gifts for the littles.

This month was so incredibly special. I flew home to Dallas because my twin sister, Brittany, and her sweet husband, Shaun, were about to have their first little one. Initially, it was so surreal to process that my sister was pregnant. It is such a beautiful reality, yet at the same time, I feel like there is no way we could be old enough! Who's with me?So I must admit, I have a slight obsession with buying baby Kate bows. I can't stop, and it's becoming a problem. This store is my weakness, and the size of these bows gives me all the feels, but these fringe booties are the cherry on top. Thank you, Minnetonka! Baby Kate is going to look beyond precious in these little shoes, and I couldn't help but introduce her early to these perfectly cozy fall booties. That's one of my jobs as an aunt, right?Let's talk baby gifts. Because I don't have any toddlers running around, I am going to stick with what I have become most familiar with (babies!). To start off, I believe books are the sweetest presents for a little one. Reading is so important for their minds and creativity even when they are still itty bitty. A child can never have enough books in my opinion! That is one of the things I remember most as a child - my parents reading me stories! Christmas Eve was always my extra favorite, too, because we would all snuggle up in bed and read some holiday classics. It was the perfect way to count down Santa's arrival. See some of my favorite books below; classics included.

I must admit that I have a major love for baby blankets. They are so adorable and snugly and never go to waste. An extra bonus: they are the cutest accessory on a stroller or in the nursery. See my cozy baby quilt picks below.

Clothes and bows are yes, yes, and amen. SO fun! Sorry I am sticking with the super girly gift suggestions, but I am so enamored with hunting for baby Kate, so I am not branching out too much! Are you guys ready for these outfit options? Contain yourself :)

The little extras are so fun. I am so drawn to the precious stuffed-animal rattles or the tooth fairy in a box! See my favorite present picks that would also be perfect stocking stuffers (I can't believe I am saying that phrase already). Hooray for the holiday season!

currently loving

Friday feels! Here is what we have been loving lately-

LO

This is my favorite daily morning read

My favorite non-toxic concealer

I truly don't know how I used to do my makeup without this blender

Yes, this is a little bit of a different one, but even with blind spot 'sensors' on my car, I still can't imagine driving without these. They make me feel extra safe! 

We use so much lavender oil in our home. We put it on our temples and the bottom of our feet at night, and we love to diffuse it to make our room smell like a spa :)

MELIS

Lysa Terkeurst's latest book, Uninvited, is a must-read

This laptop case keeps my Macbook Air safe & secure

I just purchased this dressy maxi skirt for fall/winter and I love it so much

A pretty tray from Pottery Barn for a bedroom dresser or a bar cart

Lo had this candle on her list a few weeks ago, so I gave it a try! It's amazing.

dreamy fall color combo

   

I absolutely love simple statement pieces, like this kimono jacket. It's one of those unique, special pieces that you just slip on and you instantly feel stylish, confident, and comfortable. I've paired it here with Paige denim, Everlane boots, and a striped bodysuit.

The dreamy, classic combo of black and white stripes, denim, and camel is one of my all time favorites. This is a look that I would definitely wear during the day, but it could also transition to a dinner date outfit or happy hour with girlfriends. Since I live in LA, light layers like this kimono are perfect for fall, since it's not too heavy but it still has a fall look and seasonally appropriate vibe.  xo

the outfit: jacket (c/o) | denim (c/o) | bodysuit (c/o) | boots (c/o)| sunnies (c/o)

images by felicia lasala 

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10 Questions With Rachel Cruze

Lauren and I were so thrilled to receive copies of Rachel Cruze's new book with incredible financial (and life) advice- Love Your Life, Not Theirs.  Rachel's book is one of those resources that you will keep going back to for sound, smart tips for keeping your finances in order and staying focused on your situation instead of comparing yourself (and your finances) to that of others. This is a very important and timely reminder due the large presence of social media in our lives, which makes getting caught up in the comparison game extremely easy. With Rachel's help, we can tune out the desire to want more and spend more, and instead be content and make wise choices when it comes to our finances. Below are our questions + Rachel's answers!

1. We are so inspired by the concept of not comparing your life to another person’s life. That is so crucial for not just financial happiness, but happiness in general! What made you want to write a book focused around that idea?

As I travel around the country and talk to people, I’ve noticed the comparison living trend. Twenty years ago you actually had to see the Joneses in person to compare our lives to them. Now we carry them around in our back pockets on our phones. We’re letting other people dictate how we spend our lives and our paychecks. I want people to realize that when they’re scrolling through social media, they’re seeing people’s highlight reels, not the entire picture. When they see a friend’s newly remodeled kitchen, they don’t see the second mortgage they took out to fund the project, which may be causing money fights and stress on their marriage. I want to empower people to have tunnel vision when it comes to their money. I want them to focus on their own values and spend their money according to their values, not someone else’s. 

2. Tell us a little bit about your history- what led you to be interested in personal finances and helping others manage their money?

Growing up as Dave Ramsey’s daughter, I saw the positive impact he made on people’s lives. I was born the year my parents filed bankruptcy and spent my life watching them rebuild their financial lives by avoiding debt and living intentionally. When I was in college my “financial bubble” was popped. The lack of knowledge people had when it came to their money was shocking. This gave me a passion to help people understand the importance of handling money wisely from an early age. 

3. What do you see as the biggest danger of the “keeping up with the Joneses” mentality?

The road of comparisons always ends with debt. It’s almost impossible to be satisfied with your own life when you are constantly looking at what someone else has or the lifestyle they’re living. In our culture, we often let other people dictate our values and priorities. You have to know what you value most in life because all of your money habits flow out of what’s important to you: career choices, purchases, and investments. To steer clear of debt and meet your financial goals, you sometimes have to say no to your wants and make sacrifices for your needs. Every decision you make will bring you closer or pull your further from your ultimate financial goals. 

4. What would be your biggest piece of advice for women in their mid to upper twenties?

You have the opportunity to create the life you want. Though it may not feel like it right now, it’s within reach—not thirty years from now, but right now. Change happens when you own up to the choices you make. If you don’t like the outcomes you’ve created for yourself, such as debt, money stress, or dissatisfaction in general, then start making different choices that will create new habits in your life. 

5. Finances are obviously a big part of a serious relationship and especially marriage! What advice do you have for women when discussing finances with their significant other?

One of the quickest ways married couples can put a strain on their marriage is to not be on the same page about money. In fact, one of the top reasons for divorce is money fights and money problems. So couples need to communicate about their finances. They should sit down and talk about their financial goals and make a plan to reach them. They should also make a budget together, every month before the month begins. A budget gets a bad rap, but all a budget does is tell your money where to go instead of wondering where it went. Getting in the habit of talking about money is tough.  But you have to be intentional when it comes to talking about money—even when it’s hard. 

6. What personal experiences brought you to the place of really valuing financially smart decision making and planning?

Over the years, I’ve come in contact with so many people who are struggling to make ends meet because of debt and poor decisions with their money. I feel so grateful that I was given this information early on, so I could make wise decisions with my money and avoid the debt, stress, and worry so many people live with. Because of the planning and choices my husband and I have made, we’re able to enjoy our money and make it work for us. 

7. The comparison game is a very real, dangerous trap. Do you feel that social media has made this problem worse, and if so, how do you suggest people remain active on social media, without falling into the comparison trap?

Social media has definitely made it easier to compare our lives to others, but it isn’t entirely to blame. Comparisons is a heart issue. Social media is just the vehicle that can take you down the road to comparisons. Comparisons bring discontentment. To be content you have to be grateful; and in a heart filled with gratitude, there’s no room for discontentment. Some people look for contentment in their income and possessions, but they’ll never find it there. Contentment happens on the inside, and when you have it, it’s there no matter how much money you make or how much stuff you have. 

8. When it comes to saving first and spending second, what is your biggest piece of advice for people who sometimes don't feel they have enough to save first?

You have to make savings a priority. I’ve met so many people who tell me they make a budget each month and just don’t have the money to save when they finish paying all their bills. That’s because their budget is upside down. I understand people may not have a lot of money to save right away, but it’s important to start the habit. And making it the first item on their budget will help them find places where they can cut so they have the ability to save. 

9. I was fortunate enough to grow up in a home with parents who always lived within their means and shared that mentality with me. In your mind, what does “living within your means” look like exactly?

In our culture, debt is normal. People think they “need” debt to make it in the modern world. It’s so normal that the average American family sends almost 25 percent of their paychecks right back out the door to consumer debt. But living within your means is all about being clear and intentional about how you’ll use your money. It doesn’t mean living within your credit limit. It’s being proactive with your money instead of reactive and not overspending. 

10. What is your biggest wish when it comes to what people will take away from reading Love Your Life, Not Theirs?

Habits affect every part of our lives, including our health, careers, productivity, relationships, and especially our money. We all have money habits. Some are good, and some are bad. Some take us closer to where we want to be, while others take us further and further away.The truth is, though, breaking bad money habits and replacing them with good ones can be easier said than done—especially if you don’t realize how much your bad money habits are wrecking your life. But if you want to change your life, if you want to do the things you’ve always wanted to do and buy the things you’ve always wanted to buy and go to the places you’ve always wanted to go to, then you’re going to have to find that motivation to change your money habits.I want to encourage people to make wise choices—and to build healthy habits—moving forward. I can’t promise it’ll be easy, but I can promise it will lead to a happier, healthier, more peaceful life—a life without all the debt, stress, and worry that so many of people are dealing with right now. 

black basics for fall & winter

black leather crossbody: the city girl bag by hobo

black leather booties: accordion booties by seychelles

faux leather skirt: [old] from mango | similar | similar

moto jacket: [old] from loft | similar | similar

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Wardrobe necessities are a real thing and these four items fall into that category- black leather bag, black booties, a cool black skirt, and a moto jacket. All four are timeless, versatile, and forever in style. The key is to invest in quality styles that you really love, to ensure that you will keep reaching for them time and time again // xo melissa

a daily morning prayer

Dear God, I give You this day. For Your glory, Your fame, Your will, Your way ... I humbly submit my plans, desires, and wants. May You increase as I decrease. Today is Yours, Lord. Please guide me. Direct me. And help me to use each day for You. In Jesus' Name, Amen. - Lysa Terkeurst

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I recently came across this prayer on author, Lysa Terkeurst's facebook page, and I was immediately captivated by the powerful words. Surrendering each day to the Lord is something that I desperately want to intentionally do each day. It is a lot easier said than done, due to the very things that Lysa mentions in the above prayer- plans, desires, and wants. Those things can so easily get in the way of completely surrendering the day to the Lord and His plans, desires, and wants for us which are always the best. As a girl who loves her plans, it's an on-going journey to loosen my grip on plans and give God room to work. Whenever I do give Him the reigns on my day, the results are beyond me and truly amazing in every way. I can't wait to memorize this prayer and repeat it each morning, making it a daily routine and habit to let God be God.  xo melissa

// happy monday //

holiday season mindset

photos by felicia lasala

the outfit: sweater (c/o) | leggings (c/o) similar + similar

lip color | bandana (old- similar)

Now that it's November, our minds are starting to get into holiday gear. Thoughts of holiday plans, invitations, family time, meal planning, decorating, and gift giving are beginning to come to mind. We are of course very excited, as the holidays are such a special time to give thanks, count our blessings, give, love, celebrate, and enjoy. It also seems to be a time though when overspending, over-indulging, stress, super busy calendars, and tiredness are too common. That being said, we invite you to join us as we make a conscious-effort to not get swept up in the "madness" and not fall into the "more, more, more" trap that seems to go hand-in-hand with the holiday season. Instead, we want to take one day at a time, keep healthy habits going strong, spend within our means, commit to plans wisely, and take time to rest and savor the season. Doing so will free up time to do what really matters- spend precious quality time with loved ones // xo melissa

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Our Health Packed Smoothie Recipe

Good morning, friends! I hope you all have had the sweetest start to the day. I must start out by saying I am a nerd when it comes to health (I could live and breathe it!). This post is long, but it was hard to leave any of it out because it is all so important + mind blowing how diet alone effects our body!A lot of you have requested that I share my daily smoothie recipe that I make for Jase and I in the morning. I must warn you prior to that it is PACKED with potent ingredients, which can seem quite overwhelming seeing it on paper, but once you get the hang of throwing it all in, it's as easy as can be! I am going to share the exact links to the products I use + scroll down below the recipe to see the benefits of each ingredient {my favorite part}.Most of the ingredients I use in this smoothie are from Crucial Four, a hidden health gem of a place in Dallas. My old kick-boxing trainer introduced me, and it has become our family's go to spot. Not all of their products are online, but they make it super easy to call and order. Side note: this is not sponsored.Why I love Crucial Four so much: "you can’t travel 12 hours by plane, two days by car and then climb a mountain in Ecuador to get the best heirloom cacao from eighty-foot trees in their natural environment. We can and do and that’s just one of the eighty wild heirloom ingredients we source globally and combine into our Meal Replacements & Shakes, Water Infusions, Oral Concentrates or Healthy Snacks. We have stable long-term relationships with reliable farmers, brokers and manufacturers across the globe to source the best wild heirloom varietal or certified organic products and deliver them in our products direct to your door."Also, I found an incredible naturopath here in California, and he has taken intensive and detailed blood tests to discover what I really need to shift in my body. I intentionally did a blood test before I started making these smoothies. My thyroid needed to shift a bit, my iron was low even with supplements, and there were a few more imbalances. I went back a month later to see if these ingredients were truly as beneficial to me as they say! He was confused as to why I came in after the results because my blood test was perfect. I was absolutely mind blown. These are life changers.Another fun fact: the reason why we crave sugar and junk food is because we are mineral sufficient. These fill those voids, which in turn, curbs the cravings. For those of you that know Jason, you know his two vices are ice cream and pizza. After a week of eating these smoothies, he could only eat a few bites of Salt & Straw because it didn't even sound good to him. Again, mind blown.Ingredients (makes a smoothie for two):2 tsp fresh bee pollen1 tsp wild pine pollen2 packets of M Breakfast1 tbsp Collagen3 tsp ColostrumA pour of fresh pressed aloe1 heaping tbsp spirulina1 heaping tbsp chlorella1 heaping tbsp chia seeds1 tbsp cacao nibs (I love the crunch this adds!)4 tinctures of Stevia (cancels the green taste)1.5 frozen organic bananas1 bag frozen blueberries or strawberriesAlkaline waterFRESH BEE POLLENIt is extremely high in protein and amino acids. It is great to have in the morning for a quick pick-me-up. It’s also a good addition to pre- or post-workout snacks to add or restore protein. It’s actually been used in ancient cultures—like China—for decades as a natural energy source. On top of adding protein and energy, I’ve read benefits like: prevents the cold and flu, helps with cravings, improves vitality and endurance, regulates intestines, reduces inflammation, and helps relieves stress.WILD PINE POLLENIt is a potent aphrodisiac that offers dual-directional hormonal support. If you are high in estrogen, it lowers it; if you are low in testosterone, it brings it higher, and visa versa AKA it evens out your hormones naturally. Regular consumption supports healthy metabolism, regulates weight, improves immune response, and enhances whole body function. It also is a: common cold preventative, brain nourisher, and cholesterol reducer.M BREAKFASTEnergy, stress relief, immunity, and performance are critical for everyday life. Build your mind and body into balance for sustained energy that helps you thrive with Crucial Four’s mBreakfast. We formulated mBreakfast to contain 100% organic and wild sourced herbs, algaes, mushrooms, and biotic extracts.COLLAGENIt improves skin and hair, repairs joints, helps leaky gut, boosts metabolism, strengthens teeth and nails, helps detox, reduces cellulite and stretch marks.COLOSTRUMBuilds lean muscle mass, repairs tissue, increases vitality, accelerates healing, supports digestion, improves the immune systemFRESH ALOE VERA JUICEIt is alkalizing, it reduces inflammation, it is a digestive aid, promotes regularity, detoxifies the body, aids weight loss, helps maintain hydration, helps control blood glucose levels in diabetics, helps lower blood cholesterol, improves oral health, gives a vitamin and mineral boost, provides essential amino acidsSPIRULINAA powerful anti-inflammatory, activates many of the different immune cells, jam packed with vitamins, phytonutrients, and essential fatty acids, including macrophages, T-cells, B-cells, and natural killer cells. It also activates the organs involved with immune function such as the spleen, liver, and bone.CHLORELLADetoxifies heavy metals, supports your immune system, promotes weight loss, makes you look younger, fights cancer, lowers blood sugar and cholesterolCHIA SEEDSHigh in minerals, antioxidants, vitamins, protein, fiber, and omega 3's; helps skin and aging, aids in digestive health, keeps your heart healthy, helps treat diabetes, boosts your energy and metabolism, provides a lot of calcium for stronger bones, builds muscle and aids in weight loss, fights breast and cervical cancer, promotes dental healthCACAO NIBSMaintains muscle and nerve function, aids in weight loss, keeps you regular, prevents anemia, reduces risk of coronary disease and stroke, treats diarrhea, enhances mood, a cholesterol free saturated fat; an excellent source of minerals, fiber, and vitamins image credit: feature image via Casey Jade

wish list wednesday

Currently crushing on these cool things from zara, free people, anthro, and madewell.

THE LINKS: one | two | three | four | five

// xo melissa