Fashion Friday: You're never fully dressed without a smile

After 18 months of looking like a 12-year-old, enduring jaw and tooth pain, feeling self-conscious, rubbing my tongue raw against the brackets and avoiding apples and corn on the cob, my braces came off without fanfare on Wednesday — and I can't tell you how happy I feel.

Of course, it's also coupled with exhaustion: We installed a new heater and air conditioner this week, I took on a part-time job (why I'm not sure), we started packing for an upcoming vacation and I've been feeling sick and got about four hours of sleep last night on the couch huddled by the space heater while Andrew froze in the bed alone — since the heat was turned off while the HVAC guy installed the new appliances.

So this post is short and sweet so I can sleep (in my bed tonight, hopefully). More on the braces — and some fun pictures from our trip — will come soon! And then I'll finally get the chance to read your blogs again. I've missed keeping up with you. :)