Friday, May 13, 2016

Smoothie Goodness



Just a few of my favorite delicious and nutritious smoothies! 

http://www.eatingvibrantly.com/parsley-pear-green-smoothie/


http://momdecuisine.net/2012/02/06/make-ahead-monday-pink-monster-smoothies/
  
http://nutritionismedicine.ca/2013/12/hunger-control-smoothie-aip.html
  
http://rikishore.com/2012/02/strawberry-raspberry-almond-smoothie/


 

I want to try this one!!

http://www.nakedavocado.com/2013/05/cake-batter-smoothie/
A healthy lifestyle is always in style! What are you favorite smoothies?!
 

Xx,

Melody

 

all photos are from and linked to the original site of where I found these delish recipes!

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Bridesmaids' Forget Me Knots


How lovely it is to be asked to be a bridesmaid – it’s truly meaningful honor to be apart of a couple's unforgettable day. You standing beside them on this special day acknowledges the important role you play in their life.  With this great honor comes great responsibility (like most things in life). Being a bridesmaid is one of those times. So much more goes into being a bridesmaid than celebrating and looking pretty (but not too pretty), on the big day. So, what else do you need to know?

Forget Me Knot #1: It's all about the Bride...& Groom!
  


Forget Me Knot #2: The dress style, choice of color, flowers, bridal shower theme, bachelorette plans, wedding venue, whatever it may be, are what the bride wants...so just go with it. Leave the diva at the door and think good vibes only. Be honest but positive, positive opinions are welcome. Remember, if it's not your taste that's okay because it's not your day. This is the bride's day and her vision, and as a bridesmaid it is our goal to help make her vision become a reality. 


Forget Me Knot #3: Be ready to become a personal planner, decorator, crafter, florist, and anything else that the bride may need.  We are there to help make things run smoothly as her friend and bridesmaid.  Bachelorette parties and bridal showers - we are there to help ensure all are taken care of and guests and the bride are having a good time. Does she have a theme for her bridal shower or does she need help researching themes, venues, etc.? If so, help a bride out. Does your bride want to sight see, or do specific things, like a party bike tour or fancy dinner during her bach? Book that sh*t!
Forget Me Knot #4: Remember the music for the bridal shower, bachelorette, big day, whatever the occasion music is always good. Bring a sewing kit - I once saw a mother of the bride get stitched into her dress (on her daughter's wedding day) because of a zipper malfunction and yes she still looked fabulous, all thanks to a little sewing kit! Pack an extra bottle of champagne, for the aunt with the heavy hand at the bridal shower, or for the bride's nerves. Oh, which reminds me, remember we aren't here for the booze, we are here for the bride, so moderation is key. Lastly, while were remembering to leave the diva at home, also remember to leave your white at home, that color is reserved for her.


 
 Forget Me Knot #5: Our brides have 99 problems going on in their head - some are real things, and some are what if things, but they are still things to them, and our brides need our support, always. This is a memorable time and she will love you more for how thoughtful and attentive you were during this exciting yet stressful time for her!



Forget Me Knot #6: Smile, strike a pose, love and cheer! It's not everyday your best friend marries the man of her dreams!

 

Now that we are all rehearsed in the Forget Me Knots of being a bridesmaid
...time to celebrate! (in moderation)


Cheers!
 A planning bride has 99 problems, don't let a bridesmaid be one! 

xx,

Melody

Check out these fabulous photographers for these fabulous weddings.
My brother and sister in-law's wedding photos, by Dani Fresh aka Mint Dress Photos
My two best friends' wedding photos, by Maria Linz aka Pink Dress Photos 



Friday, May 6, 2016

#KitchenGoals

So, we did something crazy and bought a fixer upper, for our first home!

After browsing the real estate market for close to a year, Zillow had become apart of my morning routine. Nothing was catching our eye or showing us what we had envisioned for our family. Thank god for our realtor, who is also one of our best friends, Andy Nardone at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. He not only answered every question for us, rookies, but never stopped looking either.

Fixer uppers were an idea we both loved, but the idea was also taunting. So, we agreed on medium renos for our first home- save the dream of a fixer upper for the second. Well, just days after looking at another round of homes...I get a call from Justin, "come over and look at this house." What do I see when I arrive, a fixer upper. (Wait I thought we weren't doing that.) At first, I wanted to get back in my car. The outside was a mess, it looked like a barn...not in a cool way, and the color of the house was awful or should I say the colors (three) of the house were awful, I wanted to run. I quickly pulled it together and thought what would Chip and Joanna Gaines do...just kidding...or am I? haha 

So, we went inside, took a look around, and to my surprise, I started dreaming as soon as I walked in...I could see it. Every room could be a great space, the character was endearing and the potential was there, all in this fixer upper. Finally, the space we were looking for, for our family in a home and it was in our desired location. After a brief discussion with our oh so patient realtor, Andy, Justin and I looked at each other and said, "if you are in, I'm in," and just like that 4/29/16, we became home owners!!


 We wasted no time...we dove right in, the next day! 



To start take a look at our kitchen! 


This is how we found it, trust me a quality photo doesn't mean a quality kitchen...what once was a quality kitchen is no more. The smell alone would have made any normal family say no way! haha 


This is where we are now...

  

 

This is where we are going...
 More photos and details on these fabulous looks can be found here >>> 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

THE BOWER - Hare & Klein:


August Photos 299

<a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/victoria-hagan-nantucket-family-summer-home-article">Victoria Hagan’s Nantucket home</a>

 

 


More photos and details on these fabulous looks can be found here >>> 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

This is personally my favorite reno happening in our home, so keep an eye out for more on our kitchen, which will eventually open up into our living room. We are knocking down walls to make a complete open floor plan, raising ceilings and building islands! Stay tuned this could get interesting!

We got work to do...All Summer '16

xx,

Melody