Hello loves!  So this week I declared the "take-away" of this blog, what I offer.  In case you missed it, I offer effortless, affordable style and life inspiration that will help you style the life you deserve.  I believe you feel good when you look good and if you feel good you want to look your best.  This isn't about vanity, its about putting the same time you put caring into others, into caring for yourself.  I am a mother of two teenage boys, I work a full time job and I care for our home.  When I became a mother almost 18 years ago, I was young and didn't know who I was.  I had no formal education past high school and had never lived totally on my own.  It wasn't an easy road, I was a single mother working very hard to provide my son with a good life. I went to school full time, while working part time and maintaining a home for the both of us.  I am now 37 years old, happily married and my family has doubled.  I recently completed a masters degree in Public Administration and very recently got that promotion Ive been working hard towards achieving.  Why am I telling you this?  So that you understand Ive been where some of you are, Ive been down, hopeless, unhappy with myself.  I recognized the things I needed to fix and read a lot and even started to see a therapist.  I needed to understand why I found myself in the situations I found myself in.  I understood I was not the victim, and understood my role in every situation.  I very purposefully worked to achieve a relationship like the one I share with my husband.  He is a great man and I attracted him because I wanted nothing less than everything I wanted.  That was a choice.  I understood my value and the importance of a good male role model for my son.  It was no accident, it was a choice.  I went through several terrible relationships to get here.  I understand how difficult it can be to look in the mirror and demand more of yourself.  But I can't stress enough how important it is to do.  A very good friend told a very lost younger me, figuring out what you want is the hardest part.  What you envision for yourself is what you will create for yourself.
The hubby planned a very special day for me yesterday.  As I told you in the last post, he is away at a teachers conference for the next three days so he wanted to give me a great day before you left on his short trip.  SO I am a HUGE Golden Girls fan, like I own all seven seasons and watch it whenever its on tv.  My son knows all of the episodes cause he would watch with me when he was younger (poor kid).  Recently Rue La Rue opened in Washington Heights, it is a Golden Girls themed cafe (read review here) and I have wanted to go ever since the project was leaked over a year ago.  Well the hubby surprised me with a trip to the cafe, it is GORGEOUS and just precious complete with wicker furniture pieces.😊  It is one of the hottest tickets in the area so the line was out the door and there was no seating.  The hubby and I peaked in, looked around, snapped some pics and decided we should go to another spot to grab some brunch.  We will definitely be back when the hype has worn off.  Then we headed to one of my favorite places in NY, the Botanical Gardens! The Botanical Gardens is the jewel of the Bronx.  They have special programs and exhibitions including my favorite, the orchid show.  The Orchard Show opened about two weeks ago and the theme this year is Thailand.  I love spending the day surrounded by plants, its just good for the soul.   My favs are the cacti.  They are so strong and independent and need very little to grow.  I just love that about them.  Oh and peep the hot photos of my hubby, yeah he was my model yesterday.  It was interesting being behind the camera and directing him for a change.  He wanted to show me how difficult it was to direct me but he is such a ham, it was a breeze and a lot of fun for me! (Jokes on you babe. 😂)

So here is your "homework" if you would please indulge me. ❤️Plan something fun this weekend, visit a cool place you heard about, explore your city or town.  It doesn't have to require a lot of money, you could go for a walk in a park you've never visited (weather permitting) or visit a museum or exhibition.  Plan something that is out of your routine.  Take the kids, or don't take the kids.  The point is do something you will enjoy.  You are worth the effort.  Links to my outfit down below, per usual.

There is so much going on this week at work!  My team and I hosted a very successful career fair held exclusively for our architecture students.  After two and a half months of planning, networking and prepping students, I am so pleased with the results.  I couldn't be happier with the students that I have the pleasure of serving, seeing them grow and develop into young confident adults is truly a blessing.  I know I am gushing here but I really do love what I do.    Recently my husband switched careers, he went from being a chiropractor with his own office to a high school teacher.  We both believe in the value of education and being able to work with the youth is challenging but also very rewarding.  It has been a transition, teaching requires a lot of work off the clock.  A lot of people look at a career in teaching and think oh you get out of school at 3PM and have summers off, thats so easy!  Nothing could be further from the truth.  He is going to a teacher's conference in Orlando for three days this weekend to network and learn some tools of the trade.  I couldn't be happier and more supportive but I don't know what I am going to do with myself while he is going.  He is the heart of this family and I am going to miss him very much.  That also means I am on cooking duty, HELP! 😂  He has planned a special date for us on Saturday, and all I know is I have to be ready by 11am.  I love when he surprises me, I will be sure to check in with you guys and let you know all about it.  My hope, is he takes me to the Golden Girl themed restaurant that JUST opened up in Washington Heights. I LOVE the Golden Girls. I own all seven seasons and whenever Ive got the blues and need a laugh I pop those bad boys in and still laugh at all the jokes Ive heard a million times before.  Links to this look down below.

Hey guys and gals! Just checking in after an absolutely beautiful three day weekend here in New York!  We have gone through some tough weather in the last two weeks so a day in the high 60's was VERY welcomed.  The hubby and I had to take advantage of the warm sun and the optimistic, happy feelings good weather brings and take a few shots of this great little number I snagged while we were home buried in snow just a little over a week ago.  I did a little bit of online shopping but I gave myself a strict $100 budget.  This camisole dress was on sale for $9.99 on zara.com I KNOW! Let me just say this whole camisole trend has been around for a while, but I was skeptical of walking around New York in my jammies, lol.  What I love about this slip dress is there is a lining so you don't feel totally naked AND I love the frill detailing in the front, it adds dimension and interest.  So all in all a great investment, I could easily throw this on with a chunky sweater or a moto jacket, loafers or sneakers, you get the point its pretty versatile.  Now full disclaimer, this exact dress has sold out (sorry) but I link a comparable option down below.  I also scored these lovely mustard color block heels with a metallic detail.  Let me tell you why I am totally digging block heels, cause they are essentially flats with a lift and any girl who runs around in heels from 9-5 can understand why this is a welcome cheat!  Ive linked the exact heels down below!