Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks

It's no secret that I adore Nordstrom.  And I always look forward to the anniversary sale to splurge on a few beautiful pieces.  I love their Savvy department for affordable trendy styles.  I included a few high and low pieces.  Is there any items you have purchased from the sale that you love?

Here is my list:



I have been a huge fan of Sam Edelman boots/shoes for as long as I can remember.  Probably half of my shoes are by them.  These booties are gorgeous for Fall/Winter especially in this deep burgundy shade.  Would look amazing with a leather skater skirt or pants!





Love coated jeans for Fall/Winter.  They look similar to leather but half the price! 





How fabulous is this dress!  Who says maternity wear has to be boring?!




I fell in love with this dress! And since it is a drop waist style, it can easily be worn with a growing baby bump.  Love the unique lime color, very unexpected and eye catching.



Love this outfit! Comfy and stylish.  Perfect for an on the go mama.  Vince makes high quality clothing that will be in your closet forever!




Stunning skirt you can wear anywhere.  Love the coral color!




Ah I Love this Kate Spade cocktail ring and for the price,
I wouldn't mind grabbing the Blush/Rose Gold Color too. 






Ok, I think this watch speaks for itself! This watch is classic and exquisite.



I am in love!  So cute for my baby.  I'm waiting for this matching Juicy Couture Striped dress to go on sale for Masha.  How cute will they look together!



Every girl needs classic black flats!  These will be perfect for Masha for Fall/Winter.




Masha is officially out of her diapers! Mama is super proud. These are way too cute, love the simple design.


Thanks for stopping by!








Monday, July 29, 2013

20-21 Weeks Pregnancy Update & Few Lovely Things

 
Hitting the halfway mark is exciting! I feel like I grew significantly in the last couple weeks. This Wednesday I have my monthly checkup, will be interesting to see how much I have gained in weight and inches. I have noticed my bump is much rounder than before and it is definitely quite high up.  One thing that is a huge change is my cup size.  They feel heavy and my back has been killing me.  I have been religiously stretching whenever I get aches or pains and it improves right away.  Thank goodness my hubs knows all the moves, he refreshed my memory. (He was a weightlifter and football player in HS).
 
My cravings have been pretty consistent. Loving my salsa and chips & perogies lately. As well as raspberries and watermelon!  I do crave sweets but I try not too go crazy because I notice myself getting extremely tired after couple hours if I indulge.  I had border line gestational diabetes when I was pregnant with Masha.  Just 10 points off but my midwife wanted me to follow a strict diet and check my blood sugar level just in case.  I'm not looking forward to that test this time around.  I absolutely hate that sugary drink, I'm not a soda drinker and I really hope I can get it down :/  If you have any tips on how to pass, please share!
 
Here are a few photos:
 
 
 
 
20 weeks preggo, heading out to celebrate mom's birthday :)
 
Dress sold out, (Similar style here & love this one)
Zara Shoes (Similar here, and here)
 
 
Loving the iOttie Phone case for my Samsung Galaxy S4.  They are part of the Macaron collection and the sky blue is definitely my fav, and I love this mint one too! 
 
 
My lil munchkin always looking for worms.
 
 
 
 
 
My flower
 
Dress Sold Out (Similar here & here), Saltwater Sandals, Hair Bow
 
 
21 Weeks preggo
 
Zara Heels, Sold Out (Similar here and here)
 
 
 
Ultrasound of my little princess
 
 
Breakfast with the fam bam at First Watch.  Love this place! Check it out in Sarasota if you are in the area.  They use fresh natural ingredients daily for breakfast, brunch, and lunch.
 
 
My sweetie eating her organic strawberry yogurt.  SO Delicious!!
 
 
 
My sunshine and I
 
Free People Lace Dress, Sold Out (Love this one & Similar here & here)
Steve Madden Wedges, Sold Out (Similar Here & Here)
 
Masha:
Zara Dress, Sold Out (Similar Here and Love this one!)
Gladiator Sandals, Sold Out (Similar Here, Here, and Here)
 
 
 
 
My hair has been growing like a weed! I have naturally very thick hair and now it's even thicker.  Definitely loving it, hoping to add some color later on.  Maybe ombre or balayage?! 
 
 
I can still fit in the majority of my clothing and taking advantage while I still can ;)
 
Printed Top Sold Out, (Similar Herelove this one!)
Zara Skort (Similar here)
Kate Spade Purse, sold out (Mini version, Similar here & here)
 
 
I nearly melt every time I see this photo.  Masha was only a few weeks old.  Love Daddy & baby photos!!
 
 
Here is a better shot of my baby bump.  I think clothing make it look larger than it is because of my chest.  Love Victoria Secret Swim Suits since they go up to DD cups. 
 
 
 
 
Thanks for reading!  Have a lovely week!
 
P.S. Stay Tuned for my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks Tomorrow!
 
 
 
 
 
 

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

We are having a GIRL!!! And 19 Weeks Pregnancy Update

I can't believe I am almost half way through my pregnancy!  Last week we found out we are having another girl! We actually talked about it a few days before the ultrasound, and we both had a feeling it would be a girl.  I am beyond excited and thrilled because Masha will grow up with a sister.  A sisters bond is amazing and I am so thankful and happy she will be able to experience that!  

I have been feeling pretty good.  Still have those days were I feel nauseous, but it is definitely nothing compared to my first trimester.  I am living in mostly maxi dresses and comfy jeans or shorts.  At home I love leggings! Garage leggings are some great ones!!  Super comfy and stretchy.  Perfect for my preggo belly.

Here are a few photos: 




Mint Tshirt via TJ Maxx, Similar Here
Zara Destroyed Denim, Similar Here & Here
J Crew Heels, Sold Out, Similar Here, Love these! & These!
Anthropologie Necklace, Sold Out.  Similar Here & Here
Vintage Bangles



At the ultrasound appointment! 
Anthropologie Necklace Sold Out, Similar Here & Here



19 weeks baby bump.  Oh how I love this baby girl! I'm really enjoying the pregnancy hair too! 

Calvin Klein Maxi Dress, Sold Out.  Similar Here & Here



My cutie on our daily walk.  She is so energetic!  She keeps me on my toes, hehe :)

Mint Green Bow, Sold Out, Love this one!




My angel at the fountains.  She is obsessed with sticks, always wants to take them home with us.  



One of my favorite breakfasts: Smoked Salmon on Bagels
Turquoise Coaster, Gift.  Similar Here & Here





One more of Masha.  She is growing up so fast.  Finally let me tie her hair in a pony tail.  My hubs loves her hair like this!  


Thank you for stopping by! Have a wonderful rest of your week!



Till Next Time.



Stay Lovely, 


Luba

Friday, July 12, 2013

Vitacost Order - Natural and Organic Products - Prenatal Vitamins & Supplements and Mrs. Meyers Products and more...

I recently restocked on some of my favorite products as well as picked up a few newbies at Vitacost.

Here is a list of products:

Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day® Laundry Detergent Lemon Verbena -- 64 fl oz - It's no secret I love using natural products, but I don't like paying retail. And love the fact I can order all these and get them within a few days without going anywhere! Shipping is free over $49, however they always have coupon codes and specials so sign up for their newsletter.   This laundry detergent as been a life saver.  Not only do I love the smell (The herb lemon verbena has a wonderful light, mild citrus scent that’s refreshing, invigorating and uplifting), but it does it's job. Makes our clothing fresh and cleans those tough stains.  Highly recommend!  Here is a description taken from their product: "Concentrated, safe and gentle on clothes - yet it really packs a punch when it comes to removing dirt and grime. Contains Anionic Surfactants from plant-derived sources, Cotton Extract, Borax, dirt and stain-fighting enzymes, and, of course, those important natural essential oils for a garden-fresh fragrance. Earth-friendly & HE compatible."

Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Countertop Sprays -  Lemon Verbena and Basil- I am always on the lookout for natural cleaners.  Since I have a toddler, she is touching everything, and I want to use gentle cleaners with naturally deprived ingredients. And the fact that I'm pregnant, and clean everyday, I don't want to inhale unnecessary chemicals.   The mild citrus scent is quite refreshing and really a pick me up. The basil is a new scent I am trying out and my husbands favorite.  They took the basic formula of their All-Purpose Cleaner and added a special Vegetable Protein Extract, a naturally fresh way to remove odors from kitchen and bath. When the bottle is empty, simply add two tablespoons of our All-Purpose Cleaner and water, then you’re good to go. Easy and thrifty.  Works great on floors, countertops, walls, porcelain, bathroom fixtures, and granite.  I repurchase this on a regular basis!

Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day® Dryer Sheets Lavender -- 80 Sheets - This is a new product I picked up.  I am a huge fan of lavender for it's refreshing and soothing scent.  Their dryer sheets contain a vegetable-derived softening agent and natural essential oils on a new biodegradable paper sheet.  Will definitely repurchase, might try some of their other scents too.  I have tried the laundry bags from Trader's Joes, and I equally love those as well.

Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day® Room Freshener Lavender -- 8 fl oz - Most fresheners give me a headache.  I decided it pick this up to freshen up our guest bathroom.  I am loving the pleasant scent which is not overwhelming rather pleasant.  I am currently potty training my toddler and this is great for those "accidents"!  And also perfect for a fresh scent right when you enter the house (and my hubby's smelly work shoes, lol!)

Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day® Liquid Hand Soap Rhubarb -- 12.5 fl oz - Oh how I love this soap.  The scent is heavenly! I use this one in my kitchen, and every time I wash my hands, the kitchen is filled with that sweet rhubarb scent. Ingredients are 98% plant deprived and biodegradable.  Try this one out, you will love it! 

Method Smarty Dish® Plus Dishwasher Detergent Packs Lemon Mint - 24 Pack - Method is also one of my favorite brands for household cleaners.  I love these because my daughter helps me wash the dishes and she can easily put one into the dishwasher without much effort.  Their is the perfect amount in each one.  Naturally deprived and non toxic.  Dishes will be spotless without the extras they put in other dishwasher detergents,  all without phosphate or chlorine bleach.  Love the lemon mint scent as well!






I had a few people ask me what kind of Prenatal vitamins and supplements I take.  I love purchasing these at Vitacost because the price is amazing! 

Here are three that I take on a daily basis.

New Chapters Organics Perfect Prenatals:  I have been using these for the past 3 + years and I love them.  Ok they don't taste like candy, let's be honest, most vitamins don't.  And I will be completely honest,  in my first trimester it was hard to take them down.  Now that I am in my second, I have no problem, however I do like taking all three at once after breakfast, just to get it over with.  Love how this is organic and uses real food sources to give you and your baby the vitamins rather than synthetic sources.  It is easily absorbed and I feel like the best on the market.   My hair was super healthy even before pregnancy, and I actually took these even when I was nursing and beyond.  I highly recommend these and will continue using these as long as they are on the market. 

Futurebiotics Folic Acid -- 120 Vegetarian Tablets - I take one a day with a meal. These are super tiny, deprived from lemon peel, and are certified organic.  Very easy to take down! My midwife recommended I take folic acid because it plays an important role in prenatal development and supports cardiovascular health.  Women who consume healthful diets with adequate folic acid may reduce their risk of having a child with birth defects of the brain or spinal cord. The price is great too!

Garden of Life Vitamin Code® RAW Calcium™ -- 150 Capsules - I noticed that the prenatal vitamins I take don't have enough calcium, so I decided to buy these recently.  My teeth have been aching and I know it is because the baby is taking the extra calcium from me. 

These are exceptionally absorbable calcium.  I don't take the recommended 5 a day since my prenatal vitamins do have calcium as well.   I love that it is free Of Gluten, dairy, filler ingredients, artificial colors and preservatives.

Here is some more info about this product:



There are many advantages to choosing this plant-form calcium over a rock-source calcium. The plant-form calcium used in Vitamin Code RAW Calcium also provides 73 naturally occurring minerals and trace elements such as magnesium, silica, boron, vanadium and strontium that have all been linked to healthy bones.
Vitamin Code RAW Calcium contains a host of other raw vitamins and minerals as well as live probiotics and enzymes. RAW Vitamin D, an important bone-building vitamin, is included in the amount of 1,600 IU per serving. Vitamin D is vital to bone health and acts as a hormone to increase the absorption of calcium by up to 80%.
Also known as an important factor in bone health, vitamin K2 comes in two forms: MK-4 and MK-7. Vitamin Code RAW Calcium uses the MK-7 form which lasts longer in the body than MK-4.
                 


AND here is what my toddler takes:

Yummi Bears Organics Multi-Vitamins:  I  ordered this back in January and recently repurchased.  Masha loves these.  She asks for her "vitamins"!  These are SO yummy!  They are little gummy bears and come in different natural flavors.  Allergen, Gluten, Gelatin, Casein & GMO Free.  It contains 16 essential vitamin and minerals for healthy growth and development.  Helps promote brain, immunity, and bone health.  Most importantly, she actually enjoys taking them! Now I am a happy mama!  Definitely will continue purchasing these!


 If you haven't shopped on Vitacost.com before, try it out! If you use the link below, you will receive $10 when you make your first purchase

 And if you have any products that you love, please share in the comments below!



Till Next Time.


Stay Lovely,


Luba




Monday, July 8, 2013

18 weeks Pregnancy Update

 
Is it just me, or does the 2nd pregnancy seem to go by faster?  I am finally feeling great and have energy to do the daily stuff I was (to say the least) slacking on.  I had my prenatal appointment last Wednesday, and I'm definitely finally starting to gain weight.  I started off at 115 before I was pregnant, and I'm at 122 at 18 weeks.  My twins are probably half of that weight because my back has been killing me lately.  I had a nice break and enjoyed the smaller size, now they have exploded again.   I'm trying to find an excuse to go get a massage.  One thing that has been helping me though is stretching! Seriously a life saver.  I haven't been working out, but I do go swimming at the pool and take walks with Masha.  Trying to stay active as much as possible. 
 
 I finally felt a kick a couple days ago! I can't wait to feel them more often.  The flutters started early and every time I listen to the heartbeat, the baby is always kicking up a storm. Masha was the same way.  A very active one! That was one of my favorite things with my first pregnancy.  Other than the nausea and fatigue in my first trimester, everything is going smoothly.  My cravings are mostly Mexican and Italian foods (pasta, salsa, burritos, etc.)  I'm try to make healthy alternatives to these.  One thing I crave like crazy is lemon water!  It's insane how much I want it.  With my first pregnancy, I craved ice like no other.  It was not the best craving, thank goodness I still have all my teeth, lol!  I also love having an occasional coffee or earl grey tea.  I will share what type of supplements/vitamins I am taking soon. 
 
Next week we find what we are having! I am super excited! I really have no clue because I am not the best at guessing.  With my first I thought I was having a boy (my hubs knew it was a girl from the start).  We don't have a preference, just praying for a healthy baby.  I did ask my midwife what she thought I was having, and she asked me how is this pregnancy similar to last, and it has been almost identical in symptoms.  She said most of the time, it means you might have the same gender, but who knows really.   What have your experiences been?  I'm curious.  What do you guys think I'm having??
 
Here are a few recent photos:
 
 

 
 
18 weeks preggo
 
Theory Blouse, sold out, (Similar here, and here)
Zara Skort (Similar here)
Zara Shoes (Similar here, and here)
 
Instead of getting another mint tote, I decided on this luggage color.  I absolutely love it! Highly recommend, has tons of compartments, and perfect for a mom on the go.
 
 
17 Weeks preggo
 
Julian Taylor Floral Dress, sold out (Similar here, Love this one)
 
 
 
 
 
 
My lil fish at the fountains
 
Bathing suit, sold out (Similar tutu style here)
Saltwater sandals  (highly recommend these shoes for littles, perfect for water activities) 
 
 
 
 
She looks like such a diva here, lol!
 
White tank (similar here), Gap Shorts, Saltwater sandals, Crewcuts butterfly necklace (similar here and here), hair bow, Sunglasses (Similar here and here)
 
  
 
Flower for mama!
 
 
Always on the run.  This girl has sooo much energy!! 
 
 
From yesterday, at the pool, playing with daddy.  She is saying "where is daddy" in Russian. 
 
 
I can't believe it has been 7 years since we became husband and wife.  The days have flown by, but the memories we have shared will always be close to my heart forever.   Love you Alex!
 
 
Thanks for reading! Have a great week!
 
 
Till Next Time.
 
 
Stay Lovely,
 
 
Luba