"Good food and great company are two of life's simplest yet greatest pleasures."

Thanks for stopping by! I'm Melanie, author of melaniewinters.com and co-owner/graphic designer at Pixel Loon. While Pixel Loon focuses on graphic design and mobile development for the business world (think logos, branding, advertisements, social media images, reports, etc), melaniewinters.com is for busy families and young women who are rocking it solo or about to start a new chapter (think weddings and babies). 

With recipes, meal plans and a separate blog covering a wide range of my interests, I'm certain you'll find something that's relevant to you! In general, recipes are going to be fairly easy and perfect for weeknight meals. Meal plans are going to focus on planning ahead to use similar ingredients throughout the week and repurpose leftovers to cut down on food waste and your grocery bill. 

Having rheumatoid arthritis, I've found that a gluten free diet has significantly helped manage joint pain without needing medication so you'll find that many of the recipes I post are gluten free or at least have gluten free options available. With pregnancy; however, came the miraculous disappearance of my RA symptoms so gluten has slowly but surely made a comeback, at least for the time being. I still try to include GF options when possible, but you may stumble upon a few recipes that don't have that accommodation. 

Finally, you'll notice a products page.  This is a place where you can find all sorts of digital downloads for holidays and major events. While I love helping businesses develop their brand identities, I'll always have a soft spot for event invitations and extras for weddings, showers and holidays. Melaniewinters.com gives me the opportunity to continue on with this more feminine side of design. Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on new designs and posts. Want something custom designed? Send me a message via the contact page and I'll reach out to get you a free quote and get started on a design that's as unique as your big day! 

"You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you."  

-John Wooden

John Wooden knew what was up - this is certainly a quote I try to live my life by. Some days it's certainly easier said than done though. 

Wife to the most amazing and supportive husband. Soon to be mother to baby girl Winters (or Bdubs as I like to call her for now). Aunt to three of the most adorable nephews in the world. Sister to siblings who I'm lucky enough to call a couple of my best friends. Daughter to parents who demonstrated patience beyond measure and unconditional love during my temper tantrum days and then again throughout years of poor decision-making in and beyond college - their incredible support is the only reason I'm able to do this today and now able to call them a couple of my best friends as well.  

As you can see, I wear many hats just like everyone else. I have so much to be thankful for and try to thank God everyday for these incredible blessings. It's easy to take things for granted, or get caught up in wanting more but one of my main goals everyday is to just enjoy and be grateful for these relationships and take an extra minute to savor each moment with the wonderful people in my life. 

Outside of my and my husband's fabulous family, I have (in my totally unbiased opinion) the best friends in the whole wide world and a second family with the West Metro Warriors - a delegation of Special Olympics Minnesota. Having coached and volunteered in a variety of capacities since 2011, my time with these incredible athletes and their families has changed my life. I look forward to sharing this special community with my own kids one day. 

When I'm not working, coaching or volunteering, you'll likely find my husband and I on the golf course or cruising around Lake Minnetonka or grilling out/playing outside with the family.  I didn't necessarily think I'd end up settling down back where I grew up, but that's the nice thing about Excelsior, Minnesota - you can travel the world but there's no place better to come back to and raise a family (again, in my totally unbiased opinion...). It is awesome to have family so close and a plethora of lakes, golf courses and a quaint downtown right at our fingertips! 

Cheers to living life to the fullest, enjoying every moment with those you love dearly and helping others.  Good food and great company. That really is what makes life worth living. 

*Photography Credits: Top and middle by Dan Oksnevad Photography.  Bottom by Brian Winters.