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.

It's a Heart Issue

top: Joe Fresh (sold out)
skirt: NY&Co (similar)
shoes: ALDO 
clutch: old

As a Christian woman, mother and a wife right kind of clothing is very important to me. How others see me, how I portray Christianity and how I feel about what I wear, are all parts of one issue - modesty. 

Growing up, I was forced by my parents to dress conservative and mom would never buy us anything she thought we should not wear (i.e. mini skirts, halter tops).

Then I went all the way off balance and wore only skirts and dresses for couple of years, thinking that I will win 'points' from God by doing so. (That's a blog post in itself)

When I got married, I rebelled a little, because my parents couldn't tell me what to wear. Not that I looked sleazy or anything, but some cuts were lower and hems were higher. I definitely wanted to show some skin.

Now I'm finally starting to find the delicate balance, while being comfortable with who I am as a woman and a Christian.

You see, I grew up with this preconceived ultra conservative notion that Christian people put a bag over their heads and read Bible all day long. Although, no one around ever did that, it was still wrong to put on make up, color your hair or wear jewelry (not even wedding band). 

Having a heart for God and looking good was impossible, because apparently all Godly people were ugly. Wrong.

There are many accounts in the Bible of women dressed in beautiful clothing, Godly men exchanging gold jewelry and God describing His Bride as a beautiful lady. Also, check out the book Songs of Solomon - that woman is smoking hot. Somehow they've missed that.

The most important thing in any Christian person's life is his/her heart. God doesn't care if we do something out of duty or because we were told we are supposed to. 

He wants us do it from the heart or rather not do it at all.

If I'm putting on a maxi skirt and a long sleeve turtle neck and hating it, God knows what's going on inside and really doesn't care for the outfit. But that does not mean I can put on a mini skirt and a halter top and claim that I'm a spiritual person either. 

There has to be a balance to life. Balance between looking groomed and attractive, and becoming vain and abscessed with labels and latest trend. 

Balance is hard to come by because that is a heart issue.

P.S. Happy birthday to my wonderful hubby! Love you! Muah.

Linking up with Molly for Monday Fun Day

Three Things

dress: Target
belt: Target
hat: Target
shoes: Kate Spade (similar here or here)

Happy Friday lovelies!

I have a couple of things that I need to share.

One. I feel like a superwoman with some sexy super powers when I wear this dress. Only because every time I put it on, I have to tell hubby not to get any ideas. Or why not? ;)

Two. Target is my favorite store, can you tell? Yep! The store isn't paying me to say this but they have been stepping up their game lately. Three out of four articles of clothing in this outfit are from Target because they are stylish and affordable. 

Three. I'm in love with my new shoes. Hubby actually found them for me on a major sale during our last shopping trip. They are super duper comfy and go with everything. And when I say everything, I mean, EVERYTHING, so you will be seeing a lot more of them, that I'm sure.

Here is to a great weekend! 

Thank you for stopping by! 

Jonathan //5 Months//

Dear boy, you are such a blessing and joy!

You are sweet and easy going. Still sleeping through the night, and giving us absolutely no trouble. We take you everywhere we go and you are such a happy camper. We went out to eat for lunch and you set in the car seat for the entire time and didn't even make a peep. 

Although we left you with grandma for bedtime once but you didn't like it. Stinker.

You love goofing of with daddy and aren't afraid of heights. You love looking around and so curious. 

I'm making sure that we take enough pictures as a family together. Time flies so fast and I can't believe you are already five months. You have changed so much and everyday is an adventure.

You are eating less often and loving the new solid foods. We gave you everything to try from lemons to carrots and you pretty much like every kind of food, but the cucumber didn't have much taste. Except you aren't fan of formula (I wouldn't blame you) and it took a while for you to get used to it. You still love nursing though and only will take formula once or twice a day.

We went to the beach and you enjoyed it. Then we took a walk around the lake and you took a nice long nap. I love your little hat - you look so adorable in it.

It's amazing to watch you explore and take in the world. 

I thank God everyday for such a great blessing in our lives!

My Lover Is Mine, And I Am His

'So it's not gonna be easy. It's going to be really hard; we're gonna have to work at this everyday, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, everyday. You and me... everyday.'

/Quote/

The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds, and that's what you've given me. That's what I hope to give to you forever. 

/Quote/

Friday we celebrated our 5th weeding anniversary.
 I honestly can't believe it's been five years but it has been truly amazing! We weren't able to go away (kid troubles) but still took a full day off to relax and pamper ourselves. 
Fancy shmancy lunch to start the day (insta), then massage and spa relaxation, finishing off with delicious dinner. We did have plans to go see a movie but baby Jonathan didn't think so.
He refused to be put to sleep by grandma and was demanding his daddy (he usually puts him to sleep).
We came home early and instead of watching a screen and not looking at each other, we were able to spent some quality time together.
It was great to just get away for a day and focus on each other.
Happy Anniversary Love!

Babies Make Your Heart Grow Softer

 

Once you have a kid, everything changes. I mean, everything. 

Your priorities shift, or at least they should.
You start asking people where they bought their strollers and begin thinking about what you are going to leave to your kids after you are gone.

Most of all, though, you change your perspective on child rearing.

Before you have kid(s) their cry seems endless, their whining annoying and their smiles - dorky. After you have a kid of your own, it seems that every cry is a call for help, every whine is just cute babble and every smile is pure joy.

Then you realize what you think you know about raising kids and advice you offer has zero ground, no matter how many parenting books you read. You don't know squat.

You start getting more patient, kind, soft spoken, caring and gentle. 

You stop judging other moms in the grocery store whose kids are having a melt down. 

You stop giving looks to parents whose kids don't want to eat anything except hot dogs and cereal.

You don't look down on mothers who bribe their kids with cellphones and ice cream.

You don't roll your eyes at moms who breastfeed for two years because their child refuses to wean.
You don't judge mothers those don't breastfeed at all.

You don't criticize parents who can't go to public places with their chillins.

You don't because you understand, for the very first time, actually how hard this parenting thing is, how much it changes who you are.

These little chubby, adorable human make you softer. 

They bend and twist your heart in the ways you haven't imagined before. 

They make your heart ache when you are away from them.

They make you cry when they cry.

They melt your heart with their smiles.

They make your heart skip a beat with every milestone.

Babies. They are true God-given blessings.
And they make your heart grown softer with every passing day.

Lunch Date {Look Book}

dress: Target
heels: Zara
tote: J.Crew
necklace: Bauble Bar
bracelets: T&J Design

Need a perfect outfit for a lunch date to catch up with the girls?

Why not go for a high-low maxi and high heels!

I love the mint and nude together and those heels are absolutely gorgeous! 

Have a great day!
And maybe have a lunch with a girlfriend?

Rest and Relaxation

tee: Target
shorts: Banana Republic (thriftred)
shoes: Aldo
tote: thriftd

I'm ready for some rest and relaxation.

This weekend has been crazy busy. Is that even possible? I guess it is because it was super busy and at times a little crazy. 

Between the holiday and our church having Vacation Bible School, I've been on the go since Thursday morning.

This week is going to be especially nice since hubby has vacation time and we are going to celebrate our five(!) year anniversary. 

First thought: where did the time go? 

Second thought: what am I going to wear to the celebratory dinner?

As I try to decide what to wear and try on about dozen outfits, complaining that I have nothing to wear, you lovelies, enjoy your day! 

Thank you for stopping by.

Modern Americana

dress: Gap 

sandals: Aldo

tote: Old Navy

hat: J.Crew

necklace: J.Crew Factory

Happy 4th to you lovelies! Hope you are enjoying some sunshine, delicious food, and time with family and friends. And since this blog has a sense of style, here is an inspiration for your outfit of the day.

There is nothing more American then jeans and red,white & blue. This look embraces the modern take on patriotic USA colors, in a very obvious way (hello flag bag).

Have a great day! 

June {Budgeting Series}

June was a good month with some great finds. Considering that I returned this dress from last month's purchases (it was on the back order until the end of July) and had a little more this month, I feel like I'm finally getting the hang of this 'shopping on the budget' thing. 

Anyhow, last month was really good - here is the update.

Let's see how I did this month.

Mint Dress (Dorothy Perkins $43.78) - I actually bought a little darker shade of mint (on sale w/ free shipping) but it sold out already. Loving the color, length and cut - perfect pencil dress for any summer occasion. 

Striped Maxi (Target $29.99) - Loving how the chevron pattern in front slims the figure and that it has a sleeve. It's so comfortable, I've already worn it one too many times.
Purple Shorts (J.Crew 19.99) - I love the cut and feel of these Bermuda shorts and since I'm wearing my grey once non-stop, I thought a bright pair will get a lot of use as well.
Pink Tee (Target 10.99) - Don't have a pink top. Must. Have. Pink. The. End.
Beige Shorts (Banana Republic $49.50/thrifted $4.99) - I wanted to get couple shorts in neutral color and a trip to thrift store proved itself worthy of these cute shorts. Comfiest party yet.
Sandals (Coach $59.00/TJMaxx $20.00) - these are the cutest flip flops that I have ever owed. I love that they are super comfy, have a bow and perfect for a busy mama's summer wardrobe. Plus they were on clearance. Why not?
Sequin Skirt (Club Monaco $199/thrifted $5.99) - when I saw this skirt, I knew I had to have it. It's a perfect party skirt and for a great(!) price. I already wore it for my mom's bday party and planing to find more uses for it. Outfit post is coming soon.
Basic Tee (Target $6 x2) - definitely need tees for everyday comfortable wear. Especially when baby spits all over ya and you have to change it at least once a day.

Total: 146.73 - 16.78(carry over from May) = 126.95
Budget: $120
Red Zone: $6.95
Carry Over: None

Too Much Fun For One Day

One Top: Two Ways

top: Forever 21
shorts: J.Crew
sandals: Bandolino
clutch: TJMaxx
sunglasses: DKNY

I think, I over-scheduled my Thursday. 

I had so many wonderful plans, but I didn't factor in that the day only has 24 hours. 

Between Jonathan's doctor's appointment, trip to the farmer's market, stupid fight on the way home, lunch (side note: it's always better not to fight on empty stomach. Everyone is a lot more snappy), hanging out with girlfriend I haven't seen in ages, laundry and taking care of super tired and cranky baby, I was exhausted. Add to that 80-degree weather and it's even more tiring.

 I crashed for a quick nap at eight o'clock and asked hubby to wake me up in half an hour. 

Yea, that didn't happen. Ha! 

But I did get up, an hour later just to have some food and go back to bed. Good thing Jonathan didn't object and was out as soon as he was done nursing. 

Seriously, it's great to have fun and productive days but sometimes we I schedule too many things at once. We I end up tiring ourselves myself out so much that next day is spend recuperating from all the 'fun'.

I think, it's a new first-time mom syndrome. I am getting it under control.

So take let's easy and enjoy our weekend!
Shall we?

Vanilla Strawberry Cupcakes w/ Buttercream Frosting {Recipe}

So here is the deal - I don't like to follow recipes. I usually read them for general reference and then go and do my own thing. It works. Sometimes. 

More times then not, it doesn't.

My sister on the other hand, she follows them to a T and gets amazing results pretty much every time. 

We were making some delicious sweets for my mom's bday party and she wanted to make cupcakes.

From scratch. Such a good daughter.

I wanted to make them from the box. Hey, I was making food too.

She won. I said, fine, but you are on your own. 

And lemme tell you, I'm glad she did. Because these were some delicious cupcakes. 

I mean, little-bakery- on-the-corner delicious. 

Lick-your-fingers-after-you-ate-the-cupcake-t-get-every-bit-of-frosting delicious.

The only thing she improvised with was the addition of strawberries. And she should have added more because they were giving the sweet cupcakes just the right amount of tartness. 

Delicious I tell ya!

And she did such a great job decorating these puppies.

Recipe from here.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup milk
• ½ tsp vinegar
• 2 eggs
• ¾ cups sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1¼ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1/2 lb strawberries

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350F
2. In a bowl, mix the vinegar and milk together and let stand for 3-5 minutes.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs until pale and frothy.
4. Add sugar and whisk again until incorporated.
5. Mix in the vegetable oil and set aside.
6. In another bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
7. Gradually alternate incorporating the milk mixture and the flour mixture until everything is incorporated.
8. Finely chop strawberries and add them to the batter. Gently fold until incorporated
9. Divide into lined muffin cups, filling about ¾ full. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a cake tester/toothpick comes out clean. The edges will be lightly golden =)
10. Let stand in the pan for about 2-3 minutes and then remove and let cool on a wire rack.
11. Frosting recipe from here. It's a lot easier just to watch a video;-)

 Party's simple decor

What To Wear: Summer Wedding

dress: Dorothy Perkins

shoes: Aldo

clutch: Nordstrom

necklace: Bauble Bar

sunglasses: Les Nouvelles 

Summer is here and the wedding season is upon us! Every time I have a formal event to go to, I reach for a dress. There is something about wearing a dress - it gives you super feminine powers. 

Here is an elegant look for any summer soiree on your social calendar. 

I especially love the color and cut of this dress. It's light, summery and very classy.

Happy shopping!

Weekend Happenings

top: TJMaxx (similar)
skirt: Loft (similar)
shoes: Tahari
clutch: H&M

Welcome to Monday!

Hope you had a good relaxing weekend.

 Mine was filled with birthday celebrations - a one-year-old party and my mom's birthday. It was lots of fun.

My sister and I threw my mom a small bday party yesterday night. Sunday afternoon we started getting some major rain and lighting. A lot of people lost their power and it was hot and humid outside. 

Thank God we didn't because first of all, the party would've been ruined and then it A/C wouldn't work. 

I'm so spoiled. I know. 

All in all, it was a great weekend.

What did you do?

How Far Are You Willing To Go To Please Your Man

Get your mind out of the gutter. I'm not talking about any shades or any gray nonsense here but what you are willing to do within reason to be attractive to your man. 

I may sound old-fashioned and anti-feminist but I've been thinking about this a lot lately. 

Who do women dress for? Do we dress to stay attractive to our men or do we buy designer labels and try to fit into size 2 dresses just to show off to other women? 

Hubby tends to think it's the later and lately I've been inclined to think that too.

Let me back up a bit.

Ever since I got pregnant, my body started changing and taking some unwanted forms (hello stretch marks?). Unwanted is a very understated word. Those changes were hated with passion.
 Don't get me wrong, it was wonderful to bring a life into this world. Only it wasn't so wonderful to see my body take a hit and show clear signs of aging. I've complained and lamented over my baby weight to my hubby a few times too many. 

He kept saying that I'm even more beautiful to him, that he loved my body as it was and on and on. Sounds like a sweet guy eh? Well, did I believe him? Of course, not. 

I wanted to fit into size 2. I wanted to show other gals at church that I've lost all my baby weight. I wanted to wear a-line skirts for goodness sake. I wanted to wear all the latest blogger fashion hits (leather pants anyone?). I wanted to wear my hair in a top-knot, without it accentuating my filled in cheeks. 

But it wasn't happening soon enough.

After an honest conversation with hubby,  reading this post and couple girlfriends on this topic, couple things became very clear.

Men don't care about latest fashion.

Men don't care about size.  

When a wife is dressed nice, a husband isn't going to ask her where she got that hot dress that accentuates her size 8 curves from. He will pay her a compliment. He will tell her she looks sexy. 

The end of story. 

Well, maybe the story continues but behind closed doors ;-)

Women on the other hand? A whole different story.

Women care about the labels.

Women care about the latest trend

Women care about the price tag

And most of all, women care about what other women will say/think about them.
Don't deny it. You know it's true.

We, the female species, know that men are very easy to please. As long as men are fed and their women look good (whatever that entails for your man),  have some sexy time (ya know what I mean?) they are set for life. Yep that's all.

So if you know that your man doesn't care about J.Crew, loves to see you in heels, can't stand the top-knot and has an aversion to giant jewelry (i.e. statement necklace), would you give it all up?

 Or would you still wear/not wear it?

There is a fine line between being a total pleaser and loosing your own identity and someone who loves dressing for your husband because, well, he is the one who matters the most. Doesn't he?

It's about giving and receiving. If you want your man to give you what you want, fulfill your emotional needs and love you the way you need to be loved, it's probably a good idea to listen to his advice on your looks.
It matters to him. A lot. 

I can see how this would bother a lot of women. 'He should love me the way I am' and 'Forget it, I'm not giving up my__________' is the attitude that comes naturally.
This is what is meant by marriage being hard work, a lot of compromise and sometimes sacrifice and submission (oh no! not that word)
. Bending your own will to please someone you love isn't a sign of weakness, or giving in to male's chauvinistic domination but a sign of maturity and true love.

Isn't it what we, ladies, really want? 
I'm just sayin.

What She Wore

For a first time mama and fashionista like me, it's a bit challenging to find the balance between comfort and style. Comfortable fabrics, no fuss tops, minimal jewelry and closet staples are my go-to pieces when getting dressed. Check out these must-haves in any mama's closet.

- you've got to have plenty of tees, as they go with everything and can be dressed up or down, with skirt, shorts or pants

- a maxi dress when you simply don't have energy to dress up is a must for any mama

- chambray shirt goes with everything

- pair of comfy, appropriate length shorts

- a small floral cross-body satchel that's sure to dress up any plain outfit

- have to have jeans (in light wash for summer months)

-  cute floral dress for going to dinner with hubs or having friends over for bbq

- protect your eyes from sunshine with these cute cateye sunglasses

- when you need to go up the stairs carrying that car seat, or chasing your little one down the street you need to be wearing cute pair of nude flats

- maxi skirts are like grown up fancy pajamas that hide unshaved legs

- when it's hot and got lots to do it's sandals time

- having a little ones means they will be tugging and pulling on your statement jewelry left and right, so a simple bracelet is a way to go 

- last but not least, dress up any good ole t-shirt with a scarf that has a fun print and you are ready to go

Hope you are having a great week!