LURVE LOAVE LUFF

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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

• Velvet Lumbar // I can't get over the amazing pillows by Castle & Things. Stripes are swoon-worthy!
• Modern Art Key Ring // Not going to lie, this made me giggle as soon as I saw it! We've all heard it before.
• Dot Socks // I see things like these polka-dot socks and then my "excited aunt meter" goes off the charts.
• Green Chopping Board // Leave it to Hay to create such a simple and modern chopping board. That green!
• Mirabelle Ballet Flats // Is it really any wonder these metallic PINK flats keep taunting me? They're so fun!
• Pocket Money // I want to fly to Portland just so I can visit The Yo! Store in person. It looks precious! 
• Daisy Button Earrings // Mother of pearl, I've got all the heart eyes for these whimsical statement earrings!
• Pink Knotted Headband // Is it too late to add her to my stocking? This shade of hot pink is KILLING me. 
• Haley Woven Bucket Bag // I truly believe they're keeping Kate Spade's aesthetic alive at Frances Valentine.
• Gathered Long-Sleeve Top in Dotted Tulle // I'm kicking myself because I didn't try this top on. Adorable!
• Celestial Music Mobile // Have I mentioned I'm elated to see my pregnant sister and discuss her babe? 
• Escadrille Sunglasses // A snazzy upgrade to your basic pair of aviators. Well done, Le Specs! Bravo!
• Two-Tone Leather Dog Collar // Fit for a queen! This accessory has Beesly's name written all over it. 
• Neon Blue Slingshot // I contemplated getting this for Max, but then I remembered I would be his target.
• Sir List-A-Lot Notepad // All my paper-loving peeps sing it with me, "I like big lists and I cannot lie..."
• Velvet Bow Barrette // A mighty festive and dainty way to polish off your holiday lewk, don't you agree??
• Cuffed Beanie // Orange is one of m' fave colors, but it can be harsh. I love this soft shade and texture.
• (F)Art Whoopee Cushion // I feel like this is the sort of thing only Donald Robertson would appreciate.
• Gold Striped Ceramic Jug // The gold stripes are gorgeous (obvi), but can we talk about the lilac interior?

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

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

VIA

FEELING: Yesterday I noticed the barista at Target was wearing a piece of flair that read "Awkward but friendly!" As someone who likes to fly under the radar when I'm out and about, it's not my nature to strike up a discussion but in the spirit of the season, I decided to compliment her. Let's be honest, I could totally relate to her pin! Well, as it turns out, our brief exchange resulted in two awkward people being awkward. What else would you expect?    

THINKING ABOUT: We're going ice skating next Monday, and I'm pumped! Max has wanted to do this for a while now, but we haven't gotten around to it. Excited with anticipation, he asks me about it off and on. "How do you put on the skates? Is it fun? Easy? Will I hurt myself? Can I go fast?" Yada, yada, yada, Well, I guess my response to one of his questions last week made him wonder if I'd ever actually been ice skating? Maybe it's just us, but Max ALWAYS questions my ability to do things he's never done himself. Yes, there's the bossy gene hard at work again. Sigh. It's kind of exhausting! So, at my wit's end, I proceeded to share with him that I'm actually REALLY good at ice skating. Okay, easy does it confidence. Woof! Now, as we get closer to the 23rd, I'm shaking in my boots. The pressure is on to prove to this little five-year-old that I'm not a terrible skater. Jesus take the wheel, or at least let Flyboy be the first to fall.   

THANKFUL FOR: I haven't purchased a set of bike shorts since I was pregnant. Because no one likes to spend money on replacing boring stuff like that (not an athlete, obvi), I've been riding my spin bike in denial. Then, I realized my derriere was badly bruised this past Monday morning, and I felt the kind of pain I experienced after my first spin class in college. Thankfully, Amazon had a cheap pair I could have delivered in one day and I'm here to tell you that this new pair of shorts is like heaven. Hallelujah! The chamois padding actually works! What a relief—literally and figuratively.

WATCHING: Okay, I was going to discuss something more refined, like Marriage Story and the documentary Very Ralph with you (highly recommend both, btw), but then I realized a Bravo debrief before the holidays is paramount. Oy, where do we even begin? Tamra hiding in the bushes. How freaking embarrassing?! I hate to be JUDGE-mental (see what I did there?), but she's imploding this season and I'm over her. Oh, and how about Vicki's response after she jumps in the pool then slips making her getaway? "I need a way to sell insurance!!!" Hahahahaha! I definitely laughed so hard watching that, I woke Beesly from her slumber. Now, how about Kenya bringing the marching band to Marlo's event? Shady, but on-brand for Ol' Twirl! LeeAnne Locken's racist rants on RHOD were hard to watch. Do we think Andy will invite her back next season? Finally, the Giudice's separation. We all saw this one coming, but that doesn't mean it's not a tough pill to swallow. Don't you think they should just get on with the divorce option at this point? Also, does this mean we'll be seeing more of the pool guy in Teresa's future? He's kinda cute.

READING: Looking for a last-minute gift for kids? I highly recommend Jimmy Kimmel's new book, The Serious Goose. I've yet to read it to Max because it's one of his Christmas gifts, but I'm certain it will result in gaggles of giggles.

EATING: I'm SO ready to eat some real food and cook some real meals again. Premade soup and bags of salad have lost their appeal while Flyboy's been away. Here are a few recipes I've pinned for future use:

Farfalle with Spinach, Mushrooms, Caramelized Onions

Corn and Pancetta Chowder 

Garlic Butter Creamed Spinach Salmon

Chile-Coconut Braised Beef Short Ribs

Tequila Queso Fundido

Chicken Parm Gnocchi Bake

Korean Chicken with Coconut Rice

Hot Honey Pretzel Crusted Chicken Fingers with House Sauce

LISTENING: For the past two weeks, I've tried my best to convince Max we should visit Santa, but he's been adamant it's not necessary. "I already wrote him a letter, mom. I don't want to!" Perhaps his experience four years ago in Swell Rio was enough? Hehe! With one last attempt to get in a word with Mr. Claus, I noticed the YMCA was offering "Selfies with Santa" yesterday and we could swing by after preschool. Unfortunately, Maxwell's response remained the same, but as we were leaving the building I noticed Santa got up from his chair and began roaming the building. En route to the exit, we passed Kris Kringle, who was waving at everyone, when Max went in for a giant high five. After their hands met, Max looked up at me with pure magic in his eyes and said, "I touched his hand!" It was one of the sweetest things I've ever witnessed and I hope I never forget the look on his face. This was just the kind of low-key interaction Max would appreciate, and I'm so glad I didn't force a sitdown with St. Nick because this was far better.

LOVING: Friday is the last day of preschool before the holiday break begins, and I couldn't help but laugh when I noticed parents were standing in the hallway yesterday confirming the names of all three teachers. Most of us plan on bringing small gifts to class that day to thank them for their hard work, but we all want to ensure our kids are telling us the correct names for the recipients. Max got two out of the three names correct, but I'm really glad I found out the one's name is Miss Vanessa and not Miss Alyssa, which is what he's been calling her for the past six weeks. Oops!

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'm currently blogging in ten-minute increments as I bake cookies. Over the past 72 hours, I will have made twelve dozen treats to be shared and distributed to Max's preschool, our neighbors, and the postal workers. At this point, I *think* I'd be happy to never see a dough ball or frosting again, but we'll see if that holds up next week. News flash, it won't! Anywho, in an attempt to stay focused on the Christmasy confections, I'm keeping today's post short and sweet with a list of things that have brought me joy lately. Here goes...

Winter coats with pink lining. Need I say more?

Finding wired gingham ribbon at Home Goods for a dirt-cheap price.

When Max *accidentally* falls asleep in my bed. Snoring and snuggles galore!

Two words: WINTER PEONIES!!! Trader Joes and Produce Junction FTW.

Dusting the bookshelf in Max's bedroom, only to find he's aptly rearranged a letter on the letterboard.

Decorations, crafts, and wrapping, which require endless amounts of pom-poms.

My desire to recreate the amazing letters from Anthropologie's stunning holiday displays.

Flyboy betting Max to try on one of his baby shirts and the roaring laughter that came with it. Hehe!

When you look closely at most of these photos, you'll see pine needs errrywhere. 'Tis the season.

The pink collar on my mom's new coat. That combo is bananas! Also, her Frances Valentine Satchel.

Waking up to the tiniest bit of snow (practically melted), but Max wants to bundle up and play in it.

When the light shines through the front windows and the shadows look like a C-17 tail.

The notion that we'll get to spend 13 days with Flyboy (and then he heads back to training).

I'll never tire of the paint color we used for our front door. She's cheerful AF!

Mixing large amounts of hot pink with red to make Christmas decor feel extra fun.

Preschool parties planned with minimal effort, but kids find the festivities magical anyway.

Alright, enough about me. What brings you joy these days? I'm dying to know.

FEATURED DETAILS: PUFFER COAT // MIDI SAC // SWEATSHIRT // SATCHEL // BOYS' PARKA // ORANGE TOPCOAT

LURVE LOAVE LUFF

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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

• Seal Tight Container // I absolutely adore this Porter line by W&P. I hope they continue to add new styles.
• Sylvana Pleated Slingback // My only goal in 2020 is to own a pair of these lamé Loeffler Randall heels.
• .018 Earrings // I got my mom a pair of earrings from Her New Tribe for Mother's Day and they're stunning.
• Camelia Coin Clutch // You guys, this shade of pink is even more lovely in person. Color me fabulous!
• Cherries by Lea Maupetit // This beauty brought me heaps of joy, so naturally, it makes it's way on the list.
• Short Pom-Pom Box // If you were a basket, what would you look like? I think I'd take after this one. Obvi.
• Blue Desk Clock // Playful, vibrant, and unique, this clock is modeled after Japanese origami. Swoon!
• Pearl Hair Clips // My imaginary friend, who's also named Ashley, created the cutest hair clips. Gimme.
• Bow-Back Fleece Sweatshirt // This is the SOFTEST sweatshirt ever, and it's fancy because it has a bow.
• Emerald Mixed-Crystal Headband // I told you the obsession with Lele is very real. This is gorgeous, y'all!
• Toblerone Cookies // You heard it here first. We will definitely be baking these bad boys for Christmas!
• Pantone Color Trends for Spring 2020 // Articles like this get me jazzed, but that's probably no surprise.
• Beaded Mini Crossbody // If we were attending some sort of holiday party, you better believe I'd need this!
• Pattern Play Hand Cream // If this tube of lotion smells half as wonderful as it looks, I'll take four, please.
• Posh Striped Cushion // You had me at pink and red, but then you had to add the fabulous piping. Sold!
• Baby Booties // How darling are these booties? They come in a gold-and-pink combo as well. Gasp!
• Modern Lucite Trees // My mom got me a set of these and they're displayed on the TV console. I'm in love!
• Lips Keychain // Last-minute stocking stuffer, anyone? Clare V. nails it with another sweet shade of pink.
• Kosas Color & Light Creme // Have you tried anything from the Kosas brand? I've heard GREAT things.
• Toiletry Case // Kip & Co. can just go ahead and take all of my money already. The Aussies know style.
• Neon Pink Velvet Santa Bag // There's no need to wrap anything when you have this velvet beauty. 

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

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

VIA PAPER & LIGHT PRESS

FEELING: I finally get all the hype surrounding Lele Sadoughi headbands. Sigh. When you wear one you instantly feel like Kate Middleton. I know, that sounds ridiculously dorky, but it's the absolute truth!! I got this petite style headband around my birthday and I've worn it almost every day since. They're unlike any other headband I've ever worn and now I want them all. Sometimes you get what you pay for and the obsession is very much real.   

THINKING ABOUT: I really wanted to send out Christmas cards this year, but I didn't get around to it as I'd hoped. As someone who LOVES sending and receiving mail (not to mention the excuse to buy stationery), I feel a bit guilty for not making it a priority. Oh well! Something had to give on this year's holiday to-do list and I'm learning that's okay. On the bright side, Max and I did make time for a little craft this week. We're sending them off to a small group of family and friends, and I think that's making me feel a little bit better about two years in a row without Christmas cards.

If any of you are in a similar situation and you're feeling holiday guilt, Ali Nelson offers a perfect reminder:

"this time of year can be brutal, with our “to do” lists growing and growing, all the while losing our PRESENCE in this season. 

slow down. we want YOU to show up… fully here, not at the grocery store or on amazon. no matter how many things are left undone, the best gift we can give to those we love is our own presence. 

i promise your kids and your family, your friends, and yes, even you, will value YOU showing up for the memories way more than they’ll remember if there was greenery on the table or if the sweet potatoes were better than last years. 

if something is taking up too much space in your life right now— let it go. surrender those expectations you feel you’ll never live up to, and instead invest in the small things. 

what was important to you as a kid? do these things, regardless if you’re a parent or not. traditions are not just for kids. they can help anchor us to memories, create meaning, allow us to marinate in the merriment.
so think about it. what do you want the holidays to be like in YOUR world? 

the coolest part about being a grownup? we get to choose what will we keep from our pasts and bring into the future with us. so create some traditions or keep them up. make the moments special. go get a tree, or a bush, or a branch from outside. make it merry. listen to music that will be forever and iconically associated you the holidays together (hello, amy grant). do a couple holiday-ish things, even if it’s cold... so you can see the glow of parade lights on your kid's face. or dont, and stay inside and watch elf, or a christmas story, or sing some christmas carols. make cookies. or buy them at the store and heat them up. talk about the meaning of christmas and why we choose to spend a month (and a lot of money😬) celebrating. laugh. sing. dance. but mostly, be there. show up. for them, and for you. 

this season, let’s choose to surrender our striving and choose stillness. availability. purposeful presence." 

THANKFUL FOR: A few months ago, I saw my doctor to get my thyroid checked and the results came back normal. After taking Accutane in college for acne, my hair texture went from thick to fine. Over the years it's progressively become thinner and upon switching birth control earlier this year, I've experienced excessive shedding. From what I understand, a change in hormones can play a big role in hair loss. Grrrrreat. NOT! In July I started taking Nutrafol and I'm starting to see baby hairs, which is great, but I want to ensure I'm doing everything possible to be proactive about the issue. I currently wash my hair once or twice a week, and I try my best to avoid the overuse of heat styling tools (hence the heavy rotation of headbands). On the days that I do style my hair, I still get a little freaked out about the amount of hair left in my brush and on the bathroom floor. Yikes! After visiting with my doctor earlier this week regarding prescription renewals, we discussed my hair again and he's referred me to a dermatologist. Initially, I was nervous that he suggested it because that made me feel like it was pretty bad, but in reality, it's for the best. My mom and Flyboy tell me not to stress too much about it and they're probably right, so it will be nice to get a professional's opinion and put my mind at ease. I understand that hair growth takes time and either what I'm doing right now is working (slowly), or I need to pursue other options. Have you experienced something similar? What worked for you?

WATCHING: Over the Thanksgiving break, my family and I went to see A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. The film's perspective was obviously different from the Mister Rogers documentary released a few years ago; however, it was just as precious in my opinion. Max opted to sleep during the entire movie, which sounds great and all, until you find out that he snored SO loud the people around us were looking back to see who was sawing logs. Oops!

READING: When we were at the library last week, Max chose Daredevil: The Daring Life of Betty Skelton because of the bright red plane on the cover. To be honest, I wasn't really surprised when I saw him throw it in our basket. Planes! Right? Later that evening when we cozied up to read the book, I was blown away by how much I enjoyed this woman's incredible story. Why had I never heard of "The First Lady of Firsts" before? She paved the way for women creating opportunities in aviation, auto racing, boat racing, and astronautics. You guys, Google her now.  

EATING: After visiting my parents for Thanksgiving, I stopped by Trader Joe's on our way back to Delaware. I exercised control and grabbed a few healthy-ish essentials (space was limited in the wagon), but then I saw a tower of stroopwafel tins near the checkout. Last minute, I threw one in my cart and within three days of returning home, they were gone. I immediately regretted buying one tin only. Now that they've been devoured, I can't stop thinking about them. These cookies remind me of my childhood. I don't think you've really lived unless you've had a fresh warm stroopwafel. I've tried lots of brands over the years, but the ones sold at TJ's taste like the cookie I remember.

LISTENING: We were listening to Christmas music on our way to preschool this past Monday when Pentatonix began playing in the car. Max started to sing along and shared how much he loved their sound. Having listened to their jingle from Sesame Street on repeat for the first two years of his life, this really came as no surprise. I explained to him that the a capella group sings without the accompaniment of any instruments. His little mind was blown and then he proceeded to tell me that he also has some experience beatboxing. Oh, but of course you do, Maxwell!

LOVING: Last week two of my favorite people on the Internet (Tatiana of Flora & Fauna and Joanna Goddard of Cup of Jo) shared an article I found extremely insightful. If you get a free moment, you might want to read The Love Experiment: One Question That Changes Everything as well. The concept is so simple, but it gets right to the point. What happens when we ask our closest family and friends the following: "Please tell me how I can love you better."

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! The last time we touched base, we were riding a serious marathon and Halloween high. Then Flyboy left for six weeks of training, Thanksgiving happened, and suddenly we're in full-blown holiday mode. I mean, Christmas is just 14 days away!! How?? It seems as though the past few weeks have blown by, and for good reason, as we've kept busy by painting the spare bedroom (now Max's playroom), made a trip to Virginia—which included a visit to the Kennedy Center with Max to see Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! (The Musical), along with ordering ALLLLL the presents, in addition to decorating inside AND out. Busy, especially this time of year, isn't always better, but it's kept me focused on getting Flyboy home, which will be the ultimate prize. Typically it would be nice to have him around to help with things like hanging Christmas lights, setting up the tree, and building a gingerbread house together, but we're truly grateful that we don't have a looming deployment ahead of us as we did last year. Luckily, we'll get to welcome him home shortly in the most festive fashion and that's kept things in perspective!

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

FEATURED DETAILS: PJ'S // SWEATSHIRT // HEADBAND // PINK SHOES // COIN CLUTCH //BOYS' PARKA // DUCK BOOTS