(Not) Complaining

Top: Ann Taylor
Skirt: J.Crew
Clutch: H&M
Shoes: Burlington Coat Factory
Shades: LOFT
Pearls: Gift from hubby

WHEN: Sunday church and visit to in-laws

It's Sunday night.I'm sitting on the couch with my fuzzy PJs and 2(!) pairs of socks on, with heat still on and I'm freezing! What is up with the weather? It was gorgeously sunny out but not warm, not even a little bit. So here I am not complaining about the weather and not saying that I'm sick and tired of cold, and not saying that I want to turn off the heat in the house. I am so ready to wear my new white jeans which I think look great on me, and you know how hard it is to find white jeans that don't make you look fat (I got them before my resolution)
P.S. I will say a prayer for all my not complaining tonight

Serving Tray (DIY)

So here is a long promised DIY project, well, more like a make over. I was doing a Baby Shower for my girlfriend and needed a serving tray for decorations. Instead of buying one, I decided to Do It Myself because I would make it exactly the way I wanted it.

You Will Need:

1. Serving tray 
2. Spray Paint (color of your choice)
3. Gloves
4. Newspaper/old magazines
5. Card stock (the harder, the better)
6. Super Glue

I went to a thrift store and bought an old serving tray in ugly red and yellow, layered my J.Crew catalog underneath the tray to protect the porch from over spray, threw on a pair of gloves and got to work.

The trick with spray paint is you have to be patient and use multiple coats, otherwise you will end up with runs. First coat was just a white primer. But I didn't want it to be white, so I had off-white color spray paint (donated to me by my father-in-law) which I used.

After I thoroughly covered the tray with first coat, I let it dry for about 30 minutes. Then I did two more coats of beige (off-white) with couple of hours of drying time in between.

I bought card stock at Hobby Lobby that would nicely match the beige and serve me well after the party is over. I picked out a nice vintage pattern and cut it to the size of the tray. Next, to make sure that the paper will be secured and the surface would remain smooth, I glued it on with super glue (make sure to keep your gloves on and don't use glue gun).

TA-DA!!!

Note for Self: Make sure you are paying attention to the gluing part and not talking to your mother while doing it. See how the pattern went from horizontal to vertical? Yeah, not good... and super glue isn't nice when it's being ripped off.


Here it is being used at the Baby Shower

Another way to style it! There are so many ways to use it that I'm already excited by how nice it came out.
(I DIY the flower pot below with spray paint too)

I hope you liked this! Enjoy! 

Hillbilly Breakfast

Last Sunday night we went out to our friends' house and had breakfast for dinner. My girlfriend is a great cook of all things breakfast and made a delicious hash brown casserole, which I haven't mastered yet. She also made biscuits and gravy and, let me tell you, those were the best biscuits and gravy I have ever had. So the boys devoured the food (I had only 2) and I was left with a craving for more.  Today I finally had the time to make some. My recipe is a combination of Pioneer Woman's Biscuits and Gravy and what I saw my friend do on Sunday (I was hanging in the kitchen with the girls).

So here it is:
10oz pork sausage (or ground pork)
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp sausage fat
1/4 cup of flour
3 cups of 2%milk
8 biscuits
salt and pepper

Place the sausage into a warm skillet and cook through until there is no more pink. Drain sausage and reserve the fat. In a clean skillet melt butter, then add flour constantly whisking on medium heat. Cook roux until it's starting to change color and getting a little yellow. At this point put the biscuits in oven and follow the directions on the box. Start adding more milk a little at a time on low/medium heat. (DO NOT add all the milk at a time, you will get clumps). While whisking the roux add more milk and stirring  to make sure it's all absorbed until you run out of milk. Cook the sauce on low heat, adding 1tbsp of pork fat, salt and pepper to taste. Add sausage to the sauce and mix well. Once your biscuits are done, you are ready to devour this goodness and never to look back!
I served them with scrambled eggs and OJ.
Enjoy!

Little Bit of Jackie

Pearls: Christmas present from hubby
Cardigan, shoes: Ann Taylor
Jacket: LOFT
Jeans: GAP

Every time I see a button up sweater and pearls it reminds me of Jacqueline Kennedy. She was a style icon and  always will be. Her hair, manners, clothes and speech radiated class which is very rare. So here is a twist on classic Jackie (with jeans)... Well, maybe it's not like Jackie at all but I feel very classy in this outfit.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Striking a Pose

Top: Old Navy
Necklace, Shoes: TJMaxx
Jeans: GAP
Sunnies: LOFT

WHEN: Last Friday when it was beautiful out

Honestly, I haven't gotten the hang of the whole picture thing yet. I had many complements but truth be told, who poses in their clothes every day? Kind of weird... Yeah, people are driving by our house, as I'm trying to strike a pose, giving us weird looks; it all makes me a little self conscious. I don't know my best side yet and want to look good but I end up looking like I have stick up my ... lol  Therefore there are no pictures from today. I was trying to look like a model with one of their fierce looks but didn't really work out that way. So hopefully the good weather will return and we will be on track for summer.

Busy Bee (LWYH)

Rain Boots: Old  Navy
Skirt: J.Crew
Belt: Target
Button-up, Shawl: LOFT
 Necklace: TJMaxx
So here is what happens when your outfit is centered around rain boots and it's cold outside. 

Of course, when I make a promise of posting every day, I disappear lol... Ironic but I had the busiest two days ever and literally didn't even have a chance to turn on my computer. Therefore the busy lady ove hee has all her thought discombobulated (my favorite new word btw) and doesn't have much to share...

Awkward:
- realizing someone has played a joke on you and you believed (I did)... not cool ppl lol
- a system at work getting all discombobulated (here it is again lol) and mixing up my days
- cashier asking me why I'm so dressed up and where do I work... Well, you know I do this blog... blah...blah... Lady next in line is not enjoying the convo and apparently not interested in my entrepreneurship... Moving on as fast as I could, apologetically saying thank you...
- coming home just because I don't want to use public restroom lol (TMI?)


Stupendous:
- finally getting some girl time with a friend of mine and catching up :-)
- realizing that it's a lot harder to try to pull together outfits using everything I have, and not wearing the same pair of jeans every day...
- getting a complement from an older gentlemen - it's so sweet
- realizing that the busier I am, the more I get done - I'm one of those people

Learning to Persevere (LWYH)

Tank: Express similar
Cardigan: Ann Taylor
Necklace: JCrew
Belt: Target similar
Skirt: similar
Shoes: TJMaxx
Clutch: Thrifted
I wore this outfit for Sunday church and absolutely loved the long flowing  skirt. When I walked it  flowed behind me and almost swept the floor. It gave me such a womanly feel.

Here is the deal people: I am tired of being a victim of advertising! I am tired of falling for every new sale and not wearing everything I have... I'm tired of going shopping only because I have nothing better to do... I'm tired of going to the store only because I have another 20% OFF coupon... SIGH... Therefore I have decided to come clean and step into a new direction - having a closet full of things I can put together and work with, every single day. To reach my goal I am starting a new project called Love What You Have.

So here is what happened:
- I admitted I have a little problem... well, maybe not so little. I couldn't stop shopping for clothes/shoes/bags/belts/scarfs/jewelry. GASP!
-  I did a little closet purging and got rid of all the stuff I haven't worn in about a year. Then I put away all the winter/fall stuff (it was sad to part).
- I went though my closet again and made sure that I can wear every single item with at least another item, and got rid of couple more things.
-  Then I took pictures of all the stuff I have and realized that I have enough to last me through the entire summer (gasp!) without ever(!) stepping foot into a store.

GOAL:
--For the next 30 DAYS I am not going to buy a single thing! Making this decision public is going to help me be accountable! I will post pictures of outfits everyday to remind myself that I have what I need and more.

Here I go Loving What I Have

Persevere(verb) - continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty or with little or no indication of success /online dictionary/

Walk in a Park

Shades: TJMaxx
Tshirt: Izod
Necklace: Loft
Button-up, ring: Thrifted
Jeans: H&M
Flats: JCrew Factory

Good Things Happening:
- Feeling good enough for a stroll in a park, which turned out to be very nice
- Keeping busy with DIY projects (I will post another one soon)
- Working a lot lately makes me appreciate that I have some type of job
- Thanking the Lord for allergy meds
- Realizing I have more than I need
- Having an interview and a possible job in the fall... Yeeek!!!
- Spending more time with my mom and sharing
- Making good friends with some new people
- Loving spring time and all the colors in wardrobe
- Stumbling upon a great sale and (of course) scoring some great buys...

What's good in your life?

Second Stripe

Is there anything more annoying that spring allergies?Currently I'm i the middle of constantly sneezing, wiping my watering eyes and trying to breath. Sitting at home, drinking tea and trying to stay warm under the blankets. The constantly changing weather isn't doing me any favors either. Today it was breezy and pretty much almost freezing outside, yet sunny. I was literally cold and even had to turn up the heat a little, soooo forget you spring. No, I'm sorry... PLEASE come back! :)

Comments are welcomed!

The First Stripe

Today was a perfect day for a spring outfit with stripes and bright colors. Recently I have been experimenting with mixing patterns and colors and this is a bold move for me - stripes with leopard. Another thing is that I cannot stop wearing this JCrew necklace but my hubby is saying that I need to tone down the jewelry - he's new to the fashion world. What do you guys think?

Awkward
- Of course, we got one (!) warm spring day in NY with gorgeous 80 degrees just to go back to 50s the next day
- My mom has a cat. He is new. As in she just got him about 4 weeks ago. Every time there is someone in the house visiting, he runs downstairs and doesn't come out until everyone is gone
- Talking to myself in the car, while standing on the red light. I turn my head and see a guy looking at me with 'did your brain just get up and walk away?" look. Awkward...
- Going grocery shopping with hubby on Saturday with a list and the whole nine yards, only to get home and realize we didn't get one thing we really need - OJ.
- Getting allergies when it's 80 outside and not being able to breathe or sleep like a normal person... Big huge bear hibernating ove hee...
- I wanted to get a dress from JCrew for couple of weeks now but have been patient to wait for the sale on sale. Then, I go the website the moment I see they have a sale and my size is gone. GONE. People when do you shop? In the middle of night? Not cool.

Stupendous
- Having my hubby cook the entire Sunday lunch with like 3 courses! Yay for me! I was banned from kitchen only to discover a delicious French Onion Soup, Beef Roast with Asparagus (I was allowed to help with asparagus only) and Crème Brûlée for dessert. Can I get a WoHooo??
- Not having to wear nylons because it's so warm out
- Still enjoying crème brûlée two days later because he made so much!
- Going for a walk with hubby
- Realizing that I have been good with saving some money up all by myself. Hubby is proud.

Happy Tuesday!

The Pursuit of Happiness

Skirt: JCrew Factory similar
Sweater: H&M similar
Shoes: Payless similar
Bag: Thrift Store
Necklace: Macy's 

Do you know that state of happiness and content is entirely up to us? Being content means state of complete awareness of the circumstances you are in, while having positive attitude towards life and joy in the heart. Content means being happy with what you have and not coveting what you cannot have. It does not mean that you have to plop on the couch and just forget about ever reaching for anything or achieving something better. If it is in your ability to gain better relationships, better life or financial situation, you should take that opportunity but not at the expense of others. It is a new day - reach for better things, strife for goodness and be content with your life.
Happy Monday!

P.S. So while you are being happy with life, go ahead and indulge in extra 30% OFF at JCrew Sale... Don't mention it:)))

Stripes Anyone?

So once in a while there comes a trend that takes everyone by a storm and no matter how hard you try, you will fall for it. That's stripes for me. I love them! Currently I am trying to experiment with mixing patterns and stripes maybe just the way to go. So grab your favorite stripes and show it off in two ways. I always think that a piece of clothing is versatile if you can dress it up for a office meeting and down for a casual Saturday afternoon. So girls, here is your chance! All the details are at What I Wore: Stripe Challenge. Even if you are not going to post, cheer for me!

Spring Dress Fashion Show

Cousin's Wedding

Dress, Necklace , Bracelet, Clutch (Similar), Sandals

Casual Lunch

Dress, Sunglasses, Sandals, Handbag, Necklace

Spring Workday
 Dress, Platforms, Necklace, Sunglasses, Satchel  

They say that admitting you have a problem is the first step to solving it. Well, I don't know if it is true. I have an obsession with dresses - I absolutely love them! I love the LBD, floral, patterned, simple, bright colored, white, simple and really fancy. I would wear dresses every day if I could (yes, I would even lay on the couch and watch TV in them). There is something elegant, simple yet profoundly feminine about dresses. It's an outfit all in itself and it gives you power. Really! I have noticed how people treat me when I'm dressed nice and appropriate for the occasion, especially when I'm wearing a dress or a skirt and heels. I am treated as a woman. Men open doors for me, I get "Hello! How are you?" instead of "Hey" and of course complements for actually being dressed. In the modern America, there is less and less class, and more jeans with sweatshirts everywhere you look. I admire the moms who have household, chores, children and they manage to look presentable. I have been eyeing couple spring dresses and these are my favorites incorporated in spring outfits from casual to special occasion. 

DIY Spring Wreath

So spring has sprung and everyone is pulling out their rakes, mowing loans and putting up new spring wreaths. I found a great idea somewhere on PINTEREST and decided to give it a try. It's really a different kind of wreath - one made from yarn. I did not take pictures of the step by step process, still going to do my best to tell you how easy it is to make it. You can find the tutorial on making felt flowers here, I made Felt Blooms Version Two. I got the idea here so you can experiment and maybe try something different with yarn colors and patterns.

You Will Need:

1. Felt

2. Yarn

3. Glue Gun

4. Round Wreath Base

5. Small Poms

6. Scissors

STEP1
Wrap the yarn around the wreath using a little glue when needed to hold the yarn in place. Let the wreath rest to make sure there is no loose yarn.
STEP2
Make the felt flowers
STEP3
Put the flower in place and secure them with glue gun. (You may want to play around with flowers and see where it will look better. Don't glue them on the first try)
STEP4
Put few poms to add color and texture to the wreath
STEP5
TADA! You have your spring wreath ready to be hang on the door.

P.S. I enjoy mine every time I walk through the front door. r

Spring Essentals

Dress1

Dress 2

Jeans

Skirt

         

Polka

Floral

Stripes

Sandals

Heels

                                   Dress1, Dress2, Jeans, Skirt, Polka, Stripes, Sandals, Heels

When it come to my wardrobe,  have a few things that wear constantly. Sometimes I put together an outfit and love it so much that I wear it multiple times, instead of remixing things. So if you think about it, we only need couple basic pieces to make our wardrobe work for us. This spring is all about COLOR and floral patterns, but we are keeping our basic polka dots and stripes! From skinny jeans to sandals and I'm loving every minute of it, only if the sun would come out already and we could enjoy the spring with a colorful palette of must-haves. If I were to have everything I want (who doesn't want that? lol), these pieces would have been part of it (I do have the JCrew Skirt in Lime), especially shoes. Enjoy the spring shopping, even if it's just window shopping. One can dream right? 

Easter Weekend

I love traditions! How can you not? Starting with new clothes to wear and all the way to the type of bread to serve. My mom and I spent almost the entire Friday together, making home-made sausages, kneading bread (by hand!) and setting up the table for a fancy Easter lunch. There was a lot of talk about the olden days and how my grandmother used to do all of this when she had six children, a farm and an overly critical mother-in-law. I love those moments where I learn about my family and get to spend some time with my mom (my husband came with with dinner later and of course he was put to work too;) But among all the preparations and fancy sausage making, we haven't forgotten the real reason for this amazing Holy Day where we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus. Sunday morning was sunny and bright just like an Easter morning should be. Church was filled with people and front platform was blooming with white lilies. Sermon was filled with power and spirit, and preacher  spoke about God's love and why Jesus did what He did. Then there was visiting of my husband's family and mingling with family, more food and more family conversations. It was a great weekend! Hope you had a great one too.

Hello Spring... ummmm... Where did you go?

Dress: LOFT  (couple year ago)
Blazer: Thrift store
Shoes: TJ Maxx
Necklace: Antique Show
Belt: Target

It seems Spring has played April Fools joke on us, couple of weeks ago. We had high 70s temperatures and sunshine, yet this morning it was 60F in my house. Brrrr... I didn't even want to peek a toe from under my blanket and stay in bed all day, but gargling of my stomach forced me to get up and heat up the crepes that I made yesterday. My toes and my stomach thanked me. So, now I have my blanket and socks on, trying to figure out the art of Photoshop (or in my case, GIMP2). It has been a long road since I not being able to decipher's any computer program to actually editing something, all by my self (!). I know what you think, "Gosh, this is awful editing" but I'm working on my skills, so please be patient. 

I wore this outfit when it was 70 outside (hence no nylons) and absolutely love this purple dress. (Btw, I recently realized that i have like a million purple things, which was a discovery all in itself). I'm new to the blog world, but those of you who will read this, thank you. Please stick around and see what else I will come up with.