- Author: Melissa -

Hi there! I'm Melissa & I am a firm believer in taking cookies out of the oven 2 minutes under the recommended cooking time. I also love to travel, cook, shop, craft, and live an all around positive lifestyle. Come say hi!
Book Reviews, My Life

What I’m Reading- “The Giver” Review

December 16, 2014 by

You can Buy the book here! This month is pretty hectic for everyone, so it’s not too surprising that I haven’t found much time to read. My last book review was a little over a month ago, which was not my goal! One the craziness of the holidays die down, I think the goal of reading 2 books a month will be more doable. If you’re looking for a book that is an easy read but interesting, The Giver by Luis Lowry would be a great one. I know many people who have read this book in school, but I never did. Since it is so well-known and just recently a major film, I wanted to give it a shot. Overall, I enjoyed this story. I was able to finish it on my 5 hour flight…

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Dinner, Lunch, Recipe Box, Sides, Snacking

Tossed Tomato Spinach Salad; Simple Sides

December 9, 2014 by

Can anyone else believe it’s already over a week into December..? Time has been flying by recently, and I haven’t even finished fully putting up my Christmas decorations! I feel like these days I need a body double. This weekend one of my oldest friends is getting MARRIED!!! I am so excited- this is my first friend to tie the knot and I was asked to be her Maid of Honor! I’m thrilled. :) Anddddd, if you have been following for awhile, you know that I grew up in Southern California. Her wedding is in San Diego, so Dj and I are flying out for a quick, but oh so sweet, long weekend. I also get to see my dad & his side of the family so it will be a much needed getaway!…

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Eating Out, Friends & Family, JAXplore, My Life, Travel Adventures

#TreatYourSelfSunday- Another Broken Egg Cafe & Thanksgiving Weekend

December 7, 2014 by

I’m a big fan of brunch. I don’t know how exactly to describe the love that I have for this meal besides saying that it is probably in the top 5 favorite things I enjoy doing in life. Yes, seriously. We recently just had Another Broken Egg Cafe open up here in Jacksonville, so we thought we’d give it a try. It has now become one of my absolute favorites! Dj, Tyler, and I went right before Thanksgiving weekend. Dj and I took our friend, Kristen, when we got back (yes, we were that obsessed). I ordered an omelet called ‘Hey Lucy!’ It had avocado, breakfast chorizo, sautéed onions & green chilies with Cheddar-Jack (although I subbed goat cheese- my latest obsession). I also ordered coffee. They come in the cutest mugs! I think…

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Dinner, Lunch, Recipe Box, Sides

Mini Chicken Meatloafs

December 2, 2014 by

Happy December! Who else already has ABC’s 25 Days of Christmas and their tree up and decorated? I live for this time of year! Being in Florida, instead of snow swept streets and knit gloves, I am currently in flip flops and 70 degree weather, but I still glow with holiday spirit. Before heading off to my mom’s new place in North Carolina last week for Thanksgiving, I raided my fridge. I’ve mentioned many times how much I hate wasting food, so I wanted to ensure that all my fridge’s contents were put to good use. Thus, baby meatloaf’s were born (or cooked, at least). Typically, meatloaf needs to cook for at least 45 minutes. I didn’t have that kind of time, I was hungry and very impatient. (That happens a lot if you…

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Friends & Family, My Life, Recipe Box, Sides, Snacking

Protein Packed French Onion Dip & a Baby Party!

November 25, 2014 by

This weekend was pretty packed of festivities (which is always a good thing!) A good friend that I work with has the most adorable daughter and she turned 1 this past week! To celebrate, she had a party at her house with snacks, games, and plenty of wine! Who knew one year old parties could be so fun? I wanted to bring something along to add to the snacks and thought a healthy, but old party favorite would be the perfect solution. I didn’t get to snap a picture when the dip and veggies were all presented well, but after pictures sometimes work better! Now you are able to see, and not need to trust me when I say that this dip was a huge hit. I was asked for the recipe by numerous…

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Accessories, Beauty Products, Beauty Tutorials, Fashion, Personal Look Book, Spice Up Your Life

5 Minute Hair Tutorial for Perfect, Everyday Curls

November 24, 2014 by

Watch Here! Video Tutorial: How to fully curl your hair in less than 5 minutes Lazy girl win of the day! With this simple method, I get the sleep I need & style I want. Comment below any questions you may have! Watch Here! Video Tutorial: How to fully curl your hair in less than 5 minutes Links to products below: Hair Wand Tangle Teaser Brush Small Hair Ties Background Music (Source: https://www.youtube.com/) Watch Here! Video Tutorial: How to fully curl your hair in less than 5 minutes

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Dinner, Holiday Eats, Lunch, Recipe Box, Sides, Snacking, Sweet Tooth

The post of many, many, simple Thanksgiving Recipes!

November 21, 2014 by

Hi, All! Raise your hand if you are as excited about Turkey Day as I am! ;) This will be the first Thanksgiving I get to spend with my mom in about 4-5 years! She recently moved back from London to the states and I am oh so excited. To assist with the Thanksgiving meal planning, I’ve listed some of my favorite side dishes, drinks, desserts, and meals to bring along with you to any gathering! Simply click on the name of the dish and it will automatically bring you directly to the correlating recipe page. Please feel free to ask me any questions, tag me in any pictures of the dishes, or pass along some of your favorite holiday treats! I always love hearing your suggestions. Happy planning! Apple Pie Moonshine (21 &…

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DIY Projects, Drinks, Gift Ideas, Recipe Box

Cinnamon Apple Pie Moonshine

November 17, 2014 by

‘Tis the season to turn my apartment into a DIY Santa’s Workshop! I love this time of year, and am obsessed with making my own gifts. I have a very large family so I need to start planning my holiday gifts early. While some people don’t agree with playing Christmas music, baking holiday treats, and gift prepping before Thanksgiving, I am not one of those people. :) Right after I change out of my Halloween costume, I am turning on my Christmas iTunes playlist. Coming from a large family has taught me to think of gifts early, and in this case, I am very glad I did. Homemade moonshine is one of my favorite things. It may be because I am a West Virginia girl, but the stuff is amazing. However, it is extremely strong.…

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