Fashion

June 4, 2020

The Coolest Handbags for Hot Summer Days (& Nights!)

There are so many fun handbags to add to your sizzling summer style! From itty bitty beauties to larger eye catching totes. It’s as if designers had foresight that we would all be looking for MORE FUN in our lives. Having a trendy new purse is a great way to brighten any outfit. Buy one you love and it will make you smile every time you wear it.

The Coolest Handbags for Hot Summer Days (& Nights!)

Here are some of my favorites that I hope you love too. Feeling blue with all the crazy world news? Get an instant mood boost with one of these beauties. From the beach to the bar, there is something here for every occasion. There’s nothing like hearing your doorbell ring with a package for YOU!

Gucci Marmont Shoulder Bag

Four pastel shades mean infinite outfit opportunities. (The style I’m wearing in the photos is sold out)

Valentino Rockstud Crossbody Bag

Edgy with a whole lot of sophistication! The Rockstud collection is fabulous year after year. I would love one of these in every color though I’m swooning over this denim friendly blue.

Elleme Mini Tote

This woven leather mini tote is so pretty and feminine. It also comes in pale pink.

Carrie Forbes Faux Raffia Tote

I love the shape of this tote and the neural color goes with absolutely everything.

Staud Beaded Shoulder Bag

This head turning beaded purse will bring the beach to you no matter where you live.

Loewe Gate Small Shoulder Bag

I’m smitten with Loewe. Elegant, sophisticated and clean lines are their thing. I love that this purse has three neutral colors which makes it so versatile. The Gate bag style is a signature piece and Loewe changes the colors seasonally.

Golden Goose Cross Body Bag

This playful purse comes in several colors, but this silver is so pretty and versatile. Nothing beats adding shimmer and sparkle to your outfits.

Sensi Studio Floral Canasta Tote

The details in this pretty purse are exceptional. The pop of red is so cool. Easy to dress up or wear casually.

Marc Jacobs Snapshot Sugar Bag

Adorable illustrations dance around this sugar colored handbag. The playful pink strap adds to the fun.

Miu Miu Floral Print Tote

A vintage floral print makes this tote bag the perfect accessory for summer.

Balmain B-Buzz Fringed Tote Bag

This white purse is so stylin! It’s both edgy and sophisticated. It can be worn with the top handle or with an adjustable, detachable shoulder strap. It’s on my wishlist!

Jacquemus Le Tableau Crossbody

When I look at this purse it takes me to a far away land, maybe the South of France?! The Matisse artwork is so pretty and the varied colors can go with so many outfits.

Balmain Tote

I absolutely love this black & white tote. The logo is a big/fun statement and the skinny straps mean it will sit well and not slip off the shoulder.

Cult Gaia Roksana Large Tote

For all you trendsetters, the shape of this tote is fabulous! It would be very hard to find anything out there like it. The neutrals add so much versatility. Paneled in smooth leather and raffia.

Carolina Santo Domingo Tote

The colors in this tote will liven up any outfit! The fringed boho chic style is a total statement piece.

*DISCLOSURE: I occasionally use affiliate links. If you happen purchase something through one of my links, I make a tiny percentage of revenue. Thank you for supporting me and my mission to help make your life it’s very BEST! XO Marla

~ Marla Meridith

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Recipes

June 1, 2020

The Best Red Enchilada Sauce

Great dishes often start with a fantastic sauce. In the case of enchiladas the sauce is everything and it really sets the tone for the rest of the dish. One taste of this Red Enchilada Sauce and you will fall in love with it. It’s surprisingly simple and quick to make, in just 15 minutes you will likely never buy store bought enchilada sauce again! Stay tuned I’ll be posting a recipe for the most delicious Vegetarian Enchiladas this week.

Watch the VIDEO.

Click HERE for recipe details.

The Best Vegetarian Red Enchilada Sauce recipe.

~ Marla Meridith

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Recipes

May 26, 2020

Vegan Toasted Barley with Broccoli Salad

It’s the official start to summer and you know what that means? Lots more salads around here! Light, bright flavors take center stage this time of the year. I’m always a fan of salads…as long as they have a whole lot of flavor and interesting ingredients. This Vegan Toasted Barley with Broccoli Salad will keep you well nourished and satisfied. The toasted pecans add a nice heartiness and healthy fats, that should help to keep cravings for heavier foods at bay. After all. It’s not only summer, but it’s bikini season too!

WATCH the VIDEO!

Click HERE for the RECIPE.

Vegan Toasted Barley with Broccoli Salad recipe

~ Marla Meridith

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Fashion & Beauty

May 21, 2020

5 Minute Glowing Makeup with Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk (& more favorites!)

Looking to brighten up your makeup routine? I always am! Have you noticed the Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk makeup collection showing up everywhere? From magazines to online I’ve been seeing this makeup artist’s name and her Pillow Talk collection showing up everywhere.

I figured it was time to dive in and give this sparkly, nude pink makeup collection a whirl. I purchased a kit of the iconic cult favorites (all the products are listed in this post) The colors are very easy to apply and give the face a beautiful GLOWING look! So whether plans include home schooling the kids, a Zoom meeting for work or happy hour, this makeup helps me to feel my very BEST and it only takes 5 MINUTES to apply!

Darlings, my award-winning, best-selling, sumptuous Pillow Talk shade is taking over the WORLD! Adored by supermodels, starlets, entrepreneurs, icons and millions of women across the globe of ALL ages, it’s the secret to eyes that SPARKLE, cheeks that GLOW and lips that LEAD ASTRAY…
Charlotte Tilbury Website

Watch my VIDEO

I have totally fallen in LOVE with Pillow Talk & get so many compliments when I wear it! It’s a great way to get a beautiful “effortless” summer glow. FYI: Purchasing the items in the kits helps to save some $$.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

Be the first to see new YOUTUBE videos!

↠↠↠↠ PRODUCT LINKS HERE ↠↠↠↠

THE COMPLETE PILLOW TALK LOOK KIT $220 (CHOOSE FROM ORIGINAL, MEDIUM OR INTENSE) I USE ORIGINAL

PILLOW TALK MAKEUP SECRETS KIT $134

INSTANT EYE PALETTE $75

PILLOW TALK LIP KIT $70

LUCIOUS LIP SLICK $50

THE PILLOW TALK EYE & BLUSH DUO $74

PILLOWTALK LIPSTICK DUO $54

TRAVEL SIZE PILLOW TALK LIP KIT $25

“LIFE CHANGING LASHES” LASH CURLER $22

THE COMPLETE BRUSH SET $259

FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA PRO FILT’R SOFT MATTE LONGWEAR FOUNDATION $35

ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS BROW POWDER DUO $23

SUPERGOOP! UNSEEN SUNSCREEN SPF 40 $34

BEAUTY BLENDER (MY FAVORITE WAY TO APPLY FOUNDATION) $20

~ Marla Meridith

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Appetizers

May 18, 2020

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

One of my favorite dishes when we go for Thai food are lettuce wraps. These days, there’s no going to restaurants but thankfully we can cook up our favorite dishes at home! I love the simple, tangy, flavors in these Thai Lettuce Wraps. The fresh, crispiness of the lettuce adds a tasty dimension to this dish. You can enjoy these as an appetizer or as a main. I typically use ground chicken or turkey. You can also use ground pork, beef, lamb or even tofu if you want to keep things vegetarian.

Watch the VIDEO.

Click HERE for recipe details.

~ Marla Meridith

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Fashion & Beauty

May 13, 2020

How To: DIY Dip Powder Polish at Home with Video

Stay at home = very limited self care options out of the house. What it also means is time to embrace the opportunity to learn how to do things on our own! At the beginning of the new normal, my salon manicure held up for a while, that was back in March. After the reality hit that salons would not be open for business, it was time to take matters into my own hands. Time to learn how to do my own dip nails!

Here’s another post you might want to check out too! ROCK YOUR ROOTS! PRETTY STYLES FOR WHEN YOU CANT GET TO THE SALON

DIY Dip Powder Nails at Home. Includes a How-To Video and all the products you will need for a salon looking manicure! MarlaMeridith.com

to my YOUTUBE channel so you don’t miss a video!

Why choose dip polish?

Have you tried dip powders yet? For those of us who live a very active life regular nail polish is no-go. Mine doesn’t stay on for more than a day or two…besides the dry time stinks. I used gel for a while, that would last about a week. It also didn’t; make my nails feel stronger. Now that I’ve tried dip powder I’m hooked! A dip mani lasts about 3 weeks and my nails are so strong & tough when it’s on. As long as you take your time to carefully remove the polish and don’t pick at it, your nails should stay looking and feeling strong.

What do you need to get started?

I did a whole lot of research on dip powders and was sold on the Kiara Sky system. The colors are long lasting and formulated without harsh chemicals. I purchased the Kiara Sky French Starter Kit. I’ve not yet tried a french manicure, but my favorite colors are in this kit, a white and three pinks. The kit also comes with the base, top coat etc. You will also need to purchase a file, nail buff, cuticle pusher and soft brush for dust.

To remove the polish you will need a remover tools kit and acetone.

A few things to note

Take your time! This is not a quick process, but with extra care and patience you will end up with a gorgeous manicure!
This Kiara Sky nail kit has a great cheat sheet, keep that out when you go through the process.
You will need GREAT lighting to get this right.
Have fun taking some time to pamper yourself.

Watch the VIDEO

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↠↠↠↠ PRODUCT LINKS HERE ↠↠↠↠

KIARA SKY FRENCH STARTER KIT

DIPPING POWDERS ESSENTIALS KIT

DIP SYSTEM COLOR KIT

DUST REMOVER BRUSHES

TO REMOVE POLISH YOU WILL NEED 100% PURE ACETONE

THIS IS A GREAT POLISH REMOVER KIT

I LIKE THESE SOAK OFF FOILS TOO

DIY Dip Powder Nails at Home. Includes a How-To Video

~ Marla Meridith

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May 11, 2020

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Looking for your new FAVORITE COOKIE? Well here you go! Everyone in my house is going to town on these Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies. In these cookies you have something for all…peanut butter, oatmmeal and chocolate lovers will be smitten. There’s no need for store bought or bakery cookies when you can make these right in the comfort of your own home. Enjoy with a cold glass of milk or a piping hot cup of coffee. Confession: I wake up craving these for breakfast and I’ve been having one with my coffee every morning for the past few days.

Watch the VIDEO.

The BEST! Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe

Click HERE for recipe details.

~ Marla Meridith

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Fashion & Beauty

May 10, 2020

Happy Mother’s Day!

Happy Mother’s Day to all you beautiful moms out there! I hope today and everyday you can find JOY in the little things. You are worthy of self love, treasures and treats every single day. Speaking of treats, here are a few ways you can lavish yourself today. I hope you have a wonderful day with your loved ones. Stay tuned for a new recipe & video tomorrow featuring the Banana Raspberry Chocolate Chip Muffins I’m holding in this photo. Craving muffins today? Bake up a batch of these Maple Pecan Muffins.

We love these Maple Pecan Morning Muffins recipe that are quick and easy to bake up. They are a just right breakfast that you will crave as an afternoon snack too! MarlaMeridith.com

4 EASY Homemade Hydrating & Purifying Face Masks to Combat Dry Skin! MarlaMeridith.com #beauty #skincare

Homemade Face Mask

Here are four easy homemade face masks to treat your skin whenever you need a beauty booster.

Great Gifts for Mother's Day. Treat Mom to the very BEST!

Mother’s Day Gifts

Want to get yourself a Mother’s Day gift? Check out these goodies that I curated just for you. I’m certain you can find something GREAT! How about these Gucci espadrilles?

Chocolate and coffee lovers, here is the ultimate cocktail for you! Make this easy and delicious Mocha Martini recipe for any festive celebration! MarlaMeridith.com

Cheers!

Moms LOVE mocha! Treat yourself to a Mocha Martini. Trust me, every sip is worth it!

~ Marla Meridith

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European Travel

May 8, 2020

St. Moritz Gourmet Festival

Are you planning ahead? As much as I live in the moment, I’m always thinking about travel to far away lands. Every year I spend time in St. Moritz, Switzerland. This is one of my favorite ski areas for so many reasons. The mountains, the people, the boutiques, the five-star accommodations and of course the FOOD! This year I was invited to attend the St. Moritz Gourmet Festival for the first time. This is the ultimate event for food and wine lovers. Here are a few photos to tempt you, stay tuned for the video coming soon. Also a BIG thank you to the Waldhaus Sils for hosting me with such grace and generosity (more on that soon too!)

Read the full article at SNOW magazine.

Add to your bucket list! The St. Moritz Gourmet Food Festival

~ Marla Meridith

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Pasta

May 7, 2020

Shrimp Scampi with Linguine

How are things going with everyone? Life has been sunny and warm here in the high country, Telluride Colorado. That means I get to cook more outside on the deck. We just purchased a new Blackstone Flat Top Grill and the best way to season it is to use it! I had a blast making this Shrimp Scampi with Linguine. If you are a fan of this classic Italian dish then you will fall in LOVE with this recipe. Shrimp Scampi is really so easy to prepare with the star ingredients being butter, olive oil, dry white wine, garlic, fresh parsley and of course shrimp! No worries at all if you don’t have a flat top grill, a 12 inch cast iron skillet will bring the same delicious results.

Watch the video!

The BEST Shrimp Scampi with Linguine recipe

Click HERE for recipe details.

~ Marla Meridith

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Fashion

May 6, 2020

Leggings for Days: Look Great Feel Fantastic Styles

Let’s face it, leggings are a staple in most wardrobes. Some of you out there wear them only for workouts and others they are more a lifestyle fashion choice. The styles out there today are awesome! From animal prints to shine to solids, floral, tie-dye and camo. High waisted, low waisted, long, 3/4 length. There is something for every taste and body type. Sure you can wear these to workout in, but many of these styles will look just as great for happy hour. I’ve curated a a wonderfully diverse collection for you here. Tag me on Instagram so I can see your new leggings! Happy shopping ♥

Shop the post! Leggings for Days: Look Great Feel Fantastic Styles — Shine on in these Pink Leggings

Shiny

I can’t begin to tell you how much I’m into the shine trend. It’s flattering, pretty and here to stay a while!

Animal Prints

From python to leopard, animal print enthusiasts will find wonderful prints to choose from.

Camo

You can’t hide in these beauties!

Tie-Dye

I’m so obsessed and can’t get enough tie-dye this year. It sells out quickly so get your hands on it while you can.

Solids

Basic and NEVER boring!

Floral

Wearing flowers brightens every day!

~ Marla Meridith

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Cocktails

May 5, 2020

10 Delicious Margarita Recipes to Quench Your Thirst this Summer

Ahhhh summer! What comes to your mind when you think of the steamy months ahead? The beach, pool, a cozy hammock? How about a cold & fruity margarita? I’ve got some seriously GREAT marg recipes on MM blog. One of which I just posted. It’s already being shared like crazy on Pinterest which makes me so happy! That means you get to try all the deliciousness too.

Even though Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner, we all know that quenching margaritas go way beyond one day a year. Truly they are enjoyed all year round. There are so many ways to make a margarita, there’s really no wrong way. You can go super basic with my Pure Lime Margaritas or something a bit more exotic like my Smoky Watermelon Jalapeño Margs.