Labor Day Flares

This was my outfit this afternoon. 

The inspiration came from the clever and cute Piperlime Ad:

Got to wear my new super flare jeans. These will need to be hemmed if I want to wear them with normal heels but since I was wearing platforms they were fine.

The silky tucker blouse was perfect to re-create the inspiration!

The mustard SS jacket was great to add a second layer and a punch of color!

Jacket - TJ Maxx

Blouse - Tucker for Target

Jeans & platform booties - Forever 21

Purse - D&B

Watch - Michael Kors

Bracelets - gifts from friends and family

Participating in Monday Mingle, a fashion focused initiative that sprung from the minds of
BonBon Rose Girls, Momtrends.com and Glammamom.com.
Each week they’ll take turns hosting the linky and invite you to link up with any fashion related post that you would love to get some exposure!
Momtrends is the linky host this week, so head on over to check out fabulous fashion themed posts!

TODAY:
Went to a BBQ and Beach family playdate to our friend's house. The weather was weird. It rained twice but we still managed to have a great time.
After naps I left the kids with my husband and went to meet my mom and sister and her two friends at a bridal shop. She tried on many beautiful Vera Wang (for David's Bridal) dresses.

Here are some photos from the beach today...

 

Pink Kate and Old Traditions

This was my outfit to the family gathering at my Mom and Step dad's house...

 The top, the skirt and the shoes are very very old. I had this combo in mind but was waiting for a pink blazer to complete it.

The grey black sunglasses mom gave me for my b-day went nicely...

This beautiful necklace was a b-day gift from my good friend. It was the right statement piece for the outfit.

My cherished Kate Spade shoes! Bought during the Sex and the City craze with SJP's obsession over fun shoes. Found this on sale at Off Fifth (outlet of Saks Fifth).

Posing with mom's mailbox!

Pink Blazer & Top - Forever 21

Skirt - Charlotte Russe

Sandals - Kate Spade

Necklace - gift

Watch - Betsey Johnson

Once Again I have to portray my baby sister who was just again dashing today:

I directed the pose! :)

She is obviously into the spiked necklaces now. Looks great with the outfit and I am loving the orange and animal print combo.

TODAY:
Hung out at home with the kids this morning while my husband played tennis. Gave them an early bath so we can be ready after naps.
As my Turkish readers are well aware this week was a holiday (Bayram) for us. And even though here in U.S.A. we feel so distant from the holiday traditions my mom wanted to get the family together to try teach my kids some of those traditions.

Here is my son learning to kiss hand:

He kissed every family member's hand like this (you kiss then touch it to forehead as he is doing above) and in return the family elders give the kids money. I used to remember I had a separate dress for each day of the holiday (lasts 4 days) and each dress had a matching purse. I couldn't wait to wear new outfits and would save all the money I collected for something special. My grandpa was known to go to the bank and get brand new bills so they would be clean to give to the family children.

My daughter unfortunatley was not in the mood today and refused to participate. Like a celebrity who is nursing a hangover she kept her sunglasses on clang to either myself or my mom!

She then warmed up and we had a delicious dinner with ton of Turkish dishes everyone brought.
I wish I had taken a photo of the table but I forgot.

Here is the group photo:

The Frown in Ruffles

Have a lot of photos to post today from last night so going to keep the writing short! 

This was my outfit this afternoon going to a friend's house for a BBQ!

 Got this lace ruffle shrug from a clearance rack of Charlotte Russe last year for $5!

Added the chain belt! I think this was my mom's as well.

The shoes make the outfit of course. At least I think so!

This purse is total luxury. But the padlock is just ridiculously heavy so I took it out a while back. I think it still looks very cool and weighs a lot less...

This is where I am asking my son why he is screaming all of a sudden!

I don't know why I am frowning in all the photos. I am wearing sunglasses and all!

Jumper - Guess

Ruffle Shrug - Charlotte Russe

Belt - not sure

Shoes - Aldo

Purse - Chloe

TODAY:

We had friends over this morning for a nice swim playdate in the pool and lunch. After naps went to another friend's house for a BBQ. Kids enjoyed spending time with friends and so did we.

LAST NIGHT:

Here are the photos from the Mary Kay Party I hosted last night...

I got my appetizer ideas from this book:

The photo in the book:

The sun dried tomato and the mozzarella skewers worked out great. 

But for some reason creating Mellon balls were not as easy as I thought they would be. It was my first time using the tool. I actually bought it at the grocery store. As you can see my balls are more large spirals!

 Did you also know that prosciutto is like saran wrap? The minute it bunches up it is ruined and unworkable!

So the end result is not as glamorous as the book...But tasted good.

The presentation was good though at least I think so!

This one had a recipe to make tapenade from scratch...

 

But, then I found this jar at Costco and it was perfect and simpler. And probably cheaper!

Baked the baguette slices brushed with olive oil...

And Voila!

This wonderful and very involved drink did not have a name but I cut it out from a magazine very long time ago and never made it before. 

 I always think having a well stocked bar at a party is not enough. A lot of people are not drinkers and they don't know what to drink. But if you have a well made cocktail, the answer is always 'yes'. And so much more fun and interesting than wine. Don't get me wrong we love wine for a nice dinner party but for other parties or happy hour I prefer cocktails.

I made two pitchers knowing it would be popular but that even was not enough!
Each pitcher took two sliced lemons and 2 sliced cucumbers and a cup of mint. Plus sugar, vodka and fresh lemon juice.  I used granulated splenda instead of sugar cause I find it not only makes the drink diet but also dissolves perfectly in cold liquids without leaving any residue. A friend who hates splenda couldn't even tell the difference till I told her after 2 glasses!

Used my juicer to get the lemon juice. You would be amazed how many lemons it takes to get 4 cups of lemon juice. Had to send out my husband out to the store to get more in the middle of this process!

You add soda water to the pitcher right before serving. And you serve so only the liquid pours out but in the glass you garnish with freshly cut orange and lemon slices and mint. And lots of ice of course.

My drink glasses were more bar motif so I used my dinner party goblets instead. 

Saw this photo on top of the drink page but the recipe for the dip was not cut out.

So served steamed green beans with Greek tazhiki sauce for a healthy treat.

I also made brownies and chocolate chip cookies and stacked them like blocks in these square plates. 

And fresh grapes.

So here is the final table.

 Obviously took the photo a bit later after we started eating!

Here is my beautiful little sister looking super cool and dressed in a blog worthy outfit!

 I love how she paired 3 layered spiked necklace with the tartan plaid bustier dress. Plus the strappy shoes were perfect!

And here we are with the woman who gave us life and love of fashion: The original Fashion Diva!

And finally the Mary Kay party started! The Mary Kay lady is a close friend of my Mother who we love.

She set up the table so she could lead all of us through a night time facial and then a 'dash out the door' look which is perfect for me!

Here is the group!

And after our looks!

Trying to give a bloggy pose without laughing but not all of us can hold it in!