LURVE LOAVE LUFF

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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

• Space Explorer // Minted has the cutest artwork for kids. How adorable would this be in a playroom?
• Polka-Dot Tote // I think I'll file this one under "Champagne Taste On A Beer Budget." She's pretty though.
• Dome Crystal Necklace // Eek! The perfect accessory can be the exclamation point to any great outfit. 
• Del Mar Cotton Throw // I'd like to snuggle up under a throw this weekend and read. Or maybe just nap.
• Pencil Ornament // It might be too early for ornament shopping, but Anthro's selection makes it tempting.
• Strawberry Table Lamp // I think we can all agree this might be the most precious item on today's list. 
• Gem Cluster Circular Earrings // I love that we're seeing hints of old J.Crew in the jewelry category. Bring it!
• McCall Stacked Heel // It's fun to think about all of the places you might skip around while wearing these.
• Stripes // I want this made into a wallpaper. But seriously, how dreamy would this be in my house?
• Mockneck Sweater in Supersoft Yarn // The only way to stay on the sunny side this Fall/Winter.
• Verdigris Green // Just when my mom and I were complaining about Farrow & Ball's selection of greens.
• Fleabags Sardine Pouch // I've been a longtime fan of the brand and was delighted to see it at West Elm.
• Let Things Go // My, what a lovely sentiment! Who doesn't love a fresh start to a new season?!
• Abstract by Ashley Mary // I troll Ashley's work on the regular for some serious color inspiration. 
• Artwork by Isabella Cotier // A new-to-me artist that I'm obsessed with following on Instagram. Gorgeous!!
• Embroidered Dot Lumbar Pillow // I'm going to need to see these cuties in person. The texture is divine.

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

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

VIA

FEELING: On Monday night, my sister gave our family the green light to share some really exciting news. You guys, she's PREGNANT (due March 2020)!! That means I'm going to be an aunt. I get to spoil the child absolutely rotten—but without the enormous responsibility part. Haha! Many of you asked Max's thoughts on the big announcement and in true Maxwell fashion, he was mostly relieved the baby was growing in her tummy and not mine. Me too, kid. Me too.

THANKFUL FOR: Flyboy is out of town for a while, so Max and I have a short trip to D.C. planned and the timing couldn't be better. It's hard to believe we haven't visited their house since the end of June. Say what?! I'm looking forward to retail therapy and some possible museum hopping, but mostly three friendly faces (Fergus too). A change of scenery will do Team Fine some good right now. The "reading" portion of today's post ought to explain it all.

THINKING ABOUT: I couldn't help but laugh when I received a handful of comments regarding my laptop a few weeks ago. I'm very aware it's far from new, but I didn't realize it would be considered "old school." When I think of a retro Mac, I see an Apple IIGS. That probably shows my age, doesn't it? Anywho, a week after sharing a snippet from my morning on Instagram, I had at least three people stop me and say something at Starbucks as well. Haha! I went ahead and blew their minds AGAIN when I shared that we have an Apple desktop that's also eleven years old. Now that I put this out into the universe, anyone want to take bets how soon before one (or both) of the machines crap out on me?

READING: A month into preschool and Max is doing awesome! I couldn't be prouder, except for the fact that the push back aimed at Moi has been a giant ass pain. Woof! Pardon my language, but it's really the only way I can describe it accurately. Max thrives with a routine (just like his parents!) and I really believe this little change has been enough for him to act out and push boundaries at home. He's working through his emotions and I'm doing my utmost to help him navigate his anger and anxiety. Throw Flyboy leaving for two weeks on top of it and our soon-to-be five-year-old is a glass case of emotion. I'm aware this is all developmentally normal, but it's exhausting. I've Googled it all, reached out to friends and family with experience, and I'm currently reading The Explosive Child. I'm not sure what more I can do other than giving it time, setting boundaries, and being consistent. Also, prayers and gin. So many prayers and gin.

WATCHING: Sometimes I watch endless hours of Bravo, but then I redeem myself intellectually by watching a three-part series on Netflix called Inside Bill's Brain: Decoding Bill Gates. It's called balance, y'all! Life's not all diamonds and Rosé. Hehe! All cheekiness aside, the documentary is FASCINATING and I highly recommend giving it a view. 

DRINKING: Is there anything more "basic" than talking about how basic you are whilst sipping on something pumpkin-spiced in the Fall? Welp, it looks like I'm going to go there and tell you that the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew at Starbucks is quite delightful. Since we're headed into October next week, but it's still too hot here to comfortably wear a sweater, I'm fond of sipping on this for a little taste of Autumn. Have you tried it? What are your thoughts?

LISTENING: In lieu of handing Max a device or playing endless rounds of the "I Spy" game en route to preschool, we've started listening to kiddie podcasts and it's been a game-changer. This past week, Chicken Little was the story du jour and I could tell Max was very invested in the folk tale. He was quiet and attentive, which was great until I glanced in the rearview mirror and found him looking concerned and disgruntled. "What's wrong?" I asked. He pointed to the moon roof and replied, "They keep saying that the sky is falling, but I just don't see it!" I couldn't help but chuckle.

LOVING: I tried the famed five-star underwear from Everlane and WHOA are they good! I think it's the compression part that really sets them apart from the rest. The high rise is a nice addition as well, although I'm thinking it might be nice to have a set of this style too. A few trusty options are essential depending on the pants you're wearing.

How are you feeling today? What are you up to? Thanks for stopping by!! 

COLOR STUDY

AN ASSORTMENT OF PUNCHY PINK GOODS:

Ribbed Beanie in Supersoft Yarn $40 via J.Crew

Fresa Pendant $440 via Stray Dog Designs

Sequin Skirt $50 via Zara

Satin Turban Knot Headband $30 via J.Crew

Parke Wool Blazer $198 via J.Crew

Gift Wrap $10 via Mr. Boddington

Tinsley Hair Clip $88 via Loren Hope

Hell Yes Card $5 via Greer Chicago

Three Dollies Stacked by David Batchelor

Eberhard Faber Tiger 1111 Vintage Pencil $3 via Greer Chicago

Objects (2018) by Ana Popescu

Pink Velvet Pillowcase $49 via Castle

Heart Cushion $55 via The Tot

Hot Pink Acrylic Crossbody $48 via Buru

Cashmere Mockneck Sweater $138 via J.Crew

Candy Floss Abstract Print $22 by Fox & Velvet

Leather Heeled Boots $149 via Zara

Beet & Pomegranate Glow Smoothie via Foodess

Uplifting Scrunchie Bow $12 via Lululemon

Crayon Pink Belted Skirt $98 via Boden

Petal Crossbody Strap $55 via Clare V.

Vintage Phlox Mini Print $10 via Cabin Journal

Essie "No Shade Here" Polish $9 via Target

NARS "Dolce Vita" Sheer Lipstick $26 via Nordstrom

HIGH FLIGHT

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

Happy Tuesday, m' dears! If pictures from the Dover Air Show this past weekend don't make their way on the blog, did it really even happen? Since it was Maxwell's first time on a C-17, in addition to his first air show, this post is kind of a must. I think Flyboy and I were more giddy about the experience, which says a lot because our four-year-old's mind was blown as he made his way around the flight line traveling from plane to plane. For obvious reasons, the Globemaster was his favorite. Well, as long as you don't count the F-22 demo. Ha Ha! But in his defense, everyone who witnesses the Raptor in action gets a sense of childlike glee watching it blaze the sky. It's a pretty incredible sight! And as cheesy as it might sound, there's nothing quite like an air show to make you feel REALLY proud to be a lifelong product of the Air Force. I know Max will share this same feeling someday when he looks back on this chapter.

P.S. I won't be posting any more this week as Flyboy has taken time off before he leaves on a two-week work trip. It's also his birthday on Thursday and he's got big plans to aerate the lawn. Yes, you read that right. He's downright ecstatic about his outdoor to-do list, and I'm mostly elated we have an excuse to eat cake. See ya next week!

LURVE LOAVE LUFF

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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

• Catalonia Placemat // Sometimes I browse Serena & Lily's site just to see what I can actually afford. Ha!
• Clare's Picks // I got a CV coup that's burning a hole in my pocket. This Swiss Dot Clutch needs to happen.
• Herbivore Emerald Oil // If it's good enough for skin guru Grace Atwood, then it must be a slam dunk.
• Big Primpin' Hand Mirror // Because you might as well get a good chuckle whenever you get ready...
• Classic Carrot Velvet Plush Pumpkin // The Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew at Starbucks made me do it.
• Luna Witch Doll // Eek! The folks at Meri Meri worked their magic yet again with this adorable doll.
• The Day Heel // The "it" shoe for Fall. I'm torn between Everlane's pair and Madewell's version.
• Western Hat with Grosgrain Trim // Isn't this the chicest accessory? The deep green color is delish.
• Mockneck Ruffle Top in Flocked Dot // Go ahead and try to say THAT ten times fast. Woof!
• Velvet Rhinestone Headband // Morgan Hutchinson just gets it! Who washes their hair on the reg?
• Katsuji Wakisaka // This week's dose of color inspo can be attributed to this Japanese textile designer.
• Mini Kanken Backpack // The Birch Green shade is my forever favorite. How many bags is too many??
• Crystal Cluster Stud Earrings // It's nice to see that J.Crew is coming up with new jewelry designs again. It was starting to get REALLY predictable seeing the same pieces rollout after rollout. Let's keep it up!!
• Velvet Bow Barrette // Does anyone else sit around thinking about whether they could actually pull off wearing a bow the size of their head? But the girl in the picture makes it look so effortless.
• Aubrey Square Sunglasses // Specs so sweet, they named them after my sister! Aren't these adorable?
• Eberhard Faber Tiger 1111 Vintage Pencil // I'm seeing bright pink everywhere. Color study, anyone?
• Monogram Nails // I already have a gazillion ideas as to what I'd do with these. Monograms 4ever.
• Kids' Cashmere Crewneck Sweater // Psst. If you're on the petite side, don't forget to look at Crewcuts.
• Heart Beaded Earrings // These beautifully crafted baubles would make the sweetest gift. I'm obsessed!!
• You Are My Friend Flag // That's it, I'm definitely watching Won't You Be My Neighbor? this weekend.
• Pear Bookcase // Hey influencers!! THIS is something I can get on board with at Wally World. That being said, I've looked at Drew Barrymore's home line and while a lot of it is really cute, the designers need to be careful. I'm seeing a lot of items with designs heavily inspired by other brands (specifically Oeuf NYC, Bobo Choses, Kip & Co., etc.) and I think we can agree—that's SO not cool. Be original, okay?!

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

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

VIA ANTTI KEKKI

FEELING: This weekend the base is having an air show and we're all pretty excited about it! Max has yet to physically set foot on a C-17, so it will be fun to see him get up close and personal with his dad's jet. After all, he's been talking about it nonstop for weeks. The double-barrel grin that paints his face whenever Flyboy mentions that he can sit in the cockpit if he'd like is priceless. It will be an experience for the books. We're all pretty giddy about it!

THANKFUL FOR: If you're not going to sleep at night with the help of a little melatonin, are you even living? One of my proudest moments from this past year was getting my dad hooked on them. I typically opt for the Olly variety; however, my dad has switched to a strawberry flavor and my interest is piqued. Seriously though, these magical gummies make me sleep like a baby. I pop a few in my mouth before hitting the hay and within thirty minutes I'm out. 

THINKING ABOUT: Walmart has been cozying up to influencers BIG time, and I'm just not buying it. Anyone else feel me on this one? As someone who has actually frequented the store (What up, Swell Rio?!), I find it hard to believe that some of these bloggers are trying to schlep goods from the superstore as though they actually shop there. Insert giant eye roll here. Apparently, authenticity gets thrown out the window when there's a fat paycheck involved. One minute they're shilling a $70 "holy grail" foundation and the next week it's all about a drugstore brand. Then there's the Gucci knock-off purse paired with a $6 dollar jumpsuit when you know they've got at least four pairs of Golden Goose sneakers in their closet and an array of Mara Hoffman dresses to choose from. I'm ALL for a mixture of high and low, but some of the ways these influencers are trying to make product pushing seem organic is laughable. 

READING: I dropped Max off at preschool yesterday, made my way to the tailor and dry cleaner, then hopped on over to a nearby Starbucks where I sat down with my coffee and pored over a stack of magazines I'd yet to read. Is this real life? Pinch me. Everyone told me that I'd end up enjoying my newfound free time, and while leaving Max with tears in his eyes is still extremely rough, I see what the others were saying. The mom guilt is still there, but I'm learning to shake it off. The separation is best for both of us and the hours of people watching I'm logging in are priceless.

WATCHING: You guys, the new Breaking Bad movie will be released October 11th on Netflix and Aaron Paul's recent Instagram post has me wondering if Walter White REALLY died in the series finale? The scene where he's wounded is slightly ambiguous. Selfishly, I'm hoping this means we see more of Heisenberg. It's been rumored that Bryan Cranston will make an appearance in the film. I hope it's more than just a flashback. It would be the ultimate early birthday gift!!

EATING: Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday I pack Max's lunch for preschool and I can't help but wonder what his teachers think when they see him dip his Pirate's Booty into vanilla bean Noosa yogurt as he's done religiously for the past 2.5 years. Yes, you read that right. Cheese puffs and yogurt. Ew. It's one of my child's weirdest culinary "fusions" since dipping his hot dog in chocolate milk for a solid six months (age three). One of these days, I hope to work up the courage to discuss "Noosa Knuckles" with his dear teachers. They have to be just as grossed out as the rest of us.

LISTENING: Yesterday on our way home from school I asked Max about the craft he made with his class (paper plate doused in blue paint with googly eyes and a popsicle stick) when he said, "The teacher says we made a shark, but I don't think so. Where's the dorsal fin? All I see is a blue fish!" Ay yai yai, Maxwell! Cut the teacher some slack, will ya?!

LOVING: I love a good sweatshirt, but I don't have to tell you that, right?! Well, this Puff Sleeve Pullover is being added to my list of favorites and I thought you should know. It's the perfect hybrid and a great momsemble addition. When you wear it you feel put together, but comfy at the same time. The best part? The cozy terry material is lightweight, so you can wear it now—then layer it up when the temps get cooler. Oh, and it's also currently on sale for 30% off.

How are you feeling today? What are you up to? Thanks for stopping by!! 
(Also, I promise not to talk about preschool forever. Hehe!)

LIFE'S LITTLE DETAILS

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

Happy Tuesday, m' dears! My sincerest apologies for the radio silence. I had EVERY intention to blog this past week since Max began preschool last Wednesday and I got a few extra hours of free time, but it turns out adjusting to our new routine was a little bit rougher on Team Fine than I'd envisioned. I mean, I anticipated the first day would be tough (especially the drop-off portion—woof!), but the moment I left him with his class, it's like I went full idiot and had NO clue what to do with myself when I was finally alone. The time we spent apart dragged on, and while I knew there were a handful of productive things I wanted/needed to accomplish, I just made my way around town feeling confused attempting to pass the time. Doesn't that sound ridiculous? To make matters worse, I was missing my kid all morning long, but as soon as he got home, he took his frustration out on yours truly and then I REALLY felt crazy about not taking advantage of him being at school. He was driving me NUTS!! A lot of people have said this is totally normal, so we'll just have to weather the storm. Thankfully, his behavior has been fantastic at school, so I'll chalk that up as a win and roll with the punches for now. Aw, motherhood—you're a wild ride!

With a week of pre-k under our belt and a relaxing weekend to boot, I feel better prepared for the week ahead and I've got a plan as to how I'll utilize the new schedule. Yassssss! Change has never been my bestie, but I'm certain that once we get the hang of our new normal, I'll be very pleased with the weekly breaks. Now, a few details worth noting...

• I contemplated the whole picture sign thing for Max's first day of preschool like all the other adorable parents but ultimately decided against it because we certainly didn't need to add any more pressure to the day. Honestly, I was just REALLY happy our kid smiled for a picture. Keep the expectations low, right??

• I didn't ugly cry on his first day like I thought. I locked it up and shed a few tears in the car, but I surprised Flyboy and myself. My mom kept coaching me and encouraging me to be strong for Max. It worked! Ha Ha!

• Naturally, I had to document this freakish behavior and really cute outfit with a selfie. Then I realized that I must have been confused when I got dressed that morning. Was this lewk more Hamptons than Safeway?

• It may be 80 degrees, but you better believe that we're ready for all the Fall things in Delaware. Hello, September! I still refuse to drink anything pumpkin-spiced until the temps drop a bit, but that won't stop us from picking apples or eyeing piles of pumpkins at Terrain. While I did buy six mums for the backyard berm last Friday, it's probably best to pump the Autumn brakes for at least another week or two. Right??

• Because Max loves to be assertive (cough, bossy, cough), he lives for assigning me a toy to "babysit" when he's at school. Hey, whatever it takes right now, you know?? I'm not entirely sure how long I can keep this up because the list of instructions he gives me is getting to be a bit lengthy and absurd, but yesterday I ran errands with three-foot T-Rex who goes by the name Sue Brainer. Don't ask. Lucky for me, Max used two rubber bands to secure her snout—just in case she tried to bite me in his absence. I'm not a professional dinosaur trainer like my son, so he told me this was necessary.

• One aspect of Max going to school that I really appreciate is him coming home with crafts that I had nothing to do with. Eek! It's not that I don't enjoy creating with him, but it feels like a little gift to have him bring home his artwork to share with us. I don't plan on keeping everything (you know my disdain for clutter), but it's nice to have something cute to hang on the refrigerator. 

• Speaking of creativity and supplies, aren't these crayons a piece of art? I don't plan to actually use them, but instead, hope to find a way to display them. Perhaps in a Lucite box on a shelf or gallery wall?

• Finally, if you ever get the chance to eat an apple cider donut with ice cream, caramel, and candied nuts, don't hold back. I'm not sure why we waited 1.5 years to indulge in this delicacy, but it was heavenly.

Alright, enough rambling for now. I'll leave the rest for Thursday.

What have you been up to since we last touched base? I'm dying to know.

FEATURED DETAILS: PANAMA HAT // TIE-STRAP SWEATER // CRAYONS // T-REX // DIGGER // POLKA-DOT PANTS