Red, White & Blue {Shopping}

From left to right dresses: 1 / 2 / 3 

Bags: Red Bucket / Blue Satchel / White Tote

Shoes: Wedges / Moccasins 

There is a right way and a wrong way to wear red, white and blue. The right way is to have majority of one/two colors, and just a sprinkle of third. The problem becomes when people wear all three colors proportionally and look like the flag. I mean, if that's what you are going for, have fun, but it doesn't look all that great. This weekend, sport some patriotic colors but avoid looking like the United States has thew up on you. Please. ha! 

Next week Nordstrom starts its Anniversary Sale and you know it's going to be sooo goooood! Better save your dollars and not go shopping for next few days because you are going to want to get your hands on a few things. Let me explain.

WHY: this is a limited time offer on all the new fall styles! How cool is that?!

WHAT: you will find the hottest trends on major mark down before fall season even begins

WHO: it is a sale that covers all their departments - women, men, kids, and includes designer items!

WHEN: the sale starts on July 9th (for cardholders) and on JULY 17th for the rest of the public. Don't wait, the prices will go up on August 3rd and there won't be another sale on fall items until the end of the season (i.e. a few months)!

So there you have it - put your pennies together and get to shopping because you will thank yourself with the first sign of fall. I will post finds and different sale picks next week, then I will cover the rest  of the sale. Come back for the scoop on the latest and best trends!

Last but not least, Emily Schuman of the famous Cupcakes and Cashmere blog is launching her own clothing line with Nordstrom and ShopBop! I love her style and how simple, yet classic her outfits are. You can shop the line on July 6th online or July 10th in stores. The entire collection (check preview here) ranges from $80 to $180 and that's reasonable for such a high end store collaboration. I can't wait to see and shop the pieces! 

J.Crew - extra 40-60% OFF sale styles (code: LONGWEEKEND)

GAP - up to 50% OFF sale

Old Navy - items from $2 tanks/flip flops, $4tees, $6 graphic tees, $8 shorts/swim.

Banana Republic - extra 50% OFF sale style (code: BRGOBIG)

Anthropologie - extra 20% OFF summer sale

ShopBop - tons of sale items. Free 3-day shipping and free returns

Topshop - new items added to the sale. Free shipping and free returns

ModCloth - up to 50% off summer sale styles

SheIn - summer sale with up to 50% off

Neiman Marcus - extra 35% OFF summer sale items + Free shipping and Free returns

Bloomingdales - 20-65% OFF summer sale

 Macy's - extra 20% off (code: FOURTH), or $10 OFF $25 or more (code: FOURTH25)

Kate Spade - extra 25% OFF (code: SETSALE)

Shabby Apple - up to 75% off the entire site!

ASOS - up to 50% OFF entire site!

Ann Taylor - extra 50% sale items

Link Up: Living in Color Style, Mix and Match Fashion 

Shop Red

Shop White

Shop Blue

Pistachio Cake w/ Honey Butter Cream Frosting

A few months ago my husband order couple pounds of high quality nuts, among one of them were delicious unsalted pistachios. We ate about 4lbs of them already but I was trying to save the last bag for a special occasion cake. I've searched high and low for a good recipe of a pistachio cake but they are quite rare. I was first contemplating making this chocolate cake with pistachio buttercream, but than I loved how the pistachio cake layers would play with buttercream. And they sure did! I have to warn though - this cake is very rich and after eating a small slice, one must have the cardiologist on standby. ha!

The original recipe is from  Jar of Vanilla blog and followed it to a tee. It wasn't a hard cake to make but definitely took some time. 

Things I would change next time.

- reduce sugar by 1/2 in batter and 1/2 in frosting. 

- add a drop of green food coloring into the batter

- add pistachio extract for pop of pistachio flavor

- don't use vanilla extract

Ingredients

For the cake

• 1½ cups ice-water
• 1 cup shelled pistachios
• 2½ cups cake flour (see notes)
• ¾ cup all purpose flour
• 1 Tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• a pinch of salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1¾ cups sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
• ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar

For the buttercream

• 1½ cups sugar
• ⅓ cup flour
• 1½ cups milk
• ⅓ cup heavy cream
• 1½ cups unsalted butter, soft, cut into small pieces
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 Tablespoon honey

Instructions

Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 162 degrees C (325 degrees F)
2. Grease three 9-inch cake pans. Line with parchment paper and grease again. Dust with flour
3. Put some ice in a measuring cup. Add cold water (up to the 1 ½ cup mark) and set aside
4. Pulse the pistachio in a food processor until coarse. Remove 2 tablespoons to a small bowl
5. Grind the remaining pistachios until finely chopped.
6. Combine the coarse and fine pistachios in a large bowl and whisk.
7. Sift the flours, baking powder, baking soda, and salt on top of the ground pistachios. Whisk until combined and set aside.
8. Using the paddle attachment of the stand-up mixer, cream the butter for 3 minutes. Add the sugar and vanilla and beat for another 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.
9. Add in the egg and beat until just combined.
10. Add the flour/pistachio mix to the batter in three additions, alternating with the ice water, mixing each time until just combined. Scrape down the bowl and mix on low speed for a few more seconds.
11. In a separate medium sized clean bow, combine the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
12. Gently fold egg whites into batter.
13. If you have a kitchen scale, weigh batter (batter weight) = total weight – bowl weight.
14. Divide batter among three cakes pans and smooth tops.
15. Bake in preheated oven for 35 – 40 minutes. (don't over bake). Toothpick inserted into center should come out almost clean (just a few crumbs sticking to it).
16. Allow cakes to cool down for 20 minutes
17. Flip warm cakes onto cooling racks and let cool completely before frosting
18. Remove parchment paper from bottoms

Prepare the buttercream

1. Combine the flour, sugar, heavy cream and milk in a medium saucepan and whisk until smooth.
2. Put saucepan on medium heat and whisk mixture continuously. You can remove whisk and start stirring with a wooden spoon.
3. Stir until mixture thickens and starts bubbling.
4. Pour hot mixture into the bowl of a standup mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and beat on high speed until it has completely cooled (about 10 minutes)
5. Reduce speed to low and add butter, a few pieces at a time. Increase speed and beat for a few more minutes until light and fluffy
6. Add honey and vanilla and beat again until combined.

Assemble the Cake:

1. Level tops of cakes with a serrated knife.
2. Place one layer on a cake board (top side up). Spread frosting onto the layer
3. Place second later. Spread frosting onto the layer
4. Place the final layer (bottom side up). Spread a thin layer of frosting all over the cake (crumb coating).
5. Refrigerate cake for 30 minutes to set the crumb coat.
6. After 30 minutes, evenly spread the remaining frosting on the sides and top of cake.
7. Decorate with pistachios

Notes

*Cake flour is not readily available where I live, so here is the substitute I used: I used all-purpose flour. I removed 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour for ever cup of cake flour required; in total I removed 5 ‘levelled’ tablespoons of flour. I added 5 ‘levelled’ tablespoons of corn-starch and sifted them together. Please note that this is a substitution only for the cake flour. The remaining ingredients, including the ¾ cup all-purpose flour, were used as is with no changes made to them).

Relaxing with Haconut

image source

When I was approached about sampling Haconut body scrub, I didn't know what to expect. I'm not one to use scrubs very often, but I love a good bubble bath. After reading the description of what it actually is, I was excited to try the product. When it arrived, I took a nice long bubble bath (think running out of water twice ha!) and enjoyed my time alone with music and favorite snack. Then as I was ready to rinse and get out, I slathered myself with the scrub and waited about 2-3 minutes while rubbing it into my skin. Lastly, I rinsed with a warm shower and didn't wash with soap.

The scrub had such a pleasant coconut smell, that I wanted to eat it when I opened it. It left my skin feeling super soft and delicate - the oils from coconut flakes worked magic on my bod. Coconut has natural oils that kept from feeling too heavy but left the skin feeling smooth. I loved the fact that it's organic and has pure coconut sugar, as well as Himalayan salt. I finished my routine with almond oil all over my body and let it absorb before putting on clothes. My skin felt AMAZING for several days! If you are looking for a good body scrub that won't be dry, has natural ingredients and will work for sensitive skin, try Haconut!

Link Up: I do deClaire, DC in Style

Navy Dress Remix

dress: Vince Camuto via TJMaxx c/o (similar)
chambray: LOFT (similar)
belt: old
clutch: DIY (similar)
heels: similar
bracelet: TJMaxx
necklace: similar
watch: Fossil (on sale!)

Hello everyone! I can't believe how fast time is flying and it seems like in every pictures the bum is getting bigger ha. There is a little bit left to go and I'm counting down the days. Among being active and eating less sodium, I'm also taking red raspberry leaf tea capsules - the reviews seem to suggest that they help tone the uterus and ease the labor (if there is such thing ;-). One thing I'm praying for is not to carry past 40 weeks with which the capsules supposedly help also. Do any of you have advice or experience with that? Considering I was late the first time, I will take anything!

Linking Up: A Touch of Tartan, Still Being Molly, Her Heartland Soul, What I Wore, Stylish Housewife

Shop My Look 

Mint and Navy

top: Tahari via TJMaxx (similar here and here under $20!!!)
shorts: J.Crew (regular on sale!, similar)
flats: Target (DIY tassels)
bag: Amazon
necklace: Nordstrom (similar)
sunglasses: Choies (the real deal)
hat: J.Crew 

You know when you buy something and it seems like it's a bit too expensive? You do like it (more like love it), the color and the fit are just perfect. You get home and still think about returning it, then you decide to wait and see if you will find something to wear it with? And of course, you do! Then you wear it again, and by that time it's time to cut the tag off, because honestly it has the smell of your perfume all over it. Now you have to throw it in the wash and after that you wear it couple more times.

Well, that's the story of this top. At first I was on the edge about getting it but loved how it fit my belly, as well as the mint color (can it be more perfect?). I have contemplated about returning it but it's just the perfect top for this summer. It's flowy and light, long enough to cover the belly and I'm sure it's going to work after I have the baby. So, guess what? It's staying! Have you found your perfect mint top this summer? 

Link Up: Liizze In Lace

Shop This Look

Beach Essentials {Shopping}

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

It's finally summer (even around these parts)! I can't wait to take my kiddo to the lake and enjoy some sunshine. In the meantime, we are enjoying backyard fun and trips to the zoo. In case you are one of the lucky ones with a pool, I hope you are enjoying that as well. Here is some inspiration for you and gorgeous goodies for the summer season. I'm in love with that tote and the bright pink swimsuit. The cute sandals (only $20!) have my name written all over them! 

Current Sales

Nordstrom Summer Clearance - up to 40% off

Banana Republic - extra 40% off sale (code: BRSALE)

Shopbop - extra 25% sale items (code: 25MORE)

J.Crew - extra 30% off sale (code: DAYFOUR)

Bohoo- 40% off summer styles (code: HOT40)

Matches Fashion - up to 60% off sale

Old Navy - up to 60% off entire store + extra 15% off (no code needed)

LOFT - 50% off tees, tanks and shorts

Maternity Photoshoot

dress: SheIn (c/o)
wedges: Kate Spade (similar)
bracelet: Kate Spade
watch: Fossil

I still can't believe that this baby is going to be a girl. Honestly, I can't imagine our life with a little fashionista (because you know she will take after her mama). But at the same time, I can't wait to make her little bows and headbands, buy cutest dresses and match with her brother. 

Being 34 weeks, it's becoming harder and harder to find something to wear. I cannot wear skirts and practically live in my maternity shorts. But for special occasions, like weddings and showers, as well as church, I'm running out of ideas. Remixing my old stretchy dresses every way possible seems to be a good idea but with hotter temperatures it's harder to layer. 

This dress is a winner in my book - its light chiffon material makes me feel like I'm flying in the clouds. And the pretty sequin top makes it so much more unique - no jewelry needed. Check out more maternity (and non maternity that will work for bump) dresses below.

Shop Similar Dresses

White Out /Bump Style/

top: Tahari (similar)
jeans: Target (on sale!)
heels: BCBG (similar)
tote: Ivanka Trump (also love this one)
watch: Fossil
necklace: old (similar)
bracelet: similar

Hello there! How was your weekend? Hopefully you enjoyed some relaxation and celebrated dads. We had a busy few days and I'm hoping to spend  Monday relaxing (yeah right!?). With baby girl coming soon and us not having anything ready (except a few swaddle blankets), there is a lot to do. I'm not trying to rush the time and hoping she doesn't come too early (or late for that matter). So between cleaning out the garage, putting together furniture for the kids' room and making some frozen meals, I have the next month planned out. It's going to be one busy summer, that's for sure!

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Happy Father's Day

Every year, Father's Day is sort of a bitter sweet holiday. I'm saddened by the fact that my own father wants nothing to do with me, at the same time so very happy to see my own husband become an amazing dad. I think our culture under appreciates fathers and those who carry on the roles of dads. We put a lot of emphasis on mothers and what they do, but the male role in the family gets overlooked more times than not. 

Fathers are not just a half of the embryo equation but truly most important people in children's lives. I think it's time we placed fathers into the position they should be. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, but I wonder how many fathers would pick up the slack and do their part if only we, mothers, give them a chance. If we respect father's opinion on what the children should do, where they go and how they behave without constant critique, they we will be more involved in their children's lives. And isn't that what we all want? A father who is present and an active caretaker of his children, not just an occasional babysitter. 

So this father's day, I'm happy to see my family grow with another munchkin, knowing that she will be loved, disciplined, spoiled and cared for by her daddy. Although we may disagree on things sometimes, only because I'm a mother my voice doesn't trump his, and vice versa. 

I hope you take time this weekend to thank and honors fathers or those who play a role of a father in your life, or your children's lives. 

Happy Father's day to you dads!