May {Budgeting Series}

Another month has come and gone, and it's sad how fast time is flying. Although, somehow, in those 30 days I manage to spend all the budget money and then some.

It's time to fess! This month it has been so so so hard to resist those sales! Tons of sales. Or it just feels like everything is on sale when I can't buy anything. Ha!

Target is a place where all my dreams of staying within the budget go to die. I have to force myself not to go into clothes section because I will always find something cute/cheap/interesting. Seriously!
Their new home collection had me at the first glance as well. Let me just say that target is stepping up its game and I'm loving it. But my RED credit card, not so much. So here is the beak down.

- Most adorable seahorse sweater ($15.00) I've ever seen. I mean, how cute is that? 

- A couple of really comfy Ts on a really good sale. #1 ($4.19) and #2 ($4.89).

- These ($19.64) pants had me at the very first time I laid eyes on them, but hubby wasn't convinced. I wore them to a date night and he wasn't sure why I was wearing clown pants. Men (rolling my eyes)

- I love the mint and navy color combo so when I saw this ($10.00) shirt on sale at Target (haha. where else?) I had to grab it. 

- I've been looking for a versatile summer dress for a while now. I do have few floral ones but wanted something that can be worn a lot. I've been eyeing this ($39.75) dress for a while but didn't want to pay the full retail so when it went on sale, I had to get it. Granted, if it doesn't fit right, I'm sending it back, since we don't have J.Crew Factory close to us.  
UPDATE: Returned the item

- The same thing with these ($23.50) shorts. I actually had the same pair for years in white but I don't fit into them (yet). Plus I can't be wearing white garments with infant in my lap. A recipe for disaster. 

- Lastly, I wanted a pink statement necklace. Don't get me wrong, I love jewelry, I just don't think that spending more then $20 on piece of metal (no matter how pretty it is) is a very bright idea. So it's cute ($6.00), pink (not online) and cheap.

TOTAL: $122.97 - 39.75 = 83.22

Budget: $100.00

Red Zone: None (yay!)
Carry Over: 16.78

Here's to the new month of spending and saving! 

One Good Thing

dress: TJMaxx (similar), belt: Loft (similar), wedges: Old Navy DIY (similar), sunnies: DKNY

Hi there. Yes, I haven't fallen off the face of the Earth. Yet.

I had an infection and bad case of sinuses. Haven't been this sick ever since I got pregnant and I think my body forgot how to be sick. Which is a good thing. 

 I was tired, stuffed up, feverish, grouchy and all over achy the entire weekend.  I wasn't able to sleep at night because I was so stuffed up, which in turn kept hubby up. I was miserable. It was even less fun being around me as I moped and groped around the house.

One good thing came out of it though - I got breakfast in bed and lots of sleep as hubby was taking care of Jonathan. 

Also can I just talk about how much I love this white lace dress, which is all the craze right now. 

I bought it about 3 years ago because it was just so beautiful on the hanger in the store but I haven't gotten the courage to wear a white dress. 

After all, I didn't want to look like princess bride. But with just the right accessories, and shoes, this thing can be styled in a million ways while looking very chic. Honestly, I don't know why I haven't been wearing it more. Coming right up.

Hope you are having a great day!

Bargain Finds /Summer Shoes/

Welcome to a new week! Or is it it still weekend for you?  Have you ever looked at some of the high end bloggers and wished you had one of the items they are wearing?  Well, wish no more! I found couple bargains for your long weekend that's sure to include some shopping. Enjoy! 

Paul Andrew Wedges vs. Forever21 Peep Toe Wedges

Granted, the thousand dollars version is made out of the best leather and probably feels like you aren't even wearing high heel, but this is a pretty good like-alike. 

J.Crew Espadrille vs. Old Navy Wedge 

Love the J.Crew wedge and how they look, but paying such a high price for short life of espadrille isn't on my budget, so here is a cheaper Old Navy version. 

Paul Green Espadrille Wedges vs. Ralph Lauren Iliana Wedges

I'm loving the navy and white look of these wedges, and they would be perfect for summer. I don't see how these differ by more then one hundred dollars except as the brand name.

So with these deals and steals enjoy some shopping regardless which one you will pick. 

Have a great day BBQing, enjoying family time and maybe some retail therapy.

P.S. I've been sick as a dog last couple of days and still not feeling any better. Going to take a break from outfits and blogging this week.
Now don't go anywhere, I'll be back in a little bit. 

Dry Spell

dress: TJMAxx (similar), vest: Gap, flats: Target, bag: Thrifted, necklace: Forever21, sunnies: DKNY

I started this blog because I like all thing fashion and it was a way to push myself to be innovative, inspiring, creative, original, ingenious and clever with what I have. Although lately I've been too focused on the technicalities - growing my blog and gaining exposure (none of which are bad) but they are taking me away from my main goal: to be creative.

Of course, it's nice to have 29475 GFC followers and even more on Instagram, Twitter and you name it, but that's not what this is about. At least not for me.

I don't anticipate or think about who's reading my blog, neither do I filter what I write on here according to what some of you may think. This is an honest account of who I am and what I'm all about. 

So I've been thinking of some inventive ways of being original and nada. Seriously, it's hard to come up with something hip, when it seems like it's already have been done. 

Anyone can put together an outfit, take some pics and post them but I want something more. Therefore, I'm in kind of a inspiration dry spell and in need of help. Ideas? Thought? Comments? Do share.

Thunderstorm

top: TJMaxx (similar), cardigan: Old Navy (similar), skirt: NY&Co (similar), heels: Guess(similar) , belt: Target, sunnies: DKNY

 We've been hit with some severe thunderstorms for the last couple of days and, of course, I had to be dumb enough to get stuck on the interstate in the middle of whole thing. Yep, only me. 

Tuesday we had sort of a spring cleaning day and and after we were done, I headed out to get groceries. The sky was looking dark and I knew we were supposed to get a storm in the afternoon, but that, THAT was not a storm. Lemme tell ya! 

I was checking out in Walmart, a gentlemen behind me in line said that we were supposed to be hit with some severe winds, rain, thunder, lightning and hail, (yep! hail) at approximately 7:45. I asked him to check the time for me and it was 7:42. I almost forgot half of my grocery bag and ran to my car. I barely, I mean b-a-r-e-l-y made it to the car and loaded my groceries. 

I started raining. 

I should have went home right away but no.

We needed diapers and they were on sale at Walgreen's across the town. I looked at the dark blue, like-in-the-movies-before-the-bad-guys-take-over-the-world sky and decided that it's probably not going to be that bad. And I headed straight into the eye of the storm. 

Two minutes later and I regretted that decision. Bitterly.

Two minutes later I couldn't see more then 10 feet in front of me. Traffic was barely moving and the cars were pulling off on the side of the road. 

Then the hail started to come down and my car started swaying from side to side like I was on the great wide open sea. I pulled over to the side of the road and started praying. 

I WAS SCARED and oh so glad I didn't have Jonathan with me. 

I called my husband. Then I called my mom and told her not to go anywhere. 

Ten minutes later and it was still bad out so I decided to slowly make my way to the store. There was so much water, I was literally swimming through the interstate. 

Thank God, I safely made it through barely moving traffic, knocked down tree branches and not working traffic lights. 

So next time you see dark as night sky what are you going to do? Turn around and head home. 

Black And White

blouse: Forever21 (similar), skirt: thrifted (similar), shoes: BCBGirls (similar), necklace: gift, clutch: Macy's (similar)

I'm not the type of girl who just jumps on the trend train right away. If there is a trend fever going around, I'm probably going to be the last person on the planet Earth to try it out.
I don't know why that is. Maybe because I'm playing it safe or want to see how everyone else is wearing it and steal borrow some ideas.
Maybe I've been inspired by these ladies here, here, here and here. And many more.
Whatever the reason is, I've hopped on the black-and-white-all-over train and loving it.
It's such a classy way to dress any of the clothes up. Who doesn't own black and pumps and some sort of white top? It's the easiest look to put together and probably my favorite.
Have a great day!
Thanks for reading!

Linking up with WIWW

Sunshine In The Sky

top: Old Navy (similar),  pants: Target,  flats: J.Crew (similar),  bag: Kate Spade (via TJMaxx), glasses: DKNY 

When I was a young girl, I wasn't very... ummm... stylish. I didn't like cords. I didn't think that black tights looked good. I didn't want to wear blue top with brown pants because I thought it didn't match. Basically, I wasn't into clothes and my mom had to fight with me to put something on. 

Until about 12 years old. Then I discovered boys and pretty shoes. 

One day mom told me something I will remember for the rest of my life - if the color combination is in the nature, then you can wear it. Examples include black and yellow (bumble bee), green and blue (ocean and sky) and pink and red (lilies)

So here is sunshine (yellow shirt) in the sky (blue pants). 

By the way, pattern mixing is not part of my mom's lesson - she's very classic lady but you get it. 

So what's the point of this rambling? Your mom does know something about life and taught you many valuable things. Too bad most of us realize it only when we grow up.

I wish, I listened to my mom more when I was young. I would've been one stylish kiddo. 

Instead I have pictures of myself in black skirt with white tights. I mean, c'mon!
Have a great Monday! 

Favorite Photo

This post is part of Blog Everyday In May Challenge

Day 17, Friday: A favorite photo of yourself and why

As I was looking through the many pictures I have saved on my computer, I couldn't decide on the favorite. I asked my husband if he had a favorite picture of me and he said that no one picture describes me. And that's very true. 

All pictures have stories behind them. They are all telling something. 

And this one speaks volumes.

It's a favorite pictures of myself, as of  right now. 

It shows one of the most important roles I'm going to play in my life.

I'm about to become a mama.

I love the cute little belly and the nice colors.

I also can't help but notice the fondness with which I gaze at this new life forming inside of me.

It's so precious that my heart almost aches.

It also brings back many memories of long pillow talks with hubby about our future and our boy.

The many fears and uncertainties and reminds me how blessed I am.

Right now. This very moment.

And I can't help but to thank the Lord above for giving me this wonderful life, many blessings, 

a loving husband and my little boy.

P.S. Head over to Always Maylee to see my guest post...

A Little Fluffy

top: Loft, cords: Lands End, heels: Guess, bag: H&M

This post is part of Blog Everyday In May Challenge and although I'm starting kind of late, this is totally relevant and something I have been thinking about for a while. 

Day 16, Thursday: Something difficult about your "lot in life" and how you're working to overcome it

As you may have noticed, after having Jonathan, I've retained some of the baby-weight, a.k.a maternal stores. It's only been 3 months since I gave birth (via C-section) but it just doesn't feel like the weight is coming off fast enough. 

Right now my lot in life is this slightly over-weight body and all the remnants of big belly (stupid ugly stretch marks). I woutwould go on a diet and start a rigorous workout regime if I wasn't nursing. But when I have to make sure that my baby gets enough to eat, it's a whole different story. 

I'm pretty good at eating healthy, taking long walks with while Jonathan naps in the stroller and avoiding junk food but it's still not happening fast enough. All my pre-pregnancy clothes are safely tucked away in the basement waiting to be released by my newly slimmed down self.

In my mind I do understand that it takes time.

That my body went through a lot.

That it's not healthy to loose weight rapidly.

That some weight loss is better then none.

Then I look at myself in the mirror. 

Emotions come rushing in and I'm filled with sadness and disappointment.

Then there was yesterday. Yesterday was different 

 I step on the scale and there it is - the number has finally moved in the downward direction. 

YAY! I think I jumped and checked it twice. It's true.

I'm consciously thinking about every single thing I eat and make myself go the extra few steps, while skipping whipped cream at Starbucks, and it's FINALLY paying off! 

Nobody said that it's easy. I'm not one of those girls who gives birth and five minutes late she's in her skinny size 0 jeans. I have to work at it. 

. 

It's hard not to hate my body at this stage and not to throw into towel only because I don't see immediate results.

It's hard to pass up on that dessert when everyone is having some.

It's hard switching from regular to almond milk. Still debating if it's worth it.

It's hard getting my butt out of the bed and out the door when it's hot/cold/windy. Trust me, there is always an excuse not to exercise.

But one thing I know, it's ALL going to be totally worth it when I fit into my pre-pregnancy jeans. 

And although right now, I'm not in the best shape, I'm happy to say that I'm doing everything in my power to get there. And one day soon I will. 

Lentil Soup {Recipe}

I have been eating this lentil soup since I was about 10 years old. When we were living in Russia and struggling to make ends meet, my mom became very good at creating delicious, filling and cheap meals. The thing is - there isn't much of anything in this soup. All the ingredients are very basic and you can probably find them in your fridge right now. Lentils are very filling and have lots of protein. They are also cheap and almost everyone likes their taste. So here is a recipe that's a favorite of ours, which we make very often. It's very VERY easy to make and is absolutely delicious! 

Ingredients
- 1/2 cup green  lentils
- 1/2 cup red lentils
- 1 pint of chicken broth
- 1/2 of chicken breast
- 2 carrots
- 1 medium onion
- 1/4 cup of pickle juice
- 2 tbsp of Ajvar paste
- olive oil
- salt, pepper


***If you want to make your own chicken broth. It is hundred times better then store bought.
- 1 chicken breast
- 2 pints of water
- 1 celery stick
- 1 carrot
Put all ingredients into a pot. Pour boiling water and simmer for one hour. Drain through a sieve and set the chicken aside.

Method

Chop onions, peel and grate carrots. Pour 2 tbsp of oil on hot skillet and place onions. Saute onions n medium heat until translucent, add carrots and cook for another 5 minutes. 

Add ajvar paste and mix together, set aside.

Bring chicken broth to boil and add pickle juice. Wash lentils and add them to the broth. Let the lentils cook for 10 minutes. 

Add the onions & carrots, stir. Turn the heat down to low and simmer for 30 minutes.  Set aside and let soup stand for another 30 minutes.

To serve

Pull apart chicken breast and add to each individual bowls with a dollup of sour cream.

Enjoy!  

Jonathan //Three Months//

Dear boy,

I can't believe how fast time flies...

I can't believe how fast you are growing and changing...

You are a cute chunker and there isn't a day going by that I don't marvel at your sweet little face. You are so curious and love to explore. You love when I'm walking around with you facing the world - it's fascinating to watch you intensely inspect everything around you. 

You love chewing your fists and won't take a pacifier instead. Even though I don't mind you exploring your little hands, I don't want you to suck your thumb, so I'm on look out for that.

Also, you started reaching and grabbing things. When you lay on the floor play mat, you reach for the toy and hit it so it starts spinning, then you do it again. I think you understand what you have to do to get the toys moving. 

I love your cute babble. It has got to be the cutest babble talk out there! When I change your diaper in the morning, you just want to talk and talk and tell me all about your troubles. It's so sweet! 

When I'm blowing raspberries on your tummy you laugh. It's a real genuine laugh and not just some squeals which makes it such a precious time just for the two of us. 

One thing you don't like is noisy people. We had some relatives over and you just didn't like being smothered and carried by others. But as soon as everyone left, you were sitting in the swing and making googly sounds and smiling  Go figure! Although, you do very well in the nursery. 

We went out to eat for Mother's Day and you didn't make a peep, yet the day before we were hanging out at your grandparents and you were such a stinker. It seems that everyday is different and there isn't a set pattern with you.

You didn't like tummy time and would get really mad (read cry) when I put you on your belly. But it's good for you baby so you are getting better at it. Now you really try to lift your head up high but I think it's kind of heavy so I understand - it takes a lot of work.

Honestly, I couldn't ask for a better kid. You sleep through the night and eat well. Rarely have any colic and don't mind being in the swing for hours - you love falling asleep in it. 

I'm so blessed to be celebrating Mother's Day as your mama and thank God everyday for such a blessing in my life. You truly are God's gift and I love you!

Celebrate Mothers {Gift Guide}

elegant women's Emporio Armani watch
sleek and bright Kate Spade NY wallet
rose gold pave bracelet 
cat eye DKNY sunglasses
leather neon envelope clutch
gorumet rose petal petits fours

Mother's Day is just around the corner and for some of us, it's a last minute shopping spree, where we frantically run from store to store trying to find something special. 

Thankfully, I have already got our moms (my mom and MIL) something very special (read: photobook of Jonathan's baby pictures. Awwwwww.), so I'm all set. Although a box of gourmet chocolates and bouquet of fresh flowers is a must. 

So for those of you who haven't picked up a gift for mom, or the woman in your life who you consider to be your mom, or that first time mama who is over the moon in love with her baby, or the tired and worn out mama, who hasn't had a day off in ages - here's a gift guide that will please them all.

 Including myself. //hoping hubby is reading this//

This weekend is all about honoring the women in your life who do so much, who sacrifice and give. And give. Let them know how much you appreciate their care and constant unending labor of love. 

Mothers. They do so much! They deserve a day in a year all to themselves! 

Have a great weekend! 

P.S. And don't forget a card. She will love those thoughtful little details.

Everyday Life

tee: H&M, pants: Target, necklace: Burlington Coat Factory, clutch: TJMAxx, shoes Vince Camuto

Everyday life gets boring.

 Its mundane existence sometimes just drags between grocery shopping, running errands, working and making dinners. 

But then there are days when you realize how fast the time is going. One day you wake up and you are married, with a fancy college degree (that gave you a fancy student loan) and have a baby to take care of. Then you decide to make the most every moment of every day. That lasts about a day until the mundane and the boring gets to ya. And the cycle repeats.

But what's different now is that this new life that you brought into this world has forever changed everything. Seriously! Life is never dull anymore, it's full of glorious ups and downs. 

Every day is never boring. Ever again.  

Love Me Some Maxi

Considering that I'm on the budget now, I HAVE to think about every item (I mean every single thing) when I buy it. So to make sure that my buys are good investments and will serve me the entire season or two, I have been doing a lot of scouting. It used to be if I needed a maxi dress, I just bought whatever I saw first and then if something better came up, I bought that too. And on and on. 

Now, it's a whole different story.

So there are couple things I'm considering purchasing next month and one of them is a versatile maxi dress. Therefore I have come up with a few choices that fit my budget. Take a look.
Maybe you will find something you like?  

1. Tank Maxi - perfect for a beach vacation, can be dressed up with a cardigan or down with jean jacket for a night out. Love the Ikat stripe and different shades of blue

2. Grey Floral - the neutral color pallette makes it so versatile and you are ready for anything in a minute. I love the print and it will be great on any curvy figures.

3. Long-Sleeve - I love everything about this dress! The colors! The floral print! The modest neckline and the sleeve length! The only thing that's stopping me is the price - do I want to shell out a month's  budget on one dress? #undecided

4. Casual Jersey - this is an everyday, going to the store, running errands or lunch with girlfriend kind of dress. Love the subtle print and that it has short sleeve.

5. Kimono - this dress reminds me of Japanese style dresses, with wide sleeves. Although it's more modern and has a lovely floral print.

6. Date Night - this dress would be perfect for a any special occasion and has a very flattering bustling. Plus Navy blue is not as boring as another black dress.

7. High-Low - although this dress is from the Maternity Collection, it's got great color and colorblocking going one. Then it's high-low, which has caught my eye. Just gotta wait until it goes on sale! 

8. Lemon Lime - This color is absolutely gorgeous! It's a simple yet stunning dress, perfect for summer BBQs and road trips.

DON'T FORGET TO ENTER GIVEAWAY TO WIN J.CREW GIFTCARD HERE! 

HURRY ENDS TODAY!

Long Awaited Spring

top TJMaxx, skirt: Thrfted, shoes: Forever21, necklace: Macy's, clutch: H&M

I'm so happy to report that the New York State has caught on to the idea that it's spring! And it's absolutely stunning! The beautiful flowers in bloom, the gorgeous trees budding with tender green leaves and absolutely every kind of bird is out there at 5am singing its harmonious song (and not letting me sleep). I'm loving it! I feel like this winter was so long and I have waited for sunshine my entire life. 

We (Jonathan and I) are talking long strolls in the park, taking in the scenery, lounging in the backyard and doing everything possible to spend as much time outside as possible. 

He is loving the sun. And the kids love him. He's like a magnet for every little girl out there - they just want to touch him, kiss him and just plain eat him up. I mean, who wouldn't? Such a heart breaker already!

And because this week it's going to be roasting hot, we are planning on baking out on the sun until 'medium well', or maybe even 'well done'. Well, more like me baking and Jonathan enjoying the cool shade and breeze. This guys has got it made! 

Have a Happy Monday! 

P.S. Don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY which has been extended until Wednesday, May 8th! 

First {ever} Giveaway (CLOSED)

EXTENDED UNTIL WEDNESDAY! 

Dear friends, followers, random readers and those who just read my blog because you have nothing else to do at the moment, THANK YOU! 

I have been blogging for a whole year now and loving it!

Thank you for sticking with me and letting me share a small part of my life with you! 

I enjoy blogging and taking pictures of my outfits - it pushes me to new creativity levels.

Well, in appreciation  I am giving away a small gift - (if you noticed, I'm not advertising therefore not making money of this thing, therefore all expenses come out of my pocket), J.Crew gift card. It has to be my favorite store (not according to my wallet though), so I want you to enjoy something small on me (even if it is a skinny belt on super clearance sale). 

Thanks again! 

It has been fun!

HOW TO ENTER:
1. Leave a comment in the comments below about your favorite outfit that I wore.
2. Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect or Bloglovin
3. Pin any image from this blog (it could be your favorite outfit but doesn't have to) on Pinerest
And that's it! Good luck...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

April {Budgeting Series}

1/2/3/4/5/6

We are here again! I mean, time just flies!

I don't know how it happened but I ended up doing some shopping this month. Couple trips to the mall to get a birthday gift and Jonathan's outfit for his blessing, then shopping trip with sista and I'm maxed out!

Time to fess up. And I did pretty good! YAY ME!

I was in desperate need of chambray top and scored one with polka dots (major bonus!) at TJMaxx for only $19.99 but here is a similar (and three times more expensive).

The trip to Forever21 produced skinny dark denim, lemon cardi, white blouse with black trim (worn here not online) and a lace top for under $70. Talk about a score!

Then shopping for Jonathan I scored polka dot top (#6 similar) on a major sale $22.60. 

Adding to my collection of mint things are these flats, which are very comfortable. I think of all the flats I have ever owed, these are the best. They have a small platform which you can't see but which makes walking for long periods of time a breeze. Best investment so far.

Budget Total: $100.00

Spent: $126.60

Well, before going shopping I shared with hubby my projected budget and he said that I should go and enjoy myself (whaaaat? he wasn't trying to stop me?), as well as add $20. 

So I stayed within my budget with only $6 over.
I'm happy to be at this point and glad I stuck to it! 
I'm currently in a process of re-organizing my closet and figuring out what I need for the summer so I can do smart shopping this month. But it's going to be so hard with amazing summer deals and gorgeous dresses all over. More trips to the park and less trips to the mall.
That should do it.

P.S. P.S. I am linking up with my monthly shopaholics budgeting group hosted by Franish, 

see more budgeting bloggers right over here. Enjoy!