Daily Chaos

Making a DIFFerence

2017-08-01T06:18:00.000-07:00

I am all for a comfy dress and denim jacket combo because, lets be real, fall is right around the corner and I find dressing for the transition months into fall the hardest of them all. Now, when we wake up, the mornings are crisp but the afternoons take you away with a heat wave. This perfect little layered outfit lets you have the best of both worlds. But, don't let this dress and jacket take away from the real key player here: These DIFF Jessie James Decker Sunglasses are by far the winner of this outfit for sure.

I picked these gems up at the boutique, Rough River Sweet River of Woodstock. This boutique is by far the cutest boutique in downtown Woodstock for sure! The best part is that they offer brands that my favorite store Nordstrom would carry; however, instead of supporting a department store I am supporting a local's dream to own a boutique.

The things I love about these sunglasses? They are HUGE aviators and that is always a win for me. I have tried the trendy sunglasses that are circular and almost retro looking, and for whatever reason my face shape favors classic sunglasses. So when I found these at the boutique near me, I knew I had to have my hands on them. The best thing about DIFF sunglasses to me is that all of their pairs are fun and have vibrant color lenses but they aren't overly loud.

Another huge benefit about these sunglasses is that they are polarized and are a fraction of the cost of most polarized lenses. Plus, DIFF sunglasses actually makes a difference when you purchase from them. For every pair of sunglasses that you purchase from them or one of their retailers, they donate a pair of glasses to a person in need! How incredibly wonderful is that?

I've only tried on two pairs of DIFF sunglasses before I fell in love with these, but I will for sure be back to Sweet River Rough River to see if I can snag a couple more pairs. They have most of the styles and colors that are on the DIFF website. So, if you are in the Downtown Woodstock area, go try on some sassy frames. If the sunglasses aren't proof enough to get you to check out this cute shop; Sweet River Rough River is also dog friendly (the more dogs the better). So bring your furry friend and check out their DIFF sunglasses and shop around!

Daily Chaos 2.0

2017-07-30T21:37:00.001-07:00

Why hello there! If you're here for the first time welcome to the newly rebranded Daily Chaos! If you're a returning friend wondering where I've been, welcome back!

For the past year I have been working on rebranding and revitalizing Daily Chaos. Back in 2016 I was struggling with what I wanted Daily Chaos to become; did I want to go strictly lifestyle, or did I want to focus in more on topics I am passionate about. I chose the latter because I want Daily Chaos to be a place where ideas are sparked, positivity is created and I can share the ideas and topics that make me most who I am.

So you might be wondering what I have been up to for the past year. Well I got married, got two adorable dogs, moved to a super awesome town, and worked on transitioning to married life.

On June 11th, 2016 I said "I do" to the love of my life, he has been featured here in the past and he is pretty much the bees knees. Over the past year we have learned a ton on marriage, sacrifice, and humility. There is absolutely no one else that I would rather adventure through life with.

Back in May of 2016, we welcomed Winston the Goldendoodle to the family. He was the baby of our lives. He was incredibly spoiled and training him was one heck of an adventure. When David and I found him we knew we had to have him. He was by far the cutest lil pup in all of the puppy land. But, the puppy adventure did not stop there; in October of 2016 our breeder had another litter of puppies available and when we saw this adorable little apricot doodle we knew we had to have him. Plus, Winston clearly needed a friend to hang out with (being an only dog can't be that fun). Then came Charlie the Goldendoodle. The two have been pretty much inseparable since day one. So there we were two newly weds with two adorable puppies and we wouldn't have had it any other way.

For the majority of 2016 we lived outside of Atlanta in a town called Dunwoody; it had all the hustle and bustle for "city life" and was very close to the city, but, David and I felt like the city no longer had what we wanted for our lifestyle. As crazy as this sounds we wanted to find a town that still had that "city" feel but also had a slower pace of life. When we came across Downtown Woodstock, we fell in love; it was the perfect in between of what we were looking for. We are now walking distance to restaurant's and shops and the majority of the town is incredibly dog friendly for our two doodles! Because lets get real anywhere we can bring our two dogs is a place we will definitely go. So here we are in our very adorable and fun apartment living the lifestyle we pictured.

So this brings us full circle to where we are now! Daily Chaos has been rebranded and revitalized and is ready now more than ever to be the place you come for good vibes and inspiration. Let's create conversations about the topics that make us happy and lets remember that even though every single day is chaotic we can always find at least one good thing to smile about at the end of the day!

Make today great.

Pardon The Dust

2017-02-06T06:33:00.000-08:00

Why hello there! Long time no see!

Please pardon the dust and the construction on the site for the next week! Currently re-designing and re-branding.

A new Daily Chaos is coming soon to a screen near you!

Currently: Some of My Favorite Things

2016-03-21T21:00:00.000-07:00

Spring has Sprung here in Atlanta!! The trees are changing, the pollen is attacking, and the sun dresses can officially come out to play! Away with the blanket scarves and riding boots (for now)!

(I say this as we have a casual freeze warning here in Atlanta Tonight, but no worries the HIGH is 70 tomorrow. So, whatever emotional rage Georgia weather is going through right now should be over tomorrow)

Since it's Tuesday, and its arguably the one day of the week where nothing eventful happens. I thought we could obsess over my favorite things as of late.

1. Kate Spade Live Colorfully Perfume: This is my staple perfume for the warmer months. It is one of those scents that make you feel good in the morning before you head out the door for a day of work or play! I am so in love with the fragrance I even have it in a roller ball. I have never understood roller ball fragrance until now because I love freshening up mid day with my happy scent!

2. Kate Spade Sunglasses: Since bear and I decided on where we will be honeymooning I have been buying things "for the wedding" which really means "for the honeymoon". The two are the same thing in Melissa Land. When I found these sunglasses, I bought them in an instant with absolutely no regrets. The sticker sock, admittedly, was a little real but completely worth the cute frames.

3. Doughnuts, Doughnuts, Doughnuts: While it is not Weight Watcher approved, my Sunday treat is usually to go to our local doughnut shop {Doughnut Dollies} and indulge in a sugary treat, while inevitably giving myself a sugar coma. I could sit here and talk about doughnuts but lets be real, you'd rather drool at your desk right now as you sit in your florescent little office!

4. These PERFECT Spring Shoes: Another thing that I have used the excuse "it's for the wedding: which actually meant, "these are perfect for my bachelorette". As the great DJ Khaled has said "I promise you they don't want to blame your shopping habits on your wedding. But you can because they don't want you to have these things". Okay, so DJ Khaled might not have said these things but I just typed that whole quote in his voice. Anyways, back to the shoes, I stumbled upon them when I was buying my bridesmaids gifts (of course) and made the executive decision to buy them. They are magically comfortable and go with so much even though they have a bold pattern.

Look at this perfect basic blogger shot. I feel like it deserves an award.

That's all I have for you for this terrific Tuesday! What are you obsessing over right now??

Favorite Fall Tunic

2015-10-05T07:05:00.000-07:00

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

Shopping Finds

2015-04-28T18:54:00.004-07:00

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

Lilly For Target Gone Wild

2015-04-27T12:39:00.004-07:00

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

Southern Weddings Wedding Planner

2015-04-23T08:54:00.000-07:00

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

Healthy Eats: Burrito Bowl

2015-03-31T11:19:00.001-07:00

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

Surprise! I am engaged!

2015-03-30T20:03:00.000-07:00

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

Now Loving: The Spring Edition

2015-03-20T13:59:00.000-07:00

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

Currently Listening To

2015-03-02T16:30:00.000-08:00

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

Currently Loving:

2015-02-25T20:39:00.001-08:00

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

Let's Meet at the Barre

2015-01-29T08:37:00.001-08:00

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

Blogger Bear Tells All

2015-01-27T21:26:00.001-08:00

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.

Why it Works

2015-01-20T12:12:00.000-08:00

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

A Letter to My Best Friend

2015-01-15T12:27:00.001-08:00

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.

Blogger Men Tell All #3

2014-11-25T07:50:00.004-08:00

It's that time of the month friends! So grab your boyfriend, husband, cat, dog, or turkey to answer some of these questions with Becca, Samantha, and I! If you're new here here's the rules.

Grab some form of a male
Ask them these questions
Put them on the blog with the button
Link up
Comment on other blogs

So with out further ado here is the bear behind the blog answering some festive questions!

1. What food do you look forward to most at Thanksgiving dinner?I look forward to the pulled pork barebeque. My dad’s friend knows how to smoke it really well, and I always look forward to eating it.
Girlfriend Note: His favorite pie is pecan pie and his mom and I are making him two kind of pecan pie because he's spoiled and loved.

2. Do you ever go shopping on Black Friday?Noooo. I went last year, but that was to a Walmart and it was the worst decision ever. I stay at home and wait for Cyber Monday.
Girlfriend Note: Black Friday is a scary concept....one time I got a concussion. It was not a fun experience.

3. What’s your favorite Thanksgiving tradition?Seeing my sister, and watching the Tech – Georgia game that Saturday. It’s always a family tradition to turn off the tv audio and listen to the game on the radio.
Girlfriend Note: Last year I watched the game with is parents and it got emotional....David's dad really gets into Georgia Tech football.

4. Do you travel for the Thanksgiving holiday or do you stay close to home?We stay home and Rachael comes to us.
Girlfriend Note: Everyone is anxiously waiting for her arrival home, we are ready to annoy her with hugs and tons of catching up. I also have a buddy to eat shamelessly with.

5. What are you most thankful for this year?I’m thankful for the wonderful year I’ve had with my loving girlfriend…and World of Warcraft.
Girlfriend Note: And his momma and his PS4 to play Little Big Planet with me!!!

Supah Skinny Peppermint Mocha

2014-11-19T05:43:00.002-08:00

It's the holiday season, friends. I don't know about you but I love me some holiday drinks from starbucks and I also love me some fattening hearty dishes of mac & cheese (along with other foods of course). However, since I am doing weight watchers I am attempting to be more creative with my food choices. Since a peppermint mocha has 9 points in a grande and I am too terrified to look up the points in an egg nog latte. I decided that egg nog lattes can be my weekend treat, but, I digress. I started getting creative, since I don't like drinking black coffee (I will if I am super desperate) but usually I like a little flavor to my coffee. So, after trying countless sugar free creamers that didn't meet my standards. I started to get a little creative. Eventually after tons of failed coffees and a couple of tweaks I am about to share with you my super perfected SUPAH SKINNY Peppermint Mocha.

Step one: Pick out a cute mug or travel mug.
Step two: Pick out your favorite coffee.
Step three: Measure out one half of the Silk Almond milk container. One container gives you two skinny peppermint Mochas (one for breakfast and one as a mid day pick me up!)
Step four: Put the 1/2 cup of almond milk into the mug
Step five: Measure out 2 table spoons of sugar free peppermint (you can get it at starbucks or at the World Market). If you like things extra pepperminty you can add more, its super delicious either way.
Step six: Combine the peppermint into the almond milk.
Step seven: Pour the coffee into the cup and stir!

Then, TA DA, you have made yourself a magical yummy treat that in Weight Watchers world will only cost you 3 points for two cups. If you like to indulge in holiday treats all the time but don't like the side affects of your pants not buttoning. This is your drink!

I want to point out that I did try coffee creamer countless times but it really adds up and is not good for you, especially if you are counting points. When you use the dark chocolate almond milk you are essentially making yourself a home made latte. I am on to you Starbucks.

NOTE: If you would like to make it a hot chocolate as a treat I am sure it would also be magically delicious.

xoxo
Keep Calm and Carry On
Melissa

November Goals

2014-11-11T10:01:00.000-08:00

So while November is currently in progress, I feel like it's never too late to set some goals for the month of November!! So I have sat down and I did a ton of thinking about what I want to accomplish this month.

PERSONAL:

Update resume and work on drafting a new cover letter
Do a wardrobe cleanse (I have a habit of hoarding old clothes that I will never fit into or wear again)
De-clutter my desk
Keep my excel budget doc up to date (meaning put in all transactions right after I make them)
Start saving up for Christmas gifts
Craft something that can be considered a DIY
Celebrate Becca's birthday!!
work out 2 times a week...a girl has to start somewhere...right?

BLOG:

Post 4 times a week
Draft some posts up in advance (so I am not writing them on my lunch breaks, like right now)
Plan the holiday #atlbloggermeetup event
Sponsor 3 blogs
Start drafting ideas of when I should start offering sponsorships!

RANDOM:

Find this vest....I need it in time for the #atlbloggermeetup

Learn some new eye makeup looks that I can do with my Vice 3 pallet.

So that's all I got for the remainder of November! I am determined to accomplish all of them by December 1st.

Keep Calm and Carry On

xoxo
Melissa

Embrace The Basic

2014-11-07T06:40:00.003-08:00

I’m so basic, you already know. - I feel like I need to scream this on the top of my lungs right now. I am getting a so sick of people saying how everything is “basic”. Oh, you like ugg boots and leggings? You’re basic. You like the sound that leaves make when you step on them in the fall while you sip on your Pumpkin Spice Latte? You’re basic. You like jamming out to Taylor Swift in the morning while you get ready for the work day with some coffee? You’re basic and now, being basic has conjured up a negative connotation. Apparently if I am basic that means something negative like “you are so un-original” “you should be more creative” “how dare you like the same thing as so many other people”. But then basic even takes a more negative turn, it has progressed into “if you are basic then you are a shallow person who has no other interests, has no grounding to the world, you might be a little ditzy, you are most likely high maintenance, and you have no perspective of how other people see the world”. I promise you I am not just making this up, after so many conversations with people I have heard a combination of all of those statements. Which makes no sense to me, we are all people, we all like different things. And just because someone likes designer things and Starbucks doesn’t always mean they are high maintenance and shallow.

Yes, I am basic, to an extent. I would like to argue that we are all a little basic, but I don’t want to get off on a tangent. I love being basic though, I love my ugg boots, they are cute moose feet that hug my feet with warm fur and goodness. I love my leggings and sweaters because they look good on my body type, plus riding boots are oddly comfortable if you find the right pair. I am not going to lie, its a known fact that I love Kate Spade, Michael Kors, and Tory Burch. If you know me, you know that I have over 7 phone cases and I love the ones Kate Spade makes. I personally have always loved the sound that leaves make when they get to the state where they crunch, I love going out of my way to step on them. If it has the word PUMPKIN in it, I am going to get a little crazy and buy it all. Pumpkin greek yogurt? Yes, I will take all of it please. I love the Holiday cups from Starbucks, they are only around for a short amount of time, can’t you let a girl enjoy them?

So, as I sit here sipping on my Starbucks thinking about Instagramming it, in my yoga pants, oversized t-shirt and a top knot. I am going to just end on this note: Being basic isn’t bad and it doens’t make you unoriginal or shallow it simply means that you like what other people like. And that is not a bad thing, in fact, that just means you relate to a lot of people in the world because apparently most everything can be seen as basic. I guess what I am saying is don’t let all the negative Nancy’s come into your “basic” world and sham you for liking what you like, and wearing what you wear. If you want to Instagram that red cup from Starbucks DO IT. And do it as many times as you like. If you want to filter fall leaves photos to make them prettier DO IT. Don’t let some hater come into your life and decide for you what you want to like and do. Wear those ugg boots or riding boots with leggings with pride. If you want to take a selfie because you look on point. DO IT. Don’t let the negative people define you and what you like. Life is way too short to have someone who can’t appreciate cute Instagram pictures and ugg boots. You like what you like and there is nothing wrong with that. If someone calls you basic just tell them that they may see you as basic but in reality you’re a basic unicorn and they can’t see the unicorn because they are too close minded. So walk away and say bye felicia to all the haters who can’t understand the glory of being basic.

xox

Keep Calm and Carry On

Melissa

Glow Girl Glow: Atlanta Blogger Network Edition

2014-11-06T08:39:00.000-08:00

On Sunday The Atlanta Blogger network got together for a fun event that was graciously hosted by GlowDry Blowout Bar in Buckhead. It was an event that is totally write home about. There were muffins, mimosas, and fun!

So, what usually happens when a bunch of bloggers get together?

We make a photobooth and take tons of photos with props. I was personally in love with the giraffe ears. I might have worn them for the entire event, and not by accident.

GlowDry was the PERFECT place to host our meetup. The interior design had me oooing and ahhing. Tons of navy and white with a huge statement chandelier that had my heart.

No, your eyes are not deceiving you that is a unicorn. And my pet unicorn for the day. Becca brought a My Little Pony prop to the booth and I freaked out (because it was a unicorn). I wanted to carry around the unicorn with my giraffe ears all afternoon long.

-photo from the Atanta Blogger Netowork-

There were tons of great sponsors. My favorite part of the swag bag was tied between the Glow Dry tank top and the InkSpot Workshop "Work hard, Play hard" print. I have been living in my Glow Dry T-shirt. Everytime I put it on I think "glow girl glow". I don't even know if thats a real thing for them but I like how it sounds.

Many thanks to GlowDry for hosting this great event. I can't wait to go back and receive some services! Rumor has it they are offering bang trims and hair trims, count me in!

xoxo

Keep Calm and Carry On

Melissa

Life Lately

2014-10-28T20:32:00.002-07:00

Recently my life has been my blog title in a nutshell. There has been so much Daily Chaos that I occasionally feel like my head is in one place and my feet are in another. But, its not a bad thing at all. So lets catch up, grab some coffee and lets have a date!

BIRTHDAY BASH: I'm feeling 22
(I know we are going way back). This was the best birthday I have had in a long time. From the time I woke up, to the time I went to bed this day was simply amazing. I had dinner with some of my friends and Megan and Becca surprised me with a birthday crown, balloons. Then unexpectedly Becca, Megan, and Rachael surprised me with the Vice 3 pallet...but there was a slight plot twist after much searching for the Vice 3 Pallet, they couldn't find it. So, Becca used her skills and made me a version out of cardstock, it was magical and to be honest I didn't understand what was going on until after it was explained to me. (I promise I am actually smart sometimes).

So I gotta just tell the quick story of why I am wearing a bear hat and a birthday crown. When David and I first started dating he told me that people called him bear. So, after months of dating one day I called him bear and then it stuck. After that moment he became my bear. THEN, somehow or another David called me little bear and it stuck. So then we became a bear pack and we are bear and little bear. On my birthday I finished my bear pledge ship and became a real member of the bear clan with my official bear hat. Then I got my birthday girl crown and became princess bear for the night.

Thanks so much to Megan for taking tons of great photos!! They were totally awesome and she is super good with working her camera talents.

TOMORROWWORLD 2014:

Tomorrowworld was an event that was on my bucket list. I am so happy that David and I got to go and experience the world of tomorrow. You see these videos of the magical place and you think that somehow all of that magic is staged and it's not. You see people dressed in costumes and festival outfits. I always thought that it was going to feel like I was in a whole different world, and I was right. The entire festival was like living in a fantasy land.

There was a legit volcano at the main stage that blew out fire. When the volcano first erupted everyone got so excited and hyped to see Cash Cash perform!

So many people at tomorrowworld had flags to fly or totems to hold up during artists sets. I had to make a mental note to work on a bear totem for the next tomorrowworld.

I attempted to take a panorama photo and over the weekend it improved (this is the best photo I could find)

Just doing bear things as we raged at main stage.

And then we found a UNICORN. One of the girls we were camping with went out every single day. This was her day two costume, it obviously was my favorite one that she did because Hi, it was a unicorn.

FOOTBALL:

It's that time of the year where most all of my Saturday's are spent going to Georgia Tech games or watching Georgia Tech games. It's a great way to spend the first day of the weekend, tons of tailgating and great memories. I also went to the Falcons BEARS game a couple weekends ago and it was a blast. Granted I was a little embarrassed because Chicago fans tend to be very obnoxious compared the nice sportsmanship that the south practices.

BEAR STANDUP:

Last week David did his very first stand up comedian act at this local bar called The Laughing Skull. It was a blast to watch him do something he loves and seeing other people appreciate his jokes like I do.

Anyways, I think I have talked your ear off enough for one day. That's what I've been up to when I am not slaving over school work and my internship.

I guess I will leave you with one final photo from TomorrowWorld

What have you been up to friends?

Keep Calm and Carry On

xoxo

Melissa

Blogger Men Tell All PT. 2

2014-10-28T11:23:00.000-07:00

It's that time again friends! Today is the day where my favorite Bear adventures onto the blog to be featured and have the spotlight on what he want's to let blogland know. We had such a fun time picking out the questions this month with Halloween right around the corner. Becca, Samantha and I got our blogger men ready to interview and if you have any type of a blogger man in your life (best friend, dog, dad, WHOEVER) they can participate as well.
So, without further ado, its the one, the only, the Bear taking over the blog!

1. Is Halloween your favorite holiday? What is?
No, not really. I enjoy it, but not my favorite. I love Christmas because my birthday is two days later, and Thanksgiving because pork is an amazing food and there's always good football.
Girlfriend Note: But last year we did dress up like characters from Wreck it Ralph together.

2. What do you plan on dressing up as for Halloween this year?
I plan on going as a paladin from World of Warcraft. My costume next year is gonna be more exquisite and more nerdy, but I have a blow-up sword and a bathrobe and I'm gonna wear that.
Girlfriend Note: It's really cute, he has a robe that he wears and he looks all official and nerdy.

3. What is your go-to drink (alcoholic, non-alcoholic)?
White Russians whenever there's milk available, whiskey sours otherwise. Non-alcoholic drinks, I drink drink coke zero with either a dash of Dr. pepper or a dash of lemonade. I love making my own drink combinations!
Girlfriend Note: His drink combinations are amazing. He makes a diet coke with lemonade and he adds just the right amounts of each so its magically delicious.

4. What's your favorite scary movie?
Saw. I'm one of those that loves the whole Saw story line, mostly because of the crazy twist that makes you re-watch it, but Saw 1 and Saw 3 are my absolute favorites.
Girlfriend Note: I will watch from under the covers, I don't do scary well.

5. What is your best Halloween memory?
One of my friends, MRob, had his 22nd birthday party on Halloween, and that was a huge deal because the time fell back that night so we got an extra hour of sleep and we went extra hard. I liked that party.
Girlfriend Note: I wish time fell back an extra hour this year so we could still go extra hard with my diet coke and lemon (DD for the win kids!)

I Wanna Be Like Kanye: Bleu Moon Feature

2014-10-27T05:52:00.001-07:00

Since it's Monday and I know some of you need a boost to get your Monday going I am going to help you out. So get ready, because this is going to make you pumped and ready to go for the rest of the day. I want to introduce you to a new EDM group, meet Bleu Moon, the dynamic duo of my personal friend Bruce and his partner in crime Christian. David has actually known Bruce for quite some time, they did a lot of swimming together when they were younger and they both love to rage their lives away at Tomorrowworld, I was first introduced to Bleu Moon, while I was at Tomorrowworld. When I found out that I was camping with someone who wanted to produce and make amazing music I got instantly interested and intrigued and I had to listen.

Sure enough I was impressed, and even more intrigued to listen to other songs. If you haven't heard the original song called Kanye by the Chainsmokers you can listen now down below!

I heard this song and instantly wanted someone to do a good remix of the song, and who better to request a remix from than my very own Bleu Moon friends. I went to Bruce with the idea and told me he'd see what he could do. Though, I have to give credit to David because he also contributed to the remix idea for Kanye. But then, something magical happened, Bruce made a mashup of Kanye and other magicalness! I was so excited I wanted to share it with everyone right away but I had to wait (the downside of being a VIP to a group I guess)! Okay, so I may not be a VIP, but it sounded really cool and it made me feel special. So, without further ado I have a feeling you want to be like Kanye too so listen to this song and you'll be the king of it always.

If you enjoyed that song as much as I did you should check out their Soundcloud and go show their Twitter and Facebook some love. They've actually also played at large venues in the Atlanta area like Opera (which is a huge deal ya'll). I'm so happy that there are groups like Bleu Moon who have a passion for making amazing music, and I can't wait for more.

xoxo
Keep Calm and Carry On
Melissa