Featured Blog Posts
Diamonds & Deco Launch
Hello luvs! I am beyond excited to announce that my new collection, Diamonds and Deco, has launched! After days of editing photos and writing product
Diamonds & Deco
As a fashion designer, one of the most thrilling moments of my creative process is preparing for a new drop. It’s the culmination of a
Smoky Quartz Grunge
After wrapping up 2022 in style with Zoe Jakes‘s workshop and her epic performance with Beats Antique at the Music Box on NYE, I’m excited
Spellbound Collection
My Spellbound Collection is embellished with magical hand-drawn imagery illustrated by local San Diego artist Gopi Henna. It features esoteric amulets designed to simultaneously empower and protect
Mystique Collection
The Mystique Collection As a clothing designer, one of the aspects I enjoy the most is collaborating with other artists to create my exclusive prints.
A Little Lighter Podcast with Alicia Free
Last winter I had the pleasure of discovering Alicia Free’s bellydance podcast “A Little Lighter.” Listening to her show made me feel connected to my beloved
Zero Degrees Latitude
Meeting Tata
Tata was Raul’s mother, Melodia’s Ecuadorian grandmother, and the person I eventually learned would be my best friend and partner in crime while I was
OFFERINGS/OFRENDAS
Dedication: The post “Offerings/Ofrendas” is dedicated to my daughter Melodia Mendoza-Medley in remembrance of her father Raul Alfredo Mendoza who passed away before father and
GIFTS FROM HER FATHER
by Deborah Medley Melodiaʼs father, Raul Mendoza, was a musician, a very good musician. He was a self- taught Latin percussionist who specialized in Latin
CALDO DE PATA
CALDO DE PATA Dedicated to my daughter Melodia who always oversaw the lunch preparation in our house in Ecuador. Though she was too young to
LA CASA DE ROY AND THE ILL-FATED TURKEY, Part II
Ill-Fated Turkey Thanksgiving in Ecuador When Melodia and I lived in Ecuador, American Thanksgiving was almost never remembered. We were far removed from American traditions
LA CASA DE ROY AND THE ILL-FATED TURKEY, PART I
THANKSGIVING IN ECUADOR La Casa De Roy I want to introduce you to our house in Salinas, Ecuador, as it was the final resting place
detox-RETOX
Coconut Chocolate Fat Bombs
What’s a fat bomb, you ask…they’re delicious treats that are calorically dense with healthy fats. Subsequently that also means they are low in carbs and
Soup on the Go!
SOUP ON THE GO! Reliable, Delicious, & Nutritious Soup for a Girl on the Go! Things you’ll need… Crock Pot Chicken Broth Bonafied Bone Broth
Good Tempered Chocolate
♡ Good Tempered Chocolate ♡ Make your own box of Raw Bon Bons Chocolate: The Aztecs referred to cacao as “nourishment of the gods”. Chocolate contains the
C.M.R.A. with Melodia
With love in the air, I feel inspired to share with you my favorite self-care practice. Adapted from a technique I learned from compassionate communication
Melo’s Muses No. 3: Cassandra Davis
Please enjoy this thoughtful interview with my friend, former dancing partner, and current CEO of Essential Wipes, Cassandra Davis. First 10 customers to use code
Blood Moon Sangria
Tonight offers a gorgeous full moon in the desert and I suddenly find myself with an unusual hankering for some fragrant, spiced sangria. I don’t
recipes from the blog
GREEN CREAM DREAM SMOOTHIE
Inspired by my favorite Cafe Gratitude smoothy called “I Am Alert,” I decided to try my hand at replicating this creamy drink at home. Ingredients:
Keto Kookies
I grew up a product of the 80’s, an era when calorie-free and fat-free foods became confused as healthy. I have become savvy to the
PALEO “PARTY” PORRIDGE
As the mornings start to get a bit more chilly, I find myself craving a warm cozy breakfast as opposed to my usual blended protein
Sweet Potato Pie
Healthy Dessert I’m not gonna lie… I LOVE PIE. BUT… Life is too short to feel guilt from what one eats, so I love to
Raw Nog
Raw Nog easy as 1-2-3 Try this delicious, raw, and healthy version of our featured holiday Egg Nog “inspired’ drink. Ingredients 3 cups Raw Almonds,
SENSUOUS HOMEMADE CHAI
Ariel’s Magical Chai I have always been enchanted by the rich aroma and exotic flavors in homemade chai. I find that a truly good recipe
MACA-CHOCA-MATE-LATTE
MY INFAMOUS HOT & SPICY APHRODISIAC ELIXIR Easy, yummy, and strong~ just the way I like ‘em! 😉 Brew YERBA MATE tea, 2 cups Heat
SPARKLING TURMERIC TONIC
During the midday heat of a week-long dance festival, my dear friend Jo offered me a sip of her day-glow orange elixir. Not only was
DESSERT FOR BREAKFAST? ABSOLUTELY!
Chia Seed Breakfast Starring: Cha-cha-cha-Chia! Not to date myself, but I recall my introduction to Chia seeds actually came from the catchy Chia Pet jingle