Denim x Denim

coat: LOFT (similar, love this one), jeans: J.Crew,  chambray: LOFT,
booties: Liz Clairborne (similar, similar), bag: Ralph Lauren

So you thought you knew what cold was before right? Nope, not really. It's so cold here today that pretty much all activities are cancelled. Okay, are you ready? It's -40F with windchill in upstate New York tonight. I'm thankful for a warm and cozy house, for my dear family and my little birthday boy. Instead of complaining how cold it is, I'm choosing to focus on the good things that winter brings. Like sitting on the couch and catching up with my favorite show (I can barely keep up with one) and drinking hot tea. Oh yeah, and finishing up last of the birthday cupcakes. Now that's the life!

Hope you are having a good start to your week!

xo, Anna

Jonathan Turns TWO!

Today we are celebrating this little character - you can tell by the pictures, there isn't a dull moment around these parts. I can't believe my little boy is growing up and honestly wish the time would just slow down because having a tiny little baby around for a couple of years is totally not enough. 

You are smart

You are funny

You have your cute ways of doing things

You love all the tools that daddy uses 

You love your grandpa more than anything in the world

You talk too much most of the time

You love being outside

You want to listen to my belly and hear the baby

You love going place but your favorite is the train station

You are obsessed with trains

You love helping me cook

You are an easy going dude (most of the time)

You are the joy and sunshine in our lives

Happy birthday little man.

What Men (Really) Need to Feel Loved

photo credit (2012)

I do not claim to be an expert in all things men, or all things love. But a few articles caught my attention, where women claim to have 55 or 101 ways how to show your man your love (exhibit A). Obviously, those women either watched too many chic flicks or have never been in a relationship. The men that I know have very few demands (oh they have their quirks) but when we are talking about needs and wants it comes down to very few things.

RESPECT - Every man on the face of the Earth wants to feel respected, especially by his own family. He longs to earn and keep that high regard from his people. Nothing crushes a man more than a lack of respect. You will not substitute foggy bathroom mirror lipstick messages for respect. As a matter of fact, men need respect to thrive and succeed more than air itself. They want to be heard, they want to feel accepted and understood, no matter what faults they might have. As part of respect, goes regard for the time they put into their family, the financial support they provide and special admiration in public (this one is a biggie). Every man wants to be the rock of Gibraltar for his woman and the issue of respect or lack there of, can make or break a relationship. He doesn't really want a candle light dinner as much as he wants to know that he is the king of his palace, that his word counts and his authority is respected. 

SEX - I don't think I have to explain this point too much. More than anything men want to be desired because physical love is the main way they show love. They really (I mean really) have to work on the other romantic stuff. For men, the physical aspect of love comes naturally and and that's how God made them. Women crave intimacy and men long to be physical so together it comes as a beautiful design. Of course, how much and how often is every men's preference but one thing is for sure, sex is a high priority in every men's life. Don't get it mixed up with romantic
movie scenes from chick flicks - that's what generally attracts women. Men, on the other hand will feel as wanted and desired on a stack of hay in a barn as they do on king size bed showered with rose petals. Make the physical part of your relationship a priority because it's important to him and when you say 'yes' it opens up a door for marital bliss.

FOOD - all human beings must eat to survive. Men feel cared for and loved when they have been fed (good food). There are a lot of old sayings that connect a mans happiness and general good attitude with food. (Ex: the way to a man's heart is through his stomach) Let's face it, everyone becomes more relaxed and willing to listen and act with more love when they are fed. And I personally have learned to not dump all my problems and stories of the day the minute my husband walks into the door. I have to bite my tongue and wait until after dinner to have a decent conversation. It makes a huge difference. Feed the man and then you can ask him anything (generally speaking). At least he will be more willing to fix that shelf that's about to fall down on one of the children. 

Of course, life is a lot more complicated and your specific situation is different from everybody else's. But generally speaking, these are three (not 101) ways you can be sure to make your man feel loved and cared for. The specific examples for every men out there are different but it's your job (not the internet's) to find out what makes your man happy and learn not to push his buttons. 

I hope you have a great Valentine's Day! 

Thank you for reading.

xo, Anna

Pink Valentine's Day Look

skirt: J.Crew (similar on sale!!!)
blouse: J.Crew (similar)
shoes: similar
bag: ALDO (similar)
watch: Kate Spade

Very seldom do I wear pink but when I do, I go all out (obviously). As much as red is Valentine's day color, I love playing with pink. Red is a classic but pink looks so chic and girly, I think. What are you doing for Valentine's Day? We always made it a point to avoid crowds and stay in on the 14th but then we would go out the following week. Let's face it, crowds are obnoxious, service is horrible and prices are outrageous (for all those specials). This time we are going out earlier to celebrate and just be together. Then this mama has to hustle to get everything ready for my son's birthday party. It's a busy week. 

P.S. 16 week pooch has showed up on the scene and I can't say I like this stage. I don't really have a bump and just look like I over ate. Haha. But bear with me, since I can't exactly suck it in;)

MORE IDEAS FOR PINK VALENTINE'S DAY

hair clip // bralette // midi skirt // bracelet // bow blouse 
TOMS // floral skirt // pumps

Thank you for stopping by!

xo, Anna

Floral Valentine's Day Look

dress: Lord & Taylor (similar, similar)
heels: Zara (similar)
clutch: Target
watch: FOSSIL

Nothing pleases the eye more than a gorgeous dress! My man always pays me tons of compliments for sexy, yet classy outfits. This Valentine's day is no exception and I hope the snow and chill will be bearable by Friday night because this dress is calling my name! 

Also, shoes! The shoes complete an outfit and without a killer pair. whatever suits your style, you don't have a gorgeous outfit. So here I have a selection of my favorite RED shoes for every taste.  

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13

Enjoy and thank you for stopping by!

xo, Anna