Hair

Hair.

So what is the big deal with hair?!

It is if you don’t have any.

I was 17.  It was February, and a chilly day.  And I was heading to a youth service.  I didn’t really want to go.  By this point in my life, I already have been through too much heartache.  Plus my grandfather passed away only a few shorts months ago. It was tragic for me, and I know many people did not understand why I was so upset.  Because he raised me.  He taught me everything I knew.  He was the closest human being to me, and he was gone.   I miss him to this day.  I can’t wait to see him once again when we are reunited. 

I didn’t want to go and haven’t been to youth in a long time, but I decided what is there to lose, so I got in my car and drove.   And I kept thinking, why did I say Yes to going.  

And then out of nowhere, like in slow motion.  I see a car heading straight at me.  Glass shattering everywhere.  Bright lights and loud noises.

There I was alone in my car, with glass all over me.  As I regained my conscious, I was like “God, why can’t you just take me now”???

I didn’t know why he let me live.  I didn’t want to.  I honestly didn’t really have any purpose. The ambulance arrived, and I could hear a couple arguing.  “Look what you did?” They were arguing, and he ran a red light. 

I was at the hospital lying in the cold room alone.  Moments passed, and then they started taking glass out of my body and face.  I felt like someone had stomped on me and threw me against a wall.  My head was ringing, my eyes were hurting.  I was in so much pain.  I just kept thinking, please just take me now.

My doctor put me on a few prescription drugs.  Several months passed and I started to have severe heart pains.  And noticed my hair was thinning.  I told my doctor and he said it was stress.  He took me off the drugs.  And later I found out Vioxx was recalled.

My hair didn’t stop.  I lost it all.  I had no hair. 

I don’t know if it was the pills or stress, or if it was caused by the severance of head injury.  My doctor said it was the drugs. 

And how long did this all go on for? 

7 years.

Ironically that has always been my lucky number.

I had to wear a wig for 7 years.  Most people did not know.  Most people did not care to even notice.  I was so alone through these years.  I was so hurt and alone.  My husband was there, but if you are a woman you know our glory is our hair.  I use to have such beautiful long hair.    When someone would tell me I was pretty.  I would laugh on the inside.  If you only knew what I really look like, I would think to myself. 

I can count the number of people that knew my issue on my fingers.  I didn’t want to tell too many because then everyone would feel sorry for me and treat me differently.  Like I was sick.  And I always thought maybe there was really something wrong me with me.  I didn’t go see a doctor during this time, I didn’t see the purpose.  They would just put me on more drugs.

I didn’t want to lay the burden on them.  To tell them my story, my heartache.  The people that knew were  very close to me, and understood my struggle but still loved me enough to treat me the same.

I managed to live somewhat of a normal life.  I would never tell my coworkers, I would never tell anyone I met.  I didn’t trust many people.  I kept a lot to myself. 

I screamed to God.  WHY IS THIS HAPPENING TO ME?? WHY DIDN’T YOU JUST TAKE ME THEN.  Anytime I was alone, I cried.  I went in and out of depression for the next 7 years.  My marriage was a wreck at times. 

I had a dream.  I had this dream many times over the next several years.  I was looking at the ocean, the peaceful water.  And there, I saw a beautiful woman.  She was wearing a white flowy dress and had gorgeous long dark locks.  I kept trying to get closer to her, and I would wake up. 

Then one night, I got close enough to her, and as she turned around, I saw my face.  It was me.  How could this be?  I woke up and told me husband, and we cried together.  I had this dream many more times. 

And I had peace in my heart.  I had hope.

After I found out I was pregnant in October  2009, I was filled with a love I have never known.  It was short lived, as I had a miscarriage in December.  I’m not even sure how many months I was in.  But I was heartbroken.  I felt like someone took my heart away.  I went to work the next day and tried to put a smile on my face.  HOW WILL I EVER GET THROUGH ALL THIS??

Then a short few months later in March, I was pregnant again.  OH THE LOVE.  THE LOVE I FELT.  It overwhelmed me.  I was so happy so thrilled.  I knew this love was from God.  Over the next few months, I noticed something.

My hair. 

It was growing.  And it was growing at rapid speed! I know when you are pregnant, hair grows superfast.  But mine was literally just growing in insane speed.  I just thanked God, but still wore my wig.  I didn’t know if it would last. 

And it did! I gave birth to my angel on December 28, 2010.  And she is the sunshine in my life.  The love is what made everything so beautiful.  My Mashenka.  I love you forever, I love you for always!

My hair is long again, just like that girl in my dream.

Through all this, I have learned that no one is really who they say they are.  We are all so much more.  We all have secrets.  We all have stories, and heartache.  If I was a writer, I could write a book about these 7 years.

 7 years of struggle. 

7 years of pain.

 7 years of lessons. 

We are all beautiful.  Please don't judge a book by its cover.  On the outside, I looked like a normal girl.  On the inside, I was battling through so much that it was a struggle to just get out of bed every morning.  Life is short and life can be very hard sometimes.  Look to God in those times.  Run to him and cry to him.  He will comfort you.  I don't know why I went through this, and I might never know, but I did survive.  And if you are going through something like this, it will pass.  Everything in life is temporary.  There is sunshine on the other side of all this, I promise.

Now smile and go enjoy the beautiful things in life and be thankful for everything.

 Till next time.

Always Lovely,


Luba

 

Sunny Monday

I hope everyone had a great weekend! Let's just say mine was not the best. My hubs ended up in the ER because of a gum infection. His gum was swollen and he was in so much pain. Thank goodness he is doing better now. They gave him antibiotics and today he is going to the dentist.

Yesterday, I spent most of the day at home then later in the afternoon I headed to my mom's. My parents took my munchkin to the beach and I got to hang out with my little brother Daniel. He snapped a few photos of my outfit of the day.

I wore a pair of J Crew toothpick skinnies in light citron. I scored these on Ebay! I seriously recommend checking on Ebay first before making a purchase, or for online in general.  Be patient and know your measurements are some basic rules to follow. Makes sure to order from someone with a high rating.  If anyone ever has questions if something is legit, please message me.  In my previous job, I was known for spotting fraud and fakes from a mile away. 

These are made of twill denim. They are not as formfitting as my others.  And I love them! They are a lighter weight, perfect for warm weather. The top is a loose boyfriend striped shirt by Lucky Brand. I wore my gifted necklace and Mia wedges I recently bought at TJ Maxx.

I had a few people email me on what I use on my hair and how I style it.

I use Kiehls Olive Fruit Oil Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner. I wash my hair three times a week, and air dry. If I use heater curlers which I only recently started doing, I use a John Frieda All out hold hairspray. It's probably not the best but it does its job. I don't curl my hair enough to invest in a different hairspray. I believe the best thing for hair is to use as little product as possible and train the hair my washing it only couple times a week. One thing I do for my ends is use Alba Kukui Nut Organic Body Oil. I apply a small amount on my ends and leave it overnight. Keeps the ends hydrated. I have noticed with my hair getting longer, there is less volume. And I definitely want to keep growing it out. If I ever blow dry my hair, I don't have this issue. But I love the way my hair feels if it air dries. What are some of your tricks with having more volume?

I actually am due for a trim just need to find a good salon. If you live in my area, message me your suggestions.

Till next time,

Always Lovely,

Luba

P.S. Here are a couple photos of my lovely:

Chic Floor-Grazing Maxi Dress

Wishing everyone a Happy Saturday!  I have been getting little sleep for the past few days because my sweetheart is teething. I am trying to comfort her as much as I can.

So what is a mama to do when she is too tired but still wants to look cute?!

A maxi dress.

I am loving this Calvin Klein beauty. It has a fitted silouhette and has ruffle detailing on the top part of the dress. The color is simply Divine, it said "Turquoise" on the tag. It's made of a thick jersey material.  For some reason the color looks different in photos. It definitely brighter. I got this dress at Ross for $20 bucks, they were selling it for $50 before and I had to snatch it for this amazing deal. In department stores it's over $100. I'm sure they still carry it as many of these discount chains like TJ Maxx, Ross, Marshalls, etc carry overstock.   If you are plus size, I found an almost identical dress at Nordstrom.

I wore my Betsey Johnson feather earrings and Flower ring. I love these pieces. I received the earrings as a gift from my hubs for Xmas 2010. And the ring I bought at TJ Maxx for $10 bucks! I wore my animal print wedges that I scored on Amazon.  I don't remember the price, but I know it was on clearance.  I love getting a good deal on items and rarely ever pay full price for anything. I have splurged a few times on high quality items. Usually it's something I wear a lot of like Tory Burch Reva flats (black ones).

(Sorry for the flash)

Till next time.

Always Lovely,

Luba

Pretty in Pink

Today was simply lovely! Masha is becoming more independent so I am making more finger foods for breakfast. Scrambled eggs, waffles cut into pieces, and yogurt with jam. I love watching her eat. Can't believe how much she has changed in this short time.

She wants me to read her books non stop. And has a question on what everything is. Her favorite thing right now is the moon or as we call it in Russian "Luna". She knows exactly were it is and if we are reading a story and there happens to be a picture of a moon, she points to it. Ah how smart these babies are, if we only knew ;). And she knows where all her body parts are. Hands, feet, hair, nose, etc. it's so much fun to play around me her. I don't even really remember teaching her all these things, I guess they just pick it up as they go along?!

Since I was in a cheerful mood, I pulled out my J Crew Neon Pink toothpick jeans. They are seriously perfect! And a pastel pink tank by Lucky Brand. It's so soft to the touch! I felt like wearing my hair up in a bun. And who can forget my animal print stacked heels! I absolutely love these. And yes, they are Sam Edelman. I told you I was obsessed, no kidding :) 

I wore different types of mixed jewelry as seen in the photos.

Vintage Turquoise Stone Ring given to be by my mother before I moved to WA.

Trina Turk Amethyst Statement Ring - Can you say Bling Bling hehe :)

Roses from Mother's Day - love the color :)

We had borshe for lunch and I dropped off my angel at my parents house, and met up with Emily for some sister/sister time which we don't have enough of. Oh I love these kind of days! And I finished off the afternoon with an amazing dinner. Oven roasted chicken, stuffed mushrooms, brown rice, and tomatoes. All that shopping really got me hungry ;)

Russian Borshe

Yummy Dinner

Till next time.

Always Lovely,

Luba

P.S.

I'm selling a New With Tags J Crew No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Blackwatch Plaid in Size 00.  If you are interested, send me a message  It retailed for $138.00, message me an offer or if you have questions about measurements/or need more phoos. See photo below :)

Jumpsuit Love and Organic Minestrone Soup

I enjoy wearing jumpsuits and rompers.  This particular jumpsuit has such a 70's vibe.  I love that era! It features flattering cut outs at the waist.  And an exposed zipper on the back.  The color is a cream ivory.  The bottom part is like a champagne color. Its a great neutral.   Super easy, similar to the maxi dress (I'm a huge fan too).   Put it on and go! I took a photo this morning of my outfit of the day. I also took a few of the jumper, purse and shoes individually.

If you want to see outfit posts, follow me on instagram: lubalovely

The coral Sam Edelman Flats are simply perfect.  They are a pointed toe and feature a sling back.  Love that they have a padded footbed. I first noticed these beauties at Dillards, but didn't feel like spending $120.00.  I bought these on eBay for $34 from a seller who was down sizing.  Brand New and in perfect condition.  The key to eBay is to be patient, and never be in a hurry to buy something, and ask tons of questions.  You want to make sure you are buying a great product.  I only buy from sellers that have high ratings. I actually have these in Nude that I bought on ebay for $27.  I am the type of person, if something fits great, buy it in a different color!  And I am a huge fan of Sam Edelman shoes!  My love affair began with a pair of animal print pumps, but that is a different story :)
Do any of you shop on eBay? 

These were gifts from my mom for my birthday. She took me shopping on Saturday and we had fun styling different outfits and I got to choose one as a gift! Thanks Mama!! Love you!

Exposed Zipper & Cut Outs

                                                         

                                                       

Jessica Simpson Purse

Love all the details :)

So many compartments!

Love the print :)

 Jumpsuit - Rachel Roy

Purse - Jessica Simpson

Coral Flats - Sam Edelman Ionia

Oh how I love to shop! Anyone that knows me, will confirm I love to just look through the entire store, sometimes not buying anything! I love looking at colors, textures, prints. I love to feel the fabrics. I'm drawn to how something is made. I can spot imperfections from a mile away.  How I miss my best friend/cousin/shopping buddy, Tanya! We will reunite soon :))

In other news...

I tried a new recipe today that I fell in love with.

Organic Milestrone Soup. Hearty and flavorful. Maria devoured it as well. I blend her soup to make it easier for her to take it down. I love my favorites, but I need to start trying new recipes to switch it up. I use organic ingredients whenever possible


1 large onion
4 cups water
2 cups zucchini
1 cup of carrots
1 cup of celery
1 can of cannellini beans or white beans
1 teaspoon dried basil or 2 tablespoons fresh basil
1/2 -1 teaspoon oregano
2-3 garlic cloves
20-28 oz can of plum tomatoes or tomato sauce
Salt and pepper (or cayenne pepper to taste)
1/4-1/2 cup elbow macaroni or rice or any other grain of your choice (optional)
1 pound of meat (I used antibiotic and hormone free chicken)


1. Heat organic cold pressed coconut oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté for 4 minutes or until just lightly browned.
3. Add water, zucchini, carrots, canellini beans, celery, basil, oregano salt, pepper, tomatoes and garlic.
4. Cook meat separately and add when cooked thoroughly.
5. Bring to boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add macaroni or rice once cooked, cover and cook an additional 10 minutes.
7. Adjust spices to suit your taste and serve hot.

And that will be one delicious tasting Organic Minestrone Soup.
(Recipe taken from drscottgraves.com, great source for organic recipes)

Enjoy!

Till next time.

Always Lovely,

Luba

Happy Mothers Day!

First off I want to wish all the beautiful moms a Happy Mothers Day! Hope everyone was spoiled and had an amazing time with family!  I can't believe this is my 2nd year celebrating as a mom.  I am so blessed to be the mom to my beautiful Maria.  I love her more and more everyday.  She is the sunshine in my life. 

I had a great time at my Mother in Laws.  We had an early dinner, and spent the day relaxing, laughing, and going through Emily's ENORMOUS shoe collection.  She has like a zillion shoes, so entertaining! The guys watched basketbal (of course, hehe).

I wore a Trina Turk dress I bought a while back but this was my first time wearing it. I absolutely love the print. It's like a a watercolor painting. The top part is made of a dark grey jersey. I love the sweetheart cut. And the length is just perfect. Trina Turks's dresses are lined and have such a cute lace slip. I wore my beloved Sam Edelman Blush pumps. These are comfortable considering the height and it's because they are on a platform as well as have an ankle strap.  Perhaps it's because it gives additional support.  Do any of you have this experience?

I recommend these shoes! Here is a link to them at Nordstrom.  I also have them in Red. I bought them on Amazon for a great deal, so always check Amazon before buying anywhere else just in case :)

Has anyone tried the new perfume by Burberry? It's called Body. I'm in heaven! I received it as a gift and let's just say it's one of my new favorites! Its sensual and I adore the scent.

Here is the description from Sephora's website on the fragrance:

Wrapped around a woman, the iconic Burberry trench coat evokes sensuality, femininity, and luxury. In this fragrance, an eclectic composition of fruity-chypre notes envelopes the body, creating a suggestion of effortless seduction. The fragrance opens with a fresh, green touch of absinthe and bright hints of peach and freesia. Elegance emerges in the heart, where cool notes of natural rose absolute and iris are set against the subtlety and warmth of sandalwood. In the base, woody cashmeran and creamy vanilla join the sensuality of amber and musk.

Notes:
Freesia, Green Absinthe, Peach, Rose, Iris, Sandalwood, Cashmeran, Musk, Amber, Vanilla.
Style:
Fruity. Luxurious. Chypre.

If you have a chance check it out at either your local department store or Sephora/Ulta. This one was bought at Saks Fifth Avenue.  I believe it is a limited edition and it came with a black beach bag. I believe their having a special right now.

Thank you everyone for your suggestions on posts. I will start working on them.

P.S. Here are a few pics from today :)

Till next time.

Always Lovely,

Luba

One year older

Yesterday was my 26th birthday. It's weird even typing that number. I don't feel 26. But then again how is 26 suppose to feel?!

My hubs surprised me with a iPhone 4s the night before. I am so excited to start using it. I can tell the picture quality is way better. And he bought me a pair of Tony Burch Revas in Pink. I love the tumbled leather and these are definitely more comfortable than the black ones I bought myself awhile back.

I hanged out with friends on the island and later on when hubs got home and put my lovely to bed, we had candle night dinner at home. I'm so thankful for my family . Thats the best gift of all to me.

Here is what I wore yesterday. It's a very lightweight dress by DVF. Love the print. It reminds me of an exotic swan. The color looks vibrant in person. I kept it simply since it was in the high 80's yesterday.  I wore my hair in a side low bun. Belted the dress with a J Crew skinny nude belt and wore my Sam Edelman Blush pumps. 

Till next time,

Always Lovely,

Luba

Guard your heart

Today as I was putting my baby down for a nap, I was thinking of my teen years. Many times, when my little one is dozing off I reminisce of my younger years. Or if I'm on a walk, I remember sweet memories of my childhood.

Oh how I wish I guarded my heart when I was a teenager. I was in so many pointless relationships. So many nights I spent crying. I look back and I just see time wasted. Many people say this makes us who we are, and I do understand these words, but I wish I had someone to encourage me that there are better things to come.

Girls, choose your friends wisely. Don't be lured by boys. I know it's fun and exciting but I have had to pay for all my mistakes. And nothing comes free. My heart has been broken so many times. Guard your hearts, dear girls. You are special and one day when the time is right, your prince will unlock it.

If you have younger sisters or friends, share these words with them. Don't judge, be understanding, remember when you were young. Always speak from your heart with love. It's easy to forget.


Till next time,

Always Lovely,

Luba

Keep Calm and Pray On

In the last few weeks, I had some situations that really had me stressed. In the past year in a half we have moved over 7 times! It's hard enough moving once, let's just say we are professional movers now. We finally found a place in the last couple weeks that we can call our home! And of course, with joy, there is always going to be someone trying to steal it right under you.

I have learned to keep calm and pray through these times. I thank God for being in my life and for being close to me. Without him I would be lost. He is my rock.

Every morning, before my hubs heads out the door, we say a prayer as a family. We never know what life can bring, however the solid in our life is our God. My hubs is a great example to me too. He does not worry. Oh how I pray to have that quality!

We have been through so much together. There was a time when we almost called it quits, but what kept us going was switching our priorities and looking to God. And focusing on each other.

So if you are going through a rough day or just need some love, look to God. He loves you so much and will never leave your side. Everything in life will pass one day. I love my family and my passions, however He will always come first.

Till next time.

Always Lovely,

Luba

Neon Pink

I love color there is no mistaking that! I recently was browsing online at jcrew.com and I fell in love with their toothpick skinny colored denim! How gorgeous are the colors! But the price was more than I was willing to spend. So what is a girl to do? I was in love!

And well, there is eBay! I headed over and bought two pairs from a seller who either bought the wrong size or maybe received them as a gift and were not her style. Or maybe it was destiny, hehe!

I bought the neon pink and neon rose. And both are simply gorgeous colors and fit like a glove. I actually bought one pair in size 25 and the other in 26 because I am unfamiliar with J Crew sizing. And both fit well. I must say I like the 25 a bit better. I believe there sizing runs on the larger side.

Neon Rose Toothpick Jeans - J Crew

Pink Gingham Perfect Shirt - J Crew

Animal Print Stacked Pumps - Sam Edelman

Turquoise Necklace - J Crew

Neon Pink Toothpick Jeans - J Crew

Plaid Colored Shirt - Target

Blush Pumps - Sam Edelman

White Necklace - Vintage

Quilted French Gray Bag - Kate Spade

I am also thinking of getting yellow. What do you think? If I find an amazing deal, I might! My birthday is coming up this weekend, I might splurge on a few things. We shall see ;)

So ladies, if you haven't already, you should try a pair of colored denim! And send me a photo!


Till next time.

Always Lovely,

Luba