Estrellón & Sparkling Wine...The Muffin Birthday Weekend Begins...

 Dress: Whimsy Wrap Dress in Evergreen by Kiyonna (size 5x) via Gwynnie Bee (use my link to get your first month free & help me earn GB credit)

Cardigan: Lands' End (size 3x)

Leggings: Yours Clothing (still available)

Shoes: 9 West, thrifted

Earring: etXarte

Necklace: former etsy seller

Bracelet: Vintage 80s, thrifted

Photography: Super Boo, Kate, & Me

Stats: 5'7" 55-50-64

I wore this dress on three different days...these Kiyonna wraps are flirty flouncy fun...I thought I might buy this, but it was less green than I hoped it would be...plus I already own this dress in red & black with white polka dots....oh, & a few different prints Super Boo bought me that I haven't even worn yet...good thing I sent it back. This dress fits me in both 4x & 5x...I prefer the 5x so I don't flash anyone as it gives me a bit more wrapping room. The fabric is light enough that this is a year round dress...it looks fab alone, but these solid color ones are fun to pair with pattern in cooler months...I prefer leopard, obviously. How amazing do these leggings look with this cardigan?! I thought of them as I was (late) running out the door to meet Kate for dinner...but I wore them the other two times I left the house in this outfit. This is my first time wearing this blingy leopard cuff since finding it at a garage sale last year...I LOVE it...Kate asked, how long have you had that? Oh, so someone else bought it in the 80s...I was going to give you a pass if you bought it in the 80s...

Dinner at Estrellón with my girlie...the start of my birthday weekend. Tapas...tuna, sardine, Maryland crab ceviche, fresh cheese curds with kimchi, & a jamón croqueta. 

Cocktails...Kate got a Hard Reset (St. George Botanivore & Uncle Val's botanical gins, lime & yuzu juices, yzaguirre dry vermouth, housemade rosemary honey syrup, radish) & I tried Special Agent Jack Rose (Hendrick's gin, St. George raspberry liqueur, lemon juice, housemade hibiscus claret syrup, Bittercube Jamaican #2 bitters, rosewater, cucumber, sparkling wine). 

I was crabby about it...but we ordered market vegetable paella (Kate's a pescatarian, however, Estrellón has decided all their seafood needs to involve meat)...with oyster mushrooms, ramps, spinach, castlevatrano olives, green garlic, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, & bomba rice. It was amazing...such a depth of flavor & perfectly balanced...& the crispy rice on the bottom of the pan *swoon*...we scraped off every grain. And I couldn't resist getting a glass of their delightful sangria (not as good as mine, but...). 

Kate with pretty spring flowers on our way out of the restaurant... me...are you taking pictures close enough to get my eye make-up?!? As you can see...I wore teggings on this day & much lighter lipstick. Pretty girlie in glasses throwing me a kiss...

Bubble tasting at Square Wine...Andrea loves her bubbles...

I also wore this outfit to farmers' market & on another day to work & run errands with David. I browsed magazines at Barnes & Noble while David picked out Mother's Day cards. Pizza at Sal's...SO delicious. 

Making deodorant...I decided to leave this batch unscented. The first time I made this I didn't take into account that my body heat was making the coconut oil goopy & I added too much baking soda...so this time I followed the recipe exactly & the consistency is perfect. Also, this works great...both David & I use it with no stinkiness issues. 

My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Junkie; Too Faced eyeshadow in Creme Brûlée, Marzipan, & Gilded Ganache; MAC lipstick in Strength & Fresh Moroccan; & This Color's Making Waves nail polish by OPI. 

Spring Girlie Happy Hour

 Dress: Brigitte Dress in Point of Sail by Cherry Velvet (size 4x) via Gwynnie Bee (use my link to get your first month free & help me earn GB credit)

Teggings: Re/Dress

Shoes: Boden, thrifted

Earring & Necklace: Babil & Bijou

Bracelet: Vintage

Photography: Super Boo, Kate, & Me

Stats: 5'7" 55-50-64

I wore this outfit to girlie happy hour with...the girlie (of course). Oh, Cherry Velvet...how I've missed you! I adore these cotton retro inspired frocks...such a lovely change from all the poly that most fat chick clothing is made of. Cherry Velvet produces adorable dresses in fantastic prints in sizes XS-4X...I know that range does not include everyone...but it makes me giddy when brands do a wide range of sizes rather than exclusively plus. These dresses get extra soft as you wash them. Also, pockets...if you care about those kinds of things (apparently I'm the only one who doesn't...so I don't get it...what would I put in there?). I didn't buy this one, but I have ~6 in my closet that you will see here this summer...because I'd live in these if I could. This is my first Cherry Velvet in size 4x, I've always worn 3x in the past & they've been slightly snug. I've had this style in red & white in a 3x...& you can see the cute back that I forgot to get a photo of this time around. Check out this Magic Carpet dress I am lusting over. ***tldr...I LOVE Cherry Velvet.***

Girlie Happy Hour...now with 2 girlies with glasses! Merchant's spring drink menu called for much sampling. However, I am still thinking about the drink I couldn't have...because they were out of their housemade blackberry-thyme syrup (this clearly demands another trip soon). Our waitress was super sweet about my near-tears disappointment & suggested I start out with a Chamomile-y Cyrus...which sounded good, but it was difficult to get past the name...especially when Kate's first drink, Raspberry Beer-et, was named after a *much* cooler performer.

More cocktails...& food...frites, cheese curds, beet salad, peach/ginger/carrot soup, & Szechuan green beans. 

Somewhere between our second & third drinks, Kate informed me that her mom wants to go to all 40 states. The girlie says cute things & I take note of them in my phone...but always forget to add them to blog entries...the last time we were at Merchant I told her she looked cute as I took her picture on the way out...& she responded...is drunk the same thing as cute?

My last cocktail was interactive, Another Tequila Sunrise...I got to pour the drink over the hibiscus-agave ice cube & watch it change colors...then we melted the ice cube over the candle. Girlie cocktails are the *best*. 

Play! by Sephora....April box. This is so much fun to get in the mail! So far the only thing I've tried is the Sunshine Oil...it has a delightful citrusy smell & worked wonders on a dry patch on my cheek. 

I ordered foundation & eyeliner during Sephora's last sale & used some of my points to get this First Aid Beauty Flawlessly Fab Skin box...which (of course) I haven't tried yet. I'm usually about 2 weeks behind on blog posts...so that gives me *plenty* of time to try out this stuff before sharing it here. Last Labor Day weekend...I went swimming a lot in Neil's pool while Brian was visiting...that bathing suit was hanging to dry in our bathroom until we had friends over for Easter brunch. I get to things...eventually. 

I had a $25 off a $50 purchase code from the last time I ordered from Torrid...& couldn't resist these DONUT leggings!!! The lace floral ones are pretty sweet too. And...my second dress from Lady Voluptuous...this fantastically adorable fruit dress went on sale for $40...so it had to be mine. My first dress from them was an orange poppy print in my usual size, but it was a bit big...so I got this one a size down & it's perfect (UK size 26/28 = US size 22/24). 

My make-up with this outfit included...Deep Blue eyeliner by NYX; Flamepoint eyeshadow by Sugarpill; Urban Decay eyeshadow in Freeze, Heroine, & Undone; Blood Orange lipstick by Bite Beauty, MAC lipstick in Korean Candy, & OPI nail polish in Mod-ern Girl. 

UW Bellydance Show & Outdoor Farmers' Market = Spring

 Dress: Splash Medley Fit & Flare Dress by London Times (size 24) via Gwynnie Bee, Try Then Buy (use my link to get your first month free & help me earn GB credit)

Teggings: Re/Dress

Sandals: Born, thrifted

Earring: etXarte

Necklace & Bracelet: Wendy Baker

Photography: Super Boo, Me, Stranger

Stats: 5'7" 55-50-64

I wore this outfit to the last day of film fest & on the following Saturday. I bought this dress, despite it being too modern for me...I prefer prints that look like something & not graffiti splashes...but I couldn't resist ALL THAT COLOR! This brand runs a bit big, so their size 24 is a good fit for me. I liked the gathering around the keyhole neckline & at just below knee length on me, I will be able to wear this without teggings over the summer without fear of flashing anyone. 

Last day of film fest! A friendly stranger in line offered to take our picture. 

My first real month of Scent Trunk (last month was the free trial). Fruits of the Tree of Knowledge & Briar Rose are both delightful summer fragrances...I HATED Coconut Milk...because anything with coconut in it smells like suntan lotion to me...but actually, most people would probably think it's lovely. 

My first outdoor market of the season...we had skipped the previous week due to film fest. Soooo pretty. There were ramps, which always signal spring to me, & the last of the overwintered (extra sweet) spinach. 

UW Spring Bellydance Show...sooo many gorgeous costumes...but no photography allowed (thanks people who think they need their flash even though they are too far away for it to help). Sahira was their special guest & her orange ombre sparkling outfit was magnificent (I nabbed this online, however, it looked far more stunning when she was dancing & not against a white background). I snuck a picture of Mona's fantastic peacock outfit during the closing ceremony. I wish I could find some action shots of this show as it was truly the most amazing costumes they've ever had. Moon over the fountain after the show was also prettier in person.

My make-up with this outfit included...NYX eyeliner in Green Shimmer & Pretty Violet, Sugarpill eyeshadow in Love+, Urban Decay eyeshadow in Freak & Thrash, UD lipstick in F-Bomb, & You Make Me Vroom nail polish by OPI. 

An Afternoon with David Sedaris & The Girlie

 Dress: Alison Maxi Dress in Orchid Tide by Igigi (size 26/28) via FabFatshion

Sandals: Born

Necklace, Bracelet, & Earring: Vintage

Photography: Super Boo, Kate, Waiter, & Me

Stats: 5'7" 55-50-64

I wore this fabulous maxi on three different days. I am so excited I own this dress! GB never sent it to me & they retired it as this was on its way to me from Loraine at Fabfatshion...now it is mine...all mine! This maxi is perfect & I wouldn't change a thing about it. Maxis are the easiest thing to wear & always make me feel like a goddess...what's not to love about that?

The first Stila eyeliner I ever bought was Purple Tang...after that I started collecting them...pretty, vibrant, glittery, easy to put on, & waterproof...however, unless you plan on using them up within a year...don't bother...they dry out & are useless. I expect that from liquid liner...but have never had that happen to me with stick liner. I've thrown most of my Stila liner away & replaced them with other brands...except for Burgundy...I haven't found a dupe I like for that...so I mixed Alchemy & Bondage eyeshadows from UD together with some primer potion & that liner didn't budge. 

First wearing of the dress...film fest. I love the starry sky in the Barrymore theatre...I want twinkling stars on my bedroom ceiling. My favorite movie while wearing this dress was, Our Last Tango, a lovely documentary about a couple who danced together for decades & their love/hate relationship. 

Kate & I went to see David Sedaris...we had front row seats & he was wearing culottes, which I didn't get a good picture of. I've seen him speak several times & while still funny, this was my least favorite. He opened with the above culotte story, which Super Boo had just read out loud to me a few weeks ago, then read another essay that had already been published in The New Yorker. He usually tests out new material on us that he's working on...so it was a bit disappointing. Then he read diary entries, like he always does...& told us that will be his next book. 

Dinner at Sardine after the show...matching chevron girlies! Kate & I split an amazing beet-cured salmon...& Kate got a drink to match, Beets Please, with house infused beet vodka. I had a Provencal (vodka, lemon, lavender, sparkling wine). Warm Duck Confit Salad was my choice for dinner & the girlie had a salad with crispy parsnips on top. 

Do you remember when I got lipstick all over me at Sephora? David called to let them know what happened...& they asked me to come in & in addition to apologizing, gave me a huge box of samples with a $50 gift card tucked in, & paid for my dry-cleaning. It was really wonderful customer service & certainly made me feel better about the incident. Thanks, Sephora!

I've had my eye on this dazzling swing dress on SWAK since I spied it in their spring look book...so when it was 40% off...I had to have it. Look at those marvelous colors & retro pattern!!!

My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeshadows in Alchemy & Bondage as eyeliner, UD eyeshadow in Alien, Sugarpill eyeshadow in Flamepoint, Mediteranee eyeshadow duo by Nars, NYX lip cream palette in The Plums, & Orange You Going to the Game? nail polish by OPI.

A Day of Documentaries

 Dress: Shirred Surplice Dress in Cyan Paisley by Lands' End (size 3x) via GB SHOP

Teggings: Re/Dress

Sandals: Born

Earrings: Babil & Bijou

Necklace: Antique Locket

Photography: Super Boo & Me

Stats: 5'7" 55-50-64

I wore this outfit to another 2 days of film fest movies. I bought this dress from the GB SHOP for $10, a bit worn...last October I paired it with pink & yellow. Another comfy dress to sit around in dark theaters. Lands' End dresses are the best...great fit, easy to throw on...I got a few compliments while wearing this dress, so I was able to share my LE love with some other women. I wore it with orange this time because I already had orange nail polish on my nails & toes. 

Sunday...David, Kate, & I spent the day together watching 4 documentaries...my favorite two were a great double feature...Presenting Princess Shaw & Sonita...both women dream of being famous singers. Film Fest Food...lunch at Cafe Porta Alba & lunch the next day on my own...sitting outside. These chips were amazing. 

Adorable Kate being more adorable with Jason...cuddling on the couch at Sundance. 

Living in Madison...we had to see The Smart Studios Story. Butch Vig recorded Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, L7, & a bunch of other music I loved in the 90s there...plus, of course, his own band...Garbage. I drove by Smart every day & the guys in Garbage hung out in the same bar I did at night....Cafe Montmartre. The filmmaker, Wendy Schneider, was there...along with Steve Marker & Butch Vig...to do a q&a after the documentary. Honestly, that was the best part...I felt she had so much great material to work with, but the documentary was a bit flat...too many facts & not enough stories. I'd probably only recommend this to Madison folks. 

My make-up with this outfit included...NYX eyeliner in Azure, Nars eyeshadow duo in Mediteranee, Korean Candy lipstick by MAC, & OPI nail polish in Orange You Going to the Game? I'm not sure about this blue eyeliner...I liked it in person, but in these photos I look scary...but it was a good match with the dress. 

2016 Wisconsin Film Festival Begins

 Dress: Nina Dress in Winter Plaid Print by Effie's Heart (size 4x) via Gwynnie Bee (use my link to get your first month free & help me earn GB credit)

Cardigan: Dream of the Crop (size 4x) via Modcloth

Tights: We Love Colors

Shoes: Moda Spana, thrifted

Earring: etXarte

Necklace: Me

Photography: Super Boo & Me

 Stats: 5'7" 55-50-64

I wore this outfit the first two days of the film fest. Effie's Heart clothing is made out of a thick t-shirt material & always so comfy...so it was perfect for movie watching. Unfortunately, this dress from GB came to me faded & a bit pilled...but...one of the lovely ladies from Girls of GB offered me hers...as she bought it, but never wore it...so you'll see this dress on me again, styled for summer. So, obviously, I liked it...I adored the asymmetrically placed fabric pieces, length, & modest neckline (my boobs can't be hanging out *all* the time)...& this is a year round dress as it's made out of breathable cotton/spandex.

Our first two days of the Wisconsin Film Fest, we saw 8 of our 25 movies. We typically buy tickets for that many movies...then end up skipping some & walking out of others. This year we watched all 25 movies all the way through. Unheard of! The fest asks you to vote on a scale of 1-5...normally we give out 1 or 2 5's & 2 or 3 4's...this year nearly all of our movies were in that range. Best film fest EVER! The two I'd most recommend from our first days...Love & Peace, Japan, a would-be rock star & his love for his pet turtle...Men & Chickens, Denmark, dysfunctional family comedy. 

I wore the cardigan a bit, but we had gorgeous spring weather, so mostly...without. These Dream of the Crop cardigans from ModCloth (I think the brand is MAK) are my favs...they are the same ones they sell on Pinup Girl Clothing...& I NEED it in Fiesta Orange!

Lunch at home...Olive really wanted some of my curried tofu. David & I had dinner at Ha Long Bay before our last film of the night...

The Barrymore Theatre in our neighborhood was a new addition this year to the festival...not the most comfortable seats, but adult beverages & close to home. 

My make-up with this outfit included...NYX eyeliner in Deep Blue, Heroine eyeshadow by Urban Decay, Mediteranee eyeshadow duo by Nars, MAC lipstick in Korean Candy, & OPI nail polish in Orange You Going to the Game? I have been LOVING this NYX eyebrow pencil...it is the equal of the Anastasia I've been using for years...at less than 1/2 the cost!