Birthday weekend wrap-up + Summer plans

Friday was my birthday and the last day of summer. Much to celebrate! The day started out pretty good but quickly morphed into another busy day of chauffering my kids around. By 5:00 pm I was hangry mom because once again I only managed to fit in like two bites for lunch. I wanted to celebrate with the kids also so H suggested Benihana at Lauderdale by the sea. The food was so-so, but the experience was fun for the kids. Afterwards we drove down a little and walked to the beach, and then had more dessert at a sweet shop. It really did end up being a great night. 

I wish I had gotten non-grainy pictures of my dress, but I'm always rushing and H is always rushing me, and it's hard to get decent pictures of my outfits when I'm with him. This dress is super cute for the summer and when I bought it in person it was $22.99, but online it's $34.99. It fits true to size and is super comfortable. My wedges are a few years old from PacSun. I linked something similar below.

Strapless shirt dress: {Macy's}

Orange wedges: {Shesimplyshops}

Straw clutch: {Michael's}

White tassel earrings: {Target}

The next day we had an awards gala that night and I still hadn't found a new dress. Usually Lord & Taylor is my go to spot but I actually couldn't find anything that fit right. I also tried Macy's and also nothing. I headed to Saks fifth avenue outlet and kicked myself for not remembering to go there in the first place. They carry a lot of smaller sizes and I found a really pretty strapless coral dress. 

Coral Likely dress: {Saksfifthavenue} similar. Online there are several colors but the top isn't scalloped.

Turquoise statement necklace: {Stellaandruby}

Sunday we relaxed a bit and took the kids to the park. We also signed them up for a few summer camps. Layla will be doing 3 camps and Mariam will be doing 2. It was pretty hard to convince her to do any. Ava is still to young for camps and Serena will be staying busy with babysitting one of my neighbors kids down the street and volunteering. We don't have any out-of-state trips planned this summer but one of my nephew's is coming early July and then my other nephew and my older brother mid July. He'll be helping us remodel our Florida room and possibly a few other things around the house if time permits. I have high hopes of a pleasant summer with the kids, but they are unpredicatable ha-ha, so I'm already working on ways to be more zen and reduce my stress level. I still have my business as well that needs my time so I have to have a good plan to give everything and everyone the attention it/they need. 

Happy Tuesday!

Gingham love + Recent purchases

My gingham blouse: {Maison Jules}

Mariam's dress: {Carter's}

Earrings (Lonna & Lilly): Similar{here}

Graphic Tee: {NY&CO}

Cuffed cropped white jeans: {Indigo Rein}

Taupe Jogger's: {NY&CO}

Cropped skinny jeans-bottom left: {{Dollhouse}

Cuffed cropped skinny jeans: {Indigo Rein}

True Story. I love gingham prints yet I've never worn gingham before. I've always felt it didn't look right on me, and ever since I left the corporate world I don't wear long sleeve button down shirts, but I'm loving this one. It's lightweight and looks great with the sleeves rolled up. It' runs a bit big since this is an XS and it's not very fitted at all, but it's a keeper. When I bought the blouse from Macy's I also ordered a few jeans and I'd say I'm good for awhile. Pants are so hard to find, but these are all so comfortable. The jogger's and the cropped skinny jeans (upper right in collage) actually go down to my ankle because I'm short at 5'1, but the white jeans and cuffed skinny jeans do fit me like capris. 

Have a great Monday!

Weekend scenes

So blessed to call them mine!

Hi!

I didn't blog at all last week because we took a little vacation to Texas! We drove there to go visit our family and friends. Surprisingly the drive with two toddlers wasn't bad. Layla and Mariam did really well. Serena stocked a tote full of toys, books, colors, and they each had a tablet so they stayed pretty occupied. They also slept a lot which was good. Mariam would get a little frustrated at times being strapped in a car seat, but still she did good. She did lie to us like three times about pooping in her diaper so we would have to pull over at rest stops a lot more than we would have liked, but I've got to give her credit for being smart enough to play us haha! Btw, we are going to be working on potty training next week. My goal is to have her potty trained before the baby comes. Back to Texas though. It was so nice to see my dad again, my in-laws and our closest friends. Also yay for not having to cook, clean or worry about work! I took my camera but can you believe I did not take one picture with it!

Today H was back at work so it's me and the girls again. We did some shopping today at Home Goods, Hobby Lobby, and then Target. I brought back my old bedspread that we had left by accident in Texas before we moved and after seeing this picture by Joss & Main, I'm totally inspired to update the master bedroom using it as inspo.

I already have the bedspread, but I spent some time last night scouring the Internet for similar pillows. Didn't find anything so I'll just make them myself. It will be cheaper anyways and I found similar fabric at Hobby Lobby. I also picked up some fabric to make more things for baby #4.

I've been needing a bath mat for the master bedroom and more towels so I found these at Home Goods. The candles are from Target.

XOXO

Life Lately..

Gosh the last few weeks have been busy, mainly in regards to the business. So much going on and so much work that had to be done. back to back boutique orders, getting a new collection ready, etc. There have been days where I've had to start my work as soon as H gets home and keep at it stopping to make dinner or throw a load of laundry in the washer. Then I put the kids to bed and continue working till about midnight. H has been so supportive and tending to the kids when he gets home and giving me more time to focus on my work. I even had my mom fly in for a few days because my seamstress was on vacation. It's a lot and there are some days where I miss the slower days in the beginning but I'm so grateful for my growing business. I know a big part of my problem is letting go of some of the control, but it's just so hard to find good help. I've gone through plenty of seamstresses  and my current help is good, but there are still some quality control issues I'm having with her, that takes time away from my day having to fix. There is some other help I get and services I've utilized online so I'm grateful for that. In maternity accessory news, I cannot wait for them to be ready. It's taking awhile but it's a process. 

As far as family life, Serena is on summer break so I've had all three girls home and it's been fun when they aren't fighting and getting under my skin. Some days they screech and bicker in the morning before it's even 8:30 am! Ugh. It's also been so hot and taking them places while it's hot and I've got this big belly to lug around--well it makes it hard. We still get out a few times a week though for sweet treats, library days and shopping. Today we left the house early for Dunkin donuts and then went to the mall. I actually got lucky this time and found some things I love. I'm extremely picky so usually I find something for the girls and nothing for me. Our first stop was A Pea in the pod maternity and I found a white scoop neck maternity tank, then Nordstroms where I finally found a going home outfit for the baby. Yay! I've been on the hunt. I also bought a cute crochet hem swing top from the juniors section that is perfect for a growing bump. Bath & Body works is having another one of their huge clearance sales so we stocked up on some lotions and hand soaps.

{A Pea In the Pod Maternity}

{Nordstrom}

In growing baby news, It's hard to believe I'll be entering the third trimester soon. I'm 27 weeks and 4 days today and things really feel like they go fast between the last half of the second trimester and part of the third and then they slow down around weeks 36 till you deliver. I told H awhile back that I wouldn't mind if we gestated like elephants and were pregnant for 22 months. Haha! I love being pregnant--for the most part. I have been a lot more uncomfortable and she loves pushing in my ribs but it's an amazing feeling to grow a child and feel her kicks and pokes.

Have a great weekend!

A little Sunday shopping

I hope everyone had a good weekend. Once again we've blinked and woah! It's Monday. Had a good one though. Friday, H and I had our first date night since moving here. Yay! One of my neighbors was able to watch the girls and we got to go watch Jerry Seinfeld live at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. It was fun and Jerry was hilarious. 

Saturday we ran a few errands, got lunch out and headed to sea turtle day at Gumbo Limbo. It ended at 4pm, right on time because it poured! We had to drive pretty slow going home and water was up past the bottom of your wheels in the condo parking lot area. Sunday it cleared up and I took just Layla out for a little shopping. Old Navy was having a spring preview 30% off sale and we also stopped at TJ Maxx on the way home. 

{Striped rosette flats} {Eyelet flats}

{Mini pixie pants} {Navy floral twill shorts} {White crochet trim top}

{White embroidered bubble romper} {Pink romper: TJ Maxx}

I also found this royal blue top for myself at TJ Maxx. I love the texture on it and it's long and roomy enough to accommodate my growing belly. Well at least until about 30 weeks probably. 

Have a great Monday!

When mom is in town

I've been quiet this week because my mom has been here and it's been a pretty busy time with the girls and the business. She left on Thursday and I can't believe how fast 3 weeks went by! She was such a huge help with the girls and my business. During her stay we had a few outings, but mainly things were the same with our schedules because she had a lot to do while she was here, and things to buy to take back with her to South Africa. The day before she left though we went to the City Centre in Houston to shop and have lunch. They still have a lot of open retail spots so there's not a whole lot of shopping that one can do, but we still had fun.

 

Never mind these somewhat blurry cell phone pics and me looking like a hot mess. It was hot and I forgot my camera at home. I'm happy to have these memories though and I hope she comes back in November, otherwise I probably won't see her till next January.

 

 

Have a great weekend!

 



I love a good reason to shop.

After complaining the day before yesterday that I was tired of being cooped up in the house with 3 screeching girls due to rain, heat and mosquitos, H suggested maybe I should take them to the mall to play. Of course he didn't mean to buy things, but who goes to the mall just to go? Of course I have to buy things! I figured now was a great time to get most of our beach essentials and by beach essentials I mean cute bathing suits and accessories.

 

One of the first stores we went to was Forever21. Even though I loathe going through racks of unorganized clothes, the swimsuits are kept in one section that you can't miss. They really didn't have a huge selection, but I did find a really cute mint bikini. I was originally looking for a one piece because after a few months of an insatiable sweet and carb tooth, I currently have this little mom pooch that I need to work off--but uh...that's not happening in two weeks before our trip. What I love about the bikini is that it has some cutouts which is exactly what I wanted--if I was going to be getting a two piece.

 

{F21 Bathing Suit}

 

I also found this adorable top that is long and sheer enough to wear as a coverup.

 

 

I also picked up a few things we'll be needing for the condo. Ocean breeze candle for nights out on the patio, linen room spray because let's face it, I'm sure the condo might be stuffy if it hasn't been used in awhile. A few toiletries, sun hats for the girls from Old Navy, and a ridiculously adorable petal bathing suit from Gymboree outlet. Serena also got a few tops, and some accessories.

 

{Sunhats}

 

Have a great weekend!





Recent things.

It's been about a week since I've blogged and I've been trying to get to it, but there's been a lot going on with Serena wrapping up 5th grade last week and starting summer vacation. Eeek!! I can't believe she's starting middle school in fall. I'm not ready! Time goes by too fast.

 

Today was our first Monday of no school and all 3 girls at home with me during the day. I'll back up and mention the weekend and some recent finds. It was a nice weekend. Definitely more relaxed and a big part of it was my reduced stress level thanks to my newest seamstress and Mariam being a bit easier. Saturday I left the littles at home and Serena and I did some shopping for groceries and things we needed. I have a slight polka dot obsession as you can see if you've ever visited my shop, so I was thrilled when I found these adorable boxes in the clearance section at Target.

 

{LC Flip Flops} {Bowls}{Target boxes}

 

Speaking of polka dots. New in shop. :)

FHJ Baby

 

Have a great Monday!

 

 



The wardobe, the date and the winner.

It seems like every time I go out on a mission to buy something for myself, I always always end up buying something for the girls and I come home empty handed. Well not today! Err....well not last week anyways. I really needed a new black pair of skinny jeans since they are a must in my closet and I ended up finding a cute top and a pair of nude heels along the way. I've been on the hunt for crochet tops and I found this gorgeous one for cheap at Agaci but I can't seem to find it online to link it. I'm super picky when it comes to jeans and I'm glad to have finally found my go-to place for them at PacSun. They fit great and are inexpensive so that's definitely a plus. 

{Jeans} {Heels} 

Now for some other randomness, I had a fantastic weekend. H and I dropped the girls off at my mom's house on Saturday and got to enjoy a lovely evening with him at the National Arab American Ben Qurrah Awards Gala. It was nice but I didn't take too many pictures, just this one around midnight and after a couple glasses of wine hence the tired look.

Last but not least, the winner of the gold sequin hanger is Sara from the The not quite military wife! I will send you an email for your address. Thanks for participating!

Valentine's Day Picks {Kid Edition}

I did a Valentine's day pick last week for women so of course I've got to do one for the kids. I'm also going to shamelessly plug in some items from my shop too. You don't mind right? ..Wink..

{FHJ Baby}

{Strawberry Seams}

{Hello Apparel}

{Old Navy}

{Old Navy}

Have a great Wednesday!