Today I turn 35.

That means I am that much closer to 40.

I spoke with my parents on the phone last night. {on speaker phone...always a fun experience with them talking at the same time} My mom tried to soften the blow by telling me that I've accomplished soooo much. Then my dad basically told me I'm neurotic for working so much on top of kids. It was a productive call that somehow ended on a high note of politics. I assume you already know how much I adore this topic. Getting old is really the shizna!

True, I have two wonderful girlies, an awesome job, great friends and a lovely home that my amazing husband busts his hump for...but man, I feel old. Which is interesting because even last year I touted not caring about age.

That was before my butt started sagging a little bit more...and it's true...your boobs start a race to see which one can hit your feet before it's all over. But before this becomes an ultra negative post, let me tell you the positives about turning 35:

• You can spend more $ on skincare justifying to your husband that good skincare will preserve his beautiful bride's face like the day you said "I do".
• Confidence. I have no idea why it comes on so strong but business/social outings/networking becomes more like a fun challenge versus a serious case of the sweats.
• It's true...you are wiser and you can really school those 25 year olds. More on that in my next Round Table.
• Honesty. The older you get the more rights you acquire to really say whatever the hell you want. It's kinda awesome!
• Fashion. You really know what looks good on your body and what doesn't.
• Relationships. The people you surround yourself with - the relationships are unbreakable. You've been through some schtuff.
• Family. There's a different level of appreciation. 

So, cheers to turning 35. Cheers to this body and all it's been through. 

I think I like the ring of "36" better. Even numbers anyone?

Source: kokocooks.blogspot.com via Johanna on Pinterest

Guest Blogger: Alina of Alina Loves

I loved Alina's blog from the start. The posts inspire me and she always presents a nice mix of fashion, interiors and travel. I am a sucker for travel posts. In general, I lust after everything she writes about. The girl's got style...which is why you should hop on over and pay her a visit. For now...get a pen and paper handy! Her Spring Essentials ooze polish and femininity.

Hi there! I'm Alina from AlinaLoves and I am so happy to be guest posting on Johanna's blog today. I was so flattered when she asked me to share with you my Spring Must-Haves, as this is my first ever guest post - and what a lovely subject this is!

Every year when spring approaches I go through my wardrobe and check what pieces I can wear again and which ones are 'on trend'. There are items that are viewed as 'spring staples' and can be worn every year and here are the ones that are essential in my eyes:

1. Dress with a floral print - perhaps not the most ground-breaking pattern, but doesn't this dress put you in an optimistic mood? I love how delicate this particular dress is and that it will work perfectly dressed up or dressed down.

2. White fitted blazer - a must-have in any woman's wardrobe! It will smarten up any look, be it a pair of skinny jeans or a nicely fitted dress. It will never get out of style and it's so versatile! I prefer a fitted style, but you can choose from loose fit, boyfriend style etc.

3. Nude wedges - we know that Kate Middleton is an advocate for nude pumps, but nude wedges are even better and more comfortable. They elongate the legs and provide more stability to your feet. These Carvela ones are so chic and funky with the snake print wedge!

4. Cat eye sunglasses - a classic shade that's been in the world of fashion for years. Why not ditch the standard black sunglasses this season and go for pastel frames instead? 

5. Grey handbag - I personally go for lighter handbags in spring and summer and don't wear black or dark ones very often. This Chloe bag is obviously top of the range, but the shape is so classic and I could see it being on trend for seasons to come, even if it's from a different brand.

6. Floppy fedora hat - I find straw hats perfect for a beach holiday and floppy fedoras most suitable for dressing up in the city or on a short trip. The mink colour of this Rag & Bone hat makes it ideal for the hot weather, but can also work well with other colours.

7. Rose gold bracelet - as much as I love an 'arm party' and a combination of various bracelets, I also love the trend of focusing on one single bangle per wrist. Rose gold or silver bangles are beautiful and they may just be a little bit more glamorous than gold.... don't you think? 

8. Earrings in geo shape - geometrical shapes are big this season and you can find many shapes, sizes and patterns in shops at the moment. If you're too shy of bold colours and big shapes, stick to simple  and delicate gold or silver earrings - you will still be on trend! 

I hope you find this little guide useful and inspirational! And thank you Johanna for having me here! 

Round table: What's the one quality you admire the most about your mate?

I'll go first because I saw it in action this week! Selflessness. My husband is the most selfless man I've ever met. He continues to put any and everyone first and himself last on a daily basis. It could be work. It could be family. It could be parents. It doesn't matter if he's exhausted or needing some alone time - he continues to surpass all my expectations.

I worked a 4-day trade show that just wrapped up yesterday. Grueling days on my feet that had me leaving the house at 7:15am and returning at 7:30pm. Despite having worked a full day and putting the girls to bed, bathed and read, he did it all with a smile on his face and since we hosted a coworker of mine from Cali, he even cooked dinner one night. 

This is just one recent example and I realize this may seem a bit gushy but it's hard not to acknowledge that and feel fortunate. Sometimes I wonder how I got so darn lucky? I can only hope our girls acquire these traits and find a great guy like their dad. 

But enough gushing about our main man. What do you love about your mate? 

Source: w-hitecupcake.tumblr.com via Johanna on Pinterest

Cherub cheeks

I had to journal this moment. Lola has turned out to be such a zen baby. She's calm and smiley all the time. And those rosy cheeks really kill me. This is a good stage. I like it here.

Thank you Jen for capturing this.

{Lola - 9 mos}

Let's Get Dressed!

It's officially Summer in Chicago and I've rounded up my shoe wish list with corresponding nail hues. Color is on the agenda if you couldn't tell!

Have you rocked your first pedicure? What's your go-to summer nail lacquer?

Let's Get Dressed! by johannapalka featuring topshop nail polish

Weekly Wrap Up + Links

I have a long weekend ahead, friends. Starting tomorrow, I will be working a 4-day trade show in the city complete with the requisite wining and dining. These are long days on the feet and lots of talking. We also have a house guest for the duration of the show. Hectic days - my head is spinning. My husband deserves a huge hug for taking over the house and girlies while I work. {good thing we got him a killer Father's Day gift} Love you Mr.!

Hope your weekend is relaxing!

Here are some cool things that happened in the rest of the world:

1. I am seriously falling for this coffee table.
2. The top 8 matte lipsticks...which I favor.
3. Discovered a new blog with beautiful photography.
4. Brussel sprout salad recipe that looks divine.
5. A pretty shell top for dressing up and down.

Source: shopdailychic.com via Johanna on Pinterest

Round table: What's on your bucket list?

A bucket list can be defined a lotta different ways depending on who you talk to. For me, it's always meant one thing: getting lost. Let me clarify, my bucket list consists of places. As in, travel. And in a sense, defining my bucket list is probably more extensive than I am alluding to. There are so many places I want to get lost in.

Source: colormenana.blogspot.ca via Johanna on Pinterest

Outfit of the Day: park style

I'm kinda adverse to yoga pants on kiddo play dates. What I mean by that is I don't want to look like a mom just because I am a mom. This is what I wore for Olivia's birthday @ Millennium Park. It's still easy to move in and comfortable as heck. And you know I'll never tire of stripes.

dress {similar} | sandals {similar} | necklace {similar}

Birthday Wish List...continued

This is the second installation of my birthday wish list. No real surprises here except I am a tad more partial to outfitting my home versus previous years. Hard to pick a favorite item ya know?

Birthday Wish List by johannapalka featuring mid-rise jeans

Party Animals

...you didn't think I was going to bomb you with this many photos did you? I told you I was going to work on capturing more with a real camera this year. Welcome to Toddler-ville! This is the last post, I swear!

The end.