Weekend Update

Hi everyone! Do you see how I haven't become a mommy blogger? Or any sort of blogger, for that matter? Sorry about that, but this pregnancy is kicking my sore sciatica of a bottom. I had some worrisome symptoms, but they have subsided and I just need lots of rest. I miss you guys.

Anyway, the baby is fine, I am fine, Rowena's fine, and Darin is fine-- I can't wait to meet this little person. I can't really express how excited I am! (And completely anxious. I hope and pray he/she is healthy and happy in here.)

I'm currently spending time away from blogging so that I can reevaluate why I'm here on the internet. I am tired of being consumed by silly things such as sponsorship and readership. It's time for Louise to get back to basics and rediscover why I began Coffee & a Cardigan in the first place. I've been spending a lot of time on Get Off My Internets, which voices so many of my feelings and problems I've been struggling with for the past few months. Well, I don't swear half as much. Heh.

I want to be back. I want to be back to blogging when I feel like it and have a heart for it again. This isn't goodbye, and if you want to get in contact with me, shoot me an email! Thanks so much, everyone.

louise@coffeeandacardigan.com

Land of the Cardinal

Floral shorts, top: Gap
Cami: Shade
Sandals: Swedish Hasbeens
(Okay, they're not really Swedish Hasbeens, but they are made in Sweden...
and I just wanted to feel cool for a bit. In truth, the brand is MIA and I got 'em for $20.)

I've seen four cardinals since arriving in Akron, Ohio! And two toads! And loads of neon swishy shorts! It's hot and humid here, but I'm just glad to be here safely. Thank you for all your kind travel wishes!

I've decided to let my freak flag fly. That's right, I am talking about my hair. I was about to turn on my flat iron when I looked in the mirror and had a little thought. Who says that silky and shiny is the only way to have pretty hair? This is me owning my unruly, frizzy, silly tresses. Come to think about it, my hairs are a lot like me. Of course I will still use my beloved flat iron, but once in a while you'll see my 'honest' hair.

On Tuesday we head up to Michigan to visit my dear old friends. It's been too long. I also get to meet/hug/attack Suze from Miss Vinyl Ahoy! She is one of my first blogger friends, and I am honored to get to spend some time with that redheaded minx.

Until tomorrow,
Louise

Joyful, Joyful

Dress, belt: Gap
Necklace: Forever 21
Vest: garage sale
Shoes: Remix Vintage

We're in Ohio safe and sound! Ro is having a great time with her grandparents, and Darin and I are just happy to be out of of the rainy weather and into some temporarily perfect Ohio weather. Here's an outfit I wore back home when I had dinner at my mom and dad's. I hope you have something fun in store for this weekend.

PS- I completely underpacked. Thrifting is in order!
Oh darn.

Never Can Say Goodbye

Vest: Gap
Skirt, top: H&M
Necklace: Forever 21 (old)
Shoes: BC Footwear

A quick post before my pops picks us up to go to the airport! I can't wait to get to the midwest and see people I love! I'll be blogging as much as I can, so please stick around! I don't expect you all to sit at your computers and refresh your browser every fifteen seconds, but... oh, wait. Yeah, you should do just that.

To stay updated, follow Coffee & a Cardigan via Bloglovin, Facebook, & Twitter!

Love you ALL!!!

The Theatah, The Theatah

Dress: Goodwill
Belt: thrifted
Shoes: Farylrobin

Even though I drive by this little playhouse every other day, I've yet to have a photo shoot here! What a travesty! I wish that these pictures weren't so sunny and shadowy, but I plan to come here again soon on a photo-friendly, cloudy day.

This saccharine dress was purchased this morning for three dollars. I found it in the sleepwear section! HA! The ridiculously cheery butterfly-and-daffodil print made me smile (or smirk, rather,) so I took it home, washed it, and wore it. It still had its original tags from the 80s!

I still need to pack for my month-long excursion! Eek! Any packing tips? I always put this stuff off until the last minute. Oh well... at least I can drive legally now. That's right! I passed that darn drive test by the skin of my teeth! Ten points less than ten years ago. How am I a worse driver? :-)

Leftover Goodness

I thought you would enjoy some outfit posts from this past month that never made the light of day until now. Thanks for your support and encouragement-- I couldn't do this without you!

Dress, vest: Gap
Belt: thrifted
Purse: won from Melie Bianco
Shoes: BC Footwear
Hoodie: Gap
Top: won from Shade
Skirts: Zac Posen for Target
Tights: c/o We Love Colors
Shoes: Seychelles

Fascinator: handmade gift
Necklace: grandma's
Dress: Tucker for Target
Leggings: Gap Body
Shoes: BC Footwear via Ross
Cardigan: Gap
Dress: Forever 21
Tights: Marshall's
Boots: Minnetonka

Have a spectacular Monday!

Words to Live By

Courtesy of genius Roald Dahl:

It's true, I tell you! <3

(Illustration by Quentin Blake, of course.)

Animal-Lover

Several of you have expressed adoration for my cat dress, so I wanted to pass along three adorable (albeit semi-boring black & white) animal print pieces I found while browsing Forever 21.

Cat print dress, Foxy knit dress, Dove dress w/ Belt

These dresses are fun and versatile-- for summer, add bright wedges and a sweet necklace. For the cooler months, add colored tights and sling a cardigan 'round those shoulders! Would you buy any of these?

Woe is Me

Wreath: DIY
Dress: Forever 21
Trench: thrifted
Socks: c/o We Love Colors
Shoes: BC Footwear

I am so incredibly nervous to take my driver's test tomorrow! I can't believe I let it expire... but somehow I feel like I'm being punished for driving well and not purchasing alcohol. To top it off, I have to drive a half-hour to borrow my mom's car, then drive to take the test, and then come back and trade off! The speedometer on my car doesn't work, so I use my GPS; you're not allowed to have one on in the car during the drive test. I'm sure there are exceptions, but DMV workers are evil aliens.

On to brighter and happier things! We've been busy tying up loose ends around here before out big trip. I will be blogging as my adventure unfolds, and you'll be seeing creative remixing and fun different locations. Don't reject me!

I haven't even gotten around to reading your comments from the past few days-- will do so soon! I'll feel so much better after this test is over and done with... thanks for bearing with me! A happy-go-lucky post is in order this weekend!