OOTD: Prints & Navy

It's only Tuesday and I'm already feeling pretty exhausted. I think the fact that it's darker outside when I wake up now is totally throwing me off. Oh that extra hour...how I miss it.

This morning I made a conscious effort not to wear black...let's see how I did:

Blouse- LOFT
Skirt- BCBG
Cardigan- Express
Shoes- Jessica Simpson
Belt- it was my grandmother's

I mentioned I was getting my hair colored this weekend (just the underneath part) because the highlights were too bright/yellow-toned.  I'm happy with the result and overall my hair feels so much better.  I think the bleaching dried it out a lot.  I also had it cut (split ends, begone!) The underneath will lighten a bit over time, which I'm 100% okay with as I kind of like that naturally-faded look.

The first thing I said when I walked into my office today was "I have an announcement: I cooked last night." I was so proud of the delicious meal I made last night that I just have to share it here. I worked from a recipe I found in Glamour Magazine.

It's a pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes, broccoli and Parmesan cheese. We added the grilled shrimp.

YUM! You can find the recipe in Glamour's issue with Kate Winslet on the cover.  Personally, I like to get inspired by a recipe but I don't always follow it perfectly. I add or take away things based on my preferences---but recipes are nice because they give you an idea of what foods complement each other and how to prepare everything (which can be a foreign concept to newbies like me.)

Hope everyone has a lovely night!

xoxo,

Veronika.

OOTD: Zara Black Dress & Cooking Healthy Meals

Today I decided that H and I would try to cook 2 new meals a week.  I got this awesome cook book from my amazing friend Ed for my birthday called "Eating Well Serves Two" and I must admit I haven't ever really used it.  I would like to learn how to make yummy, healthy meals now so when we have kids I can just whip it up effortlessly.  I sometimes think I should buy myself one of those cute, girly aprons to encourage myself to want to cook more. LOL. Maybe that's just the push I need.

Today I wore that new black dress I purchased at Zara on Saturday.  It's really comfortable. I did wear a slip with it because though it's not sheer, it's not perfectly opaque in the skirt area either and it's better to be safe than sorry. It's just a cheap, nude, skirt-slip from Target.

Dress- Zara, size M, $39.50
Shoes- Jessica Simpson
Necklace- Forever 21
Bag- MbMJ

I blow-dried my hair this morning and I definitely feel the lightness and different shape it has since I got it cut. I know it doesn't look drastically different (it's not) but it feels a lot lighter and more manageable and Stephanie definitely took my layers up a ton (and they needed it!)

What are some of your favorite healthy dinner ideas?  If you know of any great cooking blogs or have any recipes to share, post them in the comments below! Thank you <3
xoxo,

Veronika.