Palm Springs

{view from our hotel}

Scratched another adventure off of our California bucket list last weekend: Palm Springs! Greg and I had such an amazing time just relaxing for a few days outside the city. Our days were filled with hours lounging by the pool, a heavenly couples massage, and delicious food, including a sushi spot that rivals my hometown favorite. We had so much fun on our Palm Springs getaway, but now it's back to reality. I'll just have to relive the memories with these iPhone shots from our trip!

{road trips are always entertaining with this guy}

{entering Palm Springs}

{our cute & colorful hotel room at Aqua Soleil Hotel & Spa}

{settling in: my romper matched our room decor perfectly}

{started Saturday morning with a couples massage}

{posted up by the pool for hours}

{monster rolls from Sushi Domo in Desert Hot Springs}

{heading out to dinner in downtown Palm Springs}

Personalized Necklace

{gold sideways initial necklace}

I love dainty jewelry, especially anything personalized. Carrie Bradshaw famously brought back the nameplate necklace in Sex and the City, but I favor the subtle single initial more. Etsy is always my go-to for unique & personalized items, and has a wide variety of initial, monogram & name necklaces. These are great for birthdays, bridesmaids gifts, or just to treat yourself! Check out some of the cute options I found on Etsy below! 

{nameplate necklace}

{silver double initial necklace}

{monogram charm necklace}

My initial necklace is from Minimalist Designs on Etsy! PS: I ordered a 17-inch chain!

{FYI: I have no affiliation with Etsy, I just appreciate handmade craftsmanship & love to support small businesses!}

Paint 'n Pour

Last Saturday, Greg and I switched up our weekend plans and attended a painting class at the local, independently-owned Paint 'n Pour.  The canvas, brushes and paints were provided, while adult beverages were BYOB. Rich, the male counterpart of the married couple that owns Paint 'n Pour, walked us through the lifeguard station painting step-by-step, but allowed the class freedom to make our paintings unique. Greg & I hadn't painted in years (middle school rings a bell), but after a couple drinks the creativity started flowing. We tried to not peek at each others painting until the finished product was complete, and I love how different they turned out! We had such a fun afternoon and walked away with two one-of-kind paintings that not only remind us of California, but also of the beach in our hometown! I can't wait to hang both of them up in our bedroom! There are many locations similar to this concept that are great for a date or girls night - check it out in your area! 

some other summer day date ideas:

•ride bikes on the beach and finish the afternoon with fish tacos•

•pack a picnic in the park complete with a basket full of finger-foods & rosé•

•check out your favorite band in concert - bonus points for an outdoor venue•

{How To} No-Heat Beach Waves

Nothing says summer like beachy waves! My beauty routine becomes lower maintenance in the summer, favoring a BB cream vs. full-on foundation, and opting for natural color instead of bronzer. I also like to create my go-to hair style with less work too by ditching the curling iron and creating beach waves without the damaging heat from styling tools! Just follow these 4 simple steps below for mermaid hair!

1

After showering, put wet hair up in a towel to absorb the excess water. Remove towel about 10-15 minutes later when hair is still slightly damp.

2

Spritz bottom half of hair with Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray and scrunch with hands to give it some texture. 

3

Split hair into two sections on the left & right. Twist hair into low Princess Leia-like buns, and secure with bobby pins instead of a hair ties to avoid a harsh crease.

4

When hair is dry, remove the bobby pins and shake out hair for effortless beachy waves. If your hair doesn't hold a curl well (like my stick-straight hair) apply a medium hold hairspray - I love this one!

MC-gram

{loved my fave blogger's new book just as much as her first!}

{peony season - my favorite!}

{gypsy glam: off-the-shoulder + bell-sleeves paired with leather leggings}

{June gloom in Southern California means grey morning skies}

{never enough basics..new additions: BCBG tanks (white & black) / Zara striped tee}

Follow MC Squared on Instagram @meghanconard

Almond Joy Cookies

{Almond Joy Cookies}

Remixed my chocolate chip recipe again and added coconut & almonds for delicious Almond Joy Cookies!
I also made a dozen Mound Cookies (without almonds) for those with nut allergies.
Check out the recipe below for a unique twist on my fave treat! 

Ingredients:
2 1/4 cup flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 cup (2 sticks) of butter, softened
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp almond extract
1 package vanilla pudding mix
1 cup shredded coconut
1 cup sliced almonds
2 cups chocolate chips

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt. Set aside.
In a stand mixer, on low/medium speed beat together butter, sugar, brown sugar.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add almond extract.
Slowly add flour mixture. Add vanilla pudding mix, beat until dough is thoroughly combined.
Next add the coconut & chocolate chips.
If you're making Mounds, you're done with the cookie dough.
For Almond Joy cookies, add sliced almonds to finish.
I use a 1-inch cookie scoop to place dough on baking sheets, one inch apart.
Bake for 8-9 minutes for crispy-on-the-outside-gooey-on-the-inside cookies! Enjoy!