One

Today is the one year anniversary of my first post on Monster Misa. Realizing that it's been a year since I started this blog reminded me how much time really does fly because it feels like yesterday that I was navigating blogger for the first time trying to figure out what I was doing. I've seen this blog grow so much in the past year and I can't thank you all enough for being a spectator to my life. The fact that you all take time out of your day to see what I'm up to and read what I have to say is mind blowing to me, and I'm incredibly grateful. 

I started this blog in the first place as a creative outlet. Flashback to July 9, 2013 I was finished with my Masters degree and unemployed. I had planned on taking a few months off to enjoy myself before I entered the workforce full time to travel and relax but I was still looking for jobs and applying (which was super discouraging). I realized that for the first time in my life since childhood I had nothing to do. For the past 6 years I was used to balancing school, homework, internships and a job(s) and now suddenly I had all this free time on my hands. Now don't get me wrong, lying by the pool for days at a time was amazing but I was still looking for a hobby, some type of project I could work on while I was hanging out. It sounds strange, but I really wanted to find a way to keep my mind fresh especially because with all my free time I was consuming reality television at an alarming rate, haha.

 I've always loved fashion and believe that my closet is my pride and joy (after Misa of course), so blogging about style and clothes seemed like the perfect way to tame my bored-ness. Thus Monster Misa was born, named after my pup who I was spending some serious quality time with. In addition to starting my blog I began experimenting with different recipes in the afternoons and found that I really enjoyed cooking. I quickly realized that I could add a food element to my blog and Tasty Tuesdays became a Monster Misa staple. Slowly I found my footing and found a balance between fashion, food and personal experiences. It's been really awesome to go back and see how much I've grown throughout the year. There are so many wonderful memories captured within the pages of this blog and when I go back and look at past posts, I can't help but smile.

Misa on the day I got her, she was a monster from Day 1.

 Starting Monster Misa has truly been such a fulfilling experience.

Again, thank you again for supporting me this past year! 

Cheers to many more years of Monster Misa!

xoxo

Anjolee Jewelry

Today I wanted to tell you guys about a wonderful jewelry company called Anjolee. This company was founded in 1977 and specializes in upscale jewelry. Now let me tell you, these jewels have some serious shine! I was lucky enough to have Anjolee make me a beautiful sterling silver ring with citrine gemstones (my birthstone!) all around it. I wore it to work last week and got so many compliments on it. It's definitely one of the nicest pieces of jewelry I have ever owned and it made me a forever fan of Anjolee. 

First of all, if you have a moment to check out their website, I highly suggest it because they have a wide variety of beautiful pieces that would be perfect for a special occasion such as prom, graduation,  or wedding. I'm normally not the kind of girl who has upscale jewelry, so I spent so much time on their website gazing at all the different jewelry options they have and it has definitely made me want to expand my collection. The best part about Anjolee is their online website, because it allows customers the ability to customize any jewelry design to the owners exact preferences, taste and budget. This means when shopping on their website you can find an item you like and customize the metal type, carat size, and the diamond/gemstone. This makes your jewelry purchase unique and tailored solely to you!

In addition to the ring I own, one of my favorite sections of their website was their drop earrings. You know when you're going to an special event and you want to wear something with a little extra sparkle so you feel extra glamourous? Well, I have no doubt that you will feel like a movie star if you rocked a pair of Anjolee drop earrings. Above, I featured 3 of my favorite drop earring options, and because Anjolee lets you customize each pair of earrings, you have thousands of options to choose from!

Have you ever heard of Anjolee?

Which earring option is your favorite?

xoxo

The Pink Giraffe

A couple weeks ago The Pink Giraffe contacted me asking if I would be interested in doing a product review on my blog. After checking out their website I happily agreed. The Pink Giraffe offers a huge selection of personalized gifts (to my monogram lovers--- this is the website for you!). Some of my favorite items include their adorable bags and totes, their colorful phone cases, and of course their beautiful monogrammed bedding (how gorgeous is this set?).  I fell in love with so many of the products on their website as I waited patiently for my Monogrammed Striped Canvas Tote, which arrived just in time for Memorial Day weekend. The majority of their items are hand embroidered, so you know your purchases are in good hands.

As most of you all know, I am a lover of summer and spend most of my weekends lounging by a pool. This means I constantly have a pool bag packed with me in my car in case I decide to scoot out of work early to head to somebody's house for an impromptu BBQ. The key to a great pool tote is plenty of room to hold all my stuff along with enough side pockets to stash my wallet, keys, etc. Enter the Pink Giraffe pool tote--- it has everything I wanted in a tote bag. Firstly, it came in navy (my favorite color) and the monogram comes in a wide variety of colors (I went with pink). It has a front pocket, back pocket and interior zipped pocket that holds all my smaller items, like my ID. But, my favorite part of the bag is that it has a zipper! I feel like so many totes don't provide a zipper option, but this bag offers that little extra privacy that I want and need, especially when I'm headed to the beach.

This tote is also very versatile, although I plan on using it as my pool bag in the summer, I could just as easily see myself using it as my work bag or an overnight bag if I was traveling somewhere on a long weekend. 

I'm the kind of shopper that values a good deal, I cut coupons, sign up for mailing lists and use my student ID whenever it means I can get something for a great price. The Pink Giraffe offered so many wonderful products for a great affordable price and whenever I can find a quality store with great prices, I will forever be a loyal customer. Overall, I would highly recommend The Pink Giraffe, not only did I love the tote they sent me, but their staff was so friendly and helpful, which is something I value as a shopper. 

Have you ever shopped at the Pink Giraffe?

What is your favorite item on their website?

xoxo

New Recipe: Spinach and Artichoke Dip + Special Thanks

Happy Tasty Tuesday Everyone!

With the Superbowl coming up next weekend I was trying to keep my tasty Tuesday recipes these past couple weeks strictly dip related. For me, The Superbowl is all about the food, the commercials and the halftime show since I'm not much of a football fan. But it does give me the excuse to eat a bunch of snacks for dinner! My favorite dip of all time is spinach and artichoke dip, it's always my go to appetizer whenever I go out to eat. My friend Christina made this delicious dip at our holiday party, The Jingle, and she was kind enough to send me the recipe for it so I could share it with the rest of you. I figured it would be perfect for all the Superbowl parties you guys will be having this weekend!

Ingredients:

• 1 (14 oz.) can of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 1 (10 oz.) package of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
• 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 3/4 cup light mayo
• 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees
• Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
• Place mixture in baking pan.
• Bake for 20 minutes or until heated through

*Don't you just love when the directions of a recipe says,

"Combine all ingredients and put in the oven"?! So simple and easy!

Thanks again Tina for sharing this!

I also wanted to give special thanks to Vett from Real College Student of Atlanta! I won her giveaway yesterday and ended up scoring a $25 gift card to J Crew. I am a huge fan of her blog and with every restaurant and travel post, she makes me want to board a flight to Atlanta! 

Thanks again Vett for further enabling my shopping addiction! 

xoxo