Thrifty Chic {Take Two}

shirt, skirt: thrifted
necklace: Forever 21
watch: target
glasses: DKNY
shoes: borrowed from sister

I get asked a lot about my thrift store finds and how do they don't look like second hand clothes at all. 

Well, that's the idea. 

Thrift store shopping is always an adventure in itself. Will you find a great buy or walk away empty handed? And when you do find that J.Crew cashmere sweater for mere four bucks, you feel like you just won a lottery.

So why not? 

Why not mix high end designer pieces with thrift store finds? 

Why not even go head-to-toe thrifted? 

It's not for everyone but it's sure rewarding when done right (I wrote a post about this earlier). Once you score some great finds, you will be asking yourself why you haven't done this earlier. 

Stop by your local thrift shop and see what you find. 

Have a great weekend!

Linking up with Inspiration Monday and Wordless Wednesdday

September {Budgeting Series}

dress, pants, skirt, crossbody

I did not forget about the budget post for September but was super busy to sit down and do this. Lately, I'm head-to-toe Target. I can be the spokesperson for the brand, I have so many clothes from there. 

Especially this fall, Target is having so many gorgeous styles at a great price. I cannot walk out of there without a tank, a top or baby item. 

Plus, their home section is amazing! I am dying over their pillows and side tables. 

For this fall, I'm looking for more burgundy, black and olive colors (next best thing to camo). I bought a white sweater from H&M and a Vince Camuto blouse (worn here) at Burlington Coat Factory. 

 I did go over the budget (a little) but scored some great pieces that I already have in heavy rotation. 

October's budget has already been spent on one item. Yes, I bought something expensive but beautiful and lasting, and I know that I will be wearing it for years. Now you just have to wait to see what it is.

BUDGET: $100
TOTAL SPENT: $126.43
OVER: $26.43

Truth Be Told

blouse: Forever 21
top: Target
pants: LOFT
bag: Kate Spade
heels: borrowed from my sister

Truth be told, the heels I'm wearing with this outfit 1. not mine 2. killers for the feet. I wore this outfit with flats to go shopping and the second time out with heels  really love it). My sister was taking the pictures so I had to borrow a pair of killer shoes. Seriously, some shoes are not meant to be. Whoever made those hates feet and want to see them suffer.

On a totally opposite note, I'm enjoying the beautiful fall. Savoring the last sunny days by DIYing my kitchen table and spray painting almost everything I owe. As well as going to the very last farmer's market and buying a bouquet of fall flowers. I miss summer, but there is just something about a brisk, sunny fall morning with gorgeous colors all over that makes your heart sing. 

Enjoy it and have a great day.

Autumn

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vest: Land's End
skirt: thrifted
boots: TJMaxx
purse: Target

I love fall. It's my favorite time of the year, truly. The beautiful scenery of the changing foliage, layering of my favorite boots and skirts and deep colors are all so inspiring. 

Plus October is my birthday month, so I'm truly an autumn babe. 

The only thing that I'm not looking forward to is the impending winter months. I literally have ice water instead of blood and am always cold. I live in boots and sweaters all winter long. 

For now, the few sunny days and perfect temperatures are exactly what I need to enjoy this time of the year.

Hope you have a great week and enjoy this beautiful autumn.

Thank you for stopping by.

Cute and Cranky

The amount of faces this kid makes is just too much. The grimaces are hard to explain and happen at the most unexpected moments. He is very vocal and animated so sometimes just watching him from aside is fun. He can be very happy and then very serious in a matter of seconds.

I mean, this face, you guys is too much for Friday morning.

Besides being the cutest kid on the planet (too far?), he has been cranky.

 Last two weeks he hasn't been sleeping or eating well. We both had a cold and a runny nose, so that may have had something to do with it. 

So forgive me if I haven't been on this bloggidy blog lately because frankly, the most important thing on my mind right now is getting ample amounts of sleep. And chasing after a baby who can climb steps, crawl and constantly pull on my legs, begging to be picked up. 

Love {Motherhood Challenges Series}

Jonathan at 3mo old photo shoot

Love is hard.

It's not just a feeling of butterflies in your stomach, or head spinning from the excitement of newness, or not even sweet feeling of joy when holding your newborn babe.

Love is action. Love is thought. Love is work.

Sometimes love requires a lot of work to stay alive.

We say that we love things - everything from a tasty burger to our mother. But the love I'm talking about is something that you learn to give, something that needs time to grow and mature. 

To love children it takes...

...patience when they don't listen and obey; when they have stubborn will and awful attitude

...care when they can't care for themselves. Every time of the day, every day.

...compassion for their inexperience when they don't know any better.

...lots and lots of teaching right from wrong and empathy for their mistakes. 

...wisdom to let them go and be independent while carefully watching over. 

...sound judgement when to punish and when to have mercy. 

...kindness in every word we say. 

...goodness and grace. 

...understanding of their little minds and how God designed them.

...tenderness for their fragile soul and impressionable spirit.

...affection and smiles. 

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;  does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails.
(1 Corinthians 13:4–8)

Love takes much effort on our part and doesn't come easy because, let's face it, we are selfish human beings.
It's hard to give love as a parent without having a constant source to receive from.

This is why God's love to us, people, is such an important part of His existence. He loves us every time we mess up, every time we leave Him and don't obey Him; every time we make mistakes and are unkind. We bring turmoil on ourselves and still ask Him to help us and guide us. And He does.

Truly God's love is amazing!

As a mom, I know that I cannot love my child as much as God loves him. I cannot come even close in understanding, kindness, compassion and wisdom that God has with us but I can try.

It isn't easy and every day grind gets to me.
I fail. I ask His forgiveness. 

I try again to be the best mother I could be. To show my little boy what love really means and how give it to others. How to live it and show love in my everyday life.

One Heart

 MUNCHKIN #1                     +                         MUNCHKIN #2

=

MUNCHKIN #3

Over the weekend hubby and I (finally!) got a chance to get away from the daily grind. It was a long awaited but short-lived vacation that we both very much needed. 

One thing I did not expect is to miss my baby so much. 

This little munchkin of mine completely stole my heart. 

My sister was gracious enough to watch Jonathan and, although I trust her completely, I was anxious. The night before we were supposed to leave, I couldn't sleep, was super worried and doubting the entire idea.

 I honestly did not think it was going to be this difficult to leave him behind. For just one night, mind you.

I've read countless stories of mothers who had to leave their child over night (or two) and how they were driving away in tears. I thought that those mothers were taking it a tad too far. Why wouldn't you want to leave your kid somewhere to escape for couple of days? 

You do. Really. You need to.
But when it comes time to leave, you doubt and feel guilty and just about to cry. 

You brought the little munchkin into the world and that heart is a huge part of you.
No matter where, no matter how far away, he will forever and always be with you.
He's a little part of both of us.

Who do you think he looks like?

Everybody Gets The Sniffles

sweater, belt: Gap
skirt: Talbots
flats, watch: Target

It is the season for vicks and humidifiers. 

We got the sniffles in this house and I guess there is just no way of getting around it. We tried to look like it's not happening, stayed away from all the sickly people but, alas, we are here.

Runny noses and teary eyes. Mommy and baby are both sitting in the living room and planing on doing absolutely nothing today. 

There were plans and there were aspirations.

We even thought to venture out to the farmer's market today. 

Nope.

All that's happening today is lots of hugs, chest rubs, hot tea and watching chick flicks... 

Hope you have a great day! 

P.S. Stay away from sickly people. 

The Mistakes We Make

blouse: Vince Camuto
skirt watch: Target
purse: Kate Spade
shoes: Tahari
glasses: DKNY

I'm the type of person who has played it safe all my life. I haven't made any 'big', life-altering mistakes and stayed on the 'good girl'side. But there are plenty of times when I have made a mess.

The worst mistake that I made was in 10th grade. No really. I was taking my Russian language exam (should be easy right?) but was too distracted with church activities (ready: lazy) to write an essay on a topic of my choice. I went online and downloaded a good looking (too perfect) paper about the last Tsar in Russia and submitted it. So dumb! Did I really think I wouldn't get caught? 

The thing is that I could write a stellar paper in Russian language without any problems. 

But I was lazy and ignorant, thinking I was better then anyone else, that I wouldn't get caught.

Upon receiving the paper, the grading teacher, of course, knew I copied it off internet. She was really kind to give me another chance instead of reporting me for cheating. I was so embarrassed and felt HORRIBLE. Which I should.

I went home and wrote the paper (all by myself) without telling a soul about what happened and received 98% on the exam.

I told this story to only one person and kept this moment of shame to myself. 

What's the lesson(s)?

First no matter what, do what's right.  And not just because you will get caught but because it is the right thing to do. 

Second, learn from your mistakes. I learned that mercy trumps judgement; that giving people second ( and third) chances will humble them and teach them life's greatest lessons.

God gives us second (and third, fourth... and millionth) chance to change and we still mess up. Thank goodness for His mercy.

The mistakes we make help shape us into the people we are today. 

What We Are Up To

I thought instead of boring you with a minute by minute update on what's going on (who needs another one of those?) I'll summarize it for ya.

Here it goes. Only the important stuff ;-)

  

Making : a ton of DIY projects. Started a million of them but how many will I finish?
Cooking : eggs Benedict every morning. I have to lay off the Holaindaise
Drinking : water out of fancy glass bottle. even with a weeknight dinner it feels a bit grown up and we like it
Reading: between pages of marriage and baby books. Must. Know. It. All.
Wanting: a vacation
Looking: at my baby trying to stand up all by himself 
Playing: with his shoes. they are just so fascinating and it's like a new toy every time
Wasting: time on Pinterest
Sewing: a dress I found in thrift store which was too big on me. 
Wishing: for summer days to stay longer.
Enjoying: family time when daddy gets home. especially when Jonathan goes to sleep and I get him all to myself
Waiting: for the weekend. exciting stuff is happening
Liking: my new brightly colored wall in the kitchen
Wondering: when Jonathan will start walking
Loving: the changing foliage 
Hoping: for a mild winter
Marvelling: at God's goodness, love and mercy everyday. it still amazes me 
Needing: more time in a day 
Smelling: the last rose in my garden
Wearing: lots of fall colors 
Following: too many blogs
Noticing: how old I'm getting
Knowing: that this time will never come back and Jonathan will never be this little again. sad face
Thinking: about Sunday message
Feeling: tired
Bookmarking: cooking magazines
Opening: curtains every morning and letting sunshine in
Giggling: with my sister and mama. best time ever
Feeling: my cold toes. always

Got the idea from this lady

Comfort

top: Target
jeans: Tommy Hilfiger
shoes: Aerosoles
clutch: TJMaxx
glasses: DKNY

Blogtember Challenge Friday, September 20: React to this term: comfort. 

As a fashionista, I often ignore comfort in the name of good looks. In life, I crave comfort and surround myself with things that put me at ease. 

Honestly, I can't even count how many times I have worn shoes that were killing my feet only because they looked good; or froze half to death, again, for the same reason. I think that stage was part of growing up and now that I'm getting a little older (or maybe wiser) I'm more about comfort and happiness. Even my outfits becoming more practical and I'm all about sweaters and comfy flats.

Last week hubby and I were heading out for a date night, it was a little chilly out. I wanted to wear a cozy top with jeans but he was asking me to wear something sexy. I just told him that I would like to stay as comfortable as possible and, get this, didn't even want to wear heels. Part of it maybe we are getting too familiar with each other, or just plain lazy.

Comfort is something people look for and usually find it within the walls of their home. Although, it's easy to go from being comfortable to becoming a slob, especially with someone as close to you as your spouse. 

It's a delicate balance.

Is it possible to be comfortable and look good at the same time? 

So far it has proven itself a little difficult. 

What do you think, ladies (and gents)?

Life Lately, In Pictures

This is our life. 

This smiling face, curious gaze and lots of kisses.

Have a great day!

Not Perfect

top: H&M
skirt: Talbots
shoes: Calvin Klein
glasses: DKNY

 This may come as shock to some of you, but I'm not perfect. (sarcasm)

There are days when I honestly don't want to get out of bed, stay in my PJs all day, , forget to change my kid's diaper and don't even bother to brush my teeth (I know, gross).

We all have those days.

Behind the pictures of outfits and perfectly polished clothes, I don't want to seem fake. 

At times I have struggles and I do fail.

I struggle to keep within my monthly budget (currently considering getting in trouble with my budget to get these bad boys), have emotional meltdowns and altogether bad days. Even my perfectly worded monthly posts about Jonathan's well being sometimes don't come out that easy, especially after a long day of cranky babe and no sleep.

 It's real life and life isn't perfect. 

Sometimes, I have a hard time with the concept of imperfection.

I get into the mode and try to show this perfect image of who I am (perfectionist) and forget to be real. Of course, I try to be as honest as possible but really, who's life is perfect?

You cannot judge someone else' life by their Insta account and Facebook updates. There is just so much more to it and when we don't see the entire picture and what's going on behind the scenes, it's easy to get discouraged. But today, in my perfectly imperfect life I'm at peace with who I am and where God has me.

Thank you Lord for this imperfect life.