And The Winner Is >>


Congrats!  Please email me at violet_bella (at) hotmail (dot) com to claim your cowl!  Big thanks to Crazy Jane Knits to offering up a custom cowl to my readers!  If you haven't checked out her shop yet, you should... besides just cowls and winter wear, she has adorable 3-stranded headbands in all colors, that are super inexpensive.  And tonight is the last day to get them all 25% off with the code 'violetbella'. 

PEACE,
Laura

Threads - Lulu's.com Little Black Dress >>>

 Girl... you'll be a woman soon...  those Neil Diamond lyrics instantly pop in my head when I think about being a woman...  (and the lovely scene where Uma Thurman dances to it in Pulp Fiction while Urge Overkill covers it)...  Well, this little black dress that you see below, from Lulu's.com brought this feeling into perspective to me.  There have only been a few times in my life where I really felt like a woman.  I think being only 5' tall, and checkers still always thinking Im 18 years old has a little to do with it.  Every now and then Ill do a lookbook shoot or something like that, and when I see the girl on the computer looking back at me, Ill think she looks like a woman.  Maybe that feeling will really kick in when I bare children?  Or turn 50, ha ha.  Im not sure.  But all that being said... (and not that feeling like a woman really has anything to do with dressing sexy at all)... I found myself having a bit of a hard time b/c this adorable little black dress really does not allow you to hide that side of yourself, unless of course I draped it with a sweater!  Half way through the shoot, I had a little moment within myself.  Realizing Im going to be turning 30 years old in 2 months, I had no reason to not embrace my sexyness and womanhood... Do you ever have a hard time embracing that side of yourself? ...Im sure you will be seeing this dress pop up in a few artistic photoshoots in the future b/c it is just so rad. 

 Want to shop a ton of cute little black dresses?  Or bodycon dressesLulu's.com has them all!

 <<< outfit details >>>
dress // lulu's.com
belt + ring // forever21
tights // target
shoes // ebay

PEACE,
Laura

James and the Girls >>>

Last night we decided to grill our dinner on the bbq pit, always a good choice.  The weather was amazing last night.  Lukewarm with a slight breeze, and we had the golden hour light shining on us.  I always end up being the one to take over the grilling... which I like!  I love grilling!  We had chicken marinated in citrus sauce, zuchinni and corn sprinkled with fresh rosemary, and a bit of our leftover alfredo pasta from the night before.  Yummy!!!  James even ate two bites of zuchinni!  I almost couldnt believe my eyes or ears... Afterwards, since our babies joined us outside, we hung out with them for a bit.  I had to run in and get my camera b/c there were just so many cute moments happening!  Its very rare that James lets me take his picture... especially ones by himself like the close up below!  That is almost a once in a lifetime shot, ha ha!  Okay girls... for this post only, I wont get offended if you tell me just how hot my hubby is!!!  I think he could hear it from someone other than me once in a while, so if you think so, go ahead and say so below :)  Every man could use a little reassurance now and then, right?  (healthy reassurance that is...) 



ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Its the last day to reserve a sponsor spot on the blog for May.  The XL spot is sold out, and the rest are filling up quickly!  Im very excited to share some new lovelies with everyone next month... good ones!

Ill be announcing the winner of the Crazy Jane Knits giveaway by this evening or tomorrow... So if you have not entered, its your last chance!  Dont forget she has a coupon code just for my readers for this month only, two days left to use it!  Use the code 'violetbella' at checkout in her shop for 25% off anything!

I added a few new things in Roots & Feathers last night, and plan on adding more as I can each day, so stay posted.

PEACE,
Laura

Threads - Handmade Casual >>>

Yesterday was another jeans and tee day...but just by having your tee be a fun PPP one, instantly makes your outfit feel not so drab.  I sent this plain olive tee to Shauna, along with amazing fabric you see on the sleeves (it was a funky old vintage dress I found at goodwill, but I adored the pattern).  She does amazing custom work... so look at your old t's in a new way and send them over to her!  Look in her shop, she has 51 different kinds of customs!!!  Holy Smokes!  She also just revamped her blog and it really fits her style now.  I also love wearing my O Bella Organics headwraps like a messy turban.  She just came out with a beautiful new circle scarf.  I just love her simple style and amazing colors...  In with my necklace mix is a blue beaded one from Nanoutriko.  Another great artist.  You can get 15% off anything in her shop this month with the code VBAPRIL12 at checkout.  I have one of her marbled tiedye headbands and its soooo wonderful!
{I love supporting my friends}

PEACE,
Laura