Five Things Every Mother Needs

After a year of motherhood, I fell like I know a little bit about what it takes to be a mother.  I'm certainly not an expert but from personal experience, I've discovered these are the things every mother needs. No questions asked.

1. A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP.

Every mother, no matter how much experience she has, will agree with me that all she really needs is a good night's sleep. Without any interruptions, without anyone calling for water, or a clean diaper or asking where the new diapers are. It's those precious eight hours that feel like heaven and make everything seem better, rejuvenate your spirits and make the world brighter. So whenever you can, treat yourself to the luxury of a full night's sleep, even if you have to turn in at 8 pm and don't get up until you absolutely must. I guarantee, you will feel better and those dishes will still be there in the morning (I promise I won't tell anyone).

2. TRIED AND TRUE BEAUTY ROUTINE

When you are running late (which is like me 99% of the time) and still haven't had a drop of food in your mouth, while trying to get everyone else ready, the last thing you want is to spend time trying stuff on. To look fresh and put together, you need to figure out what works for you, personally. Your hair, your skin and body type are something that defines who you are. Learn to accentuate your strengths, work with your body type and find drug-store make up that gets the job done. You don't have to spend hundreds of dollars on make up and clothes to look good. Figure out what works for you and stick to it.

3. A TRUSTED BABYSITTER

Every mother (and father) needs a break. The last thing you want to do while on a date night is worry about your child(ren). You need to find someone, be that friends, family or hired help, who you trust with your  child(ren) completely. There cannot be any doubt that the person you are leaving your child(ren) with is fully capable of handling that responsibility. Make your wishes fully known, specify things they should and should not do. It's your child(ren)'s well being you are talking about and you shouldn't have to apologize for anything.

4. ALONE TIME

When you are running out of steam and just about rip to shreds everything that comes your way, it's time to step aside and take a breather. Every mom needs some 'me time' to refocus, relax and simply take your mind off everything that has to do with feeding, changing and taking care of babies. Mothers with tiny newborns, preschoolers, school-age children, or teenagers, either one or many, need time away from motherhood responsibilities just to ensure their sanity. Put some 'me time' in your schedule or it will never happen and you will feel run down and exhausted. 

5. A SENSE OF HUMOR

It's impossible to get through a day of motherhood without laughing, whether it's at the kids or yourself. The moment when your child does something wrong and you know you should reprimand him/her but all you could do is laugh? Yes that one. It happens to everyone. Just go ahead and smile at your child because really we need more laughter in our lives. If you can't do anything about a situation, you can at least get a good laugh from it and that's worth something. Stop taking yourself so seriously and take it easy, and life will seem much simpler when you can show your children you can laugh at yourself and be silly too. 

And that's that!
Thank you for reading.

Fancy Shmancy

dress: H&M, jacket: Loft, shoes: Zara, purse: Macy's

We are well into the week but I just cleaned up and finished all the laundry from last weekend's festivities. Jonathan's birthday party was a lot of fun and he definitely enjoying himself (eating as much cake as his heart desired). I, on the other hand, was sad that after so much preparation and anticipation of the day, it passed so quick. Our little boy is all grown up and it makes my heart cringe every time I think about his newborn cuddles. I may write a sappy mommy post about how hard it is to see your children grow up. Like you haven't read enough of those right?

On a totally different note, spring is almost here and I'm sending the winter off with one of its best color combinations - burgundy and black. I cannot wait to get my pastels out and start wearing less layers, as well as enjoying the outdoors with Jonathan. And since there isn't another occasion for a fancy shmancy dress up after Valentine's Day for about two months, I'm asking for one (from my husband that is). I love being home with Jonathan but a lady has got to put her fancy on at least once a week. Date night it is.

Thank you for stopping by!

Are You Tired Of Winter Yet?

top: Banana Republic, shirt: Target. skirt, coat: J.Crew, booties: Liz Clairborne 

The only way to escape winter blues here, in the northern part of hemisphere, is with pop of color. Adding color to everything from food to clothes can improve your mood dramatically. It's also beneficial for your health to eat a variety of different colors fruits and vegetables (source). Why not do the same with your wardrobe? Life changing I tell ya! 

At this time in the season, you have probably worn those over sized sweaters and leggings  plenty of times, so everything starting to look boring and outdated. This is where adding a little pop of color comes in handy because spring is so close. Also, black + (insert your favorite bright color) looks great in winter, so go ahead and mix it up! You will enjoy the end result and your closet won't seem like a graveyard anymore.

Thanks for stopping by.

My Wild Valentine

sweater: J.Crew Factory, skirt: Talbots, shoes: Zara, necklace: H&M, clutch: DIY, belt Target

Although, love is in the air, all I can think about is my son's birthday party this weekend. Seriously, since when did Pinterest become the raining king of baby parties? I can't stop pinning and researching one awesome idea after another. It's hard to stop, really. As any Pinterest-driven mother I'm attempting a themed cake all on my own but it's not really coming out, to say the least. After two trial runs, it still looks sloppy and frosting isn't light and fluffy. I may just give up and order it from a bakery. Am I going to go into the Mother's Book of Shame for that? I hope not. Also, I'm looking for a night out from all the planning, cooking and cleaning this Friday night. Can't wait to get all dressed up and have an adult-only time with my hubby. What are your plans? Going out with the crowds or staying in?

Thank you for stopping by.

My Preppy Valentine

blouse: H&M, skirt: thrifted, flats: TJMaxx, purse: Target, belt: Loft 

I love wearing sparkles for any occasion (or without one). Valentine's Day calls for something extra special so I'm breaking out my sequin skirt. Of course, there is the traditional LBD and heels but why not go with something preppy? Dust pink and navy is one of my favorite color combinations right now because it's effortlessly stylish. And flats enable you to move easily and break out into dance moves at any moment, because love is a great reason to celebrate. This Valentine's Day which look are you going for? Sexy or cute? Preppy or daring? I still haven't decided on the outfit but I adore this look. 

Thank you for stopping by! 

My Tasty Valentine {Eggs Benedict Recipe}

Let's face it, anyone can buy a bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates. But it takes special thought, preparation and care to do something extra nice for your significant other. Making their favorite dessert (my favorite is crème brulée ;-) or bringing breakfast in bed, or even surprising with weekend getaway all would be extra special. 

I'm a self proclaimed queen of breakfast food. I love everything from french toast to savory crepes with smoked salmon, but nothing tastes better than a hot plate of Eggs Benedict first thing in the morning. Of course, it takes practice to get the egg perfectly poached but it's certainly worth it. Then comes the sauce - smooth, velvety, decadent Hollandaise sauce. I have made the sauce from scratch and it was delicious but using packaged dry mix is just fine too. Your sweetheart won't know the difference tasting this delectable dish and admiring the work you put into it. 

Ingredients: 

2 Eggs

1 English muffin

2 slices of Canadian Bacon

1 Package of Hollandaise Sauce dry mix (make it from scratch recipe here)

2 tbsp butter 

1 cup milk 

Method:

First, bring a pot of water to a boil. While the water’s boiling, place a few English muffins halves and an equal number of Canadian bacon slices on a cookie sheet. Lightly butter the English muffins and place them under the broiler for just a few minutes, or until the English muffins are very lightly golden. Be careful not to dry out the Canadian bacon.

Now if you do not have an egg poacher you can poach your eggs by doing the following: With a spoon, begin stirring the boiling water in a large, circular motion. When the tornado’s really twisting crack in an egg. Or two. Or three. The reason for the swirling is so the egg will wrap around itself as it cook, keeping it together. Cook for about 2 ½ to 3 minutes but be careful not to over cook the eggs because they will be hard inside and that's not how you eat eggs Benedict. With a slotted spoon remove the eggs from water and place them on paper towel, keep warm in the oven heated to 200F until ready to serve. 

Melt two tablespoons of butter and add the dry sauce mix, whisk together incorporating it into the butter. Increase hit to high and add the milk, keep stirring and bring to boil. Set aside.

Place the English muffins on the plate, face up. Next, place a slice of Canadian bacon on each half. Vegetarian variation: you can omit the Canadian bacon altogether, or you can wilt fresh spinach and place it on the muffins for Eggs Florentine, which is divine in its own right. Place the egg on top of the bacon and then top with a generous helping of Hollandaise sauce.

Note: To ensure that everything is hot at the time when it’s ready to serve plunge the poached eggs back into the hot water just before serving, and make the Hollandaise at the very last 

Recipe adopted from here.

I'm Not Ready

Before having Jonathan, I could not imagine loving a baby so much. I didn't think I was ready for the responsibility of motherhood but more than that, I wasn't ready for all the love. Now, with every passing day I'm still not ready for the enormous experience of unconditional love that motherhood is. I'm truly not ready for the time to fly so fast.

I'm not ready for him to grow up  and abandon the cute infant stage. I'm not ready to give up the random hugs and kisses when we are goofing around. I'm not ready for the most sincere and funny laugh I have ever heard every time I  tickle or play with him. I'm not ready to be a mom of a toddler. I'm not ready for the love that overfills my heart to the point that it almost hurts. I'm not ready to feel the ache when I think about anything that may hurt him. I'm definitely not ready for the enormous responsibility of raising a human being, a gentleman, future husband and father. I don't know if I'm up for the job. I'm not ready for the tantrums and gentle discipline. I'm not ready hold my tamper when all I want to do is yell. I'm not ready for his hands to wrap around my neck when he had a scary dream and I calm him saying everything is ok. Mommy is here. 

I'm not ready for his serious face when I tell him not to touch something and he's trying to tell me otherwise. I'm not ready for the bruises and scuffed knees. I'm not ready for the boyish fun and rombanxious spirit that wants to come out every time he's on the loose. I'm not ready for his impressionable soul to take everything in. I'm not ready for all the funny giggles and sweet smiles right after nap time. I'm not ready to see him grow and change with every minute of the day. I'm not ready to teach him right from wrong, because some things I'm still unsure of myself. I'm not ready to show him all the hurt and darkness of the world.

I am not ready for my heart to be so full, and life to be so different. I feel like most days I want the time to stop and speed up at the same time. I want him to grow up yet to stay little forever, because I'm not ready for the depth of emotions and huge responsibility of parenthood. Yet it's here. I'm here. No matter how much I prepare myself, I don't know what the future holds. But I know Who holds tomorrow and that I can trust God to hold me in His hand. So, although I feel no ready for this life ahead of me and the role of motherhood, I know that God knows my heart. He will be with me through it all, guiding through the unexpected and unknown.

I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.

So, bring it on, life. 

I'm ready.

Favorite Remix

button down: H&M, top, skirt: J.Crew, boots: from Belarus, glasses: DKNY

I've been working on a very heart felt post for weeks now and  it's still not coming to me. It's hard to write well when your major in college was math - what was I thinking starting this blog anyway? Clearly, I wasn't.

The only thing I was thinking about is sharing some outfit ideas for an everyday girl and inspiring other moms to look their best. Trust me I don't always look like that, but I certainly try. Also, I wanted to clear up any misunderstandings about my outfit posts. I wear every single outfit I put on here - whether I plan to wear it or already have. I don't just style clothes, snap couple pictures and then jump back into my pajamas. These are actually my clothes and I do wear them. Now that I got that off my chest, I hope your week is going well.

Thanks for stopping by!

Let's Party

top: J.Crew Factory, button down: Target, skirt: J.Crew, booties: Ann Taylor

Welcome to post Superbowl Monday! Did you watch the game? Or just munched on the party food? I'm in the second category. I could care less about the game but always get together with friends for the super bowl party. Ladies are chatting away about their girly stuff while guys are cheering on their team.

Speaking of parties, another on is on the horizon - Jonathan's birthday party. I cannot believe my little boy is going to be a toddler although I'm excited for the change. He is officially walking as of Saturday night (showing off at grandparents' house) and it's the cutest thing. I did not think he was going to start before his birthday. I'm excited to throw his party because I'm a control freak and love to plan events. I'm going a little overboard with the food, themed cake, decor and personalized invites but loving every minute. Are you big on baby birthday parties? Or is it too much for one year old? I adore all the cute pictures afterwards, especially the ones with cake smashing. Cutest thing ever!

Thank you for stopping by and have a great day!

P.S. Also, I'm quiet proud of myself for figuring out the setting where you can add different movements to the pictures like snow. Isn't it cute? I thought so.

Get Over It

sweater: TJMaxx, coat: J.Crew, booties: Ann Taylor, bag: Kate Spade, hat & scarf: Gap

It's easy to fall into winter blues, especially in January. Nothing is happening (except getting my credit card statements and realizing I spend too much over holidays) and it's absolutely frigid outside. But you already know that. Everyone (and I mean, everyone) is complaining about how cold it is and how we cannot wait until summer. Then summer comes and we can't stand the heat and the humidity. So which one is it? I have nothing to complain about. I'm sitting in a nice, warm house with peacefully asleep baby and a wonderful husband who's nodding off as I type this. Millions of people around the world don't have even half of what I have and that's something to be thankful for. Yes, winters are cold and how is that a news? I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm tired of complaining. I'm tired of hearing people complain and I'm tired of myself getting caught up in it. It's January. Temperatures are below zero. Get over it.
So what's new with you?

Style {Motherhood Challenges Series}

Personal style is defined by who you are as a person. Style is not the latest brands or designer labels but something that makes you, well, you. It's personal and very unique to every individual. And although there are guidelines for looking groomed and put-together, I don't think that being a mother is an excuse for sloppy personal attire. 

Finding your own personal style and knowing what works well for your figure is something that comes with time. As a mother, I have seen my style evolve and change to accommodate my growing responsibilities. I love wearing dresses because they are a no-brain outfit. I adore above knee skirts and high boots (as you can tell with my latest outfit posts) and quiet frankly it's possible with an infant in tow (granted I only have one).

One thing is for sure - I seek comfort and ease of movement with all my outfits and limit amount of jewelry in my everyday wear because those tiny chubby hands love to grab onto everything. I still love pretty sequin tops and never shy away from a great pair of heels but it's knowing how to style them is the key.

Having classic, versatile, high quality pieces makes it possible to mix and match to your heart's content. Here are a few of my picks for a functional mother's closet. 

Casual...

shirt, jacket, jeans, watch, bracelet, crossbody, booties

Classy...

blouse, sequin top, skirt, tote, bracelet, pumps

Buckwheat Pancakes {Recipe}

In an effort to eat healthier this year, I'm experimenting with a lot of different unorthodox ingredients, like buckwheat flour. Traditionally, Russians eat a lot of buckwheat but growing up I absolutely hated this grain. Now, however I have grown to appreciate its delicate taste and learn to make it in a lot of interesting ways. I bring to you a very healthy, filling and absolutely delicious recipe for pancakes. Make these on your day off or for a family brunch and you can skip making the eggs because these are very filling.

INGREDIENTS

vegetable oil for coating the pan

1/2 cup buckwheat flour

1/2 cup all-purpose flour (I make these 100% buckwheat without putting all-purpose flour but they have a lot stronger taste)

2 Tbsp sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

3 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted

1 egg 

1 cups buttermilk (or whole milk)

METHOD

1 Heat a well-seasoned griddle, cast iron skillet, or stick-free pan on medium heat. The pan or griddle should be ready for the batter as soon as it is mixed.

2 Whisk together the dry ingredients—the flours, sugar, salt, baking soda—in a large bowl. In Pour the melted butter over the dry ingredients and start stirring. Beat the egg with a fork and stir it into half of the buttermilk. Add the buttermilk/egg mixture to the dry ingredients, then slowly add in the rest of the buttermilk as needed to get to the right consistency for your batter (you may not need all of the buttermilk, depending on what type of buttermilk you are using and the brand of flour). Stir only until everything is combined. Do not over mix. A few lumps are fine.

3 Put a small amount (a half teaspoon) of vegetable oil on the pan or griddle and spread it around with a paper towel to coat. Ladle the batter onto the hot surface to the desired size, about 4-5 inches wide. (A 1/4 cup measure will ladle about a 4-inch pancake.) Reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the pancake to cook for 2-3 minutes on this first side (DO NOT speed up the cooking time by increasing the heat as the pancakes will burn very fast) Watch for bubbles on the surface of the pancake. When air bubbles start to rise to the surface at the center of the pancake, flip the pancake. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until nicely browned.

4 Keep your pancakes warm on a rack in the oven set on "warm," or stack them on a plate and cover with a towel as you make more. Spread more oil on the pan as needed between batches of pancakes.

Recipe adopted from here

Interesting Links {Volume 2}

Here are some interesting reads - everything from touching and inspirational to step-by-step hair tutorial. I hope you find it as interesting as I did.

1. People who have style practice some common sense habits in this post.

2. Easy-peasy way to curl your hair without curling iron .

3. Hair tips that everyone needs to know.

4. I made this recipe twice and it's absolutely delicious. A must try for a weeknight dinner

5. A very controversial blog written by one of the most articulate Russian preachers. After reading couple of his posts (example here and here) I've been blown away by his credibility and knowledge in many different matters.

6. Why you should get a divorce in 2014. Read it before you jump to conclusions

7.  Only because we are freezing to death in subzero temperatures, that doesn't mean it's not sunny some where. I want spring to be here already so I can wear this outfit.

8. Would you get a set of boudoir pictures for your lover? I mean this is such a gorgeous setting and Valentine's Day is coming up very soon.

9. A cool house.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

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.

Favorite

sweater, glasses: H&M, skirt: J.Crew, boots: gift from Belarus, scarf: Joe Fresh, bag: Kate Spade

When I find something I really like and that fits me well, I tend to wear it for days on end. Case in point, this skirt. It's warm, comfortable and just the perfect length for everyday errands, or even going out to dinner. The weather has been mild lately, and I'm loving it. No need for parkas but it's still cold enough for a light blanket of snow and chilly air. If the winter would stay like this for the entire five months, I would enjoy it a lot more. Besides the milder weather, there isn't much going on here. So I hope you gals (and boys) have a great weekend, and thanks for stopping by.