Why hello there! I hope your Monday is fabulous and that your coffee is extra strong this morning! Don't worry I won't judge you for that extra shot of espresso that you've added to your pumpkin spice latte!

The weather is cooling down, the leaves are changing colors, and this girl is all about rocking a casual fall look. I have been on the hunt for the perfect fall and *winter* wardrobe. I say winter wardrobe as well because I am a firm believer that fall clothing can transfer into winter and we just add more layers as the weather gets cooler! 

Even though the weather has been gloriously gloomy I decided to have a little photo shoot for a perfect fall look. 

Outfit Details: 

Hat: Free People 

Necklace: Kate Spade *similar*

Tunic: Halogen  

Tights: Jcrew 

Shoes: Sam Edelman 

Purse: Kate Spade 

Personally I am obsessed with that Free People hat. Part of me wants to buy it in every color.  Maybe this is just the start of a new hat collection. 

What I love most about the tunic is it can be worn so many ways, so keep your eyes peeled for other posts featuring the oh so cute tunic! 

Keep Calm and Carry On 

xoxo 

Melissa

Hey friends! So, I had to share with you guys some of my great shopping finds. Between the obvious Lilly for Target Collection, I have also found other great finds at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack. Seriously, the Rack might as well be my new home and then Nordstrom is like going to see grandma and being spoiled rotten. So, what have I found at these wonderful places? You're about to find out!
So, first off I am obsessed with this Tory Burch bag, I have been going between this one and another one and my first Tory Burch bag was not made very nicely and it really bummed me out. By the seams of the bag it was buckling, I thought it was the one bag so I exchanged it for another and sadly it did the same thing. So, I made a decision to get a different style bag and because of that I also found some other GREAT finds to add to my collection. So let's get the party started!

First off these Kendra Scott Earrings - I have been obsessing over them for a long time and I have now added two pairs to my collection. They are both in the same color family but I have NO shame. Seriously how can you go wrong with what I am calling statement earrings.

Then I found a gorgeous Tory Burch bag. I have another bag that is similar to this one but you can never go wrong with large totes. Plus this one is black and I am telling myself that it is super professional.

I have also found the perfect Tory Burch shoes and they have my heart thumping and bumping. Seriously, they are a great swap for my Jack Rogers and look great with a dark wash skinny jean.

Then I found the bright Nars lipstick and its the PERFECT summer shade. It's bright but not obnoxious and with a little lip gloss can be the perfect accent to a great outfit. *Color* Claudia

The Rebbekah Minkoff bag is now my go to summer bag for when I am on the go. (thanks nordstrom rack for this amazing find). I found it on a super sale in the back of a crossbody section and I nabbed it when we were in chicago and it was the best decision.

While bear was trying stuff on at the Rack I decided to peruse the mens sunglasses for fun and little to my surprise I found a pair that looked super feminine so I tried them on and they felt perfect. So I am constantly rocking a pair of men's sunglasses and I dont even care.

Have you had any good finds recently???

Keep Calm and Carry On
xoxo
Melissa

Did you attend the #lillyfortarget launch? If you did, bless you. And if you didn't, here's what you missed. This launch was unlike anything I have ever seen, think #blackfriday on steroids and rabid white girls attacking everything. When Bear and I arrived at the first target it was 8:08, he dropped me off at the door and THE RACKS WERE CLEARED. First off, the store had only been open for 8 minuets, and all the little Felicias had attacked. It was almost like they trained for the event by clearing practice racks. So Bear and I left, (side note: Bear is the best fiance in all the land because he team worked with me to get some great stuff even though he didn't really understand what was going on he helped grab the right sizes and also acted as a body guard against all the white women attacking *claps for bear*). Once we arrived the second target my Mom called me with an update of other stores it was a mission for anything and everything we could put our paws on.

I should note that women had like little campfires with their karts in a circle and they were trading merchandise that they hadn't even purchased yet. Some women got into a fight over a scarf and then one woman grabbed a bathing suit out of my hands and then walked away. I was completely speechless.

So the question you are most likely thinking is WHAT DID YOU GET? Well I am no fashion blogger but today I decided to give it a try.

This shift dresses are my favorite they have a ton of little accents that make them one of a kind! (also please not my attempted fashion blogger pose. I tried folks!) 

This dress is my favorite dress! *I repeat* This dress is my favorite dress from the collection. I adore the Upstream print and also the pink accent with the zipper is amazing. (not pictured) The upstream jumper I bought as well. It's currently at the dry cleaners. 

This is a Lilly Pulitzer necklace from years ago, and it opens beer bottles, or coke bottles or whatever has a secured top. 

My mom is the real mvp for finding me these plazzo pants. Seriously, you can dress this babies up or dress them down. 

This romper is  HUGE milestone for me, for years I was too heavy and my shape was too "round" to rock a romper but today I stand here confidently rocking this romper and feeling amazing in it too! 

I also got those shorts and that towel. I am pool ready. This summer I plan on basking by the pool while taking four summer classes because what is your last"Summer" as a college student if you don't bask in the sun with a cold iced tea. 

Did you have any luck with the Lilly for Target collection? 

I want to hear all about it! 

Keep Calm and Carry On 

xoxo 

Melissa 

When you first start planning a wedding it can be difficult to find a starting point for planning a wedding. For me personally, I found myself getting excited about EVERYTHING wedding related. The guest list? Lemme make that excel sheet for you. The budget? That's gonna have to happen but I had an idea. I had a stream of consciousness going on allll the time. Eventually it can feel a little overwhelming. When I was talking with my mom she was telling me about this great wedding planner, when she showed me pictures and showed me the video it got me excited ten different ways to Sunday!

Then I watched the intro video to the planner and got goose bumps and even teared up a little bit. I thought that it was just all the new engagement excitment that gave me the teary eyes, but I just watched it again and out came the teary eyes! 

I was stalking the tracking information because I wanted nothing more than for that wedding planner to be in my hands for me to play with and fill up with all of the wedding planning details for the beary bear wedding. 

*note: wedding planner pairs well with a coffee, le pens and a snack! 

The Southern Weddings Planner is so carefully thought out and made with so much love. I personally love the gold embossing with the clean white background! It really has a touch of simplicity that makes it classy. I guess you could say that simplicity and class make up a pretty great southern gal (or northern transplant southern girl). 

When you open the wedding planner this is the first page you see. I loved the beginning note because even though the Southern Weddings team doesn't know you they still want to be just as excited about your big day that you are! 

Again, with the gold embossed type. Seriously, can it get any prettier? I also love that they break down each section for you in the beginning along with tabbed sections. It makes it super easy for you to know what topics are on what page numbers. 

The little details on this check list have me swooning. I love the cute little illustrations with the check list to keep me on track. Missing from action on the check list, we did actually get a caterer, Chipotle will be catering our wedding in all of its glory....I really wish we could have a starbucks barista at our wedding but I have a feeling people would rather have an open bar. But in the coffees bar defense, it too could be open bar, AND you'd never get tired from dancing. Just saying. 

I also love that they have cute little question and answer sections in the book for the bride to be and husband to be. David and I had a blast filling these out, (please don't mind my messy hand writing). It's super fun to get Bear involved because I like to do wedding planning stuff with him (even if it makes him cringe sometimes). 

I simply love my wedding planner and I am so happy its finally in my hands. I honestly have found it a huge help, especially with the budget aspect of wedding planning. It really helps break down the spending you are doing to make sure that you are staying on track for the big day and not spending too much. 

I am so happy Southern Weddings made this great planner! If you want to buy one, you can do so here! If you're engaged and planning a wedding, I would say to buy one ASAP because they are the cats meow. 

Keep Calm and Carry On

xoxo 

Melissa

I am a huge fan of Chipotle, Moes, and Willies. Really, if it is mexican food, you can bet your bottom dollar I will eat LOADS of it. However, the only one who is semi weight watchers friendly for my lifestyle would be Chipotle, and those $8.00 burrito bowls add up quick! So, I decided to figure out a way to make my own burrito bowl with very low points. So here's the burrito bowl that I think makes a great lunch or even great dinner.

* I know it's not the prettiest picture in all the land but it's absolutely delicious 

What you'll need: 

• Brown rice - 1/4 of a cup dry [4 points]
• Chicken cutlets - 4 ounces (or one cutlet) [2 points]
• Cajun seasoning - however much you want  [0 points]
• Garlic salt - however much you want [0 points]
• Black beans - 1/4 of a cup [1 point]
• Zucchini - however much you want [0 points]
• Squash - however much you want [0 points]
• Yellow tomato - however much you want [0 points]
• Any form of hot sauce [0 points]
• Pam olive oil spray [0 points]
•  Reduced fat Kraft cheddar cheese - 1/4 of a cup [2 points]

What you'll do: 

• Cook the serving size of rice in a pot (you can't mess this part up) 
• Cube the zucchini, squash, and tomato and place into the lightly coated pam pan. 
• After browning the vegetables for put the hot sauce on them and finish cooking 
•  Cube up chicken and put cajun seasoning and garlic salt on the chicken and place in pan and cook on each side for 3 mins 
• Measure out your black beans and warm them in the microwave. 
• Assemble the goodness and eat it all with joy and happiness!

Do you have any other fun healthy quick recipes for me to try? 

Keep Calm and Carry On 

xoxo 

Melissa 

So you can chalk it up to the fact that I am a horrible blogger that I am just now writing this post! Let's just say, getting engaged takes you through a whirl wind of events. Second off, the day after you get engaged people automatically assume that you have a date set up...do they think I am super woman or something? Anyways, it was quite possibly the best day of my life. Bear had to try to keep it all a secret because I can be a bit of a snoop and I am also really good at figuring out anything if you give me just one clue (seriously if connecting the dots was an Olympic event, I'd win.)
So, now you're probably wondering how he did it? Well it's time for a story, so take an afternoon break with a cup of coffee and enjoy!

So Bear was very clever he made it so that we went through our daily Saturday motions. We went to Weight Watchers, we weighed in, we went to tin lizzies and then we went to Piedmont Park to play magic. (if you don't know it's a card game bear and I play). So we ate our food and did normal bear things. And then we were getting ready to play and David told me he made me a new deck...but little did I know that he was actually preparing to propose!

While these are digital cards, David actually hand made me my very own proxy (fake) Magic Cards. I had no idea what was going on until he had pulled out the proposal card. Then It was all giggles, tears and "right nows". I was so surprised that all I kept saying is "right now" "really!? right now?!?!". (In case you were wondering this is the order that he presented the cards to me!)

He got down on one knee and presented the ring to me in a gorgeous teal card box with a homemade ring holder! It was absolutely priceless and amazing. I felt like I was on top of the world! 

It was such a surprise because David got a surprise photographer and I had no idea who he was or what he was doing. I honestly thought he was one of those park creepers that took pictures of the grass for fun! (they exist!) 

And of course directly after some photos and hugs, we took to our phones and posted to facebook, because, did your engagement ever happen if you didn't Instagram/Facebook it?!

But seriously, I am the luckiest girl in the world to have found my soul-bear to conquer the world with. I can't put into words how amazing it feels to know that I have someone to tackle life with! 

Keep Calm and Carry On! 

xoxo 

Melissa

With spring right around the corner I am obsessing over tank tops and flip flops. Oh and anything that looks like spring I put on my wish list for later!
March was a pretty relaxed month for me (april is finals and all larger projects due month, so lord save me). Anyways, I want to share with ya'll some of my latest obsessions.

I don't know about you but I adore a cute spring nail color and Essie came out with a rocking spring color (that also goes with my wedding day color pallet). This bastise dry shampoo is also a great addition to my hair regimen, I don't know about you but my hair behaves ten times better when I don't was it every day! Also I joined the Ray Bans club, at first I thought they looked weird on my face however I am now digging them and love the way they look on my face!

Also, because I adore you all so much I made a Spotify playlist (but Spotify is being mean and took away the embedded HTML option so I am sorry but you have to click this link to listen to my latest obsessions.
https://open.spotify.com/user/melissa.rubsam14/playlist/3RWBqrEYCKuX60S5pbPXrB

I am also excited (and nervous) about the Lilly Pulitzer/Target collaboration. I am excited because the bathing suits look absolutely awesome and so do the plazzo pants. I am grabbing both on April 19th when the collection comes out!

What are you currently loving?
Keep Calm and Carry On!
xoxo
Melissa

So Spotify does this thing that I adore on Tuesdays called New Music Tuesday, so today I thought I would do New Music Monday!!
So I want you guys to enjoy my currently listening to playlist. It's a mixture of everything so there are tunes to dance to, tunes to mellow out to, and tunes to be productive to. So put in some ear buds, or blast it in your house! I hope you enjoy!








Do you have any favorites?? Also that Taylor Swift remix is pretty much the bomb.

Keep Calm and Carry On
xoxo
Melissa

Recently there has been so much good stuff going on in my life, along with amazing finds that I just have to share with the entire internet because they are just that awesome.

1. So Bear and I are kind of creatures of habit when it comes to food. No, seriously, we eat at one of four places every week Tin Lizzies, Chipotle, Zaxbys, or Jimmy Johns. Mainly because of #weightwatchers. But we seriously never get sick of any of them. It's a little freaky because usually I can only stand a place for so long and then I don't want it for months. But those four places, forget about it I can eat at any of those places any day of the week. However, the bears adventured out of their caves and found Zoe's Kitchen, we've passed this place many of times and wondered what it was all about and then it just slipped our minds to stop. Finally Satruday during our errands I spotted one and said "lets go try it". We were so impressed by everything regarding our visit, they had three different types of hummus, they had pita sandwiches to die for and their sweet tea was on point! (Thank you faturday for your kindess to allow me to drink sweet tea). Needless to say Zoe's is now on our rotation. 

2. Kate Spade Swimwear: When I heard that Kate Spade was making a swimwear line I about jumped out of my chair and danced. I had a feeling the pieces would be to die for and I was so right. After making a swim suit pros and cons list I found the new bathing suit for the summer.

Is this not the cutest of bathing suits? I gave myself one condition before I bought it, which was that I reach my next 10% goal on weight watchers. Then I will go buy that absolutely stunning top. 

3. This quote: 

I ended up putting it up on my desk so I constantly look at it because when I am doing school work, or even blog posts sometimes I get so bogged down in making them perfect but what I've realized is that good enough really is good enough sometimes. 

4. THIS SONG. Seriously, click play, you will NOT be sad about it. 

5. Also this song:


It's one of those songs that is beautiful and meaningful all at the same time. It's been on repeat for the past week. It might just end up being on repeat for you as well!
Keep Calm and Carry On
xoxo
Melissa

It's no secret that I am on the #healthyliving lifestyle train, but what you don't know is that ClassPass is now in the Atlanta (metro area as well). Not sure what class pass is?? Click here to find out some of the nitty gritty details!

This past Tuesday I took a leap of courage and braved a class at The Bar Method, and it was one of the BEST experiences of a barre class that I've ever had.While the location is right next to a Chipotle (hello temptation). I resisted the urge and had an amazing time.

When I arrived to The Bar Method they made me feel so comfortable, it can be VERY intimidating walking into a workout class where you know no one and you feel like you're going to be the most out of shape person there. But, that wasn't the case, they introduced me to my instructor and gave me a tour of the whole studio. They even made sure to note if I had any injuries or surgeries so that the workout didn't hurt me. It was a very personable experience!!

As I wandered around I noticed they had this adorable bathroom area (no showers) BUT, they had dry shampoo, facial wipes, hair dryers, a straightener a curling iron and so much more. So, after I worked out I had the option to freshen up before I set foot back out into the world. They also had a COFFEE STATION (all caps obviously needed). So, again after you get some shakes and quakes on you can have some coffee, or tea.

So, onto the class, Ashley (the co-owner of The Bar Method) taught the class. Since the class was smaller, she was actually able to help us with our form and she was able to correct almost everyone when she noticed their form was off. Since it was my first time at this class I am pretty sure I heard my name over ten times, but it made me feel like she actually cared if I was doing the workout right, not only so that I would come back, but so that my body got every single benefit out of the class.

What really made this barre class unique is not only that I felt comfortable but that she pushed us to go that extra inch to achieve a better workout. Sure, I shaked a lot, there was a point where my thighs were literally jiggling like jello, and I felt accomplished once I finished the jiggling exercise because I was pushing my body to change and become more toned and awesome.


I think I am becoming slightly obsessed with Barre, it's really rewarding. A little tip if you take a Barre class, eat a banana afterwards, it will help you not be so sore the next day.

Thank you ClassPass for providing me with this membership this month in exchange for this blog posts. Plus I love ClassPass so much I will be posting more, because there are so many places to try!!

Keep Calm and Carry On
xo
Melissa

So, while this was technically supposed to be done, earlier today I am going to be featuring the bear behind the blog today. Let's just say life got in the way and I totally forgot to ask my bear until the very last min to have his moment of fame on the blog! So, here we go! Better late than never! 
So, if you want to link up you should still do that, make your man, dad, brother, dog, or fish write this post. If it has the possibility of being a male, ask them these questions and make them feel special for being on the blog!

1. What is your favorite memory with your blogger?
My favorite memory is the time we went to Hilton head together. From the blackout to the Salty Dog, the trip wasn't perfect, but it was perfect for us. 😃

Girlfriend Note: Blackout, meaning the hotel lost power. Not, blackout drunk. 
2. What is her best quality? 
Melissa has a way of always being caring. She cares for everything and everyone,and it's her best quality, although it sometimes leads to some trouble.
Girlfriend Note: BUT EVERYONE NEEDS HUGS

  3. What is something the two of you enjoy doing together? 
We enjoy playing Magic together, but my favorite activity is our Saturday mornings where we go to Weight Watchers and then go to either Tin Lizzys or Shake Shack .
Girlfriend Note: well, he knows me too well. GIMME ALL THE CHIPS. 

4. What is your favorite post of hers that she has ever written? 
Obviously the post about me, but I also like the post last September about her turning 22 and all the stuff she was up to.
Girlfriend Note: he couldn't pick just one, I am so tickled! 

5. How much time do you think your blogger puts into blogging each week? (And what are you normally up to when she’s blogging?) 
She doesn't blog a lot when I'm around, so I just assume it magically updates when she wills it.
Girlfriend Note: It sometimes magically updates with out telling me. 

I have tried Weight Watchers 2 times before this time. I lost about 20 pounds and quit. I don't exactly know why I quit, it was apparent that it was working. I followed the program, ate all the things I was supposed to and I consistently lost weight for about 2 months. I don't know if I got bored or if I just wanted to eat foods that looked really good (oh heyyyy Zaxbys). But then the weight I lost came back and it brought friends. I really wasn't a fan of the friends it brought either, this time around it brought an extra 15 pounds of friends, and when I quit weight watchers the second time I was NO WHERE near my goal. I am not even exaggerating when I say I prolly had about an additional 40 pounds go to (at that point) to feel happy about my self and my self image. 

(in case you were wondering, that's what excessive Zaxby's and a messy room look like)

So I quit, and I stopped caring and then what happened? My clothes didn't fit, I loathed taking photos, I felt uncomfortable wearing anything that wasn't yoga pants (and even those made me feel self conscious). Then I started making up excuses, the weight will come off if I deprive myself of the things I want, and I even tried the mental thought process of  "the weight really isn't THAT noticeable to anyone but me". If you can think of an excuse or a way to put myself in denial, odds are I've said it to myself and maybe even to my friends. When both my friends and I both knew I was looking pretty porky. 

I became embarrassed and ashamed. I started looking back at old photos of when I was in the weight loss process and became upset that I gave up when I was looking SO good compared to my "before" photos.

But now, 8 months later, I realized why it didn't work the first or second time. I was doing the whole program wrong. I was guilting myself on cheat days, I was depriving myself of the foods I wanted, I wasn't being very adventurous with trying new healthy alternatives to the things I liked and I was being SO hard on myself if I gained .2 pounds. Yes, you read that right, I got overly upset over something that could have been water weight. I also didn't like the meeting I went to, I couldn't relate to them and they usually got wound up in a ton of negativity (which I get is really easy to do). But it was not helpful to me when I was looking for support and instead I got a bunch of negative Nancy's telling me how they have it worse off. 

It also didn't work because I chose to be ashamed that I did weight watchers, I wouldn't tell anyone and I was so, so embarrassed that I was so overweight. I can't tell you how helpful it is to have your friends (on the program or not) to support you. There have been countless times this go around where I feel discouraged or down, but my friends have uplifted me and told me that it's a process and I am doing so well. I also got a buddy to do the program with, my best friend and boyfriend was attending meetings with me and one day decided he too wanted to count his points and attend meetings "for real" with me. I was so elated that my best friend chose to join me on this journey. Then, my best friend and partner in crime also joined, and even though she is in Denver it's so helpful to have her doing this with me. She constantly holds me accountable to go the gym (even when I'd rather stay in bed and watch Gilmore Girls).

It also didn't work because I put myself down for not losing weight one week. Let's be clear here, some weeks you will not lose weight, you will stay constant and you might even gain a pound (for whatever reason). But this time around the program has taught me to not let that ONE pound affect 20 or 30 pounds lost. Seriously when you think about it one pound gained for one week in the grand scheme of a new life style is NOTHING. And when you aren't losing and you are staying constant, realize your body is adjusting to a new life style and just like your brain adapting to new portion sizes and new foods to eat, your body has to do the same. Your body has to adjust and change with you so some weeks you may look so thin but on the scale you didn't lose, and I gotta tell you, that's perfectly okay. 

So why does this program work for me? Because it teaches me portion control, it provides a support system of completely amazing people. Seriously, once you find a Weight Watcher leader you love, and a meeting you love everything seems to fall into place. A huge round of applause for my meetings, I really hope that everyone who tries weight watchers doesn't give up after attending one wonky meeting (they do exist). Try another, and if that one doesn't fit you, try another. Just like how you need to try different foods to succeed, you also might have to try other meetings. 

So, all of this to say I am not ever giving up. I don't have any expectations for myself but to take each day one day at a time. It works, I am not embarrassed and I don't think anyone should ever be embarrassed for doing something to better themselves. 

(and because you probably want to know where I am now, and where a new healthy life style will get you, here is my work in progress self.). 

Keep Calm and Carry On 

xoxo

Melissa

Is that not the most attractive thing you've seen today? That, my friends, is my best friend (aka bae *before anyone else*). Meet coffee, it never lets me down, we never get into arguments, and coffee NEVER feels under appreciated or unwanted. No matter how my day is going my best friend coffee always cheers me up. If I wake up in the morning and I am with out coffee I fear the lives of the innocent people who encounter me. 

If I start my day with out it I end up being a sass cat and wanting a Venti Skinny Caramel Macciato

with 2 extra shots. 

Speaking of those 2 extra shots, yes I want them, and YES I need them. When the barista gives me a judgey glare, I just stare at them with my I really don't have a problem face and then I sit and wait anxiously to get a taste of that yummy goodness. It's time for bae and I to start our day, and I couldn't be happier. 

Sure, when I order the drink I look like I could possibly attack a person but once you get me and my bae together, I am a lot friendlier. Sometimes when I get deprived of coffee it's all I can think of. Which could possibly lead to me crying like a child because I haven't seen my bae since I woke up that morning. 

Coffee and  I have been best friends for over 7 years. And over the  years our friendship has just gotten stronger. You could say I am addicted, OR you could just say that I am dependent. However, I will respectfully disagree with you and say that I just have a best friend who gets me, understands me, and isn't technically a person. But, that's fine because the unconditional friendship and love is worth the judgments from all the haters. Trust me, I am better with my best friend than I am without. 

Thanks bae for being there for me no matter what. 

Keep Calm and Carry On 

xoxo 

Melissa 

p.s My bear is also my best friend by correlation because he supports the friendship of coffee and I. Thanks bear for always making my day's better with a little caffeinated love.