flower love.

Do you have a favorite flower?  Well the peony is up at the top of my list (along with ranunculus and dahlias).  I mean, they certainly bring a lot of happiness to any home.  Ummmm and if you haven't heard, they are now at Trader Joe's and the price can't be beat ($6.99 for a bunch).  Get over there immediately and brighten up your Monday.

{my instagram}

not just another friday.

A happy friday to all of you!  I guess I just wanted to take some time to share a bit.  Our vacation to Palm Springs was much needed.  We found out a few weeks ago that our first attempt at IVF did not work (after all of this).  It was heartbreaking to say the least.  That's actually the exact wording I used when a friend asked me how I was doing after our long struggle with infertility, my eventual pregnancy...then miscarriage...and our first failed IVF...I said to her "I just feel heartbroken".  So we decided that we needed some time away.  It was so amazing and so needed.  To heal our bodies and our hearts.  And now we start over.  A little hard to explain, but basically, not only did our first attempt at IVF not work, but we also have NO frozen embryos to work with.  ugh!  A very complicated and long story...the bottomline is we must start with more shots, another egg retrieval, etc.  It's been a long process, but I'm ok and ready to dive in head first again.  We will get there.  I just know it.  

And as my husband always says, "everything is going to be ok".  I wanted to post this to not only give an update but also to say a big huge thanks to all our family, friends, and readers.  It's been a long 3 years filled with a lot of heartbreak, but also a journey filled with a lot of smiles.  You have all been there for us throughout all of this and one cannot express in words how much that means.  I just wanted to say thanks for hanging in there with me. Thank you for the kind words. Thank you for letting me be honest!  Just a big huge thank you!  I wasn't sure if I'd ever share this part of our lives on this blog, but once I did, it really helped me feel a whole lot better!  So thank you for letting me be me.   For letting me be vulnerable and for being so supportive.  It means the world to G and me.

modern budget. 9.

As you can clearly see, my black & white obsession continues in today's modern budget style post.  But hey, I did manage to throw in a bit of color with that kimono.  Every piece of clothing I'm wearing here is super old.  I'm a true believer in wearing my clothes over and over again, just styling them up in different ways.  And if a piece sits in my closet for too long without wear, it's time to say good-bye.  I bought that kimono at forever21 like 4 years ago, and it's still in heavy rotation.  So, while there aren't any direct links today (with the exception of the hat), I found some nicely priced alternatives for you.  Enjoy!  And thank you Melanie for the pics.

{hat, similar $16.00}, {top is old Zara, similar $12.00}, {kimono is old forever21, similar $49.99, similar $18.80 shhhh no one will know it's a robe if you lose the belt}, {leggings are old Zara, similar $17.80}, {shoes are old Dolce Vita, similar $36.90}

minimal.

Yep, I wasn't lying yesterday when I said I've been drawn to minimalist colors the last few weeks.  This black dress and these white shorts are on the top of my "must have" list.

{shorts}, {dress}

black and white.

Whether it be my clothing or our home, lately all the inspiration pictures I've been drawn to are white + black.  I'm a girl who loves color in her life, but I guess sometimes it's good to get back to basics.  I've got my eye on clean modern lines and simple color...they've always been my first loves.

{white dress}, {black light}, {black chairs}, {black + white}