LIFE'S LITTLE DETAILS

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

Before we bid 2021 adieu, I felt like I should hop on the blog to touch base one last time this year and wish you all a very Merry Christmas! I truly hope to post a bit more regularly in the coming months. This season of life has been rather busy and unpredictable. If you keep up with me on Instagram, you know there have been growing pains that come with adding a new puppy to the mix. Yowzah! Sometimes I think life with a toddler was easier, and that's saying A LOT because we all know there are enough Max stories to fill a book or three. Moira aside, there have also been unexpected home repairs that have lingered since October. Argh! Oh, and Flyboy has been interviewing with various airlines behind the scenes as he transitions from active duty Air Force to life in the Reserves. It may not seem like much, but it's enough change for us to keep things interesting. For two planners (one of which that's spent all but six months of her life with the USAF), the unknown the comes with this plot twist is both scary and exciting. Friends who have made this switch have assured us it's worth it, but as someone who's moved every three to four years per Uncle Sam's orders, settling down in Delaware for the foreseeable future feels kind of odd in its own way. We hope this decision will give our family the chance to plant some roots and offer stability as Max gets older and more established with his school and the community. While Flyboy will still fly C-17s at the unit here in Dover from time to time, I really don't mind the idea of flying for free via the airlines to Palm Springs either—that's one perk I think I could get used to! And whenever that happens, I promise to take you along for the ride. Heck, I might even post about it on here and post in a timely manner. Ha! But let's not get too carried away, publishing a Love List more than once a month would be a good place to start...

As always, thanks for following along and cheering us on as we welcome this new chapter.

Have a glorious holiday season! I look forward to catching up again in 2022.

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.

• Tulips Citrine Pillow // When your throw pillow becomes the canvas, now that's a work of art... 
• Pouches (For Absolutely Every Little Thing) // You guys! Mr. Boddington's gift guide! Ah-mazing!
• Neon Candle Cube // A charming and chic way to add a pop of color to any room. Sign me up!
• Abcrete & Co. Matisse Drop Earrings // Love that Madewell has introduced us to this DC based brand.
• Noelle Stripe Scallop Stocking // Stripes and scallops in a blue-and-white stripe. Does it get any better?
• Clare V. Jewelry Line // I can't wait to make a few of these pieces for Clare V.'s jewelry line to my collection.
• Holiday Cocktail Napkins // Leave it to Rifle Paper Co. to make THE perfect cocktail napkins!
• Make Beauty Serum Balm // I first heard about Make Beauty from guru Sarah James. This sounds dreamy.
• The Holiball // Rachel Shingleton shared these beauties and I want one of each. They're GORGEOUS!
• The Amanda Puff Headband // We can all agree Buru named this accessory after Amanda Gorman, right?
• Knot Brushed Brass Knob // Give any cabinet an update with these fun knobs designed by Jennifer Fisher.
• Domino Set // Still Christmas shopping? It's not too late to shop small. Erin & Co. has a bit of everything.
• To-Do Today Notepad // Because as soon as January 1st hits, we'll all be eager to organize and set goals.
• Tie Top Midi Dress // The stripes, stunning shade of green, and hint of metallic had me at HELLO!
• Golden Falala Banner // Is it too late to order one of these and add it to Max's playroom? Nah, never.
• Quote Pads // "A sleek notepad with words that stick with you long after the paper has served its purpose."
• U. Me. Mistletoe Holiday Card // Max still doesn't understand what mistletoe is or why it's a thing. Ha!
• Crumbl Cookies // Instagram's favorite cookie company has me wondering if Crumbl lives up to the hype?
• Magnum Cycling // The adults don't plan on exchanging gifts this year, but I'm wondering if I can shove this down Flyboy's stocking?! This cycling book is a real beauty. I guess it's time for a bigger stocking!
• Aprés Ski Candle // Anecdote candles are my latest obsession. Anthropologie sold a few and I'm hooked.
• Stripe Beanie // The temps dropped quite a bit this week and it's time I dig out all of the mittens and hats.
• Pleated Mini Skirt // The color of this skirt makes me pine for J.Crew's party color palette of yesteryear.
• Satin Ribbon-Tie Ballet Flats // One look at these and you'll start searching for tickets to The Nutcracker.

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

 

LURVE LOAVE LUFF

Let's get right to it, shall we?
Here's what made me feel all twitterpated, smile contagiously, giggle uncontrollably, etc.

• Happy Shoes Holiday Card // Of course I had to check out Mr. Boddington's selection of holiday cards.
• Red Knit Pom Blanket // Cozy up with pom-poms and stripes. Sounds like a winning combination!
• Family Pennant // This just screams Clark Griswold, am I right?! 'Tis the season, y'all!
• Holy Sheet // My favorite baking sheet now comes in the most delicious shade of raspberry. Eek!
• Spruce Napkins // An entertaining go-to in the prettiest shade of green. Mix and match for a fun twist!
• Design Letters // This would make such an amazing gift. Have you heard of this company?
• Hermes Poppy Nail Polish // Not going to lie, I'd probably buy a bottle of this just for display. Hubba!
• Paper Mache Fox Head // You guys know how much I adore Elizabeth Graeber's work. THIS is incredible!
• Cashmere Bow Barrette Set // I'm honestly torn over whether I want to buy this for myself or my niece. Ha!
• Lips Keychain // Every time I'm out and about, someone stops to ask me about this keychain. It's back, baby!
• Howell Court Sneakers // There should be a rule that all sneakers must have oversized polka dots on them.
• Birthday Bricks Confettigram // OMG! I'm' so bookmarking this for future birthdays—so many options!
• Yellow Bookstand // I have a lucite bookstand like this and it makes me so happy. This one is precious.
• Jane Goodall Doll // I wish Piccolina's collection of trailblazer dolls was around when I was a kid.
• Feather Trim Cotton Poplin Shirt // My mom got this showstopper and I'm excited to hear her review!
• Grecian Mosaic Earrings // Who wouldn't feel like a goddess while donning these sparkly danglers?!
• Lodge Coat in Vibrant Red // Have you snagged anything from J.Crew's holiday sales yet? I'm eyeing this.
• Puffy Woven Clutch // I'm not sure which option I prefer, THIS one or the punchy pink combo??
• Paperless Wallpaper Collection // I love Kerri Rosenthal's collection of paperless wallpaper. The DOTS!!
• Colorful Iron Mushroom // My mom got me one of these and it sparks oodles of joy. I want them all!
• Olive Velvet Headband // Can one ever have too many headbands? Lele's latest in olive is dreamy.
• Picnic Check Hair Claw // Leif has the cutest assortment of hair doodads right now. Isn't this cute?
• Tote Organization Insert // Swapping out purses just got easier! This would be such a wonderful gift.

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

LURVE LOAVE LUFF

 Let's get right to it, shall we?
Here's what made me feel all twitterpated, smile contagiously, giggle uncontrollably, etc.

• Maeve Colette Cropped Wide-Leg Pants // This color is GORGEOUS! And with clogs? Perfection.
• Heart Card // Each Sribble & Daub card begins as an original pen and ink drawing, then printed on torn paper.
• Fruit & Veggie Huggers // Why is this the first time I'm seeing this ingenious way to preserve produce?
• Bow Napkin Ring // This was love at first sight, my friends. But seriously, how darling are these?!
• Lip Service Nourishing Balm // I need another lip balm like I need a hole in my head. That packaging though...
• Shimmery Slingback Heels // Zara is KILLING it this Fall. Have you checked out their accessories yet?
• Trinket Dish // I'm not even a cat person, but I think this tray is charming AF.
• Art by Kate Roebuck // Be still my heart. This punchy sculpture is the epitome of breathtaking. 
• Liberty Headband // At the top of my birthday wish list is this beauty from the Lele x Liberty collab.
• Luxe Long Sleeve Stripe Tee // Can you ever have too many striped tees? That's such a ridiculous question.
• Floral Post Earrings // How fun are these? You know your girl loves an embellishment.
• Ramona's Closest Friends Keychain // This keychain made me choke I was laughing SO hard!
• Veja Esplar Sneakers // Something tells me these are going to be a Maxwell MUST this Fall. Adorbs!
• Tough Bowl // Perhaps a chartreuse water bowl would make cleaning up the excess water a bit more fun?
• Chunky Knit Wool Pillow // I wouldn't mind cozying up with this during the col Winter months!
• Limoncito Goods // In need of a gift idea? How about sending someone special a terrazzo treat?!
• Checkers Game // A checkers board so flipping cute, who would mind leaving it out?! It's art.
• Raffia Table Lamp // Add an airy bohemian feel to any room with this textured beauty.

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

 

A FINE FURRY WELCOME...

She's here and she's fabulous!

Real talk: the mind has a tricky way of making you forget the reality that comes with babies and puppies. 

Just sayin'...

But Max is beyond obsessed, so that makes the sleepless nights worth it right now.

He's giddy and grateful, and I can tell this is the beginning of a beautiful bond between a little boy and his new dog.

Stay tuned for more stories and snapshots.

HUMP DAY HUES

VIA MEGAN CARTY

It's been awhile since I've shared a new-to-me artist on the blog, and I must say Megan Carty's abstract injection of color sure hits the spot this week. Wouldn't you agree?! We're deep into puppy training around here and when the coffee proves ineffective, it's bright hues to the rescue!! If you, too, need a mid-week pick-me-up, then I strongly encourage you to pop over to Megan's website and take a gander at her scrumptious portfolio.

Browsing Carty's artwork? Be sure to let me know which one is your favorite! I'm partial to this one!

LURVE LOAVE LUFF

 Let's get right to it, shall we?
Here's what made me feel all twitterpated, smile contagiously, giggle uncontrollably, etc.

• Rancher Fedora Hat // Hats off for Fall weather! My sister has a chapeau like this and it's gorgeous. 
• Stacking Rings // Add a hint of sparkle with one of these thin gold bands. No one does it better than Emily.
• Green Glass Candle Holder // Have you seen Jordan Ferney's collection of tapers and candlesticks? Enviable.
• Initial Medallion Necklace // Zara is absolutely KILLING it this season with their budget-friendly bling.
• Bow Mules // I still kick myself for not purchasing these! They'd be perfect for this in-between weather.
• Interaction of Bright Pink and Red // In a slump? Head over to Liz Roache's website. Her art will hit the spot.
• Earrings // Colorful AND festive. Is there anything better? Well, I guess the fact that they're lightweight too.
• Ruffleneck Bobble Sweater // Anyone feel like hitting the snooze button on J.Crew lately? What gives? And that palette. Yikes! I'm so desperate I find myself looking at Crewcuts for some Fall options. Send help. 
• Faux Mohair Chair // Caleb Zipperer is the designer behind this silhouette. I want to learn more about him.
• Charlotte Spider Brooch // The most elegant and adorable arachnid accessory you ever did see. Wowzers!
• Striped Cushion // HKLiving is a Dutch interior brand that makes me want to sell everything and live abroad.
• Peloton Water Bottle // Yes, I still talk about Peloton. Probably too much. But seriously y'all, it's the best!
• Jewel Hair Clips // See what I mean about Zara? This pack of four clips is absolute perfection.
• Gemstone Rings // Oh, while we're still on the topic of reasonably priced accessories, take a look at these!
• Dopamine Greeting // Send one of these letterpress cards to your person and remind them love is the drug.
• Sugar Paper 2022 Planner // When I learned Gen Sohr would be teaming up with Sugar Paper, I squealed.
• Field Notes Notebook // I might get a set of these for Max for his birthday. He is obsessed with notebooks.
• Elizabeth Graeber Art // When I'm feeling down or blue, I hop on to Graeber's site for a pick-me-up.
• Leather Crossbody // Yes, I know, I saw the price tag. But in my defense, this bag is a work of art, people!!
• Upcycled Denim Bed // We got a few new items for Moira including this cute bed from The Foggy Dog.
• Tie One On Natural Bracelet // This week Leigh Standley reminded us that magic requires some mess.
• La Banane // A bright and playful bag fob in the shape of a banana. You will NEVER lose it, that's for sure!
• Wrap Bracelet and Mesh Classic Red Bracelet // I can't get enough of these Holst and Lee bracelets!!
• Madrid Blue-Light Glasses // Flyboy likes to make fun of me when I'm sporting these. Must be jelly!

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

 

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

"It's funny to think about the things in your life that can make you cry just knowing that they existed, can then become the same thing that makes you cry knowing that they're now gone. I think those things come into our lives to help us get from one place to a better one." —Ted Lasso

This Saturday we'll go pick up our new puppy, a Newfoundland named Moira, from Pennsylvania after Max's soccer game. I guess I felt the need to share this nugget of info with you all because I never really discussed Beesly's passing last November on my blog. Even now, almost eleven months later, it's hard to type that sentence. I still struggle with the reality that she's gone, and I can't come up with adequate words to describe the role she played in our family's story. I miss her. Dearly. To some, it's just a dog, but for me she was a childhood dream that came to life. How amazing is that? To have one of your dreams come to life. The twelve years we spent together were far sweeter than I could have ever imagined. She changed each of us for the better. That girl was everything to this family. She was with us from the beginning—a newly married couple embarking on an Air Force adventure, and then on to the ultimate challenge of parenthood where she acted as Maxwell's furry nanny. During times of loneliness when Flyboy was away and the countless unknowns that come with the military lifestyle, she brought pure joy, comfort, and consistency to my day. While attempting to navigate motherhood in Swell Rio with a colicky baby and a husband working long days, it was Beesly who would come looking for me when I'd go hide in my closet. Even after we moved from Texas to Delaware, she may have slowed down, but she never stopped looking for me, and I think that's what I miss the most. We'd secretly convene, just the two of us girls, and take a moment to breathe and just be. She reminded me to slow down and count my blessings. She made everything feel alright. My dearest BMD, you will always be a BFD to me.

As excited as I am to welcome this new puppy, I still miss my best friend. Not a day goes by where I don't think of her and tear up a little. I know there's no replacing her; nothing ever will, but I do believe it's time to open my heart and welcome this new adventure. We could use a little mess and a whole lot of magic around here. Beesly would want that. As silly as it sounds, I like to think of it as though Queen Bee is passing the baton to Moira, probably prepping her with puppy cliff-notes about cheese puffs and Legos. I sure hope this Newf is ready because the Fines are eager to call her family. There's a lot of love to be shared and life to be lived. There's also a place in my closet to snuggle if she's willing.

P.S. I'm REALLY sorry for another post with a crazy number of photos. I tried to show some restraint, but with a specimen this adorable, how could you?! I have thousands of photos of Beesly and editing it down to this number was hard enough. She was something SPECIAL! As always, thank you for being so supportive. We're excited to share more of Moira very soon.