There are a few trends that I’m really investing in this summer, like cowboy hats, fitted tops, matching sets, and classy dresses, but I especially love this gorgeous shade of lime green high-waist pants and loose off-the-shoulder blouse! 💚 It’s such a fun, vibrant color. Lime green was not a color I thought would match me, but I might be wrong, because this two-piece from Uoozee.com is proving otherwise.

Lime green is not the easiest to pull off, in my opinion, and I didn't expect the camel-colored cowboy hat to match so well. I was not sure about the shoe color, so I went online to browse for lime green outfit ideas, and that's how I went with white.



With its lightweight polyester fabric, this two-piece set is the perfect choice for a summer vacation on the beach and gatherings. There’s so many ways you can style this set depending on the vibe or situation, but I really wanted to play safe, so I paired the set with my white cover heels I bought from Temu.

Enjoy 15% off when shopping from Uoozee.com when you use the code: melody
 
What do you think about my lime green outfit?



Competitive chefs competitng for the best dish in the kitchen

Have you ever been to a cooking or baking show, or maybe even had the chance to judge one? Whether you have or haven’t, I’ve got a question for you.

I was watching the Blue Ribbon Baking Championship on Netflix last night, and while I was impressed by the skill and creativity on display—those desserts and cakes were works of art—I noticed something interesting. One of the female judges seemed to absolutely love moist cakes, another judge was all about the taste, regardless of how things looked, and there was a third judge who tried to balance it all out.

When it comes to judging a cooking or baking competition, there are so many factors at play. Think about it: our upbringing, cultural background, personal taste, and even what we grew up eating all come into play. We tend to fall back on what we know best. So, when judges critique a dish, they’re not just evaluating it in a vacuum—they’re bringing all of these personal experiences and preferences into the mix.

It got me thinking: is there really a definitive “best” cook or baker in these competitions? It seems like it really depends on what each judge prefers. For instance, I’m not a fan of moist cakes, so if I were a judge, I probably wouldn’t score them highly. It’s kind of like how some people like their bacon crispy, while others prefer it a bit burnt.

So, does winning a cooking competition really come down to what the judges or taste testers like? Like, if their taste preferences match what you’ve made, does that give you an edge? Yes, it does. It seems like you’d be in a better spot if their palates are into what you’re serving!


Also, don't forget that how full or hungry you are can totally affect how good the food tastes! If you're starving, even a simple dish can seem amazing, while if you're already stuffed, it might not seem as impressive.

So here’s my big question: In a cooking or baking competition, is there truly a best cook or baker, or is it more about which contestant aligns with the judges’ personal preferences? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.

Photo Credit: Andrew


I’m bubbling with joy as I write this, and I can’t wait to share why! 😊

Let me start by saying I’m absolutely head over heels in love with nature—especially on those glorious sunny days when everything seems to sparkle with happiness. Being surrounded by trees and greenery just makes my heart sing! This Scottish summer, with its crisp, cool air, was a dream come true, and I’m so grateful to have spent it exploring with my special someone.

When we decided to venture out and discover more of Scotland, I took on the role of finding charming spots, and boy, did we hit the jackpot with Loch Lomond!

Loch Lomond is located in the West Dunbartonshire and Stirling council areas. It is approximately 20 miles (32 kilometers) northwest of Glasgow.

We drove for about 49 minutes to reach this gem, and every second was worth it. The road leading to Loch Lomond isn’t very wide, but it’s packed with breathtaking views. We had so much fun listening to our favorite Nigerian songs, making videos, and soaking in the scenery. From cute houses to picturesque cattle and sheep farms, the drive itself was an adventure. We even had a tiny hiccup with navigation but got back on track thanks to some friendly locals. And guess what? We didn’t even check the weather beforehand, but we were blessed with a perfect sunny day!

As soon as we arrived and parked, we were greeted by the lovely RSPB Scotland Loch Lomond. They’re all about protecting nature and preserving wildlife. We met a wonderful lady from the organization who shared her passion for the place and showed us the map to explore. The office had a solar panel in front and she even mentioned they’re working on new toilets—how cool is that? Great job, RSPB.

One of our first stops was a viewpoint where we could see the majestic Ben Lomond. It’s one of Scotland’s famous Munros, and the view was absolutely stunning. We snapped tons of photos, made some fun videos, and just basked in the beauty of it all.

We explored the picnic area, which had a charming spot by the water and some cool hilly paths. The old orchid field was like stepping into a wildflower wonderland—so pretty and peaceful.

We also visited a tree-planting area, which is part of their reforestation efforts. There was even a perfect little table and chair set up for a cozy afternoon.

William Thomson Bridge

Walking across the William Thomson Bridge, we were surrounded by beautiful papyrus grasses, adding to the enchanting atmosphere.

The fairytale spot

And then we stumbled upon a spot that felt like something out of a fairy tale. It was serene and perfect for unwinding or reading a book.

The highlight of our day was reaching Loch Lomond. This freshwater loch is fed by several rivers and flows into the River Leven. We enjoyed a lovely 30-minute walk through lush greenery, feeling the fresh breeze and listening to birds chirping. Nature really does have a way of making everything feel magical.

The sight was beyond amazing! We played around in the water and even plan to go back for a deep. We saw a family paddling out of the water. I took the photos were they had spread their towel and it turned out to be a lovely backdrop.

Have you checked out my denim-on-denim cowboy outfit? It’s absolutely stunning! 😍 I loved reading all your comments and seeing how much everyone liked it. The best part? It wasn’t even planned! I originally wanted to wear a skirt and the denim top, with the option to change if the weather turned or to avoid any pesky thorns or bugs. But guess what? The denim-on-denim look turned out to be perfect with my skinny jeans. While I do love pairing the skirt with the top, the denim-on-denim vibe plus that cowboy hat is just everything!

Discover the top attractions, activities and sightseeing locations, hiking trails and day trip itinerary in Loch Lomond, Scotland.

Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne illness, is on the rise in the US. Here’s a quick guide on what dengue is and how you can protect yourself:

Mosquitoes are way more than just an annoying buzz in the summer. They can actually carry some pretty serious diseases, like West Nile virus, malaria, and Zika. Recently, there's been a strange increase in dengue fever cases in the US, which is a bit concerning.

So, what’s dengue and where is it showing up in the US? Dengue is caused by one of four related viruses, and not everyone who gets it will feel sick. If you do get symptoms, it usually feels like the flu and starts a few days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. If you have a fever and any of these symptoms—headaches, joint or muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, or a rash—it's a good idea to see a doctor, especially if you’ve been in an area where dengue is common.

Severe cases of dengue can be serious, leading to symptoms like low blood pressure, bleeding, stomach swelling, or extreme fatigue. These need immediate medical attention, and often require hospital care. But don’t worry too much—deaths from dengue in the US are rare.

Dengue isn’t spread directly from person to person; it’s spread through mosquitoes that have bitten someone already infected. So, if someone travels from a high-risk area with dengue and then gets bitten by a mosquito in the US, that mosquito can spread the virus further.

In the US, dengue cases are mostly reported in places like Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the US Virgin Islands, and in states like Florida, New York, Massachusetts, and California. While there’s been an increase, it’s still not as widespread as in other parts of the world.
Oh my gosh, imagine this! So, I was walking around Sighthill Cemetery, all by myself, right? And suddenly, I see this guy with his whole face covered, wearing a full face mask, and he's riding a bicycle, right towards me. At first, I was like, "Wait a minute, I'm the only one here! What if he tries to snatch my phone?" I started thinking, "Okay, maybe I should put my phone inside my bag and get ready to run." But then I thought, "No, just walk; you’re fine." And guess what? I was totally fine!

I visited Sighthill Cemetery on a Sunday evening because the sun was still shining bright and beautiful. I really wanted to take photos of the cemetery, read about it, and share all this info with you guys on the blog. And I'm so glad I finally did it after passing by here like 100 times already. It was such an adventure!




So what is the Sighthill cemetery in Glasgow about?

Sighthill Cemetery is a super old cemetery right in the middle of Glasgow. It’s been around since 1840; can you believe that? It remains active, indicating that people continue to use it for various purposes. There's even a working crematorium there. It’s located in the Sighthill neighborhood, right on the A803 Springburn Road. It’s kind of between Cowlairs Park and Petershill Park, just north of the city center. And to the north, it’s bordered by Keppochhill Road.

The gates are totally gorgeous and were designed by John Stephen of Scott, Stephen & Gale back in 1839. They have this super fancy Greek style. The cemetery itself opened in 1840, and the very first burial happened on April 24th of that year.


The cemetery has some pretty famous people buried there too! There's Andrew White, John Baird, and Andrew Hardie, who were all involved in the "Radical Rising" of 1820. They were executed for treason, which is so intense. Originally, they were buried in paupers' graves in Stirling, but in 1847, their remains were brought back to Glasgow and reburied at Sighthill. Andrew White was actually one of the nineteen people whose death sentences were commuted. He was sent to Australia but came back to Scotland years later and passed away in Glasgow Royal Infirmary in 1872.

And there’s also Duncan Brown, a really talented amateur photographer who lived from 1819 to 1897. His work gives us a peek into what life was like in Glasgow from the 1850s to the 1890s. Isn’t that just fascinating?

One hat style that's totally trending lately is the cowboy hat! When I wore this hat, all I could think of was Beyoncé’s “This Ain’t Texas” song. I caught the cowboy bug and now I really want a pair of cowboy boots! I’ve always loved the cowboy style, and starting with a hat was a perfect first step.

It’s been ages since I wore denim on denim, and what better way to spend my day off than in skinny jeans by the seaside? 

Denim on denim can have such a fun twist, especially when you’re rocking it by the seaside. The Western look can be tailored to your personal style. There are no rules to getting it right. Western-inspired wardrobes are super comfortable and suit everyone.

If you're curious about how to rock a cowboy hat, you've come to the right place. I’ve been obsessed with this new trend, and there's no sign of it slowing down.



Cowboy fashion is all about comfort and versatility, and the best part is there are no strict rules. Whether you go for a full-on fringe look or just a hint of Western charm, you’re sure to make a stylish statement. So grab your cowboy hat, maybe those boots, and embrace the trend with confidence!

It does not matter if you’re a hardcore fan of Western style or just want to add some personality to your wardrobe, mastering the art of wearing a cowboy hat can elevate your fashion game. When Queen Bee herself, Beyoncé, wears it, you know it’s gotta be good. 

The classic cowboy look has been a staple in American fashion for over a century.



While walking on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, I stumbled upon the old swinger bridge. What I enjoyed most is the water view and blue skies.

The Old Swinger swing bridge is located on the Glasgow branch of the Forth and Clyde Canal at North Canal Bank Street in Glasgow, Scotland, UK.

This is a decommissioned single-track swing bridge that once carried the Port Dundas Branch (Caledonian Railway) over the Forth and Clyde Canal from north Port Dundas Mid Wharf over the canal to North Spiers Wharf. The span swung from its south end.

There was a small goods shed on the north wharf Port Dundas Goods [CR] immediately to the north that was rail served.

There was a short siding at the southeast end of the bridge, approached from the southeast and on the north side of the line. This was to serve an oil store.

The bridge remained closed after falling into disuse as the canal was also out of use. It is now fixed open, having been restored in the 2000s.

The base of a signal post remains nearby on the north bank of the canal.

A double lifting road bridge is just to the east. Nearby is a beached barge that was recovered from the basin.

These photos were taken on June 9, 2024. I began my walk around the Old Swinger at 2:56 PM on a sunny Sunday afternoon.

Port Dundas Swing Bridge: The Old Swinger



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