Retro-Stage in Bloom: Collaboration Part 3

Winter has finally given way to spring and my herb garden has sprung to life.  I've already ordered seeds so that I can expand my garden to include Bee Balm and Echinacea, and I can't wait to get my hands in the soil and start my garden growing.

Everywhere I look, I see colors; the world is blossoming and it's only appropriate that I put on something bright and floral too.  Originally I had planned on wrapping up my collaboration with Retro-Stage with a warm fur-collared coat.  The coat unexpectedly went out of stock in my size, so Retro-Stage contacted me about a swap.

It was perfect timing too because I'd had my eye on this 1930S FLOWER LONG SLEEVES SWING DRESS.  The colors are lovely and I'm glad it has long sleeves because it's still a little chilly out for bare arms.

I know this dress is called a 1930s style, but to me the collar and sleeves combined with this bold print give me some serious 1970s vibes and I love it!

The dress is lined, fits perfectly, and is just perfect for the season.  I normally wear a size US 0/XS or XXS, but I ordered size S/2 and it's just right, so pay close attention to the size chart info when ordering, and don't forget to use my promo code LEANDRA15 to save 15% off your order. 

Shopping Info:  1930 Flower Long Sleeve Swing Dress-$57.99 from Retro-Stage.  Save 15% with promo code LEANDRA15.  Aria 5º flats in Ginger Yellow-$79 from VIVAIA

Just for Fun

I realized today that I haven't read anything from one of my favorite bloggers in a while, so I headed over to check out her latest post, only to see that her latest post was November of 2019.  As much as I hate to say it, I'm afraid another of my favorite blogs has shuttered its doors.  Maybe temporarily, maybe for good.  Either way, I'm sad to see it go, but this is the nice thing about blogging--you can come and go as you please.  

A few months ago I had a brand decide to end our collaborations because I am a blogger.  They wanted me to have my own domain name and website, but that, my dear friends, costs money.  If it's going to cost money then it should make money to pay for itself, right?  And if it has to make money, then the pressure is on.  And if the pressure is on then blogging stops being fun and becomes work.  

I believe in balance to all things.  A little work; A little fun.  Too much of either leads to dissatisfaction.  I have a job and a family, and a farm, and quite frankly, I don't need anymore work.  I just want a nice little space to relax and have fun.  That's what my blog is and that's how I want it to stay.  

And maybe my fellow blogger did too.  Maybe she just got too bogged down with other things--we all remember how crazy last year was--and decided to put blogging on hold for a while.  I hope she'll be back one day, but if she doesn't come back, I understand and I wish her well.

I also want to take just a moment to thank all the wonderful brands who accept me as I am and want to work with me.  It's been such a wonderful experience working with so many great companies, and being able to show you some great styles at great prices.

It sort of sounds like I'm saying goodbye and this is my farewell speech, but nothing could be further from the truth.  I'm just pausing in my hectic schedule to be thankful for this space, and everything about  blogging.  It has been more than just an amusement; it's been therapeutic.  And thank you, dear reader, for accepting me as I am.  Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing.

Shopping Info:  Aliexpress maxi dress, Bettie Page heels

June Blooms

She had a feeling that this moment in the meadow had always been and would always be.  

This was more than just a meadow; it was a moment captured in time and hidden away here just for her.

And now, though years had passed since she first discovered it in her wild youth,

 And though her wanderlust had taken her many places and often far from home, she was never far from this place.

 She came here as often as as her dreams would allow her

to wander through this meadow on this same perfect sunny afternoon

 Where the pale purple wild daisies grew forever and the clouds were never gray.

 And there was always the hint of blackberry blossoms soon to give way to the fruits of summer.

 Shopping Info:  Patchwork Dress from Shein

A Family Affair

Tea time has taken a turn for the better.  As much as I enjoy my daily retreat to a shady spot outdoors or perched beside a sunny window, one day we happened to all be gathered in the kitchen feeling snacky as I was preparing my tea so I invited everyone to turn off their school and work screens for 45 minutes.  It didn't take much to convince everyone but some German shortbread cookies definitely helped sweeten the deal.  

So, for three quarters of an hour we talked about nothing in particular, laughed at everything, and reconnected with each other while disconnecting from our screens.

This is the golden opportunity in the midst of hard times.  

My children are still young enough that they live with me but with their school and activity schedules and my work, I feel like the last few years have been a blur and at times I've felt like I don't really know what's going on in their lives anymore.

Over the last few weeks we've done more talking and laughing and just generally spending time together (quality and quantity) than we have in the past three years combined.

It hasn't been easy at times, but nothing worth doing ever is.  Anything of value has to be worked for, but the reward has more than outweighed the work.

Shopping Info: Dress and Shoes from: SHEIN

In the Lilacs

Every year I count on this little lilac bush to bloom and it has never let me down.....until this year.

The weather was a little too harsh for this dear old thing which has probably been growing here for 50 years or more.

Everyone needs a holiday now and then so, I suppose I'll forgive the lilac bush for taking a year off.  Hopefully she'll be back at her best next spring and I'll be here gathering blossoms again.

Sneakers and Dress from: SHEIN