All Gone

sweater: Loft, skirt: TJMaxx, shoes: Guess, clutch: H&M

Whew! That hurricane sure did scare the heck out of everyone, but thankfully nothing major came up our way.We has some major wind gusts and that was pretty much about it.

Although, there were some blessings in disguise.

While the winds raged and we were snuggled up on out couch, the hurricane blew all the fallen leaves off our property. We were supposed to rake them last weekend but had lots going on. So thank you Sandy for doing us a favor. It was mighty nice of ya.

Have a great day! 

Little Man's Nursery

I'm currently working on the "Project Nursery" and honestly, feel a little lost in the sea of Pinterest pins and Google images. My idea of boy's nursery is somewhere between manly, cute, practical, and stylish. I want it to be a relaxing space but at the same time I don't want any frills or soft blues. The room should be boyish enough to transform into toddler room but at the same time, baby enough to make your heart drop into your knees every time we walk in to pick up our little man.
Here are my top picks and design ideas for the Little Man's Nursery

In the Eye of the Storm

blouse: Ralph Lauren, top: INC, skirt: NY&Co, shoes: Guess, bag: Kate Spade NY

I hope everyone is prepared for the hurricane coming their way. I know that its likelihood is very high according to the weather channel and people are taking it very seriously.
We are going to get some major rain in central New York but honestly I'm just not freaking out
and surprisingly staying very calm. 

Although, I have couple candles and some flash lights, and if anything really bad comes our way, we are going to migrate to the parents house. My mom has her own well and cast iron wooden stove which is going to be a life-saver because we can heat the house with wood. We have plenty of canned beans and tons of rice which is going to be our food in the most unfortunate circumstances. 

But until then, there is still classes to teach and work to be done.
Praying that everyone of you stays safe, warm and somewhat dry.

Apple Scrumptiousness {recipe}

I have a great and super easy recipe for your weekend. The fall is in full swing and not making something with apples is just got to be some kind of sin. I love apples and literally eat them by the pounds, so incorporating them in baking is another great way to use up the vitamins. 

I am not much of a baker. I do like to make sweet things but nothing to fancy, nothing that involves more than couple of mixer attachments. 

I found this recipe when I had left over puff pastry and some apples, and nobody does it better than the The Pioneer Woman. 

Here is the recipe because I did not feel like re-inventing the wheel when she has done such a fine just explaining every step.

Enjoy! 

Contemplations On Impending Motherhood

I honestly have to say that I am scared of the future role as a mother. It is an enormous, gigantic and such an amazing responsibility for someone else's life. So in a way, I have been fighting it. 

I wanted to hold on to the old me where what I did only impacted myself and not this other 

tiny person inside of me.

I honestly am terrified of the thought of this great change and great responsibility, the birth process, the first bad word out of his mouth, the first tantrum and the thought of me forgetting my baby somewhere in the store. (It's the pregnancy hormones giving me weird dreams)

Also I have been mad at my body for doing what it's supposed to - growing my healthy boy inside me and I feel terrible for it. 

I just don't want my little guy to feel unloved. 

I think it took me a while to recognize the change that's happening and the fact that I didn't want to 

accept it - in everything from my body to our home dynamic. 

But there will be three of us and it's a wonderful thing.

I have to say, I am grateful that God entrusted me with this awesome responsibility and that I was worthy 

of His great blessing.

 I am happy to carry this little life. Every time I think of this little man inside me, my eyes tear up and I get a huge something stuck in my throat. I can't breath from the thought of it.

This is only going to happen once. I will be pregnant with our first child only once and it will be forever different, because life is amazing. No matter what God holds for us down the road.

P.S. Check out the Fall Remix Challenge  from lovely Jessica @ What I Wore. This is going to be funnnn! 

Embracing the Moment

top: Target, cardigan: Gap, skirt: Express, shoes: Nine West, necklace, bracelet: Charlotte Russe

Once upon a time, I vowed not to live life ungrateful  I didn't want to work all my life for that dream job, just to get there and realize I didn't want it after all. I didn't want to wait to live. I didn't want to think along the lines of "just let me finish college then..." or "when we buy a house of our own, then..." or " it's when we have kids of our own then..." 

But lately all I catch myself thinking is exactly that.

I have to admit, I haven't been embracing each and every moment.

I keep thinking forward to the end of my pregnancy and what I'm going to do then. How I'm going to exercise more, take my kid to the park and do other fun things.

I keep thinking that when we finally move into our new home, I will have all my cupboards organised and shelves without any dust. Ever.

That's what happens, when we forget to just live in the moment. Do the best we can to enjoy life right now.

Even if that means organizing all my cupboards right before we move.

But you don't wake up one day thinking, that from now on you will enjoy life and embrace the beauty of it.

It's a process. It's enjoying one day at a time.

This year has been the hardest of my entire life but it's also have been the most blessed. I am learning to live to the fullest because I don't know what tomorrow will bring and how it's going to change me forever.
Here is to enjoying the life right now.

Have a great day! 

For the Peoples

blazer: H&M, skirt: Banana Republic, shoes, tights: TJMaxx, scarf: old

Sometimes people disappoint. 

Sometime, people hurt.

Other times, it's great to just share with some people.

And sometimes you find people (if you at least find one, you are blessed) without whom your life would just be endlessly empty and cold. 

So I guess, there are many different people in out lives, and they are there for a very specific reason.

Some teach us hard, valuable lessons. Others just support and encourage us. 

When you put all those people together- it's called life.

So to learn some things, to get better at other things, to challenge us, to support us, to guide us and sometimes just to simply make us mad, we have been blessed with people in our lives with whom this life is infinitely full and satisfying.

Thank you everyone for being part of this blog and journey I'm on.
Each and everyone of you is greatly appreciated!

Something Special

My Outfit: sweater, jeans: Gap, blazer, heels: H&M 

  With the pregnancy progressing and having my bump at that perfect time when it's showing just enough but I don't look like a whale yet, we wanted to record this precious time. 

So I did a little shopping, packed a couple of outfits, made a cute baby banner, provided huge amount of inspiration by Pinterest, and headed downtown for some picture time.

 The weather was great but as we got there, then the wind picked up and I instantly turned into an icicle. 

But three outfits later and whole bunch of walking around in high heels, we had what we came for. 

Here is a sneak peek at the lovely couple with a bump...

P.S. All the pictures were taken by Eli from Elimaging Photography.

Still in Heels

skirt: TJMaxx, sweater: H&M, scarf: Gap, shoes: Kenneth Cole, clutch: NY&Co

I was standing in line to sign into the hospital security system which is a pain after 9pm, (my hubby works at a local hospital, where his on-call shifts last anywhere between two to eight hours and he can't leave the patient) bringing my beloved some food. 

The couple standing right in front of me was obviously headed to the ER. The guy had sniffles and was dressed in his pajamas, while the lady was holding his cold medicine, constantly looking back at me. 

Those sort of things just creep me out.

 I was getting inpatient, and really wanted the whole process to be over as soon as possible. Well, as I was wondering what's their problem and why they are staring at me, I finally realized - I have a baby bump sticking out AND I'm wearing one of my nicer outfit (not the one in the picture). 

I see many pregnant women just trotting around in their PJs or pair of jeans and a hoodie. People are shockingly asking me how can I still be wearing heels, and most certainly complement me on my choice of clothes. 

I'm not saying that I don't like my most wonderful, soft and plush fleece PJs, but dressing well makes me feel like a woman. Not just a pregnant mother-to-be. It sort of lets me keep my identity as a person and not just someone who will be something in about three more months. 

I know that people have complications and most uncomfortable pregnancies ever, but I have been blessed with smooth sailing. And maybe in four weeks I will give up my heels too. 

But until then, it's stylish all the way.

All Good Things

top: TJMAxx (???), skirt: J.Crew, shoes: Aldo, bag: Kate Spade NY, coat: Tahari (old)

I know I have been complaining quiet a bit lately. Well, if you haven't noticed, I have. Even my hubby has and I think it's time to make some changes

So instead of talking about all the things that are wrong with this world, I'm going to focus on the many good things I have in life. 

Although the crankiness and hormones have been getting the best of me lately, I am looking forward to the day I'm going to become mother. To the day my life will change forever.

And the day I'm going to fit into my pre-pregnancy clothes (which I do realize won't happen for a little bit longer postpartum). 

Have a great weekend and thank you for reading!

Parenting in Overzealous World

top: TJMaxx, cardigan: Gap, pants: Loft, shoes: Aldo, bag: Kate Spade NY
I'm obviously in love with my polka dot burgundy pants (while they still fit:-) 

Preparing for arrival of our little man, my hubby and I got very responsible. Not that we aren't responsible college educated adults with jobs, but knowing that we are going to be responsible for another life... I mean, that's a whole another ball game. 

I have been reading parenting books and must say, nothing makes you feel like an inadequate adult than reading one of them. There are millions of different perspectives on whether to have a feeding schedule or just go with on-demand feedings. Different authors swear by their methods of getting an infant to sleep through the night by three months old. Then there are the gender differences between raising boys and girls. 

My head is spinning already. 

I love getting educated and being an expert on subject matter but the truth is, you cannot fully prepare for parenthood until it happens. You can read all the books in the world but until you hold that precious little baby in your hands, you don't know how you are going to feel, react and discipline that child. 

With that being said, I'm not against books - just think that sometimes, going with your gut and common sense is more important than what Dr. Whatever-His-Name said.

Here is what I'm reading now... 

Bringing Up a Bebe - one the of the best, funny and interesting books I've read. It's not a book of methods or how-tos, just a summary of life abroad. 

Strong Willed Child - Dr. Dobson is my favorite writer on family and children, I respect him immensely, so this book was a no-brainer

Parent Babble - have we had too much psychology and 'expert' advice? It seems that our grandparents did a fine job bringing up the most successful generation of adults in history of our country, why not do what they did? Just started it and love it already

Heads Up for J.Crew Sale offering extra 30% off... time to stock up on those sweaters...

Possibilities

dress: Loft (old). blazer: Target, shoes: Tahari, scarf: TJMaxx, bag: Kate Spade NY

It's getting chilly outside. Obviously. It's October outside and yet every year when it gets cold, I'm all 'what's happening to this world'. Naturally, my circulation is very low and although pregnancy was supposed to fix that, I'm still as cold as ever. But what's nice about this weather is being all wrapped up in my cozy PJs with hot cup of tea in my hands.

Also it's layering and mixing of my wardrobe that I absolutely love. I mean, if I was wearing just dress with heels it still would look nice, but adding scarf, tights and blazer makes for a more complete combo. So as much as I complain about the cold and do not like to get up in the morning, picking out an outfit now-a-days is impossible because there are many possibilities. Maybe that's why I can never get out of the house on time.

Think Again

We enjoyed the beautiful fall colors and gorgeous view while out for a walk.
Isn't this absolutely magnificent? 

People just don't know that being pregnant makes you that much more sensitive to the remarks they make.

First of all, yes, I know I'm showing. You do not need to reiterate that with "Wow! you are getting big". Seriously, you don't think I know that my narrow waist is gone and I can do nothing about it? You don't think I check myself in the mirror? Well, think again.

Next, do not predict the size of my child by looking at me. Do not tell me that I'm going to get huge with the way things are going. Again, think.

Do not tell me that my stomach is squishy and soft, if I let you touch it. Thanks a lot. I know that I'm a big blob of gushy mess. Just don't say it.

Lastly, the only thing you can say to a pregnant woman is that she is glowing. 

Tell her that she is carrying very well and that her child is going to be so lucky to have her as a mom.

So next time you want to say something less than absolutely one hundred percent positive and reassuring to  to a pregnant woman, think again.

It's Only the Beginning

Hair Tutorial Inspiration

top: Banana Republic similar, sweater: J.Crew similar, pants: Loft similar, heels: Tahari

I know I have been talking a lot about this whole pregnancy thing. Well, this whole experience is very new to me. I am happy to be bringing a child into this world, into our loving home but what I'm not happy about is what that precious child is doing to my body.

First of all, super dry skin. I am slathering ridiculous amounts of almond oil all over myself every morning.

Then the vitamins and the very needed Calcium that's giving me a little bit of the unmentionable.

After that it's the food. Technically, I don't have any crazy cravings but a lot of times I don't know what I want to eat. I know that I need to have nutritious meals, I must have breakfast but a lot of times I just don't want to eat at all. Guilty pleasure of this week - fried chicken sandwich. A quest for the perfect crispy chicken through different places, ended up exceeding my quota for bad food for the entire month.

Lastly, the weight gain. As of last Friday I have gained eight pounds and the baby is weighing 15.5 oz. This is a pretty good number according to my physician but I don't feel that way. 

The thing is, this is only the beginning. Two more weeks and I will start my last trimester which means all of the above multiplied by like ten. So bare with me as I try to navigate through this confusing but most exciting time. And tell you all about it if you are willing to listen.

Fall Colors

top: Ann Taylor, skirt: Loft, blazer: Talbots, shoes: Aldo, necklace: Calvin Klein

I love the fall colors. The gorgeous tree colors and the warm sun. 

So why not take those colors into my closet? I have couple orange and bordeaux pieces that are going to regulars here... I love that I can layer pieces and come with so many different outfits, even being preggo having half of my closet not fit me anymore. 

One amazing thing about carrying the baby is constantly feeling that little one inside you. I guess being a dad is awesome too but I feel like women get to be a mom so much earlier. It's amazing how active this little boy is. And although I haven't met him yet, I love him so very much. It's wonderful feeling of connection. 

My hubby calls him 'our son' which makes him so real and present all the time. Now if we could just agree on a name, everything would be just perfect.

New Best Friend

top: TJMaxx, pants: J.Crew, shoes: Aldo, bag: Kate Spade NY, shades: Old Navy

So I cannot wear any of my winter clothes. Well, maybe like four sweaters that were meant to be oversized last season and  fit perfectly this time. I have given away lots of the clothes that don't fit to my sister.  My closet was crying with me.

Also, it seems like half the stuff in the stores, even sizing up,  is so short that with my pooch bulging out some things barely cover my belly button.
Soooo thrift store is my new best friend.
I picked up these brand new pants with tag still on at thrift store. Although they are a bit loose, ohhh heavenly corduroy they are so comfy.
Thank God for comfy pants. And mid-day naps.

It's a ....

top: thrifed, skirt: NY& Co, shoes: Aldo, necklace, belt: Calvin Klein

This weekend was very joyous. We found out that it's A BOY! 

A little man is on the way and this mama has a lot to prepare for. You see, I have been surrounded by girls all my life. I have one sister, all the cousins that we grew up with are girls, I have three aunts that I am fairly close with. It was kind of closed girl society growing up - we shared everything, from clothes to first boy stories. 

And now, I have a boy on the way.

I am a very girly girl, so having a boy around here will be different. But I knew it was going to be a boy so it's not a surprise for me. 

Hubby and I are very happy that he is healthy and everything is going great. 

Let the planning begin.