1 Year Surgerversary // Meeting Wendy // Seratones

Dress: Real Love Maxi Dress by Free People (size XL) via Nuuly

Sandals: Born

All Jewelry: Wendy Baker

Photography: Super Boo, Tess, Jason, & Me

Stats: 5'7" 39-37-48

I never thought I'd say this...but I guess I love pink. Most shades go well with my skin & hair...& almost give me a glow. I adored this maxi, even if my bra showed...the soft cotton was just such a fantastic warm weather casual dress. There were pockets & the fit was great. I felt pretty wearing this...that is always how you know it's a keeper...& makes me wonder, yet again, why do I wear anything less?

I was able to tuck my band in, but there was no hiding the bra straps...at least they match & are a pretty color. All the tassels, please. 

I wish my hair would stay this color longer...Brian has hit upon the perfect red for me.

My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Sabbath, Huda Beauty Neon eyeshadow palette, Rose Burst eyeshadow from Lime Crime, Bang lipliner by UD, Nectar lipstick from Sugarpill Cosmetics, & OPI nail polish in Orange You Going To The Game?

I came home to my favorite raspberries from Fern that David picked up at her farm while I was in Munising. I first wore this dress to hit up the Wednesday farmers' market...where I bought us flowers & veggies. After market, I drove out to Sauk to have my 1 year visit with my knee surgeon. It was exactly 1 year prior that I was in the hospital with him performing his magic on me. He told me I was abnormal...most knee replacement patients do not do as well as me. I continued to lose weight over this past year, I did all my PT, & I walk & move...because I'll never take that for granted again. I let him know how grateful I was to him for taking a chance on me...none of the doctors here would touch me, even though I had already lost 100 pounds. I was too fat for surgery. He told me it was patients like me that keep him going & enjoying his job. As the office door closed behind me, I heard him say to his nurse...extraordinary. The next day...I got to meet THEE Wendy Baker!!! Her daughter is starting medical school here & she made time for me during her whirlwind visit. We went to Marigold Kitchen for lunch & she is as delightful as her fabulous floral creations. I was so excited to be back at Marigold...I hadn't been there since 2019. Wendy chose a Grilled Sweet Corn, Black Bean, & Avocado Wrap (hominy corn, roasted red pepper, chipotle mayo, cucumber salsa, crushed tortilla chips & romaine, wrapped in a flour tortilla...served with fennel seed red cabbage slaw). I ate a Seared Shrimp & Avocado Caesar (orange, pickled radish, queso fresco, cilantro, garlic croutons, & romaine, with a lime avocado caesar dressing)...oh, my...this was so good I'm still thinking about it...& I just checked & it's no longer on their menu. Sadness. After chatting our way through our meal...we headed over to Batch Bakery to get some treats before I delivered Wendy back to her husband & daughter. Tess kindly offered to take pictures of us to document our first meeting. Wendy made the adorable dress she is wearing...& obviously, the necklace...she is a woman of many talents. I am so happy to have met this charming lady after decades of knowing her online. Later that day...Kate, Jason, & I traveled to Spring Green to see Seratones at The Shitty Barn.I made us a scrumptious cumin roasted salmon salad with a cilantro pistachio dressing...On to the show...Heavy Looks opened...& then we took a cute front row selfie...I had no idea what to expect or why we had all chosen to see Seratones...but, WOW! We made a fantastic choice...they were incredible. AJ had the entire barn up & dancing...it was amazing & so much fun! There needs to be more dancing at the barn. 

 

Visiting Brian: Munising Waterfalls // Swimming in Superior

Dress: Cherry Blossom Mini Dress by Free People (size L) via Nuuly

Leggings:

Sandals: Born

Purse: Portland Leather, gifted

Earring: etXarte

Necklace: JaelDesigns

Bracelet: Vintage

Photography: Super Boo, Brian, & Me

Stats: 5'7" 39-37-48

They say this is a dress, but...I wore leggings & needed to, as you can see here. I absolutely adored the mustard color, the plunging neckline (I wish the button would have stayed closed), the puffy sleeves, & ruffled layers with lace bits. This ran really big & I could have gone down 2 sizes.

I had to yank these out of my sleepware drawer because I didn't have any plain black leggings. David bought them for me & they're a nice snug fit. 

I'm so happy that I bought this brown flower necklace...it has such great autumnal colors & I always enjoy wearing it.

My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Bourbon & Lucky; Carnelian, Jasper, & Azalea eyeshadow from Natasha Denona; MAC lipliner in Chicory; Gothica lipstick by Kat von D; & OPI nail polish in Rising Star. 

I wore this outfit on my last full day in Munising with Brian. We started off with a breakfast I made...smoked salmon cream cheese omelets with roasted veggies & Cress Spring toast. Afterwards, we headed over to Gallery Coffee so I could see it in the daylight...we didn't get any coffee though...I can't remember why...it was probably too late in the day for me since I stop by noon. I think Brian told me one of the owners is a photographer & this is his work on display...stunning pictures of the U.P. 

This space is even prettier in the light...such a great old building.

I'm in love with that shipwreck photo...perhaps next time I am there I will get some prints.

We had decided to stay in Munising & explore...first up, Miners Falls...a wee wonderful wooded walk...

I love waterfalls...surprising since my mom used to drag me to them when I was a kid & I remember being hot & lots of mosquitos...now I seek that out on my own.

Then...on to Miners Castle, the Pictured Rocks area is so beautiful.

I remember this from when I was a kid...I know I've been to all the places we went on this day...but this one is more memorable...or perhaps it's just because it's so iconic to this area. Just look at that water...

We hiked down to get closer to it, but really...it's more dramatic from far off.

And our last stop, Munising Falls...I think we ended up walking around 5 miles...such a delightful day.

A kind stranger offered to take our picture.

Back at Brian's...I noticed their neighbor's hydrangea bush across the street...I've never seen one so stunning...it had ALL the colors. How do they do that?! I convinced Brian that going swimming was a good idea, so we put Kyra in the car & went to the beach. 

I love water so much...especially my lake, Lake Superior. I couldn't believe how nice the water was...I wanted to say warm, but...well, for Superior, it certainly was. Back at home...I made us roasted veggies with Thai peanut sauce. 

The next day, I had to say goodbye for now. I headed into Marquette to meet Bryant for coffee (I know, I'm wearing the day before's dress, but I didn't want to put my days out of order). Bryant & I hadn't seen each other in 10 years! We'd had a falling out & I was happy he asked if I wanted to get together. And he told me about the perfect beach nearby so I could go for a final swim...Founders Landing...

I was alone with the exception of a pair of day drinkers. Swimming in the sunshine in the warm water was marvelously relaxing. 

Just above...Lake Michigan on my drive home. I had intended to go swimming here too, but I only went up to my knees...too dirty after spending time in my perfect lake...just look at the difference behind me in the water. And so ends my vacation. 

 

Visiting Brian: A Night of Music

Dress: Teal Floral Print Fit & Flare Dress (size 0x) by Smak Parlour via Gwynnie Bee

Teggings: Re/Dress

Sandals: Born

Earrings & Necklace: Wendy Baker 

Bracelets: Vintage

Photography: Super Boo, Brian, & Me

Stats: 5'7" 40-37-53

Another adorable dress from Smak Parlour...they make cute things in fun patterns, but they are terribly cheap & I would never buy one...although, so far every dress I've gotten has been in good shape. Fabulous retro 70s print. This was a great fit...it was big on me, but that's my fault for picking the wrong size. Based on my past experience, this brand fits tts. 

I love these shoes & am so happy I got them! Unfortunately, after only a few wears...they are separating between the foot & heel...I am going to glue them in the hope that will fix it. They are SO comfortable. 

Wendy jewelry goes with everything & makes it better...

My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Perversion, Huda Beauty Neon eyeshadow palette, Bang lipliner & lipstick from UD, Clockwork lipstick by Sugarpill Cosmetics, & OPI nail polish in Orange You Going To The Game?

I first wore this dress to work, Wednesday farmers' market, & to get outfit photos. New Dansko sandals found on Poshmark. 

The second time I wore this dress was while visiting Brian. We got up in the morning & went to his salon so he could cut & color my hair...look at this newfangled machine! He can store my formula in it & it will magically mix it up. 

Back at Brian's house, I made some Butter Shrimp with Kimchi & roasted veggies. Then we went into Marquette to run a few errands & go to Ore Dock Brewing Co. to see Michael Waite's band, Adam Sawfox. Brian has been a fan of his for years (he used to play at farmers' market when Brian had a stall there), but I only got into him during the pandemic when he would do live shows on Facebook. 

Brian ordered an Ore Dock beer & I chose one of their Breakwater Seltzers, Strawberry Champagne, I think? It was delightfully refreshing. While waiting for the music to start, we played Blokus...there were missing pieces with every color, so we made up our own set. 

This particular weekend was Ore Dock's 10 year anniversary party. I remember coming here shortly after they opened with my parents. 

Michael Waite & Adam Sawfox. They were good, but really unorganized...it was like watching a rehearsal in their basement. We stuck around until intermission, then drove back to Munising to see the next band.

Church of Cash at Gallery Coffee...the place was packed. We had originally thought Brian's nephew was going to save us a seat, but he was worn out from work & stayed home...so we were on our own. Shortly after we walked in, someone shouted my name & gave me a hug. It turns out it was Erika, who had friended me on Facebook a few years back...but I was never sure how I knew her. She told me I'd cut her hair back when I was in cosmetology school & I'd made a big impression on her because of how I was back then & I had told her not to let anyone tell her who she was or what to do with her hair. It was really nice to chat with her & hear a bit of her story. This cover band was SO good...I would seek them out & see them again. 

With no place to sit...I thought, I might as well dance. So I did. Hilariously, at the end of the night, I got several compliments on what a good dancer I am. I'm used to lots of comments on how I look, but never my dancing. That made me smile. It's not easy to put yourself on display doing something you think you're terrible at...& then to hear nice feedback...was...nice. 

 

Visiting Brian: Sunflowers // U.P. State Fair // Tracey's // Gallery Coffee Co

Dress: Sunflower Strapless Midi Dress by Anthropologie (size L) via Nuuly

Sandals: Born (both pairs)

Cardigan: Jessica Howard (size M), thrifted

Purse: Thomas Leather, Art Fair on the Square

Necklace: bel monili 

Earring: Wendy Baker

Bracelets: Vintage

Photography: Super Boo, Brian, & Me

Stats: 5'7" 40-37-53

I adore sunflowers! The fabric on this was quite substantial, almost like a lightweight denim. I was glad I listened to the reviews that it ran large & sized down...I could have even gone down 2 sizes as the top was especially roomy. Fun dress with pockets, great fit & flare shape. And being covered in smiles made me & everyone around me...happy all day. This dress got a ton of compliments. 

I mostly wore a cardigan over this dress...held together with a little flower pin I found at Elkhorn. I had so many choices of sandals to wear...I couldn't decide...so I wore 2 for this photoshoot. 

I know my Art Fair on the Square purse is carved with Black-eyed Susan, but I still thought it was a lovely match. 

These were the shoes I thought looked best with this outfit...

I was rather pleased with this necklace selection...

My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Bourbon; Punk, Double Life, Breakaway, Blaze, & Ignite eyeshadow from UD; Sugarpill Cosmetics eyeshadow in Buttercupcake; MAC lipliner in Chicory; Heat lipstick by UD; Kat von D lipstick in Gothica; & OPI nail polish in Talk of the Town Brown. 

I first wore this dress to get my final pedicure of the season...where I went with the same metallic burnt orange I always go with...but this Vinylux in Candlelight...oh, my...I have a lot of yellow polish, but not a mustard...must find, as it is my favorite shade. Oh, look! A purse in my favorite shade! Portland Leather contacted me through my Instagram & asked if they could send me the purse of my choice in exchange for 2 posts. I typically ignore those requests as I'm quite picky, but their purses looked nice...& how adorable is this round bag?! It's their large circle crossbody bag in sunflower. I LOVE it! I use it all the time as it matches nearly everything I wear. I want it in lavender...& I would absolutely collect any they put out in other fun colors (orange, please!). Thanks, Portland Leather! 

I wore this outfit all day long on my first full day visiting Brian in the U.P. I had seen friends up there post about Hall Farms 20 acre sunflower field in Rock & I needed to go. We just squeaked in on the final days before they all hung their heads for the season. It had been 5 years since I was last surrounded by sunflowers...too long. 

This is by far the best sunflower field I've ever been to...it's FREE, the paths are nice, there are 2 observation decks so you can get the best views, & there are adorable photo-ops. 

Gorgeous...surrounded by happy smiling faces on a sunny day.

And as it was a Friday morning, not too many people. I bought a few postcards & gave them a donation on our way out. They had bouquets of sunflowers for sale, but they would not have survived all day in the hot car. What a lovely peaceful time we had. 

On to our next adventure of the day...the U.P. State Fair. When I drove through Escanaba the day before, I noticed it was all set up...neither Brian nor I had been in decades...so we went! Tickets to ride! 

First up, the Tilt-A-Whirl...it was on this rather tame ride that I realized I wasn't feeling so great. The richness of the pasties the night before were not sitting so well...I have an iron stomach, so I was surprised. So, the rides were not as fun as I was imagining. 

But we still managed to have a good time. Brian could not convince me to go completely upside-down though. He had to ride this one solo...Top Gun. Then, a big mess of jambalaya.

A nice view of Lake Michigan...I think they could have made a lot of money if they put a table in the center of this & served us wine as we took in the scenery. Up next, & last, that ride with the yellow seats.

I decided to take my sandals off for this one so they didn't fall off. And that ended our fair experience. 

Back in Munising...we had reservations at Tracey's...where we sat outside to enjoy the lovely weather & view of Lake Superior. Brian had a Dirty Sue (Gypsy vodka, Cinzano extra dry vermouth, blue cheese olives, premium olive juice) & I began with a Blueberry Maple New Fashioned (Iron Fish maple bourbon, craft liqueur, Rock River maple). 

We ordered a bunch of small plates to share...Truffled Pasta Alfredo (Menominee County cream, forest mushrooms, shaved Parmesan, cracked black pepper), Smoked Whitefish Agnolotti (maple swede cream, fennel, pistachio, pecorino romano), & Dockside Calamari (crispy squid rings, cherry peppers, sweet chili aioli). All delicious. Munising is a small town & this restaurant would be at home in Madison. They use local ingredients & their menu changes with the seasons...just not something that is common up there...so it's really special. 

Seared Steak Tataki (peanut chili crunch, orange, fresh herbs), Crispy Brussels Sprouts Salad (Grano, blue cheese, cherries, sunflower seeds, shallot, maple), & Crispy Cream American Potatoes (double fried fingerlings, melted leeks, white cheddar sauce). 

And finally (perhaps one dish too many), Ahi Tuna Poke (served true Kauai style, shoyu & sesame, spicy mayo). And I had to finish with a Michigan Mule (Ciroc apple, cranberry, lime, Gosling ginger beer). A truly delightful meal with the best company. After dinner...we drove the car back to Brian's house & walked down to Gallery Coffee Company to see the bands that were playing. 

What an absolutely gorgeous space. I got some special drink of the night with a huge sprig of rosemary. So many cool old radios. 

We tried to enjoy the band, but they were just loud & not very good...but we were definitely going to come back the next night for the Johnny Cash tribute band. Home to chocolate peanut butter bars & Kyra. What a fun filled day! Poor Brian...I dragged him all over the place...I think he enjoyed it though. I hope.