Wanting to know you Wens.

happy little things

when a song you love plays on the radio while you're driving

packages addressed to my little Felix Maxham

having my first beer in 11 months during my 1st night out with friends
{i made it to nearly 1 a.m.}

commercials that make you laugh, like this one  (poor michael jordan)

returning to pilates

hoodies for babies

when a Pumpkin Spice Latte + pedi in OPI shim-merry chic happens in the same day 

talking to my twinkie and laughing til we're crying

hot pockets

taking naps with my baby girl and waking up to that face below

what are some of your happy little things? 

for sweet dreams.

During my pregnancy, i had the craziest dreams and sometimes they felt so real it was scary. Since then, i have been on the hunt for the perfect Dreamcatcher for Felix's nursery. 

You would think since i live in El Paso, it would be easy to find one since they sell plenty of them here and in neighboring New Mexico. I even searched on Etsy knowing i would know when i found the perfect one. 

It's funny how God/the universe works. Tyra was of the first friends i met through instagram. She made this beauty for Felix and it was exactly what i was looking for. 

The quality and details are so pretty. I told Tyra she needed to sell these and it just so happens she recently opened up an etsy shop. You can find her beautiful creations at Eclectic Sanctuary (wouldn't the stormy skies dreamcatcher be beautiful in a baby boy's nursery?)

Right now, Felix is napping under her dreamcatcher.

Thank-you so much Tyra for this beautiful and thoughtful gift which just shows there is so much kindness in the world. xo

(speaking of happy mail, today is the last day to sign up for the ornament swap!)

Veterans Day.

I am so thankful for the men and women who have served our country and for those who are currently protecting our freedom. My hero has always been my Papa, a Vietnam Veteran who gave 30 years of service to the U.S. Air Force. 

This photo of my papa always takes my breath away. Wasn't he handsome? 

Heartfelt thank-yous to all our Veterans and so many prayers of thanksgiving and safekeeping for those currently overseas. 

P.S. my favorite Christina (my brother Marco's girlfriend) is the prettiest soldier ever. Her post about Veterans Day touched my heart. Please take a second and wish her a Happy Veterans Day? xo

Only 4 more days to join in the Ornament Swap!

Maybe it's too soon to be in Christmas mode but Thanksgiving is around the corner and if you're like my family-- the Christmas tree goes up soon after (um maybe even Thanksgiving night). 

If you haven't join this year's Ornament Exchange, you have until November 12th. 

DETAILS HERE. We'd love to have you!

This year i'll be hanging my ornaments from my past swap partners :  Kaileen, my very 1st swap partner in 2009 (the first exchange was round robin style so i sent ornaments to Erin. I met her through this swap and i honestly can't imagine my life without her friendship), Erin of c'est la vie in 2010, and last year from Bianca and Lauren. 

Every year has been so much fun and this year, i hope you join in. I think ornaments are special memories and it's a swap you can actually use no matter what you get. 

*special thank-you to everyone who's spread the word xo

(pin-up girl ornament from 12LegsCuriosities // 1950s glass ball ornaments from simplychi)

election 2012.

Four years ago, two best friends (who were already in love but not quite "official") voted together for Obama. 

These two best friends are now this smiley girl's parents. 

*i know it's not smart to talk politics or religion like ever, but this Mama's for Obama. And yet-- as the first polls start to close, Felix girl and I just said a prayer for both candidates and their families. We prayed that whoever is elected will be the best leader for our country. 

Here's to an exciting election night in America! 

PS. i've loved seeing everyone's election day photos on instagram. find me @dolcemicaela 

Her name means "Happy" in Latin.

Felix is My Happy.  

the only thing that would make her happy this morning was Mama smiling at her (while using that obnoxious baby talk voice) on photo booth. She's 7 weeks today. She's at that age where she can really see you now and those smiles because she recognizes you? goodness this is what i was born to do... be her Mama.

Listening to this song by the Lumineers also made Felix happy when she started to get fussy {clearly, she's got good taste}. Something that's changed since i became a Mama? every love song i hear, i think of her.

"i belong with you, you belong with me you're my sweetheart."

Don't worry husband, you're still the bee's knees. 

ps. what's also making me happy? everyone who's signed up so far for this year's ornament swap!

Ornament Swap!

Lovies, it's that time of year again...

I can't believe it's my 4th year hosting an ornament exchange on my dolce vita. I look forward to this swap all year-- I've met my favorite girls through it. Getting to spread Christmas joy while connecting with another blogger is my favorite.

to join:

*email me, micaela.maxhamATgmail.com with subject line : ORNAMENT SWAP

*include your postal address + blog link. If you don't have a blog, you must include your instagram, etsy shop, or fb page please. (also indicate if you can't send overseas)

*cut off date is Nov. 12th  i'll try and get everyone partnered by Nov. 15th // ornaments will be mailed out by Nov. 29th

*ornaments can be bought/vintage/hand-made... whatever you fancy but $10 is the max spend amount because i know it's about to get crazy with holiday shopping. PLEASE put some thought into your ornament--check out your partner's blog/links and see what their style is etc.

*DO include a Christmas card for your person. Tell them about your favorite Christmas quote, song, family tradition, or why you chose the ornament for them.

Have fun with this! snap a photo of your ornament sent/received so we can share them on our blogs (i love the actual exchanges and showcase them).

pic : such pretty things

feel free to use the button on my sidebar lovies. i hope you'll join-- the more, the merrier xo