Lessons

For the last three days I was learning a lesson on patience and compassion, and understanding and maybe some other wisdom too.
Our A/C unit broke... and I almost killed my hubby somewhere in there too. The story goes like this.
You may laugh at how almost silly it sounds. 
It got really hot outside and not just any hot - it was MUGGY. Impossible to breath and sleep muggy. So we decided to bring air conditioner down from the attic. Hubby asked me to clear out the way for him because that sucker is heavy and poor thing won't let me help him. So, I got chairs outta the way but forgot to push the rug aside and it's one of those flimsy rugs, that slide every time you walk. Of course, as he was carrying the unit, he tripped on the rug, almost fell, and dropped the A/C. I almost had a heart attack but what's worse? It wouldn't turn on. It WAS HOT! 95F! So to ensure we will will live, we went to Walmart and got a fan. Thank God we were able to get some sleep that night but it was still very hot and humid in the house. Then hubby called a store that sells parts for stuff and they couldn't even find the model number for our A/C and I was so frustrated and mad at myself. Honestly, I said a silent prayer to God to give patience. Two days passed. Hubby decided to plug the sucker in... and it worked! We were relieved and surprised but most of all thankful for the luxury of having the air conditioning in the house. We ARE spoiled!

A lot of times God has to teach us lessons over and over, because we don't pass the exit exam for the class. Or we act like little spoiled toddlers that act out with the first thing that doesn't go their way. I don't know about you, but I feel like I just took the patience test. I don't know if I passed.

Date Day

top: Talbots, shorts: The Limited, belt: Thrifted, shoes: TJMaxx,, bag: Kate Spade New York

Yesterday we had a date day. Yes, you read that right. A full day  devoted only to us two - no distractions, nothing we 'have to do', just enjoying each other. We had so much fun. You can love someone, but not like them and after a while don't even want to be around them. After 5 years of being together, we do everything together. Of course, we have our own individual things we do but we have so much fun together that it's just ridiculous. We have too much fun... and I'd like it to keep it that way :)

P.S. Hubby went to see What to Expect When You Are Expecting with me. It was cute:)
P.P.S. All the humidity was giving me almost an afro.

Life Goes On

Shirt: GAP, Skirt: J.Crew, Shoes: ALDO, Belt: Target, Bag: Kate Spade New York

There is an old Jewish folk tale that goes like this. King Solomon wanted test his friend and gave him a riddle. He said: "By the end of this month, at the celebration of Yum Kippur you need to bring me a gift. And not any gift. I want a ring. Whenever a happy person will look at it, he will be saddened. Same also, when a sad person will look at it, he will get happier." King Solomon's friend looked everywhere and couldn't find anything like that. He went to a blacksmith and told him his dilemma. The blacksmith took a simple ring and inscribed something on it. When the friend looked at it, that's what he read - This Too Shall Pass.
Moral of the story? Life is full of ups and downs and no matter what state you are in right now, no matter how good or horrible life is at this moment, it will pass.

Things We're Afraid to Tell You

top:Banana Republic, skirt: H&M, belt: Target, sandals and bag: Steve Madden (via TJMaxx)

Is the reality in blogs real?
Do blogs look too much like the runway?
Or we are taking the whole personal thing too far with TMI?
We (all the fashion/lyfestyle bloggers) don't want to show off our fat cavess, yet we want it to be real and within reach. Sometimes we are afraid to tell you that our lives are just like everyone else - with everyday messes and joys. So why make it look so picture perfect? Because no matter how much down-to-earth we are, and no matter how much belly fat we have, we still want to look good, almost perfect. We don't tell you that we Photoshop pictures to improve lighting and colors, and the moment our hair is done we take the picture, or that the heels we are wearing in picture are getting swapped with flats the minute pictures are over. So let's be real. No one looks like a picture one hundred percent of the time. We do too have bad hair days and our thighs too look fat.

Bright Idea

Top: Banana Republic
Skirt: Loft
Belt: Target
Necklace: The Limited
Bag: Coach
Flats: J.Crew

For me today is Friday! School is not in session tomorrow, so I have a long weekend (til Wednesday). I have a few things in mind that I need to accomplish. First of all, finish my color blocking DIY sandals! I'm excited about that project because it's turning out mighty fine. Next will be napkin holders for wedding party and lastly hemming my jeans capris. And, of course, soaking up some sun in my mom's backyard! What are you planning on doing this weekend?

Awkward:
- eating lunch and trying to read a book, while someone is trying to talk to ya... Can't you see, person, that I have my head down and not making eye contact? That's because I don't want to make small talk... Person is still trying to talk...
- having awful muscle cramps after I started running... need to get through this stage
- running through thrift store to snatch an item I'm eyeing from afar... 'what's wrong with that girl' looks are being given out
- while looking through Clearance rack in Walmart conversation goes like this: "do you know if they carry this in XL?", looking at lady puzzled, 'no I don't", back at me "would you mind checking?".... "ummmmm, I don't work here", "really?" and walks away...

Stupendous:
- getting my designer bag - feel so fashionable and high class
- spending time with mom playing tennis, going to be fun!
- pushing myself to exercise more pays off - I actually have more energy
- working on decorating/organizing two weddings - love it!
- passing on some of my married woman wisdom, sharing my experience to a young bride... I love being the motherly type! :)
-  planning my long-awaited trip to Europe (don't like packing though)

Tempted

Top: Merona (Target)
Cardigan, jeans,shades: LOFT
Wedges: Old Navy
Belt: Gap
WHEN: Running errands and lunch w/girlfriend 

The Kate Spade Surprise Sample Sale sneaking up on me Thursday night was not good... relatively speaking. Well, not good for my no-shopping-until-may-twenty-third-thing but... SIGH... I had to get it. It was on a HUGE discount and exactly what I was looking for. It's a perfect bag that will match to everything and it's a KATE SPADE and I love it! I have been on a look out for a stylish bag that can be my go-to style piece and here it is. Coming in the mail by the end of this week!
The ban for no shopping has lifted but my budget is maxed out with purchase of The Bag so no shopping for me anyway ;-)

Thanks for reading!

Black Pumps (DIY)

My very own Valentino pumps (a girl can dream right?)

I love designer shoes but unfortunately they cost more then our rent. So what should I do? Try to fashion a pair from my old, broken-into, super comfy and dear-to-my-heart black pumps. I wanted a pair that was lady-like, cute and timeless like these to-die-for shoes.

 <-Inspiration ->

                    

                                     Manolo Blahnik 

         Valentino

YOU WILL NEED:
- pair of black pumps (use something that you won't cry over if you mess up)
- spray paint (black)
- tape
- all surface paint
- paint brush
- small bowl
- lots of newspaper to spare your working surface
- black chiffon (4 strips 3'' wide, 2 strips 2''wide)
- needle with black thread
- 2 clothes pins
- hot glue gun

HOW TO:

Set up your working station and make sure to cover it with paper.

Cover the shoes and spray paint just the soles black (take the outdoors). Remove the tape. 

I didn't spray paint mine since they were already black. But if you have lighter sole, it's really hard to trace the shoes with brush, so just save yourself some headache and spray it. 

Next paint the shoes with the high gloss paint and let it dry. I did three coats, as my shoes were a little worn out.

Make the bows for the front. Those can be as big and fluffy as you would like them to. Take a piece of wide chiffon and make a bow. Sew in the middle to hold in place and do the same with second layer. Wrap around the middle with smaller piece of chiffon and secure with thread. I like to sew them because glue may not hold all the layers. 

 They may not look exactly the same, don't worry:)

Take a little hot glue and secure the bows in the middle of the front of the shoes. To make sure that the bows are secure, hold them in place over night with clothes pins.

Note: Less glue the better - you can always add more and it will give your shoes more professional look.

Give the shoes some time to dry and set. 

Ta-Da! 

Thanks for reading!

Responsibility

Top: H&M
Skirt: Talbots
Shoes: BCBGirls (DIY)
Belt: Target
Pendant: gift from hubby

Being an adult takes a lot of responsibility. From paying the bills to knowing how to eat at a fancy-shmancy restaurant with three forks. Well, that's nothing compared to being a parent. One day I pray God will give us children and honestly, that scares me: having a responsibility of another life, aring for that little person, shaping their views on life, God, right and wrong and everything in between. If you ask me, that's A LOT of responsibility! With that in mind, I'm starting to think a lot about who I want to be for my children. To those of you who have raised children that make you proud, I applaud you. To others who have children, may God give you wisdom and strength. To the rest of us...well... do your best to be the person you want your children to become.

Pause For a Proverb: Cease not, O my son, to hear instruction, and be not ignorant of the words of knowledge

Cliché

Cardigan: Old Navy (similar)
Skirt: TJMaxx (similar)
Belt: Target (similar)
Shoes: J.Crew (similar)
Bag: Coach 

             Every Sunday night I tell myself that this coming week is going to be different. I am going to exercise at least 3 times, spend time with my hubby engaging in meaningful conversation, finish another DIY project that I started and do million other things. Yet Friday comes and I haven't done much. I beat myself up and feel incredibly guilty  for whatever it is I didn't do. It feels like no matter how much or what I do, it's NEVER good enough. Why do I feel like life isn't good enough? Then I have to remind myself that my life is exactly what it should be and I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be. I have to remind myself to thank God for amazing blessings in my life and everything that goes into it. I don't know if it's the maturity coming through, or I'm just getting tired of the guilt trip.
             In the generation of supermodels, TV moms and tabloids, we get caught up in comparison mode. We compare out houses, children, salaries, husbands, the length of our legs, closets and everything in between. That's not wise. If you are reading home/fashion/family blogs and comparing yourself to other people, you will never be happy with your life. The value of life does not lie in your career, the width of your thighs or the things in your closet. And happiness is not lots of money. It's the simple things in life (I know it's a cliche but it's true). Until we learn to love, appreciate, adore and value what we have, contentment will never come. In other words, take a deep breath and enjoy the little thing - laugh of your children, morning coffee, smell of fresh cut grass, family and friends, roof over your head and even that annoying whatever-it-is.
Life is short.
Go ahead.
Enjoy it.
                                                                                  

Animal Instinct

Blouse: Ralph Lauren (thrifted)
Tank: Talbots
Jeans, Shades: LOFT
Belt: Target
Shoes: ALDO
Clutch: Macy's 

Honestly, I think, I was the last person to get on the animal print wagon and it took me some time (now it's birds. Literaly birds are everywhere. What's up with that?). At first it seemed a little tacky. But when paired with something low key, let's say jeans, it looks more like an outfit and less like a hoochy mama. Btw, any time my hubby doesn't like what I'm wearing, his reasoning is that it looks like hoochy mama (and I have no idea who this hoochy mamma is). So here is to trying out new things and going with your wild side and hubby warming up to animal print. 

Temptation

Button-up, Cardigan: J.Crew
Jeans: LOFT
Shoes: Jessica Simpson (via TJMaxx)
Bag: COACH (thrifted)
WHEN: Date night

Last weekend we had a mother-daughter Oriental Garden Party in our church and I had to (had no choice in the matter) go buy a dress that would resemble something oriental. I literally looked everywhere and had no luck. Of course, I did not want to spend more then $10 on it and resorted to thrifting. So there I go looking for a dress with some kind of Chinese/Japanese resemblance, trying to stay away from ALL the other racks... and... so... I... didn't... buy... anything... except this COACH bag, which almost doesn't count right? I knew you would understand!

Simplicity

T-shirt: NY&Co
Skirt, Shades: LOFT
Belt: Calvin Klein (from dress)
Shoes: GAP

Sometimes you just need some simplicity in life. Get de-cluttered and reorganize everything from your head to the last cupboard. I am doing just that today - cleaning out my closet room, changing some decor around the house and researching some DIY projects (and attempting them).
Pause for a Proverb:  Laziness casts one into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger. (Proverbs19:15)

Happy Monday!
Happy Spring Cleaning!

Mommy Day

For this Mother's Day I am planning on honoring my beautiful and amazing mothers (my mom and in-law). The word mom encompasses so much that it's hard to define what it is really like to be a 'mom'. I'm not a mother myself (yet) but all I know is that it's the toughest job in the world. I know that it's the most rewarding job also although we do bring disappointments to our moms at times. There is nothing that says that you care more than a gift with thought, so here is a quick and easy recipe your mom is bound to love!
Have a great weekend ladies (mommies or not)!

Ingredients:
1 cup Whipping Cream
1tsp vanilla
1 tbsp confectioner's sugar
3 tbsp cool whip
2 (1lb each) packages of strawberries (or any other berries)
1 round angel food cake

Equipment:
Hand-held or stand mixer
Truffle Bowl

Preparation:1. To make sure you will get stiff, fluffy cream put the mixer bowl, whisk and whipping cream into freezer for about 15 minutes ***very important step***
2. Wash and cut strawberries
3. Cut the angel food cake across, splitting it into two halves; then cut about 2 in pieces
4. Layer the angel food cake on the bottom and spread half the strawberries evenly on top

5. Cover the strawberries with half of the whipped cream 

6. Again layer the angle food cake, then cream and top with strawberries (if you add other berries it will look even better)
7. Cool in the fridge for about 2-3 hours

8. Serve and enjoy!

P.S. If you want a little more dzing to your dessert, pour a little orange liquor over the angel food cake.


P.P.S. I'm also made these to bring over to moms' houses. They are a little bit of work but every bite is worth it!

Rain Rain (don't) Go Away

Shirt: Old Navy
Sequin Tank: NY&Co
Skirt Talbots
Bracelets: H&M
Gold String Necklace: Present from my grandmother
Shoes: Antique Show (box labeled 1982)

As I was sitting in a quiet house all by myself, listening to the sound of rain outside, I realized how much I loved those moments. It was peaceful and calm, as I drank my hot tea and had some pastries, thinking on important things. I couldn't hear traffic nose and didn't even bother turning on the music because I was just.... Uhhhhhh... mesmerized by the rain. It was amazing - listening to the rain as it sang it's lullaby to me washing everything clean. Thank you rain for keeping me company on a cold spring night.

Special Occasion

I am going to visit my family overseas and attend my cousin's wedding. Ever since I thought about going for a visit I was on the hunt for a perfect dress. Finding a simple dress as a guest of the wedding that isn't going to flash everyone and satisfy some fashion sense is hard. I feel like there is nothing out there for those of us who want to stay modest and at the same time don't look grandma-ish. Do you have an event you need a cute dress for? Check these out! Feel free to comment and suggest other stores, online boutiques and web pages.

{Thanks bunches}

Lemon Drop

Midsummer Night's Dream

In The Fields

Blushing Cheeks

Teal Peplum 

Royal Violet

Girly Lace

Sweet Structure

Coming Up Next

A little sneak peek into the upcoming outfits and (turns out) there will be lots of polka and patterns.

 I have to admit, it is hard not to shop whenever you (in this case I) feel like it. The temptation is everywhere! When I get my mail and there is a coupon inside that I hang up on the fridge waiting for the 

D-day (for which I already made a budget and can buy exactly one (1!) thing). When I get e-mails from stores telling me of their new arrivals or markdowns. When I watch my show on HULU (we don't have cable). When I'm getting dressed in the morning and think that a coral necklace would go perfectly with my outfit. When I remember that it's Wednesday and our thrift store has 50% off sale on 4/5 tags. Then I march over to my closet and start putting together outfits and the latest count is 21!!! I mean, TWENTY ONE brand new outfits without a single new item in my closet! You may say "wow", but I say you march over to that closet and find new and interesting combinations of the tried and true closet of yours and make it work for you. So whatcha waiting for? 

Stop Talking

Blouse: Banana Republic (thrifted)
Skirt: LOFT
Belt: Target
Clutch: H&M
Shoes: TJMaxx (old)
Necklace: J.Crew

Have you ever felt like you where to talking to some one and they weren't listening? I mean, they were hearing what you were saying but they weren't actually listening? Like talking to a wall... Well, that is the time to stop talking. Don't make it personal, but if some isn't going to listen to you, just stop. Stop wasting your breath. Stop getting frustrated. Stop talking period. I had to learn that recently and lemme tell you, it isn't easy. So, speaking to myself here, this weeks verse to live by

Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.

Proverbs 9:7

P.S. On a lighter note, I personally consider maxi skirts cute and more then modest. Older generation consider them hippie. My husband's grandma thinks "long isn't making me look any younger". What is your feeling towards maxi skirts? 

(White) Denim for Weekend

Gingham: Old Navy
Necklace: NY & Co
Jeans: LOFT
Belt: Target
Shoes: J.Crew Factory
Bracelets: H&M
WHEN: Running errands and grocery shopping in white jeans is kinda brave, doncha think?
Inspiration:The Pink Peonies Blog 

Awkward
- Walking in on someone in bathroom stall - really awkward
- Realizing (at the store) I forgot all of my coupons that I so carefully cut up and put on the refrigerator
- Walking into the principal's office to talk to him about one of the students and being take for one of the students
- Taking a nice hot shower and having cold water burst into my face. Not cool. Well, actually very cool.
- A literally 4 inch butt crack like a shinning beacon in the middle of computer lab
- Seeing two of my friends from high school. You have to know - in high school I was one of the nerds. During my senior year I didn't skip even once, while these two other girls were almost never in class. Then I went to college and now 5 years later I'm a professional tutor at the community college, while those two are still attending the above mentioned college. So when they saw me, as I proudly strut my "faculty/staff" badge, they quickly said 'hi' and got the heck outta there.
-


Stupendous
- Finally getting to wear my white jeans
- Making some delicious pastry... Best moment of the day...
- Staying true to my commitment (see here for more details) although there was a sale @ TALBOTS and I found a gorgeous dress for my cousin's wedding.... my prayer tonight "Lord, please let it be on sale May 21st"
- Getting 3 paychecks in mail today - it's pay day, baby!
- Discovering a great new quote about choosing your mate "Chose your love. Love your choice"
- Talking with hubby until wee hours of the morning... Those were the best moments of my day