July {Budgeting Series}

Another month, another budget. Blown out of the water. 

Partly because we were on vacation, so there was more time and opportunity to shop. So we did.

Then, our anniversary where we got a little pampered for a day, and hubby indulged my shopaholic tendencies. Here's to keeping my materialism in check. 

Dress (x2) - I found two pretty dresses at Lord and Taylor for $95.67. Partly it's hubby's fault, no wait, it's all his fault. He found cutest stuff and showed them to me, then I'm drooling. He was going to pick out a dress I would wear for out anniversary dinner and couldn't decide between the two. So with coupons and clearance it was a great buy. Worn one of them here and looking for another occasion to wear the other.

Kate Spade Wedges (similar)- these wedges ($63.74) have already been proven to be one of the versatile pieces in my closet. And they are super comfy. Win win!

Joe Fresh Blouse - got this cute top ($11.50) on clearance last in my size. Love the black and white contrast and florals.

Gap Sandals - I was pleasantly surprised to find a pare of comfortable, leather low-heel sandals at Gap for only $9.49. I've walked in them all day and my feet didn't hurt one bit.

Target Top - this item was not part of the plan. But it was only $5.89 and out of all the cute stuff I've tried on at Target, nothing fit me as well as this blouse. Go figure! Btw, I need to stop going there, it's a mine field of shopping waiting to happen.

Running Short ($12.00) - TJMaxx always has good quality gear for low price. Love that place!

TOTAL: $198.49
BUDGET: $100.00
OVER: $98.49 (double!)

Determined

top, necklace: Forever21
skirt: Loft
shoes: Bandolino
glasses: DKNY

I'm determined to loose the last bit of the baby weight. 

Seriously, it's time.

I wanted to be back in my pre-baby shape by the time Jonathan turns 6 months old and with only three more weeks I have ten(!) pounds to loose. Mostly, you mamas would know, it's the belly that's driving me nuts.

I've picked up running and finally decided to get on a diet. I didn't want to risk loosing my milk supply any earlier, that's why I had to eat moderate amounts of everything.

Now it's time to buckle up and and get cracking. Well, more like get dieting.

I'm cutting out all carbs (gasp! no more French toast oh my!) and dairy (has anyone seen sour cream?) for one week. We shall see what it does to me, my energy levels and my milk supply. Then I will decide if I want to keep going or find another method.
So far I felt just fine, except I need to drink plenty of water which I sometimes forget, then, of course, get a headache.

My game plan is to loose it all by the time I return to work at the end of August. 

Who's with me? 

What are your tricks to loosing the pesky baby weight? 

Do share, ladies!

On The Lake

We went to one of out favorite spots last weekend - it's a state park with two lakes that you can walk around. It's a quiet and remote place with mostly runners and very few people. It's so peaceful and the lakes are beautiful green color that you just can't capture in a picture. 

It was a perfect day and reminded me of our good ole' days when we used to sneak out and just drive up to the lake and walk. We would walk and talk for hours.
Now we just tell each other what to do. Haha. Just kidding. I tell him what to do and he doesn't listen. 

Anywho, we had a lovely time.

Hope you guys have a great weekend! 

Enjoy the summer and get out to do something fun.

That Dress

dress: Lord and Taylor
shoes: Kate Spade

Welcome to the middle of the week. 

I haven't done any pictures this week so you will have to deal with last week's outfit. 

So here is the story.

I told my husband I will wear anything(?) he wants to our anniversary dinner. So we went shopping and he picked this dress for me. I tried it on and was impressed with his great taste. And although I am not a big fan of these long bell sleeves, I love the color, cut and the' party in the back' thing going on.

It was light enough for summer evening but covered enough to survive the A/C in the restaurant. (I'm always cold and have to bring a cardigan)

Make up and hair were his request also. 

It was fun being dressed by someone else and I'm pleasantly surprised at how much I like that dress myself.

Have you ever done anything like that for your man?

Have a great day ladies!

Guilty as Charged

dress: JCPenny (similar skirt)
shoes: Kate Spade (similar)
clutch: TJMaxx (similar)
glasses: DKNY

Well, well, well. Look who's go another new dress.

Guilty as charged.

How can you pass up such a pretty flower print on sale  for only $9.97? Obviously, I couldn't. 

I'm usually not the one to find anything good in JCPenny but hubby and I were browsing their new selection of home goods and let me tell you, it's simply amazing. From the cute and comfy bedding to modern light fixtures, I about bought half of it. 

And of course, they put the sales racks right across from all the new stuff. 

I went off the straight and narrow to try a couple of their dresses and so glad I did.

It's a perfect dress for a Saturday family day together.

Thank you for stopping by.

It's a Heart Issue

top: Joe Fresh (sold out)
skirt: NY&Co (similar)
shoes: ALDO 
clutch: old

As a Christian woman, mother and a wife right kind of clothing is very important to me. How others see me, how I portray Christianity and how I feel about what I wear, are all parts of one issue - modesty. 

Growing up, I was forced by my parents to dress conservative and mom would never buy us anything she thought we should not wear (i.e. mini skirts, halter tops).

Then I went all the way off balance and wore only skirts and dresses for couple of years, thinking that I will win 'points' from God by doing so. (That's a blog post in itself)

When I got married, I rebelled a little, because my parents couldn't tell me what to wear. Not that I looked sleazy or anything, but some cuts were lower and hems were higher. I definitely wanted to show some skin.

Now I'm finally starting to find the delicate balance, while being comfortable with who I am as a woman and a Christian.

You see, I grew up with this preconceived ultra conservative notion that Christian people put a bag over their heads and read Bible all day long. Although, no one around ever did that, it was still wrong to put on make up, color your hair or wear jewelry (not even wedding band). 

Having a heart for God and looking good was impossible, because apparently all Godly people were ugly. Wrong.

There are many accounts in the Bible of women dressed in beautiful clothing, Godly men exchanging gold jewelry and God describing His Bride as a beautiful lady. Also, check out the book Songs of Solomon - that woman is smoking hot. Somehow they've missed that.

The most important thing in any Christian person's life is his/her heart. God doesn't care if we do something out of duty or because we were told we are supposed to. 

He wants us do it from the heart or rather not do it at all.

If I'm putting on a maxi skirt and a long sleeve turtle neck and hating it, God knows what's going on inside and really doesn't care for the outfit. But that does not mean I can put on a mini skirt and a halter top and claim that I'm a spiritual person either. 

There has to be a balance to life. Balance between looking groomed and attractive, and becoming vain and abscessed with labels and latest trend. 

Balance is hard to come by because that is a heart issue.

P.S. Happy birthday to my wonderful hubby! Love you! Muah.

Linking up with Molly for Monday Fun Day

Three Things

dress: Target
belt: Target
hat: Target
shoes: Kate Spade (similar here or here)

Happy Friday lovelies!

I have a couple of things that I need to share.

One. I feel like a superwoman with some sexy super powers when I wear this dress. Only because every time I put it on, I have to tell hubby not to get any ideas. Or why not? ;)

Two. Target is my favorite store, can you tell? Yep! The store isn't paying me to say this but they have been stepping up their game lately. Three out of four articles of clothing in this outfit are from Target because they are stylish and affordable. 

Three. I'm in love with my new shoes. Hubby actually found them for me on a major sale during our last shopping trip. They are super duper comfy and go with everything. And when I say everything, I mean, EVERYTHING, so you will be seeing a lot more of them, that I'm sure.

Here is to a great weekend! 

Thank you for stopping by! 

Jonathan //5 Months//

Dear boy, you are such a blessing and joy!

You are sweet and easy going. Still sleeping through the night, and giving us absolutely no trouble. We take you everywhere we go and you are such a happy camper. We went out to eat for lunch and you set in the car seat for the entire time and didn't even make a peep. 

Although we left you with grandma for bedtime once but you didn't like it. Stinker.

You love goofing of with daddy and aren't afraid of heights. You love looking around and so curious. 

I'm making sure that we take enough pictures as a family together. Time flies so fast and I can't believe you are already five months. You have changed so much and everyday is an adventure.

You are eating less often and loving the new solid foods. We gave you everything to try from lemons to carrots and you pretty much like every kind of food, but the cucumber didn't have much taste. Except you aren't fan of formula (I wouldn't blame you) and it took a while for you to get used to it. You still love nursing though and only will take formula once or twice a day.

We went to the beach and you enjoyed it. Then we took a walk around the lake and you took a nice long nap. I love your little hat - you look so adorable in it.

It's amazing to watch you explore and take in the world. 

I thank God everyday for such a great blessing in our lives!

My Lover Is Mine, And I Am His

'So it's not gonna be easy. It's going to be really hard; we're gonna have to work at this everyday, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, everyday. You and me... everyday.'

/Quote/

The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds, and that's what you've given me. That's what I hope to give to you forever. 

/Quote/

Friday we celebrated our 5th weeding anniversary.
 I honestly can't believe it's been five years but it has been truly amazing! We weren't able to go away (kid troubles) but still took a full day off to relax and pamper ourselves. 
Fancy shmancy lunch to start the day (insta), then massage and spa relaxation, finishing off with delicious dinner. We did have plans to go see a movie but baby Jonathan didn't think so.
He refused to be put to sleep by grandma and was demanding his daddy (he usually puts him to sleep).
We came home early and instead of watching a screen and not looking at each other, we were able to spent some quality time together.
It was great to just get away for a day and focus on each other.
Happy Anniversary Love!

Babies Make Your Heart Grow Softer

 

Once you have a kid, everything changes. I mean, everything. 

Your priorities shift, or at least they should.
You start asking people where they bought their strollers and begin thinking about what you are going to leave to your kids after you are gone.

Most of all, though, you change your perspective on child rearing.

Before you have kid(s) their cry seems endless, their whining annoying and their smiles - dorky. After you have a kid of your own, it seems that every cry is a call for help, every whine is just cute babble and every smile is pure joy.

Then you realize what you think you know about raising kids and advice you offer has zero ground, no matter how many parenting books you read. You don't know squat.

You start getting more patient, kind, soft spoken, caring and gentle. 

You stop judging other moms in the grocery store whose kids are having a melt down. 

You stop giving looks to parents whose kids don't want to eat anything except hot dogs and cereal.

You don't look down on mothers who bribe their kids with cellphones and ice cream.

You don't roll your eyes at moms who breastfeed for two years because their child refuses to wean.
You don't judge mothers those don't breastfeed at all.

You don't criticize parents who can't go to public places with their chillins.

You don't because you understand, for the very first time, actually how hard this parenting thing is, how much it changes who you are.

These little chubby, adorable human make you softer. 

They bend and twist your heart in the ways you haven't imagined before. 

They make your heart ache when you are away from them.

They make you cry when they cry.

They melt your heart with their smiles.

They make your heart skip a beat with every milestone.

Babies. They are true God-given blessings.
And they make your heart grown softer with every passing day.

Lunch Date {Look Book}

dress: Target
heels: Zara
tote: J.Crew
necklace: Bauble Bar
bracelets: T&J Design

Need a perfect outfit for a lunch date to catch up with the girls?

Why not go for a high-low maxi and high heels!

I love the mint and nude together and those heels are absolutely gorgeous! 

Have a great day!
And maybe have a lunch with a girlfriend?

Rest and Relaxation

tee: Target
shorts: Banana Republic (thriftred)
shoes: Aldo
tote: thriftd

I'm ready for some rest and relaxation.

This weekend has been crazy busy. Is that even possible? I guess it is because it was super busy and at times a little crazy. 

Between the holiday and our church having Vacation Bible School, I've been on the go since Thursday morning.

This week is going to be especially nice since hubby has vacation time and we are going to celebrate our five(!) year anniversary. 

First thought: where did the time go? 

Second thought: what am I going to wear to the celebratory dinner?

As I try to decide what to wear and try on about dozen outfits, complaining that I have nothing to wear, you lovelies, enjoy your day! 

Thank you for stopping by.

Modern Americana

dress: Gap 

sandals: Aldo

tote: Old Navy

hat: J.Crew

necklace: J.Crew Factory

Happy 4th to you lovelies! Hope you are enjoying some sunshine, delicious food, and time with family and friends. And since this blog has a sense of style, here is an inspiration for your outfit of the day.

There is nothing more American then jeans and red,white & blue. This look embraces the modern take on patriotic USA colors, in a very obvious way (hello flag bag).

Have a great day! 

June {Budgeting Series}

June was a good month with some great finds. Considering that I returned this dress from last month's purchases (it was on the back order until the end of July) and had a little more this month, I feel like I'm finally getting the hang of this 'shopping on the budget' thing. 

Anyhow, last month was really good - here is the update.

Let's see how I did this month.

Mint Dress (Dorothy Perkins $43.78) - I actually bought a little darker shade of mint (on sale w/ free shipping) but it sold out already. Loving the color, length and cut - perfect pencil dress for any summer occasion. 

Striped Maxi (Target $29.99) - Loving how the chevron pattern in front slims the figure and that it has a sleeve. It's so comfortable, I've already worn it one too many times.
Purple Shorts (J.Crew 19.99) - I love the cut and feel of these Bermuda shorts and since I'm wearing my grey once non-stop, I thought a bright pair will get a lot of use as well.
Pink Tee (Target 10.99) - Don't have a pink top. Must. Have. Pink. The. End.
Beige Shorts (Banana Republic $49.50/thrifted $4.99) - I wanted to get couple shorts in neutral color and a trip to thrift store proved itself worthy of these cute shorts. Comfiest party yet.
Sandals (Coach $59.00/TJMaxx $20.00) - these are the cutest flip flops that I have ever owed. I love that they are super comfy, have a bow and perfect for a busy mama's summer wardrobe. Plus they were on clearance. Why not?
Sequin Skirt (Club Monaco $199/thrifted $5.99) - when I saw this skirt, I knew I had to have it. It's a perfect party skirt and for a great(!) price. I already wore it for my mom's bday party and planing to find more uses for it. Outfit post is coming soon.
Basic Tee (Target $6 x2) - definitely need tees for everyday comfortable wear. Especially when baby spits all over ya and you have to change it at least once a day.

Total: 146.73 - 16.78(carry over from May) = 126.95
Budget: $120
Red Zone: $6.95
Carry Over: None