Ashley Booke

My sister Ashley turned 28 today! I bbm'ed her this afternoon 'Happy Birthday!! 28!! You're Old!" and her response back was simply 'Thanks, I feel great!'.

What more can you what then health and happiness for your family.

Happy Birthday to my beautiful sister!

Ashley and her best bud (my nephew), Charlie.

Our annual vaca to ADK

LOVE YOU!

My Signature Oatmeal

For the past 2 months i have been making oatmeal every morning. I have perfected the recipe and thought I would share it because it is so good. It keeps me satisfied for hours, gives me energy, and is just an overall comforting and delicious breakfast.

In a small pot combine

• 1/2 cup of slow cooking oatmeal
• 1 & 1/2 cup of water
• 1 (or 2) packs of splenda
• Dash of salt
• Sprinkle of cinnamon

Put over medium heat and bring to a boil (about 4-5 mins)

((stir occasionally))

Once it comes to a boil, bring down to low heat and let simmer for 5 minutes

I usually pour the oatmeal over a cut up banana and finish with a splash of light soy milk on top.

This is a low fat, healthy, and easy meal for anyone!

My boyfriend Eric alters the recipe by adding dried cherries to the pot and instead of a banana, he puts a spoon full of jam on the bottom of his bowl.

my days revolve around dogs

The past week I have been taking care of 3 dogs; Maggie, Sammy, and Lexi. My days literally revolve around them. Wake up at 8am, walk & breakfast time. 12pm, another walk & snack time. 3pm, more walks. 6pm dinner and walks. ...you get the picture. I also have been approached by a neighbor to dog-sit their dog (Ruby, a golden-doodle), and their friends dog (a shitzu). This is all funny to me because I am actually allergic to dogs. I am pretty much allergic to all animals, and it makes me sad because I really do love them. I cant wait to get my first hypo-allergenic puppy (hopefully a havanese!!). My boyfriend (Eric) is counting down the days until we can get one! Watching him take care of Sammy and always loving on Maggie assures me that he will be a great dad to our dog!

Maggie - my 14 year old yellow lab. She is the sweetest animal you have ever met. EVER.

Sammy- Our close family friends ~12 year old bichon. He will cuddle with you anytime, anywhere. A big fluffy cuddle ball.

Lexi- My friend Lauren's new puppy (yorkipoo). She looks like a beanie babie, such a playful cutie.

a very unique interior

A couple weeks ago I found myself in the 'Comfort Club'. This 'club' is located in the basement of a friend of a friends home. It was designed in the 80's (obviously) and is seriously ridiculous. Words do not do it justice. See for yourself!

friday morning workout

I love friday morning workouts. I have been going to a great trainer now for a couple months and really love doing all of the strength training workouts. I (try) to go to the gym about 5 times a week to do cardio (an hour on the treadmill), but love to see anita (my trainer) once a week to get the strength training in. Anita tries to push me a little bit harder each session. Today she had me holding 10 pound weights while doing lunges, when i normally do them free handed. We split up the hour session with legs, arms, and abs and use the bosu ball a lot to help strengthen the core. During the session i usually feel like i'm dying, but afterwards I feel great. This morning I was tired and wasn't sure if I wanted to go, but I'm happy I did.

The hardest part is getting there.... once your there, its fun.

These are some of the workouts...

After my workout (for lunch) I had vanilla soy yogurt with a cut up nectarine and grapes, and am looking foward to a soy 1 splenda latte later!

try working out and eating healthy one day this weekend, you'll feel great!

trying to get inspired for rachel's photo shoot

rachel by melissaanne featuring Lucky Brand jewelry

After creating this blog I decided it needs to feature some of my photography. I want to start fresh and have asked (via bbm) my friend Rachel if I could take some pictures of her. Her response -

Rachel: Whhattt???!

Rachel: Why me?? haha

(10 seconds later)

Rachel: Sure, thats fine though.

haha, thanks rach, that was easy! no convincing needed!

Rachel and I have been best friends since I moved to MI in 6th grade and since then, she has been like a sister to me. She is beautiful inside and out and i'm really excited for our photo shoot!

Dress Up Ashley

ashley brooke, wedding look by melissaanne featuring Etienne Aigner shoes

My sister Ashley (27, 5'7, slim, beautiful brown wavy hair, ((that i've always wanted)) ), has asked me to create a couple outfits for the weddings she's attending this summer. If only I had an unlimited budget and she wasnt picky, this would be easy . Unfortunately, no one ever said life was easy.

• Budget = $200.00
• NO Strapless or Halter (this is my requirement, not hers)
• NO High Heels or Earrings

This first look i did above breaks the first requirement, and totals around $300.00 (oops). I've never seen Ash in a tailored and classic silk dress like this before, but I think she would look great in it. Anyways-- I'm off polyvore.com to create an outfit that actually meets her requirements!

the look i love

melissa anne favorites by melissaanne featuring Christian Louboutin shoes

This was my first run in with polyvore.com, and lets just say it was love at first site. If you want to keep me entertained for hours, give me a blank canvas and an endless amount of color-sorted items, and i'm good to go. It really helps get some creative juices flowing. All in all, i'm a huge fan.

This first project i did really reflects my style and taste. Everything about this look makes me happy, I love it.