My Apparent Obsession

shirt: Loft
sweater: Target (similar)
pants: Gap
shoes: J.Crew (similar)
bag: Kate Spade (similar)
necklace: Forever 21 (similar)

In the last few outfit posts I've been wearing something yellow - sweater or skirt, or the neon glasses. It has become apparent to me that I love yellow, although I never have. Then I received compliments on it being 'my color' and now it's all over my closet. So today's post is brought to you by a little obsession with yellow, that I wasn't aware of. I don't have much to say today other than I can't wait for the weekend and so happy the warm weather is back. I did some yard work yesterday and I'm a little sore today. Grandma status over here.
Have a great weekend celebrating your moms! I am so glad I have my mama near by to share life's experiences with! Motherhood has taught me so much about mother's love and gave me new appreciation for my own. Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by! 

We have two winners for the giveaway and thank you to all who have entered! Please email me to claim your prize girls... :)

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Beauty Demands Sacrifice

sweater: J.Crew
skirt: thrifted (similar)
shoes: Zara (similar)
belt: Loft (similar)
glasses: DKNY 

The hardest part about blogging is not the pictures in freezing cold temperatures, or the hours of planning outfits. It's not even the enormous amounts of time we spend at the computer editing photos and networking with other bloggers. It's coming up with the post titles. I'm not joking when I say that I think about the title more than I think about what I'm actually going to say in the post. I always wonder if I should name my post after the outfit or whatever I'm talking about. Or should I tie the two things together and make them related, somehow? For example, in this outfit I'm wearing yellow sweater so I could talk about the lack of sunshine and name the post 'you are my sunshine'. That would be very lame and pretty pathetic though, wouldn't you think?

Instead I'm going to talk about how I was dying while wearing these shoes today because, well, beauty demands sacrifice. There is a saying in Russian that goes something like that but it's very hard to translate cultural phrases into another language because you loose the meaning. Well, even in English everyone understands that to look put together you have to sacrifice something. Whether it's sleep, because you have to wake up an hour early to do your hair or comfort, because you are wearing four-inch stilettos that make absolutely no sense at all. Except that they totally go with my midi skirt and add some height. That's all folks.

Thanks for stopping by! 

Shopping [Spring Bags Under $50] + $100 GIVEAWAY

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If now isn't a time to shop for a new spring bag, I don't know when it is. I've been looking for a perfect winged tote that wouldn't break my bank. Every time I search for something specific, I head to Polyvore. It is such a great tool for shopping-crazy bloggers, who are looking for a great deal. I have yet to find a better search engine for shopaholics.

I love different kinds of bags and if I had the money, I would buy all of these. (I did get one of these bags in my recent online shopping adventure) Everything from totes to clutches is here and most of these are on sale too! So don't waste your time looking elsewhere - I got you the perfect selection of bags on a budget. And that's just the way we roll.

GIVEAWAY

Today I'm hosting my very first giveaway with two lovely ladies! Kathleen (Kat's Fashion Fix), Amy (The Real Arnolds) and I have teamed up for this cool giveaway. I'm so very excited about this and can't wait to share it with you all. I know that for Mother's Day we are all looking for something special to give our mothers. So if you found that something but lacking in funds, this is for you. We are giving away two $50 gift cards to the store of your choice (OR) PayPal cash. You choose! Talk about a win/win, huh? Enter with the rafflecopter below! 

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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! 

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! 

Fancy Shmancy

dress: H&M, jacket: Loft, shoes: Zara, purse: Macy's

We are well into the week but I just cleaned up and finished all the laundry from last weekend's festivities. Jonathan's birthday party was a lot of fun and he definitely enjoying himself (eating as much cake as his heart desired). I, on the other hand, was sad that after so much preparation and anticipation of the day, it passed so quick. Our little boy is all grown up and it makes my heart cringe every time I think about his newborn cuddles. I may write a sappy mommy post about how hard it is to see your children grow up. Like you haven't read enough of those right?

On a totally different note, spring is almost here and I'm sending the winter off with one of its best color combinations - burgundy and black. I cannot wait to get my pastels out and start wearing less layers, as well as enjoying the outdoors with Jonathan. And since there isn't another occasion for a fancy shmancy dress up after Valentine's Day for about two months, I'm asking for one (from my husband that is). I love being home with Jonathan but a lady has got to put her fancy on at least once a week. Date night it is.

Thank you for stopping by!

My Preppy Valentine

blouse: H&M, skirt: thrifted, flats: TJMaxx, purse: Target, belt: Loft 

I love wearing sparkles for any occasion (or without one). Valentine's Day calls for something extra special so I'm breaking out my sequin skirt. Of course, there is the traditional LBD and heels but why not go with something preppy? Dust pink and navy is one of my favorite color combinations right now because it's effortlessly stylish. And flats enable you to move easily and break out into dance moves at any moment, because love is a great reason to celebrate. This Valentine's Day which look are you going for? Sexy or cute? Preppy or daring? I still haven't decided on the outfit but I adore this look. 

Thank you for stopping by! 

Feeling Blue

shirt: Joe Fresh, sequin tank: LOFT, blazer and pants: H&M, booties: Liz Claiborne, watch: Target

Every year, after I put all the Christmas stuff away, I start feeling blue. January is the worst month ever. There are no holidays, nothing exciting going on, just cold ans snow. Lots of it. My New Year's resolutions, to be honest, are failing miserably. Shame on me. But here's to a new week and keeping up with my goals. 

First up, healthy breakfast of buttermilk buckwheat pancakes. Yum! (Recipe coming soon)

Next, devotions and off I go.

Hope you are having a good day and thank you for stopping by! 

All That Sparkles + Inspiration Monday Link Up

blouse: Forever21, sequin top: INC, cords: Loft, booties: Old Navy, bag: Kate Spade

Around this time of year I see many blogs featuring glam holiday outfits, fancy dresses and gorgeous frocks. I love taking in all the beauty and planning my own party outfits. Unfortunately, I'm not invited to any of the super fancy ones. The ones I'm invited to can't even be called parties because all it is people hanging out and eating cookies. Well, I still want to glam-it- up a little. And why not? 

Sequins are my go-to this season because they can dress up any outfit, instantly making you party-ready. No matter if you are going to a fancy holiday soiree or just hanging at your in-laws. Now excuse me as I reach for one too many cookies and drink too much eggnog.
Be inspired add a little (or a lot) of sparkles to your holiday wear.

A Day Off

pants, sweatshirt: Loft, vest, shirt: Land's End, booties: Old Navy

Being a round-the-clock mom is tough. It's like having three jobs: in the daytime - tending to the baby, in the after hours - cleaning up and then there are the all-nighters. It really never stops. You never stop listening for his cries, never stop worrying about his well-being, and you never stop being a mom. 

Having to do this day in and day out can really takes a toll on anyone. That's why when I noticed myself getting aggravated and impatient with my son, I asked my hubby for a day off. A day to not worry, not think, not fret or listen. A day all to myself. And being the sweet and kind guy he is, he took care of our boy while I did whatever my heart desired. 

It was nice. 

I missed my baby and held him a little extra that night while he fell asleep in my arms. It's sweet that after a day off you want to come back to your day job and still love it. Because really, it's the most rewarding job in the whole world - raising a human being.  

One Outfit :: Two Ways

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shirt: thrifted, skirt: Loft, vest: Land's End, booties: Old Navy
watch: Target, blazer: Banana Republic, hat: Gap

Who said you can't wear your favorite outfit more then once? Or twice? If I find a color combination or just put together an outfit that's perfect, I want to wear it over and over again. I've had this skirt and shirt in my closet for a while now but one day I put them together and whala! Wearing the same outfit by remixing it and making it look like a totally new one is a winner in my book! Plus changing up the hair adds that something special to each look. Thank you for stopping by and have a great weekend!