Period Garden Park

Dress: Melinda Tiered Tunic from Maeve by Anthropologie (size 2x) via Nuuly (use my link & we both get $10 off)

Teggings: Re/Dress, RIP

Sandals: Born

All Jewelry: Colleen Toland

Photography: Super Boo & Me

Stats: 5'7" 47-45-65

All the glorious colors in this dress...it looked like a painting, perhaps a bit Flower Garden by Gustav Klimt. The shape was not flattering, but pretty & comfortable. It was oversized with a great v-neck & nice & light for summer...although I could see wearing this in spring or fall with a cardigan. I, of course, wore it with my trusty teggings. 

I wanted to take pictures of this dress with flowers...& I remembered this adorable little park next to where Angie used to live downtown. I haven't been there in years & we've never taken photos there. It was 45 minutes until sunset...so, supposedly the perfect picture taking time. I'm not sure why the light was so awful...it was baffling.  

I hate matchy matchy, but sometimes you just have to do it...especially when you have the whole set from Colleen Toland. 

My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Mars; Kat von D eyeshadow in Ouija, Löve, & Vinyl; Orange County lipliner by NYX; Bang lipstick by UD; Peach Bellini lipstick from NYX, & OPI nail polish in Orange You Going To The Game? 

The much easier to manage West Side Market on Saturday...the girlie buying produce. She has to push me around in a wheelchair, so going around the square is a bit much. Look at these shoes I found in the Fluevog FB! From the Time family: Bridget. I have these in all black, but have always coveted the black & yellow colorway. 

David came home from Costco with these cute pajama sets (2 of them leopard!) in size XXL...I thought he might be a little off, but they totally fit me. They are ridiculously soft & comfortable. I cannot believe I found these BRAND NEW never worn boots on eBay...cheaper than the sale price (they are sold out in my size). I was very sad I hadn't grabbed them. I am in love. The stairs to Period Garden Park. 

Look how much better I look in this photo taken with my iPhone...sometimes when the light is bad, we should just take pictures with our phones. I mean, someday we'll just abandon our fancy Nikon. 

DJs playing tunes. My terrible awful legs/feet. After 2 different medical issues with my legs, they look dreadful below the knee...discolored & scarred. I had to take these pics to send to Mar to be considered by them for tattooing me. My goal is to have my lower legs completely tattooed by next summer so I don't have to wear teggings/leggings unless I want to. I submitted 5 ideas for tattoos & they picked my naked bat/woman idea, which will be on the inside of my right calf. It's a start! 

 

Rough Crossing

Dress: Summer Fruits Augusta Dress by Hutch (size 2x) via Gwynnie Bee

Teggings: Re/Dress, RIP

Sandals: Born

All Jewelry: Wendy Baker

Photography: Super Boo, Jason, & Me

Stats: 5'7" 47-45-65

I was madly in love with this fruit dress. Any dress with fruits or veggies on it...I need it. The kaftan sleeves & handkerchief hem were nice touches, the neckline was ideal, & the length, perfect. The waist had elastic, but there was otherwise no stretch. The material felt a tad cheap & there was a lining. I would change nothing about this fruity frock. I got several compliments on this dress at the play. 

All these colors & I didn't have ANY teggings to match...so I went with pink...which coordinated. 

I broke out the colorful eyeshadow for this dress...it called for it, don't you think? 

My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Junkie; Donut, Pineapple, & Seashell eyeshadow by Violet Voss; Game Over & Continue? eyeshadow by Sugarpill Cosmetics; NYX lipliner in Nectar; Bite Beauty lipstick in Zinfandel; Big Bang lipstick by UD; & Gimme a Lido Kiss nail polish by OPI. 

The girlie opening the bubbles for our picnic at American Players Theatre. Angie drove the 5 of us there in her land yacht (minivan)...it was kind of amazing not to have to cram that many adults in a regular car.  

Our dinner was delightful. I made a salmon salad with dill, ginger, sliced citrus, cucumbers, radishes, fennel, & avocado. I also added some green onions & sugar snap peas that were on the table. Kate & Jason made kelp noodles with a peanut sauce, cucumbers, & sesame tofu. Kelp noodles...I will admit, I thought they sounded disgusting, but I'm up for trying new things. They were actually quite good. Shocking. 10/10, I'd eat this meal again. 

Kate has the cute face down...I don't know about Jason. Angie got a case of fresh peaches from Georgia & they were chin dripping & delightful. Me & David...& I *don't* have the cute face down.

Me & the girlie...

I took a bus ride to the top of the hill (stupid knee) with the NICEST driver. He had a mask on that his wife got for the whole family with photos of their dog all over it. A first...I was the only person on the bus. The show was only sold at 50% capacity & masks were required even though it was outside & distanced. The grounds at APT are all prairie, native grasses, & flowers...I always think it's so pretty. We've been sitting much further back than I usually buy tickets for (so many seats left empty) & I don't hate it. The stage for Rough Crossing by Tom Stoppard...it was hilarious & as always, wonderful acting...& fabulous friends. 

 

5+ Months of Lifting Weights

Dress: Leo Almond Sweetheart Dress by Leota (size 2L) via Gwynnie Bee

Teggings: Re/Dress, RIP

Sandals: Pr!vo by Clarks, thrifted

Earring: Kerala Rose

Necklace & Bracelet: Vintage

Photography: Super Boo & Me

Stats: 5'7" 47-45-65

Another gorgeous Leota dress...I am in love with these sweetheart dresses...they have a great shape & fit just right. I always have to pin the neckline closed, but otherwise perfect. And leopard?! Hello. 

These teggings are brown...it was still pretty early in the day when we took these photos, so the light wasn't the best. 

I always like softer warm neutral make-up on me...no one ever thought I'd say that. My favorite lipstick for this kind of look is Trinket from Sugarpill. My only complaint about it is it dries out super quickly...due to all the amazing glitter? You didn't think I'd just like some boring neutral lip color, did you? Glittery.

My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Double Life; Crisp, Spice, Spice Baby, & Warm & Cozy eyeshadow from Too Faced; Sugarpill Cosmetics liquid lip color in Trinket; & OPI nail polish in Didgeridoo Your Nails?

After so many painful health problems, I decided to pay attention to my body. Weight loss is not my main goal, but it is certainly necessary for me to get rid of several issues I have...& it's the most visible one. This is me in this same Leota sweetheart dress in a size 5L vs today's dress in a 2L. I was happy in both photos. What you can't see: I'm in less pain when I walk, none of my disgusting leaky leg issues have come back, I'm off all insulin for diabetes, & I have so much more energy. The list is actually too long for me to write it all out here. 

DJs DJ-ing. David bought this keto bread he wanted to try...it was alright, at best. I'll stick to real food, thanks. But putting salmon salad into hollowed out cucumbers has been one of my favorite meals lately. Hi, Val!

Dinner with David, Angie, & Freddie. Angie had these Flintstonian steaks that David cooked on the grill. I finished 1/2 of it. Zucchini with garlic-y kale pesto & whipped Israeli feta (with a bit of ricotta, herbs, cream, & lemon zest), grilled mushrooms, & a delightful red wine that Kate picked out for us to eat with meat. 

David got the cook just right on mine...medium rare. Raspberries for dessert. Freddie likes to push David over & then David pretends he can't get up without a hand up...it's adorable. Me with Sadie. 

Every Monday, Wednesday, & Friday...David & I hit the gym to lift weights. It's been over 5 months now & we haven't missed a day. I love feeling myself get stronger. I haven't been able to walk without pain for over 20 months. I use a cane to walk short distances (10 minutes or less) & David has to push me in a wheelchair if longer walking is required. I need my right knee replaced. However, most surgeons will not do this for people with a BMI over 40. My primary found me a doctor in a nearby town that has a history of doing surgery on folks over a 40 BMI. I met with him & liked him a lot. He scheduled me for a knee replacement on August 24th. Then my insurance denied me...they thought I should go to a local UW doctor. It's been weeks of waiting to see if they will let me go ahead with this surgeon. Finally, on Friday...my doctor's office called to tell me something unrelated & I asked if they had heard from my insurance...& they said YES! So, in less than a month I will get a new knee & never take walking for granted ever again. A cool old truck we saw in the gym parking lot. 

 

4th of July

Dress: Feliza Tiered Midi Dress by Anthropologie (size 2x) via Nuuly (use my link & we both get $10 off)

Sandals: Born

Earring: The Embellishing Room

Necklace & Bracelet: Wendy Baker

Photography: Super Boo, Kate, & Me

Stats: 5'7" 47-45-65

I simply adored all the sherbert-y colors in this pretty dress. It was a bit large up top, but otherwise great. It came with tiny removable straps that I chose not to wear as they simply weren't needed...there was some stay-up rubber (like on thigh highs) under the elastic top. This dress had pockets & was a nice summer cotton. Of course you can clearly see what my favorite part of this frock was...tassels!!! Lining the hem of the dress & on the ends of the belt. Adorable. 

David: I don't think that seam is supposed to be in the middle of your chest.

Me: Yes it is, that's the way it's made.

David: That really doesn't look right.

Me: It's fine. 

There are times when you should listen to your husband instead of your anxiety. Since there are no straps...the dress got twisted as I was putting it on to go get my hair cut. I should have stopped to consider...why would they put an odd bust dart like seam right in the middle of the dress? Nope. Anxiety. David tried to get me to play with the dress & I just wasn't having it. So, that is why I've got a twisted looking top & weird seam on my chest in these photos. The second time I put it on it looked great...seams in the correct place & oh, look! there's pockets! I thought these colors looked fabulous on me...My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Love Drug, NYX eyeshadow palette in Brights, Bite Beauty lipliner in 72, Orange County lipliner by NYX, NYX Liquid Suede in Foiled Again & Life's A Beach, & OPI nail polish in Tempura-ture is Rising!About to get my hair cut...I usually wait until I need my hair cut NOW to make an appointment...but this time I scheduled a month ahead of time...& busy Sigrid was booked out ~2 months, so I put myself on her cancellation list & got in, yay! DJs playing tunes on Twitch. West side farmers' market with the girlie. Kate liked how my hat matched my dress...it was a total accident & just the hat I had in the car. Note the band playing behind me...we love that about west market. Another favorite meal at home...mixed greens & spinach salad with shrimp, cilantro, & avocado with a lime/evoo dressing...& Fern's fabulous raspberries. Pink & black Fluevogs from their sale. I will wear these a lot. Ribeye steak with cauliflower & a bit of sweet potatoes. Chicks DJing my night. Salmon with garlic, dill, lemon, & the last of the in season asparagus. Curried deviled eggs for our tiny 4th of July fire. Me & the girlie!I'm not sure why we thought a 90°+ day would be a good time for fire, but here we are. David made all the yummy food we could eat...bell peppers, scapes, mushrooms, broccoli, lobster tail, & scallops. And of course there was fabulous sparkling wine from Michigan thanks to Kate. Everything tastes better cooked over fire. Jason eating Kate's brain. The next day Kate & Jason came over so Kate could organize her cellar a bit. She mostly made a pile of both reds & whites for us to drink...although I not so secretly enjoy drinking a bottle (she told us we could drink anything), taking a picture, & posting it...& her trying not to get upset we drank a bottle she was saving with a purpose in mind. I am a terrible person. Doggies! They like to wait at the top of the stairs for me. 

 

Meet Veronika

Dress: Butterfly Print Fit & Flare Dress by Eva Rose (size 3x) via Gwynnie Bee 

Teggings: Re/Dress, RIP

Sandals: Born

Earring: Wendy Baker

Necklace: The Embellishing Room

Bracelet: Vintage

Photography: Super Boo & Me

Stats: 5'7" 47-45-65

I was SO happy to get this Eva Rose butterfly dress from GB! They remind me of Cherry Velvet dresses...such a great shape in a nice cool non-stretchy cotton. I had this one at home for over a month...waiting for the right occasion to put it on. Finally, I just had to wear it. Perfection. There is nothing I would change about this dress...it's like it was made just for me. 

I'm always thrilled when I get to pick up the orange in a dress with more orange.

In my next post, I get a haircut...but this doesn't look that bad. 3 months seems to be the sweet spot...my hair doesn't grow that fast. I think I went 9 months during the pandemic? 3 months is perfect because it means I don't have to hack at my bangs myself. 

My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Abyss; Kat von D eyeshadow in Analogue, Fran, & Legend; Orange County lipliner by NYX; Bite Beauty lipliner in 72; MAC lipsticks in Habanero & Dozen Carnations; & OPI nail polish in Orange You Going To The Game?

We eat a lot of delicious meals at home...David & I are lucky that we both like to cook...but so many of our meals are truly just so simple. We eat this shrimp spinach salad ~once a week. I made a new Instagram to share my story of what getting healthy looks like to me (food & weight lifting)...@becomingmeshel. Carsie! I couldn't have gotten through the pandemic without her monthly concerts online. And...another new pair of Fluevogs...aren't they amazing?! There are strands of glittering metallic threads that don't photograph well that I wasn't expecting. 

Another favorite lunch...salmon salad in cucumbers...& the overlap of strawberry & raspberry season at market, heavenly. Getting my teeth cleaned at the dentist...I skipped last year. And...I used the occasion of picking up the new car we ordered months ago to finally break out the dress...here's David getting the tour of our Dodge Challenger, Veronika. I became obsessed with owning a 1970 (the year I was born) Challenger in Plum Crazy, but was finally talked out of it by Jay Leno. We watched videos of him driving both his old & new Challengers & I trust him that the old one just isn't as much fun. Plus, I'm old...& comfort matters. So, meet Veronika...we picked her up with 20 miles on her. Look, M + D (Meshel/Muffin + David). We got her in black because they haven't made Plum Crazy since 2019 & we couldn't find a used one we liked. Our plan is to get flames painted on her!Our first drive...to the Tuesday farmers' market, then these outfit photos.Us with Veronika...we had to do it. I was really tempted to do some topless photos with her...it just seemed like the thing you do with a muscle car...right?! DJs playing music & Michael Waite playing live. My gross scarred leg at the dermatologist's office...getting that dark raised mole removed...what's another scar? I am hoping to eventually get my legs completely covered in tattoos so the scars are all hidden. Canned sardines that my girlie got me from Spain...on top of pea shoots with a side of Parmesan Whisps (everything bagel variety). Dinner with Angie & Freddie. I made Anna Pump's Grilled Chicken Salad, but better. We followed the marinade & dressing from the recipe, but added green onions (instead of red onion), raspberries & strawberries (instead of dried fruit), sugar snap peas, mixed greens, cucumber, & avocado. It was the BEST version of this we've ever made...using what was in season & leftovers from Angie's fridge. David & Freddie playing (David had his eyes dilated earlier)...always fun to watch.