Easy Does It

dress: Old Navy (similar)
bag: Kate Spade
necklace: Forever21 similar
shoes: Marc Fisher for Macy's (similar)
glasses: DKNY

Welcome to the new week! I hope you had a great weekend and enjoyed some of the gorgeous weather we've been having. We were thrilled to finally ditch the coats and jump into flip flops and shorts. Sunday afternoon we took a stroll and it was wonderful. On the other hand, with the coming of warmer weather and Jonathan being outside more, there is going to be a lot more laundry, that's for sure. He loves running around and exploring the outdoors so at least that's a plus. We will be spending a whole lot of time outside and probably forgetting to eat lunch at one point. So happy to see the weather warm up because we've been cooped up inside far too long.

Enjoy it friends! 

New additions to SHOP MY CLOSET page! Just in time for spring (mostly little worn or new) 

Bold

sweater: Banana Republic (similar)
 skirt: J.Crew (similar)
 crossbody: TJMaxx (similar, similar)
rain boots: Old Navy (similar)
watch: Target (similar)

It wouldn't be spring without some rain. I'm so glad to see the snow gone and warmer days emerge. It really is amazing what some sunshine and warmth does to your being. Well, it's not totally warm here and most days it's still below fifty but still, there is hope. And as usual, spring brings along a huge to-so list. Everything from cleaning the garage to planning the vacation is on there. But for now, I have my red boots to keep my mood up (even in the rain).

Lady With A Hat

sweater: H&M, skirt: thrifted, booties: Ann Taylor, scarf: Old Navy, hat: NY&Co

I can't seem to get out of a closet rut with some of my favorites - skirts, comfy sweaters and even pajamas. It's not a bad thing, learning to creatively re-mix what I have but at the same time, it gets old. I mean for you guys, right? Again with this skirt. It's the delicate balance of wearing my own clothes and wearing something new every time, which means more shopping. Speaking of shopping, January has been brutal (on my budget, I mean) and awesome in other ways. Free of holiday bustle we are spending time with family and enjoying each other. I 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!

The One Where I Pretend To Look At My Watch

sweater, scarf: TJMaxx
  skirt: Banana Republic
booties: Old Navy
watch: Target

We've been enjoying such a perfect fall this year. All the warm, sunny days with cool crisp air and cold nights with frosty mornings. Hoping the snow will hold out until after Thanksgiving because Christmas is already taking over. Speaking of which, have you started your preparations for turkey day? Fortunately, I'm not spending it at home, so the heavy lifting and all the prep work isn't going to be done by me (yay). I still am going to be helping out, but mostly just eating and then hitting the sales. No, I'm not going there into the cold with the crazy crowds. Most of the retailers run the same sales online, so I will be snuggled up in my PJs, drinking hot tea and clicking away. Thank you for stopping by and have a great weekend!

P.S. Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

Highs and Lows + Giveaway

pants, top, cardigan: Loft
booties: Old Navy
bag: Kate Spade
watch:Target

There are different types of purchases I make according to my closet needs (mostly wants).There are the very expensive articles (like this Kate Spade bag) and there are the bargain buys (like these Old Navy booties). The interesting thing is that both of them are very versatile and I love wearing them - bag is high quality and very durable, and the booties are perfect for my everyday mommy chores. I love designer pieces but at the same time, I don't shy away from bargain finds and thrift stores. It's all about combing different aspects of fashion to create great style, no matter how low or how high the price of an item is. Do you buy things at different price points? Or do you stick to one kind of product? 

Speaking of shopping, how would you like to owe this gorgeous flower necklace? I love statement jewelry and this one would be perfect addition to any closet! It will run until Tuesday and you can enter to win with the rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Currently

button-down, crossbody: TJMaxx
sweater: H&M
jeans: Target
booties: Old Navy

Currently I am ...

-  focusing more on my marriage. Let's face it once the baby is here, daddy takes the back burner and really that isn't right

- reading Russian books to my baby

- planning the holiday parties and dinner menues

- doing lots of shoes shopping looking for a perfect pair of riding boots. Any suggestions?

- realizing that at the quarter century mark in my life (next week. eeek!) I have so much to be thankful for

- making an effort to be friendly and make friends, putting extra thought and time to revive old friendships

- enjoying a Bible study class 

- praying for wisdom

- loving the perfect fall weather

- looking on the positive side and counting my blessings

- eating an entire box of candy. not even sorry

Why Not

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top: Old Navy (DIY)
jacket: Loft
skirt: thifted
shoes: TJMaxx
purse: Old Navy 

Sometimes I find a piece of clothing that I wear all the time. It's comfortable, goes with lots of colors and can be dressed up or down. Case in point, this skirt.

Yes, I found this skirt for mere $4.99 but the quality of wool and lightness of the fabric, as well as the fit is just perfect. I've worn this skirt almost every day for the last two weeks. And why not? 

Sometimes, you put together a perfect outfit and who said that you can't wear it over and over again? The fashion police is not going to come knocking on your door if you wear the same outfit for a week. Because if it really works and makes you feel great, that's all that matters.

P.S Check back later today for the how-to on this jeweled top. I did do this myself.

Hope you have a great weekend! 

Enjoy that sunshine!

Linking up with Simply Lulu, Style Elixir, Her and Nicole, 
Coffee Beans and Bobby Pins, Simply Just Lovely and My Girlish Whims 

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!

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.