2012 June

Jelly Loves: MATINE

I’ve always been the kind of lady who enjoys lugging a ridiculously large purse filled with what I call “ everyday necessities” – but what you will really find in there is chocolate wrappers, tons of mini notebooks, receipts, and a random belt (how does that even happen?).

So I think it’s time to simplify a bit and start carrying a pretty clutch that will allow me to actually carry the necessities – not random junk.

I think I am going to start my clutch phase with MATINE. Such lovely leather clutches that look super stylish. I think I can part with my larger purses and start carrying one of these beauties.

To see more handmade leather accessories visit MATINE.

xo,

Meli

Category // Jelly Loves

06.20.12 // by Meli // 3 Comments

Web Projects: Fundamentally Wild // Blog

Last week I completed another project that I am so excited about. Lindsey came to me looking for a blog design for her new fashion blog. She wasn’t sure what she wanted for her blog but after some brainstorming we came to the conclusion that less is more.

A clean and simple design was created that would allow Lindsey to share her fashion photos without clashing with her design. Some color was added on the header and sidebar to add some colorful details.

One of my favorite elements in this design is how the icons and menu bar change color when you hover over it.

To see more of my previous projects visit Jelly Design Studio. Also, remember to check out Fundamentally Wild. ;)

xo,
Meli

Category // Jelly Design Studio, Web Projects

06.19.12 // by Meli // 2 Comments

What I Wore: Pattern Fest!

Last week I had the honor to get a few snapshots taken by the lovely Supal and we had so much fun! We did get a few people giving us odd looks for posing in such hot weather and we finished right on time – before a major downpour came our way.

So today’s outfit is one my favorites! After wanting those polka dotted pants for some time now I finally gave in and treated myself to them. Best decision ever. I decided to pair it with a simple top that has tiny little stripes and then just mix it up with some leopard flats.

I love patterns and this outfit was the perfect combination! Stripes + Polka Dots + Leopard. I suddenly feel like a fashionista (haha!).

Plus – look how awesome Supal made my hands look. She’s really got it going on behind the lens.

Details: Top and Pants from Anthropologie // Purse from Coach // Shoes from Target // Home Run! Nail Polish from Pure Ice

How do you mix patterns? Do you keep it simple or mix it all up? If you have style post send me a link – would love to see it!

xo,
Meli
Images by Chevron & Eclairs

Category // Style, What I Wore

06.18.12 // by Meli // 1 Comment

Jelly Loves: Christine Marie B

I always love a fun iPhone case and when I spotted this sweet little arrow case I fell in love!

To see more designs visit Christine Marie B over on Etsy. ;)

xo,
Meli

Category // Jelly Loves

06.18.12 // by Meli // 2 Comments

My Insta Weekend: 06.18.12

Spent time watching this sweet little puppy face!

Mixed patterns.

A little Sunday afternoon pick me up.

This weekend was all about spending time with family and good food. My Dad and Sister stayed with us for a day and we had a wonderful time.

Ever since we’ve moved one of the hardest things has been being away from my Dad – so getting to spend Father’s Day with him really made both of us happy.

Of course – spending time with my Dad means lots of eating, hilarious stories, and walks around our neighborhood. I was also totally surprised when he loved my new polka dotted pants (you’ll see those on the blog tomorrow) – always knew he had good taste. ;)

When they left on Sunday afternoon I realized that I didn’t get any pictures with him (dummy!) but sometimes it’s just good to know that the memory of this great weekend will be stored in my mind and that’s fine with me.

Hope all you Dads had a great Father’s Day this weekend.

xo,
Meli
Images by Blush + Jelly

Category // Weekend Recap

06.15.12 // by Meli // 1 Comment

Happy Friday + Link Love: Classic Mojito

Image + Recipe

Happy Friday!! After a very long week the weekend has finally made it’s way and I am so excited! Tonight I plan on relaxing a bit and enjoying a mojito (or two) as a reward to myself.

Tomorrow my sweet Dad will be visiting us for the weekend and I get to spoil him on Father’s Day. This makes me so happy. :)

So today I am sharing a few links that I am loving this week plus some articles that I’ve found to be very informative for us bloggers. Hope you enjoy! ;)

A Little Link Love //

-This dress belongs in my closet

-Loving her stlye

-Buy all the stripes!

-Ombre DIY necklace

-Cookie dough truffles? Yes, please!

Blog Tip Articles //

-Google Plus: The Complete Guide

-Twitter Content that POPS!

-How to Get Google to Display Your Profile Photo (<–Great article!)

So I wish you all a lovely weekend. Happy (early) Father’s Day for all the amazing Dads out there.

xo,

Meli

Image Source

Category // Cocktail Friday, Link Love

06.14.12 // by Meli // 2 Comments

The Cookie Challenge // Week 24: Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars with a Salty Pretzel Crust

Since I’ve started my cookie challenge the hardest part has been taking a decent picture. Some that I’ve taken are almost winners while others not so much. It’s ok though, I don’t have any fancy equipment and sometimes I just don’t finish baking in time before the sun goes down.

But this week I got my act together and baked these cookies on Monday. I then decided to take the photos outside and take advantage of the natural light.

And it was a total success (sorry for bragging). I am truly proud of this photo. Plus, I got to show off my new plates from Anthro. :)

Even though the neighbor stepped outside at the exact moment that I was maneuvering a tray of cookies and a cutting board in 90 degree weather while wearing the world’s tackiest outfit with flour in my hair and house slippers – it was totally worth it (and mildly embarrassing).

Now let’s talk about these cookies. Totally amazing, just the perfect balance of sweet and salty. You’ll want in. Make them and share them – take them to co-workers or give some to friends. But I won’t judge if you decide to keep them all to yourself.

Original Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars with a Salty Pretzel Crust from Simply Scratch

To see my previous Cookie Challenge posts click here.

xo,

Meli

Image by Blush + Jelly

Category // Food and Drink, Jelly's Kitchen, Recipes, The Cookie Challenge

06.13.12 // by Meli // 1 Comment

Home Decor: Office Space

For some time now I’ve been spending a crazy amount of time sitting at a desk – whether it’s my work cubicle staring at spreadsheets until they make some sense to me or at home emailing clients, blogging, designing, and coding.

I once thought about tracking how much time is spent behind a desk and then I realized that would probably just be a bad idea. Let’s just say it’s about 75% of the time I am awake (or falling asleep on top of the keyboard).

Even though I have a desk in the bedroom I now have my computer on the dining table so I could get some natural light and not be cooped up in the bedroom while I work.

So my dining table desk is usually a horrible mess of notebooks, calendars, colorful sharpie markers, random post-its, and a huge binder with all my projects. I try hiding the clutter but the mess always wins.

I know all these pictures are styled but today I am dreaming about the day when I can have a workspace that looks just as amazing as these images. Beautiful colors, creative inspiration boards, and major organization.

What are some elements that you consider a must in your workspace?

xo,
Meli

Image Source: 1 / 2 / 3/ 4

Category // Home Decor

06.12.12 // by Meli // 2 Comments

Blog Tips // Naming Your Images

So today is the day! I finally got the courage (and found the time) to start a new column that I hope you will all enjoy! If you don’t remember – about a few weeks ago I wanted to launch this column but went into my nervous and panic mode (read here). After reading such sweet comments and tweets about how I should do this I finally got the courage. (You guys are totally awesome!!)

So here goes nothing…

I’ve been blogging for a little over a year and I am no pro at it – but I do feel that I have grown and learned some new tricks along the way. I still have a lot more to learn but I wanted to share the things I’ve picked up along the way. ;)

I decided to start simple and talk about how you should name your images!

- – - -

As bloggers we enjoy creating heavy image posts – sometimes we might not even write much but we do have plenty of eye candy. Since I’ve started designing and coding websites I’ve notice that many people just upload their images with generic names. This might be my new pet peeve. No biggie, that’s why I am here.

When you upload your images as “Photo 1” or “IMG1546” search engines have no idea what that means and just pass right by it. Basically, it’s like your images are invisible to search engines. Unless you want your image to appear when someone searches “IMG1546”.

All you have to do is name your images something relevant.

For example – you create an amazing DIY post about how you made your very own gilded candle holders. To get the best results choose relevant image names.

Instead of “IMG5491” try “DIY Tutorial for gilded candle holders” or “How to make a stylish candle holder”

If you have multiple images take advantage and change the naming structure a bit. This will include different keywords that can help your search engine ranking down the line.

Also – take advantage of the “Title” and “Alt Text” (read more about Alt Text here) feature that is available with most blogging platforms. Use the same name or switch it up a little. At first you might think this is time consuming but it will eventually get easier, plus you are increasing your search engine visibility.

If you have any questions regarding today’s blog tip feel free to tweet me or contact me!

xo,

Meli

Image Source: Gilded Candle Holders

Category // Blog Tips

06.11.12 // by Meli // 1 Comment

Jelly Loves: Pine and Main

Last week my dear friend Supal sent me a text about Pine and Main. I immediately checked out their shop and knew that it was a perfect feature for the blog.

All their vintage goodies are amazing – and how awesome is that golden unicorn? Don’t think Honey will approve but I do hope whoever buys it loves it as much as I do! ;)

To see more vintage home decor visit Pine and Main’s Etsy shop.

xo,

Meli

Category // Jelly Loves