When the sun shines through the clouds...

That title is very optimistic but I specifically chose it because it is opposite of what I am feeling.  I know I have mentioned my husband is an unemployed architect....well, he hasn't been grated extended unemployment so that means we have to pay for our mortgage each month out of our savings.  Luckily, we have been really good savers over the last few years but, nothing is more frustrating and ego-hurting than having to see your money be eaten away.

But, I have been optimistic mainly because I have to be.  I think that is why I have been wearing bright colors lately.  They make me happy! 

Blouse: Thrifted

Necklace: Made by my grandmother in the 70s

Skirt: Banana Republic from about 7 years ago

Bracelet: Street vendor in Costa Rica

Shoes: Seychelles

Busy Bees and Bad Blogging

I have to admit that I have been a pretty bad blogger lately!  I used to update almost everyday and now you are lucky to get two posts out of me in a week!  However, in my defense, I have been extremely busy!  Between weddings, housework, working out, learning to use a sewing machine and various summer parties, my schedule has been stacked full.  By the time I get home, I am just too exhausted to post anything. 

I did want to share my Saturday outfit with you though.  I am mostly excited about the blouse I am wearing because I scored it for a whole $1 at the local thrift store.  I went to go drop off some packages at the post office (which is conveniently next door) and I thought, "I have 10 mins to stop in!"  Best 10 minutes ever spent!  I managed to get this blouse, another similar one but with sleeves, a sparrow hat pin and a gorgeous yellow Pendleton summer sweater! 

Blouse: Thrifted Donna Karen

Necklace: Vintage beads my grandmother brought back from Morrocco

Skirt: Thrifted Gap

Purse: Thrifted Hunt Club

Belt: Target

Shoes: Target (sorry they got cut off!)

I also managed to bake something on Sunday afternoon.  It isn't a hard recipe (and it can't be because I seriously lack baking skills).  Its a recipe that has been in my family for a long time and it is basically just called Meme's Apricot Cake.  Meme would be my French grandmother.  And I have modified it a bit by using cinnamon in the batter (which my grandmother would have had a heart attack over as she claimed the French do not use cinnamon...) and I used peaches in this one instead of apricots.  (I apologize I dont have a picture of it cooked!)

 Meme's Apricot Cake

Ingrediants:

1 can of apricots or peaches in syrup

1/2 cup of sugar

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp cinnamon

1 cup of sifted flour

1 cup of milk

1/2 stick of softened salted butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a spring form pan or regular round baking pan (12 in is OK), spread butter within the entire inside (it doesn't have to be neat or spread evenly...just as long is there is a bit everywhere).  In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon; wisk milk into mixture creating a batter.  When batter is smooth, pour in the buttered pan and spread to make even - DO NOT mix it with the butter...simply make it evenly distributed on the bottom.  Drain can of apricots (or peaches) and lay them into the batter.  (NOTE: if you are using apricots, make sure the round side of the halves are facing up).  Place pan on top rack of the oven and cook for no more the 45 minutes.  

And Voila!

Burning Eyes

I had an outfit post planned but, I had an unfortunate incident with a face lotion that apparently contained an ingredient I am allergic to because it made the skin all around my eyes burn.  I am talking like having sunburn on the skin all around your eyes.  It is painful and has me in hot flashes!  Hot crazy is that.  Needless to say, I didn't get around to taking pictures of anything...

But I did want to post so I just wanted to share something I have recently fallen in love with...

Why why why does Modcloth have to post this top when I am on a buying strike??  I just can't deal with it!  We all know my obsession with owls.... 

I am now sad.

To descend down again...

Ok, so I am a little bummed.  I apologize ahead of time for my pessimism.  Its just... my husband was working a contract job with my company.  We ate lunch together everyday, drove in together everyday and had fun talking the same corporate language for 4 months.  And now his contract it up........and he is once again unemployed.  Now, I am not ungrateful.  Far from, to be honest.  I am extremely humbled by the generosity and opportunity people from my company have given our little family.  We were able to save a lot of money that would not have had.  We got to share a lot of time together at the beginning of our marriage.  And he created some great friends and links within his career network.  For that, I am ecstatic about.  I just wish he didn't end.  I pray now he can find another job in our horrid economy....

Ok, ok.  Enough of my woes.  Onto fashion.  On a GOOD note, this amps up my thrifting need.  Maybe also some care package swap opportunities if anyone is interested!  I am always up for a good swap.  I plan on hitting the thrift stores tomorrow afternoon.  My husband will be spending the day studying for yet another (there are 7 of them) architecture exams.  I usually leave the house and go to my mom's or shop when he studies so I do not bother him.  He only has a few left and finishing them to become licensed can open up some opportunities in the job market. 

This outfit is something I threw on last minute yesterday.  I actually hopped on my blog and clicked around in the morning because I just could not figure out what to wear.  Luckily, I got some inspiration from Amanda at Off Of Broadway.  I love her style and ability to use thrifted and vintage pieces to create her style.

Cardigan: UO

Blouse: Thrifted Mint2

Skirt: Thrifted

Belt: Care package gift from Meaghan at left hand endeavor 

Necklace: reworked 1970s pendant watch from my brother

Heels: Faryl Robin

Pastels and a Giveaway

I received this dress from Meaghan at left hand endeavor about a month ago but, I felt it was just too chilly out to wear it yet.  But somehow despite the chilly cloudy weather yesterday I just felt it was time to wear it for the first time to work.  I thought for sure that I would get some weird looks for wearing a very bright floral pastel 80's day dress but, instead I received quite a lot of compliments one of which was from my boss.  I dressed it up for the work day with some tall brown heels I own but, I am actually really excited to wear it with my brand new Toms for a more casual look.

Dress: Vintage from Meaghan at left hand endeavor

Heels: Jessica Simpson

Belt: Target

I am really excited to have another Giveaway.  I honestly find it fun to pick a winner and pack up the item all pretty to send out.  Plus, I know I love to receive packages especially if they are because I won something or organized a care package swap.  So, while searching for a good giveaway, I ran across this skirt in my closet.  I picked it up at a thrift store in Chicago when I lived there and was poor.  Its actually a Merona skirt from Target but I was lucky enough to score it when Target donated it.  I actually used to work for Target and if you didn't know, Target doesn't throw out or merchandise return its clothing.  If it never sells as clearance, it is donated to local thirft stores and clothing drives to help the community.  

 

The skirt is a size 4 US.  Its pretty true to that size.  I never wore it and when I bought it, it still had tags.  It has pretty tan/brown buttons and I feel it is actually pretty well made for being from a Big Box store.  

To enter the contest, just comment by Friday!  But, don't forget to leave me an email or blog URL so I can contact back. 

I need help

I know that this title has nothing to do with fashion or even blogging but, I really need to go on a diet and I need help.  I have always been fairly small...until about 2 years ago where somehow I managed to gain about 15 pounds.  I still do not consider myself fat but, chubby maybe?  Have any of you gone a diet and it was successful?  I want to do this the right way but I don't know where to start!

Help!

Turquoise and Lilac

I love spring dresses.  Well, I love dresses in general.  I actually think I have a problem. 

Hello my name is Lara and I buy a lot of dresses (Ok, now all reply "Hello Lara!")

I particularly buy dresses that are vintage.  I think this is mainly because they are not super short.  We all know how I feel about too-short skirts and dresses.  Just not my thing.  Plus, vintage dresses are pretty unique.  The chances of running into someone wearing the same dress is pretty slim to none.

But, I do like to buy dresses that are new as well.  This is a Zac Posen for Target dress.  I really loved the color and the neckline.  Plus it has these huge pockets on the skirt which I find very usable.  I am one of those crazy people who will garden in a dress with slicker boots on...so these pockets will come in handy.

Tacos at Big Star

There is a place in Chicago that gets so busy in the middle of the day that you have to wait over 2 hours for a table.  No, it isn't some snooty 5 star restaurant or the newest locale to try the next new fusion flavors.  No no.  It is Big Star.  A taco joint that sells $8 pitchers of Schlitz beer and $4 tacos in Wicker Park.  But in all honesty, it is the best taco I have ever had...at any price.  Located in the renovated Pontiac Grill (which was renovated from a car garage and was uber dive...), Big Star seats most of patrons outside in bright yellow, metal chairs.  Yes, there is a long wait and you can't really have parties of more than 4 (unless you are OK with pushing tables together) and yes, its cash only but, it is completely worth it.

We knew it would be hard to get a table on a Sunday afternoon so we went in an off time (3pm to be exact) and we still had to wait at the bar for 20 mins.  It was totally worth it.  It was a beautiful day and I knew I would be sitting outside for I wore the new sun-dress I bought at Target on sale.  It was a perfect lazy Sunday...

Dress: Target

Shoes: Target

Necklace: Frank Gehry Tiffany

Gnome: gift...his name is Bob.