wearing - 7/50

pullover - Loft // maxi dress - TJ Maxx // flats - Target // watch - Charming Charlie's // midi ring - UO

Whoever decided maxi dresses should be main stream street style did not have a big butt. Or thighs. In fact, they were either 8 feet tall or didn't have legs at all. I fought maxi dresses with everything in me, but somehow gave in to this dress during the hunt for something to wear to a wedding this past September. 

Since then, our relationship has consisted mostly of side-eyeing each other before I throw my hands in the air & slowly back-up - Nodding, with my tongue pressed into my cheek, admitting defeat once more. I THINK the answer is wearing something long-ish over it, as pictured above, since the waistline of this particular dress falls at my hips = danger zone. #fatbottomedgirlprobz

But that Day 5 top knot, though.

[photos by the fabbie Kelsie McNair of With Lavender & Lace]

minus & plus

-

Upstairs neighbor noises, which I'm pretty sure is a playlist of straight up explosions.

+

Convincing myself instead that he's just watching a lot of Doctor Who & Star Wars to help lessen my hostility.

-

The return of 30 degree weather after several days of sunshine & warmth.

+

The return of crockpot dinners & not having to think too hard about outfits because boots, coats & scarves, ya'll.

-

The Oscars are THIS WEEKEND & we've somehow only seen two of the major nominees -__-

+

One of those was American Hustle & holy late 1970's styling, I'm in love.

-

It's nearly the end of February & my two major to-dos (paint furniture, purge closet) remain unchecked.

+

As of today, I am free from the clutches of potentially being called in for  jury duty YAAAASSSSSSS!

-

My attempt to be a real adult woman by cutting/filing/painting my nails for once in my life resulting in not being able to itch an itch or open a yogurt tab or pick up a bobby pin

+

A general sense of femininity because gee, my hands are moisturized & manicured. how novel.

-

Seriously questioning whether my hair has reached the point of okay-you-need-to-chop-it. how long is too long? is it weird that 40 minutes + a hand cramp is how long it takes me to detangle my hair? Life's unanswered questions.

+

A hair appointment tomorrow morning & a stylist I trust with my life.

-

That odd moment when you put the coconut oil back in the pantry after making breakfast... Only to slooowly mosey back to the pantry to take it back out because your face is dry. It's just sort of bizarre, & also makes me question the safety of going outside on a hot summer day?

+

But really, after one week of using coconut oil on my upper arms, they are soft like a baby bum. Try it. Do it.

-

Those blasted pills on my leggings after extensive wear & tear over the winter

+

Mom's ol' use-an-old-razor trick knocking it outta the park. Thanks, mama!

*Read more minus & plus posts here

four good things

1                          2                          3                          4

BEACH DAY - We've had five days of glorious 65 degree weather... Just enough of a taste of spring to really start eye-balling the swimsuit section at Target & begin serious planning for our spring break beach vacation with my family.

AIR PLANTS - I can't even count how many herbs & succulents I've killed since we moved into this apartment, so the next test of my green/black thumb will be air plants. Fingers crossed.

OPEN WINDOWS - It's already time to start dreaming about our next apartment once our lease is up in June. After living in our super old building with mostly painted shut windows, we're prioritizing windows that open & *hopefully* a balcony.

ICE CREAM - I'm not usually an ice-cream fan, but the red velvet ice-cream we had on Valentine's Day started a wave of sweet eats around the Bethune abode. It might be a small problem. But also delicious.

[p.s. see some more good things on my pinterest]   

ian randall thornton - end where you begin

It was with beaming hearts that we attended our dear friend Ian's album release tonight. Ian has a heart of solid gold, a voice like honey & all the talent in the world. We honestly have not stopped listening to his album since we got our hands on it, & if it's not actually playing, someone is humming it. We're a little obsessed.

He's generously shared it over on Bandcamp, so do yourself a favor & get this music in your life! Listen here: Ian Randall Thornton - End Where You Begin

un petit neveu

My sister had her second baby earlier this month, & it's been nothin' but snuggles from us & reaaaally big kisses (licks?) from his 13-month-old sister. Getting a non-blurry picture of these two babies together may be my new life mission. Welcome to the world, baby boy!