Hint Of Spring

blouse: Loft (similar). sweater: J.Crew,  skirt: Ann Taylor (similar), heels: Zara (similar)

It seems that everyone around the blogosphere is styling sandals and cute summer dresses... Alas, I cannot even start thinking about sandals! We had some snow yesterday night and now all of the ground is covered with white stuff. But when you are so desperately in need of spring and sun, you do whatever you can to bring some sunshine in your life. Like this sweater. Yes, it's bright and it's yellow but does it light up my outfit! It's a hint of spring in this cold, frozen world I live in, called New York.

Thank you for stopping by! 

Currently Loving [Life Edition] + Link Up

My life has been a complete disaster for last couple of weeks. First hubby and I both got strep throat (thankfully Jonathan escaped that toll) and then as soon as everyone felt better, we caught a stomach bug. This time no one escaped and it was the worst. Slowly but surely I'm back to my normal self, Jonathan is still recovering but hubby was fighting it for a week and finally surrendered with fever and chills. 

So, there isn't much to love in my life as of late but I made an effort to find things that make me happy and enjoy them as much as I can. Here I present to you what I'm currently loving in life.

Currently Looking At: this adorable face. Love

Currently Working On: fireplace mantle with spring flowers and vibrant colors

Currently Smelling: fresh blooms sitting pretty on my kitchen table 

Currently Reading: the spring edition of Cooking Light magazine. Crab cakes here I come.

Currently Can't Get Enough Of: the cutest smile and bear hugs

LINK UP

Parenting Toddlers

When it comes to parenting, different stages of child's life require much wisdom. Babies are sweet and sleepy; they want to hang out on your shoulder and as long as they are fed and changed, it's all good. Now, toddlers are a totally different story. They are fully functioning members of a family, as they try prove themselves at every possible opportunity. They are very independent at this age and yet need us the most. So here's how parenting a toddler has changed my life. 

DO...

1. GIVE FREEDOM (as much as it is safe). They have very little control over their world - from what they eat to where they sleep, we decide everything for them. So whenever possible and you can give them the freedom they so desire, do so. Let them experiment with different foods and textures, run freely in controlled environment and don't be too harsh when they make a mess. 

2. TEACH. At this point in their life, they soak up every single bit of information that comes their way. Toddlers are very observant, that's why they imitate adults so much. Give them place and time to learn instead of restricting everything all the time. Whenever you have time, sit down, play, read and have fun with them. It may seem like not much to you but they are learning even when you are just goofing off. They are learning valuable social skills of human interaction and trust.

3. BE FAIR. Keep everyone in your household, including yourself to the same standards. If you think they shouldn't have candy but you are \eating M&Ms by the bag full, they will catch on very soon. They may not understand it and you may be able to get away with it now, but sooner or later they will resent your partiality. 

4. REDIRECT. When so little of your life is in your control, and you can't do this or that, frustration comes on easily. Toddlers are frustrated a lot at the world around them because they either can't do something, won't do something or simply don't want to do something. Redirect their attention away from the frustration and engage them in something else.

5. BE CALM. Whenever toddlers are upset, frustrated or cranky, it's best to stay calm. It won't do any good to you or them to get all frizzled and start yelling. Escalating situation by yelling and making arguments will just make it worse because they will resist it. Just accept the fact that they will be upset in some near future and will refuse to do whatever it is you want them to do. So keep calm - you have a toddler on hands.

DON'T...

1. REASON. At this point in game, they don't understand reasoning. You can explain all you want why they need to go to sleep and why mommy loves them, but they don't understand it. When making rules, be firm but soft spoken. Assure them by hug or kiss but still keep on doing what you must. 

2. BRIBE. I know it seems that everyone is doing it but it's simply very ineffective way to train. It teaches the child that he needs to do something only if there is a reward for such behavior. They need to learn that obeying and listening is part of their life. It's simply what they need to learn without alternatives and bribes.

3. IGNORE. Sometimes you just want to close your eyes and not see what's happening. But your toddler is watching you every moment of the day. Sure there are times when it's better to just walk away and not engage, but ignoring mean and defiant behavior will not do him/her any good. It needs to be addressed, punished and corrected.

4. GIVE UP. When it seems like you've tried every option and they still refuse to follow directions or eat that veggie, just step away. Don't keep at it if there are no results but don't get so frustrated you just want to give up. Sometimes, you just need to regroup, find another approach and start all over again. Repetition and consistency is your best friend when it comes to toddlers.

On Pause

dress & boots: Lord and Taylor, shirt:, watch Target, purse: Nine West

It seems that spring pushed a pause button and we cannot recover from the great amounts of snow that's outside. It's still very cold and we keep the heat on all the time, as well as our boots . Also we got hit by second plague in our household - stomach bug. Being the weak bodied type that I am, and still recovering from strep throat, I am suffering the worst. The only day that I felt better, I managed to get out of the house with Jonathan and catch the nasty thing. So this post is brought to you from lounging on the couch and clear liquids diet, which totally sucks. So when they (the experts on internet and husband) say that you should stay in for a few days and take vitamins after being sick, you better believe them. 

Welcome to new week and thanks for stopping by! 

Currently Loving {Weekly Link Up 2.0}

Another week has gone by and I don't know where it went. Although it's officially spring, we couldn't be any farther away from it. It's currently snowing outside and doesn't show signs of stopping any time soon. Between being sick all week and having below freezing temperatures, I haven't taken any outfit pictures because, let's face it, you don't want to see my pajamas. They are old and they are from Target. Instead I bring you another installment of Currently Loving series and these are some of the coolest things around the web. Link up your posts and spread the word! 

1. How cool are these stacking chairs? The coolest things are available to kids now-a-days.

2. Lovely length ad gorgeous cut of this dress makes me want to take the price plunge. Swoon!

3. Because we all need to laugh at ourselves...

4. Loving neon for this spring and especially this bag.

5. Tried Brazilian Steakhouse and loved every second of it. It was absolutely delicious and totally worth the steep price point. If you never tired it, it's so worth it!

6. I've been feeling under the weather last weekend with some flu-like symptoms. It might be from fatigue, stress or exhaustion.

7. Is having enough material good and a comfortable life here really a blessing? Read this.

8. Life around the globe in pictures is so different then ours. A lot to be grateful for.

LINK UP

Spring Bags

Spring Bags by ademko featuring satchel style purses

Kate Spade tote shopper / Juicy couture shoulder bag / Carlos by Carlos Santana medium tote bag / Topshop satchel style purse / Topshop blue cross body purse / Dorothy Perkins leopard tote bag / Mango purse

When A Household Is Sick

Unrelated shot when everyone was well and actually had time to take pictures.

Last weekend was part of 'it was the worst time of my life' story and it all started Saturday morning. 

I woke up feeling tired, achy and overall blah. I did not want to get out of the bed and had no appetite. Hubby was a sweetheart and got up with Jonathan while I got to snooze extra hour or so. We had plans with a few of our friends to go out of town. I hate to cancel on people, so we ended up going and had a great time. But by the end of dinner I was shivering and coming down with some awful chills, that the entire ride home I was jittery and cold. 

All night and the next morning I was ready to die. I had the worst chills and my body felt like I was run over by a train a million times. All that along with never-ending pain in my throat let me think I had the flu. Dear husband took Jonathan to church and cooked lunch, went to the store and got me medicine and fruit so I could stay in bed. I went to see the doctor  Monday morning and the diagnosis was strep throat.

Next day, hubby started getting down with same kind of  fever and chills. He was feverish all night and next day had the same diagnosis - strep. It had got to be the worst - both of us with a full of life and energy toddler. Shoot me now.

Two out of three people in our household had strep throat, so we quarantined ourselves inside the house without anyone in or out. Since strep is highly contagious and awfully painful, I'm was so worried about Jonathan getting it too but thankfully, he didn't. I wiped down the entire house with Clorox wipes and rewashed every utensil I used every day. We feeling better but still not totally there.

It was hard being a parent while being sick. 

When a sweet, babbling baby wanted to clime in bed with us and play pick-a-boo but all I wanted to do is bury my face in a pillow, it was hard. When he wanted to play with me and kiss me all over and I couldn't, it was hard. When he wanted to be held and carried but I was too tired to even get out of bed, it was hard. It was hard not to be physically close, kiss, hold and love my baby when he so desperately needed it. It was probably harder then going through the pain and ache and after only a day of being away from him, I realized how much I missed that sweet boy of mine.

So if anyone in your house is ever sick, stay away from them. Do not sleep in the same bed (even if they want to cuddle), do not share a glass (unless you sanitized it), do not give them a kiss goodbye (so cold, I know) and certainly, do not exchange any bodily fluids (wink). It's hard being sick and caring for a baby but when both are sick, it's even worse. Take that from me.

Thank you for stopping and hope your week is going better than mine!

Currently Loving {Weekly Link Up 1.0}

If you have been following bloggers any amount of time, you know we are all about the new thing. We are about shopping, buying the newest trends and looking forward to the new season. We are rarely satisfied with what we have because someone else already has something everything we want. I've noticed it to be true even in my own life. We are going after things we don't have and constantly disregarding the things we do have. We get caught in the materialistic, shopping-crazy life style and it's hard to break away from it. 

Here, I'm starting new kind of link up. What is it I'm currently loving in my life, around the web and just in general. Link up your favorite pair of jeans, or the newest cupcake recipe you tried that makes your skirt fly up. Whatever it is you are currently loving in your life, do share with us and let's try to be happier, kinder and satisfied with what we have.

1. How much TV should children watch? I'm a proponent of the least amount possible. This article seems to suggest we need to keep this up until he's 12 years old. What do you think? Is it even possible?

2. Are you in a blogging rut? Here are some ideas!

3. Loving this early spring outfit which makes me want to take out my summer dresses.

4.Husband and I waited for our first kiss until the altar. So good to see that this couple did the same thing and happy with it. Would you?

5. Absolutely heavenly recipe of almond croissants. And guess what? It's super easy!

6. I've been using the same moisturizer  for last several years. Trying to find something else that works without having to spend hundreds of dollars with trial and error. Help!

7. Do I need another dress? Yum, Yeah!

8. Anyone else is crazy about the color of the year? Meh.

LINK UP

Spring Lunch Date {Outfit Inspiration}

Mandi sleeveless dress
$50 - newlook.com

Zara heeled sandals
zara.com

Jane Norman quilted purse
$58 - janenorman.co.uk

Kate Spade leather strap watch
bloomingdales.com

Funny Story

blouse: H&M, jacket: Loft, skirt: thrifted, bag: Kate Spade, shoes: ALDO

The other day, hubby and I were doing some organizing in our pantry which is downstairs in the garage. We both went down there and talked about doing some spring cleaning very soon and how we should attack it. Well, as we were finished and tried to open the door to go into the house, we realized that we were locked inside our own garage. Jonathan was asleep in his room (thank God) and stove wasn't on but still, it was kind of freaky. So there we were standing in front out own door unable to open it. Low and behold, my smart hubby picked the lock and were able to escape without any further difficulties. Thankfully we were locked in our own garage which has all his handy man tools, although it seemed funny and ironic at the same time. Good thing that funny story didn't turn into anything dramatic.

Thank you for stopping by and have a great day! 

A Winter Of Outfits

December



January


February

I had a lot of fun with my closet this winter. Stretching my imagination with things like sequins and hats, freezing in the snow while taking pictures and taking a break in  January (only four outfits?). I purchased this coat in December and, although on sale, spend two months' worth of budget money. It was definitely an investment and I'm loving it. So that brought me to not being able to shop for two months in January and February. It was tough staying away from all the amazing sales, especially when they offer free shipping. I focused all my time on decorating the house and organizing Jonathan's birthday party, which was a lot of fun. I had to channel my creative energy somewhere. And now that we are on spring's footsteps, although yesterday we plummeted into negative temperatures again, I'm ready to take out my neons, florals and lose the tights and coats. Which one was your favorite outfit this winter? 

Thank you for stopping by.

Spring Trends :: What To Wear

Metallics, Pastels and Florals

Spring/Summer 2014 Favorite Trends

Spring is a heartbeat away. According to the calendar we have only a few days of winter left but he weather on the other hand isn't budging in. Looking at some of the Spring/Summer 2014 trends, I couldn't help but notice that there is nothing new coming our way. No, Really. There are the trusted pastels, florals and button-down shirts that everyone loves. Other trends, like iridescent fabric and crazy geometric prints are making a comeback but aren't my favorite. While some trends, like tea length skirts from the turn of 20th century and wide legged pants from 80s, those aren't the only trends designers are borrowing from the good old days. Braids and messy, romantic hair is making a huge return into fashion. I don't know if I want to revisit the 90's trends like fringe, culottes, and cropped jackets but I'm willing to try the metallic details and full skirts. I'm not a fashion expert and I like simple, understated trends so you may not  agree with me  and that's OK. These are the trends that I absolutely love for the Spring/Summer 2014. Enjoy and thank you for stopping by!