LURVE LOAVE LUFF

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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

• The Kissu Lip Mask // TIBAL made me do it. No, but seriously, she was right. It beats the Laneige fave.
• Arwen Wicker Pendant Light // Because we could all use a little extra texture in our decor, right?!
• Woven Waffle Pillow // This neon pillow (and the matching throw) is seriously toying with my emotions.
• Vintage Crewneck Tee in Mixed Stripe // I get giddy thinking about all the colors this could be paired with.
• Neon Flamingo Carry-All Tote // Slap a sweet little monogram on this versatile tote and it's a done deal.
• Tykho Radio and Bluetooth Speaker // We may need to get one of these colorful cuties for upstairs.
• Bisous Coin Purse // With V-Day on the horizon, this coin purse is equal parts adorable and apropos.
• Canvas Monstera Leaf Stem // Okay Terrain, $78 is pretty steep but I flipping LOVE these. DIY, anyone?
• Patchwork Cashmere // Kerri Rosenthal, is making clothes now. I can't afford them, but they're lovely.
• The Lemon Bar Paddle Brush // You guys, I've been waiting for Drybar to make this exact brush. Yesss!
• You're A Catch Card // I could see Max passing out Valentines similar to these. The wheels are turning!
• Short-Sleeve Pajama Sleep Set // If the coral is universally flattering, we all need a set of these then.  
• Giacinta Bangle Bracelet // Oh heavens! This bracelet is so perfect, it's dumb. Tell me you understand.
• Brass Bowl // Get in your car, drive to your nearest Target, and check out this bowl. Flipping gorgeous!
• Rimless Aviator Sunglasses // Top Gun cliches be damned! This classic style gets a snazzy update.
• Ainsley Romero Risography // I could spend hours drooling over the artist's portfolio. Check it out!

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

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

BY CHRISTOPHER DAVID RYAN

FEELING: I visited the dermatologist last Friday regarding my hair loss and he said it's more than likely telogen effluvium (caused by stress, fluctuating hormones, change in medications, etc.), which I kind of figured because all three of those factors occurred in 2019. Oy! Thanks to things like Nutrafol and an increase in protein, my hair is slowing growing back, but because it's hair, it takes TIME and I'm not very patient. Argh! Over the past few weeks, I started experiencing an itchy and tingling scalp, which made me paranoid I was going to lose MORE hair. I was reminded I need to stay off the Internet at all costs because it's not helping me stress less, which is exactly what the doctor prescribed. I need to shift my focus to tiny victories like peach fuzz and baby hairs. Have you ever experienced something similar? What helped you? How did you stay positive and stop worrying? 

THINKING ABOUT: Max has "shark teeth" right now. I actually had to Google it because I wasn't sure if this was natural or not. Ha Ha! Anywho, his bottom two teeth are just days away from falling out. In the process of becoming loose, his permanent teeth have started coming in—so essentially, our kid has four bottom front teeth at this point. Yeah, it definitely throws people off a bit when they realize what's going on in there. We're all very eager for the baby teeth to come out. We just keep wiggling them wondering if today is the day it's going to happen! Obviously, Max has had a handful of questions about the tooth fairy and I'm doing my best to creatively answer them. Does anyone know what a tooth goes for these days? Do we write her a note? Does she leave one in return? Help a mother out!

THANKFUL FOR: Flyboy has been flying night locals, which means he gets to spend the bulk of the day with us. Woo hoo! On Tuesday, we visited an adorable town in Maryland. We had breakfast at the cutest bakery, which included blueberry muffins, buttery croissants, and honey lattes. As we made our way home, I felt so grateful. Last year at this time, I was in survival mode and dreamt about mornings with outings like this. Now, here we are. Thank you, God! 

WATCHING: Troop Zero might be one of the sweetest feel-good films I've watched in a really long time. Last Sunday afternoon, I spread out on the chaise lounge with a bag of Skinny Dipped Nuts, informed the boys that I was going to watch this movie, and they could join if they'd like. Surprisingly enough, they took me up on this offer and I think they enjoyed it just as much as I did. Hooray for a family movie that wasn't Star Wars or Jurassic Park!     

READING: Is it still considered reading if I'm listening to two books on Audible?! In the spirit of multitasking, I'm going to just say YES. Yes, it is considered reading. Ha! This past week I downloaded Where the Crawdads Sing and Get Out of Your Head. Everyone raves about the bestseller by Delia Owens (my mom LOOOOVED it), and in the event I want to switch things up, I figured a little self-help from Jennie Allen can't hurt either. You've got to start somewhere, right??       

EATING: Thanks to the February issue of Real Simple, I set out to try two new recipes this week. It was nice to mix things up and Flyboy got to enjoy the leftovers for lunch all week. Woo hoo! If you have the latest issue, be sure to crack it open and try the Smoky Turkey Chili and Slow Cooker Mexican Beef Sliders. Note: I looked for links to share both recipes but they weren't available online. Hey, I guess that's one way to ensure people buy the magazine!   

LISTENING: Last week Max helped me prep a sheet-pan dinner while listening to the Nancy Meyers' Kitchen playlist on Spotify. Honestly, it was dreamy and has me thinking I need to get him a set of kiddie knives so we can make this a regular thing. With sounds of Leon Bridges, Aretha Franklin, and Al Green in the background, he cut up bell peppers while I tackled the onions and parsnips. We had the best damn time, and I was reminded five-year-olds are pretty fun!

LOVING: This is going to sound a bit dramatic, but I didn't know I needed a leopard print sweatshirt in my life until this terry pullover arrived in the mail. The material is thin and yummy, which means it layers well over a fun button-down or tee. Not to mention, it's one of those versatile pieces that can be worn year-round. Snazzy neutral pieces FTW!   

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

Greetings from Dover, Delaware! I'm so glad you stopped by today. Here are a few of the latest joy-inducing details:

• People really dig a metallic shoe and I appreciate that! I threw on my gold loafers last Wednesday in homage of this sparkly blog post and got a handful of compliments. What's not to love?!

• Occasionally Max likes to dabble in interior decor. His latest contribution is Sue devouring a red speedster.

• Our resident paleontologist wanted to write a book about dinosaur training. Since he's still working on his letters and can't write in full sentences, I was happy to transcribe while he illustrated. Rule #1 really cracks me up. Part of me thinks it deals more with our dynamic and who's in charge in lieu of dinos.

• I've been looking for new ways to handle stress, so I got a fresh set of snazzy paints in hopes a little color therapy can bring some zen to my life. Maybe this will be the start of a new hobby?

• Max has had a cold that's lasted over a month. Oof! Just when I think he's on the mend, his fever spikes again. What gives? Thankfully, he doesn't let it get to him one bit. When we took him to Urgent Care last week, he made us so proud while interacting with the doctor. He gladly gave her a rundown of his symptoms and was beyond giddy when he realized he's just an inch away from being four-feet tall.

• Flyboy got his 2020 Delaware fishing license as soon as he returned from Oklahoma, so the boys were eager to hit up the local pond last Sunday. When Beesly and I went to meet them, they hadn't caught a thing, but we got to see them cast a few lines and spotted nine bald eagles as well. Not too shabby!

• Picking Max up from preschool makes me laugh. All the parents hang out in their parked vehicles until the last few minutes of class. Sweet serenity! It's like we all look around, sip our coffees in silence, just waiting to see which one of us will make the first move and head into the building for pick-up.

Alright, enough about me. What's going on with you? I'm dying to know.

ALL DETAILS FROM TODAY'S POST LINKED HERE.

LURVE LOAVE LUFF

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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

• Crossbody Strap // It's like the folks at Clare V. just knew I'd been jonesing for a striped strap. Yessssssss!
• Recycled Pocket Umbrella // What better way to brighten up any ol' grey day than with a splash of NEON?!
• Block Child Slip-On Shoes // You can bet I'll be getting Max a set of these adorable kicks this Spring.
• Batik Napkins // In elementary school, we made Batik pillows in art class and these remind me of that.
• Russell + Hazel Lucite Scissors // I saw these at The Container Store and I can't stop thinking about them.
• Knot + Bow Planner // Did you know that THE Knot + Bow has a line of planners at Target? I know, right?
• Penco Prime Timber Pencil // Are these colorful mechanical pencils any good? They're awfully cute!
• Happy Little People Cards // Whoa! There are so many new and adorable baby things since I had Max.
• Holy Sheet // Great Jones is calling my name. Vibrant cookie sheets are a thing now and I'm here for it.
• Cha Cha Cha Kiss T-Shirt // A prospective option in the event I want to be twinning with my niece, Poppy.
• Pleated Button-Front Blouse in Silk Twill // Not going to lie, I'm intrigued by the style of this sunny top.
• Demi-Boot Crop Jeans // Any fans of this denim style out there? I'm digging the kickout crop silhouette.
• New Montauk Tote // J.Crew has reissued some of their iconic bestsellers. I'm so glad this makes the list!
• David Shrigley Playing Cards // As labeled on the box, this set of cards is "Not for idiots." Well, okay then...
• Trouser Socks in Double Stripe // I think we can all agree this pair of socks is a Valentine's Day MUST.
• Suede Tassel Smoking Slippers // OMG, y'all! Just one look at these and I've died and gone to heaven.
• Artist Palettes // In need of a little creative inspo? Look no further than Emily Hoerdemann's series.
• Bobbi Brown Lou Lou Lipstick // People freak over this orangey-red shade. The formula is a personal fave!
• Mushrooms and Florals Greeting Card // I'm trying to get ahead on February birthdays. This card is lovely!
• Autumn Adeigbo Embellished Headband // Preppy, but make it POP! Gingham and sparkles FOREVER.
• Fold Basket // The options are endless with this handmade cutie. And how about the scalloped edge?? 

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

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

VIA GREER CHICAGO

FEELING: This will be Max's first year to pass out Valentine's Day cards to his classmates and I'm pretty excited. Where will we get them? Should we make something cute? Eek! You guys, this could be our big chance to get something adorable from Meri Meri or Mr. Boddington's Studio. Now to keep him away from the boxed sets at Target so we don't have to hand out something with Ninjago or Paw Patrol! Clearly, I'm making this more about me than my kid, but paper goods ARE my thing. Any postal-lovin' parents who feel me on this one? Sigh. Reel it in there, Fine! Reel. It. In.      

THINKING ABOUT: Max has been fighting a nasty cold for about a month now. Just when things improve, it seems to come back with a vengeance. Last week his fever spiked again and his coughing got worse, so I picked up a bottle of Delsym Children's Cough Relief to pair with his Tylenol. When I got back from the store and he saw the bottle of cough medicine, I expected we'd struggle because of the taste, but instead, he said, "I've seen this stuff on TV!!! It lasts for TWELVE whole hours!!!" I couldn't help but laugh because it's clear their marketing works; however, after taking the meds for a day, Max came downstairs coughing and informed me that he'd like to write a letter to the company because their cough syrup didn't last the full twelve hours. "Mom, their commercial isn't true. I'm still coughing!" 

THANKFUL FOR: Flyboy has been home a full week and it feels like all is right with the world! In fact, when I read what Caitlin Murray from the @bigtimeadulting Instagram account (so hilarious, BTW) had to say about being with your person and that feeling of getting back to home base, I had to screenshot it and send it to FB because it summarized the feeling quite perfectly:

"Some weeks are busy. You're later at work, or I have weeknight plans, and we end up as two ships passing in the night, and that's tough because distance from you takes me farther away from my center. Center is home. Center is our family and the life we have created. The life that only moves forward when we push the weight of it all together. When our schedules once again collide and we are back in the groove, I feel like I can take on so much more. I feel stronger because of you and, for that, I am so deeply grateful for this love. Thank you for your love. Thank you for your appreciation. Thank you for also needing me. I could do it all, I really could if I HAD to, but I'd hate it. Thanks for always taking me back to center." 

WATCHING: We're in the market for a new TV. The one in our bedroom hasn't crapped out on us yet, but Flyboy bought it in college and its days are numbered. The sound quality is pretty awful and there are moments when I go to turn it on and I'm not sure it's going to work, but what do you expect for a boob tube pushing 15 years old? While this isn't the type of purchase I'd usually get excited about (it's kind of a guy thing, honestly), the idea of having all those smart TV options is pretty sweet. Once we find a good deal, you can bet I'll be binge-watching The Morning Show. I've heard great things! Then again, how can you go wrong with Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston, and Steve Carrell??     

READING: In an effort to relax and de-stress in the evenings, I've decided I'd like to make it a point to read more this year. I waste far too much time scrolling on my phone before bed and that time could be better-served nose-deep in a book. Now, where do I start? There are oodles of options out there and I've bookmarked numerous recommendations, but I just need to commit already. Dearest bookworms, where should I begin? If you could choose one book...     

DRINKING: A few weeks ago, I was getting groceries at Safeway and was forced to go to a checkout lane with a cashier that's not my go-to gal. For an introvert like myself, this meant I was going to have to open up a conversation with someone new and put my awkward self out there AGAIN (you guys, my regular lady really gets me!!!). Sure I could just be quiet the entire time, but I see the joy extroverts like my mom and Flyboy bring to other people and I feel the need to at least try to be friendly. Well, you could say this situation backfired when I asked her how her day was and she replied, "Meh." I read that response as a sign she didn't want small talk, so I proceeded to put all my energy into loading the groceries bags into the cart when she randomly commented: "Chobani's making milk now?" [Note: Safeway didn't have my usual oat milk by Oatly so I opted to try Chobani's version.] I went on to respond, "Yeah, I figured it's worth a try!" Her response? "Their yogurt's not even that good!" Oy! I contemplated whether or not I should just say "You're right! Go ahead and put it back. What am I thinking?" Instead, I paid for the groceries and left the store having MAJOR regrets about my oat milk. The verdict? Cashier girl was right. The oat milk was awful.   

LISTENING: In the car yesterday morning after preschool drop-off, Get Me Bodied came on Pandora and my first thought after hearing "Nine, four, eight, one, B-Day" was "Wow, Beyonce will be forty next year! I wonder who she's going to invite to her party?" Yes, there I sat at a red light in Dover, Delaware, pondering life's BIG questions, but can you really blame me? I mean, if she sends ginormous boxes to her friends for the unveiling of Ivy Park's latest collection, what will her invitations be like? Some might say this is a waste of brain cells, but I think Mindy Kaling would probably wonder the same thing. It's just too bad we have to wait a full twenty months to get to the bottom of this one. Here's hoping I get stuck in traffic sometime soon so I can start figuring out Bey's guest list. Hehe!

LOVING: I bought this Wall Task Calendar from Appointed last February when Flyboy was deployed and hung it in our kitchen. It helped me pass the time and keep organized while he was away. Since I'm coming up on my last sheet, I asked FB if he thought it would be worth repurchasing and his positive response was so quick, I was taken aback. Ha Ha! Let's be honest, I was going to buy it again no matter what, but I was tickled to death that he's a big fan as well. There's something about Suann Song's simple designs that are just as useful as they are beautiful!    

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

COLOR STUDY

THE GOLDEN GOODS:

AERIN Wave Gallery Frame via Williams & Sonoma

MINO Bluetooth Speaker via Nordstrom

Chanel Nail Colour via Violet Grey

Meri Meri Gold Tinsel Fringe Garland via Target

7-Tone Pentatonic Glockenspiel via Maisonette

STATE Bags Metallic Graham Tote via J.Crew

Loeffler Randall Sylvana Slingback Heels via J.Crew

Soko Wavy Brass Stack Bangles via MoMA Store

Russell + Hazel Rollerball Pen via One Kings Lane

Gold Beaded Clutch via Tuckernuck

Bulletproof Small Golden Canister via CB2

Oro Golden Dining Chair via CB2

Wick Trimmer via Poketo

5mm Confetti Band via Grace Lee

Chunky Small Hoop Earrings via Madewell

Meri Meri Gold Dinner Plates via Amazon

Meri Meri Gold Fringe Party Cups via Target

Meri Meri Fancy Party Sticks via Maisonette

Satin Bow Sequin Skirt via J.Crew

Turban Knot Headband via J.Crew

Bast Floor Planters via CB2

Loeffler Randall Bex Shoulder Bag via J.Crew

Crossover Ring via Madewell

Happy Plugs Wireless Headphones via Nordstrom

Vinglacé Wine Chiller via Nordstrom

Knot Gold Bread Basket via CB2

LURVE LOAVE LUFF

Let's get right to it, shall we?

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

• Sleep Mask // Flyboy's home from training. I'm sure it won't be for long, but I welcome the mental vacay.
• Miya Gouache Paint Set // I think I'd like to get a set of these and play around. Pretty darn cute, isn't she?
• Queens Flag // You oughta know, Slightly Choppy has the most gorgeous pennant designs out there.
• Pyramid Ring // I could pore over Sonia Boyajian's super glam jewels for days. This ring is obviously a fave!
• Primecut Card Holder // You guys, I'm ecstatic to see Anthropologie selling these one-of-a-kind pieces. 
• Yves Klein Painted Everything Blue and Wasn't Sorry // Fausto Gilberti's books are a library MUST.
• Chartreuse Headband // The Lele addiction is real. This piece will make you feel like the queen you are.
• NARS Lipstick Pencil in Famous Red // I'm itching to try this shade. It's Ashley Streicher approved. 
• 2020 Goals and Dreams Printable // Just in case you're like me and haven't set any particular goals yet.
• Puebco Clipboard // Such an adorable way to display notes, photos, ticket stubs, or artwork in your space.
• Patch Pocket Hoodie // I'm crazy obsessed with the weight of this hoodie. The stripes are swell too!
• Cap-Toe Kiki Ballet Flat // Not going to lie, I was pretty ecstatic to see J.Crew is bringing these back!
• Vibrant Orange Bowl // Inspired by Cubist shapes, this vibrant vessel uplifts any room. Swoon-worthy.
• Necklace Monogram // This new-to-me brand was a targeted ad on Instagram, but I'm not complaining.
• Cream Petal Earrings // I saw a few of Molly M Designs at a cute shop in DC and had to share with you!
• Bright Salmon Wayfarer Sunglasses // Gasp! I've yet to add a pink pair of shades to my collection. WTF?!
• Edged Deco Oversize Mirror // Gah! This might be one of the loveliest mirrors I've ever laid eyes on.
• Pehr On-The-Go Pouch // I'm having the best time putting together the ultimate diaper bag for my sister.
• Dinosaur Case // Max got one of these for Christmas and he takes it EVERYWHERE. It makes me so happy!
• Fable Party Girl Bow // If I can't have this for myself, then I'm going to NEED to get it for my niece. Fact.
• Ribbed Throw Pillow with Tassels // Have you spotted anything you love from Target's new Spring line?

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

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

VIA

FEELING: I'm not going to lie, 2020 was looking bleak there for a bit. Headlines regarding Iran, wildfires in Australia, along with Meghan and Harry stepping down from their official royal duties—it felt like A LOT to digest for the first week of January! But then Jenna Lyons decided to start posting to her Instagram last Friday and a sense of hope was restored. Call me dramatic if you'd like, but so many of us have been waiting YEARS for this very moment. My heart about burst when I saw footage of her at a photo shoot and an inaugural post complete with #shinyponies.

THINKING ABOUT: I've yet to watch Cheer on Netflix, and I feel so behind. Have you watched the series? I can assure you it's on the top of my weekend to-do list. I promise to report back. From what I've heard, Monica is everything.    

THANKFUL FOR: We're headed to the airport today to pick up Flyboy. Can I get a hallelujah? Can I get an amen? This obviously isn't the end of his coming and going, but it will be nice to have this training box checked. Who knows, maybe we'll get a full week of routine and home-cooked meals as well? Alright, I don't want to be greedy here. I'd totally go for some takeout in exchange for a little help brushing a certain five-year-old's teeth.

WATCHING: If you're looking for a film everyone will love, look no further than The Biggest Little Farm. When I rented it on Amazon, I could tell Flyboy and Max were a bit skeptical by my decision, but it turns out those two knuckleheads loved the documentary the most. Go figure! Then again, how could you not? The earthy film follows two dreamers and their dog over a period of eight years as they struggle to revive a farm in California. I guarantee you'll fall hard John and Molly; their tenacity is inspiring. Oh, and if you're like FB, you might even ask your wife and kid if they'd ever like to have a farm of their own. Erm. That's going to be a no for me! Let's leave that to the Chester family.

READING: According to Max, our latest haul of children's books from the library was pretty great! Here are the hits:

Are You Scared, Darth Vader?

I Want a Dog

Secret Pizza Party

Truck, Truck, Goose!

The Space Walk

How to Read a Book

Life as a Mini Hero

The Watcher: Jane Goodall's Life with the Chimps

Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover

EATING: In an effort to get Max to "eat the rainbow" like all of the good moms, I challenged my kid to eat some broccoli with his mac n' cheese on Sunday night. Y'all, the horror! It took him thirty minutes to work up the courage to eat one little stalk. Sigh. He was such a good eater when he was a baby. I'm sure we'll get there, eventually.  

LISTENING: Gaby Burger has led me to some of the BEST finds. I mean, the woman is responsible for this amazing cake recipe (need I say more?!), so why wouldn't I love her podcast recommendations as well? This past week, she encouraged all of her IG followers to listen to this podcast featuring Mel Robbins and her five-second rule. I immediately added it to my list and proceeded to give it a listen while Max was at preschool. You guys, Gaby was right! This was exactly what I needed to hear. With the holidays behind us and the start of a new year and decade ahead of us, I noticed I've been worrying about everything again and I've been giving in to a lot of negative self-talk. After a few weeks of being out of my routine, it's more important than ever that I reestablish my good habits (spinning, drinking water, listening to the Headspace app, etc.). Obviously, I didn't need a podcast to tell me all of this, but it did help me understand why I defer to bad habits when my brain is in autopilot. It's a learned behavior and Mel's rule gives you a way to stop yourself from giving in to the worrying and self-doubt and instead engage the prefrontal cortex, which puts a halt to some of these learned habits. Please, do me a favor and listen to this one!   

LOVING: While my sister was visiting for Christmas, I got her hooked on one of my favorite finds from 2019. I'm talking about this Physician's Formula Butter Bronzer. Yes, the packaging is hokey as hell, but don't let that deter you. In my quest to get that subtle sun-kissed glow, I've tried A LOT of different products over the years and this drugstore find has officially replaced my old go-to, which was on the spendy side (like four times the amount of this one).

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 New Year, m' dears! I know we're a little over two weeks into 2020 already, but it's taken me a while to get my act together. You could say the post-holiday hangover has been real and the spark is lacking. Tell me I'm not alone here! The festivities came to a sudden halt, we said good-bye to visitors, and then sent Flyboy packing for a few more weeks of training. It's been a blessed whirlwind and we're left with a handful of beautiful memories in return. I'm grateful! But now that the decor has been dismantled, it's time to digest all the change coming our way in the year ahead. It's shaping up to be a big one! My sister will add a baby girl to our gang, Flyboy will make his transition to civilian life, and Max will begin Kindergarten. Yep, just a few "little" variables to keep life interesting and fun! As a planner, I'm equal parts excited and terrified at what's to come. Just when I attempt to get it all sorted out mentally, or come up with a gazillion different ways to prepare for all the new, I'm reminded there's only one real plan—stay awkward, brave, and kind. You know I'll bring the awkward as long as my better half will bring the brave and our offspring keeps being kind. That sounds like a pretty solid game plan for Team Fine, don't you think?! Ha!

Alright, enough about me. What change is coming your way this year? I'm dying to know.

ALL DETAILS FROM TODAY'S POST LINKED HERE.