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

Sunshine In The Sky

top: Old Navy (similar),  pants: Target,  flats: J.Crew (similar),  bag: Kate Spade (via TJMaxx), glasses: DKNY 

When I was a young girl, I wasn't very... ummm... stylish. I didn't like cords. I didn't think that black tights looked good. I didn't want to wear blue top with brown pants because I thought it didn't match. Basically, I wasn't into clothes and my mom had to fight with me to put something on. 

Until about 12 years old. Then I discovered boys and pretty shoes. 

One day mom told me something I will remember for the rest of my life - if the color combination is in the nature, then you can wear it. Examples include black and yellow (bumble bee), green and blue (ocean and sky) and pink and red (lilies)

So here is sunshine (yellow shirt) in the sky (blue pants). 

By the way, pattern mixing is not part of my mom's lesson - she's very classic lady but you get it. 

So what's the point of this rambling? Your mom does know something about life and taught you many valuable things. Too bad most of us realize it only when we grow up.

I wish, I listened to my mom more when I was young. I would've been one stylish kiddo. 

Instead I have pictures of myself in black skirt with white tights. I mean, c'mon!
Have a great Monday! 

Favorite Photo

This post is part of Blog Everyday In May Challenge

Day 17, Friday: A favorite photo of yourself and why

As I was looking through the many pictures I have saved on my computer, I couldn't decide on the favorite. I asked my husband if he had a favorite picture of me and he said that no one picture describes me. And that's very true. 

All pictures have stories behind them. They are all telling something. 

And this one speaks volumes.

It's a favorite pictures of myself, as of  right now. 

It shows one of the most important roles I'm going to play in my life.

I'm about to become a mama.

I love the cute little belly and the nice colors.

I also can't help but notice the fondness with which I gaze at this new life forming inside of me.

It's so precious that my heart almost aches.

It also brings back many memories of long pillow talks with hubby about our future and our boy.

The many fears and uncertainties and reminds me how blessed I am.

Right now. This very moment.

And I can't help but to thank the Lord above for giving me this wonderful life, many blessings, 

a loving husband and my little boy.

P.S. Head over to Always Maylee to see my guest post...

A Little Fluffy

top: Loft, cords: Lands End, heels: Guess, bag: H&M

This post is part of Blog Everyday In May Challenge and although I'm starting kind of late, this is totally relevant and something I have been thinking about for a while. 

Day 16, Thursday: Something difficult about your "lot in life" and how you're working to overcome it

As you may have noticed, after having Jonathan, I've retained some of the baby-weight, a.k.a maternal stores. It's only been 3 months since I gave birth (via C-section) but it just doesn't feel like the weight is coming off fast enough. 

Right now my lot in life is this slightly over-weight body and all the remnants of big belly (stupid ugly stretch marks). I woutwould go on a diet and start a rigorous workout regime if I wasn't nursing. But when I have to make sure that my baby gets enough to eat, it's a whole different story. 

I'm pretty good at eating healthy, taking long walks with while Jonathan naps in the stroller and avoiding junk food but it's still not happening fast enough. All my pre-pregnancy clothes are safely tucked away in the basement waiting to be released by my newly slimmed down self.

In my mind I do understand that it takes time.

That my body went through a lot.

That it's not healthy to loose weight rapidly.

That some weight loss is better then none.

Then I look at myself in the mirror. 

Emotions come rushing in and I'm filled with sadness and disappointment.

Then there was yesterday. Yesterday was different 

 I step on the scale and there it is - the number has finally moved in the downward direction. 

YAY! I think I jumped and checked it twice. It's true.

I'm consciously thinking about every single thing I eat and make myself go the extra few steps, while skipping whipped cream at Starbucks, and it's FINALLY paying off! 

Nobody said that it's easy. I'm not one of those girls who gives birth and five minutes late she's in her skinny size 0 jeans. I have to work at it. 

. 

It's hard not to hate my body at this stage and not to throw into towel only because I don't see immediate results.

It's hard to pass up on that dessert when everyone is having some.

It's hard switching from regular to almond milk. Still debating if it's worth it.

It's hard getting my butt out of the bed and out the door when it's hot/cold/windy. Trust me, there is always an excuse not to exercise.

But one thing I know, it's ALL going to be totally worth it when I fit into my pre-pregnancy jeans. 

And although right now, I'm not in the best shape, I'm happy to say that I'm doing everything in my power to get there. And one day soon I will. 

Lentil Soup {Recipe}

I have been eating this lentil soup since I was about 10 years old. When we were living in Russia and struggling to make ends meet, my mom became very good at creating delicious, filling and cheap meals. The thing is - there isn't much of anything in this soup. All the ingredients are very basic and you can probably find them in your fridge right now. Lentils are very filling and have lots of protein. They are also cheap and almost everyone likes their taste. So here is a recipe that's a favorite of ours, which we make very often. It's very VERY easy to make and is absolutely delicious! 

Ingredients
- 1/2 cup green  lentils
- 1/2 cup red lentils
- 1 pint of chicken broth
- 1/2 of chicken breast
- 2 carrots
- 1 medium onion
- 1/4 cup of pickle juice
- 2 tbsp of Ajvar paste
- olive oil
- salt, pepper


***If you want to make your own chicken broth. It is hundred times better then store bought.
- 1 chicken breast
- 2 pints of water
- 1 celery stick
- 1 carrot
Put all ingredients into a pot. Pour boiling water and simmer for one hour. Drain through a sieve and set the chicken aside.

Method

Chop onions, peel and grate carrots. Pour 2 tbsp of oil on hot skillet and place onions. Saute onions n medium heat until translucent, add carrots and cook for another 5 minutes. 

Add ajvar paste and mix together, set aside.

Bring chicken broth to boil and add pickle juice. Wash lentils and add them to the broth. Let the lentils cook for 10 minutes. 

Add the onions & carrots, stir. Turn the heat down to low and simmer for 30 minutes.  Set aside and let soup stand for another 30 minutes.

To serve

Pull apart chicken breast and add to each individual bowls with a dollup of sour cream.

Enjoy!