Happy Sunday! I hope your weekend has been drier than mine. It's rained all weekend here in San Luis Obispo and it was even worse today than Friday or Saturday combined! Here is what went down this weekend:
Saturday, I was up bright and early (4am to be exact) to put on my Department's Reindeer Run. About 150 people ran the race and we were lucky to only have had a light sprinkling when the runners started at 8am. Afterward, the mister and I grabbed lunch and headed to a City planning open house. This was a chance to provide input on a 30 year plan to improve the City. Then, we headed to the bookstore so I could by Blog, Inc. by an awesome blogger, Joy Cho. I'm about 20 pages in and am really liking the format of the book. I hope some of these tips will help me as I set-up and continue to blog. Mister Special had a BNO (boys night out) and I had decided to stay in by the fire to catch up and read and prepare for my next video blog (which will come out tomorrow...stay tuned!).
Saturday, I was up bright and early (4am to be exact) to put on my Department's Reindeer Run. About 150 people ran the race and we were lucky to only have had a light sprinkling when the runners started at 8am. Afterward, the mister and I grabbed lunch and headed to a City planning open house. This was a chance to provide input on a 30 year plan to improve the City. Then, we headed to the bookstore so I could by Blog, Inc. by an awesome blogger, Joy Cho. I'm about 20 pages in and am really liking the format of the book. I hope some of these tips will help me as I set-up and continue to blog. Mister Special had a BNO (boys night out) and I had decided to stay in by the fire to catch up and read and prepare for my next video blog (which will come out tomorrow...stay tuned!).
Earlier today, I decided to brave the elements and head to Target to see the Neiman Marcus goodies. A Forbes article called the Target & NM launch "its most ambitious merchandise scheme to date as a multichannel retailer." The interesting article which has a behind-the-scenes video about the launch can be found here.
I tried on a few goodies (sorry for the shameless dressing room iPhone pictures):
When I saw the Lela Rose top, I was a bit skeptical about it. Most black with nude inset clothing on me have been less than flattering because the nude fabric was much lighter than my skin tone but this top was really cute and the nude was a flattering color. This would go perfect with a black pencil skirt for a holiday party.
I was rather disappointed by the dress by Robert Rodriguez. The dress is really full which I thought was adorable but the top part was unflattering. Not a bad buy for $100 though.
I thought the girl's collection from Marchesa was absolutely ADORABLE! The frilly dress was even cuter in person and right next to it was a gorgeous cream colored shift dress with beautiful beading across the neckline. I debated trying on a girls XL...still might. :)
Jason Wu had also put out cute girl's dress in khaki polka dots. Here are a few other snapshots I took of other pieces: Altuzarra tumblers and Oscar De Larenta bag.
I had a chance to talk to the woman manning the dressing room station and she said that while a lot of people were trying on the clothes, they weren't buying because the price point is so high.
I did manage to try on some other cute tops that were put out:
This cute animal printed (and sheer) button down blouse:
And this super cute scaled tank top (the true color is the image on the left - an aquamarine color):
I hope you all can get into Target soon to check out the collection. I'm curious to hear what others have to say!
Cheers,
Melissa
Have you seen the new Neiman Marcus goodies that have come out at Target? Just in time for the holidays too! I like that designers such as DVF, Tory Burch and Derek Lam have partnered with heavenly Target and give the normal Suzie shopper a chance to indulge in their reasonably price pointed products. My favorite pieces come from the home decor section if you can't already tell... I'm really loving the gold accented Altuzarra shaker and glasses. The Eddie Borro box would look lovely next to my other collection of silvery boxes on my nightstand. If only the girl's Marchesa dress came in grown-up sizes... the color and the ruffles are my favorite! And the Lela Rose black lace top with the nude underlay...ooooh...so classic!
Comparing at the inspiration board I just created and the items I can see online, I notice that I haven't picked the lushest items such as the Alice + Olivia bike which retails at $499
or this adorably lacey dress by Robert Rodriguez for only $99.99
I'll be heading to Target tomorrow to check out the collection...with the way these collections have been released in the past and how quickly they sell out in-store and online, I hope some of these items will be in stock to look at!
Links to these products can be found here:
Comparing at the inspiration board I just created and the items I can see online, I notice that I haven't picked the lushest items such as the Alice + Olivia bike which retails at $499
With the holidays and holiday parties coming soon, I thought I'd share some of my favorite picks for holiday dresses. I've always had a thing for sequin dresses, tops, shoes. They look so festive and FUN! My favorite so far is the long sleeved French Connection dress in the middle. It would look stunning with a messy bun, killer clutch, chandelier earrings and some Christians (Pigalle 120 please). The best part is you wouldn't need a jacket for the cold weather, although a swing jacket would be allowed.
What will you be wearing for your upcoming holiday parties?
French Connection longsleeve dress / Short black cocktail dress / Bodycon dress, $29 / Parker short dress, $350 / Dorothy Perkins , $78 / Alexander McQueen short black cocktail dress / Alice + Olivia alice olivia dress / Parker flapper dress / French Connection
I've been on the hunt for delicious snacks that aren't too unhealthy. While back home for Thanksgiving and spending some time with the soon-to-be cousin-in-laws, they had passed on a granola recipe that is DEEELISH and easy to make!
Ingredients:
1 heaping cup unsweetened coconut flakes
2/3 cup blanched almond flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup flax seeds (optional)
1/4 cup maple syrup/or honey/or other sweetener
3 Tbsp almond butter
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
2/3 cup dark chocolate chips or chunks
1/3 cup dried, tart cherries
1/3 cup raw pecans,(or any other nuts you got) coarsely chopped
(Feel free to add your own granola ingredients like dried cranberries, raisins, walnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, carob chips and the list goes on….)
Instructions:
The original recipie can be found here: http://marinasprimalcooking.
.JPG) |
| The finished product. uhMAZING! |
Ingredients:
1 heaping cup unsweetened coconut flakes
2/3 cup blanched almond flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup flax seeds (optional)
1/4 cup maple syrup/or honey/or other sweetener
3 Tbsp almond butter
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
2/3 cup dark chocolate chips or chunks
1/3 cup dried, tart cherries
1/3 cup raw pecans,(or any other nuts you got) coarsely chopped
(Feel free to add your own granola ingredients like dried cranberries, raisins, walnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, carob chips and the list goes on….)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl mix coconut flakes, almond flour, cinnamon, salt, chocolate chips, dried tart cherries and pecans or other nuts.
- In a small bowl, mix the wet ingredients: flax seeds, almond butter, maple syrup, coconut oil and vanilla. Stir until the mix is smooth and creamy.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry and fold until well combined.
- Scoop out the granola mix spreading thin layer into the baking sheet and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Just watch it and try it for perfect taste.
- Allow the granola to cool for about one minute before moving to plate.
- Enjoy!
The original recipie can be found here: http://marinasprimalcooking.
Yikes. Its been DAYS since I've updated! I've been on the move lately. A lame excuse but that's all I have. The Fiancé and I spent the weekend up north visiting family and friends and I attended the Blogshop video course in San Francisco taught by two lovely ladies, Bri from Designlovefest and Angela of Angela+Ithyle. The course was AMAZING! We spent a few hours on day 1 shooting at a creative workspace called the Makeshift Society and at Patricia's Green, a charming park in Hayes Valley. We were taught the fundamentals of shooting with a DSLR or an iPhone. On the second day, we were taught how to edit the clips in Photoshop. Say whaaaaat? Yes, its true. Version CS6 has the capability to edit video. I had known this fun tidbit about Photoshop CS6 when I bought it but thought I wasn't going to learn anything about video editing...until now!
We were even taught how stop motion video! Here is my first video with media shot at the Makeshift Society in the Hayes Valley area of San Francisco. Way cool, colorful and creative place....
I think the part I like the most about creating video is the stop motion video you can create. The most difficult part in my opinion was picking out songs that are Public Domain songs or songs. Most of those songs are from 1921 and older. Otherwise, you have to pay a licensing/royalty fee to use a song and that price tag could vary. Alas, the ENTIRE process is so much fun from staging the scene, picking out the props and looking for music.
I feel like i'm learning graphic design backwards, starting with video as you can see from the blank canvas that is my blog... Maybe I should consider taking their Blogshop for Bloggers class too.
Blogshop is currently holding a contest for all Blogshop video alum. All we have to do is create a video/edit and post. The winner will receive a FREE copy of Photoshop CS6! I'm in it to win it! And without further adeiu, I give you my video fantastic-ness that is called "An Ode to Coffee."
Coffee from Melissa on Vimeo.
Now that I have you totally mesmerized... Here are some stills from last weekend at Blogshop. (Makes you want to sign up and take their classes right now, doesn't it?)
We were even taught how stop motion video! Here is my first video with media shot at the Makeshift Society in the Hayes Valley area of San Francisco. Way cool, colorful and creative place....
I think the part I like the most about creating video is the stop motion video you can create. The most difficult part in my opinion was picking out songs that are Public Domain songs or songs. Most of those songs are from 1921 and older. Otherwise, you have to pay a licensing/royalty fee to use a song and that price tag could vary. Alas, the ENTIRE process is so much fun from staging the scene, picking out the props and looking for music.
I feel like i'm learning graphic design backwards, starting with video as you can see from the blank canvas that is my blog... Maybe I should consider taking their Blogshop for Bloggers class too.
Blogshop is currently holding a contest for all Blogshop video alum. All we have to do is create a video/edit and post. The winner will receive a FREE copy of Photoshop CS6! I'm in it to win it! And without further adeiu, I give you my video fantastic-ness that is called "An Ode to Coffee."
Coffee from Melissa on Vimeo.
Now that I have you totally mesmerized... Here are some stills from last weekend at Blogshop. (Makes you want to sign up and take their classes right now, doesn't it?)
 |
| Waiting for class to start. |
 | |
| The lovely rug at the Makeshift Societ | y |
 |
| Angela talking about angles. |
 |
| Stop motion and the dancing cupcakes. |
 |
| Day 2 of Blogshop |
 |
| The yearbook portion of the workbook. |
 |
| My goodies. |
 |
| The loveliest moleskin notebook. |
 |
| And the drive home... |
Yikes. Its been DAYS since I've updated! I've been on the move lately. A lame excuse but that's all I have. The Fiancé and I spent the weekend up north visiting family and friends and I attended the Blogshop video course in San Francisco taught by two lovely ladies, Bri from Designlovefest and Angela of Angela+Ithyle. The course was AMAZING! We spent a few hours on day 1 shooting at a creative workspace called the Makeshift Society and at Patricia's Green, a charming park in Hayes Valley. We were taught the fundamentals of shooting with a DSLR or an iPhone. On the second day, we were taught how to edit the clips in Photoshop. Say whaaaaat? Yes, its true. Version CS6 has the capability to edit video. I had known this fun tidbit about Photoshop CS6 when I bought it but thought I wasn't going to learn anything about video editing...until now!
We were even taught how stop motion video! Here is my first video with media shot at the Makeshift Society in the Hayes Valley area of San Francisco. Way cool, colorful and creative place....
I think the part I like the most about creating video is the stop motion video you can create. The most difficult part in my opinion was picking out songs that are Public Domain songs or songs. Most of those songs are from 1921 and older. Otherwise, you have to pay a licensing/royalty fee to use a song and that price tag could vary. Alas, the ENTIRE process is so much fun from staging the scene, picking out the props and looking for music.
I feel like i'm learning graphic design backwards, starting with video as you can see from the blank canvas that is my blog... Maybe I should consider taking their Blogshop for Bloggers class too.
Blogshop is currently holding a contest for all Blogshop video alum. All we have to do is create a video/edit and post. The winner will receive a FREE copy of Photoshop CS6! I'm in it to win it! And without further adeiu, I give you my video fantastic-ness that is called "An Ode to Coffee."
Here is my first stop motion clip of a dancing cupcake.
Now that I have you totally mesmerized... Here are some stills from last weekend at Blogshop. (Makes you want to sign up and take their classes right now, doesn't it?)
We were even taught how stop motion video! Here is my first video with media shot at the Makeshift Society in the Hayes Valley area of San Francisco. Way cool, colorful and creative place....
I think the part I like the most about creating video is the stop motion video you can create. The most difficult part in my opinion was picking out songs that are Public Domain songs or songs. Most of those songs are from 1921 and older. Otherwise, you have to pay a licensing/royalty fee to use a song and that price tag could vary. Alas, the ENTIRE process is so much fun from staging the scene, picking out the props and looking for music.
I feel like i'm learning graphic design backwards, starting with video as you can see from the blank canvas that is my blog... Maybe I should consider taking their Blogshop for Bloggers class too.
Blogshop is currently holding a contest for all Blogshop video alum. All we have to do is create a video/edit and post. The winner will receive a FREE copy of Photoshop CS6! I'm in it to win it! And without further adeiu, I give you my video fantastic-ness that is called "An Ode to Coffee."
Here is my first stop motion clip of a dancing cupcake.
Now that I have you totally mesmerized... Here are some stills from last weekend at Blogshop. (Makes you want to sign up and take their classes right now, doesn't it?)
|
| Waiting for class to start. |
| |
| The lovely rug at the Makeshift Societ | y |
|
| Angela talking about angles. |
|
| Stop motion and the dancing cupcakes. |
|
| Day 2 of Blogshop |
|
| The yearbook portion of the workbook. |
|
| My goodies. |
|
| The loveliest moleskin notebook. |
|
| And the drive home... |
