Reflect Neon

top: Old Navy (similar), skirt: J.Crew, flats: Marc Fisher (similar), bag: Kate Spade (similar), watch: Target, glasses: similar

Let's just talk about the new trend that has taken over blogosphere - neon aviators. Yes, I succumbed to the pressure of the web and bought myself a pair. I do like them with certain outfits, when I like to give something edge. I do like the RayBan's but they are way too expensive for a seasonal trend. So I headed to the mall and found myself a pair of cheap aviators that I know I wouldn't be upset if my son finds. And guess what? They look just fine and that's that's way I like it. I hope you have a great weekend! 

Winding Down

top: Talbots
skirt: Thrifted
heels: Ann Taylor
clutch: DIY
necklace: Forever 21

According to the calendar, it's almost the end of summer and New York haven't even had real summer yet. We had non-stop rain the entire month of June, then it warmed up a little. But all the rain made the humidity get out of control, so that the only possible way of survival was inside, under an air conditioner. 

By the way, a blessing I am extremely thankful for is the central air conditioning system.

 It's absolutely amazing. I'm giving props to all the people who don't have A/C. I don't know how ya'll live.

We started having gorgeous weather last few weeks and now the days are warm and nights are cool. It's really beautiful out and yesterday was one of those days. We enjoyed it mostly by going to church, staying inside and (not) taking a nap because a certain someone with cutest chubby cheeks and beautiful grin decided that he will wake up every half an hour just to keep us on our toes.

Summer is winding down, so enjoy the beautiful weather by going to the park or having a picnic under a tree, take a bike ride or a trip to the beach. I know that I'm going to take advantage of this gorgeousness. 

Thank you for stopping by.

Have a great day!

Weekend Happenings

top: TJMaxx (similar)
skirt: Loft (similar)
shoes: Tahari
clutch: H&M

Welcome to Monday!

Hope you had a good relaxing weekend.

 Mine was filled with birthday celebrations - a one-year-old party and my mom's birthday. It was lots of fun.

My sister and I threw my mom a small bday party yesterday night. Sunday afternoon we started getting some major rain and lighting. A lot of people lost their power and it was hot and humid outside. 

Thank God we didn't because first of all, the party would've been ruined and then it A/C wouldn't work. 

I'm so spoiled. I know. 

All in all, it was a great weekend.

What did you do?

New Start

top: Forever21 (similar)
 skirt: Target (similar here and here)
necklace: Sharlotte Russe (similar)
heels: Aerosoles (thrifted) (similar)
bag: Nine West (similar)

Welcome to a brand new week!

I feel like every Monday is a new start. I bet we all start Monday with our best intentions to do whatever it is we were slacking of with the previous week.

Sunday night is like the end of a bad book and Monday we get to re-write the whole thing all over again. 

We finish the last salsa and chips, have last ice cream cone, stay up too late and fight with our spouse. 

The last time. 

Because Monday everything is going to be better, brighter and right-er (that's not even a word, but you get what I'm saying).

Then comes the glorious Monday and we fall back into the same routine, follow the same bad habits and fight the same dirty fights. And we give up on the rest of the week.

But today is a brand new day and another start to a whole new week that COULD be different. 

So go on and do all those things you set out to do without looking back. And if you fail, remember, I'm probably there with ya, picking up the pieces and trying to do the right thing. 

Have a great day! 

P.S. I'm also probably eating another bowl of ice cream that I definitely shouldn't be eating.

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. 

Black And White

blouse: Forever21 (similar), skirt: thrifted (similar), shoes: BCBGirls (similar), necklace: gift, clutch: Macy's (similar)

I'm not the type of girl who just jumps on the trend train right away. If there is a trend fever going around, I'm probably going to be the last person on the planet Earth to try it out.
I don't know why that is. Maybe because I'm playing it safe or want to see how everyone else is wearing it and steal borrow some ideas.
Maybe I've been inspired by these ladies here, here, here and here. And many more.
Whatever the reason is, I've hopped on the black-and-white-all-over train and loving it.
It's such a classy way to dress any of the clothes up. Who doesn't own black and pumps and some sort of white top? It's the easiest look to put together and probably my favorite.
Have a great day!
Thanks for reading!

Linking up with WIWW

Long Awaited Spring

top TJMaxx, skirt: Thrfted, shoes: Forever21, necklace: Macy's, clutch: H&M

I'm so happy to report that the New York State has caught on to the idea that it's spring! And it's absolutely stunning! The beautiful flowers in bloom, the gorgeous trees budding with tender green leaves and absolutely every kind of bird is out there at 5am singing its harmonious song (and not letting me sleep). I'm loving it! I feel like this winter was so long and I have waited for sunshine my entire life. 

We (Jonathan and I) are talking long strolls in the park, taking in the scenery, lounging in the backyard and doing everything possible to spend as much time outside as possible. 

He is loving the sun. And the kids love him. He's like a magnet for every little girl out there - they just want to touch him, kiss him and just plain eat him up. I mean, who wouldn't? Such a heart breaker already!

And because this week it's going to be roasting hot, we are planning on baking out on the sun until 'medium well', or maybe even 'well done'. Well, more like me baking and Jonathan enjoying the cool shade and breeze. This guys has got it made! 

Have a Happy Monday! 

P.S. Don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY which has been extended until Wednesday, May 8th! 

On Perfectionism

top: Ann Taylor, pants: thrifted, heels: BCBGirls, bow: Old Navy (belt from dress), bag: Target

I must admit: I'm a perfectionist by nature. With people-pleasing, every-person-approval-seeking tendencies. Sometimes it gets a little nuts in this head of mine. 

My desire for the 'right' way sometimes gets in the way of what's more important - things like friendships, personal relationships and love.
The most difficult part about motherhood (and life in general) is finding balance. The balance between a disciplinarian and too permissive parent, accepting friend and judgmental one.
In an effort to find that balance I'm trying to go a little easier on myself and on my child.
There will be bad days. That's just a fact of life.
Sometimes he will be fussy and I won't feel like going by schedule.
Sometimes you just have to let go and let it be.
Those are the times when you figure out that life will go on with unwashed dishes in the sink and take out dinner, so that mama can get some rest and relaxation.
As you know, when mama is happy, everybody is happy.
So go ahead and have yourself a perfect day.

5Days5Ways: Day 5

Being Creative: Day 5

top: American Eagle, skirt: J.Crew, shoes: Tahari, bag: Kate Spade NY, necklace: NY&Co

Whew! For some reason this week is going by at about 90 pmh. It's already Friday and I feel like Monday was just here. And it's not the good kind of feeling 'yay! Friday is here' but 'what? it's already Friday?'

 It's not that I'm terribly busy (I think), as much as you can be with an infant, but time just seems to fly by.

Sunshine and longer days are really motivating me to do a lot more. Get outside, clean the garage, organize all the boxes from the move, finally put away my winter clothes, take out my pretty spring wreath and hang it on the front door, hang up family pictures and decorate our bare walls. 

There is just so much to do and I'm itching to start.

You see, I'm a perfectionist so either I do it exactly the way I want or I just don't do it at all. 

So that's why you will either see a spotless and perfectly neat garage/closet/kitchen/basement or there is an absolute mess. I don't do things half way - it's either all or nothings. 

Tomorrow I'm doing it all. 

Welcome spring!
Are ya here to stay?

5Days5Ways: Day 4

 Being Creative: Day 4

top:Old Navy, skirt: J.Crew, flats: Target, clutch: TJMaxx

So now we are back to spring. Oh my goodness, this weather is craaaaaazy!

Enough about the weather though.

I have discovered an amazing cake recipe. It's not from Pinterest or FoodNetwork. Well, I'm sure someone somewhere on the face of the Earth already thought of it, but that's not important. The point is - I came up with it all on my own. Of course, it doesn't help the weight loss cause but we had people over and that's just another excuse to make a cake. And let me tell you, it was delicious. Not  to brag or anything but I think it was the best cake I have ever made. Recipe will be coming shortly because I forgot to take pictures the first time and need to make another one. Seriously not doing myself any favors here.

Anyhow. 

I'm off to run errands because daddy is home and staying with Jonathan today. Mama needs some time to herself and that amazing cup of green tea latte from Starbucks, that I haven't had in months. Yes please! 

Enjoy the sunshine!

5Days5Ways: Day 2

Being Creative: Day 2

button-up: Hollister, skirt: J.Crew, necklace: Sharlotte Russe. bag: H&M, shoes: Kenneth Cole

So have you guessed my repeating item of clothing? Yes, it's the cobalt blue pencil J.Crew skirt. I love skirts because they are very versatile - they can go from very dressy with a silk blouse to casual with a simple white tee. Honestly, I think I own five times as many skirts as jeans. Plus I like to dress up. 

Staying at home most of the time doesn't give me many chances to wear pencil skirts, except to church. So I've primarily focused on putting together casual outfits that can be worn while doing everyday activities.

On a totally separate note, yesterday was April Fools day and I had a chance to joke with some people.

 It was much fun!

Have a great Tuesday!

5Days5Ways: Day1

Being Creative: Day 1

top: Loft, skirt: J.Crew, shoes: Ann Taylor, necklace: NY&Co, bag: Kate Spade NY

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter weekend.

I have been a little challenged in my closet with my postpartum body. It's hard to find clothes that fit with the little bit of belly I have left and little more of booty. I have a few pieces that fit right now but don't want to get a whole new wardrobe just for this transitional stage, because I am planning on loosing the extra poundage. 

I am very optimistic. 

But right now I still have to get dressed and be creative with the few clothes that fit my bum. 

So here is a challenge: take a piece of clothing and using other pieces from my wardrobe to create 5 outfits. That's five days taken care of! And although I don't like to have so few pieces to work with, it's challenging me to think creatively. Plus re-discovering clothes that I put away before my last trimester is like shopping all over again. And I don't spend a single cent. 

Here is to being creative with what you've got!

Day 1.

Spring Fever

sweater: TJmaxx similar , skirt: NY&Co similar, shoes: BCBGirls similar, 
clutch: H&M similar, necklace similar:  Macy's

As you may notice in the pictures, we still have snow on the ground. And Easter is only a  few days away! Who celebrates Easter in winter??? No open toe pretty shoes for me.

I have a serious spring fever. It's been cold and snowing last few months and I'm so ready for spring. Having a baby makes it that much more difficult to get out anywhere. Staying home ad cuddling in our warm PJs sounds a lot more appealing. 

But I want to go places, see people and not be stuck at home all the time. 

Between having a cute little chubby cheeks constantly attached to my boobs and not having a single moment by myself, I'm getting tired. I think I'm going mad.

I need a change of pace. 

I want to go to the park for long walks basking in warmth of sunshine.

I want to finally start decorating my bare walls and putting up baby pictures in pretty frames.

I want to start exercising to loose this stinking baby fat. Post baby fat sucks! Did you know that?

I want to just go.

So come on spring! Bring it on!

Fooled

blouse: Target, blazer,shoes: H&M, skirt: J.Crew, necklace: Forever21

We got fooled. Last week the weather was awful nice. Too nice for NY.
It was in fifties and the snow melted. It was gone. All of it.
On Monday night we got a snow storm advisory and the only time I wish the that they (the weather people) were wrong, they were right.
We got pounded on Tuesday.

It snowed. All day long, it snowed. It was snowing as if the Earth has forgotten that it's March and time for spring. That it's time to let those blooms come up.

On the other hand, it was a magical, beautiful world outside for a while. That is if you didn't have to leave the house all day. And we didn't. 

Hubby was off and we lounged with the little one all day watching re-runs of shows and having us some cinnamon buns. Of course, the buns didn't support my loose-weight-as-quickly-as-possible diet but they were pretty good. In the words of hubby they were 'fine'.

So although we got fooled into thinking that the spring is here, having hopefully one last stay-at-home snow day was great.

Now bring it on spring.
Have a great first day.