YOU CAN PLAN ON IT!

TWENTY STYLISH PLANNERS TO LOOK AHEAD AT 2019:

Mint $28 // Navy Dot Simplified $58 // Saturday & Sunday $21 // Marigold Desk Pad $11

Flax Dot Linen $34 // Linen White $20 // I Am Very Busy $28 // I'm Such A Professional $35

Stick To It Pad $18 // Navy Cloth & Gold Foil $30 //  Pink & Red $10 // Fog Weekly Planning Pad $14

Aqua Large Pocket Book Planner $25 // Red Lips $48 // Sounds Like A Plan $35 // Large Spotty Dot $36

Chambray Stripe $34 // Ashley G. Gold Foil $14 // Hazelnut Cream Linen $26 //Oxford Blue $38

** I highly recommend these pens, or any of the functional (and aesthetically pleasing!) writing instruments sold at Greer!

LURVE LOAVE LUFF

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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

• Can't Complain Tee // It's Fri-YAY! What could we possibly complain about being this close to the weekend?
• DIY Bat Treat Bags // I want to make these with Max next week. His love for bats is still very much alive and well.
• Influential Women Halloween Costumes // Please tell me you saw Brittany Jepsen's Kate Spade Cricut creation!?!
• Jubilation by Linnea Heide // This painting reminds me of the shapes used by Kindah Khalidy. Sign me up for squiggles.
• Color Instinct No. 6 by Lesley Grainger // I started following her recently on Instagram and the abstracts are lovely.
• Pom-Pom Beanie // I have a freakishly large head otherwise I'd try to squeeze my noggin into this children's hat.
• Punto Alto Sunglasses // I can't remember how I found these bedazzled beauties, but holy cow they're darling!!
• Sugar Paper x Clare V. // Did somebody say dream collab? Is this real life? I can't wait to add to my collection.
• Umbra Gold Clip Set // Rachel Shingleton shared these clips on Instagram this week and I've got to get a set stat.
• Pom-Pom Ribbon // It's that time of year when I begin hoarding ALLLLL of the wrapping paper and gift trimmings.
• Blue Vase by Maurice Grossman // How fabulous is this rare vintage bust? He's got so much stinking character!!
• Milo Dutch Oven // Alright, what's the skinny on the reasonably priced Dutch Oven that gets five-star reviews??
• The Esme Bow Boot in Velvet // Now these are some party shoes!!! Do you think Madewell will make them in Navy??
• Glitter Shapes Statement Earrings // I've got my eye on these and plan on snagging a pair when I visit this weekend.
• Balloon Sleeve Sweater // What are your thoughts on a balloon sleeve? Also, I'm slightly obsessed with the high neck. 
• Christina Lundsteen x West Elm // I love that the Danish designer created budget-friendly options to be sold in the U.S.

Have a fabulous weekend, m' dears! Make it count.

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

VIA

FEELING: On Tuesday morning, Max and I visited every garden center in a 15-mile radius, but it was our initial stop at the seed store down the road that really gave us a case of warm and fuzzies. One thing I've been missing since we left Swell Rio is that feeling you get when you become a "regular" somewhere, and I think we've officially unlocked that "Cheers" level vibe at this particular spot. First we ran into the plant lady that loves me (no need to be modest—we tight!), then the dirt delivery guy made a point to stop us and ask about the infamous backyard berm, and finally we exchanged waves with our Amish grass man that treats the yard. Upon departing, I immediately called Flyboy, who was waiting for a flight in Philadelphia, and had to unload all of the giddy details. I could tell he was a bit jealous he missed out on the fun (he gets to be a fan girl around the yard guy), but I knew he'd really understand how great it felt to finally be considered a regular around here—at the seed store of all places.

THANKFUL FOR: Who's the bonehead that didn't know the comments section on her blog hasn't been working for like six(ish) weeks?? A big ol' shout out to the two readers who messaged me yesterday to see if I was aware this was an ongoing problem. Doh! Also, a round of applause to those of you who even want to comment and continue to do so when yours truly is kind of awful at replying. Believe it or not, I'm totally aware this is a two-way street and I need to get better about it. Forgive me.

THINKING ABOUT: There's a Madewell gift card that's burning a hole in my pocket. Have you seen their new arrivals? Holy swoon!! I've got major heart eyes for this leopard sweatshirt, but I'm on the fence about the cut on me and the shape. It's something I hope to see at the store and try on this weekend. The bold polka-dots-meet-leopard-spots print is insanely adorable!! I'll be sure to report back with a review, and I promise I won't return empty-handed.

READING: We got Max the cutest joke book for his birthday and I've been meaning to share it with you! If a morning with your kid feels a lot like a painful stand-up routine at a comedy club, you're going to want to have Wee Society's Wee Hee Hee handy. It's perfect for the little comedian in your life (giggles galore!!!) and the colorful illustrations are beautiful. 

LISTENING TO: Max likes to believe he's bigger and more grown up than he actually is, but there's one area in which he accepts that he's still my "baby" and that's when it comes to lullabies. Whenever he lays down for a nap or goes to bed he insists that I sing him a sweet song (tone deaf who?). It doesn't take much to twist my arm; however, it's starting to feel a lot like I'm serenading DJ Khaled. Before I can even finish one tune he's already shouting ANOTHER ONE!

WATCHING: Flyboy came home last Friday all jazzed about the new episodes to Making a Murderer on Netflix. I was skeptical. How much more could we possibly learn about the case? Wasn't it two years ago Brandon Dassey was supposed to be released?? Oh, wait. We started watching the second part of the series on Saturday and we still have a few more episodes left, but I can't stop thinking about Zellner and some of the new evidence she's brought to the case. Have you watched? I'm dying to discuss with someone as the rest of my family has yet to catch up. There's just so much to consider at this point.

EATING: I picked up a few items at Trader Joe's to eat this week while Flyboy was away, but the microwave had other plans and decided to crap out on us on Monday (it will turn on but it won't heat anything). It's not a huge problem because I've been warming up the pre-cooked chicken in a skillet and I threw some black bean taquitos in the oven, but it's got me wondering how much of a pain it's going to be to find a microwave that actually fits in the space without any issues. Ah, home ownership. Time to get out the tape measure and pray we find something that fits, right??

LOVING: My sister got me the most hilarious gift for my birthday. Perhaps you already saw it on Instagram, but The Eternal Flame on Etsy makes a Patron Saint of Midnight Fun Prayer Candle (among countless other cheeky options) and it's sure to be a hit with any Bravo fan. Bookmark this for future gift ideas! I can assure you it's a shoe-in—kind of like Sonja's family crest on a slipper.

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, y'all!! After spending most of last week nursing family colds and the side effects of my first flu shot (Woof!), I was hell bent on turning things around before the weekend hit. You see, I turned 33 on Monday (apparently my birthday is also CAPS LOCK DAY), and we couldn't afford to blow our downtime with sniffles and snoozing, so we loaded up on Dayquil and did all the fun things— like apple picking at our local orchard and a jaunt to Wilmington for Jeni's Ice Cream and Trader Joe's delectables.

Flyboy left town for a few days on Tuesday, so Max and I have been spending most of our time outdoors. While he runs around the yard pushing his dump truck or wheelbarrow—occasionally checking in via walkie-talkie, I've been focusing on all of the planters around the house and prepping them for colder weather. After our first frost last week, many of our plants died, so it was time to swap them out for something hardier. Aside from our routine visit to the library and maybe a Starbucks run, we'll be counting down the hours until FB returns and then we head to DC for another fun-filled Fall weekend.

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

FEATURED DETAILS: GINGHAM NAPKIN SET // RUFFLE-NECK SWEATER // PLANNER // QUILTED FIELD JACKET // CALF-HAIR BELT

LURVE LOAVE LUFF

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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

• Highway to the Nature Zone Journal // I think I know what I'm getting all the road trippers and tree huggers in my life.
• Harper Insider on Behance // Spend a few minutes poring over this visual journal and you'll want to get your doodle on.
• Scallop Gold Charger Set // Have you seen Sugar Paper's holiday sneak peak at Target? I want it all, and I want it now.
• Yvonne Robert Paintings // Color lovers rejoice!! I've got an abstract artist that will make you freak the work is so fab!
• I didn't want to wait until mid-November to retrieve my Clare V. birthday loot, so I called the Brooklyn store instead of ordering online and snagged this Heart Key Fob along with the  Cup of Jo Sweatshirt. Their collab is a dream!
• Quilted Downtown Field Jacket // A decade combined in both Hawaii and Texas has made me a total cold weather wimp. There, I said it! I'll own it! Suddenly the street cred (I thought I had!) from growing up in both North Dakota and Iceland means diddly squat. Give me all the jackets and throw blankets. I'm doomed this Winter!
• Flat Clutch // The older I get, the more I realize that I keep gravitating toward this color palette. It's just so happy!
• Gingham Napkins // Have you seen a snazzier set of cloth napkins? I have a feeling I'll be using these regularly.
• Leopard Print Scarf // Let's get back to layers. Have you seen this line at J.Crew? What are your thoughts? 
• Trixie Bow Tote in Yellow // I love that Frances Valentine is paying homage to Kate in so many of their latest pieces.
• Fallen Petals Earrings // I'm not sure why I've yet to hit the purchase button on these. They're so dainty and fun!
• Feministe Print // Le Sunday has the most adorable assortment of knick-knacks and prints. Pink and red FOREVER!!
• 2019 Wall Calendar // It's never too early to start thinking ahead. This simple calendar is a work of art. Gimme!
• NARS Climax Mascara // You can file this under "Things I Bought and LOOOOOOVE!!" Seriously, it's insanely great.
• Hank's Austin // I'm ALL about Hank's branding. I could kiss whoever is responsible for it! Absolute perfection.

Have a fabulous weekend, m' dears! Make it count.

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

ARTWORK BY MELVIN G

FEELING: For the past few days Max has been under the weather. Congestion paired with a series of shots at his four-year wellness exam is a nasty combination for our little lad, but it's honestly got me thinking of The Office when Pam interacts with Dwight post-concussion. Do you recall the assistant (to the) regional manager acting unlike himself and Ms. Beesly realized they were friends? Yup! Are you picking up what I'm putting down? It's not that I enjoy my kid being sick (obviously!), but Max is actually being really sweet and helpful. He's suddenly low-maintenance and asks to snuggle. WTF?! The "world's okay-est mom" is going to relish in his sniffles for now because we'll know soon enough when he's on the mend. 

THANKFUL FOR: Remember two weeks ago when I was really excited about DIRT?? Well, when my aunt and uncle visited us over Columbus Day Weekend, they helped us create a berm in the backyard. Squee! Flyboy and I are kind of geeking out because it already looks SOOOOOO much better than it did before. The previous owners used the space for an amazing garden; however, we're looking to keep things a bit more low-maintenanace and I think this ought to be the ticket!! Stick around for hot tips on peat moss. Hehe!

THINKING ABOUT: Over the weekend, Flyboy flew down to Florida for work. Upon his return home, he shared a few photos of the recent damage he witnessed at Tyndall AFB, which was ravaged by Hurricane Michael. The images were devastating! I can't stop thinking about all of the displaced families, the military's plan of action to move forward, and what we can do to help.

READING: Do not even try to humor me and my attention span with something like instructions. Just between us, I read two steps from our new WiFi range extender "quick start" guide and had that thing figured out minutes later. Look, I'm not here to brag; this is just the sort of task I try to accomplish before Flyboy gets home from work because he pays attention to EVERY detail and would ensure he read the pamphlet front to back before attempting to install it. I just wanted faster Internet! Mission accomplished.

LISTENING TO: Max is napping right now, so while I put today's post together, I'm listening to the Texas U.S. Senate Debate that took place Tuesday night in San Antonio. At this point we've already mailed in our absentee ballots for the upcoming election and you BETO believe I'm giddy about it. I try to keep this corner of the blogosphere pretty light, but I can't tell you how refreshing it is to cast your vote for someone who reminds you that there is a market out there for decency in politics. No matter what happens come November, O' Rourke's campaign won't be wasted or forgotten. Here's hoping Texas can be the example on election day and "be the bridge over the small stuff, the partisanship, the bickering, the pettiness, the meanness, the name-calling, the bigotry, the racism, the hatred, the anxiety, and the paranoia that dominates so much of the national conversation today."

WATCHING: I was late to get the Splitting Up Together memo, but after following Jenna Fischer and Goldie Hawn (also Oliver Hudson's doting mother) on Instagram, I figured I would give it a shot. I'll admit that it took me almost six episodes before I was really hooked, but that's only because it was hard for me to get Pam off my brain. Do you watch? What are your thoughts? I'll admit the storyline is fairly predictable, but it's a cute little escape that doesn't leave me ugly crying like I do with This Is Us or ready to flip a table like I might when I watch the Housewives. I'm excited to see what season two will bring.

EATING: Flyboy's aunt and uncle gifted the two of us with a meal at The Dabney in Washington DC for our birthdays. We've got tentative plans to cash in our gift certificate later this month, which has me poring over the menu already. It was a really thoughtful gift idea and gives us the perfect excuse to pencil in a date before things start to get hectic with his upcoming work trips, holidays, and the impending deployment. Side note: Does anyone know what a sugar toad is? My interest is piqued.

LOVING: Melvin G's print "Iris in Piume Viola" might be the happiest thing I'll stumble upon this week. This suits Apfel to a T!

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! It's hard to believe the last time I signed off we had a three year old on our hands. It seems like just yesterday I was sharing news that we'd be having a little boy. Now, nine days into age four, our resident toddler (he's still a toddler, right?!) is walking around the house a little taller, proudly spelling his name on repeat, and can be found sitting in his room conflicted over what toys and books are for "big kids" and which ones are for "babies." Sigh. Will somebody please press the pause button?? While you're at it, tell me there's some catchy term that accurately describes this age, because I'm not sure I'm ready to let go of "threenager" yet. Just knowing that phrase existed helped me make sense of the entire last year and all of the crazy baggage that came with it. Today, I'm armed with no witty descriptor and feel VERY unprepared for what the next 356 days will bring. Dad, if you're reading this, I could really use an updated Maxwell moniker to better understand this next chapter.

Alright, enough from me. How the heck are you? I'm dying to know.

P.S. If you came here today in hopes of more four-ocious birthday pictures, my sincerest apologies. I was in full hostess mode and totally dropped the ball in terms of documenting Max's party. I'd like to think we were too busy having fun to be toying with our phones and cameras, but I'll admit I'm still a little bit bummed. I was actually pretty proud of the details and decorations that went into the night's festivities. The (insert catchy four-year-old terminology here) came over to thank me several times and described his shindig as "awesome" and "amazing"—I'll consider that a win in itself. Let's do it again next year, kiddo!

LURVE LOAVE LUFF

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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

• Ashley Mary for Designloop Co. // This is one of those collabs that's a dream come true. Gimme all the stationery!
• Midcentury-Inspired Walt Chair and Ottoman // You can add this to my lust list. Seriously though, it's gorgeous!!
• NYC Map // An adorable resource for the directionally challenged but aesthetically aware AKA yours truly.
• Neil Rook // I can't stop referencing his Dribble account for color combinations and inspiration. I'm a HUE-ge fan. ;)
• Train III by Luckey Remington // For those of you who heart art like your girl, check out Uprise Art on the regular.
• Carolyn Dress // We like to tease Max about having a sister. I'm not pregnant; we just like to get a rise out of  him.
• Sadie Ankle Boots in Leopard Calf-Hair // Heavens to Betsy these are absolute stunners! Bravo, J.Crew! Bravo!
• Ruffle-Neck Sweater // I got this last year in two colors and it's one of my favorites. Intense pink, anyone??
• Rollneck Sweater in Dots // Good riddance 80-degree temps! Is it safe to stow away my Summer clothes yet??
• Ninth Street Women // I've seriously been waiting for this book to come out for over a year now. A-mazing!!
• Ashley Mary Art // The Designloop Co. discovery sent me into a creative tizzy! I spent a solid 30 minutes just flipping through Ashley's artwork and getting lost in a sea of bright colors and textures. It's safe to say she could definitely hang with the likes of Helen Frankenthaler and Lee Krasner. They'd be tickled to death with her take of modern AbEx.
• Tortoise Cat-Eye Sunglasses // I saw these while online window shopping and expected the price to be more than $28.
• You Should Know Card // If I had an excess of free time, I'd send each of you this card. Thank you for your support! 
• The Harper Mini Dopp Kit // It's almost like they read my mind or something. Finding a cute dopp kit isn't easy, folks!

Have a fabulous weekend, m' dears! Make it count.

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

VIA

FEELING: In this edition of next-level adulting, I confess that we paid to have a truck load of dirt delivered yesterday afternoon and everyone but Beesly was downright giddy about the ordeal. To make matters worse, we placed our order at the local seed store last Saturday, which means said dirt has been the highlight of many discussions for four days straight. Are we becoming extra lame? Also, now we can't stop talking about whether we need ANOTHER truck load. Can somebody say intervention?

THANKFUL FOR: We're having a little get together on Saturday for Max's 4th birthday and since some of the activities would be best suited outdoors, I've been afraid to look at the upcoming weather. Given all the rain we've had over the past few weeks, I didn't want to get my hopes up for his party, but it looks like it's going to be a perfect Fall day complete with a piñata and dino egg hunt!!

THINKING ABOUT: Earlier this week I was too stubborn to retrieve a set of pliers from the garage and managed to cut my hand while removing the spray nozzle from our hose. Knowing full well that we are currently out of Band-Aids (They're not stickers, Maxwell!), I put pressure on the cut to stop it from bleeding. Max came over and asked if I was okay. When I told him what happened, he took control of the scenario and made the following suggestion: "Stay calm and breathe. Let's try a little yoga. Do a tree pose first and then downward dog." He was so earnest; it took everything inside me to hide my smile and take him seriously. In an effort to humor him, I went on to ask how I could do a downward dog with my right hand bleeding as it was. Without skipping a beat, he responded "Let me show you the modified version." Sweet readers, this age is exhausting but moments like this are priceless!

READING: If you have a rather headstrong little one who has a hard time grasping his/her birthday ISN'T tomorrow like they insist, I suggest you keep a copy of When's My Birthday on standby. All of the party preparations and incoming packages have made the waiting game THAT much harder this year for Max, and I spent a good thirty minutes last weekend trying to explain that we still have a week to go until we celebrate. This book paired with an impromptu paper-chain craft have helped a lot, but it's got me thinking I will need to bring my A-game as we near Christmas. Hold on to your butts!

LISTENING TO: On Tuesday night, Max climbed into my lap and said, "Mommy can we have a nose to nose?" I replied, "Sure! What's up?" when he responded, "This is going to be hard to for me to explain, but I just like daddy better." Oy! Child, do I need to remind you that four years ago to the day I had to pee in a jug for three days straight and keep the hospital-issued vessel on ice so the nurse could run tests in preparation for your big arrival? Birthing aside, do these gross little details mean anything to you? Ha!

WATCHING: The drama with Jeff and Jenni, a lukewarm season of RHOC, Jerry O' Connell's pitiful start to Play by Play, and the dissolution of friendship between Carole and Bethenny is making me feel kind of "meh" about Bravo right now. Since it's the source of 90% of my entertainment (no lie), I keeping wondering when things are going to pick up and get good again?? Tell me something great is on the way, Andy!! ATL? NJ? For months it's felt like I just keep waiting for one of the series to really BRING IT. Do you expect me to start reading books or something? Mama needs an escape, but not the Kandi Burruss spinoff variety.

EATING: Most of the items on my to-do list for Max's birthday can't really be done until Friday and Saturday. It's making me a little bit bonkers because I'm ready to GSD. That being said, I'm mostly excited to kiss Keto good-bye and bake a cake (The Perfect Birthday Cake Recipe via The Vault Files). I still have no clue what I'm doing with the fondant, and I'm not going to worry about it if it becomes a problem because this simple cake recipe is already a winner. We made it a few years ago for Max's first birthday and I was really proud of how it turned out. Here's hoping I can make it happen again! If not, I'll have a dozen backup cupcakes.

LOVING: I professed my love on Instagram last Friday for this Eyelet-Back Sweatshirt from J.Crew. It's currently down to $36 (they're offering 40% off thru Monday) and I might just have to snag another color before they sell out. I already have it in Cerise and wore it twice in one week. Ha! In my defense, it's stupid cute, comfortable, and makes putting together a "momsemble" ridiculously easy.

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

WHAT MAX IS WEARING WEDNESDAY

Happy Wednesday, m' dears! We've got family coming in later this week to visit us in Delaware for the first time AND we're throwing a small party for Max's 4th birthday on Saturday, so it's a bit nutty over here. Since we're a week out from our wily one's birth date, I thought I'd pop over on the blog and answer a question I've been getting a lot lately. "WHERE DO YOU FIND CUTE CLOTHES FOR A TODDLER BOY??" Hopefully some of you find today's post helpful! If you have any additional questions, feel free to leave a comment or message me directly. A handful of my go-to resources can be found below; they've been my trusty shops since Max was born. Over the past few years I've learned there are some things that are worth spending a little extra on and what's best to keep cheap. As evident from the blog, I'm willing to shell out a bit more on great layering pieces in colors I find are unique (looking at you, Boden and J.Crew), quirky designs, or in a classic pattern like stripes that he can wear A LOT. When it comes to things like tees, I typically buy from Target, H&M, Old Navy, and Zara; however, if I'm looking to add a bit of personality to his wardrobe, I like to buy online from places like Jean and June, Ramble and Co., Kira Kids, Kid + Kind, Fawn Shoppe, The Tot, etc.

THE GOODS:

Cable Beanie Hat $26 via Boden

Toddler Wayfarer Sunglasses $8 via Amazon

Kids' Sherpa Jacket $80 via J.Crew*

Hippopotamus Sweater $30 via Zara

Boys' Macallister Sneakers in Camo $50 via J.Crew*

Boys' 1984 Rugby Shirt $45 via J.Crew*

D-Ring Paracord Belt $30 via J.Crew*

Short-Sleeve Secret Wash Shirt in Dots $36 via J.Crew*

The Batman Tee $30 via The Tot

Cat & Jack Pocket Short-Sleeve T-Shirt $5 via Target

Coloured Skinny Jeans $42 via Boden

Blue Trucker Hat $26 via Jolly Boy

7-Pack Sock Box $24 via Boden

Dinosaur T-Shirt $15 via Zara

Garment-Dyed Sweatshirt $45 via Boden

Texture Striped Pants $17 via Zara

'Guacamole Is Extra' Tee $25 via Cheerily

Long-Sleeve Flannel Shirt $20 via J.Crew Factory

Native Jefferson Slip-On Sneakers $35 via Amazon

Karate Skinny Jeans $20 via Old Navy

Rubberized Parker $30 via Zara

Hunter Kids Classic Rain Boots $55 via Amazon

*40% OFF FULL-PRICE AT J.CREW THRU OCTOBER 8, 2018