July {Budgeting Series}

Another month, another budget. Blown out of the water. 

Partly because we were on vacation, so there was more time and opportunity to shop. So we did.

Then, our anniversary where we got a little pampered for a day, and hubby indulged my shopaholic tendencies. Here's to keeping my materialism in check. 

Dress (x2) - I found two pretty dresses at Lord and Taylor for $95.67. Partly it's hubby's fault, no wait, it's all his fault. He found cutest stuff and showed them to me, then I'm drooling. He was going to pick out a dress I would wear for out anniversary dinner and couldn't decide between the two. So with coupons and clearance it was a great buy. Worn one of them here and looking for another occasion to wear the other.

Kate Spade Wedges (similar)- these wedges ($63.74) have already been proven to be one of the versatile pieces in my closet. And they are super comfy. Win win!

Joe Fresh Blouse - got this cute top ($11.50) on clearance last in my size. Love the black and white contrast and florals.

Gap Sandals - I was pleasantly surprised to find a pare of comfortable, leather low-heel sandals at Gap for only $9.49. I've walked in them all day and my feet didn't hurt one bit.

Target Top - this item was not part of the plan. But it was only $5.89 and out of all the cute stuff I've tried on at Target, nothing fit me as well as this blouse. Go figure! Btw, I need to stop going there, it's a mine field of shopping waiting to happen.

Running Short ($12.00) - TJMaxx always has good quality gear for low price. Love that place!

TOTAL: $198.49
BUDGET: $100.00
OVER: $98.49 (double!)

Determined

top, necklace: Forever21
skirt: Loft
shoes: Bandolino
glasses: DKNY

I'm determined to loose the last bit of the baby weight. 

Seriously, it's time.

I wanted to be back in my pre-baby shape by the time Jonathan turns 6 months old and with only three more weeks I have ten(!) pounds to loose. Mostly, you mamas would know, it's the belly that's driving me nuts.

I've picked up running and finally decided to get on a diet. I didn't want to risk loosing my milk supply any earlier, that's why I had to eat moderate amounts of everything.

Now it's time to buckle up and and get cracking. Well, more like get dieting.

I'm cutting out all carbs (gasp! no more French toast oh my!) and dairy (has anyone seen sour cream?) for one week. We shall see what it does to me, my energy levels and my milk supply. Then I will decide if I want to keep going or find another method.
So far I felt just fine, except I need to drink plenty of water which I sometimes forget, then, of course, get a headache.

My game plan is to loose it all by the time I return to work at the end of August. 

Who's with me? 

What are your tricks to loosing the pesky baby weight? 

Do share, ladies!

On The Lake

We went to one of out favorite spots last weekend - it's a state park with two lakes that you can walk around. It's a quiet and remote place with mostly runners and very few people. It's so peaceful and the lakes are beautiful green color that you just can't capture in a picture. 

It was a perfect day and reminded me of our good ole' days when we used to sneak out and just drive up to the lake and walk. We would walk and talk for hours.
Now we just tell each other what to do. Haha. Just kidding. I tell him what to do and he doesn't listen. 

Anywho, we had a lovely time.

Hope you guys have a great weekend! 

Enjoy the summer and get out to do something fun.

That Dress

dress: Lord and Taylor
shoes: Kate Spade

Welcome to the middle of the week. 

I haven't done any pictures this week so you will have to deal with last week's outfit. 

So here is the story.

I told my husband I will wear anything(?) he wants to our anniversary dinner. So we went shopping and he picked this dress for me. I tried it on and was impressed with his great taste. And although I am not a big fan of these long bell sleeves, I love the color, cut and the' party in the back' thing going on.

It was light enough for summer evening but covered enough to survive the A/C in the restaurant. (I'm always cold and have to bring a cardigan)

Make up and hair were his request also. 

It was fun being dressed by someone else and I'm pleasantly surprised at how much I like that dress myself.

Have you ever done anything like that for your man?

Have a great day ladies!

Guilty as Charged

dress: JCPenny (similar skirt)
shoes: Kate Spade (similar)
clutch: TJMaxx (similar)
glasses: DKNY

Well, well, well. Look who's go another new dress.

Guilty as charged.

How can you pass up such a pretty flower print on sale  for only $9.97? Obviously, I couldn't. 

I'm usually not the one to find anything good in JCPenny but hubby and I were browsing their new selection of home goods and let me tell you, it's simply amazing. From the cute and comfy bedding to modern light fixtures, I about bought half of it. 

And of course, they put the sales racks right across from all the new stuff. 

I went off the straight and narrow to try a couple of their dresses and so glad I did.

It's a perfect dress for a Saturday family day together.

Thank you for stopping by.