Polka Dot and Bows Obsession

What I'm Wearing: Jacket: Banana Republic (old, similar here at BR), Cardigan: Banana Republic (old, similar here at BR, also here at J. Crew Factory), Blouse: ASOS (old), Jeans: Express (old), Booties: Banana Republic (old, similar here at BR), Sunnies: Banana Republic, Bracelet: J. Crew (no longer available online, similar at Kate Spade )

Polka dots have been a print that I have been enamored with since the summertime.  They are a chic and classic look that can you can mix and match with different prints and details.  I have certainly been wearing them a lot lately.  A detail I am loving right now are bows.  Bows are the ultimate girly detail and I have been seeing more and more bow prints and jewelry this season.  I love how bows are sweet and romantic and can give any outfit the ladylike touch.  How would you wear bow details and polka dot prints?  P.S.: J. Crew, J. Crew Factory and Kate Spade have lots of bow prints, bow jewelry and bow shoes!! Love button!  

Fall Layers

What I'm wearing: Coat: Vicoria's Secret, Blouse: J. Crew Factory, Sweater: J. Crew, Jeans: Gap,
Boots: Nine West (old)

Although, I'm really not a fan of the weather getting colder and feeling more like winter than fall, I love adding layers to my ensembles.  My go-to layering outfit is a blouse underneath a sweater, paired with booties or boots.  With any blouse or sweater, you can mix and match patterns and colors.  What is your favorite layering outfit?  Happy Weekend! xoxo

So Ladylike

Top: ASOS, Jeans: Banana Republic (old, similar here), Booties: Banana Republic (old, similar here, and here), Handbag: Coach (old)

One trend I am loving from summer that is transitioning into fall is peplum.  I love the frilly, girly look that it inspires; it instantly transforms an outfit.  I paired my peplum top with bootcut jeans and my tan booties.  What would you pair peplum with?  xoxo

Weekend Wear: I Heart Plaid

Sweater: Old Navy (Similar option here), Blouse: Banana Republic (Similar here, and here), Jeans: Banana Republic, Boots: DSW (Similar here), Sunnies: Banana Republic

On the weekend, there are fall days that definitely call for casual weekend wear.  Casual wear is all about fashion and function; my favorite functional piece: boots of course!  Today I paired boots, a button up shirt and a sweater with skinny jeans.  Perfect for apple picking which is where I was going.  Happy weekend! xoxo   

Big Dot Small Dot

Sweater: Old Navy (old, but similar here), Dress: Forever 21(old, skirt version), Sandals: Banana Republic (old), Watch: Michael Kors

It is most definitely fall outside and these photos were actually taken a couple weeks back.  But, I love transitioning summer pieces with fall pieces when the weather starts changing.  I paired a summery dress and wedge peep toe sandals with a newly bought sweater.  Happy Fall! 

Casual Summer Outfit with a Touch of Lace

Top, Shorts, Necklace, Bracelet, Sunnies: Banana Republic, Similar Top option at TopShop, Similar Shorts option,  Shoes: DSW

Casual summer outfits are definitely a fav of mine when I am running errands, going to the lake or having lunch with the girls.  You need something quick and easy to through on but still want to look fashionable and flawless.  Without even meaning to, I managed to put on all Banana Republic except my shoes!  BR has been one of my favorite stores for a while now.  Every time I shop I will go in there and find at least one piece that I like. They can be casual and dressy all in one, which is a great time-saver when you are in a hurry.  This lace top I picked gave this outfit a feminine touch without seeming to done up, and I  added the long necklace and bracelet to match.

I styled my hair in a side braid for a chic look that does not take a lot of time.  Especially for those hot summer days when heat styling is not an option.  What are your go-to casual summery outfits?  Hope you are enjoying your weekend and thanks for reading! :) xoxo

Polka Dots and Stripes

The fourth of July is coming up and this outfit is something that I would wear without being too over the top red, white and blue.  I am really loving the mix and match print trend and polka dots and stripes work nicely together.  I was totally inspired by Mad Men when I bought this dress, it has that 50's and 60's flair to it.  I could definitely see Betty rocking this dress for the 4th.  What are you wearing for the 4th of July?  Thanks for reading! :)

Dress: Forever 21, Similar option here, Sandals: Zara, Hat: Target, Similar option here, Sunnies: Banana Republic

ColorBlock Party

Dress: Sosie, Sandals: Zara, Belt: UrbanOutfitters, Purse: Dooney & Burke (old)

As soon as I saw these neon pink sandals from Zara, I knew I had to have them!  Not only are they my favorite color but I love the style with the ankle strap.  I also can wear them with pretty much anything because I adore the colorblocking trend.  I decided for my first outfit, I would wear them with my green dress and neon yellow belt.  I think the colors work nicely together and the green breaks up the neon colors of pink and yellow.  What do you think of the colorblocking trend?  Hope you had a great weekend!

Healthy Stuffed Peppers

So, I have made a couple different stuffed pepper recipes before and this one by far is my absolute favorite.  Not only is it good for you but it is full of flavor.  Instead of ground beef, it's made with ground turkey and I think what makes it stand out is the chicken broth used.  This gives it that extra savory flavor.  Stuffed peppers have always been a favorite dish of mine to make, pair it with a nice salad and you have a delicious dinner.  Enjoy!

Stuffed Peppers

Source: SkinnyTaste.com

Ingredients:

1 lb lean ground turkey

1 garlic clove, minced

1/4 onion, minced

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp cumin powder

salt to taste

5-6 large sweet red bell peppers, washed

1 cup fat free chicken broth

1/4 cup tomato sauce

1 1/2 cups cooked rice

Olive oil spray

1/4 cup reduced fat shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

Heat the oven to 400°. Spray a little olive oil spray in a medium size saute pan and heat on a medium flame. Add the onion, and the garlic to the pan. Saute about 2 minutes and then add the ground turkey. Season the meat with salt, garlic powder, and cumin and brown meat for several minutes until meat is completely cooked through. Add 1/4 cup of tomato sauce and 1/2 cup of chicken broth to the pan, mix well and simmer on low for about 5 minutes. Combine the cooked rice and meat together in the pan.

Cut the tops of the bell peppers off and then cut each pepper in half lengthwise.  Make sure you remove all of the seeds.  Place the peppers in a baking dish. Spoon the meat and rice mixture into each pepper half and fill it with as much as you can. Pour a half cup of the chicken broth on the bottom of the pan.  Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. Top the peppers with shredded cheddar cheese.  Yum!  Thanks for reading. :)

Work of Art

Happy Friday everyone!  I for one, am so excited that Memorial Day weekend is here.  Memorial Day weekend to me is the official start to summer bbqs, seeing friends and family and of course my bridal shower, bachelorette party and upcoming wedding.  I cannot believe the bridal shower is in 2 weeks and the wedding in about 2 months!  I feel like I have so much to do still but am very excited that it is closer than ever.  I have many upcoming wedding projects such as my DIY wedding programs and DIY wedding favors, which I will be sharing on here when I finish them (hopefully relatively soon!).

Today, I thought I would share my paintings from my etsy shop, Arts by MelAnne.  I have been painting since I was about 15 and have been drawing even younger in age.  I was in the AP Art class my senior year of high school, where we created an art portfolio of our best work and featured our best work in an end of the year art show.  Painting has always been so relaxing for me and fun at the same time.  So, last year I decided to open my own shop on etsy, featuring original paintings.

Here are a few of my favorites and a few pieces that I am currently working on.  Be sure to visit my shop on etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtworkbyMelody.

                                                           

                                                          Ballerina from Swan Lake

                                                  Note cards from an original painting of a still life

                                                                     Music Box Dancer

                                                                          The Woods

                                                                       Colorful Leaves

                                         The above painting I am currently working on.  As you can see there is still much to be done on it.  But you can see the basis of the painting.  I am definitely loving how the pointe shoes came out.

                                          Another painting I am currently working on.  Not quite done yet, there are still some tweaking I need to do with the it.  But who doesn't love a Chanel purse??!  Happy weekend and enjoy your Memorial Day! :)

Best Chili Ever and My Maven Fav of the Week

I have to say that today was cold and made me think of winter more than summer :(  So to warm myself up when I got back from errands I thought it would be perfect to make this chili I found on the Pearls, Handcuffs & Happy Hour blog.  Normally, chili is a winter/comfort food.  But seeing as how today there were a few flurries here this morning (I know eeek!), I definitely think this called for a chili dinner.  This chili is spicy just the way I like it and it is perfect with cheese on top with crackers or bread for dipping in this scrumptious dish.  Yum!

Chili
Source: Pearls, Handcuffs & Happy Hour
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 lb of ground beef
1 medium yellow onion
2 jalapeno peppers
2 cloves of garlic
1 tablespoon of chili powder
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 (15 oz.) can of black beans
1 (15 oz.) can of pinto beans
1 can of Rotel

Extra Ingredients when serving:
Shredded cheddar and monterrey jack cheese
Crackers
Bread

Directions:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium high heat.  Put in the ground beef and cook 7-10 minutes until no longer pink.  Add in the chopped onion, chopped jalapenos, garlic, chili powder and cumin, cook over medium low heat for 5 minutes.  Add the black beans, pinto beans, and the Rotel with their juices.  Bring to a simmer and cook on medium low for 25-30 minutes, covered.  Be sure to periodically stir the chili.  Remove from the heat.  Serve with shredded cheese, crackers or bread.  Enjoy, I know I did!

Maven Fav

My Maven Fav of the week is picks from Old Navy!!  On my day out, I happened to stop by Old Navy because I knew I would be needing new flip flops soon and I wanted it to feel like summer outside. Usually, I do just go into Old Navy and buy 2-4 pairs of flips flops and nothing else.  But not today!  They had so many cute things for summer not just flips flops but dresses, tops, shorts and suits.  I had so much fun looking in the racks and trying things on.  I swear I am like a kid in a candy store when it comes to clothes!  And most things were all at a good price for what you were getting so how can you beat that!  These are my top picks for spring/summer from Old Navy:

Pastel Blue Gingham Camp Shirt (I bought this one and it's light weight enough for spring and summer!)

Neon Pink Flip Flops (I bought these too, I would recommend going a size up than you normally do though)

Neon Lime Striped Sundress (This is so cute for a day at the beach, pair it with flips flops, sunglasses and a cute tote and you are good to go.)

Floral Print Top (Love this!  Did not buy however but I think I will have to make an emergency trip back. This would look great with skinny jeans, a skirt or shorts.)

Blue Canvas Shorts (This a nice bright blue color for spring/summer!)

Floral Chiffon Maxi Dress (Maxi dresses are essential for summer.  You can just throw them on with a cute pair of wedges.)

Which Old Navy pick is your fav?  Happy Weekend!

Colors of the Rainbow

Chic Find of the Day

Colors!  It is all about colors for spring and summer and for nail polish it is no different.  The range from neon pink to pastel green to bright yellow is fabulous.  Not only are they super fun to wear but with the color blocking trend, theses colors can go with a variety of outfits.  These are my top picks of chic colors for your tips! 

Essie in Turquoise & Caicos, found  here at target

Revlon in Coastal Surf, can be found  here

Chanel in Mimosa, can be found here

love & beauty in Neon Pink, can be found  here at forever 21

Which color will you be sporting for the spring and summer?

Welcome!

Hello everyone and welcome to my blog!  I am a twenty-something girl with lots of ideas and aspirations and I created this blog to document my journey through all of it.  Let's start with this yummy recipe of pulled pork and coleslaw sandwiches!

 Recipe of the Day

The recipe I made today is these yummy BBQ pulled pork and coleslaw sandwiches!  When I found this recipe on Pinterest I nearly keeled over.  One, it's getting closer to summer and nothing says that better than BBQ.  Two, this looked just like the BBQ pulled pork and coleslaw from Dinosaur BBQ.  And if you know Dinosaur BBQ, you know they have AMAZING BBQ!  

So I decided to make this and WOW it came out so delicious!  It definitely tastes like something they would serve at Dinosaur BBQ which is even better since it's just like eating at the restaurant.  How are you planning on getting ready for summer??  Enjoy the deliciousness!

BBQ Pulled Pork and Coleslaw sandwiches

Source: The Healthy Bites

Serves: 6

Ingredients for the Pork:

• 2 lbs of pork roast
• 1/4 tsp of salt
• 1/4 tsp of pepper
• Cooking spray
• 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup of ketchup
• 1 tablespoon of dijon mustard
• 1/4 tsp of paprika
• 1/8 tsp pepper
• 1/4 tsp of salt
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 2 cups of water
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• additional, sandwich or hamburger buns

Ingredients for Sauce:

• 1/4 cup of cooking liquid
• 1 tsp of brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons of ketchup

Ingredients for Coleslaw:

• 3 tablespoons of light mayo
• 1 small container (6 oz) of plain yogurt
• 3 splashes of hot sauce
• 2 tsp of sugar
• 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp of pepper
• 1/4 tsp of salt
• 1 bag of coleslaw mix

Directions:

• Coat a large skillet with cooking spray and heat over high heat.  Put salt and pepper on both sides of the pork and place the pork in the skillet.  Sear all sides until golden, about 2 minutes per side.  Then place the pork in the crock pot.
• Add the apple cider vinegar, ketchup, dijon mustard, paprika, salt, pepper, brown sugar, water, and onion to the crock pot with the pork.  Cook on low for 5 hours.  
• Remove the pork and onion from the crock pot to a serving platter.  Reserve 1/4 cup of the liquid from the crock pot.  Take two forks and shred the pork, the pork should shred easily.  
• In a small bowl, pour in the reserved liquid, brown sugar, and ketchup and mix well.  Pour the mixture over the pork and mix it together to coat evenly over the pork.  
• In making the coleslaw, mix the mayo, yogurt, hot sauce, sugar, vinegar, pepper, and salt in a large bowl.  Add in the coleslaw mix and toss to coat evenly.
• To serve, put 1/4 cup of pulled pork on bottom half of the bun, put 1/4 cup of coleslaw on the pork and top with half of bun.  Put additional BBQ sauce on sandwich if you want.  I did because I love BBQ sauce!  Enjoy!