Fridays Favorite - Adele

I know, everyone is loving this album...but it is seriously insane!! I haven't been in love with an entire album since Dido back in 1999.

I swear, if our new house came with a soundtrack all of these songs would be included. When I need to focus or design I sit down, plug in my headphones and blare this album on repeat. It has depth and soul, every single lyric & song. I am sure the neighbor dogs are barking up a storm since I sing along (I sometimes forget I am plugged in and the Hubs has to quiet me down) with my lack of tone, but that is OK, I am feeling inspired, and really, what more could I ask for?!

If you haven't, listen, if you have, listen again. Have a wonderful weekend! Mel xo

Fridays Favorite - Yarnz Scarfs

One of my very dear friends gave me a Yarnz scarf for my birthday this past year. As soon as I opened it I was in love. The size, the pattern, but the feel...I love it!

Founded in 2000 in the NYC, they focus on beautiful scarfs constructed from cashmere in large bold patterns. Once you have one around you the addiction will start. 

You can find them at ShopBop & Saks 5th Ave. Trust me, one is worth the investment. Have a wonderful weekend and thanks again Reag! Mel xo

Fridays Favorite - A song

This one is special and very dear to me. I am sharing with you a song sang by my amazingly talented nephew Andrew. It is a rendition of Hallelujah that he sang with my beautiful sister in law, and his mother, Kari.

HERE

Andrew got into music in his tween years and I still remember when I realized he had 'it'. Late into our wedding reception when things were dying down he sat in-front of the bands equipment, picked up a guitar and came alive. Playing AC/DC and shocking all of our friends with his amazing talent way back when. Now he is wowing all of us again with this song and his other new songs that he has written, played guitar on, and sang on. They can be checked out on his Facebook page HERE (be sure to 'like' him so you can keep up to speed).

Andrew, we are all so proud of you and the amazing voice and talent you have been given. You make your favorite aunt proud (and I know I am your favorite, you don't need to tell me)!! Missi xo

Fridays Favorite - Spinning at home

After THIS post I had a few inquires as to my spin routines, songs I listen to, or just how I do it at home. So let me introduce you to one of my true favorites, iamplify. I have all of the indoor cycle programs from this site, but by far I think the BEST ones are from Tracey Mallett. Your best bang for your buck is the Blast Away Fat: Indoor Cycling Package for $29.95. It includes 4 programs that will get you into shape in no time, I promise!!!

Another option for downloads are from a site called iTrain.  While I do have a few of these, the Tracey Mallett package is still my go to for some major fat burning. But any that you do chose to go with will give you an amazing workout, just remember, you have to push yourself. No one may be in front of you to make you increase the tension or to pick up the speed...but just envision that you are in the class and you want to kick some serious booty.

Now for the bike...there are a ton of options out there. At our cabin I picked up an inexpensive bike, since it only gets used in the summer I didn't want to spend a massive amount of money on it. The  Stamina 9200 CP Spin bike is perfect if you only plan on maybe spinning once a week or for a second home that will not see the abuse that your main home gym would give.

For my home gym I went with a more ridged higher end bike. I use it between 2 - 4 times a week, so I wanted something that would hold up over time. I opted for a Schwinn AC Classic Indoor Cycle, seriously, I love this bike, but I really love what this bike has done for my thighs!

OK, now go off and enjoy your weekend and get some activity in if you can, say maybe a spin class?? Mel xo

Fridays Favorite - Lululemon

OK, so I am not sure if it is a favorite or a obsession. It all started 6 years ago when I walked into my first Lululemon store; one pair of yoga pants started the tailspin that would turn into my go to workout wear.

Now yes, it is expensive for active wear, but I do workout 6 days a week and with all of that sweat I think I deserve to look cute. The fabric is amazing & it last forever. I have yet to get rid or toss any item I have ever purchased from them. Some 25+ pairs of pants & shorts, endless tanks, sports bras, and jackets. Here are some new pieces they have in that I am tempted to go and pick up...

Yogi Dance Jacket $118CND

Center Pose Tank $58CND

Notice the amazing pocket at the back, perfect when you are out for a run! Great place to put a few dollars, i.d., & key!

Run: Inspire Crop $86CND

If there is not a Lululemon store near you do not worry, visit them HERE and have it shipped directly to you, trust me, you will not be disappointed. Have a great one! Mel xo

Fridays Favorite - Pretzel M&M's

Love salty & sweet treats? Then say hello to your new BFF...

For something so yummy & satisfying it is low in calories and fat, nothing better. Hope you have a sweet weekend!! Mel xo

Fridays Favorite - My Day

Well, I am turning 29 again, some (such as my mother) would correct me and say 33, and in fact, I am OK with that. Yes, I am turning 33, thirty three, two threes, that's me.

To celebrate the hubs is taking me to dinner at Rush this evening. One of my favorite restaurants; beautiful decor, amazing food, fab wine list, and the service is top notch. Looking forward to getting all dolled up for a night with my special man!

We are not one for gifts, in fact we never exchange them, we already have what we need and with the house being built that is enough. But if he is feeling like his pockets are extra deep today he is more than welcomed to get me any of these items that are not needed but would be greatly appreciated (and no, I will not be getting any of these, this is just a wish list).

I could use this tonight to finish off my outfit...

What about this, it could replace the one M flushed down the toilet a few months ago. Hope you are enjoying the bling Nemo!!!

Or maybe something simple, something practical, something for the house that I will get to use day after day, the sink I have been lusting over for quiet some time now...

OK, enough day dreaming, off to live this day to the best, I truly believe how you spend your birthday is how the rest of your year will play out. A workout, great cup of coffee, my boys getting along (pretty please!!!), work going well, and a date. Hope your day is filled with love!!! Mel xo

Fridays Favorite - Apple TV

When I was running into the Apple store the other night Rob called and asked me to pick up the Apple TV. I rolled my eyes but since he was unknowingly treating me to a new Nano I obliged and picked it up. So he gets it all pluged into the TV and let me tell you, IT IS THE COOLEST THING EVER!!!!

Seriously, a hundred dollars!! You can access iTunes off of it, order tv shows for .99 and movies starting at 4.99. You can even stream Netflix through this little gadget and that has been a lifesaver with how busy I have been lately. 'Boys want to watch Cat In The Hat?' and then I hear a collective 'YEAHHH' giving me 30 minutes to get work done.

If you do not have a sound system you can also stream your iTunes through the TV and set it up so images from your iPhoto are displayed, so yeah, cool right? If you are out & about this weekend might I suggest you treat yourself to one, I think you will love it! Mel xo

Fridays Favorite - The Butter Bell

The butter bell, ever heard of it? My fab friend Regan introduced me to this little kitchen accessory and it is awesome, almost as awesome as her...almost.

OK, so what is it? Well, the base holds cold water and the lid holds a full stick of butter. It keeps the butter at room temp and the water acts as a vacuum seal to it, so it stays fresh longer. No more slimy butter or torn bread from cold butter...something so simple that makes you day that much easier, except with your husband puts it back in the cabinet without putting another stick of butter in it (ROB, I'm talking to YOU!).

They come in a rainbow of colors, materials, and shapes. I guarantee you will find one to fit into your kitchen. I am thinking I might need to buy THIS one below for our next home, even if I keep it in the cabinet, when Rob leaves it out it will blend in nicely.

Have a wonderful weekend, I know we will be enjoying our amazingly unseasonably warm weather here! Mel xo

Fridays Favorite - Flippin' Good Guacamole

I remember the days of making guacamole that consisted of a packet of mystery seasonings and some avocados. So sad that I spent all of those meals thinking I was eating a great concoction. Since having the boys I am more and more conscious of what we are eating, fresh and whole foods are on the top of our list. Since one of our favorite foods is some good ol' guac I needed to perfect it...and here it is.

Flippin' Good Guacamole

Makes about 4 Cups

10 ripe Hass avacados, peeled, pitted, and diced

1 pint grape tomatoes, chopped

1 bunch scallions, white & green parts minced

3 jalapeno peppers, cored, seeded, and minced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 C. fresh cilantro

Juice of 3 limes

4 t. ground cumin

1/2 t. ground cayenne pepper

1 t. salt

1 t. pepper

Combine all ingredients and season to taste after. Sometimes I add more lime or cumin. Place in the fridge until ready to serve with plastic wrap directly op-top of the guacamole. That will help it from turning brown, make sure there are no air bubbles.

Yummy yummy so good in my tummy! Now go and toss those seasoning packages away and give this one a shot. Have a great weekend! Mel xo

Fridays Favorite - Cooking Light

I will admit, I get a few too many magazines, but they are for research, right? Anyhow, one of my faves that is not design related is Cooking Light.

I am a Weight Watchers girl (best thing I ever did for myself), and this magazine and website is a great resource for amazing tasting food that is healthy and lower in calories...and yes, it really does taste good! A few of the staples in our home include Curried Chicken Penne with Mango Chutney, Chicken with Tomatoes & Olives, Thai Shrimp & Chicken Soup, & Gnocchi with Shrimp, Asparagus, & Pesto. Give them a shot, you might be surprised by how fantastic a healthy meal can be. Mel xo

As well, be sure to head over to  Polly Want A Crafter blog today to check out the feature they are doing on my Haunted Halloween House, thanks so much!!

Fridays Favorite - Date Night

No no no, not the movie, although that was pretty funny. Date night as in with my hubby of course! A fabulous restaurant, a beautiful bottle of wine, possibly a new clothing item, and a babysitter at home tucking the boys in. Ahhh, pure bliss.

Rob & I make it a point to have at least one date night a week. Since work is crazy busy and so are the boys it is out time together, no children having a screaming contest, no cell phones ringing, and no e-mails going back and forth. For tonight's date we are heading to Alloy, a favorite that we haven't been to in quiet a while. Between a great wine list, top notch food, great atmosphere, and each others company we know we will have a wonderful time.

Image via Alloy Restaurant

Have a wonderful weekend and I hope you get to spend some quiet time with the one you love and adore. Mel xo

Fridays Favorite - Fall

Fall, oh how I LOVE fall!! I could go on and on about everything that gets me excited about it, but here are just a few...

Fall leafs, the changing on the season, the smell in the air, the crunching under your feet...

Image Vermont Living

Cozy sweaters, scarfs, jeans, & boots...

Image via Web

A fire and a beautiful bottle of wine with my hubby...

Image via The Inn

Finally, a little Steve Tyrell in the background to sing along to...

Image via stevetyrell.com

So tell me, what is your favorite thing or things about this time of the year? Mex xo

Fridays Favorite - Fall Boots

So living in the Great White North there is a need, a need for boots. A couple girlfriends and I went out for some retail therapy the other day and these are the beauties that followed me home...

Wellies: Everyone needs a pair and my old pair had seen better days. With our building site being a constant mud pit and the other job sites I needed something that I wouldn't have to worry about. What better than a pair of Hunters. Of course I stuck to black, but I did go for the gloss, a bit dressier so when I am meeting clients I can still feel like I am rocking my boots. 

Fun Boots: New year, new boots. These beauties caught my eye as soon as we walked into the store. They were actually yelling at me, I swear!! I will admit that there was some guilt about buying them, but every single one of my friends insisted that I keep them since they are too fab to not have. 

Sorels: Welcome to the frigged cold winters that we have around here. These beauties are rated for a -25 temp and will be perfect on the job sites this winter. We will have 7 homes in the ground by December, so that means a lot of time freezing my bum off outside and in homes that are not closed in yet. I feel like these still give me tons of function without sacrificing style. 

Have you gone out yet and treated yourself to a fall splurge...or three?? If not time to do so, it is the weekend after all! Mel xo

Fridays Favorite - Fresh & Fab Salsa

This is a staple in our home, I pretty much make it weekly. Once you do have it going back to any of the store bought salsas will not even be an option...trust me on this one.

Fresh & Fab Salsa

Makes about 6 cups

10 tomatoes, cored and chopped 

(If fresh tomatoes are $ or not ripe you can sub in 3 - 14.5 oz cans of chopped tomatoes with juice)

1 - 4.5 oz can chopped green chilies

2 red bell pepper, diced

1/2 red onion, diced

2 jalapenos, cored, seeded, and diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4/ C. olive oil

3/4 C. chopped fresh cilantro

Juice of 2 limes

Juice of 1 lemon

3 t. cumin

2 t. salt

1 t. pepper

1 t. red pepper flakes

Combine all ingredients...that simple!

Doesn't it look beautiful, fresh, and tasty?? It will last in the fridge for 5 days and I think it just gets better with the ingredients blending more and more.  Keep in mind it does make quite a bit, no need to double it like my brother did when I first gave him the recipe. 

Another weekend already, crazy how fast the weeks are going lately! Hope you enjoy yours and that you have a bit of spice in it. Mel xo

Fridays Favorite - H&M

Fun clothing that is cheap, what is more wonderful than that!?! Little man W needed some new clothes for the fall so off to H&M we went. Great style, decent quality, and a great price point. The little man scored 5 pair of jeans, 6 t-shirts, 3 sweaters, 2 button-up shirts, & a leather jacket for under $250. Let me tell you, he is going to be one stylin' little man at school this year.

Now, could I have gone in and not picked up a few items for myself? No way!! I scored a few fab sweaters for the fall, the perfect pairings with skinny jeans or leggings.

This so soft poncho type sweater, $19.95...I will be running out tomorrow so I can pick it up in the heather gray as well.

The fun sequined tank, it will be perfect with a pair of skinny's and a nicely tailored blazer for a night out on the town. Did I mention it was under $20 as well? BTW, I can't take myself seriously when I take pics of myself, so excuse my poor iphone skills and goofy faces, and 'the pose' 

my niece taught me...

And I think these are my fave, in fact I had to pick it up in the stripes, solid black, and heather gray. As they say, if it aint broke don't fix it, and each one was under $20 as well.

Hope you have some fun plans for the weekend, maybe you can break out a fun new top and celebrate, enjoy!!! Mel xo