We no speak mexicano

My favorite part of vacations is dressing up for it. For the reason that you don't have to actually dress up. While spending the majority of my time down in Mexico shopping and sight seeing meant I would be out in the heat. With that, I found a beautiful, breezy maxi dress at work that would be perfect to keep me cool while walking around. Adding a crop top and fun accessories helped with my relaxed feel as I strolled the streets of Guadalajara.

Outfit Breakdown: dress, shirt, necklace-Forever21 shoes and hat-Urban Outfitters bag- Target

To the fearless father, the strong step dad and the ones not related

Seven years ago at my dad's wedding

I remember a time when I was about eight my sister came to visit my dad and I. When we went out to dinner the balloon man at the restaurant made each of us a giant hat. However, that same night when we rented a movie my dad wore this hat into the Blockbuster. It was my first memory of my fearless father. From then on he would constantly tell jokes to strangers, come to my elementary school to do magic shows and do stand up numbers at the dinner table. The night before I went skydiving, my dad told me he wished he could be right there next to me as I took that leap. Through our rocky relationship, my dad always taught me to be fearless. With every worry I've ever had, my dad has comforted me by the fact if I were to fail or fall short that life goes on. He, most importantly, taught me that there's never anything to fear. I will always remember my dad saying that he daily goal is to make someone day and this positive, fearless attitude is what I'll keep close to my heart. 

Four months ago at my mom's wedding

My step dad is a man who I am proud to introduce to everyone in my life. His spirit for adventure and protective nature is just a few attributes that I admire about him. Most importantly, the way he loves God, his family and others makes me honored to be his step daughter.

One month ago at graduation

This picture shows just some out of the many male leaders at my church who have been a father type role model in my life. Each leader at my church has been such a powerful influence in my life. Supporting me by always looking out for my best interest, protecting me by hunting down any boy that broke my heart and guiding me by giving me the best advice in all areas of my life. I am really thankful for all the dads in my life.

Home sweet home

After a long day of traveling, I am finally home from Mexico. It was seriously one of my favorite trips. The whole week was wonderful and relaxing to the point where I had the time of my life. Most of my time spend there was filled with sight seeing, driving around, shopping and lots of eating. Trust me, I never wanted to leave the food. It is beyond amazing and I was a very spoiled girl. I got to try all these new types of dishes and if Mexican food wasn't my favorite before it is now. However, beans with every meal is no joke. I had so much fun meeting all new people, "trying" to speak the language, and meeting all of Zac's family. I am so glad that I finally had an good experience in Mexico because I would love to go back. Nevertheless, it's good to be home.

I found Mexican frozen yogurt everywhere. One point for Mexico!

Check out all the photos from the trip here.

Up, up & away

As of right now I am in Mexico. I'll be back in a week and a half with plenty of outfit posts and my favorite things: Mexico edition. xoxo

How to make cheesecake cookies

The other day I got a request to make cheesecake cookies for someones birthday. Since I've never heard of this type of cookie it was hard trying to find the recipe. Finally, I was lucky enough to find one on Food.com. I am even more lucky that I have such good friends who are willing to try out an new recipe with me. After an hour and a half of baking the cookies turned out fabulous and the birthday boy really seemed to enjoy them.

Instead of a birthday card I placed a "happy birthday" scrapbook flag.

Light Bright

I once heard that a person can subconsciously dress to their mood. Such as, if a fashionista is down and out darker shades become more of a focal point and vis viva for happier moods. So when I was shopping this week I noticed that I kept leading towards brighter colors. I was picking out items with shades of pinks and corals. This helped me realized that I am really happy. Lately, life has been so great that at random times I have been catching myself smiling for no reason. This joyful mood has transferred over to my style and with that I've found that brighter colors are important in my daily life.

Of course, a cup of fro yo= a very happy Melanie

Outfit breakdown: dress, top, braclets-Forever 21 flower and shoes- H&M bag- Target

Graduation update

At the beginning of the year I set goals for myself before I graduated high school. Now that it's been a week since I left Mountain View, I look back on what I did and didn't do.


1.Give a killer speech at my mom's wedding check. My favorite part of my mom's wedding was when she told me at the very end of the night that my toast made her wedding perfect. Needless to say, that made my night.
2.Graduate with a 3.5+ I got my report card in the mail yesterday and barley missed the mark. I blame senior laziness.
3.Take an awesome senior trip I never got my trip but I am going to Mexico for a week real soon so I guess that counts.
4.Make Dahlya the sickest graduation present I spend four months making her grad present. It was a lot of fun trading gifts. I made her a twenty minute video of the timeline of our friendship. She surprised me with a video reenacting important scenes from our friendship. I never laughed so hard. I love my best friend
5.Give a speech at graduation At least I tried
6.Make my prom dress Alright, story time. I couldn't find a pattern I liked. With that, I randomly bought a dress thinking that would be it. When I tried it on for a friend she noticed it was the same dress she wore to winter formal. That same day we went driving when I saw a hole in the wall dress store. There I found my dream dress and forgot about my goal to make one. However, mine had pockets so it all worked out.
7.Volunteer at a soup kitchen Instead I volunteer at a home for children. I start in two weeks.
8.Find someone to take my spot at Central I've learned over the past couple months that students come and go through student ministry but the impact of their influence never leaves. I know Lindsay Project will only excel in the years to come.
9.Have a yearbook signing party with all my friends Not yet, it's in the works however I got everyone I ever wanted to sign my beautiful book so I'm good.

Even though, it feels as if I didn't achieve any of my goals, I hope that the acting of trying and putting myself out there makes up for my faults and failures.