My name is 
It’s been a lovely weekend here in Chicago. We’ve been blessed with perfect weather and long sunlit days. Chicago sure knows how to tug at my heartstrings!
I’ll keep the words to a minimum and overload you with iPhone photos instead.
~Happy Birthday to Mom Friday~
My mom’s special occasion couldn’t have fallen on a more gorgeous day. She got to work from home thanks to NATO and was able to enjoy the warmth and comfort of familiar surroundings. After I arrived back to suburbia, I immediately headed over to Whole Foods for birthday cake and celebratory flowers. Presents were also purchased but those will be given next weekend so I’ll have to keep a secret until then. Birthday dinner was simple yet fabulous. I’ll let the pictures do all the talking…
( ↑ the most beautiful roses I have ever come across…they smell beyond amazing. WOW)
Homemade dinner thanks to the birthday lady herself:
Champagne was a must!
Vanilla cake with raspberry filling + tea for dessert:
(authentic Japanese cast iron teapot from Teavana – mom’s New Year’s gift from the sis and I)
Happy birthday Mama! You’re the best ♥
~Shopping & Grilling Saturday~
I slept in and awoke at 9am (late!) in pure bliss. Sunshine was glistening through my window and bird songs filled my ears.
Breakfast: onesie pancake with oat flour subbed in for buckwheat (I’m burnt out from it)
(burnt part cleverly hidden with a tahini+maple syrup topping)
Shopping: Zara (current fave!)
(neons and brights)
(they didn’t have this in my size 
)
Bebe
(so.painfully.bright)
Forever 21
Final purchases were both from Zara (I’m seriously going to buy out the entire store, obsessed!)
(mint silk top with gold accents – not 100% sure I’m keeping it though!)
(white skirt that I die over)
*** Oh em gee so I went on the Zara website to find links to the clothes that I bought and what do I see?!? Both the shirt and the skirt that I purchased were shown online as ONE OUTFIT! I completely unintentionally wore them as one outfit for the photos above. HA! I personally don’t think the two match but still…cool coincidence 
***
Grilling: veggies, burgers, Field Roast Smoked Apple Sage veggie sausage
(guacamole & ketchup for dipping)
Oops, how did that picture get in there ?
Have you ever shopped at Zara? Are you a fan? Because I clearly am…it’s a problem
What do you think of the top and the skirt? I need honest opinions and advice!
♥ Irina