Who's Your Baghdaddy? Or How I Started The Iraq War // Sal's After Hours

Dress: Printed V-Neck Dress from Plenty by Tracy Reese (size M) via Nuuly

Sandals: Fluevog, Picnic: Kerry

All Jewelry: Colleen Toland

Stats: 5'7" 38-32-42

All the colors...all the patterns...of course I adored this dress. It caught my eye in the Anthropologie window, so I was pleased to get it from Nuuly. Slip dresses are not the most flattering on a pear-shaped figure...but I don't mind stepping outside my fit & flare comfort zone. A great maxi length on me as I could have worn flats if I wanted to, adjustable straps, zip up back, not bra friendly. 

These Fluevogs are a bit too chunky for this dress...I wanted to wear some purple snake print heels...but I could only find one of them...now you know the state of my closet.

I think these are my most worn Fluevogs...it's easy to find outfits to wear with them with all those colors. 

Bruised from surgery...

I wore this dress to see a play at UW with David...but first, pictures at the capitol...then a walk to Memorial Union...it was a hot day & these kids had the right idea. A client recommended Who's Your Baghdaddy? Or How I Started The Iraq War. I looked it up & I was skeptical...it sounded horrible...a musical comedy about the Iraq war...hmmmm...but...I trust this person, so we got tickets & went. We were greeted with doughnuts (declined...chain, not local...snob) & a friendly welcoming vibe. It became clear we were at a support group meeting & all the actors were talking to us in character like they knew us or were happy to meet us. 

This play was delightful...singing, dancing, rapping, hilariously funny & serious too. I'm so happy we took a chance. Afterwards, we were hungry...but all the kitchens in Madison close at 10...however, we discovered that Sal's on Livingston will serve you pizza at the bar until 11...we dashed on over. I began with a seasonal cocktail, A Currant Affair (Death's Door gin, Aperitivo Nonini, champagne currant syrup, lemon), garnished with market currants...it was fantastic. Sultry selfie. 

David had a Blackberry Jalapeño Marg (Agave de Oro Blanco, Clockwork Orange, blackberry jalapeno syrup, lime). Then...the pies...for David, Fat Uncle Tony (mozzarella/romano, pepperoni, sausage, bacon, red sauce, basil), while I chose a Pie Elote (mozzarella, roasted corn, bacon, Calabrian chili, Serrano chili & lime mayo, tajin spice, micro cilantro)...my pizza was outstanding...they both were, but this was my first corn pie. 

We had a lovely friendly bartender, Jamison, who made sitting at the bar fun. One more drink before heading home...David got The Old Razzle Dazzle (Sal's single barrel Wollersheim Two Mile bourbon, amaro nonino, raspberry mint syrup, lime) & I had The Final Flight (Death's Door gin, heirloom genepy, creme de violette, lime). A completely enjoyable evening. 

 

Brian Visits Madison: Mint Mark & Comedy on State // Will Hoge with Lou Shields

Dress: Exploded Floral Maxi Dress from Plenty by Tracy Reese (size M) via Nuuly

Sandals: Fluevog, F-Trip: Bridget

Earring: Wendy Baker

Necklace: bel monili

Bracelets & Purse: Vintage

Stats: 5'7" 38-32-42

I rented this gorgeous floral maxi (that looks like it was made out of bedsheets from the 70s) last summer & I needed to wear it again...this cotton dress is warm weather perfection in my favorite colors. As it's cotton, it wrinkles easily & poofs out a bit in front, just below the waist...cotton never behaves. No bra could be worn with this, but the adjustable ties hold you in place just fine. I could have bought it for just $80 ($250 new), but I enjoyed wearing it several times & sent it back. 

This dress is 2 sizes smaller than the one I rented last year...it was a great fit & didn't need to be as tight since I don't need as much chest support.

The purse & shoes are the same because they are ideal...my jewelry is different though. Pockets!

These Fluevog sandals were the right color & vibe...

I think I like my make-up & jewelry better this time around. 

My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Zero, Clinique liquid liner in black, Ten & Candles eyeshadow from Lime Crime, UD lipstick in Bang, Clockwork lipstick by Sugarpill Cosmetics, & Essie nail polish in Sexy Plunge. 

I first wore this beauty when Brian came to visit us! He was worried we wouldn't want to go to Mint Mark again...but we hadn't been since he was here the previous month. Note: Brian is wearing my leopard belt. 

We like to get there shortly after 4 when they open...to secure a table outside, but food service doesn't start until 5...so, we have no choice but to enjoy cocktails & each others company. David had his favorite, Sangrita (Espero Blanco tequila, ginger, lime, orange, chili, mango; Brian had a Mint Mark Martini "EVOO" (olive-oil washed Four Pillars olive leaf gin, Italicus Rosalio di Bergamotto, Bravo Pretty vermouth, Zucca Rabarbaro, dill syrup, lemon), & I chose a new to me drink, The G.O.A.T. (MMSB Limousin rye, Lazzaroni amaretto, charred lemon cordial, strawberry shrub, Angostura bitters, lemon).

Second round...David, Rhubarb Tonic (Far North Anna's Garden gin, rhubarb, tonic, lemon, seltzer); Brian, Rotating Draft/ Strawberry Tea Spritz (strawberry gin, tea, other stuff); & for me, Sky Rocket (Banhez mezcal, passion fruit, savory herb, dijon, lime, lava salt). I think...I mean, I don't really remember exactly. 

When we were last here...the waitress brought our food so fast it filled me with anxiety...our server on this day, Heather, was every bit as good as our other favorite, Ruby. She made this amazing meal even more delightful. We began with...Kohlrabi (chicken jus, cherries, ricotta, hazelnut) & Biscuits (cultured butter, garlic honey). These biscuits are the ideal blend of sweet & savory. Brian licking the skillet says it all. They are *that* fantastic. 

Next up: Heirloom Tomato (sourdough, whipped beef fat, herbs), Tajarin (sungold sugo, pecorino, basil), & Cauliflower (Bagna Cauda, golden raisins, crispy cheese fines herbes) Me about to enjoy a Somewhere That's Green (El Tesoro Blanco tequila, heirloom Creme de Flora, grapefruit cordial, basil syrup, pink peppercorn tincture, lemon).

Hidden under those delectable chips...Tartare (Seven Seeds sirloin tip, dark cherry sofrito, Rainer cherries, pine nuts, horseradish, chips). And of course, I always have to have the Wisconsin Fish Fry (Hamms battered perch, tartar sauce, coleslaw, rye bread, fries). Anolini (basil, ricotta, heirloom tomato brodo, pecorino) & another favorite, the Cheeseburger (caramelized onion, cheddar, fancy sauce, pickles, fries). This fantastic menu is constantly changing with the seasons...you could come here every week & try something new. Just don't ever take the sex biscuits off the menu!

Their draft Nitro Espresso Martini is so exquisite, we each had to have our own (State Line vodka, Kin-Kin coffee liqueur, Nardini, Giffard orgeat, espresso, Regan's orange bitters). It's by far the finest espresso martini I've ever had. 

For dessert, Brian opted for another biscuit, while David & I shared a Skillet Cookie(rye chocolate chip, brown sugar bourbon ice cream, butterscotch). We always leave here happy & satisfied. 

On to our next stop...Comedy on State to see Kevin Bozeman. David bought us tickets...he never plans the things we do...but his credit card sent him a special offer & he watched a bit of Kevin's standup online & was immediately laughing. The only downside to this club is the 2 drink minimum...but the drinks are not very strong. David had an ice cream drink, Banana Split, while Brian & I opted for Long Island Slushies (mine in mango & Brian's in pomegranate). 

I think we all got some sort of ice cream drink for our second round after the show started. All 3 comedians were funny & we had a swell silly time. Brian & I used to come here often when he lived in Madison. The second time I wore this outfit...we stopped at my haberdashers studio to look through fabrics for her to make me a few sunhats. She didn't have any of the large brimmed ones for sale at Art Fair on the Square this year...so she offered to make me some. It was fun picking out pretty fabrics...although I wonder if she'd make me a hat out of material I brought her...something a bit more outrageous than she has on hand. 

Her workspace was well organized...I love seeing where artists create. After fabric selection...David & I drove on to Home Depot for paint, then to Karen Hanson's office for me to have testosterone pellets injected into my butt. I haven't had a period since January...so I wanted my hormone levels tested...my estrogen still looks good, but my testosterone is low...so we'll see how this effects me.

Back at home...Poshmark purchases awaited me...a Traffic People dress & Born sandals. I made us dinner...but didn't take any photos...who am I?! Then...off to Spring Green to see a show at the barn. Sipping fancy rosé while watching the opener, Lou Shields...which I'm fairly certain I've seen before. 

He reminded me of Charlie Parr & I was excited to discover he had vinyl for sale...which he signed for me. 

Then...Will Hoge, who I had never heard of before...but I trust the folks at Shitty Barn, so I listen to everyone they book before tickets go on sale. An already fabulous show made even better with a raging storm & power outage. All the guys grabbed acoustic guitars & kept playing. Owen, one of the barn owners, deposited a few lights around the band with catlike grace...then hit his head hard on one of the speakers...which I do at least a few times per season...they really ought to pad those things. It was a magical evening. Will played longer than he intended since we were all stuck there waiting out the storm...& he aptly closed with this cover...

Happy 23rd Girlieversary!

Dress: Printed Halter Maxi Dress from Plenty by Tracy Reese (size 1x) via Nuuly

Sandals: Fluevog, F-Trip: Bridget 

Earring: Kerala Rose

Bracelets: Vintage

Photography: Super Boo, Kate, & Me

Stats: 5'7" 41-39-53

I loved the riot of colors in this dress...so vibrant...doesn't it just make you smile? This abstract modern pattern is not something I'm typically drawn toward, but it was a great rental for a night. This long maxi required me to wear heels. The cotton fabric was substantial & there was wire in the hem to help keep its shape & there were pockets. I did have to iron this dress thoroughly...because cotton. The dress ran large & had to be pinned in on the sides & there was just no way to disguise the bra peeking out of the boob window...ideally, you just wouldn't have to wear one. 

How perfect are these Fluevog sandals David bought me?! I mean...the dress completely hid them, but I knew I was wearing them. 

These are currently on sale...they are super comfy, but I'm not sure I like any of the other colorways...I have been eyeing them in purple & green though...

You would think with so many colors to choose from that I'd have endless jewelry options, but one solid color seemed too boring...& this multihued Kerala Rose earring wasn't exactly right, but it made me happy. 

My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Mars; Ten, RSVP, Candles, & Lime Crime eyeshadow by Lime Crime; Bang lipliner & lipstick from UD; & Essie nail polish in Sexy Plunge. 

I wore this maxi to have dinner with my bezzer for our 23rd girlieversary. Look how cute Kate looks!!! Now that print is SO much more me. But we matched in vibrancy & didn't even plan it. 

Girlies forever...

David kindly offered to meet us at the capitol after dinner & take our picture...he's so sweet. 

My favorite shot...

It was a lovely evening Friday June 3rd (our actual anniversary is on the 4th, but there was rain forecasted & Kate is only eating outside)...I got there just as Red opened so we'd have our pick of tables & waited for the girlie. They have surrounded their patio with pretty flowers & it was nice to see heaters (we didn't need them, but will remember this for the future). 

I ordered a Tiki cocktail while I waited for Kate...this glass was ridiculous. Long Live Olmec (Angostura 7 year rum, apricot liqueur, coconut, lime, Bitterness Burlesque bitters). Kate sipped on a sparkling rosé.  

The girlie & her sushi...Black & Yellowtail (spicy albacore, mango, avocado, grilled scallions...topped with yellowtail, Serrano & black garlic aioli, tobiko, micro greens)...& Shiitake Mushroom Tempura (organic shiitake, sweet aioli, unagi sauce). 

The other girlie & her sushi...A seasonal roll, Year of the Tiger (tiger shrimp, avocado, smoked pineapple...topped with seared tuna, aji Amarillo tiger's milk aioli, white fish ceviche, micro greens)...& a Red signature roll, Mermaid Roll (shrimp tempura, avocado, pickled jalapeño, mango...topped with spicy tuna, strawberries, kiwi sauce). 

After our al fresco meal...we wandered to the capitol & saw an inflatable moon & chit chatted while we waited for David. It was a lovely night & I am lucky to have my girlie in my life. 

 

Ethnic Dancing Troupe

 Dress: Soweto Sea Breeze Fit & Flare Dress from Plenty by Tracy Reese (size 28) via Gwynnie Bee (use my link to get your first month free & help me earn GB credit)

Cardigan: Croft & Barrow (size 2x), thrifted

Tights: We Love Colors

Shoes: Torrid

Earring & Necklace: Wendy Baker

Bracelets: Vintage

Photography: Super Boo & Me

Stats: 5'7" 55-50-64

This dress looked so bright & striking online, but in person...the colors were faded & it looked (& felt) like a worn out kitchen rug. The top was too big on me, but the bottom was just right. It had generously sized pockets & the length & flare were superb. I just didn't enjoy wearing this dress...the fabric was heavy & rough...& I felt like a part of an ethnic dancing troupe. 

I wore this dress at home to make dinner for Kate, to shop the 50% off sale at Savers, & to work for an hour...I nearly didn't get photos of this dress, but I knew it would look cute in pictures...& it does. 

I adore this primary colors combination...I'll have to do it again. 

My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Abyss, NYX Ultimate palette in Brights, Kat von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Santa Sangre (on lids & lips), & I Sea You Wear OPI nail polish. 

Farmers' market dinner & Michigan sparkling wine with my best girlie...

Savers 50% off sale finds...