THIS WEEKEND - volume 2.

Happy Memorial Day weekend everyone!! How has your weekend been so far? What are you up to this lovely 80+ degree Sunday? What are you doing, eating and drinking? And of course, this fashionista  wants to know what are you wearing this weekend? Here is the volume two of "This Weekend" for the weekend of May 27-May 30th, a fun Memorial Day edition. This is a special long weekend and fortunately most of us are off so I am sure Monday there will be plenty of fun under the sun, perhaps a day at the beach or the lake for some, lots of BBQ and hot dogs, cold beer and corn on the cob. For me Memorial Day Weekend signalizes the start of the Summer, officially. Here what I am up to this weekend:

what to wear [THIS WEEKEND]: Red, White and Blue of course - or better yet Red, White and Navy, like Vivian and I are doing today (the first two photos on the bottom left are taken this Sunday). It is Memorial Day weekend, you are off, so keep it cool and very comfortable. Which means, wear flip-flops. I also suggest doing a little outfit coordinating with your little ones. I love matching with Vivian any chance I get, as you all know.

what to do with the kids [THIS WEEKEND]: have a pool day at your home - since the temperatures are scorching in the 80s all over the country, have a fun pool day at home with your kids. Babies and toddlers especially are very fond of this (as my photos below will show you as well). Of course if you have a home pool, you probably have opened it by now. But you can try an inflatable pool like we have. Ours was purchased at Wal Mart for under 40 bucks. It is big and comfy too and just deep enough for babies and kids under 5. I think it is about 6 feet by 6 feet-size wise. But there are smaller and of course bigger versions for the whole family to enjoy at walmart.com starting from $20 to about $300. It all depends how big you want it and if you want one to enjoy more permanently for years to come. While at the pool, make sure you use strong sun protection for your kids. The one I am trying and using this year is Neutrogena Beach Defense Water+Sun Barrier Spray with SPF 70 which you can also purchase at Wal Mart for a steal!

what to eat [THIS WEEKEND]: have a feast and splurge on some food - this is not the weekend for you to start a diet. We actually had a big party with a huge dinner yesterday. My cousin and his wife with their two kids came over and everyone had plenty to eat and enjoyed every bit of it. So, what was on the menu? Albanian-style meatballs (Vivian had one for the first time and loved it); potato salad; two different pies (not of the dessert variety) - one made with squash and the other made with sweet onions and tomatoes - these are both Albanian recipes and everyone that has ever tried them has loved them; Mediterranean salad; spicy swiss cheese and cheddar cheese cheese sliced in cubes; baked drumsticks; fried green peppers with fried cheese (this is so yummy, a new dish my aunt made); cold beer; iced tea; lemonade; and for dessert fruit - strawberries, blackberries, watermelon and raspberries. Everyone's tummy was full and all taste buds were satisfied. My mom makes the best meal pies and is the best cook!

what girly thing to do [THIS WEEKEND]: paint your nails and your toes - in a bright cheery color like red, coral or neon orange. I painted Vivian's nails and toes today as well as my own in a coral red and she was so happy and excited and sat still for a few minutes till they dried lol.

where to shop [THIS WEEKEND]: Nordstrom and Old Navy - which are both having fantastic sales this Memorial Day weekend. Nordstrom is currently having their half-year sale with great designer brands up to 50% off while over at Old Navy all the shorts, tanks, tees and swimwear for the family is 50% off. I am actually going on a shopping freeze for both myself and Vivian come June but I will buy a few things from these sales these next couple of days. In the widget below are my picks from both stores, where everything I want is under 50 bucks.

Old Navy & Nordstrom Favorites:

what Vivian is up to [THIS WEEKEND]:

Yesterday we had Vivian's cousins come over. Mollie is 3 months older than Vivian and her baby brother is 9 months old. The kids had sooo much fun. The girls played together for hours till they were both pooped. Mollie didn't even want to leave. She wanted Vivian to come over for a sleep-over. As soon as they were gone, Vivian fell asleep right away. Below are some of the photos from yesterday (the kids in their swimsuits) in the inflatable pool and from today (Vivian in her adorable Red+White+Navy Patriotic Outfit).

P.S. Linking with Anne, Becky, Biana, Carly with Molly, Carrie, Claire, Erin, Good Random Fun, Katherine, Lauren, Monica, Patti, Rachel, Rebecca, Tiffany and the ladies of "Tuesday Talk"  Stephanie, Jessica, Michelle + Whitney.