Ladies Who Lunch

top: Banana Republic, blazer, clutch: H&M, pants: LOFT, shoes: Ann Taylor, 

Yesterday my mom and I took a much needed break from our busy lives and had long, restful and absolutely delicious lunch. In the little village cafe, while we set outside, it was plain nice to catch up. Mom has been working lots lately and now it's her turn for a trip back to mother land, so I won't see her for about 3 weeks.

While we were sitting around and chatting, it dawned on me - life too short not to savor moments like these. We are so caught up in the little things we have to do, and why we do what we do, that many times we forget the most important things, like family.

 When I am 90 years old and on my death bed, I don't want to have regrets like that. I want to think back to the day when mom and I lunched in a beautiful village cafe on a beautiful summer afternoon. It's the moments like these that take your breath away. 

They make you stop and just enjoy life.

From Pooch and I

As you may have noticed, I haven't posted many outfit pictures as of lately. That is not because I lounge in my PJs all day long or don't even want to look at my heels. I get dressed up every day (except Friday), do my hair and make up, and go to work. I teach two times a week and the other days I tutor at the community college. There are plenty of heels in those outfits.

So what's the deal you say? 

I'm starting to feel fat. Yep. That dreaded word, when you waistline is starting to expand and you actually starting to notice it. This would be the time when I pick up 3 mile jogging exercise but not now. 

I'm told to take it easy. To do some walking everyday for 30 minutes, absolutely no dieting and, of course, getting some bigger clothes. 

Easy to say.

Yes, I am happy that the baby growing inside of me is healthy and developing normal. 

Yes, I'm glad to be pregnant with our first child. 

Only at this stage in the game, I don't really have a belly - it's just some fat bulging out.

I don't look particularly slim with a little pooch sticking out but not yet very pregnant, with a nice full belly.

There is nothing more precious then a baby and I know (in mind) that it's all going to be worth it. 

Only right now I can't help but feel hungry half the time and then a little angry at my clothes that are getting a bit snug on me. 

I guess, I haven't thought about the process of growing a baby. You always see these women with bellies sticking out but it doesn't come to mind how much that woman has to go through to get there.

In 20 weeks I will be the one walking like a duck with belly in front of me. 

But until then it's lil poochie and me.

P.S. Currently at 17 weeks pregnant and hormones are running wild. 

You can pretty much never mind all of the above.

When It Rains, It Pours

Matthew 5:45

That ye may be the children of your father which is in heaven

For he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good

And sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust

Sometimes you feel like giving up. Moving away. Far away, into a different country where no one knows who you are and there are no heartaches. That's called heaven and we aren't there yet.

Well, where we are is Earth. With its people, unstable economies, unknown future, and unbearable heartache. I really cannot go into much detail, but life here hasn't been easy the past year. It has been completely opposite of easy - struggles.
It isn't pretty and it isn't fair, but it is what it is.

Life is hard kids. It doesn't warn you, there is no sign "bumps ahead"  - it just strikes against all odd, against all understanding and we are left standing alone. Alone in cold pouring rain. 

But I am not alone. I know God. I do not understand any of it. I feel like I'm buried in trials and there is no end, but somewhere in the mess that my life is now - God has an answer. He has a plan.

It's hard to go through pain knowing that God in His foreknowledge planned it. Why would He? I know why, just don't want to admit it.

God knew what to put into my path for one reason - to soften my heart. To make me better.

So after it's all set and done, even if I don't see His plan, even if I won't ever understand,
God has me in His hands.

Live and Learn

blouse: Banana Republic, skirt: Talbots, shoes, clutch: H&M

I bet you guys thought I'm going to talk about some profound statement that I found, judging by the title of this post. Well, there are other ways to learn stuff, like by experience. And there are two things that I can tell you:

1. Taking pictures in the broad daylight won't give good results. All the shades of pink are going to look exactly the same or almost white. Yes, this outfit was supposed to be pretty pink 
2. Sometimes it's good to listen to your hubby when he says that the light is too direct and it's going to ruin my picture. {Don't tell him I said that}

Take it from someone who's stubborn and determined to prove herself. Learning lessons the hard way (a.k.a by experience) is not fun. Be that how/when to take pictures or when just learn to shut up - learning by banging your head against something hard isn't fun. So next time, just go ahead and listen to that advice your grandma/hubby/mother/pastor is giving to ya. It may save you lots of frustration.

 And camera footage in my case.

Have yourself a great week!

Lady in Black {polka dot}

dress: Vintage, flats: J.Crew Factory, cardigan: Loft, jewelry: gift from hubby

What should I tell you? 

Should I tell you that I was nervous and yet so excited to start teaching this week? Or that this vintage thrifted dress was a great find? Or maybe that life is so busy, that I haven't even gotten a chance to look at anything baby related yet? Well, that's all part of my life right now.

At sixteen weeks, I still can't believe that it's true. Haha. I know, you better believe it lady! There is just so much to think about! So many parenting books to read and so many decorating ideas to brainstorm. Yet, with my new job, I'm completely immersed into everything that has to do with Math and teaching. I hope, as the semester will go on and things settle down, I will be able to go to Babies R Us and maybe check out the J.Crew Baby section.

 Until then, it's house hunting and trying to stay above the water with all the papers I need to grade

Enjoy these last days of summer!

Have a wonderful weekend!

{Shrimp Fried Rice}

Mine came out picture-perfect

Once in a while I find this recipe that's easy and delicious. Well, this is it! This is easy to make and with all the right ingredients, it will taste better then take-out. Trust me!

I love Shrimp Fried Rice and with my constant craving for salt, I can satisfy hunger 

with some very nutritious stuff. 

I followed the recipe to a T and did not change anything!

(Well, except I like cilantro and parsley so I added some of that in)

**Recipe and all pictures below are courtesy of natashaskitchen.com**

Ingredients for Shrimp Fried Rice: Link

1 lb (26-30 count) uncooked shrimp, shelled and deveined

1 tsp cornstarch

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

3 tbsp canola or other cooking oil

4 eggs, beaten

1/4 cup green onion, finely chopped

5 cups left-over, cold rice (Make sure to rinse the rice before cooking so it’s not sticky – sticky fried rice doesnt’ work)1 and 1/2 cups (12 oz)  frozen carrots and peas, defrosted according to package instructions and well-drained

2 1/2 to 3 tbsp soy sauce

1 1/2 tsp sesame oil

How to Make the BEST shrimp fried rice:

1. In a medium bowl, mix the shrimp, cornstarch, salt and pepper. Let marinate at room temperature for 10 minutes.

2. Heat a large skillet on high heat. When a bead of water sizzles and evaporates, swirl in 2 tablespoons of cooking oil.

3. Add shrimp to the hot skillet and spread them out in a single layer. Cook about 1 minute each side, or until cooked through and no longer opaque. Remove to a bowl.

4. Over medium heat, add eggs to the same skillet. Break up the eggs with a spatula and cook until no longer runny. Remove to a bowl.

5. Wipe down the skillet with a paper towel and return to high heat. Add 1 tbsp oil and onions and cook green onion until fragrant (if using regular onion, cook until soft).

6. Add rice and mix well. Spread rice evenly over the pan and cook 1 to 2 minutes, stir and saute another 1 to 2 minutes. Rice should sizzle.

7. Drizzle 2 tbsp soy sauce over rice and stir well.

8. Add sesame oil and vegetables and mix well.

9. Add cooked shrimp and cooked eggs to the pan and mix well. Continue to cook until the rice is hot and sizzles, stirring frequently. Add another tablespoon of soy sauce to taste, if desired.

On Repeat

dress,belt:Old Navy, shoes: Steve Madden, bag: Old, 

You know you like a song when it's on repeat in your car and you memorized all the words. Well, that's me and this dress. I really fell in love with it when I bought it and adding a little different accessories, changing up the hair - makes for a whole new outfit.

I know, that in the world of blogging we are used to seeing new and fresh things, and always being amazed at how much clothes some of the bloggers have. Well, if you like a dress, why not wear it more then once? Or twice? Therefore, you may see this dress again. And then again.
Ain't nothing wrong with that.

P.S. Check out the first time I wore this dress. Which one is your favorite?

Staycation

shorts: J.Crew, top: Old Navy, jacket: Loft, shoes:???, bag: Target

Picturesque scenes around our town 

Almost in Italy...

at the antique show - perfect for my future backyard...

Love the antique signs

Early 1900s silver wear

This enormous tree is more then one hundred years old
The man you can barely make out is my hubby

Well I'm back and must say that it has been fun. Honestly, you don't know how much fun you can have in your own town or the ones near you, until you try. This year we weren't able to go on a 'real' vacation, so we decided to explore local towns, restaurants and parks. 

We do complain a lot about not being able to do much in our city, and it not a big metropolitan area with some sort of shows going on every Friday. To be honest, we just don't know what we are missing. 

First of all, upstate New York is one of the most scenic places on the East coast. Secondly, we have some gorgeous little historic towns with a real feel of America. 

Friday our plans were ruined by the rain, but we made up for it with lots of delicious food, little village shops, museum visit, pastry sampling, stand up comedy, and later more food. We has lunch at little village cafe with some awesome menu. Three of my most favorite foods - avocado, lobster and bacon - combined into one magnificent BLT. Ohhhhh thank goodness for delicious food!
Saturday we spent a day at an Antique Show and had a blast. While looking at some of the old things and just admiring the art work, we would ask for the price. After hearing how crazy expensive it is, we just kept the straight face and casually stroll away. Later we discussed how ridiculously expensive them things are with a fresh squeezed lemonade and fried dough. Yum!
Sunday after church we finished our little staycation with a dinner at a steakhouse.
I had a shrimp scampi. Go figure.
P.S. This extravaganza was paused for an hour every day so the hot mama could take a nap. Cannot deny a pregnant lady her nap.

Here & Now {Guest Post}

Hi there. I'm taking a little impromptu vacation with my hubby so while I'm gone, I have one of my favorite down-to-earth bloggers filling in for me. Without further ado, here is Jessica.

Hello Happy Medley readers! I am Jessica from Here&Now where I blog about my daily outfits, adventures in building a stylish wardrobe (aka shopping), and of course my fur baby, Doug the Pug. I am so excited to be joining you guys over here!

It is that time of year... I am over my Summer clothes, and drooling about the new Fall collections popping up on shelves everywhere... what's a girl to do!?

Shop smart for transition pieces... items that can still be worn in hot weather (who wants to wait to wear new purchases!?), but will get plenty of love come cooler months as well... when shopping for end of Summer/Fall clothes, think about items that layer, have classic color palettes, and are easily mixable into what you already have in your closet....

just that easy huh!?

Well here are some of my tips, and outfits for your inspirational pleasure 

(oh and almost all of these items are at amazing price points... who wants to only get 1 or 2 items off of their Fall wish list... let's stock up!)

{Fall Florals: skinny floral jeans}

{Now}

floppy hat + tank (tied at waist) + cross-body bag + funky bangles + lace up wedges

{Later}

open sweater + tough cuff + fringe purse + low booties

Yes, florals were big for Spring/Summer and (if you can believe it) are continuing will full force into Fall. Pick up a pair of skinny floral jeans in more muted colors and enjoy remixing them with easy basics and full of personality accessories

{Hot Dots: Polka dot dress}

{Now}

jean vest + gold bangles + green shopper bag + gold sandals

{Later}

colorful scarf + neutral clutch + basic booties

Polka dots... get ready to see them everywhere. Polka dot pieces from Old Navy to J.Crew are already selling out quickly... so go ahead and jump on the trend, it's here for another season. Polka dots can be playful with a jean vest and girlie flats. Or toughen them up with chic booties. Go a step more and pair your dots with a on trend green army jacket or be super brave and try them with camo!

{Pop of Peplum top}

{Now}

classic sunnies + monogram necklace + neutral bag + jean shorts {splurge // save } + leopard sandals 

{Later}

crystal necklace + men's style watch + funky clutch + faux leather skirt + leopard heels

Oh have you heard of this little piece, it's called a peplum... and it is hot hot hot! Peplums popped up on tops, skirts, and dresses in late Spring and are continuing their trendy up-swing into Fall. My favorite way to wear a peplum top now is with laid-back jorts and cool-girl details. Come fall I can't wait to pair peplum tops with a fuller skirt and spicy accents (à la the ever fashionable Blair of Atlantic-Pacific).

I might be a little biased, but I think all of these items are closet workhorses... and hopefully I can purchase a few smart transitional pieces of my own (got my eye on that polka dot dress!)

What pieces are you eyeing?

Come visit me over on Here&Now anytime!

xx

Jessica

Confession

dress:Calvin Klein, shoes:Guess, belt:Old Navy

So I have a confession to make - I lost my camera. 

Yes, I know, it is the single most important piece of equipment for a fashion blogger, well, besides the computer itself. I cannot find it and that's just not cool. I have been switching purses a lot and putting the camera from one into another every time. 

This time, it's not in any of my bags or in the car, or anywhere else.

Therefore this outfit is from last year taken by my hubby with his phone camera. I love the outfit and I LOVE this black dress, which by the way, I wore today with different accessories. But you will never know because, you guessed it right, I could not find the camera.  

So if you see it, let me know OK? Thanks

The Best Grilled Cheese Panini

I'm already munching on it. Quick take a pic so I can have my food.

I had a dream. One of many food dreams. I had a dream that I was eating the best grilled cheese sandwich in the world (I guess that's what pregnancy does to me). So I started researching how to make the best grilled cheese sandwich because let's face it - it's all in the cheese. 

After few blogs, Foodnetwork shows and cooking books I found my cheese. Muenster cheese. 

I can't pronounce it correct because it sounds like monster.

OH MY GOODNESS! This cheese is like a piece of heaven on Earth. 

I give you my very own take on the whole grilled cheese thing. And let me tell you, it's better not have anyone around when you are eating it. You wouldn't want to share.

At least don't have any hungry pregnant women around you - they do not share their food. 

Take it from me. Da pregnant one.

Ingredients:

2 slices of deli cut Muenster Cheese

2 pieces of Wheat Bread

1 medium yellow tomato

3 thin slices of Canadian Bacon

butter

Preparation: 

Cut tomato into very thin slices and preheat the panini maker. Non stick skillet will suffice if you don't have panini maker.

Put slices of cheese on both bread pieces and pile on tomatoes and Canadian bacon in the middle. 

Lightly grease the cooking surface with butter and set it on medium heat. 

Make sure the cheese is nicely melted and hot all the way through. 

I know you are hungry but give it some time and don't rush the perfection. 

Check on the panini or turn it over, if you are using skillet.

I sliced up more tomatoes for the side because they are from my aunt's garden and 

ohhhh so deliciously sweet.

Ta-Da! 

Go ahead enjoy it. I won't look.

{Headband}

As I said earlier, I will try to keep up with DIY projects and post every other Friday. So I was excited to get started and kind of went all the way on this one. It cost me more then usual because I mostly buy very cheap stuff. This time I wanted to make a present and bought some of the nicer accessories. You can make this any color and mix and match, but I wanted something a little sophisticated and grown-up.

 Here is it!

You will need:

Black Chiffon - 1rd x 1/2 yd

Felt

Hot Glue Gun

Scissors 

Black Headband

Jewelry Accessory

Start out buy cutting the same size circles out chiffon. Let me tell you - chiffon is pain in the neck to work with, so stack the pieces and cut about 3-4 at a time. You will need 8-10 circles.

Prepare your headband and the jewelry button.

Fold is circle in half by placing a very small amount of glue and then again. You will get folded quarters, but for every fold to stay in place you need to hot glue them.

Start centering the pieces around the middle of the circle felt you cut out. 

Glue the quartered circles unto felt by placing four in each row.

Repeat until you reach the desired amount of layers. I made two layers

Cut the edges of the chiffon very carefully making a nice circle, then burn the edges just a little. Be careful not to burn wholes into the chiffon.

Glue the middle press tight on the middle for about 30 seconds. Then hot glue the felt unto headband and if you have black felt, you are done. I didn't want the beige felt to show, so I covered it with another piece of chiffon. You very own, custom made head piece is done! 

Enjoy!

Favorites

top: Loft, skirt; J.Crew, shoes, clutch: H&M, umbrella:Zest UK

I think every girl has a pair of shoes that just make her heart jump, or a dress that just hugs those curves in every right place. Well, I love this pair because first of all, they have an awesome pinky-peach color. Second, they are so soft and comfortable that I want to wear them all the time. The only thing that I hate, is that they are suede and get dirty ohhhhh so fast! So lesson of the day? Don't wear them when it's raining or you see a humongous black cloud on a horizon. Yeah, that didn't happen but it made for a perfect outfit.
I think. Don't you?

P.S. I know I had a lot of skirt outfits lately but let's save pants for cold winter. 

Thanks for reading!

Nautical

top: IZOD, skirt, scarf: vintage, shoes: Bandolino, bag: Kate Spade NY

Back to the regular scheduled programming. 

I love the blue and white together - it feels and looks like the sky. Only I hate when you put a little red into the mix, and bam you look like the 4th of July. So instead I call it nautical, inspired by Rachel and her outfit. Go ahead take a look. Ok, so my skirt does not cost over one hundred dollars, it actually cost only $3 at the local thrift store. And my shoes don't have red soles, and my top isn't from J.Crew but, this outfit makes me feel very upscale.

 A girl can dream she has a boat right? 

To be completely honest, this entire outfit is thrifted (except the bag and shoes) which makes me feel even better. If a girl can score a great outfit for under $10, I think even a boat can't beat that. 

Have a great day and thanks for reading!

Something Interesting

daddy shoes, mommy shoes, wittle bitty baby shoes

So it's been one of those things that I wanted to tell everyone but at the same time, I wanted to keep it all to myself. I did not realize that I was such a private person because I was a little annoyed by people asking me when I was going to tell that other person. That's just preggo moodiness is coming out, and I can blame a lot on that now-a-days. So here is something you probably want to know...

How far along? 13 weeks

Total weight gain: none 

Maternity clothes? Nope, not yet

Morning sickness? You know how you hear about these women that don't have any morning sickness? Well, I'm one of them...lol It's weird and some days I was doubting the whole pregnancy thing because I felt so normal and nothing has changed. 

Sleep? Traveling to the other side of the world messed up my schedule. Ever since I got preggo I feel tired and want to take naps like twice a day. 

Best moment this week? Getting a sonogram! We finally saw our little one and he/she does not look like those alien babies... Still surreal though

Miss Anything? Being able to eat anything and everything (not that I ever had shark or smoked king mackerel lol)

Movement? still too early 

Food cravings? Everything salty - herring, pretzels, salami, pickles, smoked salmon and other good stuff.

Anything making you queasy? Strong smells 

Symptoms? I am starting to feel like a cow... I think my belly is starting to grow just itty bitty tiny bit.

Wedding rings on or off? always on

Happy or Moody most of the time? Depends. Mostly I'm happy but if I'm tired I get cranky. Also I'm kind of worried about everything to go smooth - there are gazillion things that can go wrong!

Looking forward to? Right now I just want to find out who we are having and start decorating the nursery! I have so many DIY projects in mind.

{Crafty Friday}

The DIY idea comes from Hey Gorgeous Blog and I absolutely love it.
{all pictures are courtesy of Hey Gorgeous Blog}

I know that you guys just love seeing me pose and model clothes (smh?) but I want this blog be more then just about clothes. So I'm starting a new thing here - Crafty Friday. 

Every Friday I will try to give you a crafty idea that I have tried or think is worth sharing. I have done couple DIY projects but wanted to get creative and add more personal touches to everything from wrapping presents to making a girly headband. 

My sister had her baby yesterday and Zoe is my first niece. My mom is making a baby room in her home for when she (and her future grand babies) comes over. Something like a mother-baby room where you can nap and keep all the baby supplies. It's small but so very cute. 

I am making a crib mobile for the room that's lime green and yellow. The mobile is going to be different shades of orange but depending on what you are going to use it for, it can be a different color(s).

{the rest of the} Bucket List

top: Gap, skirt: NY&Co similar, sandals: Bandolino, bag: Target

 So sometimes that perfect hue just sticks with ya. I love this color of royal blue-and-sort-of-purple skirt. 

On a totally different note, there isn't much summer left anymore and I'm trying to do the best I can to soak up the sun. Making plans for weekend and trying to stay cool. I have sort of a bucket list for the rest of the sunny days. 

1. Have a picnic at lake/park

2. Visit a historic site

3. Have a coffee date at a local library

4. Spend a day at State Fair

5. Go to an antique show 

6. Take a drive down a country road and see where it leads

7. Go hiking

And I have only have three weeks before I start teaching but anything is possible. Honestly, the library date isn't very much a summer thing but I was always fascinated by the stillness of the place. It's so peaceful there!

Also, I love antique shows - you never know what kind of old piece of junk you will find being sold of mucho dinaro. But over all need to enjoy outside more, only if the hear wasn't so scorching. I guess that's why they call it summer. 

So what's your idea of summer bucket list?