series when he was in Oklahoma earlier this year,so I desperately need him to watch last season's finale and this season's premiere because he's freakishly good at predicting story lines and making sense of all the twists. I need answers.

EATING: Have you heard of Swerve? It's a sugar replacement and it may have saved Keto for me. Every time I talk about it or use it in a recipe (namely this no-bake gem), I immediately get sidetracked and think about Shahs of Sunset and Swervin' Shervin, but then I remember to thank the Keto gods for creating such a magical unicorn that allows me to satisfy my sweet tooth.   

LOVING: I know I mentioned painting both bathroom vanities a few weeks ago, but I wanted to give it some time before recommending the product I used so I could give you my honest feedback. Well, I'm here to tell you that the Magnolia Home Chalk Paint at Target is pretty fantastic and with just one quart it managed to give new life to our dated laminate cabinets. I went with the Chalkboard shade and then used this as a protective coat. As one of the world's most rammy painters, I can assure you this combo is a foolproof way to give furniture and cabinetry a modern or personalized update.

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 Fall, y'all! It might be hovering somewhere in the 80s right now with 92% humidity (who's counting though??), but there were three days this past week in which there was an actual chill in the air and you better believe we cranked up the fall factor in Delaware—complete with a trunk full of mums, pumpkins, and the first visit of many to a local apple orchard. Huzzah! As if the seasonal festivities couldn't get any sweeter, we spent last weekend in DC with my parents celebrating my dad's birthday, in addition to visiting a nearby barn where we came home with a wagon chock-full of treasures. I can't wait to show you what we're going to do with a seven-feet long chicken coop. Ha! Anywho, our dreary departure from the Beltway wasn't so bad after all—as one of Flyboy's dear friends was on a work trip in the local area and made a pit stop in Dover. It was a treat to share our new home with him and catch up. It's safe to say that Max is VERY obsessed with FB's BFF and has talked about him nonstop since he left.

Life is good.

Enough from me. How the heck are YOU? I'm dying to know.

FEATURED DETAILS: INITIAL HAT // SINGING IN THE RAIN BOOK // PAPER MACHE DINOSAUR // SNEAKERS // PIN-DOT OXFORD

SHOP SPOTLIGHT

PHOTOS AND ARTWORK VIA CLOSED MONDAYS, BEKKA'S BLOG, AND FRONT + MAIN

Happy Friday! I decided to shake up the ol' blog routine this week and bring you a splash of unpredictable content I thought you might enjoy in lieu of my go-to Love List and Thursday's Thoughts. Instead, I've been itching to share a new-to-me shop called Closed on Mondays—a textile brand that makes baskets and bags out of rope and thread from a studio based in Brooklyn. And in case you were wondering, they are indeed closed on Mondays. Here's why:

"We feel as though the traditional Monday through Friday nine to five isn't necessary in the modern world. We believe that if people have a great life outside of work, they bring more energy into their work. "Great life" means different things to different people, but we think that having extra time to take care of life stuff (whether it's family, self-care, doctors appointments, or just a whole day to binge watch TV) allows people to fully focus on work stuff while at work."

While browsing West Elm's latest selection in hopes of spending my beloved reward dollars (because I'm so great at being a customer—natch!), I learned about Closed on Mondays a few weeks ago. I was instantly drawn to the idea of organization mixed with the most delightful colors and textures. It was only when I read about the maker behind the baskets that I realized I was already a huge fan of founder Bekka Palmer's work. Thanks to her feature in Design Crush a few years ago, I've followed her blog for awhile. Go on and feast your eyes on her paintings, sketchbook, and Thread on Film series. While you're at it, take a look at this interview with Palmer on Front + Main —West Elm's blog. I definitely snagged this basket after laying eyes on it (the punchy combo!), and I loved learning about the process used in making the pieces in addition to getting an inside look into Bekka's studio.

 Have a fabulous Friday! Make this weekend count.

WHAT I'M WEARING WEDNESDAY

THE MOM-SEMBLE ESSENTIALS:

Scarf/Hairband $10 via H&M

Supersoft Top with Ruffles $79 via J.Crew*

Geom Earrings $38 via Poketo

Kendra Sunglasses $58 via Anthropologie

Heart Lake T-Shirt $34 via J.Crew*

Classic Striped T-Shirt $49 via J.Crew*

Habit Nail Polish in Bardot $16 via Poketo

Leopard Print Belt $17 via Target

Slim Broken-In Boyfriend Jeans $128 via J.Crew*

Pointed-Toe Slingback Flats $138 via J.Crew*

Perfect Rain Jacket $120 via J.Crew*

Metallic Pom-Pom Short Crew $30 via Hansel From Basel

The Harper Mini Satchel $168 via J.Crew*

Crystal Trio Earrings $14 via J.Crew Factory

Hunter Original Tall Rain Boot $150 via Nordstrom

Coin Clutch $55 via Clare V.

Boyfriend Chino Pant in Polka-Dot $79 via J.Crew*

Eyelet Mockneck Ruffle Top $98 via Madewell

*15% Off with code CARDPERKS through September 23, 2018

LURVE LOAVE LUFF

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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

• Minaret Wall Sconce // I'm currently on the hunt for sconces. We need a set for our bedroom and all the bathrooms. 
• Dots Vale Pouch // I love how K.Slade paired with other local designers to create simple statement pieces.
• Lucky Draw // I'm not sure how much hurricane prep is needed, but we have gin, water, and playing cards.
• Sapphire Lake by Suz Shippey Borski // The artist's use of dark blue is enough to take my breath away. Swoon!
• Ca Suffit! Sweatshirt // I've added this to my birthday wish list because Clare V. sweatshirts are my weakness.
• Swear Jar // Something tells me we're going to need one of these very soon because ALL EYES ARE WATCHING. Gulp!
• Fresa Pendant // Stray Dog Designs debuted a handful of new pendants and I'm over here in Delaware drooling. Big. Time. Owning one of their lights or chandeliers is on my bucket list. The color and whimsy gets me every single time.
• RAINS Trench Rain Jacket // Is there anything quite as classic as a slicker that screams SUNSHINE on a dreary day??
• The Harper Mini Satchel // The size of this bag is tiny but oh-so sweet! I've got my eye on you, Harper!
• Dino Tail // We snagged a few of these for Max's upcoming birthday party. Can you believe he'll be FOUR-rocious?
• The Frances Loafer in Velvet // Sleek and plush slip-ons. Thanks for the no-brainer, Madewell! I'm in LOVE!!!
• Orange Is The New Blue // The type and colors used in this poster were a huge source of inspiration for me this week.
• We Are Closed Mondays // Founded by Bekka Palmer, this textile brand makes baskets and bags out of rope and thread.
• Tokyo Dream Sunglasses // Come back, sun! We miss you. I don't even remember what it's like to don sunnies. Sigh.
• Polite AF Thank You Card // Ghost Academy might be one of my new favorite places to shop for letterpress. 
• Works of Frederik Krogh // This illustration has made its rounds on Pinterest countless times, but I can find very little about the Danish graphic designer I believe is responsible for the work. If this is your area of expertise, please dish.

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

ILLUSTRATION BY SARAH TATE FOR BRIT + CO

FEELING: It might be time for us to get a family YMCA pass or something. Do you have one? Thoughts?? The past week has been nonstop rain and it doesn't look like it's going to let up anytime soon. It makes me a little bit antsy for Winter, which we only got a taste of last year. Max is the kind of kid that needs to RUN or the entire house will pay for it. Jumping around in muddy puddles will only get us so far. And as long as this kid spends his days with me, there WILL be a nap-time, but that doesn't mean I don't have to work for it. Here's hoping this is the secret to surviving the cold and snowy months ahead.

THANKFUL FOR: I was having a dickens of a time placing an order on IKEA's website last week and getting in touch with their customer service by phone is near-to-impossible. We've wanted another set of these bookcases to place in our bedroom for awhile, so Flyboy volunteered to go to the Philadelphia store last Sunday morning (with Max in tow—bless his heart!) and retrieve the pieces for us. The idea was all his, and it was a huge relief. While they ventured off to PA in the rain, I stayed at the house and continued to work on the guest bathroom vanity. He's a keeper, that guy!

THINKING ABOUT: Max keeps begging us to get another dog (one JUST like "boy") and he brought it up again last Saturday night during dinner. I went on and explained all the reasons this can't happen now when Flyboy asked "What kind of dog do you think you would get next?" for kicks and giggles. I've actually put a lot of thought into this answer and I'm caught between a Newfoundland and another Bernese Mountain Dog, but I'd only get another Berner if Beesly was around to mentor the pup. Hours later the two of us were on our phones Googling breeders and I took a bunch of screenshots of fur babies for sale in the local area. Days later I found the info saved to my camera roll and it felt something similar to that of a hangover. Woof! Getting another dog before Flyboy leaves for a deployment would be a ridiculous idea, but the only reason I even kind of humored it is our mutual fear of Bee's age. She'll be ten this December. How is this even possible?? After we found out FB would be leaving next year for six months, the two of us sat down and had a heart-to-heart about our game plan leading up to his departure and also our fears. My first thought was Beesly. What happens if something terrible occurs while he's away? She's getting old (especially for her breed) and the Winter months are tough on her joints. I felt silly for admitting THIS was my main fear about us being separated, but he admitted it was one of his top worries as well. The practical side of me knows the timing isn't ideal to add to our brood right now. We need to set ourselves up for success. Not to mention, I would really want FB to be around to help train a new pup. Lord knows I've got my hands full with Max already! In the end, there will only ever be one Stardust Beesly Fine (the breeder's preferred way of writing her name—Ha!) and I'm pretty sure no BMD can top this one. We got really lucky our first time. What are the odds it will happen again?

READING: I read this Ram Dass quote on Instagram this past week and it resonated with me so much that I couldn't screenshot it fast enough. During polarizing times like these when I'll do anything possible to avoid Facebook (Hey politics!), passages like this one are a nice reminder to not be so quick to judge and accept others as they are. This also includes self-acceptance.

"When you go out into the woods and you look at trees, you see all these different trees. And some of them are bent, and some of them are straight, and some of them are evergreens, and some of them are whatever. And you look at the tree and you allow it. You appreciate it. You see why it is the way it is. You sort of understand that it didn’t get enough light, and so it turned that way. And you don’t get all emotional about it. You just allow it. You appreciate the tree. The minute you get near humans, you lose all that. And you are constantly saying “You’re too this, or I’m too this.” That judging mind comes in. And so I practice turning people into trees. Which means appreciating them just the way they are."

LISTENING TO: Max is REALLY into singing these days and I love it! Half the time, I have no clue what lyrics he's added to his version of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star (like hell I'm going to try to correct him!), but his loud and proud approach reminds me of the little girl in the movie Prancer who sings like no one is listening. Yep, that's my Maxwell! His tone-deaf concerts are only a problem when we visit somewhere such as the library and he seems to think the whole being quiet thing doesn't apply to him. 

WATCHING: The new season of Flipping Out premiered this past week. Are you up to snuff on all of the Jeff and Jenni drama? I hate to admit this because I adore Pulos, but after reading an article in People Magazine, I think I'm on Lewis's side. Also, this break-up makes me sad on a lot of levels. What in the world is going on with my go-to Bravo-lebrities?? Make it stoppppp!

EATING: For those interested, here are a few Keto recipes we tried this week. As much as I miss carbs and sweets, I will admit that I've enjoyed everything we've made thus far and wouldn't mind repeating them in the future.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fat Bombs

Stuffed Chicken with Asparagus and Bacon

Buffalo Chicken Salad

Crustless Taco Pie

LOVING: A few weeks ago when Sephora was having their big VIB sale, I decided to finally give the Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask ago because the hype and reviews are unreal. Well, I'm here to tell you that it really is worth buying. My skin tends to be on the dry side, but after wearing this overnight, I was amazed by how soft my face felt and how dewy it looked after applying my CC cream.

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

Long time, no hear. Sorry 'bout that! Let's hop straight to the details...

• I took last week off from the blog and social media to tie up a few loose ends around the house. I wasn't feeling particularly creative in terms of Photoshop and writing, so I thought it would be a great opportunity to finally paint the bathroom vanities upstairs (more on that tomorrow!), pick out photos to have printed and framed in our bedroom and Max's, style our new bookshelves, etc. I've learned that the to-do list is never ending when you buy a house, but it felt really nice to complete a few simple tasks that make the space feel more like us.
• Flyboy and I were in desperate need of a nutritional reset and convincing him to join me for another round of Whole 30 was out of the picture, so we opted to try Keto this time. I have absolutely NO clue what I'm doing but my sweet tooth was out of control and this chocolate peanut butter "fat bomb" I found on Pinterest is allowed, so that feels like a win. Kind of. Knowing my luck, FB will lose weight and I will probably gain it. With just three days into the program, I've learned that I rely heavily on carbs. Is that reeeeeeeallly that bad??
• Remember a few weeks ago when I was considering blue-light blockers to fill my spectacle void? Well, they arrived last week and while the frames are freaking adorable, the psychedelic lenses make me feel like a preppy version of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Do you think if I took them to an eye doc and swapped out the lenses I could still call them blue-light blockers? Hehe! Then they will actually serve a purpose. Oh, screw it already! I just need to own it and wear whatever frames I want. As far as everyone knows, my vision has worsened with age. Thirties, man...
• Is it raining nonstop where you live as well? Max and I are going stir crazy after spending so much time indoors. I think we've read every book we own, played every toy, whipped up every craft in our arsenal. Sigh. On the bright side, I did get to wear a light jacket on Monday and a sweatshirt this past weekend, so maybe that's a good sign Fall is coming??

Enough from me. How the heck are YOU? It's been too long.

FEATURED DETAILS: LOVE Y'ALL TOTE // FAT BOMB RECIPE // BLUE-LIGHT BLOCKERS // MAXWELL'S BALL CAP // INA CARD