#OOTD

A few of April's OOTD (outfit of the day) snaps:

{Casual Friday}

American Apparel t-shirt dress /  Etsy skull scarf / Forever 21 gladiator sandals

{All Black Everything}

Zara leather jacket (also worn here) / Target black tank / Current/Elliot black skinny jeans (my go-to's worn here too) / Zara lace-up heels

{70's Flares + Leopard}

Zara knit cardigan (last seen) / Henri Girl sheer leopard tank / Zara flare denim

follow MC Squared on Instagram @meghanconard

Currently Obsessed

{Yoga Studio app and Gaiam yoga mat + Zoey photobomb}

I was so excited when a yoga studio opened up right around the corner from our townhouse, but was disappointed to find that a monthly membership would cost me $150! Insert the Yoga Studio app. I'm not new to yoga so this app is great for perfecting my foundation. I've been using the Yoga Studio app for a few months on my iPad and it was definitely the best $4 I've ever spent! There are over 65 classes ranging from beginner to advanced, and even a dictionary of yoga poses. The classes focus on everything from flexibility, strength, balance, and relaxation, or a combination of all four. There are 15 minute, 30 minute and 60 minute classes so no matter how busy my schedule is, I have time to squeeze in a few poses. I like to start my mornings with activity and this app is perfect for doing a quick 30 minutes of yoga at home before heading to work. 

MC Squared x 5

{5 of my fave outfit posts: top left, bottom left, center, top right, bottom right}

This month marks my blog's 5 year anniversary! Although I totally missed the exact date, I felt it was still worth celebrating! Anyone who manages a blog knows it takes a lot of work, especially when it's not your full-time job. I am proud that despite all of the changes that have happened in my life since starting MC Squared, (interning, college graduation, moving to LA, starting my career, moving in with Greg, adopting Zoey, getting a promotion) I have posted at least once a month for the last 5 years! I pour myself into every post and I truly appreciate all of you that have followed along with MC Squared! Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and cheers to what the next 5 years may bring! 

Pop of Poppy

Unintentionally matching the background, but one of my favorite color combos is olive green & red. I scored this tiered lace romper on sale last season and I love it paired with my bright poppy red satchel. These gladiator sandals have been on major repeat lately, especially since I bought them in both black & brown ($20 - can you blame me?!)

Olive Green Lace Romper - Zara

Cream Knit Cardigan - Zara

Red Leather Crossbody Satchel - Tory Burch (last seen)

Brown Gladiator Sandals - Forever 21 (wore the black pair here) 

Honey & Black Wayfarer Sunglasses - Ray-Ban

Tortoise Watch - Michael Kors 



Must Have: Ear Jackets

One of my favorite new accessories is the ear jacket. I'm usually pretty simple when it comes to jewelry: I always wear a watch & stacks of thin rings, and once in a while I'll throw on a statement necklace. However, I don't really mix up my earrings, partially because my ears are sensitive, but I also hate those huge door-knocker sized dangly earrings that feel like they're stretching my ear lobe to my shoulder. What I love about ear jackets are that they make a statement while not weighing me down. They're such a fun and interesting new earring and come in a variety of styles from everyday casual to dressy & sophisticated. Luckily a lot of brands are jumping on this trend so ear jackets are available at all price points. Check out some cute styles I'm loving below!

{pearls / Etsy}

{turquoise + arrows / Asos}

{pavé floral / Forever 21}

{simple with a pop of color / Zara}

Deviled Eggs

 {deviled eggs on the cutest ladybug plate my mom gave me a few years back}

It's a tradition every year for me to make deviled eggs on Easter weekend, but this year I think they were my best yet. I make deviled eggs occasionally since Greg and I both love them, however this was my first time adding a hint of honey mustard...amazing! Greg's voting for it to be permanent, but I have to get the taste test back from my parents first! Try it for yourself with the recipe & ingredients I use below. P.S. I don't measure anything out, just add it to taste, depending on the quantity of eggs/yolks.

{we served our deviled eggs with BBQ pulled pork subs - see that recipe here!}

Hard Boiled Eggs

Place eggs in a single layer in a large pan.

Fill pan with cold water, about 1 inch over the eggs.

Bring water to a boil, cooking uncovered.

Just when it starts to boil, remove pan from hot burner and cover.

Let eggs stand in hot water for 12 minutes.

Drain eggs and run cold water over them to stop cooking.

Let the eggs cool completely, then peel shells.

Deviled Eggs

Cut  hard boiled eggs in half lengthwise.

Carefully scoop out the yolks and smash in a large bowl.

Add the following ingredients:

Mayonnaise

Yellow Mustard

a little Honey Mustard

Relish
Salt/Pepper
Once you've combined all the ingredients,
top all egg halves generously & sprinkle with paprika.
Enjoy!

Easy Breezy

After totally falling for the gladiator sandal trend, I found this pair online from Forever 21 for a steal! ($20!!)  I immediately ordered them in brown too after wearing them just once - I couldn't resist the deal! They're super comfy and perfect for a weekend full of farmers markets and shopping. I love how these sandals make such a bold statement and I can't wait to wear them all summer long with everything from cut-offs to breezy dresses. Expect to see these on MC2 again in the near future!

Printed Silk Dress - Joie (last seen here)

Gladiator Sandals - Forever 21

Fringe Leather Bucket Bag - Joie

Black Leather Belt - Target

Sunnies - Ray-Ban

Lipstick - MAC "pink plaid"

Nail Polish - Revlon "gray suede"