Oh Friends, the time has come for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I don't know about you but if y I could buy it all...I totally would.

I don't know if you've been perusing around the Nordstrom Sale but if you haven't give it a peak, it's worth a look...or seven.

There are SO many great deals going on right now. I wandered around the sale for a good hour seeing all of the fun things to buy. I kept thinking "that's cute" "BOOTS, LOOK AT THE BOOTS" "I didn't know this sale could make me feel like it's Christmas...maybe Christmas can come twice in one year". I kid you not I was happier than a fish still swimming in the sea.

I was even happier when I made a couple of awesome purchases from the sale that would normally cost me 50-65% more.

So this is the entire haul, minus a certain special something (I am saving the most exciting for last). 

But let's talk about these gems, because I am in love with them all. 

1. Philosophy Purity face wash - $93 value - you get it for $52. I have been eyeing this face wash for quite some time now. I have heard so many people rave about Philosophy products, and I now understand why the people be raving. Purity has a very light fragrance to it and it's an all natural smell (so it has no added fragrance). I have very strange skin, meaning, I get these weird dry splotches on my face that hurt, some face washes actually add to the irritation and this face was actually eliminates the dry spots. Plus they give you a huge bottle and then a normal sized bottle so you technically get the little bottle for free and who doesn't like free?

2. Clarisonic Mia 2 - $201 value - you get it for $149. Okay so here's the hoe down throw down on this gem. If you didn't know the actual price for the Mia 2 is $149...however, you get a ton of free goodies with the anniversary sale. Such as, an extra head (valued at $27 for one), a full bottle of face wash (valued at $25) and a fun bag to put your Clarisonic in (because it needs a holder for traveling). On the face wash: I didn't try it but I read tons of reviews saying the fragrance is not good for people with sensitive skin and it burns your eyes, so beware. Moving on...I have wanted a Clarisonic for such a long time, and let me tell you, it was 100% worth the money and the wait. My skin is so much smoother, my pores are getting smaller, and I am noticing a big difference in how my skin absorbs my moisturizer and foundation (if you know what I mean?). I have used many other face washing devices but this one by far is the best one. A total investment but totally worth it. 

3. Lorac Skinny Pallet - you get it for $16 (It says its worth $103 but meh) - anyways, I just picked this pallet up to see how pigmented it was, and it shocked me, the pallet is so unbelievably smooth and pigmented. Real talk, this pallet makes me want the Lorac Pro. (I see you Lorac giving me a run for my money over there). [sadly this pallet sold out]

4. Tory Burch Flats- $269 value - you get it for $179. Here's the deal with Tory Burch flats kids, if you get them they are a jerk and a half to break in but so worth it once you do. I had my old tory flats for 4+ years and after I realized I was developing holes at the bottom of them (and this weird green coloration at the bottom) I decided it was time for a new pair. I found these at the sale and not only were they on sale but they can be dressed up or down. (I was sold at that point). But I am also loving that the logo is a little smaller, compared to my old ones. You get what you paid for with these shoes. 

Okay, get ready, I am super excited about this find and I hope you are too!! 

Frye Boots- $417.95 value - You get them for $279.90. I have wanted a pair of riding boots for so long. I went into Nordstrom actually looking to buy the Tory Burch Boots, but realized that I didn't like the way they fit my legs. Seriously, why is buying a pair of boots so difficult. I kid you not, I tried on 8+ pairs of boots before I found these and LOVED them. This homegirl is not about to pay almost $300 for boots I just kinda-sorta like. Plus these boots were totally made for walking, and by that I mean they last forever (or so I hear). 

Do you have your eye on anything at the Nordstrom Sale?? Any products you want to show me, I love seeing all the fun things the Nordstrom sale has to offer. 

Keep Calm and Carry on

xoxo 

Melissa

This weekend has left me feeling magical and refreshed. I can honestly say that I feel good coming into this week (especially because school is over for me on Wednesday!).

Anyways, friends as you may have read, it was mine and Bears one year anniversary Friday and it was absolutely wonderful. I could not have asked for a more perfect celebration.

It really summed up our relationship, David did have planned a fancy dinner at this fancy restaurant but I didn't want him spending a ton of money and since I am trying hard to lose weight I didn't want to go crazy eating at a buffet style restaurant (I can be such a child). But, he did come home Friday with Roses in hand, and my mom being the absolute gem that she is got us a balloon and a cake.

(please note: the cake did say Happy 1 year anniversary, but a bear was foraging through the fridge and ate part of the cake. The bear who ate this cake has yet to be identified.)

We have been teaching my mom how to play Magic the Gathering (a wonderful card game you should also learn how to play). So we went to Friday Night Magic and played each other while Bear kicked some serious butt. 

Homegirl kicked my butt. For a beginner, that's pretty impressive. 

So, this is a true story kids. David and I got each other the same type of gift. The only difference was the size and how many pictures were put together. When I found out we made each other the same gift when I opened it, I thought to myself "this boy knows me incredibly to well". We of course had to take a picture of it, because duh it's our one year and I felt like if I didn't take a picture of this moment, I'd be a silly human. 

This week salads have been my go to lunch and dinner, they are seriously so addicting. Plus I can have all the lettuce because it's ZERO POINTS. GIMME ALL THE LETTUCE. 

Annnyways, how was your week/weekend?! I want to hear all about it!

Keep Calm and Carry On
xoxo
Melissa

This week I am so excited to be co-hosting the Weekly Wrap-Up Rachael and Lisa!

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I thought of all the ways that I could begin this post for ya'll but it was really difficult because there are so many ways to start off this post. Today, July 18th, marks a special day for me and two people in my life. This may sound really weird but if it weren't for Rachael I most likely would have never gone on a date with David. And, I know that I don't really go into David's and my relationship here on le blog (except for this one time) but today is different. Because today is my one year with David and Rachael (does that sound weird? yes? well, let me explain).

Story time kids, grab a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and be prepared to read some of what I call good old fashioned story time.

So, I went on my first Blate with Rachael the same day that I went on my first date with David. David asked me out on a date when I was hanging out with Rachael at Starbucks (typical blogger meetup place...even if you hate coffee, it's like THE place). Anyways, I told Rachael about David and she got SO EXCITED. Not a drill homegirl was ready to hear all about David and what he was like and what we talked about, and of course I told her.

Our VERY FIRST PICTURE TOGETHER. 

So our blate continued and I realized I had gotten ready in LITERALLY 15 mins, I had not done my hair, my dress was old (it had a hole in it), and I did my nails and my makeup in Sephora and Macy's in the mall (that's bucky). Rachael died laughing as I was freaking out, also calming me down as I freaked the freak out for at least 30 mins, because I didn't have the time to buy a new outfit that looked awesome so I just rocked the dress.

(this is what I looked like when I left the house...) 

Moving on, I went on my date with David, and I went in with an open mind and I went in basically super nervous but also very myself. We talked about everything and anything, we drank coffee (I was up until at least 5AM). So much talking happened during that date it even felt natural and easy. I texted and called Rachael and told her all about it, to which she said "I think he's legit". I didn't want to get my hopes up because spoiler alert I really liked him. I felt like it was all too good to be true. But, obviously our first date went well and so did our second, third, forth and so on, because here we are a year later and we are still head over heels for each other. 

Getting off of our first date and on to all of the things past the honey moon stage, David has turned into one of my best friends. We do so much together and we try so many new things together. He has brought out my inner nerd and I have shown him that I can be a nerd and a fashionista. 

There are so many wonderful memories that a year can bring, we have really, really, really grown with each other. We have shown each other love, and that love is indeed unconditional (I am sorry I am trying really hard to not make this post super cheesy to the point of where you actually do want a huge glass of wine). 

So I guess let me leave it at this, this has been one of the best years of my life. David is an amazing person and and an amazing best friend. Without Rachael I would have most likely never have gone on that first date, and for all I know I would have never had coffee with David after that first opportunity. I think Rachael will always be the person to say "I know David and Melissa the best because she has been there since day one". 

David came into my life out of no where and I am so thankful that he did because he is my other shoe and I don't feel bucky for saying that. 

It has been one year of pure joy, happiness, love, laughs, cries, and great, great, memories. I don't know where I'd be today, if none of this never happened but, I am really happy that I went on a Blate with Rachael and a date with David. They have become forevers in my life and without both of them I'd be one lost bear. 

Life is good when you have the best of people in your life. 

(also if you don't know what bucky means shoot me an email and we can talk all about bucky)

Keep Calm and Carry On 

xoxo 

Melissa

It's a fabulous Hump Day...for more than one reason!! Let's talk about the most recent, I FINALLY got to a gold card with Starbucks. We have this relationship that cannot be broken, it has a strong bond and today....the bond got stronger. (even though I should have had a gold card like a year ago....it's fun to say I have one now). Am I a bit addicted to Starbucks coffee? Yes. Do I really see it as a problem?? No.

(why yes I do feel fancy)

So moving on, I decided today that I'd share a quick healthy recipie for ya'll to try (or droll at)

This should take you 10-15 mins at the most to cook. Basically this meal should be called 

"Melissa's lazy Meal"

What you'll need: 

1 cup of ravioli - Monterey Chicken Ravioli is my favorite (because it's low in points) 7pts

1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. - 4pts

Pick your favorite vegetables - I used Asparagus, zucchini, squash, and tomatos - 0pts

Cajun Seasoning, or just salt and pepper - 0pts

1 tablespoon of Land O Lakes Light Butter Spread with Canola Oil - 1pt

What you'll do:

1. Get those veggies cooking. I put mine in the oven at 400 degrees with tablespoon of olive oil and seasoning. Let those cook for 10-15 mins or whenever the veggies look edible and delicious to you. 

2. Get the raviolis cooking as well: Put those puppies in a pot and boil them until they are soft and edible. 

3. Cut up the tomato  and put it to the side (so you can put it on top of the ravioli) 

4. Put cooked food on a plate. (make it look pretty so you can Instagram it, obviously). 

5. Put the tablespoon of butter on the raviolis and put the tomatoes on top. 

6. Eat this quick and easy meal because you're obviously hungry

Extra Credit- Eat a jello sugar free pudding with strawberries for desert - 1pt

Yesterday I got a fabulous Snapchat from Becca, that made me die laughing. 

Thank you Becca for being awesome and always making me laugh. 

Are you wanting to try this easy meal?! 

Keep Calm and Carry On 

xoxo 

Melissa

This weekend I did A TON of thinking about who you put in your life and how they effect your life. People used to tell me "You will become like the three most people you surround yourself with" (even Pinterest gave me a pin that looks all cute and inspirational). I used to roll my eyes at that statement. But now, I think about it in the literal sense and also how the quote can apply to how the people you put into your life affect it. My three closest friends do nothing but bring me up and make me feel like the unicorn that I should be (if they are reading this, they know how they do so).

But, flashback to three years ago, I surrounded myself with way, way, WAY different people. To put it nicely these people lacked an understanding of what is real life and what is not. They were older than me and they had very manipulative and dramatic mindsets, like they were still stuck in their 18-year-old midsets (which drove me insane). I didn't realize how actually insane it drove me until I took a step back and realized how toxic those people were in my life. Real talk, I purged ALL of those people out of my life, I unfollowed all of them on social media and decided to delete all phone numbers. At that time I realized that there was nothing that those people had to offer me that I could not offer myself. My life suddenly became peaceful and drama-free. Soon after the purge I realized that I had a REAL choice of who I put in my life, and that quality was significantly better than quantity. 

I am also starting to realize that if I notice you aren't going to be a good fit in my life, I most likely won't be a good fit in yours. I am also learning that there's nothing wrong with being selective about who you put into your life. 

I started feeling guilty because I felt like I HAD to stay friends with people because if I didn't stay friends with them it meant that I was being mean, or too critical. When in reality all I was doing was making sure that the people in my life were good for my life. And, of course there are always going to be relationships (professionally and socially) where I have to be social with a person that I may not necessarily like to have in my daily life. However, just because I have to keep them as an acquaintance doesn't mean I have to have a weekly coffee with them or tell them all about what's going on in my life. 

Point is there is nothing wrong with taking people out of your life because they don't fit in your life puzzle. If that person is an end piece and you don't need anymore end peices then don't force it, it's not a good fit for you. So you do you boo boo. Life will seem a little less intense when you realize that you don't have to feel guilty for not needing certain people in your life. 

I gotta say it again, just in case you didn't read it the first time. You do you boo boo! 

So that's the thought of the weekend and I am now linking up with Rachael from The Rachael way with the Weekly Wrap-Up!!! 

Did you have any cool thoughts this weekend?!

Keep Calm and Carry On 

xoxo 

Melissa

It's hump day, and lord how I love that it is hump day because that means we are one step closer to Friday!!! As I sit here and wait for Friday to come, I figured I would give ya'll a little bit of a mid week confession session since its Wednesday...which means Link up with Kathy at Vodka and Soda.


// I really am obsessed with game of thrones, I honestly just want to binge watch all the Game of Thrones....RIGHT NOW.

//Bear really has been awesome with the whole Melissa takes on summer classes shindig. He has been 110% supportive and the amount of happy that makes me is a lot. 

//My room and laundry REALLY need some love, but life is so busy and all I wanna do is nap. I am totally getting on that today...I promise. 

//KIND bars are really my life's best friend right now, they are super yummy and low in points so I can snack on some fruit with them and it makes a perfect light lunch or yummy snack. 

// I got a new hair color and I really like it, it's this new balayage technique and my awesome girl Taylor did it at Three 13 Salon. She never disappoints me when doing my hair. I seriously lucked out. If you want some cool hair ideas she has tons on her Instagram account, and it's like a real life pinterest board, even if you don't live in the Atlanta area you should check out her stuff, you might get inspired by her magical hair ideas and take them to your salon!

(I am still casually obsessing over my hair...not a drill)

//I have been deep conditioning my hair at home and real talk, it is so worth buying a good deep conditioner from Ulta or Sally Beauty Supply. They really do help repair and protect your hair. (But if you do it too much you'll have a heavy coating of conditioner on your hair and it will make it really unpleasant 

//I got a new Michael Kors purse and a new phone case....I am obsessing over both daily. My new purse can fit a laptop, and an iPad...(not that I have one)...and it has all of these compartments that I need to utilize.

(it's my new I could sneak a whole meal into the movie theater bag....not that I would do that...)

//I am learning how to curl my hair the right way with out it taking an hour. Now it should only take me 10-15mins...which I am totally okay with. Less time getting ready means more time for coffee.

//I am also consuming a lot of green tea...which I am not mad about.

Anyways, these are my confessions. You have read your daily dose of chaos. Carry on now with your hump day and all will be a-okay.

Keep Calm and Carry On
xoxo
Melissa

Okay kiddos, week one of weight watchers was conquered and completed. At the moment I am feeling like a sparkly unicorn because I lost FOUR pounds this week (and some change). I honestly could have lost two pounds and I would have been so excited and proud of myself. From where I was last Saturday, I feel like this is going to be a lifestyle that will take a lot of learning; but in the long run learning how to live a healthy life style will be worth it.

So, what did I do this week that helped me?? I would have to say that fruits and veggies saved me. The award for the most awesome food goes to fruits and veggies (cue the applause). I can not tell you how many times I was hungry but didn't want to have a high point snack so I opted for a peach or if I had the time roasted veggies.

I feel like being able to have a snack like a kind bar (these things are the best snack because they are so filling and they have the perfect amount of nutrients to keep you going). Usually I pair a kind bar with a kiwi or a banana, because they are free and keep me fuller longer.

I also made a casual fruit bowl to sit in my kitchen, not only does it look pretty and colorful it is absolutely delicious.

Fun fact: roasted veggies are the best but, if you want them to be Weight Watcher zero points throw on some of that Pam olive oil spray, if not a tablespoon of olive oil does the trick with some pepper and sea salt (or normal salt...whatever floats your fancy).

Honestly, week one was all about making new habits. One of my new habits is now incorporating more colors into my day.

Week one of my lifestyle change is done and gone. Now I am focusing on week two.

So thanks fruits and veggies, you're a savior and with out you, I'd probably be really sad. So you keep being you and I'll keep eating you...Sound like a plan? Yeah, I thought it did.

Keep Calm and Carry On
xoxo
Melissa

I went on an adventure this weekend with David and his parents (the bear parents). We went to this magical place where wine is made (aka just an alternative way to enjoy zero point grapes...I joke). Anyways, since my knowledge of wine was barefoot moscato and Trader Joes delicious 3 buck wine. I felt like this winery tour and tasting would be beneficial to my wine knowledge and it was.

Meet the bear parents. 

For example we went into this wonderful room where they fermented and aged wine. Fun fact, wine can not be in a warm climate area when fermenting. Apparently, it ruins the wine process and in the end we would all be drinking nasty ill-fermented wine. I don't know about you, but I'd rather not drink nasty fermented grape juice.

Frankly, I was in awe of all the barrels of wine that were in this room. Plus all of the wine that sits in the large metal vats. What's even cooler is that they don't just use those barrels once. Each wine barrel can be used 3-4 times. Not to get all wine technical but the barrel that the wine is aged in actually helps flavor the wine. (it enhances the flavor of the wine, basically). And, each time the barrel is used it has less effect on enhancing the flavor of the wine. (So the barrel is not wasted)! 

While these barrels are functional for the wine, and needed to make the yummy goodness of fermented grape juice (aka wine, obviously). Don't let these puppies fool you, each one of these barrels is sold to Chateau Elan for 1,200 dollars. So, thank god they can be used more than once because good lord that's a lot of Kate Spade purses and Starbucks. Though, you can buy them as a consumer when they are done being used for 150 dollars...talk about a really cute coffee table/end table idea. 

Behind that window is where the wine is bottled. Believe it or not, that big bertha behind that window can bottle 30 bottles of wine in ONE minute. Talk about mass wine producing, can someone invest in one of these and we can create our own start up winery (I joke). 

Then, of course, the exciting part...we tasted five of their wines. I actually found a RED wine that I liked. It was called velvet and it was indeed very, very velvety. (If that makes any sense) 

I also learned on how to be a wine snob with my tasting....with the four S's. 

Sight

Swirl

Sniff

Sip. 

I felt very odd sniffing and swirling my wine but it was cool to get the experience. Though to be honest I do really like my barefoot moscato. (is that rude??). Maybe I am just a cheap date. 

The bear couple and the bear parents had a wonderful time touring all the "bear"els of wine. Part of me wants to go to other wineries to get more tastings in. They are actually fun learning experiences, with yummy fermented grapes. 

Obviously wine is healthy if it involves grapes. (le duh). 

Keep Calm and Carry On 

xoxo 

Melissa 

Bite The Bullet

Friends, I have some fairly big news. I know I mentioned it casually in passing, but today is the day that you get the full story.

Goodness I honestly don't know where to start, but I guess we can start by saying recently I have not been feeling comfortable in my own skin. I've been wearing sweat pants, and yoga pants...IN THE SUMMER, I would prefer wearing a baggy shirt and a pair of sweat pants over a sun dress or a pair of Nike shorts (yes you read that right....nike shorts).

That being said, you should know, I have officially been doing Weight Watchers for a week now. I joined late last Saturday and decided that the number that I saw on the scale would be the last time I saw it.

And so it begins, I would be lying to say that I am a little nervous and scared for my first weigh in. I am tracking all of the things I am eating, even the things with no points (fruits and veggies have NO POINTS all praise the fruits and veggies).

To be honest the beginning seems to be pretty easy I am saving money by not eating out and I am cooking almost all of my meals.

I don't know about you but when I start losing weight I feel more confident. I know that after my first weigh in when I see the amount of weight I lost in the first week I will feel accomplished and proud. I may only lose two pounds but I will feel even more confident knowing that I two pounds lighter.

I am so excited to start on this new journey but also ready for some more confidence and exciting weigh ins.

So this all being said, I am biting the bullet and beginning a new journey of health.

Am I excited? Yes. Am I nervous? Double yes. But I know that this will all be worth it in the end!

Keep Calm and Carry On
xoxo
Melissa