Goodbye Blues.

Two weeks ago my parents made "Aliyah" and left the country to immigrate to Israel. They packed up and sold my childhood home and went to start a new adventure. People keep asking me how I feel but it's still too new. It's not a shock because this has been my mother's lifelong dream, but I will miss my parents unexpected pop ins. My mom would often show up at my doorstep at 6am and help clean and/or organize all day - and then my dad would come by after work and spend time with my kids.

However, more than my parents generosity, I'm gonna miss their presence. I get that we're all connected via cell phone, Google Hangouts or the like, but it's really not the same. When I studied abroad for the year a million years ago there was no email, and I would wait by a payphone for my parents to call every Sunday morning. A lot has changed in 20+ years. Now that I'm a grown up with my own family and my own home I don't need my childhood home the way I used to when I was single and living in the City. My bedroom has long since been cannibalized by one of my brothers, but it's a scary thought to think you can never go home again.

I dressed my kids in blue and white - the colors of Israel, and I pulled out my favorite Rebecca Taylor blue Kiku print dress. I literally had 5 minutes to get myself out the door to head to JFK so I grabbed a few accessories, tied my hair up in a ponytail and made a run for it. I actually swiped on one of my new MAC lipsticks in the car. I calculated the total cost of my look to be $130.91 - with a retail value of $1,669.90. Pretty good, huh?

From head to toe:

• Sunglasses: Forever 21, $5.90
• Earrings: Kendra Scott Alex, Rocksbox, free with referral credit (RV $55)
• Dress: Rebecca Taylor, sample sale, $50 (RV $550)
• Bracelet: Eddie Borgo, sample sale, $5 (RV $350)
• Ring: Lionette Ashley ring, sample sale, $20 (RV $135)
• Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Perry, sample sale, $50 (RV $395)
• Shoes: Dolce Vita Shandy sandals, Nordstrom Rack, $0.01 (RV $179)

So yes, the shoes were a penny! I decided that I was going to make an effort to wear more penny shoes and switch it up from my favorite Crocs Sexi Flips that I live in all summer.

You can shop my look here:

I feel a lot of changes in the air. My younger sister turned 40 this week and it's getting harder and harder to pretend I'm still twenty-something when most of my siblings are older than that. I have a brother getting married this month, and my youngest brother just got his first real 9-5 job. When I look at my kids I still remember being young and I'm not sure where all this time has gone. My 90+ year old grandmother told me last week that she looks at my mini me and sees me. Sigh.

I'd like to wish my parents the best of luck - and all my siblings - some of who are on their own for the first time in their lives. It's been almost 8 years since I've visited Israel. Last time I was there I was pregnant with Ava. I'm guessing it's about time to plan my next trip.

Wishing all of us happiness and peace - and the strength to live our dream at any age. It's never too late.

XO
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