The Perfect Neutral Clutch

I've been digging clutches lately because they are the perfect carry-all for my very few necessities when going out at night, lip gloss, credit card, license, iphone. What a nice treat to not carry my diaper bag, like a weight off my shoulders, literally :)<br /> <br /> I'm definitely a minimalist when it comes to shoes and accessories. I like to have a few pair of go-to dressy and daytime shoes, very few handbags, and the same with jewelry. I can't deal with too many options and having to choose the right bag and the right shoes to go with the outfit is an extra step I'd rather not take. Therefore, I limit my purchases in this arena to neutral ones. For clutches, it has to go with ANYTHING I wear and I've found that the platinum gold color does the trick. It's definitely a neutral but has a punch which works to spruce up your going out look.<br /> <br /> I've selected nine clutches all available online, the top row being the most expensive and the bottom row the cheapest. I just bought the bottom row middle and can't wait to test it out this weekend, aaaaand it was like $9.<br /> <br /> Hover over the <span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">+</span></span> sign to find out the brand and price and then click to be directed right to the retailer.<br /> <br /> <div class="moneyspot-widget" data-widget-id="28980959"> <script type="text/javascript">!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + '://' + 'widgets.rewardstyle.com' + '/js/widget.js';d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof(window.__moneyspot) === 'object') {if(document.readyState === 'complete') {window.__moneyspot.init();}}}(document, 'script', 'moneyspot-script');</script><br /> <div class="rs-adblock"> <img onerror="this.parentNode.innerHTML='Disable your ad blocking software to view this content.'" src="//images.rewardstyle.com/img?v=2.11&ms=28980959&aspect" /><noscript>JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.</noscript><br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> TGIF! </div> </div> </div>

FASHION FINDS, general lifestyle

The Perfect Neutral Clutch

I've been digging clutches lately because they are the perfect carry-all for my very few necessities when going out at night, lip gloss,...

Thursday Thoughts...On MOM GUILT

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslCNmX0-G3NBLW4NaGBWJMYUNeLimjkRlXAqewcTBGJleQmwYluvRTqFSK7JgQiZFmJh_ghmRd3x1UJ3-ZpOcGLK306SivV_P0qzaV-YwS8b476C1Km6T5Zw0WXmtWC0hGR2GPLRiVwab/s1600/thursday+thoughts+11.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslCNmX0-G3NBLW4NaGBWJMYUNeLimjkRlXAqewcTBGJleQmwYluvRTqFSK7JgQiZFmJh_ghmRd3x1UJ3-ZpOcGLK306SivV_P0qzaV-YwS8b476C1Km6T5Zw0WXmtWC0hGR2GPLRiVwab/s640/thursday+thoughts+11.12.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div> <br /></div> </td></tr> </tbody></table> I'm strugglin' girls with a decision coming up, well not really struggling but "rich people problems" as they say, AND NOTE I am not rich AT ALL, it's a joke.  As many of you know I'm a work-at-home mom. I write this blog, run a <a href="http://purejoypaperie.etsy.com/">paperie on Etsy</a>, and am starting a completely new venture in the fashion realm on <a href="http://instagram.com/purejoyhome">instagram</a>. I'd say right now my time is about 80% kids, 20% work, and truthfully, I'd like the work part to be more...Aaaand I feel bad about that. Why?<br /> <br /> Because MOM GUILT and it's so effing annoying. The thing is, I'm choosing to work, so that means choosing to spend less time with my kids to do something <i>I</i> enjoy, and there is a part of me that says it's okay if it's what makes you happy and in turn a better mom, and then there's a part of me that says it's selfish and that one day I might look back and say I wish I'd spent more time with my kids instead of in front of a computer screen. Again this guilt stems from the fact that I'm choosing to work, which is much different than <i>having</i> to work for income, though of course we would benefit greatly from some added income so we could save, college funds, etc... Also please note, I'm not trying to brag about the fact that I have that choice, it's just where our life is right now and we have made sacrifices to live off of one income, and I'm fully aware that can all change one day.<br /> <br /> So, this week I kind of hit a breaking point. I was pretty strung out by the time my hubby came home from work. The house was messy, dinner wasn't made, orders on Etsy were ringing in on my phone, I was getting emails from wedding clients that I so desperately wanted to fulfill, I wanted to work on my blog posts, but I was taking care of the kids and trying to be a good mommy, so I turned my back to my computer and went outside to play with Brian in the leaves, coo'ed with Grace, etc... Then at night while we were lying in bed, Brian said, let's get you some more help, let's get a nanny. I'd rather you be happy and feel satisfied at the end of the day then so tired from trying to work and be a mom at literally the same time. Half of me LOVES the idea, the other half feels like shit about it. I'm a stay-at-home mom with a nanny?? Because it's my own business and I have control over the work load to some extent it does sometimes feel like I'm a stay-at-home mom with a hobby, and I'm getting a nanny to spend time on that. UGH. But really, the truth is, I have so many dreams and goals for Pure Joy Home and I get so much peace and satisfaction from it. It's my creative outlet and without it, I don't know how I would be. Seriously.<br /> <br /> So I found myself a nanny. She'll be coming on Mondays and Fridays, from 9-4. She'll be with the kiddies in the morning so I can sit at my computer, drink a cup of coffee and WORK :) You don't know how happy that makes me!! I'll keep you posted on how it goes, but I'm looking forward to it, really. I hope my kids (and myself frankly) don't look back and think this is a selfish move, but as I write this post (it's like therapy) I'm getting over the MOM GUILT, the positive effects it will have on my mood, and in turn, our family will far outweigh the downside, if there even is one.<br /> <br /> In conclusion, the most important role of a mother is to be the heart of the home, and we need to feed our souls with whatever it is to keep that role alive and well. It could be yoga, blogging, working out, writing, reading, painting, shopping, it doesn't matter. The point is, we need to banish the mom guilt for doing for ourselves.<br /> <br /> The End.

general lifestyle, MOTHERHOOD, THURSDAY THOUGHTS

Thursday Thoughts...On MOM GUILT

I'm strugglin' girls with a decision coming up, well not really struggling but "rich people problems" as they say,...

Easy Bake Pumpkin Bread

I'm here to tell you about an amazing <i>pass-off as your own</i> (or who cares) pumpkin bread that I made on halloween to get the house smelling halloween-y and I was so surprised at this boxed goodness. Seriously, there are so many good ready-to-bake mixes out there tit <i>kind of</i> makes you think twice about making things from scratch, unless of course you're in the Martha mood.<br /> <br /> This is the perfect little treat to make for your family on a saturday morning, or even to bring in muffin form to a brunch with friends or play date.<br /> <br /> It's Trader Joe's pumpkin bread mix and all you need to do is add vegetable oil, an egg, and water :) I actually used apple sauce instead of oil because I didn't have any and it was perfectly moist. When you can save on time and still make something that tastes seasonally deliciously like homemade fall, I'm game.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCCqdvoSItCs-2ZKmld_CkqiLOD9HdZ_XgCI4nmp6qYHoKOniUdDAmWXWJbMrO9SyFiI8aMuLC_g0vKaHelv01KaspQGgRUF0jzn5hJ33i6MLYTYiBzHRB2sS7LDANTB1D1BSLGedhJqh/s1600/IMG_5282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCCqdvoSItCs-2ZKmld_CkqiLOD9HdZ_XgCI4nmp6qYHoKOniUdDAmWXWJbMrO9SyFiI8aMuLC_g0vKaHelv01KaspQGgRUF0jzn5hJ33i6MLYTYiBzHRB2sS7LDANTB1D1BSLGedhJqh/s640/IMG_5282.jpg" width="508" /></a></div> <br /> Have you tried any good boxed mixes that are good?? Do share!

general lifestyle, RECIPES

Easy Bake Pumpkin Bread

I'm here to tell you about an amazing pass-off as your own (or who cares) pumpkin bread that I made on halloween to get the house smell...

Friday Fashion Round-Up

I decided to do a quick round-up of looks from this week and link to the items for easy shopping (in case you're interested).<br /> <br /> I featured this super soft, amazingly comfortable and forgiving on my slowly deflating baby bump v-neck sweater/tee by Velvet. I LOVE Velvet because their items hold up and they are always so comfy.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7pdUilJ300UAVty26K9_KlDDI92IYh9kiseMPtrdy8iPA7QniQmk7empnEg3KgeSrdZcfvE4l8mm6t06Q6V5fwLbXu0dxYMMJ7U4TM4I2xYy154AXP_Xpr-K-gqPtijEn56xPgp2B6mg/s1600/IMG_6298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7pdUilJ300UAVty26K9_KlDDI92IYh9kiseMPtrdy8iPA7QniQmk7empnEg3KgeSrdZcfvE4l8mm6t06Q6V5fwLbXu0dxYMMJ7U4TM4I2xYy154AXP_Xpr-K-gqPtijEn56xPgp2B6mg/s640/IMG_6298.jpg" width="422" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> The shirt can be purchased <a href="http://bit.ly/1RCyuSs">here</a> from Lord & Taylor. </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I also featured this super comfy slouchy sweater by Free People. I purchased it in an extra-small and in white but navy is available as well. </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPqTrkeXgjZ5LYI3AnqmLSu_1QMViOVQHRS5yDnrzw_SXqA9oqmLz9pMelRtFGodgA2JpwYZTBME0WyzxxLkELUKRtIouKfzS9sZcVLvr1vKzkG114F2onT5TyM4Tj2tzkb4bIo3NbrAw4/s1600/IMG_6306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPqTrkeXgjZ5LYI3AnqmLSu_1QMViOVQHRS5yDnrzw_SXqA9oqmLz9pMelRtFGodgA2JpwYZTBME0WyzxxLkELUKRtIouKfzS9sZcVLvr1vKzkG114F2onT5TyM4Tj2tzkb4bIo3NbrAw4/s640/IMG_6306.jpg" width="404" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> You can purchase the sweater >> <a href="http://bit.ly/1NUyFaU">here</a> << </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> And we gave away this amazing scarf by Hat Attack! </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zu11zzRkZngsgMMC9dtMvD831cuj5wZ9yV2BUoHH7BuZJUd7khvaSKDI5g8g5k9IBFmQocp8ocsXVrG0cC8hnuXt-9akGRpZWpAOxZnf16XXgQ_eAWQZP4r1Ez3xY2g8w1MMeuvdgJi3/s1600/IMG_5972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zu11zzRkZngsgMMC9dtMvD831cuj5wZ9yV2BUoHH7BuZJUd7khvaSKDI5g8g5k9IBFmQocp8ocsXVrG0cC8hnuXt-9akGRpZWpAOxZnf16XXgQ_eAWQZP4r1Ez3xY2g8w1MMeuvdgJi3/s640/IMG_5972.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> You can get yours <a href="http://www.hatattack.com/accessories/patchwork-pattern-scarf-black.html">here</a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> You can also shop by clicking on the items below! TGIF</div> <div class="shopthepost-widget" data-widget-id="1166108"> <script type="text/javascript">!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + '://' + 'widgets.rewardstyle.com' + '/js/shopthepost.js';d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === 'object') if(d.readyState === 'complete') {window.__stp.init();}}(document, 'script', 'shopthepost-script');</script><br /> <div class="rs-adblock"> <img onerror="this.parentNode.innerHTML='Disable your ad blocking software to view this content.'" src="//assets.rewardstyle.com/images/search/350.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><noscript>JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.</noscript></div> </div>

FASHION FINDS, general lifestyle

Friday Fashion Round-Up

I decided to do a quick round-up of looks from this week and link to the items for easy shopping (in case you're interested). I featur...

Mexicana Monday :: Chicken Chili

I made the BEST chicken chili over the weekend that I can't wait to share. We also happen to be in the middle of the Mexican <i>Day of the Dead</i> celebration which is a perfect excuse to let out your Mexican spirit and have a/multiple Coronas on a Monday :)<br /> <br /> <i>Sidenote: Day of the Dead is an interesting holiday celebrated in central and southern Mexico during the chilly days of November 1 & 2. Even though this coincides with the Catholic holiday called All Soul's & All Saint’s Day, the indigenous people have combined this with their own ancient beliefs of honoring their deceased loved ones.They believe that the gates of heaven are opened at midnight on October 31, and the spirits of all deceased children (angelitos) are allowed to reunite with their families for 24 hours. On November 2, the spirits of the adults come down to enjoy the festivities that are prepared for them. - Wikipedia</i><br /> <i><br /></i> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQ11KM2WZqGM2kDAw2ViO59U_g-lKGjnoJaUN660l4QOlQdz3qaWiIbrFgnm8hvWJ4im3E-j1jqRSLi2E0ZMR9wQFqtAZSgx10135bsZCCGE9DM2nQyBnKTpgroRWZeydS8ddG9-g8WqG/s1600/chicken+chili.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQ11KM2WZqGM2kDAw2ViO59U_g-lKGjnoJaUN660l4QOlQdz3qaWiIbrFgnm8hvWJ4im3E-j1jqRSLi2E0ZMR9wQFqtAZSgx10135bsZCCGE9DM2nQyBnKTpgroRWZeydS8ddG9-g8WqG/s640/chicken+chili.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <i><br /></i> <i><br /></i> What you need to make the chili is as follows:<br /> <br /> 1/2 a yellow onion, chopped<br /> 1 red pepper, chopped<br /> 1 green pepper, chopped<br /> 1 jalapeño pepper<br /> 1 can of kidney beans<br /> 1 can of white kidney beans, or black beans (you can really use what you have here)<br /> 1 16 oz can of diced tomatoes (I like Hunts)<br /> 1 12 oz can of chicken broth<br /> 1 bag of shredded pepper jack cheese<br /> 2 boneless chicken breasts that have been either slow-cooked or boiled for shredding into the chili<br /> Chili seasoning, salt & pepper to taste<br /> <br /> I slow-cooked the boneless chicken breasts in chicken broth in a slow cooker for 4 hours. The chicken easily shreds this way, but if you're short on time, boiling the chicken will be just as good.<br /> <br /> Get out your dutch oven and sauté the onion until translucent. Next add your red and green peppers and sauté those as well until soft(er), not mush but not crunchy either. Next, add your beans and stir. Next, add your tomatoes and chicken broth and again stir. To taste, you are going to season your chili with salt, pepper and chili seasoning (I buy this already mixed in the herb section).<br /> <br /> Now let all this come to a boil, and reduce the heat to simmer. Add your shredded chicken, and however much (if any) of the jalapeño pepper you want. I let this sit for as long as a few hours, or as little as 30 minutes. The chicken is cooked so it just a matter of letting the flavors develop, obviously the longer the better. Oh, and also, probably the most important, add the cheese! I added about a half of a bag of the shredded pepper jack. I actually didn't want to add this but hubby insisted and I'm so glad he did. It really thickened it up and added so much flavor.<br /> <br /> I served the chili with additional cheese on top, some lime for garnish, and of course, a Corona for me and the hubs.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> Enjoy!</div>

general lifestyle, RECIPES

Mexicana Monday :: Chicken Chili

I made the BEST chicken chili over the weekend that I can't wait to share. We also happen to be in the middle of the Mexican Day of the ...

MONDAY MIXOLOGY :: ELDERFLOWER MARTINI

I know, I know, it's Monday so we should be getting our sh** together, detoxing, and starting the week off on a healthy foot, i.e. not drinking cocktails, but I had to post about my new specialty and I liked the way "Monday Mixology" sounded so I'm going with it. I had this delicious martini a couple weekends ago on a date night with my husband and thought it was the best drink I'd ever been served. I finally got around to buying the ingredients this weekend and we had some friends over who verified that it is indeed an awesome drink.<br /> <br /> To be honest, I never been much into cocktails...wait that's a total lie, I lived on "vodka sodas" in college and in my early twenties in NYC. Anyhow, in my adult years I should say, I'm not much of a cocktail girl unless we're at a special function or a girls night out...or I'm having a fun night out with my hubby...OKAY so maybe I am a cocktail girl after all?? I guess I should say I've never appreciated the flavor and what goes into mixing a delicious drink, until this one. I'm calling it the "Elderflower Martini" and I want you to make it and let me know what you think as soon as you can.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5yL2D3AA_f80HQRPslm72GEyUBch80iIDPrdQZ8z_OEqTqj-_IET51iYI2w3l3avU0FPC9LJBwJZGS4q319ayjfph8tUTjRZv7RpClC8VFinEm6mB4g2orxo365tlstrQ2CRqVVn2BJe/s1600/DSC_0758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5yL2D3AA_f80HQRPslm72GEyUBch80iIDPrdQZ8z_OEqTqj-_IET51iYI2w3l3avU0FPC9LJBwJZGS4q319ayjfph8tUTjRZv7RpClC8VFinEm6mB4g2orxo365tlstrQ2CRqVVn2BJe/s640/DSC_0758.jpg" width="522" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> The martini is made of: </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> 3 parts vodka</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> 1 part St-Germain</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> 1 part fresh grapefruit juice</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> a splash of club soda</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> You shake everything up with ice in that cocktail shaker you got for your wedding and never use, and pour the mix into your prettiest glasses and  finally splash with soda. Your friends will love it and appreciate the effort of making them something different and special, I promise. </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> PS If you've never had it, St-Germain is a l<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">iqueur is made from elderflower, a small, white starry flower that blooms through the spring and summer. In Europe, the flower is used in many foods and drinks, but in the U.S. it's gaining popularity in the form of this liqueur (obvi) and magical things are happening. </span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22https://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=Purejoyhome&loc=en_US%22%3ESubscribe%20to%20purejoyhome%20by%20Email%3C/a%3E">Subscribe to purejoyhome by email</a></div>

general lifestyle, RECIPES

MONDAY MIXOLOGY :: ELDERFLOWER MARTINI

I know, I know, it's Monday so we should be getting our sh** together, detoxing, and starting the week off on a healthy foot, i.e. not d...