tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71260888438940309492024-03-19T02:50:22.153-05:00MISSI MADE.Food, fashion, beauty and life. This blog is Melissa "Missi" Saigh made.Melissa Saighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16635943677691131148noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126088843894030949.post-21855502885637189052011-04-01T12:02:00.007-05:002011-04-01T12:15:13.675-05:00Prom Dresses Under $100<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUThMj1uqZCTx5aCfhJ1a6HfDwa0HqlKCpfAW6fFruj4Pch5cnlja3GK4fR4EESrAQbDJHKkkybbQJniK9BW6lO-DDZIPu_yWu_bfwoxIBIkBaJERogyTNUUip1oQSriAr5r7OPs9JFsg/s1600/delete.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUThMj1uqZCTx5aCfhJ1a6HfDwa0HqlKCpfAW6fFruj4Pch5cnlja3GK4fR4EESrAQbDJHKkkybbQJniK9BW6lO-DDZIPu_yWu_bfwoxIBIkBaJERogyTNUUip1oQSriAr5r7OPs9JFsg/s400/delete.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590664892461403330" /></a><br />When I was in high school (many many moons ago), I spent about $300 on my prom dress, only to find myself today asking "why?!". Most girls will wear their prom dress once, and some girls end up going to multiple proms, so why spend all the money on a dress?! I found some super cute prom dresses for under $100 at JCPenney, and showcased the dresses on TWIN CITIES LIVE yesterday! All of these dresses are red carpet inspired, and perfect for a high school prom or dance. A big thank you to my amazing models: my sister Paige and her friends Britta and Heather!<br /><br /><a href="http://twincitieslive.com/article/stories/S2044458.shtml?cat=10744">Prom Dresses Under $100 on TWIN CITIES LIVE</a>Melissa Saighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16635943677691131148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126088843894030949.post-54602075706463540962011-03-14T20:04:00.003-05:002011-03-14T20:27:32.642-05:00Target Brings Back 34 Designer Dresses<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXGxTmG5rZmjdZgzTA64o75aKWBuvvAlVlfFpRhO-93jLnkpDOVb6UVWZebRT5okmasaIegmLWx4tAG5ln6t-J_01RpLisDqnMytZA_DwTGAH7Nwhd3wtiXD8D94x_PKzkfNXBVu8I1Y/s1600/B004IWZSGC.16._SCRMZZZZZZ_V168210144_.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXGxTmG5rZmjdZgzTA64o75aKWBuvvAlVlfFpRhO-93jLnkpDOVb6UVWZebRT5okmasaIegmLWx4tAG5ln6t-J_01RpLisDqnMytZA_DwTGAH7Nwhd3wtiXD8D94x_PKzkfNXBVu8I1Y/s200/B004IWZSGC.16._SCRMZZZZZZ_V168210144_.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584111997036687986" /></a><br />You may be seeing a few extra surprises at your local Target store this week! On March 13th, Target brought back more than 30 designer dresses for the five year anniversary of the Go International Program. Seventeen designers including Zac Posen, Jovovich-Hawk, and Thakoon, created 34 dresses that you will now find in Target stores or on Target.com. I had the opportunity to showcase a few of these looks on TWIN CITIES LIVE today. I am in love with almost every single dress and I have no doubt in my mind that these dresses will sell out quickly! I got to wear a polka dot Jovovich-Hawk dress... now I just need to go out and buy it! Here's a link to the segment: <a href="http://twincitieslive.com/article/stories/S2016766.shtml?cat=10744">http://twincitieslive.com/article/stories/S2016766.shtml?cat=10744</a>Melissa Saighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16635943677691131148noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126088843894030949.post-30517478232588253992011-03-07T19:27:00.007-06:002011-03-07T20:04:01.378-06:00MN Monthly Food & Wine Experience<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9E-Ok4Hdeug34RP_I8p040et4OZgtvhue7Xntl3cygPoUCBR58nrzg9awcegNSRoVRaNJvgVoNyp2FG6MQk4ZsUXVKuroL-p0GSrAclezzr-ZdWT6UL6k-lpGZt6PFfQyZfwLJURC5s/s1600/-4.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9E-Ok4Hdeug34RP_I8p040et4OZgtvhue7Xntl3cygPoUCBR58nrzg9awcegNSRoVRaNJvgVoNyp2FG6MQk4ZsUXVKuroL-p0GSrAclezzr-ZdWT6UL6k-lpGZt6PFfQyZfwLJURC5s/s200/-4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581521267040780914" /></a><br />On Sunday, my husband, brother, brother's girlfriend and I hit up the MN Monthly Magazine Food & Wine Experience. This is a yearly event that AJ and I both look forward to. The amount and variety of food is unbelievable, and I have to say that I think this year's event was even better than last year! <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAR4Bga6q49TcRGaAhwLB3-_3XRAL8rUznpYnWRZ20y182BTrAVaNwo8EdvRwvX0snrM9ur2-pWUAGfuTdACdZRZdo7fHztieFPR9hYcIjei3yT_muyj5VJ1Z_C7GbuoQOqjsjmjDjQmpZ/s1600/-2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAR4Bga6q49TcRGaAhwLB3-_3XRAL8rUznpYnWRZ20y182BTrAVaNwo8EdvRwvX0snrM9ur2-pWUAGfuTdACdZRZdo7fHztieFPR9hYcIjei3yT_muyj5VJ1Z_C7GbuoQOqjsjmjDjQmpZ/s200/-2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581520466879687346" /></a><br /><br />The only bad thing I have to say about the event, was the LONG and COLD line we had to wait in to get inside the event. Last year the event was held at the Convention Center and this year it was held at Target Field. We showed up right at 1pm (when the event started) and we had to wait is a super long line, part of which was in an open skyway. We left our coats in the car so we were FREEZING! But, once we got inside, the cold and the wait were totally worth it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFOHjwJh97PGZ-hM5qJlcS4qlstbttajyMSDiTItBBzFZ4SiHoyQaArCzOxFfHBTHvLKqrvka9ThlZrM4yAvHPx6xVztA_LmeJG7hFbtwcTvlanr1Rm_puRX8qDSzd9iFObqKE5pteMJFm/s1600/-3.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFOHjwJh97PGZ-hM5qJlcS4qlstbttajyMSDiTItBBzFZ4SiHoyQaArCzOxFfHBTHvLKqrvka9ThlZrM4yAvHPx6xVztA_LmeJG7hFbtwcTvlanr1Rm_puRX8qDSzd9iFObqKE5pteMJFm/s200/-3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581520650123986210" /></a> <br /><br />The lines of food, wine and beer vendors are endless. This year, it took us 3 hours to get through the entire experience. There was fish, prime rib, cookies, brie curds, candies, frozen wine, cake, and my favorite... sushi! Even though I'm pregnant this year, I couldn't pass up the sushi at the Sushi 7 stop. The crunchy roll is my favorite! Poor Holly (my brother's girlfriend) hates fish, so she wasn't too impressed at first. But that all changed when she found the cheese tables:)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9D5Jhp1oVzCMsplw3cnpK8JBqmins13xV8rIkRTAcOmHxrt2mzzBkD2n6bFQtI-9KKF8MHU60wsuT43vJQzT1Ctelhyz8SfZgP6FjVqA6psHiRPwGrWaxjF_YA9pN081lGa9R4sIFSE0/s1600/-5.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9D5Jhp1oVzCMsplw3cnpK8JBqmins13xV8rIkRTAcOmHxrt2mzzBkD2n6bFQtI-9KKF8MHU60wsuT43vJQzT1Ctelhyz8SfZgP6FjVqA6psHiRPwGrWaxjF_YA9pN081lGa9R4sIFSE0/s200/-5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581522108434537042" /></a><br /><br />The boys of course LOVED the beer and wine vendors, and both boys had their fair share (thank goodness for pregnant sober cabs). Since I'm in my second trimester I had a few sips of AJ's wine AND one of the best things I tried... FROZEN WINE! We bought two kits because it was so good.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxUOqHi6V8h-V6Rj8shvWZ79TZDAYIas9o5QIqJjvzhePFT1lKtdcvwKL4VYAIMCEkcfyBQrR7m7WvItwgNTeib4Kt4zO1fBAMJpppgXU5yDcDSzVAHCdcuHBOzgulh9J3q-NK7u_XA0/s1600/-7.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxUOqHi6V8h-V6Rj8shvWZ79TZDAYIas9o5QIqJjvzhePFT1lKtdcvwKL4VYAIMCEkcfyBQrR7m7WvItwgNTeib4Kt4zO1fBAMJpppgXU5yDcDSzVAHCdcuHBOzgulh9J3q-NK7u_XA0/s200/-7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581522462031663282" /></a><br /><br />Although the tickets to this event are pretty spendy ($75-$80), they are TOTALLY worth it! We weren't even half way through the event and I was stuffed. One thing to remember though... even though this is a wine/beer tasting, a lot of people get pretty "loaded". Be safe and take a cab so you can enjoy yourself! Thanks again MN Monthly Magazine!Melissa Saighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16635943677691131148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126088843894030949.post-54217841583667943862011-02-22T19:29:00.003-06:002011-02-22T19:40:18.860-06:00Favorites of the Real Housewives<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUsIUJgN4FCdwKYTai51Ou70B9OeYi2Ku4pqW1zH5qwAyl_xk4Gew03Ol2vXo54vaoIJjaUxWil4Vard7yvKgG01sjtbpAb0ehxZoj0P9r-CtSS0KCFJxJ82FckgiM-uO6yNrYUq-UcM/s1600/photo-real-housewives-miami-bravo-1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUsIUJgN4FCdwKYTai51Ou70B9OeYi2Ku4pqW1zH5qwAyl_xk4Gew03Ol2vXo54vaoIJjaUxWil4Vard7yvKgG01sjtbpAb0ehxZoj0P9r-CtSS0KCFJxJ82FckgiM-uO6yNrYUq-UcM/s320/photo-real-housewives-miami-bravo-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576693502364202594" /></a><br />Today on TWIN CITIES LIVE (KSTP), I did a segment on the favorite fashion and beauty products of the Real Housewives! As many of you may know, The Real Housewives of Miami premieres tonight on Bravo, so it was fun taking a look back on some of our favorite housewives from the New York, Orange County, and Beverly Hills series. My favorite product came from one of my least favorite housewives: Jill Zarin. She loves Bootights, which are socks built right into tights! Check them out and other favorites of the Real Housewives in my TCL segment, seen here: <a href="http://twincitieslive.com/article/stories/S1985808.shtml?cat=10744">http://twincitieslive.com/article/stories/S1985808.shtml?cat=10744</a>Melissa Saighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16635943677691131148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126088843894030949.post-52100456386458806242011-02-13T11:40:00.005-06:002011-02-13T12:15:58.768-06:00Urban Eatery Opening Party<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAR-SlGm7oyUBIZcfuLAibcekQab56v4FQ8qMBHpO-u_ZPzRdsm4RVk49I2wKkpK61rW20acIUKhZHGi4rUYsAg3hiXIZEiPh8sMhzUXRl70G6Oq-I0Vv4dUFW58coFevDBG-lccsw1n8/s1600/168353_200933903257022_193387320678347_902646_6026996_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAR-SlGm7oyUBIZcfuLAibcekQab56v4FQ8qMBHpO-u_ZPzRdsm4RVk49I2wKkpK61rW20acIUKhZHGi4rUYsAg3hiXIZEiPh8sMhzUXRl70G6Oq-I0Vv4dUFW58coFevDBG-lccsw1n8/s320/168353_200933903257022_193387320678347_902646_6026996_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573238528432733810" border="0" /></a>Last night, AJ, a few friends and I headed to Urban Eatery in Uptown for their grand opening party. Urban Eatery is the site of the restaurant formerly known as "The View" in Calhoun Beach Club. AJ and I had our wedding rehearsal dinner at The View, so it was pretty fun to see how much the restaurant has changed in a matter of months.<br /><br />The new restaurant has more of a rustic bar feel. The layout of the restaurant is the same, but they put up a lot of weathered wood, chalk boards, and they've completely gotten rid of the Miami bar/club feel. The food was pretty good too. The restaurant is run by the same people that run Crave, so what do you expect?! I will definitely be back for the mozzarella avocado pizza... it's to DIE for!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivFbWYckyNEUTvTYlFl_GUPWBUnWbQbDT8PVUU4m8IRZ1RY0lMBWFIHb9uLF0F__u7Rf4rnDhAHnyyBDwQbwpcMNEiFqwfJyEgxjiAk26vA-JbjfN_eKOCdoLIdFvNTO22l4YkLlmuM7g/s1600/179813_200933813257031_193387320678347_902641_5473638_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivFbWYckyNEUTvTYlFl_GUPWBUnWbQbDT8PVUU4m8IRZ1RY0lMBWFIHb9uLF0F__u7Rf4rnDhAHnyyBDwQbwpcMNEiFqwfJyEgxjiAk26vA-JbjfN_eKOCdoLIdFvNTO22l4YkLlmuM7g/s320/179813_200933813257031_193387320678347_902641_5473638_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573237971163109442" border="0" /></a>A big draw to Urban Eatery is their late night menu. From 9pm to close, they have $3, $4 and $5 appetizers and drinks! AJ bought drinks for he and his friends, and we only ended up spending $25! They also have FREE valet. I love the location of this restaurant/bar, and I really hope it becomes a Twin Cities hot spot. You can be sure you'll find us hanging out there this spring and summer!Melissa Saighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16635943677691131148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126088843894030949.post-54784253247661518312011-02-03T22:08:00.002-06:002011-02-03T22:16:30.789-06:00Valentine's Day Lingerie<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVF942Uh-BeqfybO6jRi86IRAYBoiehWsF96V9UmkvgjGMwtUa0UYGHMg5sColYwAeM4iS7dmU42djQHJm3_rgwdORZNWrSaSXmWxudT7QwagePmIBNRJapdclUS9HStqvCdx3V-rlwRo/s1600/Wholesale_Sexy_Chemise_Nightwear_Lingerie_Underwear.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 141px; height: 211px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVF942Uh-BeqfybO6jRi86IRAYBoiehWsF96V9UmkvgjGMwtUa0UYGHMg5sColYwAeM4iS7dmU42djQHJm3_rgwdORZNWrSaSXmWxudT7QwagePmIBNRJapdclUS9HStqvCdx3V-rlwRo/s320/Wholesale_Sexy_Chemise_Nightwear_Lingerie_Underwear.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569683282822573474" border="0" /></a><br />I recently did a segment on TWIN CITIES LIVE about lingerie for Valentine's Day. I found options from Twin Cities boutiques and Target! Even my husband, AJ Saigh, got a shout out:) Watch the segment here:<br /><br /><a href="http://twincitieslive.com/article/stories/S1954552.shtml?cat=10744">http://twincitieslive.com/article/stories/S1954552.shtml?cat=10744</a><br /><br />Thank you to Extrados and Unmentionables, Flirt Boutique and Meredith Models and Talent for helping me with this segment!Melissa Saighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16635943677691131148noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126088843894030949.post-13635835380631807912011-01-31T21:20:00.003-06:002011-01-31T21:42:47.197-06:00The Hair Masque That Changed My Life<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUETJGhXrlPvBfycFRR9BNOb56Yl9yHbIXcOLCdaGJLWIm-f-jwEf71cGYsZocOUqiww9sspkbx2LjZ0kD41zPJxtJTt-DrgJ8SyyyXAonljyqwM5zzQK_-9aikXG_ya0AUDI19dNzrgE/s1600/31QEAKARJWL._SL500_AA300_-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUETJGhXrlPvBfycFRR9BNOb56Yl9yHbIXcOLCdaGJLWIm-f-jwEf71cGYsZocOUqiww9sspkbx2LjZ0kD41zPJxtJTt-DrgJ8SyyyXAonljyqwM5zzQK_-9aikXG_ya0AUDI19dNzrgE/s320/31QEAKARJWL._SL500_AA300_-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568560394636631586" border="0" /></a><br />If you have thick, coarse hair like I do, you've probably tried every hair masque under the sun. I've tried everything from an actual avocado, to hair treatments costing hundreds of dollars (although I will say the Brazilian Blowout is still pretty amazing), but I have yet to find anything that fits my budget and can actual tame my hair. That is, until now!<br /><br />I recently got my hands on Kim Vo's Moisturizing Masque. It's a "Hydrolyzed Silk Intensive treatment that rejuvenates color-treated hair that is dry, damaged and aging." Whatever, all that matters is... IT WORKS!<br /><br />I started by leaving the masque on while I soaked in the tub for 20 minutes, and that certainly did the trick. But in the last few weeks, I started leaving the masque on my hair over night and it has literally transformed my hair! I can not tell you how soft, fluffy and voluminous my hair has become, making me actually WANT to wear my hair down and not in a ponytail.<br /><br />I also come up with another little trick. Since I've become too lazy to wake up early to take a shower in the morning, I've started taking a shower at night. Before I go to bed, I flip my hair over and brush it all into a wet ponytail on top of my head. And yes, I sleep with the ponytail on the top of my head... even though my husband hates it and says I look like a sumo wrestler:) By the time I wake up, my hair is partially dry and the ponytail has created cowlicks all over my hair near my scalp (which, in turn, creates VOLUME). I then, blowout my hair with a large round brush (it only takes me 10 minutes) and... VOILA... my hair is full and it actually looks like I went and got a professional blowout:) This has become my nightly routine.<br /><br />I really think I'm onto something. Try it out and let me know what you think!Melissa Saighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16635943677691131148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126088843894030949.post-49006912461696376092011-01-30T11:01:00.003-06:002011-01-30T11:06:45.317-06:00We're Having a Baby!AJ and I are so excited to finally get to tell everyone that we're expecting our first baby! We work quickly around here:) We're 3 months along, and Baby Saigh's due date is August 19th, 2011. I've started a new "Minnesota Baby" blog, where I will be keeping a journal of Baby Saigh's "happenings" (doctor appointments, ultrasounds, stories, etc.). Feel free to follow:<br /><br /><a href="http://minnesotababy.blogspot.com/">http://minnesotababy.blogspot.com/</a>Melissa Saighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16635943677691131148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126088843894030949.post-21440020070146260512011-01-16T20:39:00.002-06:002011-01-16T20:46:05.132-06:00Wedding Photos<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLO6EKOfI9fbWJezReYv8mvj-VZXjBgTJQ1N5hST128iFz-ibabSbuToX7VGLZoxsaZ0TWXVdcs6HKw_BmvtFHwwwdjWbb_LHL10j6WZ9u6qMpXgThgOYmSu6y_FMVh-CJwfXPzDwELBA/s1600/167900_716990718330_63901378_39630573_2519856_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 215px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLO6EKOfI9fbWJezReYv8mvj-VZXjBgTJQ1N5hST128iFz-ibabSbuToX7VGLZoxsaZ0TWXVdcs6HKw_BmvtFHwwwdjWbb_LHL10j6WZ9u6qMpXgThgOYmSu6y_FMVh-CJwfXPzDwELBA/s320/167900_716990718330_63901378_39630573_2519856_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562980466845391570" border="0" /></a><br />After much anticipation and patience, our wedding photos are finally done! We couldn't be happier with the results we received from our photographer <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Brandis</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Alves</span>. If you're planning your wedding and are looking for a modern photographer at a decent price, please check her out: <a href="http://www.brandisalvesphotography.com/">http://www.brandisalvesphotography.com/</a><br /><br />To see all of our wedding photos, click here: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=716990708350&set=a.716990658450.2281034.63901378#!/album.php?fbid=716990658450&id=63901378&aid=2281034Melissa Saighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16635943677691131148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126088843894030949.post-54498398541930416382011-01-10T19:43:00.002-06:002011-01-10T19:54:27.021-06:00Wiggin' Out<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixefuN_BKMsxn40iwbW1HY0ClBLmwIc2VfO2p4DVzfXQUSiTQVnC07KTl7wiZnZmWuX7S5kSvLUlbhjtts_XR096j3-1JY0j8om-0JbrAUVC_nmVXBYVyXjgXAn8oIvemQ0KfQH3efwEs/s1600/163458_485909224143_53257384143_5715582_7832968_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixefuN_BKMsxn40iwbW1HY0ClBLmwIc2VfO2p4DVzfXQUSiTQVnC07KTl7wiZnZmWuX7S5kSvLUlbhjtts_XR096j3-1JY0j8om-0JbrAUVC_nmVXBYVyXjgXAn8oIvemQ0KfQH3efwEs/s320/163458_485909224143_53257384143_5715582_7832968_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560740737042429730" border="0" /></a><br />Last week, I did a segment on TWIN CITIES LIVE about wearing wigs to change up your look! For years, women have been wearing wigs as a fashion piece, as wigs allow you to completely change your look without cutting or coloring your hair. All of the wigs in this piece are from Merle Norman. Kathleen from Merle Norman in the Har-Mar Mall (Roseville) actually let me keep the wig I wore in the segment. The best part is, these wigs can be purchased for as little as $59! Can you wig it???<br /><br />Here is a link to the segment: <a href="http://twincitieslive.com/article/stories/s1912302.shtml?cat=10744">http://twincitieslive.com/article/stories/s1912302.shtml?cat=10744</a>Melissa Saighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16635943677691131148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126088843894030949.post-75336197068899771492011-01-04T19:00:00.003-06:002011-01-04T19:11:02.723-06:00New Bridal Boutique in Mpls for "Real Women"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-aULvATLv2KgamfTMzmDalqn0YiFzK381REsyjWKPeFjzskcFFg4k6ZAata1g5NoCztCXT4ZYEm95raCTPV-z53zrqH82xynPM8PcuDDZhUgGlua5rAC6YFkkx33o_sujdDorzTS2z5A/s1600/1807w-main.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 242px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-aULvATLv2KgamfTMzmDalqn0YiFzK381REsyjWKPeFjzskcFFg4k6ZAata1g5NoCztCXT4ZYEm95raCTPV-z53zrqH82xynPM8PcuDDZhUgGlua5rAC6YFkkx33o_sujdDorzTS2z5A/s320/1807w-main.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558502821928687874" border="0" /></a><br />There's a brand new bridal shop in town (opened today), and you don't need to be a size 8 or less to fit into the sample-size dresses! Luxe Bridal Couture is located inside the Semple Mansion in Minneapolis and caters to women size 14 - 28. As a bustier gal, I wish this place was around when I was trying on wedding dresses. Since wedding gowns run really small and most bridal shops carry sample sizes of 8-10, it's hard for a curby bride to get a sense of what her wedding gown would look like, when she can't get the zipper up! Check out the recent segment I did on TWIN CITIES LIVE:<br /><br /><a href="http://twincitieslive.com/article/stories/S1906194.shtml?cat=10744">http://twincitieslive.com/article/stories/S1906194.shtml?cat=10744</a>Melissa Saighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16635943677691131148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126088843894030949.post-19722342590775067522010-12-14T04:58:00.002-06:002010-12-14T05:14:08.739-06:00Great birthday party option for your little fashionista!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ucQTR3H6puQzkUh0JEGrhG_TGVw3sx0KwWwOJ93Ctr0SKMfChtHjZnYF7T6f7YLJjExhHwFXkfJB8A3XFq1tM7Z38V9-zV9R_062FKr4Tw2mS3VVQt6Xf_VT01apn-PPZQoTGp5_QR8/s1600/NicoleMimi3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ucQTR3H6puQzkUh0JEGrhG_TGVw3sx0KwWwOJ93Ctr0SKMfChtHjZnYF7T6f7YLJjExhHwFXkfJB8A3XFq1tM7Z38V9-zV9R_062FKr4Tw2mS3VVQt6Xf_VT01apn-PPZQoTGp5_QR8/s320/NicoleMimi3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550494609909971730" border="0" /></a><br />I recently did a piece for TWIN CITIES LIVE on a place called "eecee bb" in Linden Hills. It's a cute little studio, run by Beth Bogle, and she actually teaches kids how to make and design their own clothing! The pieces she makes, and has the kids make, are absolutely adorable. You can watch the piece <a href="http://twincitieslive.com/article/stories/s1860270.shtml?cat=10744">here</a>!<br /><br />If you want more information about eecee bb, <a href="http://www.eeceebb.com/home.html">click here</a>.Melissa Saighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16635943677691131148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126088843894030949.post-88787212320916537152010-11-28T11:14:00.013-06:002010-11-28T12:02:53.597-06:00My new favorite place in MN<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSgRIEz_034VMuBvZiZFnp1YH8E2sJzsPwnAlIkFDBUDF8Iu1X8wc8pNNvm7dzr5gPEf3waat1ZtcFyzcdRqOeTQ5-Inw-1xm7g8NtP-lZaxC-H59208gEYc5GwIU-SgQ-bIW1Z6sVLY/s1600/-9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 243px; height: 182px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSgRIEz_034VMuBvZiZFnp1YH8E2sJzsPwnAlIkFDBUDF8Iu1X8wc8pNNvm7dzr5gPEf3waat1ZtcFyzcdRqOeTQ5-Inw-1xm7g8NtP-lZaxC-H59208gEYc5GwIU-SgQ-bIW1Z6sVLY/s320/-9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544656601178512146" border="0" /></a><br />Every kind of candy you can possibly imagine, locally-<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdux2GqDJuuiYOL7XLkt6N2TCX6BmL0ADBpNyxBxI1-MGzglKyNdSz7IDlAJ5kAROuAVKChoCP9XSOzqgmRni6dybo99t0t0xeaQ_x4RYezknqaUM8rUgUdT21TaOB5v7UFOVaDU9udYw/s1600/-3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 174px; height: 232px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdux2GqDJuuiYOL7XLkt6N2TCX6BmL0ADBpNyxBxI1-MGzglKyNdSz7IDlAJ5kAROuAVKChoCP9XSOzqgmRni6dybo99t0t0xeaQ_x4RYezknqaUM8rUgUdT21TaOB5v7UFOVaDU9udYw/s320/-3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544656763238583938" border="0" /></a>raised meats, hundreds of old-fashioned soda, freshly made pies, and BACON... need I say more???<br /><br />I have driven by "the big yellow barn" hundreds of times while visiting family in Mankato and Worthington, but not once have I stopped to check it out. But that all changed <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjB4zq8Y_8Yj1gJjmP5e5DidBAGnKNGJRX5NHBvwOPeEQdD4C1ckGthlOPGxZEU8OaEF09JcGG2tTOnv2O-19FuDI7GBOuuwdH7Y9s-neveDjaQTDpLwBDHJllNDOtu9PXHAGc_BAskc/s1600/-4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 157px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjB4zq8Y_8Yj1gJjmP5e5DidBAGnKNGJRX5NHBvwOPeEQdD4C1ckGthlOPGxZEU8OaEF09JcGG2tTOnv2O-19FuDI7GBOuuwdH7Y9s-neveDjaQTDpLwBDHJllNDOtu9PXHAGc_BAskc/s320/-4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544657021714150002" border="0" /></a>this weekend! My husband and I were driving to Mankato to celebrate Thanksgiving with his mom and dad, and our job was to bring a pie. I thought that this would be the perfect time to check out the HUGE yellow barn that has caught my eye for years! Let me introduce you to "Minnesota's Largest Candy Store"...<br /><br />The first thing <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcV6rkWZ8W05s4ECBYGrzD27fzal7QORJXzjsIOrqVpOzBLTIjXggkY9Cx5_YBhyphenhyphen2_hSvHYlrkWfqgHPpGtFnbV65dENdyofV1qIm8wDXIovQI1gg3rzQL9-YvYGiRjGSLNBD5dGvWYqs/s1600/-7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 236px; height: 177px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcV6rkWZ8W05s4ECBYGrzD27fzal7QORJXzjsIOrqVpOzBLTIjXggkY9Cx5_YBhyphenhyphen2_hSvHYlrkWfqgHPpGtFnbV65dENdyofV1qIm8wDXIovQI1gg3rzQL9-YvYGiRjGSLNBD5dGvWYqs/s320/-7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544657420557560674" border="0" /></a>that made me fall in love with this place, the word BACON painted in big letters on the outside of the barn! But once I stepped inside, I wanted to move in. I found candy that I haven't seen since my childhood: Big League Chew, Candy Cigarettes (I'm not condoning these), Smartie Suckers, etc. They literally have everything... even these little gummy candies that look like over-easy eggs (so cute)! They also have the biggest assortment of old-fashion soda. AJ found Jolt, which brought him back to his caffeinated teenage days, and I found a Milwaukee-brewed gingerale made with real ginger. Although I felt so cool drinking it, I'll be honest and tell you it didn't taste very good... I'll stick to the fake stuff:)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcaiovqeUI1S_upnI0qpAtM1r2OWz-iZc6zvnZmAHo9voQz1dew8aqA9OG7LgU-WdI2JMEJj9a_RwwfgLgIlfKmmW5fr1y96XA0bo_Lj7Dg96im9lRHIrbe4tFeEHbdvTA206GToU7f1Y/s1600/-8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 171px; height: 227px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcaiovqeUI1S_upnI0qpAtM1r2OWz-iZc6zvnZmAHo9voQz1dew8aqA9OG7LgU-WdI2JMEJj9a_RwwfgLgIlfKmmW5fr1y96XA0bo_Lj7Dg96im9lRHIrbe4tFeEHbdvTA206GToU7f1Y/s320/-8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544657749506096034" border="0" /></a>Besides that candy and the soda, this place has a <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphAZpBrR2ga9G9QYnSQXAIcH7O0uS9w3-h-d2ASZDI8GktOlhtXaIFT-H_IUy1uqTUGGN9oV4oMr38PVTBtaFejQqdOVD70Xu4Sj45rMmIqFe_1VRQM2BjDNNrnlCpEPowjXphS-iQN0/s1600/-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 145px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphAZpBrR2ga9G9QYnSQXAIcH7O0uS9w3-h-d2ASZDI8GktOlhtXaIFT-H_IUy1uqTUGGN9oV4oMr38PVTBtaFejQqdOVD70Xu4Sj45rMmIqFe_1VRQM2BjDNNrnlCpEPowjXphS-iQN0/s320/-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544659923576473522" border="0" /></a>great assortment of MN-raised meats. We didn't buy any up because we were in a rush, but next year I will be stocking up! They also have a variety of colorful pastas, dip and soup mixes, and other foods that would make terrific party servings. You also can't miss the freshly made caramel apples and nut rolls.<br /><br />But the thing that makes this place "take the cake"... the freshly made pies! Oh my goodness, I can't begin to tell you how amazing this place smells. You literally want to eat the air! We picked out a freshly-made peach pie. It was hot, perfect, and absolutely delicious! AND it was only $9.99.<br /><br />They're only open until Dec. 5th this year, so if you have any<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDlO0c7dUtCAymrGq0Ez5YS5RBON1YpL9x1B4G-CQX99DtBjZSNwz4zJUc2RB-ee36fTGSieeVxTv2a6N0NQTGhJ1-mVG5hOaKWdfGdH3U97UvFvY5Q-3Pnd9G4sUHVfkHzw3zGVWo3Ek/s1600/-5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 238px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDlO0c7dUtCAymrGq0Ez5YS5RBON1YpL9x1B4G-CQX99DtBjZSNwz4zJUc2RB-ee36fTGSieeVxTv2a6N0NQTGhJ1-mVG5hOaKWdfGdH3U97UvFvY5Q-3Pnd9G4sUHVfkHzw3zGVWo3Ek/s320/-5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544658650872186994" border="0" /></a> time this week or next weekend, take a day-trip to Jordan, MN and check out "Minnesota's Largest Candy Store". If you see a brown-haired girl who has set up a sleeping area... that's me. I am seriously considering moving in;)Melissa Saighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16635943677691131148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126088843894030949.post-56558178135083119292010-11-25T10:35:00.010-06:002010-11-25T11:25:14.713-06:00The Bedroom Project<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswesshM7Jms7wjtdFb7EdxHXmJ7FNKa4dpcsETTHGty3hNr0_bUT54LJdu-n-SzJnIIQYWJIJLS3RzCr2lDZNgpOi5fPAibPmERmytELbdbKfUpR0P_uygBDwd4jPCLIVYySImlQAD9Y/s1600/-9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 159px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswesshM7Jms7wjtdFb7EdxHXmJ7FNKa4dpcsETTHGty3hNr0_bUT54LJdu-n-SzJnIIQYWJIJLS3RzCr2lDZNgpOi5fPAibPmERmytELbdbKfUpR0P_uygBDwd4jPCLIVYySImlQAD9Y/s320/-9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543538785001517122" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />(Bedroom before)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRlq47tI1VL_XtkXbl1UAOkOSe3_NkPpgD9owWE21L9wFpK54j0X7pc_jdB1Zoq2VP0H_qL9WA5Ca0RgQy5tDo8M8tiSQMl5ttTcrg1X_Q7Qb3NiuZfrxNPixsr_KBZ639weVhnCebOM/s1600/-6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRlq47tI1VL_XtkXbl1UAOkOSe3_NkPpgD9owWE21L9wFpK54j0X7pc_jdB1Zoq2VP0H_qL9WA5Ca0RgQy5tDo8M8tiSQMl5ttTcrg1X_Q7Qb3NiuZfrxNPixsr_KBZ639weVhnCebOM/s320/-6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543531292138445362" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />(Bedroom after)<br /><br />Over the last few weeks, AJ and I have been working hard trying to get our bedroom just the way we want it. Everything from the paint to the furniture had to be redone. This room used to be yellow, which <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWCHVxiPUiQs8eVGIhUX8O4vX1nlrUObtPh5SmTkuDJQu6HT0n7IrEdN8smLGNiCHnvx9scLkO38c5ShgV_ttLWjRfMO7VHU7oxe7Fvd9Lqx3GPpTWjOCNN2WoclXRk1jQNjO2Nt44MNE/s1600/-7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWCHVxiPUiQs8eVGIhUX8O4vX1nlrUObtPh5SmTkuDJQu6HT0n7IrEdN8smLGNiCHnvx9scLkO38c5ShgV_ttLWjRfMO7VHU7oxe7Fvd9Lqx3GPpTWjOCNN2WoclXRk1jQNjO2Nt44MNE/s320/-7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543531449348989634" border="0" /></a>wasn't bad, but we wanted it to be gray:) For this project, we decided to go the thrifty route! We made the headboard for our bed ourselves, moved furniture from other rooms into the bedroom, purchased furniture off of Craigslist, and painted the room ourselves! Our favorite part of the bedroom project: Our headboard. We made it for $100!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9XiWLFiZvumshkLR4JVOC89jpleys2oFPykF_Ec8xiX2cRxqWHMfIk2UxLuwFSsaneYBhMLNs3E-OANgHiQImCJAIVqGtf6KG6d9aTy_8M1e8HBcmFyp1D8kuFn44aSpO1F538DhOW4/s1600/-5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 248px; height: 185px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9XiWLFiZvumshkLR4JVOC89jpleys2oFPykF_Ec8xiX2cRxqWHMfIk2UxLuwFSsaneYBhMLNs3E-OANgHiQImCJAIVqGtf6KG6d9aTy_8M1e8HBcmFyp1D8kuFn44aSpO1F538DhOW4/s320/-5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543531861191653650" border="0" /></a>My husband came up with the idea to put 6 square boards together and cover them with a fabric. AJ had boards cut <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUuPj3dLLiXjqgdvzuVK02uOiER6mo4DwTyI4txk6oTji0dkdlaF2HfkaCX49zJ2JrhvbJQWEIKQiLU8-8zvtzSJA5OI8Z7IeH6MamECMQVmucY11LzmiKt2kPyMKAbdOP0KxGTBh5L0k/s1600/-3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUuPj3dLLiXjqgdvzuVK02uOiER6mo4DwTyI4txk6oTji0dkdlaF2HfkaCX49zJ2JrhvbJQWEIKQiLU8-8zvtzSJA5OI8Z7IeH6MamECMQVmucY11LzmiKt2kPyMKAbdOP0KxGTBh5L0k/s320/-3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543532311913780130" border="0" /></a>into squares (cost around $24), and then the two of us went to Hancock Fabrics to pick out fabric. The fabric we chose is a black suede-type material. It was on sale for about $10/yard. We bought about 2 1/2 yards (we should have bought more because it was a tight squeeze wrapping the material around the boards). We also bought 2 1/2 yards of the "fluff", or padding, that goes between the wood and the fabric. To "spice" things up a bit, we bought black and silver buttons to sew on each square. My Dad let us use his heavy duty stapler.<br /><br />After the boards were cut, we cut the padding and fabric about an <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZvhzcCjrUaWcq8B6Tc0Lstm5nUk3DqVLqkXY-cqb9mB163IYKc-TBRmHdnLe_Lgo_VoN13H_ie1CmFvrhdKbDEAo21N_Dehlrl_yYacGsUAQmOPLc09WOfaPxYSlvGq8FdGlQ-ILmGvo/s1600/-4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 247px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZvhzcCjrUaWcq8B6Tc0Lstm5nUk3DqVLqkXY-cqb9mB163IYKc-TBRmHdnLe_Lgo_VoN13H_ie1CmFvrhdKbDEAo21N_Dehlrl_yYacGsUAQmOPLc09WOfaPxYSlvGq8FdGlQ-ILmGvo/s320/-4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543532578415104962" border="0" /></a>inch bigger than the boards. Then, we wrapped the padding and fabric around the back and stapled them to the back of the boards. That's where AJ's injury happened:( So learn from his mistakes and BE CAREFUL! Once all 6 boards were wrapped, <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKPtSg3vyLYDcrb-0TL-wqSAHVetWaPTPYwAcW5V1sKYErSP5Rtcreg458UQlmjCzGGtyHs_dj6ysEeU7QoCwOkUFrVRmOyyBfBw7k8GfC7eDGG3xnQmEntUxLg1V1TXv4JGpOyshFcU/s1600/-8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKPtSg3vyLYDcrb-0TL-wqSAHVetWaPTPYwAcW5V1sKYErSP5Rtcreg458UQlmjCzGGtyHs_dj6ysEeU7QoCwOkUFrVRmOyyBfBw7k8GfC7eDGG3xnQmEntUxLg1V1TXv4JGpOyshFcU/s320/-8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543533012985269474" border="0" /></a>AJ went and bought 4 long boards, and screwed them of the back of the 6 boards to hold them together (cost about $8). Then, I glued (tried sewing and it didn't work) the buttons on each square. We were going to have the headboard be two squares high, but went with one instead. I think AJ is planning on screwing the headboard to the wall eventually... we'll see:) For now, the headboard is resting against the wall.<br /><br />I'm so proud of our new bedroom because AJ and I planned and "designed" everything together. It was a lot of hard work, but it's a project that we completed ourselves. Go Team Saigh! Which room should we tackle next???Melissa Saighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16635943677691131148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126088843894030949.post-61790348835366025302010-11-21T16:18:00.007-06:002010-11-21T18:19:06.289-06:00The "Original" Mrs. Saigh's Potato Soup<a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8VA_WegO9U5mJ3Hl0pCRAhSxEFVIQ2wSHgBwanvAGxEkfH2jWzk5QqNc_LY5Peo1S0rbvPme91awd5Y3u6dFripNyveNCQfivDwA9MiOnQdM0mamPt3VhxzkQafzF8Z6XjjCVlpGdlY/s1600/-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 176px; height: 235px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8VA_WegO9U5mJ3Hl0pCRAhSxEFVIQ2wSHgBwanvAGxEkfH2jWzk5QqNc_LY5Peo1S0rbvPme91awd5Y3u6dFripNyveNCQfivDwA9MiOnQdM0mamPt3VhxzkQafzF8Z6XjjCVlpGdlY/s320/-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542146360662343970" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:georgia;">Even when my husband and I were dating, I would try making his family recipes. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">AJ</span> is Lebanese, so I've tried making things like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kibbeh</span>, </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">but today I attempted one of his </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">mom's recipes for potato soup! </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDUUnfcaokTwg1hOv5pc7UlYmEvq66Z0dmtjnWf8vPSY6x7tmXYI7MyVAlkrIB0mnrMeNNHzgSMDhdNiPbMV8Lrl0jHtjyOVNteIaNaI6KWxhtiqUJjSHuwSjg2Cw22kLyC9_9Ka4uwM/s1600/-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 194px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDUUnfcaokTwg1hOv5pc7UlYmEvq66Z0dmtjnWf8vPSY6x7tmXYI7MyVAlkrIB0mnrMeNNHzgSMDhdNiPbMV8Lrl0jHtjyOVNteIaNaI6KWxhtiqUJjSHuwSjg2Cw22kLyC9_9Ka4uwM/s320/-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542146633867990082" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Mmmmmmmmm</span>. I tried making this recipe once before and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">AJ</span> said I didn't let it simmer long enough, so it didn't taste the way his mom and grandma make it. This time we let it simmer the whole day and it turned out really well! I made enough for an entire week of lunches, and even had enough to freeze. If you're looking for a delicious winter soup, try this one:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Potato Soup</span><br /><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><br />1 1/2 c chicken broth</span> <span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">1/2 cup chopped onion</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">1 cup chopped celery</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">2 TBSP butter</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">2 TBSP flour</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">1/4 tsp white pepper</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">1/2 tsp salt</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">1 cup whole milk</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">1 cup diced potatoes</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">1/2 tsp dried dill weed</span><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" >Melt butter and stir in flour and salt and pepper (will be pasty looking). Whisk in milk and stir until it starts to thicken over medium heat. Add chicken broth, celery, onion, dill weed and diced potatoes. Cook until celery, onion and potatoes are tender. Don't bring to a boil, as the milk can separate. Make 4 recipes to fill a big soup pot.<br /><br />Thanks Pammy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Saigh</span>!</span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span>Melissa Saighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16635943677691131148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126088843894030949.post-47924619114130234662010-10-31T11:26:00.012-05:002010-10-31T13:14:16.416-05:00This is a bold statement.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGBLJxpluckxxVvCM7L3FkZKzTeSZDUcN6NaDebaOO2yZZqKiVoPaED4kxSX4IROLJ1aj5iCSTJF6DR23lCwJmJjGFKztxbr44dnB5kF5A_93bgLE8qe5sodxZ1YBW0iV1jet6GyJ4pM/s1600/chez_coleette_logo_img.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 153px; height: 144px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGBLJxpluckxxVvCM7L3FkZKzTeSZDUcN6NaDebaOO2yZZqKiVoPaED4kxSX4IROLJ1aj5iCSTJF6DR23lCwJmJjGFKztxbr44dnB5kF5A_93bgLE8qe5sodxZ1YBW0iV1jet6GyJ4pM/s320/chez_coleette_logo_img.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534268999354842066" border="0" /></a>I know this is a bold statement, but Colette at the Sofitel is my new favorite restaurant in the Twin Cities! I, like many people, enjoy trying new restaurants and there have been many that I've fallen in love with... many, not so much. But after spending this past Friday night out to <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7k3RKnnnS-gNkeTtdaBagrP-oBQWlrhudseY8vB1UY8wsm00gxSwKpTxSSDdDBB7PjVRT0wjByujp4h83GuUmNxbbw8k-dEN06qUPiYsxkkpkAMThRzNWikiqTTggh3t2HP0Tgan8VBs/s1600/-7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 179px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7k3RKnnnS-gNkeTtdaBagrP-oBQWlrhudseY8vB1UY8wsm00gxSwKpTxSSDdDBB7PjVRT0wjByujp4h83GuUmNxbbw8k-dEN06qUPiYsxkkpkAMThRzNWikiqTTggh3t2HP0Tgan8VBs/s320/-7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534269895118172066" border="0" /></a>dinner with my hubby, I can honestly say Colette has the most amazingly delicious food!<br /><br />Even though I grew up in the Twin Cities, I have never been to or eaten at the Sofitel. I was assigned to a TC Signatures shoot for TWIN CITIES LIVE last week at "Colette Bistro & Bar" in the Sofitel, so my photographer and I went to meet with the staff to see how the food is made. Executive Chef Serge Devesa took us into the kitchen to show us how he prepares the Sea Scallops. One bite and I was hooked!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOgBKdGK4aReWGXIwn6pXOZtnM5ntUva3dagN9ZSq2vFMLE_SS-rSuEC40bm3mVwR36g9zlXwZ69dahUzsCyMDY3vAkGbEEwbJuSveaU1oH4u9NdGeU47mIxatDzInW-GDH3p0g6HSOaw/s1600/-5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 227px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOgBKdGK4aReWGXIwn6pXOZtnM5ntUva3dagN9ZSq2vFMLE_SS-rSuEC40bm3mVwR36g9zlXwZ69dahUzsCyMDY3vAkGbEEwbJuSveaU1oH4u9NdGeU47mIxatDzInW-GDH3p0g6HSOaw/s320/-5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534270091391633986" border="0" /></a>After the shoot, I decided to make dinner reservations for AJ and me at Colette. AJ was running late, so I sat at the bar and ordered a $5 cosmopolitan (happy hour from 4-6pm). My bartender did not "scimp" on the alcohol. A couple sips and I was happy as a clam:) It was very tasty and that one drink held me through dinner (I had to drive).<br /><br />Although I've never been to France, I <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVr-UJpOjV6fkxcbfzu3IriVIKs60p7GVMpESVR2H_OBgaymShkytFVQW3biH40QBNGG-yOn_rDET2YncgMn3z9vhFJSz5by_QL3QPVxbLN9QAa8uncJNXGPpGsNnSVTdbS4qPkoeHEA/s1600/-6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 143px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVr-UJpOjV6fkxcbfzu3IriVIKs60p7GVMpESVR2H_OBgaymShkytFVQW3biH40QBNGG-yOn_rDET2YncgMn3z9vhFJSz5by_QL3QPVxbLN9QAa8uncJNXGPpGsNnSVTdbS4qPkoeHEA/s320/-6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534270575531105106" border="0" /></a>imagine this restaurant to be an authentic french experience, right here in the Twin Cities. AJ ordered the scallops (per my recommendation) and I ordered the lamb. But first, we started with the crab cakes. OH... MY... GOSH! From my past experiences, it's very tough to find a good, REAL crab cake in the Twin Cities, but let me tell you... the crab cake at Colette is HEAVENLY! Thinking about it right now makes my mouth water. It has large chunks of crab, so light yet rich at the same time, and the corn salsa accompanying it is sweet and crunchy. I can only describe it as perfection (and it came out HOT too)!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1gG_3UDQcmSBEJGB4uQrWBXRGGr3kAWDaizryBsFN3-PCqxdkf48LzSWObjWoZEQMei7L4E7ctAu5XNDlUFn2L8ZgczMSoFjKwABmHLIGWIsgtMLCi66RCbRsp4uYcKq_kSG6_pm_C7A/s1600/-4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 253px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1gG_3UDQcmSBEJGB4uQrWBXRGGr3kAWDaizryBsFN3-PCqxdkf48LzSWObjWoZEQMei7L4E7ctAu5XNDlUFn2L8ZgczMSoFjKwABmHLIGWIsgtMLCi66RCbRsp4uYcKq_kSG6_pm_C7A/s320/-4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534271140849790738" border="0" /></a>Then came our meal. WOW! First of all, the presentation was impeccable. Every dish we ordered looked like a piece of art. Nothing was served warm... everything tasted like it JUST came off the grill or out of a pan (HOT HOT HOT)! My entree came with 3 large Colorado lamb chops and mashed potatoes. Each chop was cooked to a perfect medium rare, and the meat literally melted in my mouth. AMAZING!<br /><br />Moving on to the star of the show... the sea scallops! When AJ took his first bite, I may have seen a tear fall from his eye, and he almost didn't share with me. The scallops are pan seared in butter and the three are served on top of truffle yukon mashed<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vTnBxk_VY3S0hp2rdugsNlYMiGsGe2yx42QHFESzAt7lvWX5wK8NBdUyw3TfE15HaLbgY4NPKFk0GYAT6PRSitbiXpLcigPCunzi2D4GcU75BD9tjG8BiJX1cGN_yjzSGiTJAU1jI2k/s1600/-3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vTnBxk_VY3S0hp2rdugsNlYMiGsGe2yx42QHFESzAt7lvWX5wK8NBdUyw3TfE15HaLbgY4NPKFk0GYAT6PRSitbiXpLcigPCunzi2D4GcU75BD9tjG8BiJX1cGN_yjzSGiTJAU1jI2k/s320/-3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534271754685914994" border="0" /></a> potatoes. These are by FAR the best scallops we have ever eaten! The scallops are prepared perfectly... seared on the outside and exquisitely soft and heavenly in the center. The potatoes are unlike anything I've ever eaten before... creamy, buttery, with the wonderful truffle flavor. I wanted to bathe in this dish! Thank you AJ for sharing with me:)<br /><br />I don't know what it is about Colette, but I can't stop talking about it! Maybe is was the service, maybe it was the atmosphere, or maybe is was the food. You can watch my TC Signatures piece on TCL, Wed, Nov. 3rd between 3-4pm on KSTP (channel 5). I'll tell you how to get a $50 gift card for just $25! Or, if you don't think you can wait and you want to make a reservation today, visit their website: www.sofitelmplsdining.com<br /><br />Happy dining!Melissa Saighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16635943677691131148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126088843894030949.post-44721295062575137802010-10-18T22:19:00.005-05:002010-10-18T22:47:12.603-05:00My Beautiful, Fake Lashes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvvfyEgRI_1DA11o8dWh-AFi6b04Ea3f9uFv_16X_FAJQA79LclNV-1GZbszVESb3bO6Zx4rwdYn_O0SdkXL0WXmFvXWpbR43veMEC-A3J36f7yKRTNNSZ-gF-vunuxRuVaGALJLIX30/s1600/69340_695833916730_63901378_39099345_4254244_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvvfyEgRI_1DA11o8dWh-AFi6b04Ea3f9uFv_16X_FAJQA79LclNV-1GZbszVESb3bO6Zx4rwdYn_O0SdkXL0WXmFvXWpbR43veMEC-A3J36f7yKRTNNSZ-gF-vunuxRuVaGALJLIX30/s320/69340_695833916730_63901378_39099345_4254244_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529597118499015682" border="0" /></a>Since my wedding, a few people have asked about my long, luscious lashes. First of all, thank you. Second, they're fake:)<br /><br />I decided to get semi-permanent lashes for my October 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">nd</span> wedding, and I'm happy and very surprised to see that they have stuck around! I had my lashes done the Wednesday before my wedding by Amy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Presson</span> at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Jett</span> Makeup. She has an amazing studio in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Edina</span>, where they do makeup and eyelash extensions. Amy has you lay on a very comfortable bed while she applies the lashes one by one, in a process that takes about two hours (one hour for a fill). I fell asleep during my treatment... it's hard not to because you're so relaxed:) Amy says people fall asleep all the time, and often snore (I hope I wasn't one of those people)!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JC6XL0no7ZIHl-lGiIO1XAUMAF27KamwRTtAJq-xdq-IQ12FOp6-lJdJvq4mE_Wg1n62UKMfnLRhFZTBkJhAi-rFhUOP8ead1NWVgk89Clc3HOFVwg3FVdDgr1G6fFwy7ptxQ3QBCOk/s1600/-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 169px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JC6XL0no7ZIHl-lGiIO1XAUMAF27KamwRTtAJq-xdq-IQ12FOp6-lJdJvq4mE_Wg1n62UKMfnLRhFZTBkJhAi-rFhUOP8ead1NWVgk89Clc3HOFVwg3FVdDgr1G6fFwy7ptxQ3QBCOk/s320/-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529597290709559762" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJ9lPmRxwRa0OkGZNKWxuto4k4D1CCrAfmB5w_5U1M-vaSdXvzCQzW6hqJy3X7D5hovtFefwodS-yhg5pNKPlDyW7_XZE2DyUeKj0LCn9U-V7L17_IHoqwN_C4L0CvGKqUjyR2qZbDY0/s1600/-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 169px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJ9lPmRxwRa0OkGZNKWxuto4k4D1CCrAfmB5w_5U1M-vaSdXvzCQzW6hqJy3X7D5hovtFefwodS-yhg5pNKPlDyW7_XZE2DyUeKj0LCn9U-V7L17_IHoqwN_C4L0CvGKqUjyR2qZbDY0/s320/-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529597510093945826" border="0" /></a>Once your lashes are applied using a medical grade adhesive bonding agent, Amy goes over some rules to make sure your lashes stay in place. The best part is, you don't need mascara! In fact, mascara is a eyelash extension "no-no". In the last 3 weeks, my lashes have been in the ocean, sun, pool, and they have stayed in place (minus a few that have shed naturally). Amy says the lash extensions will shed naturally with your own eyelashes. If you ask me, they can stick around for as long as they'd like. Amy has made a fan out of this lady:)<br /><br />The lashes run about $200 for the first application, and then about $100 for a fill. To read more about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Jett</span> Makeup's eyelash extensions or to book an appointment, contact Amy at 651-373-1702, or click here: http://www.jettmakeup.com/. Tell her Melissa sent you:)<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Xoxo</span>,<br /><br />Melissa <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Saigh</span>Melissa Saighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16635943677691131148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126088843894030949.post-14017536191904769142010-10-11T21:57:00.011-05:002010-10-11T22:55:11.783-05:00It's Mrs. SAIGH to you...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLpmGyGFkl8Je2iCO_-sl3pDpVRSaY0vzH52EK1NzLcwTfF30azRO8Y_CxVgAwhJoT0b64Y4p5I3c2FmgekhZyhoXUZ-j4_p90wvEYv7XCrO5ccbvkhV3T5B_uHdBH-OkUKLtJNlHyGg/s1600/46349_694662050160_63901378_39063083_1444082_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 182px; height: 273px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLpmGyGFkl8Je2iCO_-sl3pDpVRSaY0vzH52EK1NzLcwTfF30azRO8Y_CxVgAwhJoT0b64Y4p5I3c2FmgekhZyhoXUZ-j4_p90wvEYv7XCrO5ccbvkhV3T5B_uHdBH-OkUKLtJNlHyGg/s320/46349_694662050160_63901378_39063083_1444082_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526998348909297650" border="0" /></a>I'm MARRIED! Finally, all the wedding talk is over (kind of), and I am no longer Melissa <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Specken</span>... it's now Melissa <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Saigh</span> (pronounced "sigh", rhymes with "thigh"). My husband (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">hehe</span>) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">AJ</span> and I were married at St. John's Catholic Church on October 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">nd</span>, and our reception was held at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Interlachen</span> Country Club in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Edina</span>. Everything was amazing!<br /><br />We did the traditional wedding weekend... rehearsal and dinner on Friday night, wedding on Saturday, gift <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqO0hn_5gNPfOfUgBmU0UvFFOGLe8ne-viK23L0lM3lqdbWTuSrEUe7sRohuxfd0fiYqlUuNeAAJHFWazWPZksN7m_YXTm60qtJsS4K5cVsFQRfyJwJkVCSJsruJ8a2XmBdMEAUX863es/s1600/46328_1630459442930_1279925216_1740009_39737_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqO0hn_5gNPfOfUgBmU0UvFFOGLe8ne-viK23L0lM3lqdbWTuSrEUe7sRohuxfd0fiYqlUuNeAAJHFWazWPZksN7m_YXTm60qtJsS4K5cVsFQRfyJwJkVCSJsruJ8a2XmBdMEAUX863es/s320/46328_1630459442930_1279925216_1740009_39737_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526998584651302626" border="0" /></a>opening Sunday morning, and we left for our honeymoon Monday morning. I'm going to need a month to catch up on sleep, but it was all worth it. Our 236 guests flew in from all over the country and it was so great to have everyone we love in one room! As a bride, the most difficult thing about your wedding day, is getting around to each and every table to say hello and thank people for coming. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-fWJfnsl5q-gYuXormqqtbvVTWuKr679beeMau6bBfO_6uEEuQUpHDt11-smb1gSCOGE3KNpgvMa-CoCOkrJ0iUHMtsItwlMSLkDp46xrzW3nHLcE8UOkl03ZyjOfPMg0FKHzV2eVJY/s1600/65899_695836466620_63901378_39099447_3811415_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-fWJfnsl5q-gYuXormqqtbvVTWuKr679beeMau6bBfO_6uEEuQUpHDt11-smb1gSCOGE3KNpgvMa-CoCOkrJ0iUHMtsItwlMSLkDp46xrzW3nHLcE8UOkl03ZyjOfPMg0FKHzV2eVJY/s320/65899_695836466620_63901378_39099447_3811415_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526998807585473522" border="0" /></a>In our case, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">AJ</span> did most of the chatting and I did most of the dancing:)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjiedFurt6NKxv5IxmaecZbxnEX76Ld5DZFpd-7vckMo_A7kJx5THy2QCR2lTZqysr7lH96gNh0aG6dzLSOFXoF7CKrIBEqr7MBPVp8ys6lXEHI-9vacPrfwDPTUxGZI7nizp0snN4TL0/s1600/63290_438949031670_593176670_5701215_3385606_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjiedFurt6NKxv5IxmaecZbxnEX76Ld5DZFpd-7vckMo_A7kJx5THy2QCR2lTZqysr7lH96gNh0aG6dzLSOFXoF7CKrIBEqr7MBPVp8ys6lXEHI-9vacPrfwDPTUxGZI7nizp0snN4TL0/s320/63290_438949031670_593176670_5701215_3385606_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526999141419537490" border="0" /></a><br /><br />My girls (6 bridesmaids and 4 personal attendants) and I started our wedding weekend with pedicures, manicures and custom spray tans with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Extrados</span> Salon in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Wayzata</span>. I am so unbelievably grateful to Miss Amy and her spray tanning talents, and for making myself and my girls bronze goddesses for the wedding! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Extrados</span> in Linden Hills was our "home base" on Saturday and I can not thank Leah and her staff enough for making my entire wedding party look like we came out of a bridal magazine. From 8am until noon, the moms, myself and my girls, all hung out at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Extrados</span> having our hair and makeup done. Leah was a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">phenomenal</span> host, and she (and her staff) got all 13 of us ready to go and out the door for photos on time! I absolutely LOVED getting ready with all of my girls in the "bridal suite" at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Extrados</span>, and can't wait to see the photos taken by our photographer <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Brandis</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Alves</span>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzOfiH86Md4esmWwb1J0p3Luv-NpRRTKBoDR7P-5lp8ROAfI2Zr_EPdyXmOzTmgVseYZHP0mvH7lZFK47m-J0i78A19MxPONsazptSdUYb4Ez3fP1uJsT-xRDDOEDPcvwgJuKUFmU9hY/s1600/64016_1630460522957_1279925216_1740018_1797018_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzOfiH86Md4esmWwb1J0p3Luv-NpRRTKBoDR7P-5lp8ROAfI2Zr_EPdyXmOzTmgVseYZHP0mvH7lZFK47m-J0i78A19MxPONsazptSdUYb4Ez3fP1uJsT-xRDDOEDPcvwgJuKUFmU9hY/s320/64016_1630460522957_1279925216_1740018_1797018_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526999401349901026" border="0" /></a>It's so hard for me to remember details for the actual wedding day. I can honestly say I wasn't stressed (I was actually on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Facebook</span> and Twitter all morning) and almost everything went the way I had planned it. The weather was perfect, the fall leaves were starting to change color, and we STAYED ON TIME!!! The one moment I will never forget, is walking down the aisle with my Dad, seeing so many familiar faces... and then... the face of my future husband:) I also remember my cousins, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Cavan</span> and Ian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Krekelberg</span>, singing "Ave Maria" during our ceremony (I hope to post video or photos of this soon). Their voices were so beautiful and they made our family so proud!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK883FXh9pucoJ5snzlA4H-farInSOHGScQAWIcFmGJXz-BK7Sx2MBOnmjY3UbOuZ1vJZzOR1W04Ej83FJfxCGWRN89lDgr7ikuGbPFDt9Xvh-58J9dvctMuacIc1dvbQkIIHOHWjnEvA/s1600/33627_580145292955_93401651_34027307_3717086_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK883FXh9pucoJ5snzlA4H-farInSOHGScQAWIcFmGJXz-BK7Sx2MBOnmjY3UbOuZ1vJZzOR1W04Ej83FJfxCGWRN89lDgr7ikuGbPFDt9Xvh-58J9dvctMuacIc1dvbQkIIHOHWjnEvA/s320/33627_580145292955_93401651_34027307_3717086_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526999777262549058" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Since my Dad is the fire chief of Hopkins, he had one of the trucks brought to the church for photos. It was something I was happy to do to make our wedding unique. Imagine a wedding party of 24, all dressed up in front of a big red truck! I can't wait to see those photos. After the ceremony and pictures, came the fun of the reception. And man oh man was our reception fun! Instead of having people "clink" glasses to get <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">AJ</span> and I to kiss, we asked people to sing a song with the word "love" in it. Our wedding basically turned into a Broadway production of <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2lRIE7DBQ6wlzg1Y1Zzx3fXvRh3cDl-IvHBbbbzJNc-RIaN0BV37PpNMke_uYVlssu-eFBFH-JImlEuNmcdJgj9LQFMpQYpNIP7CjpGqLMQ749avjSfPOojsoY4AAmEX6EIJtsHzmt78/s1600/58162_694685478210_63901378_39063489_868211_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2lRIE7DBQ6wlzg1Y1Zzx3fXvRh3cDl-IvHBbbbzJNc-RIaN0BV37PpNMke_uYVlssu-eFBFH-JImlEuNmcdJgj9LQFMpQYpNIP7CjpGqLMQ749avjSfPOojsoY4AAmEX6EIJtsHzmt78/s320/58162_694685478210_63901378_39063489_868211_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527000137547623026" border="0" /></a>singing guests. It made dinner interesting:) I also had my uncle Mark Boyle, who is the announcer for the Indiana Pacers, announce our wedding party as we entered the reception! All of the speeches (from my dad, to AJ's best man, to my maids of honor) were so funny, thoughtful, heart-warming and meaningful. To top it all off we showed our guests a 9 minute slide-show (produced by Sarah <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Sundahl</span>), that did a fantastic job of telling our story in a short period of time. Again, I hope to post this video soon:)<br /><br />Even our 1 week-long honeymoon in the Dominican (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Punta</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Cana</span>) was wonderful! It was great to just lay by the pool and on the beach with my husband, and not have to think or stress about anything. We stayed at an all-inclusive resort called "The Excellence". Minus the slight musty smell of our honeymoon suite, and the lack of air-flow and air conditioning at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Punta</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Cana</span> airport, the honeymoon was a blast! We met so many great couples on our honeymoon from all over the world that we hope to stay in touch with:)<br /><br />As fun as it was to be in wedding "la la land" for almost 2 <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8-nywc22_9oPYoKNN_yFlCXmjXRZ0XuSLk24ELpiFUbktwsHElbQ3NwAcSiqHCxVJlqV9s2jI-9vxNuSESbeB8ghB5Qs_DxHDBKEWs6ftqJE22ew6Qs8YsT3ZQtIKiXUzf3fPp67rUc/s1600/69340_695833916730_63901378_39099345_4254244_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8-nywc22_9oPYoKNN_yFlCXmjXRZ0XuSLk24ELpiFUbktwsHElbQ3NwAcSiqHCxVJlqV9s2jI-9vxNuSESbeB8ghB5Qs_DxHDBKEWs6ftqJE22ew6Qs8YsT3ZQtIKiXUzf3fPp67rUc/s320/69340_695833916730_63901378_39099345_4254244_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527000517886598818" border="0" /></a>weeks, it's so great to be back to reality in my safe haven of Minnesota! Lots of love to the Saigh and Specken family for making this whole thing possible:)<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Xoxo</span>,<br /><br />Mrs. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Saigh</span>Melissa Saighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16635943677691131148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126088843894030949.post-79132135711052450602010-09-26T20:34:00.005-05:002010-09-26T21:14:48.686-05:00The Ultrasonic Facial<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMrsjnp-choTfE-HhNDhmR7EDIhteouhZ6lxydKSTcFh7UJHS-bgjJiUQIAj2T0jca_t4piv78TkL22GWTsLUJVzv1peT2mAqBJjyeEWEljX_PaRqvwSI0_9aoBC1SpsxnQFCrjaNjyQ/s1600/facial.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 182px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMrsjnp-choTfE-HhNDhmR7EDIhteouhZ6lxydKSTcFh7UJHS-bgjJiUQIAj2T0jca_t4piv78TkL22GWTsLUJVzv1peT2mAqBJjyeEWEljX_PaRqvwSI0_9aoBC1SpsxnQFCrjaNjyQ/s320/facial.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521408333782024210" border="0" /></a>Last week, I may have met the new love of my life. I was introduced to the Ultrasonic Facial at the Thomas Charles Salon in St. Louis Park following a segment we did a on TWIN CITIES LIVE about ways to clean out your pores. My friend and host of our show, Elizabeth <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ries</span>, had this facial done and RAVED about it in the office and on-air. So I of course had to go try it out for myself:)<br /><br />This treatment is performed by Susan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Garmany</span> and it incorporates water with low frequency sound waves. It looks like a little spatula and it actually scrapes off all of your dead skin cells and gets deep into the cells to help stimulate your skin's natural repair mechanisms. This facial is really one-of-a-kind and unlike any facial I've ever gotten.<br /><br />Susan starts by cleansing your skin and uses all sorts of serums, specific to your skin's needs. The ultrasonic frequency opens pathways to allow all the nutrients from these serums to reach deeper into your skin for longer-lasting results! This facial lasts about an hour and a half, and one of the best parts is the hand, arm and foot massage Susan gives you while a mask penetrates into your skin. I was so relaxed during my treatment, I almost fell asleep.<br /><br />One of my biggest skin imperfections are the blackheads on my nose. After my facial, I seriously couldn't see any on my nose. They were gone! I also noticed my skin was plump, hydrated, and I had such a glow! This facial is so much better and different than a regular <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">microdermabrasion</span>, because it's not as rough and gritty.<br /><br />If I were to rate this facial on a scale from 1-10, I would give it a 9! The only reason I wouldn't give it a 10, is because of the price ($125). But let me tell you, this facial is worth every penny! Remember, you're not just getting a 90 minute facial, you're getting a hand, arm, and foot massage too! If you're looking to spend less money, you can so the Express Treatment (45 minutes) for $75, but I would highly recommend getting the 90 minute treatment. Ladies, we all deserve to treat ourselves every now and then, and why not start with our face?! It is the first thing everyone sees!<br /><br />To book your appointment, call the Thomas Charles Salon at (952) 925-4277. Let me know what you think!Melissa Saighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16635943677691131148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126088843894030949.post-42316141775110515902010-09-19T22:45:00.003-05:002010-09-19T23:06:11.399-05:00Pre-Cana Classes... Woof!Tomorrow, we will be 12 days away from our wedding day, and MAN has time flown! I know this sounds so cliche, but it really seems like yesterday that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">AJ</span> was down on one knee, asking me to marry him. I can not wait to have all of our family and friends in one room, supporting us as we become husband and wife!<br /><br />This past weekend, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">AJ</span> and I completed our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">pre</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">cana</span> classes on the St. Thomas Campus in St. Paul. Since we're getting married in a catholic church, this is one of the many requirements. I will admit that I was NOT excited at all about attending these classes, but now that they're done I'll admit that it wasn't TOO bad. It was nice spending time with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">AJ</span>, talking about some of the things you don't <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">necessarily</span> get around to talking about as a couple. Both of us are so busy, and while I'm wrapped up in all the wedding-planning extravaganza, we haven't had time to just sit down and talk for a long period of time. This weekend gave us that opportunity. However, we didn't really connect with any of the couples who spoke or gave presentations during the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">pre</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">cana</span> classes. For example, one of the couples who spoke this weekend, doesn't believe in using sarcasm in their home. And, if sarcasm is used, their rule is to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">apologize</span> to their significant other. Hmmmm...<br /><br />If <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">AJ</span> and I didn't have sarcasm in our relationship, I don't know if we'd survive;) We are both very silly and immature people, and we really don't take ourselves too seriously. This works for US, but might not work for other couples or families. I completely respect the way other families live, but I found it very difficult to connect to many of the speeches during our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">pre</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">cana</span> classes. All in all, I am happy we went. I'm always open to trying new things:)<br /><br />As for the actual wedding planning, everything is pretty much done! I worked so hard this past year, making sure everything was done SOONER rather than later. Now, I can just sit back, relax and wait for the fun to start!!!<br /><br />PS, any wedding advice is greatly appreciated:)Melissa Saighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16635943677691131148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126088843894030949.post-13729534336419920852010-09-04T20:25:00.002-05:002010-09-04T20:34:40.126-05:00Day 1 of Blue Print Cleanse: COMPLETEWell, I made it through day 1 of the Blue Print Cleanse, and I must say... I want a big juicy steak;) In all seriousness, this cleanse isn't all that bad. I had a few rough patches where I almost drove myself through the drive-through at McDonalds, but I refrained! <br /><br />Right now, I'm finishing juice #6 (Cashew Milk), and while it's not vanilla ice cream, it is DELICIOUS and is completely satisfying my desire for something sweet! Throughout the day, I will admit I had to choke down the two Green Juices (juice #1 and #3) and the Beet Juice wasn't my favorite either. BUT, I LOVED the P.A.M Juice (juice #2 - pineapple, mint, etc.) and of course the one I'm drinking right now. Even when I'm finished with this cleanse, I will attempt to make the P.A.M juice in my juicer! And I will be on a mission to find something similar to the Cashew Milk drink. SO GOOD!<br /><br />I'm not going to lie, there were times today that I wanted to give up and dive into a bowl of cereal or a big cheeseburger, but I'm sticking with it! And if I can do it, YOU can do it!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blueprintcleanse.com">www.blueprintcleanse.com</a>Melissa Saighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16635943677691131148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126088843894030949.post-12736699146531506392010-09-04T09:01:00.004-05:002010-09-04T09:47:24.993-05:00Day #1 of the Blue Print Cleanse<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3oXT0Fu-99iLl_ouwkz19x4WKj9YgqRep-su6F7ZkpUjQ07Xh3yHZvlvz5KWeb1OkjC0AcbZfINd4q3m5GJENp0cJyvPIOzCKUqqeaeyFp3M8KPq1Y-wCYy6zw95qDETrJRFisFTEQk/s1600/-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3oXT0Fu-99iLl_ouwkz19x4WKj9YgqRep-su6F7ZkpUjQ07Xh3yHZvlvz5KWeb1OkjC0AcbZfINd4q3m5GJENp0cJyvPIOzCKUqqeaeyFp3M8KPq1Y-wCYy6zw95qDETrJRFisFTEQk/s320/-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513069080279905426" border="0" /></a><br />28 Days until our wedding, so today I start day #1 of 3, of the Blue Print Cleanse! The BPC was named "Best Juice Cleanse" by New York Magazine. My 3 day cleanse allows me 6 bottles of juice per day, which are a combination on fruit, veggie, herb juices and nut milk. Sounds delicious huh?! Well after finishing bottle number 1, it's not bad! Very refreshing actually.<br /><br />The reason I like this cleanse (so far) is that they bottle, number and ship all the bottles to you at once. There's literally NO WORK for me to do, except going 3 days without solid food... and yes, this will be a lot of work for me:) My menu today is:<br /><br />Juice #1: Green Juice (romaine, celery, cucumber, green apple, spinach, kale, parsley, lemon)<br />Juice #2: P.A.M (filtered water, pineapple, apple, mint)<br />Juice #3: Green Juice<br />Juice #4: Spicy Lemonade (filtered water, lemon agave nectar, cayenne)<br />Juice #5: C.A.B (apple, carrot, beet, lemon, ginger)<br />Juice #6: Cashew Milk (filtered water, raw cashews, agave nectar, vanilla bean, cinnamon)<br /><br />The other 2 days are prett<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1bwoCwLAJFmzfH76OEJaRPSk0o-ChCbs2F0QE9l8eMXNB_dMf1pHBcsnXfar_hOP42RMtqvx_r3FUsU3p-0yZwHlejm2oFCLmkSvjz3iZTxrC_7JzP4j7MtrEoiNh0SvLHirrajLltHY/s1600/bpc_logo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 85px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1bwoCwLAJFmzfH76OEJaRPSk0o-ChCbs2F0QE9l8eMXNB_dMf1pHBcsnXfar_hOP42RMtqvx_r3FUsU3p-0yZwHlejm2oFCLmkSvjz3iZTxrC_7JzP4j7MtrEoiNh0SvLHirrajLltHY/s320/bpc_logo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513069551430214306" border="0" /></a>y much the same too. If you want to do your own research on the BPC, I recommend going through the FAQ page found <a href="http://www.blueprintcleanse.com/faq.html">HERE</a>. Keep checking back, and I will keep you posted with my progress!Melissa Saighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16635943677691131148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126088843894030949.post-2732462672879538952010-09-01T00:12:00.005-05:002010-09-01T00:34:50.465-05:00The Proposal Video<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsj8sPxY0yZiDf-P7lfS5WAmsVrWJDJuWYZlombpIumQr3W6BnkwLQ-SWwHhQX1uHJPRrEYd_yHIbqHjpFalSzzsDuAWGuEZtcks2h0wA8QNBpvsRQTGyUHMrt9bqW3vgDnb9G1K6fuiE/s1600/6169_626101281490_63901378_36620407_7604353_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 358px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsj8sPxY0yZiDf-P7lfS5WAmsVrWJDJuWYZlombpIumQr3W6BnkwLQ-SWwHhQX1uHJPRrEYd_yHIbqHjpFalSzzsDuAWGuEZtcks2h0wA8QNBpvsRQTGyUHMrt9bqW3vgDnb9G1K6fuiE/s320/6169_626101281490_63901378_36620407_7604353_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511813893764717506" border="0" /></a><br />Last weekend, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">AJ</span> not only celebrated his 26<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> birthday, but the two of us also celebrated the one-year anniversary of our engagement! It amazes me that a year has already gone by and that we will be married in one month. Not only do I love talking to anyone and everyone about my wedding plans, but I also love looking back on the video from the night that we got engaged (thanks Joe)...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqy5ChfnIxk">Click HERE to watch "The Proposal Video"</a><br /><br /><br />I always enjoy hearing stories about friends getting engaged, and I feel so lucky that we have <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">AJ's</span> proposal on video to look back on. For those of you who don't know the story, here's the short version (just ask me for the long version next time you see me and I won't hesitate to tell you the whole story). Me and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">AJ's</span> parents hadn't met yet, so my parents decided to invite them over for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">AJ's</span> birthday dinner on August 29<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span>, 2009. I spent the entire day cooking, cleaning and stressing about the "event". Never in a million years did I expect a proposal. In fact, I thought the complete opposite, as I had been fighting with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">AJ</span> months prior about the fact that I thought we would "never get married" (I was not shy about sharing my feelings on the topic). Little did I know that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">AJ</span> had already bought a ring, asked my Dad for permission to marry me, and both sets of our parents knew what this night had in store! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">AJ's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">roomate</span> Joe, his girlfriend Gabby and my brother and sister were also there, and Joe was the man with the camera:) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">AJ</span> gave a toast, and gave me a present for putting together the night's "festivities". Three glasses of wine into the night and my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Borat</span> voice ever-so-present, I opened the gift to find a box made of chocolate, with little chocolate beans inside, and THE RING!<br /><br />Now, one year later, we're wrapping up all of our wedding planning, getting ready to become husband and wife, and throw a killer party! 32 days and counting!!!Melissa Saighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16635943677691131148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126088843894030949.post-18426101447948752892010-07-31T22:18:00.005-05:002010-07-31T22:46:26.182-05:00Wedding Invitations<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeK3uAvRbQWa-T3hd6EMRizlrkD4JNLr4ICDDEts1vcNoNzoM_bV5fO_TJn500SJueg_93XtZlrP5QOF4_q3Roxh-wJ0kCNQ9hAiKZkCYmDAngaFJLZrgS-WaISZi00jE050Ms9ND92p4/s1600/-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeK3uAvRbQWa-T3hd6EMRizlrkD4JNLr4ICDDEts1vcNoNzoM_bV5fO_TJn500SJueg_93XtZlrP5QOF4_q3Roxh-wJ0kCNQ9hAiKZkCYmDAngaFJLZrgS-WaISZi00jE050Ms9ND92p4/s320/-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500280826820516114" border="0" /></a>Since we sent our wedding invitations out a few weeks ago, we have received so many compliments and even some questions as to where we got them done. Thanks to everyone for the thoughtful words, and I'm happy to say that we chose to save money on our invitations, by doing them ourselves (and when I say "our"-selves I mean "my"-self)! Thanks to a dear friend, Stacy Anderson, we were able to save hundreds of dollars on our wedding invitations.<br /><br />Stacy is one of my personal attendants in our wedding and a very talented lady when it comes to event planning! I gave her an invitation that I had fallen in love with... an invitation that would have cost over $1,000 to have done professionally. She worked her magic and came up with a design I just LOVED! She turned the design and invitation info into a PDF file that I needed to have printed, helped me pick out the paper, envelopes, and showed me how I would put them together. With some work, the do-it-yourself invitations might just look like the expensive invites!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCnmvelXaGbcr37fWXyC12KOrZf9B94s0UgpEnPMSydHXIaQRWUWaV3PCJ1rhHcR2VNb-GeuHvZBzPfAhJQrFtLQWxdCl3E454kvrpI8O4_oNX19UoyouOrPLJvtoAG-aKOY3Y3TFYHA/s1600/-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 193px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCnmvelXaGbcr37fWXyC12KOrZf9B94s0UgpEnPMSydHXIaQRWUWaV3PCJ1rhHcR2VNb-GeuHvZBzPfAhJQrFtLQWxdCl3E454kvrpI8O4_oNX19UoyouOrPLJvtoAG-aKOY3Y3TFYHA/s320/-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500281062083353522" border="0" /></a>It took me three nights of sitting at home, cutting, pasting, sealing, etc., but my wedding invitations turned out just the way I wanted them to! The backing is a thick piece of dark brown paper, and pasted on top is an ivory paper with hot pink and brown wording and design. The RSVP card that we included in the invitation was on a matching ivory paper, with the same brown and hot pink lettering and design (dark chocolate brown and hot pink are our wedding colors).<br /><br />Sealing, addressing and stamping the wedding invitations was a whole new ball game (lots of time and work), but when all was said and done, we ended up spending about $250 TOTAL on everything (stamps included) for our invitations. If you want some advice from this bride-to-be... get your invitations done early, use a little elbow grease (not really grease because you don't want anything greasy near your invitations), the help of family and friends, and SAVE money on your wedding invitations! Make something that you love and that you're proud of, because let's be honest... who really keeps the invitations besides the bride and MAYBE some close family:) Good luck!Melissa Saighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16635943677691131148noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126088843894030949.post-8313118979409332562010-07-23T22:37:00.009-05:002010-07-23T23:13:29.701-05:00It's Almost Tomato Time!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGqTetlbwYNhQ0-jblgUyvJtWykVxiYPySFRrtI-NOKRgzA4AI5w7g4V7M0cpYtsGg58_DmpeKwnyo8t9LWe00lKLmLmeZZMPg1k-A7lUEeWNzaU89AJtbcRcPqEXjwJReM66rSjzIr0/s1600/A_Smiling_Tomato_Royalty_Free_Clipart_Picture_090826-121595-568009.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 82px; height: 71px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGqTetlbwYNhQ0-jblgUyvJtWykVxiYPySFRrtI-NOKRgzA4AI5w7g4V7M0cpYtsGg58_DmpeKwnyo8t9LWe00lKLmLmeZZMPg1k-A7lUEeWNzaU89AJtbcRcPqEXjwJReM66rSjzIr0/s320/A_Smiling_Tomato_Royalty_Free_Clipart_Picture_090826-121595-568009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497317720832868690" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOudtzX6gTVo7i0-YC69M7kRx9wUBDwXBqMQXNqNzjUknj7XyguovL64u4do3zU9yGQP0MFXQ9jDIFc_tE9EZ7edYU0-mGuvuSGpUF82r6iamy82pM1FHX5Wwxx9x74sVWWueIpKSjW8/s1600/-3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 269px; height: 202px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOudtzX6gTVo7i0-YC69M7kRx9wUBDwXBqMQXNqNzjUknj7XyguovL64u4do3zU9yGQP0MFXQ9jDIFc_tE9EZ7edYU0-mGuvuSGpUF82r6iamy82pM1FHX5Wwxx9x74sVWWueIpKSjW8/s320/-3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497317542266398034" border="0" /></a>That's right Minnesotans, it's almost tomato time! And many of you may be celebrating Minnesota's tomato season already (I'm very jealous). Earlier this summer, I decided to start my very first garden, and I'm starting to see the fruits of my labor (no pun intended)! If you've read my blog before, you know I planted seeds in little pots, in hopes of them turning into big, veggie-bearing plants. Part of my garden decided to cooperate, and other little plants weren't so fortunate.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_UTCN9Aeza_YuscfybxMu2htXu-pwvl-NPyntp4nn3mHtHQoYZ38PF_hhrD0tWW3d0rQnaPHlbnT77Oq_cxiwDP41QazgkIjEyFND42i31n6vUYYuTPWYv5FF3M1L_WfTA6ZkN4Upp0/s1600/-4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_UTCN9Aeza_YuscfybxMu2htXu-pwvl-NPyntp4nn3mHtHQoYZ38PF_hhrD0tWW3d0rQnaPHlbnT77Oq_cxiwDP41QazgkIjEyFND42i31n6vUYYuTPWYv5FF3M1L_WfTA6ZkN4Upp0/s320/-4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497317197538831698" border="0" /></a>Of the herbs, veggies and fruits I planted... the pumpkins, basil, chives, carrots, cilantro, mint, parsley, and TOMATOES, have survived! There's a few other plants that survived, but I can't tell if they are weeds, or possibly beans or cucumber plants (I can't remember everything I planted). I guess time will tell:) I've already used a lot of the herbs that have grown, but I am so excited to see that there are now actual little green tomatoes, growing on the tomato plants! I can honestly say, I never thought this would happen. My lettuce I plan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLQF8nVSwBULiZZUVFIUU5PpLa2kT6po319QW_K2iuKOjMtf2mx-edqcSoD_nc7edo0UKCB4rwXlQhkdG1Dq9R3XWCr1MvCndvvkWCL5wc1IEqQdfAtQBnsiFtfYrA73sPfOz0CvlXcs/s1600/-5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 228px; height: 205px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLQF8nVSwBULiZZUVFIUU5PpLa2kT6po319QW_K2iuKOjMtf2mx-edqcSoD_nc7edo0UKCB4rwXlQhkdG1Dq9R3XWCr1MvCndvvkWCL5wc1IEqQdfAtQBnsiFtfYrA73sPfOz0CvlXcs/s320/-5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497317896446181026" border="0" /></a>ted also decided to sprout, but I guess I didn't get the invite to the bunny party in the garden, the day they decided to eat all the lettuce (and the bunny/lettuce relationship continues). I'm still waiting to pick the carrots, and I can't wait to see the pumpkins that will grow this fall (fingers crossed).<br /><br />Now, the question is... what to do with the tomatoes when they turn ripe and red???Melissa Saighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16635943677691131148noreply@blogger.com0