July 14, 2015

Attitude of Gratitude {Motherhood Challenges Series}






Lately, I've been counting my blessings. Twice.

There is nothing really major going on in our life, or any health scares that would make me appreciate life that much more. I just think it's part of growing up.

Hubby and I spent our anniversary weekend staying in, cooking, relaxing and spending time together (while Jonathan was visiting the grandparents). We didn't go out to any fancy restaurants or did any extra curricular activities, but simply relaxed  without the toddler running around (read: pure bliss). I think out of all the times that we did plan to 'do things' last weekend was the most memorable. It made me realize how blessed I am.

That is one thing I struggle with, especially when I start comparing my life with other's. Comparison truly is a killer of all joy! There are many things I can complain about, and find negative in my life, especially when you look at social media staged perfection. But when I look closer, when I actually see how many things I'm blessed with, my heart overflows with gratitude.

I'm beyond thankful for a supportive and caring husband, who cares so much for his family. I'm blessed with a man who understands that time doesn't stand still, life is short and family is the most important.

I'm so thankful for the privilege of being a stay at home mom. It fills me with gratitude knowing that we are taken care of, and I don't have to work to support our family. Knowing that my husband takes care of us so that I can take care of our home, be there for our babies and spend time doing what I love is beyond humbling.

I'm thankful for healthy and happy babies and the ability to carry them myself. Seeing so many women struggle with infertility or raising special needs kids breaks my heart. Besides the aches and the pains, the swollen ankles and weight gain, it's the most amazing thing that happens in a woman's body.

I'm so thankful for having my family close by, and the ability to have babysitters. As much as Jonathan gets spoiled (read: a lot) whenever he visits his grandparents, I'm so grateful for the memories he's making with them. My heart melts seeing him follow his grandpa and the special bond they share and when he's playing with his cousin, having the most fun of all.

Gratitude really is a change of perspective and all depends on how you look at things.

When I start feeling sorry for myself that it's hot and my ankles are swollen at the end of the day, or that I have to clean up the house for the nth time, or that laundry never (ever) ends I think of my grandmother. A woman, who carried seven children while living on a farm with cows, pigs, chickens and the whole shebang, also had acres of land for crops and daily cooking, cleaning and laundry all the while living with her critical mother-in-law. She worked from sunrise (sometimes even before) until midnight without taking a break and without slowing down. At that moment, my little pity party starts to look silly and I know I have nothing to complain about.

Slowing down and changing the outlook on life, as well as counting how much we have instead of what we don't have brings such a change, It helps see things in a whole different light giving us an attitude of gratitude.

July 13, 2015

Printed Navy











dress: MK (thrifted) see more options below
cardigan: Talbots
espadrille: Kate Spade (similar)
bag: Ivanka Trump
aviators: Tory Burch
watch: Fossil


As you may have heard (or maybe you haven't) Nordstrom is having its annual Anniversary Sale. The store is putting up its fresh and new fall/winter merchandise for sale for a limited time. After that, the prices will go back up until after the season is over. The internets (i.e. bloggers) are going nuts over it. Nordstrom has this early access thing for all the cardholders for about a week and later the rest of us mere mortals can shop it too. I do not own Nordstrom credit card, neither do I want to. First of all, I don't have that much money to spend on designer items that (may) sell out, and second, I can wait a few days.
Well, in case you can't wait, you can sign up for credit card (HERE) and than shop your heart out. But on Friday when the doors will be open to the public, you better make sure you have your shopping list ready, because things will go fast for sure. Come back tomorrow for my best picks from the sale (most items I pick will be under $100, including designer apparel). Let me do the digging for you so that all you have to do is shop the best items Friday. Are you ready? Get your wallet out girlfran!

Shop Navy Dresses






July 10, 2015

Wedding Guest Etiquette

image sourse

This year we have been invited to a record number of weddings and every single time there would be a person (or two) who totally disregards simple rules of etiquette. Especially, among the Russian population since there are so many weddings every year, people don't treat them special anymore and instead show up late and dressed in all kinds of outfits. Here are simple rules one should adhere to when attending a wedding.

The Hidden Dress Code

Everyone (every single woman out there) should know that it's a big 'no-no' to wear white to a wedding. It doesn't matter if the dress is short, has lace detail, accented  with a different color belt or what not. White is reserved only for the bride and even cream/ivory color should be avoided. Light colored dresses are a favorite for summer but unless it has some kind of print on it you should avoid white at all costs. I have seen too many young ladies and women wear white (yes, white dresses) to a wedding and that's simply wrong. 

Paper Matters 

Upon arrival of the invitation, it's considered good manners to RSVP as soon as possible. The bride and groom are paying a pretty penny for the wedding, so knowing that they don't have to pay for an extra plate or drink is essential. It's very inconsiderate to not let the bride and groom know that you are not coming, especially if you are family and they plan on having you at the wedding. Whatever may be your reason, just let them know ahead of time. They will appreciate it more than you know. 

About Plus-One

If there isn't a suggestion on the invitation, do not bring a friend or significant other (unless you are married of course). It's considered bad manners to just bring along a friend or send an RSVP with (+1) on it. The family is paying a lot of money for the wedding and feeding another mouth is not something they should worry about that day.

Gift Giving

No matter how impeccable your taste may be, get the couple exactly what they asked for. Wedding registries are very common and almost every couple registers for at least some gifts. Although giving a check is nice too, selecting something from gift registry shows that you put thought and took time with the gift. There are no consensus whether or not you should give a gift when you do not attend the wedding. The couple will appreciate even small gesture if you take the time and get a small gift, or just send a card. If it's close family and you can't attend the wedding, you should always give a gift (aunts & uncles, grandmas & grandpas, etc.)

Keep Your Behavior In Check 

No matter what happens, do not outshine the bride and groom. It's not appropriate to steal the attention with a birthday celebration toast or to pop a question at somebody else's wedding. Also, refrain from mentioning passed crushes, telling inappropriate jokes and getting too much to drink. The only thing bride and groom should remember about their wedding is how wonderful it was, not how so and so did this and that. 


BLOG DESIGN BY BELLA LULU INK