Lysse Collection: Bootcut leggings

This week, I am teaming up with Lysse to show you 3 outfit ideas for work, the weekend, and a date night. I am very blessed to have lost my baby weight rather quickly. However, when it comes to toning my body, I still have a way to go (abs are definitely one of my target areas). With that in mind, I am super excited when Lysse reached out to me. As a Mom, I do appreciate a good pair of leggings. Leggings with a control top sound even better. As we all know, when shopping for leggings, the most important thing to look out for is the fabric content. Made out of 86% cotton and 14% spandex, these pants are quite amazing. I love the high-waisted feature of these pants. It holds everything in perfectly and gives you a great shape.

What I am wearing: 

Bottom: Lysse bootcut pants c/o - size S

Shirt: *old* (almost identical)

Jacket: Ann Taylor *old* (buy similar here or here)
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Number One

Shoes: Target Merona wedges
Purse: Tory Burch Robinson tote

Via Lysse's site: "Their leggings constructed with a double layer of control fabric inside the waist, our 3S™ technology Slims, Smooths and Shapes with hidden panels that eliminate “the roll” and flatters each woman’s shape".  I am wearing a size small and they are the perfect fit. Measurements of a size S are: overall length = 38.5", waist = 12" , leg opening = 7.5". Great comfort of yoga pants but appropriate for work is how I would describe these pants. They don't wrinkle/stretch or loose their shape even after sitting for 9 hours. I love the way these fit and just an overall quality pair of pants. Stay tuned for a weekend look and chic date night look later this week!

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Lysse Collection: Bootcut leggings

Video: How to make Tom Yum hot pot

My husband got me this camcorder for Christmas and I've been dying to play with it. Last weekend, I thought it would be fun to film a cooking video. Please excuse my very amateur video editing skills. It took me quite some time to edit this video. I hope you enjoy it regardless. If you're in need of a hot pot, Amazon has a great selection

Onto the recipe, hot pot is one of my favorite dishes (specially during the cold winter months). This comforting and tasty recipe will warm your soul. It's very easy to make at home. Let me know if you ended up trying the recipe.

Ingredients 

For the broth:
2 pounds beef/pork bones
A handful of lime leaves
10 hot peppers
1 onion
3 stalks of lemon grass
3 tablespoons Tom Yum paste

Other ingredients (of your choice) 
2 pounds shrimp
5 large squids
1 pound frozen beef sirloin
1 pound salmon

Vegetables (of your choice) 
Napa cabbage
Watercress
Different types of mushrooms
Bok choy

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Video: How to make Tom Yum hot pot

Winter Ivory and Everlane the classic tote review

The classic ivory is making a comeback. I personal love wearing ivory in the winter. The shade is not as harsh as white but still keeps the look fresh and not out of place. When wearing neutrals from head to toe, I tend to look for pieces that have interesting elements. I picked up this top last month and thought it adds some flair to a rather plain outfit. These pictures were taken last week when the temperature was somewhat mild. We're suffering the Midwest's polar vortex once again this week. Just the thought of going outside makes me shiver =)

 

What I am wearing:

Top: Express embroidered lace tee - size XS

Skirt: *old* (buy similar here or here)

Sunglasses: Kate Spade Gayla

Tote: Everlane the classic tote c/o

Shoes: Charles by Charles David pumps

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Winter Ivory and Everlane the classic tote review

Black and White

I hope you're having a wonderful weekend. Mine was full of doctor appointments. I am currently suffering with inflamed pinguecula known as Pingueculiti in my right eye. It doesn't bother me so much but my right eye is bright red. It's one of the reasons I wear sunglasses in all my outfit posts as of late. I don't want people to think I have pinkeye =) I've been using prescription eye drops religiously and keeping my fingers crossed that it'll go away soon. On a happier note, we finally have internet at home. It has been a long 3 weeks without it. I am telling you - Internet is an evil necessity these days =) Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

What I am wearing: 

Denim: GAP always skinny

Top: *old* (buy similar here or here)

Sunglasses: Prada (also available here)

Jacket: *old* (buy similar here or here)

Boots: Nine West Tildawn

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Black and White

Splurge vs. Steal: Designer Looks for Less # 2

I am in the market for a pair of over the knee boots and completely in love with the famous 5050 boot. Of course, the only thing holding me back is the price tag. I am looking into some other alternatives. The two options below are almost identical to the 5050 and both are made from real leather. Update: The right one is *just* sold out on Piperlime but they are available here for under $150 plus free shipping with code "Secret20".

Left | Middle | Right

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Splurge vs. Steal: Designer Looks for Less # 2

Snow day

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! I spent most of mine unpacking. It was such a chore but I am thrilled to have all of my clothes back. While unpacking, I rediscovered this jacket. My husband got it for me 2 years ago but it didn't get much wear for some reason. This jacket has a relaxed fit which is perfect for the weekend. There is nothing special about this outfit. It was just something I throw on to run errands. As a no-fuss kind of girl, this outfit formula is basically what you’ll catch me in 90% of the time on the weekend. I am linking up with More Pieces Of Me and On The Daily Express today.

What I am wearing: 

Jacket: J.Crew icon trench (on sale!)

Jeans: Mavi Serena - size 25

Shirt: *old* (buy similar under $40 or under $25)

Tee:  *old* (buy similar here or here)

Boots: Banana Republic (buy similar here or BR's version)

Sunglasses: Karen Walker Number One

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Snow day

Take an extra 50% off all sale styles at J.Crew

I stopped by the mall at lunch today and saw J.Crew is offering an additional 50% off final sale items in stores. I walk out empty handed but wanted to share a few fitting room pics just in case you're interested.

  {Leopard iPhone 5 case - $12 after the discount, Tartine leather satchel - $125 after the discount}

 

This sweater was cute. I love the fit but it was too Christmas-y

I thought the design of this sweater was interesting. Love the elbow patches but not enough to bring it home

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Take an extra 50% off all sale styles at J.Crew

Winter layers

First outfit post of 2014! A deep freeze has arrived over the Midwest. It’s dangerously cold for the next few days (talking about 10 degrees below zero). Living in a cold climate, layering is key. Instead of grabbing the warmest jacket in the closet, sometimes, I like to layer several of my lighter jackets to get the same warmth. Two thin layers can be warmer yet lighter than one thick layer. Layering is also a great way to get more wear out of your fall jackets. For this outfit, I wore a long sleeve shirt as my base layer then a sweater, a puffer vest and top it off with my parka. It was sufficient enough for 25-degree weather we had yesterday. Hope you all have a great week and stay warm!

 

What I am wearing: 

Sweater: GAP (this year's version) 

Denim: J.Brand leggings - size 25 

Puffer Vest: A&F *old* (buy similar here) 

Jacket: ASOS (this year's version)

Boots: Hunter original gloss

Bag: Michael Kors Hamilton East West 

Sunglasses: Karen Walker Number One

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Winter layers

Looking back on 2013!

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and your new year is off to a great start. I wanted to do a recap post before the year is over but didn't get a chance to do so. We still don't have an internet connection at home yet but hope to get back in the swing of things real soon. You know how much we rely on technology these days =) I am back to work after a long break. It sure didn't feel like a break at all. We were up until midnight every night to unpack and put things away. Between moving twice, husband’s crazy travel schedule (he took 48 business trips for the year of 2013) and building our new home, 2013 was full of challenges. I would be lying if I said it was easy. I am glad the hard part is over and so grateful for everything. Today, I’d like to take a moment and look back at some highlights of 2013.

{The little one's Sperry | Our home's blue print | via}

January: Even though Madelyn was born in September of 2012, daycare didn't start until January 2013. We're thankful that the transition was a breeze.
February: Started putting together a plan to find our new home. I was beyond excited to see our dream place becoming a reality.
March: My husband's birthday was in March. Instead of celebrating with other people, we opted for a hotel staycation. It was nice just to rest and relax all weekend long.
April: Some major home improvements were done before putting the house up for sale
May: Our home was sold in 6 days! That was totally unexpected!

June: The craziness has begun. We've moved out of the house and moved in an apartment. Courtney turned 8. Where did the time go?

July: Took a summer vacation in sunny Florida. It was also Madelyn's first flight and she did great!

{Robin Piccone swimsuit | Sunglasses | Hyatt Regency Clearwater, FL}

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Looking back on 2013!