ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Derrick Velasquez

Nothing about Denver-based Derrick Velasquez's art is boring. He works in a variety of mediums but my favorite works are part of an untitled series made of vinyl and wood. Each piece is full of color grounded by gravity. Almost like intricate fans or a modern rainbow with layers on layers - I'm OBSESSED. 

I dream of hanging one of these pieces in our home to inspire daily smiles. Perhaps a commission? 

Join me in following this great artist and take a moment to peruse his work. I promise, you won't regret it.

Winter Edit '20

Rebecca de Ravenel Bow Earrings // The holidays may be over but I love these festive bows.

Mochi Kid PJs // I'm always on the hunt for more PJs for H and these cuties are tops.

Wicker Wings Mini Kuai Bag // I imagine carrying this sweet cross-body someplace in the tropics.

Olio E Osso Balm // This "french melon" balm is on regular rotation.

Most Modest Clouds // Perhaps this dreamy art should don our current vacant walls?

Ferm Living Ripple Drink Glasses // This glassware set can handle water or cocktails!

Rove Concepts Womb Chair // One of my favorite purchases for our house, this chair is a comfortable thrown for my inner-queen.

Rocket LED Lamp // Our little rocket man would sure love this addition to his room.

Manebi Sandals with Knot // A taste of flare, these sandals are divine and on MAJOR SALE. Snag a pair before they're gone... you won't regret it!

The Man Behind the Maps // I have a sneaky suspicion this might be the next book atop our coffee table.

P.S. The great PhotoBucket crash of 2020 is finally over... (crossing my fingers and toes)! I'm still anxious but let's get back to regular programming shall we?! I hope you've missed this bright spot on the Interweb!

2019 Holiday Gift Guide: Part One

No matter what holiday you celebrate, there's always room for a good gift guide. So drumroll please and hold onto your hats because this is only round one... Round two goes live next week!

Walls by Brad Holdgrafer [With all the border wall talk these days, perhaps this playful book will help frame the conversation and give us language to talk to our mini once he's a little bigger.] // Ferm Living Play Kitchen [Our boy has been obsessed with play kitchens ever since he first laid eyes on one at only six months. I've hesitated because - gasp! - there are some real ugly kitchenettes out there but this modern and minimalist cooking station may be the answer.] // Baghera Twister Children's Ride-on [Maybe you've already seen our mini scooting around on the 'Grams but let me tell you, this ride along toy has been worth every penny - especially on our below zero days! Plus the small buffer around the wheels is soft enough to not leave a mark on our freshly coated walls #WINNING.] // Fjallraven Mini Backpack [As soon as our little became a reality, I put this bright and sunny bag on "his" wish list - insert eyebrow raising emoji.]  // Wee Hee Hee by Wee Society [A kid joke book? Yes, please!] // Hape Kid's Chef Cooking Set [If the lil' dude is going to have a kitchen, he's going to need some cookware and utensils right?!]

Filson Cover Cloth Mile Marker Coat [This jacket is a favorite of the Hubs because it works hard maintaining both function and fashion with a rugged edge - plus you can buy a wool liner which extends the jacket's wear through the year.] // Kevin Murphy Free Hold [Every man needs a little product and this one is easy to use and a little goes a long way.] // Ostroy Let's Ride Bike Socks [If your guy loves to ride bikes, these socks are a must.] // Gantri Maskor Table Light By Muko [Y'all this light is made from corn - CORN! Get sustainable and add this sculptural beauty to your man's desk.] // Salt by Mark Kurlansky [Any cook will love this history book about our most beloved seasoning.] // Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream Pint Club [When I asked the Hubs for his favorite gift ever, he did not hesitate. The Jeni's Pint Club subscription is simply tops!] 

Alright folks, that's a wrap on gift guide number one. Don't forget to check back for more holiday gift ideas next week!

Weekday Musings

EATING // Last week for a GF's birthday, we headed to dinner at the Garrison (#24 on my 101 in 1001 list). The poppyseed gougeres are a can't miss. We loved the chicken liver parfait with pickled strawberries too! The service was divine and the ambiance romantic (all be it a bit too dark). Most of the meal was pretty heavy though so go hungry!

HOME*WORK // Sometimes the smallest things make the biggest difference. As such, I bought this table fan for our kitchen and it is b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l! We've had it plugged in and on low ever since it arrived home and it is making these 90 plus degree days a little more bearable.

CRUSHING ON // Wide leg linen pants and jumpsuits. I'm more of a loose fitted dress girl these days but something about this trend has got me curious. My BF KTB rocks both styles and now I'm headed into my almost mid-thirties (GAHHH) it feels like it's now or never.  I'm obsessed with these Mara Hoffman striped pants and this Reformation jumpsuit in particular... Thoughts?

READING // I'm a third of the way through Into the Water and just like Gone Girl it's got me uneasy so I'm reading this one quick! It's the perfect thriller for the beach or a lazy day inside with the A/C and I can't wait to have all the pieces fall into place.

THANKFUL FOR // Bae's family. They always say when you marry, you marry your partner's family too and for me... THANK goodness!! I've had two minor surgeries the last couple of months and the hubs's parents have been there for us every step of the way. We love them to pieces and never will be able to thank them enough. I hope to say more about the surgeries at a later date but let's just let that be for now.

THINKING ABOUT // Portland. You guys! I still can't get our trip out of my head, ICYMI check it out here!

WATCHING // "The Big Sick" is easily the best romcom we've seen this year and dare I say ever?!?! Kumail Nanjiani plays himself opposite Zoe Kazan in this box office summer hit with a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. My review? I sobbed for at least an hour - some happy tears and admittedly some sad tears - because it's that good. Thank gahd my hubby is one patient man and doesn't embarrass easily. Can someone please pass me a tissue? Just thinking about this movie again gets me mushy!

WEARING // My summer perfume... AKA bug spray! I'm terribly allergic to mosquitos so it's bug spray for me every single day. In fact, I never leave the house without it! I've found a few DEET-free options that do the job: Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard (this comes in an individual towelette version too that's great for travel/hiking), All Terrain's Herbal Armor (you may smell like citronella but there are worst smells) and Naked Botanicals' Lavender Insect Repellent (easily the best smelling and made in DC too!). Do you have any tricks? I'm all ears!

* Art by Ashley Mary.