Author: lissa612@yahoo.com

A Day in the Life…

One of the most common questions I get asked is how the kids and I are up and at em so early. We are pretty much ready to go by 7am everyday. I like to say I’m REALLY good at time management 🤣🤣🤣. So I thought I would share a typical Day in the Life.
Max and Emme pretty much wake up by 6:30 every day. If I’m lucky it’s 7am. One time ever can I remember Max sleeping until 8:45 and it was 2 weeks ago.  I try to be dressed and ready before they wake up, this obviously does not always happen.  For as long as I can remember my dad was/is always in a hurry and I have definitely picked up that trait. Like where was he always so rushed to be 🤷🏻‍♀️?!? What am I always in a hurry for? I guess it’s just in our nature. I share this because when the kids wake up, they go to the bathroom(or in emmes case, we change her diaper) , and get them dressed before we even go downstairs. I have heard feedback that this is crazy because the kids still have to eat breakfast and they can get dirty: sometimes they do. But I mean, doesn’t that happen at lunch? And dinner too?  If I wasn’t able to get ready before they wake up, they come in my room while I hurry to get ready and make my bed.  I have to make our bed.  It’s one of the only things I can control with 2 kids under 3!  haha.
We eat Breakfast, maybe watch an episode of their favorite show, and are out the door!  We usually head to Starbucks for my mom fuel of a Venti Iced Coffee unsweetened with Almond Milk.  I had to switch to iced coffee no matter the season because, let’s be real.  I can NEVER finish a hot coffee without it getting cold.  Then, we usually go to Fit4mom for our workout class, then hit up the park afterwards(This summer though we have been going to the pool and or other fun parks because we have had family in town, etc).
 This honestly works great because by the time we leave the park, the kids are exhausted!!  Read more about my Fit4Mom Journey Here.  We come home, have lunch, and the kids take their naps.  I am trying really hard to get Emme on the same 3 hour nap schedule as Max.  I need that time!!!  lol.
I use nap time to do blog stuff, laundry, or work(I am covering a maternity leave and working part time from home).  I honestly wish there was more time in a day so I could read or catch up on some shows.  I haven’t gotten to watch a full tv series in awhile.  Oh, well!  Maybe winter will help me with that!
Once the kids wake up from their naps, we usually head back outside or into the toy room until Daddy gets home!  By then its time for dinner.  We usually eat dinner with the kids but I have to be honest, it’s a total wreck!  We have tossed around the idea of feeding them, getting them to bed, then making dinner for ourselves.  Do any of you do this?  Either way, what is working for you?  Dusko and I can’t even talk to each other half the time we are attempting to eat!  lol.  After dinner, both kids have a bath every night.  We have always done this.  I guess for a couple reasons.   One, it helps set a routine for bedtime and two, it honestly passes time.  Plus the kids love to play in the water!  We got some fun new tubby toys I linked below!

After Tubby Time, Emme goes to bed!  Maxey T hangs out with his dad more and we all chill.  Well, I usually do more laundry or the dishes!!!  Is a moms job ever done?!?!??!  What is your least favorite household chore?
Have a good day!

XOXO,

Lissa

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale-Public Access!!!

AHHHH, this sale is so good I can’t stand it!!  Here are a few of my favorites that are still IN stock and UNDER $50!!!!  Don’t delay my friends, this stuff will sell out!!!

The cutest simple Chain!  It comes in Silver and Gold.

This plaid scarf is perfect for Fall and under $16!!!

These earrings will basically go with everything!!!  And how cute!

Or this scarf!!!!

Adorbs makeup pouch to throw in your purse!  I’m in LOVE with the floral.

These Steve Maddens I decided to keep in the snakeskin, I am wearing them today and they are Sups comfy!!!  They come in 5 colors.  This mustard yellow if fab.

Everybody needs a pair of Chucks!

How cute is this peplum tank?  Comes in 3 colors, better snag it fast!!!

Kind of random, but I desperately need new socks and this is a deal!

We all need an Adidas tank!

I don’t even know how these $35 Zella Leggings are still available in black!!!

Jeans, for under $50?!?!?!  Yes, Please!

3 colors available in this midi!!!

What else are you guys shopping for ?!?!?!?

 

Would love to hear!

XOXO,

Lissa

 

 

My Shopping Cart

AHHHHHH….There are SO many awesome deals and launches today!  First off, below are the items I ordered from the Nordy Anni Sale.  I thought about going there this morning but decided to take the kids to the pool, so online ordering it was.  Love that Nordstrom is so great about returns if I hate them or they don’t fit.  I seriously doubt I will hate them!  lol. If you hover over the item, it will show you the price!  Click to check out the dets.  All the tops were are $50 and shoes are under $100.  I ordered a M in everything except the Cross over sweater!

A couple other items I added!!
These Snakeskin Mules are only $50!!!
Love this Moto jacket and the hood comes off for a much dressier look if wanted.  This tee is perfect for layering and only $19!
This top will basically go with everything!!!
Now, onto Beauty!!!  Beautycounter launched some AMAZING new eyeshadows and powders today!!  Like, I’m dying to get my hands on them.  They are SO good.  Look how gorgeous my BFF looks in the Sorbet blush, surf bronzer, and topaz highlighter!
And Jewelry…..
Stella & Dot launched some of the cutest stuff today too.  I can’t take all of this!!!  haha.  Check out the full site of NEW ARRIVALS
This Tote is TOO Cute for fall!
I mean, a Tiger Pouf!  SOLD!
Basic lightweight hoop earring, love.  Comes in silver and gold!
DYING!!!  This pop of color is absolute perfection.
This INTERCHANGEABLE earring set is absolute genius and what Stella & Dot is known for.  It’s versatility!
There are also so many cute new tops, check them out here!!!
This Mae top is my fav!!!
And of course this striped Tatum Top!
Happy Shopping Friends!!  What have you added to your cart today!?!??!

XOXO,

Lissa

#TadicPartyofTwo

4 years ago sometimes feels like yesterday and other times feels like a century ago.  Maybe because we now have 2 kids!  I always wanted to write a blog post about our wedding because as you know I LOVE planning parties and this was obviously the biggest party I’ve ever planned.  So, better late than never!

It all took place on a super hot and sunny Fourth of July.  It was a Friday, and the City of Chicago was looking especially gorgeous.  We started out getting ready at the W Lakeshore(the girls) and Dusko’s Parents house(the guys).  We had our first look in the Garden at Millennium Park.

Our First Look

We drove the trolley around and took pictures in all kinds of different places.  Some of my favorites were on the lake by the Planetarium and on Lasalle Street.

I should also add that we each had 12 people stand up for us, I know, I know, crazy.  And we had 4 Flower Girls.  The more the merrier!

My Mom & MIL

Our Ceremony Started at 5pm, we had it inside of Salvage One.  It actually is set up to look like a church, with tons of chandeliers.

My Dad & I about to walk down the aisle.

All the Flower Girls.

The Kiss!

Yay, We did it!!!!

Cheers, Our First Drink as Husband & Wife!

Cocktail hour immediately followed on the main floor, with dinner upstairs.  If you have never been to or heard of Salvage One it is a truly unique place.  It was actually only the second venue we went to and we basically booked it on the spot.  It has such an eclectic feel but also vintage, farm-ish.  I don’t even know how to explain it.  It was definitely all I ever dreamed of and more.

And now introducing…..Mr. & Mrs.  Dusko Tadic!!!!

After Dinner & Speeches, we all danced the night away!

 

We also had a food truck come and sparklers…because = Fourth of July!  Salvage One has the cutest little courtyard out back where The Slide Ride pulled right up.

Venue:  Salvage One

Hotel:  W Chicago Lakeshore

Caterer:  Occasions Chicago

Florist:  Eva’s Floral Wonders

Cake:  Oak Mill Bakery

Food Truck:  The Slide Ride

Transportation:  Chicago Trolleys

Dress:  Paloma Blanca

Bridesmaid Dresses:  Two Birds

Photographer:  Stacy Vitallo

I hope you enjoyed reliving our day with us!

XOXO,

Lissa

Fourth of July Fun!

With Fourth of July only a couple days away, I have been trying to decide what I will make!  I thought I would share some of the fun & festive recipes/drinks I have found and plan to try!  I love a good side and or drink that tastes good and looks super cute/festive.

Last year I made this delicious Boozy Frosé Recipe!!!

It is the best one I have found.  Not only did it taste good, it just made the party more fun!  Especially with this heat we have been having, who doesn’t want an iced treat?!?!?!

This Watermelon FROSÉ looks absolutely delicious too!

And these Adult Capri Sun’s, OMG!!!  If I have time, I am TOTALLY making these.  So much fun in a little bag!

I think I will also make these side dishes because they look SO good!!!!

Blueberry Strawberry Salsa

Blueberry Caprese Salad

And maybe a sweet treat or two!!!

Red, White, & Blue Cheesecake Salad

4th of July Cake in A Jar

 

What will you be serving up on Independence Day?!?!?!?!  Would love to hear all about it in the comments!

XOXO,

Lissa

Down on Bended Knee

With our 4 year anniversary just a few days away and the 5 year anniversary of our engagement just passing I thought it would be fun to share our proposal story!  Who doesn’t love a good story?!?!?!
Let’s rewind to 2013, gosh that seems like eons ago! I had just returned from a trip to Peru and I was working as a store Manager in retail. So weekends off we’re hard to come by. My good friend Jenny invited me to go to a rooftop cubs game(on a Saturday for free). If you’ve never been to one you are definitely missing out. Whether you are a cubs fan or not! It’s baseball at its finest. So, I politely declined and Dusko was like what do you mean? It’s birthday month. Blah, blah, blah. This should have been a trigger to me as he is actually a White Sox fan(I know, hard to tell sometimes🤣). So all week Dusko & Jenny tried to convince me to go to this baseball game. All the while I was convinced I had to work! So I finally agreed to work a half day(because major fomo) and got to the rooftop right at game time.
So, I left work honestly not even looking super cute. Just rushing to get out to go join 3 people on a beautiful Saturday. Well, to my SURPRISE!!!!! There was a whole Birthday Party of family and friends waiting for me to get there! I truly was so surprised. If you have ever been thrown a surprise party it definitely “throws” you off! I was totally on surprise party high, even my brother, sil, and niece were in from out of town. So in my mind, that was The icing on the cake.
So, around the 3rd inning, I’d finally kind of calmed down from the BIG surprise to Dusko telling me to open my present. Now, I LOVE presents. Come on, like who doesn’t?? But, we were not the only people on this rooftop and I was like oh my gosh, I can wait. Let’s do it later. Well, he basically forced me to open it. This was Very overwhelming because it was a purse I had been wanting for awhile. The LV speedy in azul damier. So, I was super excited. Like in this moment, day fulfilled. In fact, year fulfilled (sounds so bad but before kids all I wanted was new handbags: still do, just can’t buy them anymore 😭🤣😭). If you are still with me, thanks because this is getting really long!!!
Then all of a sudden I turn around and he’s holding a ring(there was also a teddy bear and a card involved-dets are a little blurry at this point of my life).  I honestly am not even sure what he said because I started crying and was like, “what the **** is going on?” Not exactly how I thought I would respond but My mind, body, everything was on major overload in this moment. And then, this entire rooftop of people start clapping and congratulating us.  I mean to this day, I have never been so shocked or surprised.  I always said I would never want a public engagement and he knew this too.  To be honest though, it was super special that my family and close friends were there.  Plus, we got to have a big party to celebrate in the moment!
There is nothing better than surprises, I mean, I don’t care if they aren’t material.  It is just so fun to be caught off guard by something that just makes your day.  Enjoy the pics below, they have horrible filters from my instagram!!  lol.  Totally aging myself here.
I absolutely LOVE weddings, engagements, and all things to do with weddings.  How did you get engaged?!?!?!   Do tell……

XOXO,

Lissa

This is a recent pic of us leaving a Cubs game!

Round up of Swimsuits

The dog days of summer have only just begun, which means many more days of fun in the sun are ahead of us all.  Btw, if you aren’t 100% sure what the dog days of summer are, click here.  I didn’t know the “real” definition until right now.

Swimsuit shopping is probably one of the most dreaded events of a woman’s life.  I mean, how many times have you ordered a suit you knew wasn’t going to fit well but you liked it and hoped it was going to be “the one.”  Or that buying a new suit was going to solve ALL the problems?!?!?!  Well, have no fear, I have rounded up some of the cutest suits out there!!!  I either own these or have them on order, in which case I will update this post with my reviews once I get them.

 

This Jelly Bean Striped One Piece, I have literally been waiting for it to come back in stock.  This type of crossover neckline is very flattering on larger chests.  It also has adjustable straps which is very helpful.  The solid band at the waist makes this suit very flattering.  I picture it with a Black Straw Hat and black sandals.

UPDATE:  Ok, thought this suit would be my favorite.  I ordered it in a L and honestly probably needed an XL.  The waist has an extra band in it and its really tight.  Plus the stripes expanded.  lol.  It is going back!

 

This Blue Ruffle Suit literally screams my name.  It’s a shade of blue and has ruffles.  For you larger chested women like myself, you must know that ruffles like this in the front tend to make your chest look smaller.  One of the many reasons I love ruffles!  This suit also has a party in the back which makes it a 10 in my book.  I picture it with White Jean Shorts and a cute pair of Earrings.

UPDATE:  LOVE this suit!!  The party in the back is adorbs and it’s super comfy, even with the kids.  I ordered this in a M.

This black two piece is a MUST for everyone!  It’s pretty much your LBD.  Love me a good scallop and a high waist, plus the top looks uber supportive!  I picture wearing this suit a little more casual so some Fun Slides!

UPDATE:  Love this for a basic black suit.  The scallops make it more fun that is for sure.  The fabric feels cheap to me on this suit compared to the others.  I ordered a L.

 

This Red, White, & Blue suit is the absolute PERFECT suit for the Fourth of JULY!  I can basically see fireworks coming out of it.  These vertical stripes and waistband are sure to make you appear thinner.  I will probably wear this with White Jean Shorts too, and a fun pair of Red Earrings.  Ok, I confess, I ordered the red earring I just linked while I was linking them…They look like fireworks for real!!!

UPDATE:  I have to be honest, I wasn’t sure if this suit would end up fitting me the best.  Mostly because of the side ties.  Sometimes the chub can squeeze out of them. haha.  But I was very happy with this suit!  I ordered a L.  My Overalls are literally a summer staple.  You should snag a pair while you can, they are on SALE!!!

This Rust One Piece makes me drool.  Ha!  I am OBSESSED With this color lately.  Picture it with a pair of Jean Shorts and a Black Straw Hat.  Classic and Boho join in this look.

UPDATE:  Thought I would love this suit and……I do!!!  Ordered a L.

This Striped Suit is the perfect combo of stripes, ruffles, and great seams at the waist.  There were millions(ok thats an exaggeration) of great reviews about how flattering this suit is!  I feel like this suit needs a pop of color, like a teal, so definitely fun earrings, like these.  Especially since the one shoulder is bare.  Also, the earrings I just linked are on SALE for $10, from $38.  Treat Yourself!

UPDATE:  totes love this suit.  It’s cheap, from amazon, and it’s super comfy for a day at the pool with the kids!

This Palm Print Suit is so fun! Especially on a trip, I wore it to Mexico this past winter and it was great in the water too.  Here are my Sandals and Similar Sunnies.

 

Where is your favorite place to shop for swim???

Happy Summer Friends!

XOXO,

Lissa

To Grocery Pick Up or Not…

Grocery Pick Up….
tbh, I was never really interested in this before. When we lived in the city(Chicago), I used instacart once and had kind of a bad experience. If you’ve never heard of this it’s a grocery delivery service. Basically, the chips came crunched and the milk was leaking. So, we never utilized this service again. Fast forward 4 years and 2 kids later. Wal-Mart, One of the biggest companies in the world starts a grocery pick up service. There was a lot of buzz in my world of moms. I still wasn’t super interested at first. Maybe because it was Wal-Mart, maybe because of my experience with instacart, and maybe just because I like to shop. At any rate, one of my friends kept raving about how obsessed she had become with this awesome service. Alas, I had to try it.
Result:
Well, I’m kind of obsessed now too!  I totally get it.  It is hands down one of the best things since sliced bread.  Here is my list of pros and cons.
Pros:
*Super user friendly, there is even “an app for that!”
*You get a window of an hour to pick up, they text you when it’s ready and you check in on your way.  You basically don’t have to wait.  Super fast.
*I am way more organized and prepared with what I am buying.  You can add items and it saves them in your bag until you order.  You are basically writing your list in the shopping cart.  Takes the middle man out!  And if I forget something I can always do a new order the next day!  haha.
*You can place the order and have your husband pick it up!  He won’t be calling you every 5 mins asking about the item you text him to pick up!  lol.
*You can order other things besides groceries!  My first time I placed an order, I got tulips.  They were cheap and lasted a week.
*Now that I am working Part-Time, it is a HUGE time saver.  More time for playing at the park and snuggling with these two cuties!
Cons:
*They do substitutions for things….For example:  if I order yogurt pouches in a specific brand and they are out, they will substitute them with something else.  Even if that something else costs more.  Sounds like a pro, right?  Well, I’m sure 90% of the time it is but I had a time last week that I really needed frozen rice for a meal train I was doing that night.  They were out of the item and apparently had no substitute.  The problem here is I didn’t know this until I went to pick up all my groceries with 2 kids in a pinch.  So, that can be super annoying.  I would like to note, this has only happened to me once and I have used this service a number of times now.
*Your order has to be over $30, this is obviously easy to do but today I just needed a couple of things.  These things totaled $21, so I ended up spending over $30 so I could utilize the service.  Obviously I bought things I know I will need anyways so not the biggest deal.
*You can’t order alcohol.  I am sure they will eventually figure out a way to make that happen.
*Wal-Mart definitely doesn’t have everything I need.  But that’s ok!  I still shop at Trader Joes and Meijer.  This just gets me through the week!
Click HERE to receive $10 off your first Grocery Pickup of $50 or more!
Have you ever done Wal-Mart Grocery Pick up or any other service?  Would love to hear about your experiences in the comments.  Also, I hear Target is going to be offering a pick up service.  Would love to hear more about this!
Happy Weekend Y’all!

XOXO,

Lissa

***This post is not sponsored, just my own opinion:)***

My Birthday Gift 🎁

“The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes.”  -Frank Lloyd Wright


Today is my birthday, my 37th Birthday. Gosh that sounds really, really, old to my 12 year old self. But to be honest, I don’t feel old at all!  I truly believe you are only as old as you make yourself. Sure, my life has changed SO much in a short time frame. But I love where my life has brought me and am feeling extra blessed this year.

I have a 1 and a 3 year old that are seemingly healthy, a husband that treats me like a queen(most of the time), an amazing family, and extra special friends. Some I have even known for my lifetime!  It’s so hard to put into words how grateful I am every day ❤. I know some people hate birthdays, they hate getting older. But I’m with Frank, Life definitely gets more beautiful all the time. I can’t wait to see where the next year takes me, and now where it takes my kids. 365 days of what can we do today?!?  The world is literally in our hands.

Over the past 365 days, I have been on the receiving end of many pay it forwards. Or maybe just sheer kindness.  Either way, today I want to pay it forward to all of you for following along, whether you have been here for awhile or only a couple days!  Treat yourself to my favorite TREAT!  #starbucks

Please only get one thing so the wealth can be shared!!  All you have to do is screenshot this barcode and show it to any barista!

One last thing, just for fun, drop me a comment below!

Cheers to many more years!

XOXO,
Lissa

Also, are you curious what was in that super cute burlap package?!?!?  I would be too!!!  One of the BEST balms I’ve ever tried!

Click here to see what it is!

Exciting News!

Hope everyone had an awesome MDW!  We spent most of it at my parents lake house so A LOT of fun and sun was had!  Right before the weekend began, I got some really exciting news in regards to my blog.  Before I share what it is, I thought I would start from the beginning.   I started this blog about 2 1/2 years ago.  I always knew I wanted to start a blog and what I truly wanted out of it but just like anything there were some delays, roadblocks, etc.  I love to shop, I love fashion, accessories, home decor, basically I love to SHOP so it doesn’t matter what or where I am at.  I WILL find something!  haha.  In fact, this weekend we hit up the Dollar General and you would have thought we were at Nordstrom!!!  I wish I was kidding, but you wouldn’t believe all the fun, random, junk they had there.

Some of the roadblocks I had with blogging were straight intimidation, fear of failure, truly that I wasn’t(or still am not)thin enough(which btw, I have gotten tons of feedback from people that they love that I am a real person-so thank you:).  When I originally started Twee Blog I had a vision but it just wasn’t coming together.  All of a sudden this past November, something clicked and I told myself I just had to go for it.  Put myself out there and who cares.  Twee Blog seriously is my passion project.  I am by no means saying I am the fashion queen.  haha!  I often seek advice or opinions from friends but I do know that I picture something in my head, put it on, and it usually is what I want or the look I am going for.

Onto what I knew I wanted out of this blog:

I knew I wanted to be an inspiration board, somewhere women(especially moms) can reference for looks they see me wearing.  I absolutely love to mix value with luxury.  I believe a nice handbag is ABSOLUTELY worth the money(and for the record, you can never have too many).

I knew I wanted to be as down to earth and real as possible.  I had a friend once tell me that what she loved about me was that I was always the first one to make fun of myself!  So no one else really had too.  (I am sure they still did and do) but I guess I always felt like that made me real or maybe just self aware but whatever works!

Last, I want to make money.  I mean, who doesn’t?  If you say you don’t you are lying.  If I can do what I am truly passionate about on my time and make some money, then score!  Monetizing a blog is not easy.  To actually make money with a blog, you need to be accepted by affiliate programs(most all of them) and you typically need to have a pretty large following to get brand partnerships.

So, I am sure you are like, what is your exciting news?!?!?!?!?  Dying, right?

I GOT ACCEPTED into an affiliate program!!!!!

YIPPEE!!!!

What does this mean?

This means that almost every link I share I have the opportunity to make up to 20% commission if anyone makes a purchase after they click on that specific link.  Most items are not 20% but I am still pretty geeked out about this!  Back in November when I made the decision to really “go for it”  I didn’t think it would take this long.  Truly it makes me that much more excited and proud of myself!

THANK YOU to all of you that have been supporting me so far on this little journey of mine!  I am loving it and it means the world!

Here is a fun summer look!  It doesn’t get more real than this photo shoot….Both kids were with me!!!  ha!

 

XOXO,

Lissa