Trendy

skirt: Thrifted (similar, similar)
blouse: Forever21 (similar, similar)
shoes: Liz Claiborne (similar)
bag: similar

Well, oh well, looky here. Someone has fallen to the peer pressure and bought into the trend, and it's very obvious who that someone is. The very first time I saw a leather skirt on one of the bloggers I honestly thought it was a little too much, too tacky and not for me. Fast forward year later, and I'm the one wearing it but when it comes to items like that, it's all about balance. I could not (well, I guess you could) wear it with anything like sequins or print but rather with an understated top and nude heels. Is it church worthy? I don't think so because it has too much of a sexy factor and shines like crazy. (And no one wants to see my rear in grease-like accent haha).

Do you buy trends as soon as they come out, or does it take a few years for you to warm up to the idea? Do share ladies. Thank you for stopping by.

Beef and Brussels Sprouts Risotto {Recipe}

I've always been a fan of risotto but found that it was quite labor intensive after looking at a few recipes. Then one day I decided to buy the rice and just make it. It was delicious but my husband wasn't a fan of mushrooms (first time I made a mushroom risotto). The next time, I tried to find a flavorful recipe with out mushrooms and stumbled upon this one. The only vegetables that I had in the fridge were Brussels sprouts, so I decided to throw them in. It turned out excellent and I could not wait to share this fall-inspired recipe with you.

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

1lb of beef (steak of your choice)

2 cups Brussels sprouts

1/2 white onion, diced

1 clove garlic, minced

1 cup arborio rice

3/4 cup white wine

~ 6 cups chicken or vegetable stock

salt and pepper

1/4 cup grated Parmaggiano Reggiano cheese

Method:

In a large skillet add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and heat to medium.  Meanwhile trim Brussels sprouts. Cut small sprouts in half, and bigger ones slice in thirds so they are at most 3/4 cm thick. 

Add to skillet with a big pinch of salt and give it a shake. Allow the Brussels to caramelize on one side before flipping, check every 3 minutes. Once nicely browned, flip and do the same to the other side. Remove to a plate. 

Wash and pat dry the beef, then cut into small pieces. Raise the heat to medium and add more oil and butter to the pan. Add chopped onion and garlic and saute them for about 10 minutes. Raise the heat to high and add beef chunks. Sear the beef until lightly browned and turn the heat down to medium.

Wash the rice and add it to the beef, season with salt and pepper. Fry rice with beef for about 10 minutes stirring constantly, then add wine. Do NOT stop stirring. This recipe has only one thing that's hard - you have to keep stirring. Keep adding the stock one cup at a time and do not stop stirring until all the stock is gone and rice is cooked. 

Depending on how you like your rice, it will take about 35 minutes of stirring. The rice should be cooked by then but f it's not, just add another half of cup of water and stir for a little longer. 

Mix in the Brussels sprouts and the cheese, stir. Let the risotto stand for about 30 minutes before you serve it.

Fall Is For Plaid

dress: Thrifted (similar, similar)
cardigan: J.Crew
shoes: Tahari (similar)
tote: similar

So it's fall, like officially! And the only thing that will signify its coming is plaid everything. I love the come back of plaid in fashion and welcome it in my closet this fall. From blazers to dresses and scarves, I just can't stay away from it. Although it can look a little ancient, with addition of correct accessories, it looks chic. Hope you are enjoying this gorgeous time of the year and exploring some unbeaten path with your loved ones. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Things You Don't Appreciate Until You Have a Toddler

Time is flying way too fast around these parts. With fall in full swing  and Jonathan entering toddlerhood, I catch myself wishing for this stage to never end. On the other hand, I can't wait until he is a little more independent and we are over the potty training (oh the joys of potty training). I'm definitely learning to enjoy my time with him more and just take in every moment with this curious, smart and energetic boy. Also, looking at life through eyes of the toddler makes me appreciate the simple, every day things that I would've taken for granted otherwise.

The wonder of an open book. Jonathan loves reading, and every time I have a minute to sit down he brings me a book (or asks for one). The pages come alive in his eyes as he learns and explores the familiar stories. It's the excitement and wonder in his eyes that make me stop and enjoy the story with him. He never tires of it and is always ready to listen while intently studying the pictures. He will sit down and imitate reading while flipping through the pages by himself. It's the most adorable thing ever.

The beauty of nature. There are things that he finds in our yard that I didn't even know were there. Being outside, enjoying the fresh air and sunshine is his other favorite thing to do. Either it's taking a walk through his grandmother's garden or swinging in the park, it's always so joyful and exciting. He doesn't care if it's sunshine or rain, there is plenty to  discover and learn. The outside world is always exciting and never boring.

Unconditional love. No one loves as unconditionally and freely like toddlers. They don't hold grudges, they don't remind of old mistakes and forgive very fast. They really put the meaning of unconditional love in our lives and undeniably receive it in return. Children (and especially toddlers) love us with all our faults and mistakes, they accept us for who we are and perhaps that's why they are the most fun bunch around.

Our own parents. Living with a child and experiencing all the day-to-day difficulties and joys makes us appreciate our own parents  even more. All the cooking, cleaning and teaching our mothers did for years now seem so real and personal. It takes a lot of effort to keep a toddler out of harm's way, and at the end of the day, I am exhausted just by doing simple household tasks. After I had Jonathan, I understood all the work my mother put into me and appreciate it a lot more.

The value of a family. Children really bring life to a family and make the home come alive. Sure we were happy and satisfied as a couple before but now, it's just a lot of fun. Every single day. It brings my husband and I closer knowing that we are in this together and that we are a family. Life without children seems dull, and with addition of just one (so far) in our lives, we have experienced so much joy and fulfillment it's hard to describe it. Children bring extended family closer, they make us drop our guard and open our hearts to each other, because, really, nothing out there is more valuable than family.

Sweater Weather

dress: LOFT
jacket, watch: Target
bag: Tommy Hilfiger
loafers: TJMaxx

We are having a golden autumn this year and I'm loving it. It's the perfect combination of cool air and warm sunshine, and it's time to get those sweaters out. I hope ya'll are enjoying this time of the year because I'm definitely a fan of the apple cider and the look of pumpkins on my porch (I don't like the taste of them). Also it's the perfect time for some family photos - the foliage provides gorgeous backdrop for some good shots, as well as memories. Enjoy your selves friends because life is just too short not too.

Thank you for stopping by!