Hi mamas! The end of the school year adds a lot of stress to the lives of moms and dads. Finally you’re in a rhythm with your kids’ schedules but oh yeah, there’s the piano concert, the final choral performance, visiting the classroom, or buying gifts for teachers. These are wonderful events and how lucky are we to participate in them. But squeezing them into a tight schedule can push you to the brink, for sure.

Here you see me yesterday morning at 8am in the morning. You might notice that I am little bit tired. Yes, indeed! I have a lot of trouble sleeping in May. Things start to circle around in my head and I lie there awake for much of the night. I can’t wait for the kids to finish school and for life to slow down. I’ve been fantasizing about a beach chair, book and iced tea. Simple, quiet and calm — that’s all I’m dreaming of right now.

2017 Fashion Trend

That being said, while getting ready for a visit to Marielle’s classroom yesterday morning, I was happy to put on my new ruffled blouse from JCrew. This blouse has wide ruffles in keeping with a 2017 trend and a comfortable, loose cotton feel. I matched it with white Jcrew capri pants from last season, embroidered Club Monaco sandals recommended to me by my friend Tamela of Greenhouse NYC/ At Studios (a talented fashionista and home designer), and a funky ring I’ll explain below.Before heading to school, we stopped to snap these photos on the street, confusing the passers by. Thank you for putting up with me, Marc! And now, for the ring part of the story. My sweet friend Melissa from High School offered me this ring from Swarovski for my 40th birthday. At the time, Melissa was going through a tough divorce. She showed up for my party with this gorgeous ring. I’m supposed to see Melissa for dinner tomorrow night and now her life could not be more different! She’s got a great fiancé, a successful business, and her kids are thriving.

For those of you who are struggling with your relationships, jobs, kids or family, never lose hope. Even when you’re in your 40’s, you can turn your life around if you stay positive, work hard, and take care of yourself. I’ll wear this gorgeous ring tomorrow when I see Melissa in tribute to her strength and our friendship. I’m so proud of her and happy to bear witness to where she now is in her life.That’s it for today’s fashion post. Check back in next week for more.

Melissa xo