is looking forward to Philly

This is the 3rd year we are driving down to Philly for Mother's Day, the past two years it was just my husband, Olivia and I. This will be the first year that little Fifi (Sophia) will join us as well.

We usually drive down for brunch and spend a few hours walking around and later we pick up some cheese steaks for the ride home. I love Philadelphia and it has great memories for my husband and I. We went there for our first New Years before we were even married and have been back at least a couple times a year. What a coincidence that Design Sponge recently featured a city guide to Philadelphia. They listed lots of fun places that were new to me.

Some of my old favorites:
Cuba Libre - Cuban food, fun brunch
Amada - tapas
Geno's - in my opinion THE cheese steak spot
FARMiCia - great brunch and "tonics"
The Franklin Fountain - old school ice cream parlor
Sugar Cube - clothes shopping


What are you doing tomorrow?


Until tomorrow,

Tequila!

A few shots from this past Wednesday, Cinco De Mayo.
My husband and I were lucky enough to steal a little alone time......


We went to Mama Mexico in Englewood Cliffs, NJ.
Here's a few images from their website:

The guacamole was out of this world:


They had a great mariachi band with free tequila pours for anyone willing
(they twisted my arm):


Yummy fruity margaritas:

Until tomorrow,

is getting ready for Mother's Day

I have most of my gifts wrapped, sent to those who live out of state and ready to deliver this weekend to friends and family members. I used these cute bags and boxes from Bath and Body Works, they are so pretty and spring like (and super affordable - $1-$3), check them out:

The internet has tons of great Mother's Day crafts and ideas to add a personalized touch to the weekend - Here are two of my favorites:Mother's Day gift hint card - free printable here

I love Mom cupcake signs - free printable here

I love Mom gift tags - free printable here

Are you ready for Mother's Day?


Until tomorrow,

is featured on The Good Life for Less

Today I'm featured on one of my favorites blogs, The Good Life for Less. This blog is right up my alley, it highlights having a fashionable yet attainable life. This site speaks to me as I'm a quantity AND quality kind of girl (read: I like to have lots of nice stuff). I'm all about finding a bargain, trying out a trend at a store like Forever 21 or a designer line at Target that's out of this world. On the other hand, I also know when to invest in something that will stand the test of time, those items for me are usually sunglasses, purses and jeans. I totally go for a mix of high and low - I think fashion is more fun that way. I follow several fashion blogs and this is one that I really relate to, others I aspire to but now let's be realistic I'm not chasing two babies around in Louboutins and leather leggings.....

Here's the deal, Jill (the mastermind behind these consultations and The Good Life for Less) dreams up these amazing shopping lists based on information you give her such as job, lifestyle, location, budget etc. She pieces different outfits together to work with each other and also things that you already own. Most importantly, she also reminds us that as mothers and maybe just women in general putting some effort into your appearance boosts your mood and confidence.




Now, for those of you who know me, you know I have no problem shopping. It's my thing, strike that it's MY THANG! My hobby, what I do best. I like shopping in all forms; online shopping, window shopping, food shopping, you get the idea. I like doing returns and exchanges (I know I know - who likes doing returns and exchanges ...) I'm never the girl without a wish list for every holiday and always the girl to call to ask where a store is located inside a specific mall within the tri-state area. That being said, I spend about 90% of my time buying things for Olivia, Sophia, Danny, our house, our refrigerator, holidays, our extended family. So, a little me time is needed and deserved. I thought it would be fun to see an outsider's idea of what would work for me and since my time is of the essence with a 2 year old and a 9 month old, how convenient would it be to just have a shopping list of pretty, practical clothes - in, out, done.

Here's what she picked for me:

I like this look especially the sandals. One drawback is I don't ever (ever, ever, ever) wear gold jewelry or any gold hardware for that matter even on a purse or belt (does that sound real OCD?) I did specify that in "my requests" so I'm a little bummed about that...

I like this look a lot also, probably my favorite of the three. The shoes are so my style and I love army green anything. Another drawback is a the faux leather purse, I never skimp on a pocketbook. The cheaper one last me about a month or so where as a good quality leather one will last years....I had mentioned I don't like fake leather in my requests also.

This is very pretty and versatile.
I love turquoise and silver jewelry and the scarf is beyond pretty.

What do you think?




Until tomorrow,

needs new sunglasses

Would you believe I've lost 2 pairs of sunglasses in the past 2 weeks?

I'm not sure what my problem is, I wear them year round so I should be in the habit of keeping track of them. I lost my tortoise shell Missoni pair that I got 3 1/2 years ago while on vacation in Miami and my most recent favorites a sleek D&G pair that I bought in November right before leaving to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

I'm pretty particular about my sunglasses, I basically only wear designer frames. It's one of a few things I wont skimp on. I can really tell the difference in quality. I have very bad eyesight and am essentially lost with out my contacts so that's how I somehow rationalize my expensive eye wear taste.....

Lucky for me I live about 20 minutes from one of the few Gucci outlets. They will be seeing me this week while I make a "small" Mother's Day purchase for myself.

Hopefully they have something similar to these:



or these:


or these:

Have you lost anything recently?



Until tomorrow,

is looking back and looking ahead

Last week I:

• Had the Napa Valley Burger at Bobby's Burger Palace (Bobby Flay's new spot)

• Completed all my Mother's Day shopping (I love getting packages in the mail - even if they aren't for me)

• Started the tedious task of bringing up my summer clothes from storage in the basement to our attic (the only day a year I wished I didn't own so many shoes)

• Had a date night with my husband - we went out to Mompou for Portuguese Tapas
  

This week I:

• Want to decide on a new laptop - this one is driving me bananas! (Any thoughts? Anyone get the iPad yet?)

• Have tons of laundry to do - I want it all done before Mother's Day weekend

• Will make my secret pork chops (marinade - Italian dressing). Try it - so simple and delish! Similar recipe here

• Have more items to list on my Big Cartel site (teaser: Versace and Betsey Johnson dresses)

What's on your to do list?




Until tomorrow,

offers you 10% off

Many of you know that I recently opened an online boutique on Big Cartel featuring used designer goods. This will be an ongoing work in progress for me and I plan on listing more items weekly.


Today Hilary (a unique boutique) is a lovechild of mine that has been in the making for many years. I have always dreamed of owning a consignment/thrift store hybrid. A location where you could find great, inspired fashion opportunities without hurting your pocketbook. Shopping to me is one of the greatest joys in life and should be stress free. There's nothing I love more than a great deal and want you to feel the same. Which is why I pride myself that everything in my store will be $30 and under - both vintage gems and contemporary jewels alike.

I am excited to offer a 10% discount
using the code hotmama
from May 1 - May 8.

Until tomorrow,