Rest and Relaxation

tee: Target
shorts: Banana Republic (thriftred)
shoes: Aldo
tote: thriftd

I'm ready for some rest and relaxation.

This weekend has been crazy busy. Is that even possible? I guess it is because it was super busy and at times a little crazy. 

Between the holiday and our church having Vacation Bible School, I've been on the go since Thursday morning.

This week is going to be especially nice since hubby has vacation time and we are going to celebrate our five(!) year anniversary. 

First thought: where did the time go? 

Second thought: what am I going to wear to the celebratory dinner?

As I try to decide what to wear and try on about dozen outfits, complaining that I have nothing to wear, you lovelies, enjoy your day! 

Thank you for stopping by.

Modern Americana

dress: Gap 

sandals: Aldo

tote: Old Navy

hat: J.Crew

necklace: J.Crew Factory

Happy 4th to you lovelies! Hope you are enjoying some sunshine, delicious food, and time with family and friends. And since this blog has a sense of style, here is an inspiration for your outfit of the day.

There is nothing more American then jeans and red,white & blue. This look embraces the modern take on patriotic USA colors, in a very obvious way (hello flag bag).

Have a great day! 

June {Budgeting Series}

June was a good month with some great finds. Considering that I returned this dress from last month's purchases (it was on the back order until the end of July) and had a little more this month, I feel like I'm finally getting the hang of this 'shopping on the budget' thing. 

Anyhow, last month was really good - here is the update.

Let's see how I did this month.

Mint Dress (Dorothy Perkins $43.78) - I actually bought a little darker shade of mint (on sale w/ free shipping) but it sold out already. Loving the color, length and cut - perfect pencil dress for any summer occasion. 

Striped Maxi (Target $29.99) - Loving how the chevron pattern in front slims the figure and that it has a sleeve. It's so comfortable, I've already worn it one too many times.
Purple Shorts (J.Crew 19.99) - I love the cut and feel of these Bermuda shorts and since I'm wearing my grey once non-stop, I thought a bright pair will get a lot of use as well.
Pink Tee (Target 10.99) - Don't have a pink top. Must. Have. Pink. The. End.
Beige Shorts (Banana Republic $49.50/thrifted $4.99) - I wanted to get couple shorts in neutral color and a trip to thrift store proved itself worthy of these cute shorts. Comfiest party yet.
Sandals (Coach $59.00/TJMaxx $20.00) - these are the cutest flip flops that I have ever owed. I love that they are super comfy, have a bow and perfect for a busy mama's summer wardrobe. Plus they were on clearance. Why not?
Sequin Skirt (Club Monaco $199/thrifted $5.99) - when I saw this skirt, I knew I had to have it. It's a perfect party skirt and for a great(!) price. I already wore it for my mom's bday party and planing to find more uses for it. Outfit post is coming soon.
Basic Tee (Target $6 x2) - definitely need tees for everyday comfortable wear. Especially when baby spits all over ya and you have to change it at least once a day.

Total: 146.73 - 16.78(carry over from May) = 126.95
Budget: $120
Red Zone: $6.95
Carry Over: None

Too Much Fun For One Day

One Top: Two Ways

top: Forever 21
shorts: J.Crew
sandals: Bandolino
clutch: TJMaxx
sunglasses: DKNY

I think, I over-scheduled my Thursday. 

I had so many wonderful plans, but I didn't factor in that the day only has 24 hours. 

Between Jonathan's doctor's appointment, trip to the farmer's market, stupid fight on the way home, lunch (side note: it's always better not to fight on empty stomach. Everyone is a lot more snappy), hanging out with girlfriend I haven't seen in ages, laundry and taking care of super tired and cranky baby, I was exhausted. Add to that 80-degree weather and it's even more tiring.

 I crashed for a quick nap at eight o'clock and asked hubby to wake me up in half an hour. 

Yea, that didn't happen. Ha! 

But I did get up, an hour later just to have some food and go back to bed. Good thing Jonathan didn't object and was out as soon as he was done nursing. 

Seriously, it's great to have fun and productive days but sometimes we I schedule too many things at once. We I end up tiring ourselves myself out so much that next day is spend recuperating from all the 'fun'.

I think, it's a new first-time mom syndrome. I am getting it under control.

So take let's easy and enjoy our weekend!
Shall we?

Vanilla Strawberry Cupcakes w/ Buttercream Frosting {Recipe}

So here is the deal - I don't like to follow recipes. I usually read them for general reference and then go and do my own thing. It works. Sometimes. 

More times then not, it doesn't.

My sister on the other hand, she follows them to a T and gets amazing results pretty much every time. 

We were making some delicious sweets for my mom's bday party and she wanted to make cupcakes.

From scratch. Such a good daughter.

I wanted to make them from the box. Hey, I was making food too.

She won. I said, fine, but you are on your own. 

And lemme tell you, I'm glad she did. Because these were some delicious cupcakes. 

I mean, little-bakery- on-the-corner delicious. 

Lick-your-fingers-after-you-ate-the-cupcake-t-get-every-bit-of-frosting delicious.

The only thing she improvised with was the addition of strawberries. And she should have added more because they were giving the sweet cupcakes just the right amount of tartness. 

Delicious I tell ya!

And she did such a great job decorating these puppies.

Recipe from here.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup milk
• ½ tsp vinegar
• 2 eggs
• ¾ cups sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1¼ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1/2 lb strawberries

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350F
2. In a bowl, mix the vinegar and milk together and let stand for 3-5 minutes.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs until pale and frothy.
4. Add sugar and whisk again until incorporated.
5. Mix in the vegetable oil and set aside.
6. In another bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
7. Gradually alternate incorporating the milk mixture and the flour mixture until everything is incorporated.
8. Finely chop strawberries and add them to the batter. Gently fold until incorporated
9. Divide into lined muffin cups, filling about ¾ full. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a cake tester/toothpick comes out clean. The edges will be lightly golden =)
10. Let stand in the pan for about 2-3 minutes and then remove and let cool on a wire rack.
11. Frosting recipe from here. It's a lot easier just to watch a video;-)

 Party's simple decor