Coffee and a Cardigan

Just a Peek...

2014-07-05T14:59:00.000-04:00

This photo is happiness.

I can wipe the counters down. I can wipe crumbs into the sink, where they will travel into the garbage disposal. There is no mold in the grout, because there is no grout involved. Notice how there are no dishes in the sink? It's because they are in the dishwasher. Being washed. BY A FLIPPING DISHWASHER.

The italics are necessary, folks.

Cobwebs & Mouse Crap

2014-07-01T14:50:00.000-04:00

Are you ready to suppress some gagging?

Behold, shoddy (and illegal) wiring! Behold, ugly yellow behind our old cabinets!

Behold, Darin and his mother inspecting piles of mouse feces!

Slowly but surely, Darin and his father Ray made it all better.

Goodbye, useless partition.

Ah, much better. Farewell, pantry!

Darin and Ray replaced the awful two-toned cottage cheese ceiling with fresh drywall.

They also re-textured the walls in the kitchen, hallway, and living room.

I am not ashamed to tell you that I shed tears of happiness over the destruction of the tile countertops and fluorescent kitchen lights. Obviously, more to come!

Kitchen Remodel: The Awful 'Before'

2014-05-17T17:00:00.002-04:00

Back in November, I wrote a letter to the woman we've rented from for almost four years. I expressed how much we loved living in this little house, and asked if she would be willing to sell it to us. She immediately agreed, and after many handwritten letters later, we came to an agreement that suited both parties. As of Wednesday, the house is officially ours! Well, actually the bank's, but whatever...

It feels so good to finally own the house. Our new Ikea Lidingo kitchen is patiently waiting in the garage, paint swatches adorn the walls, and popcorn ceiling is slowly being chipped away. We love the location, but the house itself is outdated and occasionally gross. Our first project is the kitchen and dining room. I decided to take the 'before' pictures without cleaning first, in the interest of keeping it real and being lazy.

Now that you have an idea of the layout, enjoy some paint swatches! Darin and I wanted to go for a fresh green... a calm, yet energizing green... a perfect green... a nonexistent green.

Colors from top left clockwise: Valspar Prairie Willow, Leaf Bud, Fiddlehead Fern, (the bright color that we used in our former home- used for reference only!) Leaf Bud again, (left center) Paris Mint, (right center) Limeade, (bottom left) Green Tea Latte. Since the walls are covered in yellowy primer and textured in cellulite, no color looks great. Also, this space gets so much varying light that it was hard to decide! We almost got more samples, until I started washing dishes in front of our favorites, Valspar Leaf Bud and Valspar Green Tea Latte.

(I can't WAIT to destroy the old and stained tile. Rest assured, I bleach it frequently.)

The first photo is with no flash, and the second is with flash. None of these photos are accurate. From real life to my camera to your computer screen, the true color gets lost in translation. Green Tea Latte (on the right) is this gorgeous creamy greyed green with a touch of mint. It reminds me of my favorite green nail polish, Julep's Susie. It pulls very neutral in some lights, and quite fresh yet not overwhelming in direct light. It is a truly unique color. I think it will look lovely with the white cabinetry, shiitake colored counters, and touches of teal and red and yellow throughout the room. (What can I say, we love color!)

I still can't believe that I will have a dishwasher and garbage disposal soon. After not having them for four years, they seem like unattainable luxuries. My in-laws are spending all of June here to help us remodel.

Please flood the comments with questions and/or comments.
I need all the help I can get.

The Perfect Pair

2014-04-22T18:03:00.000-04:00

I am on the never-ending quest for perfect lip product and blush combinations. One doesn't have to be all matchy-matchy, but when it works, it works. I find that if my lips and cheeks have the same color undertone, I can do what I like with the eyes. Today I paired rosy-peach blush, faintly coral lips, taupe-grey eyeshadow, and emerald eyeliner for a simple spring look.

Eyeshadow: TheBalm Shady Lady 2 palette

Eyeliner: Sephora Pantone Universe Emerald eyeliner (discontinued, but try this)

Blush: MAC 'Warm Soul'

Lipstick: Revlon 'Lover's Coral'

Mascara: L'oreal Voluminous Butterfly

Foundation: Revlon Colorstay 'Sand Beige'

Concealer: MAC Pro Longwear in NW20

I love the warmth of the blush and lipstick! It awakens my face and makes me look like I got a full night's sleep. It took me a few months to fall in love with this blush. I was thrown off by the immense hype, the lack of immediate KA-POW, and the $25 price tag. It looks beautiful with coral, red, and pink lipsticks; it is one of the most versatile blushes I own. I slowly build the color up with an Ecotools kabuki brush. I never thought I'd say this, but MAC blushes are steadily becoming my favorite! What a sheep am I.

Coral, it's time.

2014-04-21T16:29:00.001-04:00

Cardigan, blouse, belt: Gap

Skirt: Secondhand from Twice

Necklace: American Eagle

Bracelet: ShopLately

Shoes: BC Footwear

Glasses: Warby Parker: Marshall

Lips: Buxom 'White Russian'

I am a firm believer that one can wear any color in any season. Black nail polish in summer? Of course. Lilac lips in winter? Undoubtedly. Navy blue sweaters in spring? Why not? For some reason, I can't rock coral confidently when it's not warm and sunny. Ridiculous. In any case, get ready to see a lot of orange, peach, and corally goodness.

Happy Monday!

Inbetweener

2014-04-17T15:37:00.000-04:00

Denim Jacket, tee: Gap

Necklace: gift from local friend

Linen skirt: gift from blog friend Emily

Boots: H&M

Tights: c/o We Love Colors

Glasses: Firmoo

You know those days that aren't warm enough for bare limbs yet aren't cold enough for wool sweaters? Yeah. I really wanted to wear my decidedly warm weather linen skirt, so I busted out my trusty purple tights. Red + purple is one of my favorite color combinations; it shouldn't work, but it does. I swear that this magical combo enabled me to run faster while I played Capture the Flag with my fifth and sixth graders. (I always bring an extra pair of shoes so that I can take part in games.) I was on fire! ... I still lost and was sent to jail numerous times.

I took pictures of my messy kitchen and dining area today so that you can see the 'before' aspect of our remodeling process. I can't wait until this house is finally ours!

Have a lovely day~

A Literary Creature

2014-04-15T17:17:00.002-04:00

"So, please, oh please, we beg, we pray, go throw your TV set away,

and in its place you can install, a lovely bookcase on the wall.” -Roald Dahl

Necklace: ShopLately (Glint & Gleam)

Dress: Tulle

Shoes: Seychelles 'Ballad'

Blush: Estee Lauder 'Peach Nuance'

Lips: Revlon Lip Butter 'Tutti Frutti'

Our little 1,000 square feet of a house doesn't allow me to have every book at hand, so many of my friends (and enemies) reside in the attic. I'd love to have a sun room/ library someday with built-in bookshelves. Until then, I'm pretty satisfied to have all my favorites bunched together. Rowena and Gabriel have a bookcase as well. I'm not ashamed to say that I raid it often for a good read. ("A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest.” -C.S. Lewis) I tend to guard my bookcase with my life (exaggeration), as I recently caught my nephew skimming through Lolita. Someday, kid. Someday.

Please tell me your 'must have forever' book.

Love to you~

I'm a Tulle

2014-04-14T13:59:00.001-04:00

Top, Skirt: Gap

Scarf: Ross Dress for Less

Tights: c/o We Love Colors

Heels: Seychelles

Lipstick: Milani Fruit Punch

Nails: Orly

Photo dump alert! I recently chopped off my hair and I need to post all my pre-haircut photos. It feels wonderful to have all the death cut off from my head. I had visions of Scarlett à la Nashville tresses for the summer, but I've come to the sad conclusion that my hair isn't meant for it.

I love pairing red with touches of pink. A little unexpected, very fresh. I know I've lamented about the lack of red in my wardrobe before, but I want to reiterate: I need more red in my wardrobe.

Love to you

How I Lost 30 Pounds

2014-04-13T01:48:00.001-04:00

Before I reveal the whys and wherefores (oh, the redundancy!) of why I lost 30 pounds, I want to provide the answer to how I lost 30 pounds. Here is a severely unflattering photo of me at my heaviest:

And the after:

That's not right. Let's try again:

How did this picture of severe anxiety and frailty appear? Ah, senior year of college. You kill me. Okay, here we go:

Look at the air I can get in my bulky Irish sweater!
(I know you missed my maniacal grin.)

The only negative side effect from losing weight is that my ankle zipper jeans won't seem to leave my body.

I sincerely hope that these tips will help you. I put all of these into practice, and I fail all the time. Keep going.

Stop eating all treats and desserts. Go cold turkey on this one right away. My body was at a point where it needed something sweet every day. I told my body "screw you" and made it suffer. It is scary to change... scary to make the decision not to be dependent on more food than your body needs. It's scary to take control. For two weeks I had no treats. No hot chocolate. I finally allowed myself a piece of pie on Christmas; I had looked forward to it for days and I couldn't even finish it. Take that, poisonous gateway to yeast infections!

Weigh yourself every day. For a while, at least. It was terrifying, TERRIFYING, to step on the scale for the first non-pregnant time in years. That was the hardest step for me. After I saw that fateful number on the scale, that was it. Change needed to happen. I also decided to make weighing myself fun and interesting. Weight before and after a bowel movement? Pre-workout? Post-workout? Morning? Evening? It's fascinating! I would recommend putting a cap of two on the times you weigh yourself each day to avoid obsession. (Just do the pre and post poop, that's a must.) Also, keep in mind that muscle weighs more than fat, your weight fluctuates throughout the month, etc. Weight is not the most important factor, but it sure is interesting. I viewed it as a science experiment rather than a number mania. I now weigh myself once a week from curiosity; otherwise, I go by how my clothes fit. You won't see the results on your body right away, but the decreasing number on the scale gives you a helpful visual.

Don't wear deodorant while exercising. There's something so organic and disgusting to smell like a rotting pot of soup (my personal exercise scent) during and after your 80 degree run. "My body made this sweat. My body made this stench." It's gross, but very effective. It's also good for your body to naturally lose all those toxins that deodorant doesn't allow to escape your glandily glands. The cool shower afterward feels more amazing, too.

I was so ecstatic that I could run almost two miles... I took a ridiculous selfie. (2012)

Don't reward yourself with food or gifts; reward yourself with a workout. This is brainwashing at its finest. I used to think to myself, "If I work out hard, I can have a wee brownie." Nope, doesn't work. I exercised regularly for years and didn't change my diet. Ergo, I didn't lose weight. You can't outrun your diet. (I got that from some inspirational meme floating around. Whatever, it's true.) The day I started eating less was the day I began to lose weight. I now say to myself, "If I clean the bathroom and do the dishes, I can work out." It's exhilarating to manipulate myself and get away with it. Seriously though, this works. Give yourself the gift of a positive attitude toward hard work and exercise.

Don't eat after dinner. Nothing.
If you feel like you need to eat after dinner, drink tea. Just tasting something will help curb the craving. My personal favorites are Trader Joe's Harvest Blend Herbal Tea and Celestial Seasonings Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride. Both of these are seasonal offerings, dagnabbit.

Eat until you're still a little hungry. Suffer a bit. Think of those that don't have enough food on a daily basis. I hate to say it, but offer it up. I swear that in the morning, you won't feel the hunger from the day before. It's as if your body resets itself. Drink your morning coffee with a bowl of oatmeal under a bed of raisins, toasted pecans, and cinnamon. Weigh yourself, poop, and weigh yourself again.

I'll admit, I am very proud of my weight loss. However, I am prouder of that girl who, at thirty pounds heavier, pushed through and ran a 5k. (Can you believe that we're still at the same running pace?) She's way cooler than me, actually. I was always beautiful and awesome... but you knew that.

I will answer any and all questions in the comments! Thank you for reading.

PS- Do I have to put a disclaimer that I'm not a certified health person? Does Crazy Go Nuts University count?

School Spirit?

2014-03-12T23:59:00.000-04:00

Why do I always seem to wear Darin's high school colors? Royal blue and gold, gag me. (Can you tell I abhor anything to do with any high school? It's unjust, I know. I'm scarred.)

Beret: Forever 21

Pin: my Grandma's

Turtleneck: Gap

Jeans: American Eagle

Shoes: Keds (Do you see the stars?!)

Jacket: Nordstrom BP

Cat: Milton

I hope that you are having a wonderful end to your winter. My cold and bitter heart cannot wait for spring.

Blushing Balmshell

2014-03-05T00:42:00.000-05:00

About a year ago, I feel madly in love with blush. I used to collect shoes, but then lipsticks took over. I don't quite know how it happened, but the magical, transformative nature of THE BLUSH abruptly commandeered my heart. I now have a stupid drawer full of the addicting stuff. My face isn't complete without it. This Instain blush from TheBalm is a newly-acquired friend. I own one color, and what a color! "Lace" is like a hot pink punch of flowers to the face. It is a truly unique color and soft-not-powdery formula. It is one of my longest-wearing blushes!

Because of its pigmented superpowers, I use a Real Techniques Stippling Brush and gently dot and swirl up the side of my face to my temples.

TheBalm Instain blushes retail for $22.00 for 6.5 grams of product. (I scored mine for a mere $11.00 on Hautelook.) As usual with TheBalm, no talc is involved and no animals were tested.

Teacher's Pet

2014-02-28T00:55:00.000-05:00

Sweater, leggings: Mossimo by Target

Glasses: Warby Parker 'Marshall'

Necklace: ShopLately

Boots: Bronx
Eyeshadow: Urban Decay Deluxe Shadow Box (discontinued)
Foundation: Revlon Whipped 'Nude'
Blush: MAC 'Dame'
Lipstick: Laura Geller 'Berry Vanilla'

This is my typical work outfit: pajamas masquerading as clothes. I can go from teaching class and serving snacks to chucking dodgeballs at kids' heads with ease. This sweater is the best Target purchase I have ever made. The quality is shockingly great, the tapestry pattern looks like luxury, and it fits wonderfully. I wish it was still in stock (and still $9!) so that I could purchase old lady backups.

All right, off to work. I'm a youth minister for 5-8 graders at a Catholic Church. It's like being half teacher, half friend. An odd combination, but I think I've mastered it thanks to many rookie mistakes. I love my kids. Here are a few of them unsuccessfully plotting to scare me when I enter the building:

This "doll" mysteriously appeared in the church nursery. The moment was so earth-shattering, I Instagrammed it. Nobody knows where it came from. The fact that the nursery hasn't been used in months adds to the enigma. We call it Yak Baby. If you misbehave, you must hold him quietly on your lap for five minutes. I should probably get a teaching license.

He's always watching.

Forgive me NARS, for I have sinned

2014-02-26T12:26:00.000-05:00

Apologies for my temporary blasphemy, Dad, but it was just too perfect. A few months ago, I wrote a somewhat unfavorable review about NARS' blush in Sin. I will never write a first-impressions review again! I don't see the point; how can I judge something without fully getting to know it first? I need to test it out, play with it, explore our relationship, nurture it, perhaps spoon a little bit... After really putting it to the test, I love this blush now. Since NARS blushes have a stiff-like (not to be confused with dry) quality, a dense blush brush is needed. I stopped using the soft and wonderful Real Techniques Blush Brush and switched to the Ecotools line. The brush is still easy on the face, but it picks up more product while effectively blending out the edges. The Real Techniques brush is still my standby for buttery products like MAC's Pro Longwear blush. I am slowly realizing that my makeup is only as good as my tools. It makes such a difference!

NARS Sin is a perfect blend of pink and purple on my fair winter skin. I usually pair it with violety lips products like Revlon Colorburst 'Lilac' or MAC Rebel, but it also looks fresh with brownies a la MAC Twig. A surprisingly versatile plum blush! I give you my blessing to purchase it, because that was the only thing holding you back.

Thank you for reading!

I wonder what my penance will be...

Big Hair, Red Tights, Can't Lose

2014-02-25T01:48:00.000-05:00

Dress: The Limited

Cardigan: H&M

Tights: c/o We Love Colors

Wedges: Pour la Victoire

Glasses: Firmoo

Can anyone tell me why the gloriously gorgeous Adrienne Palicki hasn't received a good role since Friday Nights Lights? She and former beau Alan Tudyk of Firefly would make a good team. Fox, get on that. Actually, don't. Netflix, it's in your hands now.

It's been a while since I've worn my beloved red We Love Colors tights. I can't praise this brand enough! They are the sturdiest, softest, best-fitting tights I've ever owned. The $13 price point is more than fair, considering that my 4-year-old black pair is just now getting toe holes. I'll wear them until they disintegrate. (No, I'm not sponsored by them and the links aren't affiliate. Pinky swear.) Besides the 4.5 inch wedges, this outfit felt like pajamas. Honestly, how could I wear flats with screaming tights like these?

Have a loverly Tuesday, dear reader!

Zippers, Stripes, and Sequins

2014-02-24T01:44:00.001-05:00

Jacket, top: H&M

Jeans: Gap

Shoes: BC Footwear

Glasses: Firmoo

Lately, I've been forgoing the dresses in favor of jeans. These jeans, specifically. Ah, the zippers! There's something about the combination of the striped jacket and the sequined Peter Pan collar that makes me happy. It's very me: classic with a little modernity. I liked this outfit so much that I wore it two days in a row. We went shopping in Portland on Saturday... stop freaking out! Our destinations included Trader Joe's, the brewing store for Darin, and Greek food. No makeup or clothing, I swear. Sheesh. (And hey, free samples of Chanel perfume don't count.)

I love Portland, but I love coming home to this view even more.

Winter Peach

2014-02-21T19:27:00.000-05:00

I came to a bitter conclusion last night. I have too much stuff. Lipsticks, lotions, shoes, blushes, lip butters, lip balms, dresses, tights, eyeshadow, lip stains, and mascaras are taking over my life. (I obviously love lip products. I love my lips.) While cleaning and organizing my little bedroom last night, I felt suffocated, rather than happy, by my pretty things. It got me thinking... what's the point in having beautiful things if they don't bring a heartfelt peace or joy? Lent is in a couple weeks. I planned to give up purchasing makeup and clothing, but I am going to start now. Whew, it kind of hurt to type that... which means that this is definitely good for my broken materialistic soul. It's time for me to love and appreciate what I already have. $*#%. Seriously, $*#%.

Here's my face today. It was the first sunny day in what feels like months, so of course I had to wear peach on my eyes, cheeks, and lips.

Foundation: Clinique Super-Balanced in Alabaster. I do not recommend this at all- it doesn't dry down and melts off my face throughout the day.

Concealer: Maybelline Fit Me Concealer. This is one of my favorites! The texture is incredibly smooth.

Eyes: Inglot 407, Urban Decay Buck, Too Faced Piano Keys. Inglot 407 is a must-have! It's quite similar to Makeup Geek Cosmopolitan and MAC Expensive Pink. This duochrome peachy-pink beauty is in my top ten of eyeshadows, for sure.

Mascara: Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara. I like every Clinique mascara I've ever tried.

Bronzer: Too Faced Chocolate Soleil, my favorite matte bronzer. (Yup, it smells like chocolate.)

Blush: MAC Margin. This shimmery trinity of bronze, peach, and dirty rose is steadily moving up the ranks in my blush drawer. Gorgeous.

Lipstick: Revlon Lip Butter in Peach Parfait. This is a great way to compliment peachy looks without doing peach. The gold shimmer makes your lips look big and healthy.

And because you've always wanted to look inside my nose:

Until tomorrow, reader. <3>

nars 'sin' blush review

2013-11-25T12:34:00.000-05:00

The moment I receive my Ebates check, I purchase more makeup. This time, I thought I would splurge on a NARS blush. I already own the iconic 'Orgasm' from a Sephora sampler, but I wanted to branch out a little.

Dad, I know you're reading this. Yes, there is an actual blush called 'Orgasm.' Yes, I do know what that word means. On behalf of makeup-loving daughters everywhere, I apologize.

NARS 'Sin' was at the top of my list, as I've been searching for my perfect plum blush. The NARS website describes it as 'berry tone with gold shimmer.' In the pan, it looks quite neutral:

"Mama, please take a picture of me with the blush."

On the cheeks, it's quite flushed and pretty:

Unfortunately, it takes a lot of work to blend out this formula. I also had to keep layering it on for some actual color, as the product in the pan was stiff and not buttery at all. Hmph. For me, NARS blushes don't hold a candle to Tarte Amazonian Clay blush, which is my favorite formula. I don't find it worth the $29 price tag.

Does anyone have a plummy blush recommendation for me?

Also, don't tell my dad about other scandalous NARS names. He might keel over.

UPDATE: I have given this blush an unfair shake.
Please see my updated review!

bare arms no more

2013-11-22T12:49:00.000-05:00

Oregon hung on to summer as long as she could. Now the we're into full-fledged fall, I thought I'd halfheartedly reminisce about those gorgeous warm fall days. This outfit is from a gorgeous day we had a few weeks ago before the rain and frosty mornings officially began.

Blouse: Old Navy

Purse: Goodwill, no brand

Belt, skirt: Gap

Heels: Seychelles

Lipstick: Maybelline "Fuschia Flash"

downtown abbey

2013-11-09T14:36:00.001-05:00

Fall in Mount Angel demands frequent walk to the Abbey. The air on the hill is chillier, the view overlooking the valley is spectacular, and it never hurts to expose my children to the beauty and solitude of monastic life.

Coat: J. Crew via Salvation Army

Scarf: Gap

Burgundy ponte leggings: Target

Shirt dress thing: ASOS

Shoes: Seychelles

Ever since I joined the Abbey's Renaissance choir, I've spent a lot more time here and have been able to further appreciate the fact that I live so close to this wonderful place. Sometimes I steal some time away to read in the graveyard or sip tea in the newly refurbished bookstore. Then once I get all that twee out of the way, I don't clean my nasty kitchen while reading crappy dystopian teen novels on the toilet.

two of my favorite things

2013-11-07T14:09:00.000-05:00

"I think amethysts are just sweet. They are what I used to think diamonds were like. Long ago, before I had ever seen a diamond, I read about them, and I tried to imagine what they would be like. I thought they would be lovely glimmering purple stones. When I saw a real diamond in a lady's ring one day I was so disappointed I cried. Of course, it was very lovely, but it wasn't my idea of a diamond."
-Anne of Green Gables, L.M. Montgomery

I'm not a jewelry person. Well, I'm not an expensive jewelry person. My wedding ring is the most expensive piece (and most treasured, of course) until last month, when I received a gorgeous diamond eternity ring from Anjolee. I love it. It's a tad dainty with a touch of masculinity, just the way I like it.

I've worn this ring almost daily since I've received it. It's withstood hours of dishwashing, diaper-changes, showers, and workouts. It's exceeded my expectations, and I am convinced that I need more amethysts in my life. Anne, as usual, was right.

If you or someone you know needs some beautiful quality jewelry, I completely recommend Anjolee. Fast shipping, good communication, quality product, easy-to-navigate website. Me very happy.

My other favorite thing, you ask? That olive-gilded confection that's constantly been on my nails this fall. Butter London Wallis. If you purchase one overpriced Butter London polish in your life, make it Wallis.

Ah, the winning autumnal combination of my beloved amethyst ring and my goldeny-green nails. Perfection.

I Shoulda Worn Color

2013-10-04T15:10:00.000-04:00

Top: Forever 21

Jeans: American Eagle Hi-Rise Skinnies

Earrings, bracelet: ShopLately

Boots: Frye via Craigslist

Lipstick: Revlon Lip Butter in Wild Watermelon

Nail polish: Orly Purple Crush

I was drunk with exhaustion today. Gabriel has been the worst sleeper ever as of late. To 'awaken' my eyes, I put some white eyeliner in my waterline. Can you tell? Normally, I would have worn an outfit with a little more oomph. Bright top, floral dress, my red boots... all those things have a way of perking up my sleep-deprived self. At least I could count on this adorable stitched collar. I wonder if I will ever tire from sweet details like Peter Pan collars, scalloped hems, or embroidered rosebuds. Frankly, I hope not.

How do you stay awake?

Seriously, I'm in need of advice; my son may be out to destroy me.

O my Luve

2013-10-03T13:28:00.000-04:00

Dress: c/o Surfdome

Tights: c/o We Love Colors

Necklace, earrings: Shop Lately

Shoes: Bandolino

Say hello to my favorite dress. Everything about this frock is perfect to me; the pleating, split sleeves, relaxed waist, fluttery hem, and chain belt (surprisingly!) I love. Also, I claim red as My Color. This is my only red dress and I really couldn't imagine a better option. Welcome, pretty thing!

Surfdome is a UK-based website with a ridiculous amount of clothing. At first glance, it looks like it sells mainly surfwear, but no! There are some lovely dressy options, as well. My favorite brands from the site are Joules and French Connection. It's hard to find tea-length dresses, and Surfdome has several styles available.

I am ecstatic to finally have a red dress in my closet.

Seriously, what took me so long?

Disclaimer: Surfdome sent me the dress with no strings attached. (Thank you!)

Beginner Parenting: Gratitude

2013-09-23T13:58:00.000-04:00

When I was twelve, I wouldn't eat the Hamburger Helper. I hated it, and for good reason. When I told my mom that I refused to eat the gloopy brown noodles, she promptly placed a large photo of a starving African child in front of me. I sat there stubbornly for over two hours before she sent me to bed without dinner. My dinner made a truly disgusting breakfast the next morning. My mother's 'extreme' emphasis on gratitude has influenced my own parenting style. Case in point:

A few weeks ago, I picked Rowena up from her first day of kindergarten. Her mood was positively effervescent after the long day. In the car, she opened her lunchbox to feast on the leftovers: two cherry tomatoes, a maple cookie, and string cheese.

"Rowena, eat one of the tomatoes before you eat anything else, okay?"

"But I don't like tomatoes."

"I know you don't. Eat it anyway, please."

"But it's yuckyyyyyyy!"

Cue the crying, gagging, slouching, and passive-aggressively pressing her feet against the back of the driver's seat. This behavior is not typical of Rowena. I knew that the combination of hunger and exhaustion brought out the vinegar from my special snowflake of a daughter, so I tried not to freak out.

As my car sped through the country roads past farms and fields, a familiar dairy-scent filled my nostrils. (There's really nothing like rotting cow feces on a hot September day.) I stopped the car. In the middle of the road. It is important to note that Rowena is extremely sensitive to smell. She loves to smell everything, from her food to flowers to clean laundry to crayons. You name it, she sniffs it. With my eye on my rear view mirror, (which remained clear during the duration of this adventure) I gave Rowena a look of doom and said in my most powerful Mom-God voice, "Do you smell that? We will sit here until you eat that tomato!" After another mini-freakout, Rowena saw that I was serious. She stuffed the tomato in her mouth and chewed vigorously with minimal heaving. "Swallow it," I said mercilessly. She swallowed the offending fruit and gave a sigh of relief. I moved the car forward, past the Pit of Eternal Stench, not without a feeling of Did I Just Do That?

"Thanks for eating the tomato, Ro! Here's your cookie and cheese." After that, it was over. Rowena chatted happily about her lovely teacher and classmates for the rest of the ten-minute drive. She's a good egg.

My friend Joanna took this photo right before Rowena's first class.

Little did we know of the stinky adventure that awaited us that afternoon.

Fruit Salad

2013-08-26T15:44:00.003-04:00

Dress: Forever 21

Belt: Gap

Navy tights: Hue

Gold oxfords: Seychelles

Glasses: Warby Parker (Marshall)

Earrings: Shoplately

If you are in need of cute dresses on a budget and are size 8 and up, I highly recommend Forever 21's Plus Size section. I find that the dresses in that section are better quality than their regular line, with some added length and ability to actually move and play in! I plan on wearing this obnoxiously bright dress throughout the entire year, and I think navy tights and oxfords autumn it up nicely. Ah, late summer. This may just be my favorite time of year. Oktoberfest is just around the corner, Rowena begins kindergarten, choir practices start, Bath & Body Works pumpkin candles are back in season, and hot chocolate is definitely in my near future.

Summer Wedding Blues

2013-08-18T00:12:00.002-04:00

I just liked the title. No blues were had. Perhaps the only disappointment was that my camera completely ignored the metallic stars on my dress.

Dress: Forever 21

Cami: Shade Clothing (RIP)

Belt: Gap

Sandals: Miz Mooz

Earrings: Glint & Gleam

My friends got married outside, and it was beautiful. Amy, the bride, can be described as Pinterest in a mini mason jar. It was an adorable wedding, complete with a bluegrass band welcoming us as we entered the lawn. I brought along a strange man:

And met some dear friends:

We admired the decor of white with scatterings of hops and wildflowers:

And then the wine took over.