March {Budgeting Series}

March Budget

March's budget was a little more because I knew I would be buying some outerwear/boots  for next season. I was hoping to get a pair of nice leather cognac boots but unfortunately didn't find exactly what I was looking for. So here is the breakdown of my shopping experience from last month. And although I did not stick to budget to the last cent, I'm very proud of myself for dodging all those adorable new arrivals at Target. That's what this month is for. Seriously you guys, they have some cute skirts and floral pants out. Go check them out before I buy them all will ya? 

Happy Shopping!

• Scarf $14.99 Target - I needed a bright floral scarf for spring because as it gets nicer out sometimes all you need is bright scarf to bring some color to outfit. 
• Vest $13.49 (Original Price $49.99) Land's End - I have been look out for winter outerwear to go on sale, so I can stock up for next season. Hubby needed a new puffer and with the sale at local Land's End we hit jackpot.
• Puff Jacket $27.99 (Original Price $69.99) Land's End -  the one I bought sold out online but this is a similar one. It seems that all my outerwear is either black or brown so I went with bold color - burnt orange/red. Loving it.
• Intimates and Hosiery $63.00 Target - the unmentionable nursing gear and tights. 
• Workout Leggings $27.99 Target - getting on that treadmill isn't easy but having the appropriate workout gear sure helps. Plus they are super comfy and I wear them around the house all the time. 
• Belt $12.99 Target - I really thought I needed this belt in light pink but turns our I didn't really. And now that I have thrown out the receipt, I am keeping it. Plus pastels are very in this season so I will use it somehow. 
• Sweater $4.99 Loft (Thrifted) - it's a an oversized long merino wool sweater to wear at home with my leggings. Comfy and warm.
• Dress $3.99 Banana Republic (Thrifted) - a cute color-block dress that fits me well and perfect with leggings to lounge at home

BUDGET: $150.00

TOTAL SPENT: $169.43

_____________________

Overspent: $19.43

So how did you do with your budget? 

Did you stick to it or went completely overboard? 

                      

February {Budgeting Series}

I can not believe that another month has come and gone.
 Baby Jonthan is 2 weeks old today and I'm finally starting to feel like a human being again. 

So when I said I'm going to do a monthly budget and try to stick with it, I did not, let me say it again, I DID NOT anticipate how hard it was going to be. So many times I would have be on the way somewhere and just wanted to 'stop by' Old Navy or Loft to see what they have on sale but had to resist. Did you know there is always a sale? Always.

Only now I realize how much shopping I was actually doing. It didn't seem like much every time because I never had major shopping sprees but thirty bucks here and a fifty bucks there would add up to be a substantial amount at the end of a month. Therefore February's $100 budget was a huge cut to my spending habit. But somehow (having a baby and being stuck at home for the last two weeks helped) I managed to not go over the limit too much.

Considering, all of these things were necessities (well except shoes. must.have.shoes) and there was no room left for the 'wants'. 

So do you budget? Or is it just too hard? Or maybe you are swimming in cash? I would love to hear from you and your experiences in the comments!  

Breastfeeding Tank (3) 19.99
These are a must for any nursing mom. I'm loving and currently living in them. 

Basic Tank(2) 12.99 each
I LOVE how soft these are. Even if you aren't preggo, go get yourself a couple. 
You will thank me later.

Pajama Top (2) $12.48
One thing you have to consider when buying PJs for nursing mom is an easy access to the merchandise. I bought a few sets of when I was still pregnant but that aspect somehow escaped my mind.

Striped Flat  $19.99
Shopping with hubby is an adventure when he finds the cutest pair of striped flats. Always looking out for me and then complaining that I have too many shoes. He is the best.

TOTAL: $130.90

                 -100.00

                                               over the budget---->$30.90

P.S. Can you tell I love shopping at Target? 

Ready. Set. Go.

Since I don't know how big he's going to be, I packed a newborn and 0-3m outfit.
What am I missing?

I've asked several people and the opinion is split on whether or not take clothes to the hospital.
What else am I missing?

At this point the nursery is completely finished - it looks so darn cute. My hospital bag and his diaper bag are packed. All that's left is to wait and see. 

Honestly, I think every mother is worried about the birth process and for me, being the control freak that I am,  it's hard to let go. I have absolutely no control over the entire thing as it's very unpredictable. 

But I have decided not to let the worry get to me - I can't fix, help or speed up the process by worrying. So I'm going to try to enjoy these last couple of weeks as a preggo woman. I'm going to soak in the freedom that I still have (trip to B&N anyone?) and the inability to tie my own shoes. 

As much as I can, I ask for advice from experienced mothers, read other people's blogs and opinions on everything from Pitocin to a birthing ball. But until I go through it, I don't know how it is, although it's good to be ready. For everything. 

Nifty Thrifting

{image}

You just received that Pottery Barn catalog and swooning over a rustic table with modern chairs on page 15. The price on that thing? Ridiculous, and you know it. So what to do? Find one and make it your own. At a thrift store

I love thrift store shopping - it's fun, unpredictable and always low-cost. I have been asked on multiple occasions how do I find clothes that look so good when I tell them it's from thrift store. 

There are a couple of tricks.

 Now that we are in our new home, I'm scouting for one-of-a-kind accent pieces, but it's not easy. 

Here are couple of tricks on finding the 'this is so lovely/cute/gorgeous! where did you get it?' piece.

Quality, over quantity. Browsing the racks and rows of old, used furniture, don't think about getting more stuff. Let's face it - you probably have a million sweaters so when picking out clothes, look for unique patterns, familiar store tags and little to no use/wear. I know that the low prices are tempting but select only the best, even if you have to walk away empty handed. Unless you want your closet looking like thrift store itself.

Take your time. Thrifting is time consuming. Nothing is laid out for you and matched like in the department store. There isn't a sign saying "This table is very sturdy. Just needs a fresh coat of paint" Dig through everything. Be patient. You never know.

Distinguish between junk and treasure. This is hard to do at times. When looking for furniture make sure it's sturdy, has no cracks and isn't going to fall apart the minute you put it in your trunk (they don't do refunds). Learn to recognize good quality and sort of have a vision.

Be consistent. You have to be a regular at any thrift store, because nothing is there for very long time. Check the stores often and ask when they receive major shipments, or days when they put out new stuff. Know the sale days. Yes, they have those. Even Salvation Army has 50% off everything day. So what if it's cheap when you can get it cheaper!

Have a goal in mind. Don't just go in aimlessly looking for something. You will never find it. And if you do, it turns out you didn't need it in the first place. Only because you see $0.99 price tag on it, doesn't mean you have to get it. You are more likely to find specific pieces when you know what you are looking for. There is a lot of junk in those stores. But when you know you want that cute little frame with Victorian border so you can spray paint it the color you want and proudly display it over the fireplace, your eyes will ignore the junk and help you find the piece you are looking for.

Never mind the stigma. For some people, it's demeaning to go to a thrift store. It's below them for some reason. Either they are too proud, or too stuck up, or too rich (I mean, good for them) to thrift. There is nothing embarrassing about finding good stuff for cheap and turning it into a one-of-a-kind treasure. If someone gives you a weird look about going to the thrift store, just ignore it and think about all the money you are saving your family (if aren't buying junk that is).

I'm a thrifter and I know it!

Little Man's Nursery

I'm currently working on the "Project Nursery" and honestly, feel a little lost in the sea of Pinterest pins and Google images. My idea of boy's nursery is somewhere between manly, cute, practical, and stylish. I want it to be a relaxing space but at the same time I don't want any frills or soft blues. The room should be boyish enough to transform into toddler room but at the same time, baby enough to make your heart drop into your knees every time we walk in to pick up our little man.
Here are my top picks and design ideas for the Little Man's Nursery

Giveaway {Finally!}

Hello lovely readers! I know you are out there, so this is for you.

Today I bring you giveaway form Ruche Online Shop which I love! They have some amazing dresses and I'm a girl that likes to put her dress on. 

This giveaway is awesome - you can win a dress/a month for an entire year. Now who wouldn't like that? 

Pick me! Pick me!

All you have to do is head over to their website and sign up for e-mail newsletter. That's it! You are in...

Here are my picks, if I win that is.

Here & Now {Guest Post}

Hi there. I'm taking a little impromptu vacation with my hubby so while I'm gone, I have one of my favorite down-to-earth bloggers filling in for me. Without further ado, here is Jessica.

Hello Happy Medley readers! I am Jessica from Here&Now where I blog about my daily outfits, adventures in building a stylish wardrobe (aka shopping), and of course my fur baby, Doug the Pug. I am so excited to be joining you guys over here!

It is that time of year... I am over my Summer clothes, and drooling about the new Fall collections popping up on shelves everywhere... what's a girl to do!?

Shop smart for transition pieces... items that can still be worn in hot weather (who wants to wait to wear new purchases!?), but will get plenty of love come cooler months as well... when shopping for end of Summer/Fall clothes, think about items that layer, have classic color palettes, and are easily mixable into what you already have in your closet....

just that easy huh!?

Well here are some of my tips, and outfits for your inspirational pleasure 

(oh and almost all of these items are at amazing price points... who wants to only get 1 or 2 items off of their Fall wish list... let's stock up!)

{Fall Florals: skinny floral jeans}

{Now}

floppy hat + tank (tied at waist) + cross-body bag + funky bangles + lace up wedges

{Later}

open sweater + tough cuff + fringe purse + low booties

Yes, florals were big for Spring/Summer and (if you can believe it) are continuing will full force into Fall. Pick up a pair of skinny floral jeans in more muted colors and enjoy remixing them with easy basics and full of personality accessories

{Hot Dots: Polka dot dress}

{Now}

jean vest + gold bangles + green shopper bag + gold sandals

{Later}

colorful scarf + neutral clutch + basic booties

Polka dots... get ready to see them everywhere. Polka dot pieces from Old Navy to J.Crew are already selling out quickly... so go ahead and jump on the trend, it's here for another season. Polka dots can be playful with a jean vest and girlie flats. Or toughen them up with chic booties. Go a step more and pair your dots with a on trend green army jacket or be super brave and try them with camo!

{Pop of Peplum top}

{Now}

classic sunnies + monogram necklace + neutral bag + jean shorts {splurge // save } + leopard sandals 

{Later}

crystal necklace + men's style watch + funky clutch + faux leather skirt + leopard heels

Oh have you heard of this little piece, it's called a peplum... and it is hot hot hot! Peplums popped up on tops, skirts, and dresses in late Spring and are continuing their trendy up-swing into Fall. My favorite way to wear a peplum top now is with laid-back jorts and cool-girl details. Come fall I can't wait to pair peplum tops with a fuller skirt and spicy accents (à la the ever fashionable Blair of Atlantic-Pacific).

I might be a little biased, but I think all of these items are closet workhorses... and hopefully I can purchase a few smart transitional pieces of my own (got my eye on that polka dot dress!)

What pieces are you eyeing?

Come visit me over on Here&Now anytime!

xx

Jessica

SAVE or SPLURGE... You Decide

So this post has nothing to do with the 'Step Up' movies. But it has a lot to do with Old Navy's recent collection that practically blown me away. Most of us, mere mortals, can't afford to by one single item from J.Crew Collection and Loubotins what the dreams are made of.  So my recent stop at local Old Navy surprised me very much because there were some worthy pieces to consider. The downside is the lower quality of product but if a cardigan is $17 only (with my 25% off coupon), I'll take it!

Here is a selection of the summer/fall latest trends which can save you some mula!

 <-- SAVE




                                            SPLURGE -->

<-- SAVE


                                                   SPLURGE -->

<-- SPLURGE




                                        SAVE (a little) -->

<-- SAVE




                                            SPLURGE -->

Special Occasion

I am going to visit my family overseas and attend my cousin's wedding. Ever since I thought about going for a visit I was on the hunt for a perfect dress. Finding a simple dress as a guest of the wedding that isn't going to flash everyone and satisfy some fashion sense is hard. I feel like there is nothing out there for those of us who want to stay modest and at the same time don't look grandma-ish. Do you have an event you need a cute dress for? Check these out! Feel free to comment and suggest other stores, online boutiques and web pages.

{Thanks bunches}

Lemon Drop

Midsummer Night's Dream

In The Fields

Blushing Cheeks

Teal Peplum 

Royal Violet

Girly Lace

Sweet Structure

Spring Dress Fashion Show

Cousin's Wedding

Dress, Necklace , Bracelet, Clutch (Similar), Sandals

Casual Lunch

Dress, Sunglasses, Sandals, Handbag, Necklace

Spring Workday
 Dress, Platforms, Necklace, Sunglasses, Satchel  

They say that admitting you have a problem is the first step to solving it. Well, I don't know if it is true. I have an obsession with dresses - I absolutely love them! I love the LBD, floral, patterned, simple, bright colored, white, simple and really fancy. I would wear dresses every day if I could (yes, I would even lay on the couch and watch TV in them). There is something elegant, simple yet profoundly feminine about dresses. It's an outfit all in itself and it gives you power. Really! I have noticed how people treat me when I'm dressed nice and appropriate for the occasion, especially when I'm wearing a dress or a skirt and heels. I am treated as a woman. Men open doors for me, I get "Hello! How are you?" instead of "Hey" and of course complements for actually being dressed. In the modern America, there is less and less class, and more jeans with sweatshirts everywhere you look. I admire the moms who have household, chores, children and they manage to look presentable. I have been eyeing couple spring dresses and these are my favorites incorporated in spring outfits from casual to special occasion. 

Spring Essentals

Dress1

Dress 2

Jeans

Skirt

         

Polka

Floral

Stripes

Sandals

Heels

                                   Dress1, Dress2, Jeans, Skirt, Polka, Stripes, Sandals, Heels

When it come to my wardrobe,  have a few things that wear constantly. Sometimes I put together an outfit and love it so much that I wear it multiple times, instead of remixing things. So if you think about it, we only need couple basic pieces to make our wardrobe work for us. This spring is all about COLOR and floral patterns, but we are keeping our basic polka dots and stripes! From skinny jeans to sandals and I'm loving every minute of it, only if the sun would come out already and we could enjoy the spring with a colorful palette of must-haves. If I were to have everything I want (who doesn't want that? lol), these pieces would have been part of it (I do have the JCrew Skirt in Lime), especially shoes. Enjoy the spring shopping, even if it's just window shopping. One can dream right?