The watch of my dreams

I've been eager to share what I got for my 40th birthday so, here we go! I've done "what I got for my birthday" post every year for the past several years but I totally understand if this is not your cup of tea. As long as I can remember, birthdays and holidays are always a big deal in our household. I am beyond grateful for having a loving family and a great support system. Let me start by saying this wasn't an impulse purchase. I mentioned briefly in this post that a Rolex watch was the last big ticket item on my wishlist. We've been saving for it and finally pulled the trigger last month. Truth be told, we didn't know much about Rolex watches. One of our "life goals" is to have a matching set of Rolex watches. I really dislike using the word "goal" but not sure what else to call it. It's just something we wanted to do at some point in our lives. We gained a lot of knowledge by talking to the salesman. If you're interested in learning more about the brand or the watch itself (sizing, different types of bands, bezels, dials, how to wind a Rolex watch, how often you should wind one..etc...), let me know in the comment section below, I'll be happy to share the information.

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The watch of my dreams

Joseph and Stacey OZ White Mini Bag

There was more than one occasion that I wished I had a white handbag to go with a specific outfit. A white handbag is something I was contemplating getting but wasn't sure how much wear I'd get out of it. One thing I am certain of is that I wouldn't spend a huge amount of money on a white handbag. I am thrilled to welcome this latest addition to my handbag collection from Joseph & Stacey. It's gorgeous, ticks all the boxes and the price is reasonable for a full leather bag. Outfit details: Express dress | Joseph and Stacey bag | Cartier bracelet | Michele watch | Free People sunglasses

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Joseph and Stacey OZ White Mini Bag

Petite-friendly Culottes Pants

Hope you're having a great weekend so far. It's been a really really tough week for me. My husband was out of town on a business trip and I struggled keeping everything together with 2 kids. On top of that, our little girl had a high fever and ended up missing a day of school. Then there were extra curricular activities and curriculum nights on top of that. I am one tired mama. I am not a complainer but when you sit in an 8:00 am meeting wearing your shirt inside out, you know you're having a rough week lol. So glad the weekend is here. Looking forward to a sushi night out with friends tonight and maybe hitting the pool tomorrow for the last time this season. Onto today's outfit, I am a huge fan of culottes but it's so hard to find the right one when you're short. I stumbled upon this set and fell in love with the color. While the top is too revealing for me, I love the pants (that's the beauty of a 2-piece set). The length worked perfect on my 5'2" frame. Paring them with my favorite bodysuit and my beloved round straw bag. Outfit like this is good for summer as well as transition into Fall. Outfit details: Shein culottes *come in a set* | PLT bodysuit | Round straw bag | H&M denim jacket | Hermes belt | Cartier bracelet

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Petite-friendly Culottes Pants

Olive Green Shirtdress

Summer is sadly coming to an end but there are so much to look forward to in the Fall. I am looking forward to cooler air, Fall activities with the girls and of course, Fall fashion. Olive green color is one of my favorite colors to wear for Fall. Not only it easily pairs with a wide range of colors but also flatters most skin tones. I picked out this dress because I thought it'd be a great addition to my closet this Fall. The material is lightweight and airy (which is perfect for the transition from summer to fall). This knee length dress is appropriate for the office (just throw a cardigan on top). I also love the fact that you can adjust the number of buttons to your liking. The dress comes with a detachable belt that can be worn together or replaced with your own belt. The 2 front pockets add a cute touch to the dress. All is all, I love this dress and will be rocking it this Fall. Outfit details: Shein dress *size XS* | Round straw bag | Free People sunglasses | Cartier bracelet | Michele watch | Hermes belt *my exact one*

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Olive Green Shirtdress

Our Patio :: Progress Photos

Hope you're having a great week so far. It's been a hectic week for us. The kids are back to school. I kept saying this but I still can't believe our little girl is off to first grade! Where did the time go? She is doing so well adjusting to the new school. I teared up a little on her first day. My husband has been working like a beast on the patio. It's been 5 weeks. The patio is nowhere near finished but we're hoping to wrap things up before the holiday weekend. We're hosting a cookout with friends and family. It's a bigger job than we anticipated. Some tasks are very tedious. He has been working around the clock to get things done. He also takes the time to do it right the first time. I may be biased but I am very impressed with how well the pergola turned out. I know my husband can build things but that pergola is solid. It's built to last! I am very fortunate to marry a handyman. Other than pluming and electric, this man can build/fix anything. I can't wait to see it all come together!

What's left to do:

- Install tile flooring for the covered porch 

- Put in granite countertop for the bar area 

- Build the sitting wall around the firepit 

- The contractors will take care of all lighting and electrical needs

- We purchased this swing set for the little one and that needs to be put together as well.

Yikes! There is still a lot of work to be done. Below are a few progress photos. I probably won't do another update until everything is done and ready for the big reveal. Have a great weekend, everyone!

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Our Patio :: Progress Photos

Black & White Gingham Dress

Can't believe my kids are back to school tomorrow. A friend of ours has a really nice camper so we went camping last weekend. The kids had fun running wild in the woods while the adults catching up over beers. Quite honestly, I am ready for them go to back to school. Being a routine person, I am looking forward to a normal schedule. Speaking of back to school, I ordered this dress for my teen daughter. It looks so cute on her so I thought I would share this outfit just in case you're interested. One of the perks of having a teen daughter is that we can share clothes. This look is exactly what she's going to wear on the first day of school. Outfit details: Shein dress *size XS* | Adidas Superstar sneakers | Louis Vuitton backpack | H&M denim jacket | Cartier bracelet

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Black & White Gingham Dress

My birthday wishlist

Let me start off by saying that I am very touched by your sweet comments and questions in my last post. I am working on answering them. In the meantime, if you have additional questions, please feel free to leave them below. A fun post today to show you what's on my birthday wishlist. I know I am truly blessed for being surrounded by such wonderful people in my life. My family always makes me feel special on my birthday. This year is no different. My birthday gift has arrived last week. Ekkkkk! My thoughtful husband did go all out this year. Bless his heart =) I can't believe I have it in my possession. Will have to share what I got in a later post. With that being said, I have zero expectations when it comes to any of these items. They're just fun to look at. I might get one of two on this list at some point but I am in no hurry. Did you notice? No bag!! lol If you have a special occasion coming up, I hope this list gives you some ideas. Material things are always fun to look at but the nothing worth more than surrounding myself with people who make me feel special on my birthday

1. Chanel slingback: There is nothing more classic than these Chanel slingbacks. I purchased an affordable version from Zara last month and have been enjoying them. These shoes are on my list of things to check out when I am in NY next month.
2. Gucci Marmont belt: I talked briefly about the belt here. I purchased the 1.5" version and it was way too big on me. I also purchased the 0.8" version and it was too small. One day, I thought to myself "Since the belt is unisex, why not look in the men's section?" Low and behold, I found the 1" version and it's exactly what I am looking for. I am planning to purchase this belt towards the end of the year.
3. Louis Vuitton 6-key holder: I have always wanted to add this piece to my collection. This might be the year to pull the trigger

4. David Yurman earrings: I've been entertaining the idea of getting a pair of earrings to match my cable bracelet. These are so perfect for everyday wear.

5. Chanel pearl necklace: Another classic item from Chanel that I absolutely love. Although, it's debatable whether it's really worth the price tag. I have never seen one in person. Added to my list of things to check out in NY as well.
6. Christian Louboutin black simple pumps: I get so much wear out of my nude pumps that I am considering getting the black pair as well. The 85mm heel is a great option if you're on your feet for long periods of time
7. Gucci sunglasses: Gucci sunglasses are all the rage these days. I did try on the popular square version but they're huge on my face. I stumpled upon this style and they fit amazing. Not sure how I feel about the price tag but hey, it's fun to dream =)
8. Dyson hair dryer: I am seriously in need of a new hair dryer. The one I am using right now is so old. These days, I wake up at 5:30 a.m to get ready for work. Since my hair dryer is so old and loud, I feel like I wake up the entire household when blow drying my hair. Do you own a Dyson hair dryer? If so, please share your thoughts? I heard it dries your hair really fast and is very quiet
9. Canada Goose camp down jacket: This is something that I keep putting on and taking it off my wishlist. I had a chance to try this exact jacket while I was in Banff earlier this year. Quite honestly, I don't understand the hype. It feels the same as my North Face jacket but it costs 4 times as much. The down jacket is the only style that I am kind of considering. I am not interested in the ones with real fur.
10. Barefoot Dreams robe *available in 11 colors*: The last item on my wishlist is this amazing robe. I am a huge fan of the brand and would love to wrap myself in this insanely soft robe.

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My birthday wishlist

Ask me anything

Did you know I've been blogging for 9.5 years? It's so crazy to think that I am still here. Not sure how much longer I will keep this blog going but that's another discussion for another day. Whether you're a regular reader or not, you probably noticed that my blog is dedicated mainly to fashion and material things. I choose to keep my person life private and I choose to keep my children off social media. Internet is a wonderful yet a scary place at the same time. The fact is you can't please everyone. Some will agree with what you have to say, some will not. My Dad said something years ago and it always stuck with me. He said "if you don't want people to talk about you, then don't give them a reason to". However, I've been entertaining the idea of doing a birthday Q&A post. I know I have a small number of followers visiting this blog on a regular basis (thank you!). If you'd like to get to know me a bit better whether you're curious about my personal life, my family, my career or all of the above, leave me your question(s) below. I will do a Q&A post on my upcoming birthday. I may get one, two or no question. I am not sure but I'll give it a shot. You can also leave me a comment below to tell me more about yourself. I am genuinely wanted to know. I know I don't say it enough but I appreciate each and everyone of you for still sticking around. Outfit details: Old Navy dress *under $14* | Bamboo bag | Free People sunglasses | similar nude mules

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Ask me anything

Mixing high end and low end fashion

Heads up! Today is the last day to shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Prices go up tomorrow. My recommendations are here and here. If you're a regular reader then this post comes as no surprise. I love mixing designer items with affordable pieces. My general rule of thumb - invest in luxury accessories. They will elevate your everyday outfits and make your clothes look more expensive and stylish. Plus accessories can be worn year after year. When it comes to clothing, go with affordable pieces. Oftentimes, people are surprised when I told them my outfit was from Target, H&M or Forever 21. You can find expensive-looking pieces from those places. You just have to know what to look for. I hardly ever spend more than $50 on a single piece of clothing and that's a fact. Outfit details: Denim overall *runs small - also comes in dark wash* | White bodysuit *love* | Hermes Kelly bag | ZeroUV sunglasses | Express sandals | Cartier bracelet

When you spend a ridiculous amount of money on luxury accessorizes, wear them. Some people might think an Hermes bag does not suit their lifestyle. I am here to tell you it does not matter. My lifestyle is super chill. We hardly go out for a fancy dinner but you know what, I will enjoy my expensive handbags regardless. Take this outfit as an example. Wearing a denim overall does not mean that you have to go with a pair of sneakers and a backpack. I dressed up a casual outfit with my beloved Kelly bag and a pair of high heel sandals. These accessories instantly take a simple outfit up a notch. My point is, when you spend your hard earned cash on something, no need to wait for a special occasion to use it. Mixing designer and affordable items together is one of my favorite things to do when it comes to fashion.

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Mixing high end and low end fashion

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale :: What's still in stock

You have 2 days left to shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (prices go up on Monday). Things are selling out really fast. I went through 48 pages to pick out some of the best items still fully in stock. Act now before they sell out again. Have a great weekend, everyone!

1. Vince Camuto booties - The perfect booties for Fall. I love the slits down the sides (save $50 - available in 3 colors and all sizes are in stock)

2. AG ankle skinny jeans - These jeans fit and feel amazing (see them on me). I wore a size 24 (save $75 - all sizes are still available)

3. Tory Burch tote - The perfect every day tote in pebbled leather (save $200)

4. Nordstrom earrings - I own these and can't say enough good things about them (under $35)

5. Halogen seamless day bra - The perfect everyday bra. They don't give a lot of support but they're insanely comfortable to wear (available in 3 colors - under $12)

6. Spanx smoothing shorts - You need one of these shorts in your closet =) They smooth out everything especially under tight dresses (under $40)

7. Kensie faux shearling jacket - So comfy for Fall (save $70 - all sizes are still available) 

8. Michele Caber watch - I love my Michele watch and would recommend it to anyone. Save almost $500 on this version

9. Voluspa Maison Blanc candle set - I love candles in general and will splurge on them. Picked up this set last week and I love it. They smell so so good. 

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Nordstrom Anniversary Sale :: What's still in stock

Finding my birthday outfit

1. Mint one-shoulder jumpsuit (available in mint and white, regular and petite)

2. High neck dress (available in 3 colors, size 0 - 12)

3. Red cut out dress (available in 3 colors, size XS - XL)

4. Blush pink off the shoulder dress (available in 2 colors, size XXS - XL)

Whether I like or not, my 40th birthday is fast approaching. I have so many thoughts running through my mind lately but will have to share them in a future post. Our dear friends have planned a night out for my birthday. When your friends plan a birthday celebration for you 6 weeks in advance, you keep those friends close to your heart. I am searching for outfit ideas for a night out on the town. I am not looking for just a dress. I am looking for something fun and a bit over the top for the occasion. My husband and I are also taking a weekend trip to NYC to celebrate my milestone birthday. I seriously can't wait!!! I have never been to New York. If you have any recommendations, please let me know below. We'll be staying right on 5th Ave. I scoured the web and settled on these 4 options (all under $70). I think I am going to order 2 of them. Which is your favorite(s), ladies! Help a girl out =)

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Finding my birthday outfit