Love Lounge: Let's talk Leap Day!

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVDcExKnMQCKhg5wiDqGTawgCfI5rp6LGnHxF-DDS7cDbjJhqaTYPxw6otaJ9TrMEC9Jv1dy9uqd1r-_LTc-W0slAtIIm1FwnyHGrRQOdJqNz6atcg7M-BJLOUMoRNAlwgcZCvXIUCEU/s1600/01.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714655886380895122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVDcExKnMQCKhg5wiDqGTawgCfI5rp6LGnHxF-DDS7cDbjJhqaTYPxw6otaJ9TrMEC9Jv1dy9uqd1r-_LTc-W0slAtIIm1FwnyHGrRQOdJqNz6atcg7M-BJLOUMoRNAlwgcZCvXIUCEU/s400/01.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" /></a>Leaping lizards. Leaps and bounds. Leaps of faith. Leap frogs. <br /><br />Life offers hurdles and hurdles of leaps. There’s the literal leap you take when you’re 6-years-old and realize jumping into the puddle of mud is fun. There’s the leap you take when you get your first job – you’re not too sure what to expect or if you’re up to the challenge, but you take the leap anyway. There’s the leap you take when you move across the country in search of your dream job, dream love or even your dream house. There’s the leap you take when, on a whim, you tell that guy how you feel, because you know if you don’t do it now, you’ll lose your cool.<br /><br />And then there are leaps that somehow just find themselves in your lap. It isn’t important how it got there. It’s a free gift waiting to be opened by you. People the world over are celebrating an extra day today so special that it only graces us with its presence once every four years.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHkXiii6gWurkJ-pHb7WCAgIO6BNTWTGvJiGipmywqXrRFoIDZAp208xinrqKJCtRNyjCyrcC6cEsgH1-M7ZXzI8DRyXWKrP16WMDVZS1YMcH47k7RctIBR5abHcEMNH56L3FynIN_zQg/s1600/02.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714655889299052162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHkXiii6gWurkJ-pHb7WCAgIO6BNTWTGvJiGipmywqXrRFoIDZAp208xinrqKJCtRNyjCyrcC6cEsgH1-M7ZXzI8DRyXWKrP16WMDVZS1YMcH47k7RctIBR5abHcEMNH56L3FynIN_zQg/s400/02.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a>I’ve been thinking about leaps a lot lately. When does a leap become a foolish plunge? And can we ever really know the difference between the two, or are we destined to repeat our mistakes over and over until we get it right? Isn’t life really just one giant leap after another? A chance taken. A question asked. A moment lived. A tear shed. A laugh chuckled. A risk, well, risked? <br /><br />It takes a certain type of person to take the plunge. Because let’s face it: Leaping off the edge is a scary proposition. Will there be a safety net down below to catch us? It’d be so easy to back away from the fire down below, but the risk there? You’ll never feel the warm flame. And worse yet, you’ll be forever wondering, “What if?” What if I’d taken the chance and put myself out there? What if I’d actually, shock, lived a little? What will you be doing, friends?<br /><br /><em><strong>**Special Offer: Stephanie of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LuxeBoulevard">Luxe Boulevard</a> is offering readers a special 29% off their order in honor of Leap Year! Just enter LEAPYEAR2012 at checkout.**</strong></em><br /><br />[Photos via <a href="http://weheartit.com/">We Heart It</a>]

Love Lounge: Let's talk Leap Day!

Leaping lizards. Leaps and bounds. Leaps of faith. Leap frogs. Life offers hurdles and hurdles of leaps. There’s the literal leap you take w...

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Found: The perfect luggage tags

<div align="center"></div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7185/6941439605_e8851e2911_z.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7185/6941439605_e8851e2911_z.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 527px; margin: 0px auto 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="http://www.dormify.com/fun-functional/travel/luggage-tag">These</a> make me want to pack a bag and head out on the open road.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What was the last vacation you took, friends? xoxo</span><br /><br />[Via <a href="http://www.refinery29.com/dormify-retro-luggage-tags">Refinery29</a>]

Found: The perfect luggage tags

These make me want to pack a bag and head out on the open road. What was the last vacation you took, friends? xoxo [Via Refinery29 ]

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How I Feel (In 5 Photos) Wednesday.

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WpyLrRj2Z9ci8CJunQ2ZOV1SPToC3tGK6bE0k_mN5sDHVYOSicLuPPCr7IGEOV3sA2YHIiDAx3kdIv3xxwzW9JZZc94bDksT3uhmFa8FmdJXmIBrwY2QZ-t4dqYdLq6Z6NkqoF9B8yo/s1600/01.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714584127167340594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WpyLrRj2Z9ci8CJunQ2ZOV1SPToC3tGK6bE0k_mN5sDHVYOSicLuPPCr7IGEOV3sA2YHIiDAx3kdIv3xxwzW9JZZc94bDksT3uhmFa8FmdJXmIBrwY2QZ-t4dqYdLq6Z6NkqoF9B8yo/s400/01.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYaj7cyXtbD5zGfIvjw2xMtTAEE7sCA4fjIguSU-T-vkQgBHrOkmWJKhruMmBgvqD2AhH7-Ab900xu_OqpiaWvOamp1Ul0mUu65DgObYtlH-pvr_QxcSM2-oQvLVxa04hnVUlMQesE6yM/s1600/02.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714584122192578258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYaj7cyXtbD5zGfIvjw2xMtTAEE7sCA4fjIguSU-T-vkQgBHrOkmWJKhruMmBgvqD2AhH7-Ab900xu_OqpiaWvOamp1Ul0mUu65DgObYtlH-pvr_QxcSM2-oQvLVxa04hnVUlMQesE6yM/s400/02.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 263px;" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0hsdWeoiKiYU8u2kRZjexSB8lpuf-t45TX9YLvyQjZteiADo5bL3O-7vBEXmCh0aKOdaHaZOAoUa5UC9AELDl44OSPOOfZ_85d3uD5RZJ7D3CvgTHtdbxukSxBnChuquPyG3bqagYXI/s1600/03.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714584121627590690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0hsdWeoiKiYU8u2kRZjexSB8lpuf-t45TX9YLvyQjZteiADo5bL3O-7vBEXmCh0aKOdaHaZOAoUa5UC9AELDl44OSPOOfZ_85d3uD5RZJ7D3CvgTHtdbxukSxBnChuquPyG3bqagYXI/s400/03.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8g_8BKeu9uIX3diU2dEzcaX6cuqKm7rln4jClAnTTZCNiq76_4OhKd8FUcu2TE26BmNb_Vm5oKDL-QxK3QLg5-YtUJpjDvyJsSwvf6RHPHkA6Sy0PDGgZEmB4wbOwZz2Q9MYCQkGOsg/s1600/04.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714584119788118338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8g_8BKeu9uIX3diU2dEzcaX6cuqKm7rln4jClAnTTZCNiq76_4OhKd8FUcu2TE26BmNb_Vm5oKDL-QxK3QLg5-YtUJpjDvyJsSwvf6RHPHkA6Sy0PDGgZEmB4wbOwZz2Q9MYCQkGOsg/s400/04.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5J2L5kkPqZLdVVenb6zec0qFbngKaBedf2e2WFb0l6TyLOQLCeuH5f7SVdoS6MRLEPmwo8KxAMuKeLLUa27rRRjhoxSBsW_9DzeyAgMsrNAiMPXnvE9oR3-zmOIk4dQv0a15pybdaNWU/s1600/05.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714584107904712162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5J2L5kkPqZLdVVenb6zec0qFbngKaBedf2e2WFb0l6TyLOQLCeuH5f7SVdoS6MRLEPmwo8KxAMuKeLLUa27rRRjhoxSBsW_9DzeyAgMsrNAiMPXnvE9oR3-zmOIk4dQv0a15pybdaNWU/s400/05.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a><span style="font-style:italic;">"Stop playing with my heart...finish what you start."</span> --Madonna<br /><br />[Photos via <a href="http://mysummertwist.tumblr.com/">My Summer Twist</a>]

How I Feel (In 5 Photos) Wednesday.

"Stop playing with my heart...finish what you start." --Madonna [Photos via My Summer Twist ]

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Beauty Queen

<em>It's sort of funny, but this one came to me as I was brushing my teeth and getting ready for bed last night. It's one of my more sassy ones about how not every girl is a Barbie Doll or a, well, beauty queen. It's a girl power anthem against fitting into that sort of mold because being real and being yourself is so much more beautiful. xoxo</em><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihaUKHRukfN4iBKSlk0PVbBX0fLz-mH7HxasZh4RxcDTIYzY8G-IQgW5VUh31EAi9Hu-0NfArugRtXhdzK7scWkE04i_2eVSF2DcUyYXDg5mG6kqI2p4NfzEI32KqXpP1WOayctsmtLg/s1600/aa.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714245741851426258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihaUKHRukfN4iBKSlk0PVbBX0fLz-mH7HxasZh4RxcDTIYzY8G-IQgW5VUh31EAi9Hu-0NfArugRtXhdzK7scWkE04i_2eVSF2DcUyYXDg5mG6kqI2p4NfzEI32KqXpP1WOayctsmtLg/s400/aa.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 283px;" /></a><em><div align="center">Here she comes now<br />I can see her walking down the block<br />A picture of perfection with a million-dollar smile<br />Like she just walked off the assembly line<br /><br />Well, she's a walkin', talkin' beauty queen<br />That still don't mean she's got anything on me<br />So let her try to change the world<br />Bat those pretty little eyes<br />That don't mean there's any truth to her lies<br />Just remember, just remember, just remember<br />Sometimes the beauty queens are the ugly ones<br /><br />I know I don't look like her<br />You'd be surprised at what you'll find, if only you'd dig a little deeper<br />She may be a nice piece of arm candy to show off to everyone<br />But candy, it gets sour when left out in the sun too long<br /><br />Well, she's a walkin', talkin' beauty queen<br />That still don't mean she's got anything on me<br />So let her try to change the world<br />Bat those pretty little eyes<br />That don't mean there's any truth to her lies<br />Just remember, just remember, just remember<br />Sometimes the beauty queens are the ugly ones<br /><br />So you pinch her just to make sure she's really<br />And all the while, you wonder why you never feel anything when you're with her<br /><br />Well, she's a walkin', talkin' beauty queen<br />That still don't mean she's got anything on me<br />So let her try to change the world<br />Bat those pretty little eyes<br />That don't mean there's any truth to her lies<br />Just remember, just remember, just remember<br />Sometimes the beauty queens are the ugly ones<br /><br />Well, she's a walkin', talkin' beauty queen<br />That still don't mean she's got anything on me<br />So let her try to change the world<br />Bat those pretty little eyes<br />That don't mean there's any truth to her lies<br />Just remember, just remember, just remember<br />Sometimes the beauty queens are the ugly ones<br /><br />You never feel anything when you're with her</div></em><br /><br />[Photo via <a href="http://audreyhepburncomplex.tumblr.com/post/18043367374">Audrey Hepburn Complex</a>]

Beauty Queen

It's sort of funny, but this one came to me as I was brushing my teeth and getting ready for bed last night. It's one of my more sas...

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Question of the Week: Question #15

<em>Last week, I posted half of the recent interview I had with the lovely Sarah of <a href="http://www.yesandyes.org/">Yes and Yes</a>. She interviewed me for her True Story series, and I'd love to share the rest of my answers with you today, friends! I hope you enjoy it, and as always, feel free to send me your own questions to mellow1422 [at] aol [dot] com, or leave them in the comments below! xoxo</em><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbt72uuJHv1BwWIK6WoaQ6P78xA1c2Pd_WKEFlol-qLuCu_d5KdzA3yz1a1hnTm-l3B7M62wZCY2BbNygSP5erbUhrwFcWjIINJamAXzYqtxF29K7UsYg4W9hv9KMiY2M4chh5waSivU/s1600/aa.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714238034454439202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbt72uuJHv1BwWIK6WoaQ6P78xA1c2Pd_WKEFlol-qLuCu_d5KdzA3yz1a1hnTm-l3B7M62wZCY2BbNygSP5erbUhrwFcWjIINJamAXzYqtxF29K7UsYg4W9hv9KMiY2M4chh5waSivU/s400/aa.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a><strong>What are the biggest misconceptions about disability and dating? </strong><br />Definitely that women with disabilities aren't interested in dating. Sometimes, people forget that we're just like them. Maybe they think that we have "more important things to worry about," but we want love just like anyone else. <br /><br /><strong>How have the people in your life reacted to your dating life? </strong><br />Actually, people in my life haven't ever been very vocal about my dating life. I'm not sure if that's a good or a bad thing. Thank goodness, no one has ever said anything offensive. Maybe they didn't see me making a big deal about my dating life and took their cue from me. I've found with my disability that if people don't know what to say, then they don't say anything at all. And honestly, I'd rather have them ask than not ask. It's not like I have some big secret that I don't want to talk about. <br /><br /><strong>What advice would you give to anybody in a similar situation? </strong><br />Be honest. Be true to yourself. My parents raised me with the belief that I could do anything, and it's that sense of independence that has made me reach for so many things in life. Yes, there are obstacles in my way because of my disability, but I don't let them stop me. I'm grateful for all their encouragement.<br /><br />[Photo via <a href="http://www.leloveimage.blogspot.com/2012/02/gift-to-be-loved-by-you.html">Le Love</a>]

Question of the Week: Question #15

Last week, I posted half of the recent interview I had with the lovely Sarah of Yes and Yes . She interviewed me for her True Story series, ...

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The United Plates: Food meets art

<div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7061/6938431903_78ddf930f5_z.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7061/6938431903_78ddf930f5_z.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 509px;" /></a><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7058/6792338340_1d69828f0d_z.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7058/6792338340_1d69828f0d_z.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 509px;" /></a><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7184/6938461757_0ce777fe23_z.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7184/6938461757_0ce777fe23_z.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 509px;" /></a><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7200/6938487339_af5c8de9b0_z.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7200/6938487339_af5c8de9b0_z.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 509px;" /></a><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7036/6938514099_b79862bd99_z.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7036/6938514099_b79862bd99_z.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 509px;" /></a><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7068/6938563055_6b54ce4672_z.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7068/6938563055_6b54ce4672_z.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 509px;" /></a><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7184/6938581155_1920510491_z.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7184/6938581155_1920510491_z.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 509px;" /></a>Have you guys seen <a href="http://www.shorthandedstudio.com/">The United Plates</a> series by artist and illustrator John Holcomb? His series cleverly uses food to shape each of the 50 states -- and Puerto Rico! I'd love to dedicate an entire wall in my home to displaying every state I've ever visited!<br /><br />P.S. State <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2010/10/state-pillows.html">pillows</a>, <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/06/geography-magnets.html">magnets</a> and a deeper look at the <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2009/06/vacation-series-real-look-at-family.html">classic family vacation</a>! :)<br /><br />[Via <a href="http://www.doubletakesblog.com/2012/02/united-plates-john-holcomb.html">Double Takes</a>]

The United Plates: Food meets art

Have you guys seen The United Plates series by artist and illustrator John Holcomb? His series cleverly uses food to shape each of t...

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An Open Letter To Rihanna

Dear Rihanna:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhneXhpLRAhiqMggpkVdaR9Ey2t02ixlnPNy7Hh7gEPfOZ1ni-W82YI5dBmEv1ud4irJa_KJqtfL4fhHplOf2uzYKFyk5ztoIlFNJ3pfshunUAXvOVcovyQONkbtjUDs5el8tq7Fnkjc5A/s1600/01.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713918195370238690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhneXhpLRAhiqMggpkVdaR9Ey2t02ixlnPNy7Hh7gEPfOZ1ni-W82YI5dBmEv1ud4irJa_KJqtfL4fhHplOf2uzYKFyk5ztoIlFNJ3pfshunUAXvOVcovyQONkbtjUDs5el8tq7Fnkjc5A/s400/01.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a>I've always admired you. You've always projected this air of strength and independence that is so inspiring, especially in today's world where those very things are so easily looked down on. You're fearless. You're the woman who isn't afraid of anything.<br /><br />But now? Well, I'm worried that I'm worrying enough for the both of us. You see, ever since I discovered that you're <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/20/rihanna-chris-brown-reunite-on-two-remixes_n_1289805.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000003">possibly collaborating with Chris Brown</a>, I can't help but feel like my heart is sinking just a little bit. I worry about you. I'm sad for you. Everyone and their brother seems to be mad at you, and I'll admit that my face was red with rage when I first heard the news. A million little questions ran through my mind, like...<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">What is she thinking?<br />How stupid must she be?<br />Did she just forget everything he did to her?</span><br /><br />And the more I thought about it -- and the more questions I asked myself -- the more I realized just how anger-fueled these questions were. To paraphrase Adele, there was a fire burning in my heart. I was seething mad. Just like the rest of the world. But unlike the rest of the world, I'm not angry with you. I'm angry -- burning with anger, remember -- at him. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwS2TOBoX3C2w9KLHFlQZyLMgy33-9mhZ1NwrWMRkfYRYBga-mIxmoTAxVun-26Mz-98VNVAxlSDTYwNSpRKhVPImljF6VnAq3m9tR1x_FHkrGCoE9WznuG-tWOgZ4VZQGs8mpJzVn8Eg/s1600/02.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713918191598373410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwS2TOBoX3C2w9KLHFlQZyLMgy33-9mhZ1NwrWMRkfYRYBga-mIxmoTAxVun-26Mz-98VNVAxlSDTYwNSpRKhVPImljF6VnAq3m9tR1x_FHkrGCoE9WznuG-tWOgZ4VZQGs8mpJzVn8Eg/s400/02.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" /></a>So that's precisely what this letter is about. It's about how you're worth it. It's about how no guy is worth any part of you if he doesn't respect all of you. You're deserving of a love in which you don't have to compromise or settle. Yes, it can be scary to move on, but a lot of times, we're stronger than we give ourselves credit for. Sometimes moving on means getting in touch with that stronger self we never knew we had.<br /><br />You once sang about finding love in a hopeless place. Maybe that love isn't with another person. Maybe it's a love for yourself. Because once you have that love (it's the sort of greatest love of all that the great Whitney Houston once sang of...), no one -- especially a guy -- can take it away from you. It's yours. There's a certain power in knowing that, isn't there? So, I hope you'll find it. On your own terms, because you most certainly deserve it.<br /><br />[Photos via <a href="http://www.thefrisky.com/">The Frisky</a> and <a href="http://www.leloveimage.blogspot.com/">Le Love</a>]

An Open Letter To Rihanna

Dear Rihanna: I've always admired you. You've always projected this air of strength and independence that is so inspiring, especiall...

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My 100-Word Love Story: On remembering a quarter century of love, marriage and children

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6Nv-I9KGKSGradzn4uVGCGwlIIqu6YESm-1suFcZMPRiwiLdSTA77edoUNHBJX_icd_5IMR6fomZjbThlRL3hnUWil6VSQminw31x5fwcRGL9Q4NhLk3kPTJZFXQrmT8ivedcgri830/s1600/aa.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713621242907940178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6Nv-I9KGKSGradzn4uVGCGwlIIqu6YESm-1suFcZMPRiwiLdSTA77edoUNHBJX_icd_5IMR6fomZjbThlRL3hnUWil6VSQminw31x5fwcRGL9Q4NhLk3kPTJZFXQrmT8ivedcgri830/s400/aa.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 316px;" /></a>When Melissa asked me to write a few words for her <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/100-word%20love%20stories">Valentine's love column</a>, I gladly agreed. Then I spent the next week hemming and hawing about what to write. I couldn’t think of anything that would be “<em>Valentine worthy</em>.” But, then I got to thinking: Isn’t a marriage that lasted almost 25 years and produced two beautiful children enough to call it a love story? And, isn’t a marriage where my husband rubbed my back every single night for those 25 years enough for a love story? What about the memories I carry close to my heart, even today, almost 9 years after his death? All the days spent in the hospital with Melissa during her 26 surgeries ought to qualify us for some sort of place in the annals of devotion! Being able to be with Brian every single day for 4 months during his cancer treatment was indeed a gift for our marriage. Even the ordinary days were special when we were together. There was always laughter in our home and hearts. Even today, long after I ceased being a wife, I can feel him with me every day. I guess ours is a Valentine-worthy love story after all! Happy Valentine’s Day, Brian.<br /><br /><strong>--By Sharon, mother of the blogger</strong>

My 100-Word Love Story: On remembering a quarter century of love, marriage and children

When Melissa asked me to write a few words for her Valentine's love column , I gladly agreed. Then I spent the next week hemming and haw...

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Sponsor Spotlight: Wedding Favors

<em>Friends, a little fact about me: When springtime rolls around, I tend to get a little case of wedding fever. So, I was so happy when I got the chance to interview the lovely folks behind <a href="http://www.weddingfavors.org/">Wedding Favors</a> recently. With everything from <a href="http://www.weddingfavors.org/personalized-wedding-favors">personalized wedding favors</a> to <a href="http://www.weddingfavors.org/bridal-shower-favors">bridal shower favors</a>, I want to reach through the screen and plan a wedding. Read on for the inside scoop...<br /><br />P.S. Look for a little surprise gift for So About What I Said... readers at the end of the interview! :)</em><br /><br /><strong>Keep in touch...</strong><br />Official Web site: <a href="http://www.weddingfavors.org/">Wedding Favors</a><br />Become a fan on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/WeddingFavorsorg/124767197572811">Facebook</a><br />Follow on <a href="http://twitter.com/wed_Favors">Twitter</a><br />Read about the latest wedding trends and news on their <a href="http://www.weddingfavors.org/blog/">blog</a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tDM8tygXWnD42fEy84SUXSGpzbBRH-UJs0Y-lmvAy4ssI0K8CZ9hT-FCt6o6H0CPWqSYa-lynyiiFpyijLerUnvqg4IYFvwSh1cw41IdY8zcgDBWlkEK4fq4FrvhV6EJgHRK_Dcu-ac/s1600/wedding.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713582134491266386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tDM8tygXWnD42fEy84SUXSGpzbBRH-UJs0Y-lmvAy4ssI0K8CZ9hT-FCt6o6H0CPWqSYa-lynyiiFpyijLerUnvqg4IYFvwSh1cw41IdY8zcgDBWlkEK4fq4FrvhV6EJgHRK_Dcu-ac/s400/wedding.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 130px;" /></a><strong>So tell me a bit about <a href="http://www.weddingfavors.org/">Wedding Favors</a>.</strong><br />We have been in the wedding industry since 2004. We strive to provide brides with quality favors and also keep up with trends. Brides can use a unique tool we developed called the Favor Finder. This helps brides narrow thousands of favors down to just the ones that fit their price, color, season and event.<br /><br /><strong>What inspired you to start it?</strong><br />We felt there was a need in the wedding industry to provide quality favors with great service. We knew we could offer both and still keep competitive prices. <br /><br /><strong>What's your best piece of advice for people looking for great online shopping deals?</strong><br />Make sure you can trust the Web sites you are buying from. Do they back their product up? <a href="http://www.weddingfavors.org/">Wedding Favors</a> has an industry-best return policy. We offer full refund plus pay for return shipping back to our warehouse.<br /><br /><strong>In this recession economy, what are some ways people can still look chic for less?</strong><br />Find what you like and watch for deals or sales.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZn89z8zcIjTnGfjQdwdhanJgzrg_2xTio0I-TJwoYTUA-KlMjr1JWp3rfAbH0duEclYJjnqTnp58fxu9usk2OD7asuYD486n_liAJBStnmdACchfnQJBg49xVnvsyuQa2htOo2vPqdt4/s1600/aa.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713583582362184434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZn89z8zcIjTnGfjQdwdhanJgzrg_2xTio0I-TJwoYTUA-KlMjr1JWp3rfAbH0duEclYJjnqTnp58fxu9usk2OD7asuYD486n_liAJBStnmdACchfnQJBg49xVnvsyuQa2htOo2vPqdt4/s400/aa.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" /></a><strong>What is your favorite item in your shop and why?</strong><br />I would say the <a href="http://www.weddingfavors.org/favors/chalkboard-frosted-glass-tealight-holder-set-of-4">chalkboard frosted-glass tealight holder</a>. It is a fairly new favor and is unique to anything else we offer.<br /><br /><em><strong>**Special Offer: <a href="http://www.weddingfavors.org/">Wedding Favors</a> is offering readers a 15% discount on orders over $69. Use coupon code SHOWER15 at checkout!</strong></em>

Sponsor Spotlight: Wedding Favors

Friends, a little fact about me: When springtime rolls around, I tend to get a little case of wedding fever. So, I was so happy when I got t...

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Man Candy Monday.

Good morning, friends! I hope your week is off to a rousing start. By now, you all know just how much I love to laugh, and there are a few guys who seem to know the direct route to my funny bone. So, let's honor them over the next several weeks, shall we? First up: A guy who's boyish smile could light up a room. He's down-to-earth. He's the kind of guy your parents would love. And, of course, he's an incredible writer (<em>sexy brain alert!</em>)...<br /><br />SETH MEYERS!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6nMRMympq-hBRKnFZhNVC9Bc6GkOSG0BrtZiuctwzCa_vfkZ8d-tvOJj8rx2xuBGdkbcl0TFef00UHPTWGMgtvDbyV8Ieq7PQW4TMu6K5zw53itac1UN9cA0_bH_wOatheYwRnOLtVQ/s1600/aa.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713562577784422706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6nMRMympq-hBRKnFZhNVC9Bc6GkOSG0BrtZiuctwzCa_vfkZ8d-tvOJj8rx2xuBGdkbcl0TFef00UHPTWGMgtvDbyV8Ieq7PQW4TMu6K5zw53itac1UN9cA0_bH_wOatheYwRnOLtVQ/s400/aa.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7205/6786753136_b03838b28d_z.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7205/6786753136_b03838b28d_z.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 535px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2wF_6Audd8K_oXQdOkhYmxdu5YCK5mc_P67h_xR4bSLVTUxhYh_7A5feqw87WDSkLfbt9OK0tJBPlVGmm9UblbvbmFa-o7NPjzfiVBJ8WCX_ayzlPd3FfFRI7ckNoQhZrgC8lY4v3s4/s1600/aa2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713562575402246738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2wF_6Audd8K_oXQdOkhYmxdu5YCK5mc_P67h_xR4bSLVTUxhYh_7A5feqw87WDSkLfbt9OK0tJBPlVGmm9UblbvbmFa-o7NPjzfiVBJ8WCX_ayzlPd3FfFRI7ckNoQhZrgC8lY4v3s4/s400/aa2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim2sZkUw4FuJN9YY1VLYRsBJ5nmQLI7NjiunhfOmXxrwmXWwh-ZwHn-k3HyTbK7pM5qSUGlcnTsqJRsGHh1GjH6B4jcsAOhIV_jZ2CRRzRyrqV4mrKVr3LSLSfrDnIBHcCuT6MSH9Q8lo/s1600/aa4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713562568395589858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim2sZkUw4FuJN9YY1VLYRsBJ5nmQLI7NjiunhfOmXxrwmXWwh-ZwHn-k3HyTbK7pM5qSUGlcnTsqJRsGHh1GjH6B4jcsAOhIV_jZ2CRRzRyrqV4mrKVr3LSLSfrDnIBHcCuT6MSH9Q8lo/s400/aa4.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVpvz39gKuIIRpG_C1OW25MDE_OeP5_-uWqzV8GEtNoYL7EgoFZ_t7HeLLw3rnlBcF9jLIyDtGWjRxXDCp0u78LSZ3jrA0r4y1dDVUTycFdiDmgcXzJGZGRXmxijYbQuPXxNmLKvzq278/s1600/aa5.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713562568145740962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVpvz39gKuIIRpG_C1OW25MDE_OeP5_-uWqzV8GEtNoYL7EgoFZ_t7HeLLw3rnlBcF9jLIyDtGWjRxXDCp0u78LSZ3jrA0r4y1dDVUTycFdiDmgcXzJGZGRXmxijYbQuPXxNmLKvzq278/s400/aa5.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a>

Man Candy Monday.

Good morning, friends! I hope your week is off to a rousing start. By now, you all know just how much I love to laugh, and there are a few g...

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Have a cozy weekend

<div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7068/6780661390_062b4f115b_z.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7068/6780661390_062b4f115b_z.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 517px;" /></a>Happy Friday, friends! Any fun plans for the weekend? I'm excited to watch the Oscars this weekend, though I must admit that I haven't seen all the movies nominated for Best Picture. Will you be watching. And, thanks again for all those wonderful <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/100-word%20love%20stories">100-word love stories</a> you all sent me. I've got the last one scheduled for Monday, by one of my favorite people in the world -- just to give you a little hint. I hope you all have a relaxing weekend, and here are my favorite finds from the wonderful Web... <br /><br />How does <a href="http://mlovesm.blogspot.com/">Mara</a> always dress so fabulously?<br /><br />A <a href="http://ohhappyday.com/2012/02/animals-ready-to-party/">cute touch</a> for a kid's party.<br /><br />This will make your <a href="http://mo-pieplease.blogspot.com/2012/02/together-we-shall-go-until-we-die.html">heart flutter</a>.<br /><br />Genius: <a href="http://www.myowlbarn.com/2012/02/sean-avery-sculptures-made-from-cds.html">Sculptures made from CDs</a>!<br /><br />Cupcakes, with a <a href="http://uhla-la.blogspot.com/2012/02/chez-uh-la-la-poms-for-cupackes.html">twist</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://iseekwithallmyheart.blogspot.com/2012/02/wise-wednesday_22.html">Amen</a>.<br /><br />I've always wanted to have a <a href="http://www.grilledcheesesocial.com/2012/02/fondue-me.html">fondue party</a>!<br /><br />Isn't this <a href="http://allisterbee.blogspot.com/2012/02/zebra-scarf.html">zebra scarf</a> cute?<br /><br />These spectacular <a href="http://www.doubletakesblog.com/2012/02/ice-castles.html">ice castles</a> have me daydreaming about a winter snowstorm.<br /><br />A <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/21/fairy-tales-kids-parents-too-scary_n_1283565.html">new study</a> says parents are reading fewer fairy tales to their children. Thoughts?<br /><br />What a <a href="http://www.20x200.com/artworks/4050?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=tweet&utm_campaign=jenny%2Bodell%2B202%2Bbillboard%2Bstructures">neat print</a> from 20x200.<br /><br />Check out <a href="http://flourishdesignandstyle.blogspot.com/2012/02/so-good.html">these lights</a>!<br /><br />Dessert alert: <a href="http://www.completelydelicious.com/2012/02/white-chocolate-brownies-with-pecans.html">White chocolate brownies</a>!<br /><br />Whew, I'm glad I'm not the only one <a href="http://dancingbranflakes.blogspot.com/2012/02/fear-roller-coasters.html">afraid of roller coasters</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://candyflosspersie.blogspot.com/2012/02/diy-bar-cart.html">Before & After</a> of a beautiful bar cart.<br /><br />Almaty Metro, the world's <a href="http://www.doubletakesblog.com/2012/02/almaty-metro-worlds-newest-subway.html">newest subway station</a>, looks so futuristic, doesn't it?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.designlovefest.com/2012/02/colorfest-4/">Emerald</a> is a pretty color.<br /><br />Strong and sassy <a href="http://www.cornflakedreams.com/2012/02/funny-girls.html">funny girls</a> rock!<br /><br />Would you sleep in these <a href="http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/117963">unusual beds</a>?<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/24/best-oscar-dress-of-all-time_n_1299608.html?1330110181&ncid=edlinkusaolp00000008">best Oscar dresses</a> of all time. Do you have a favorite?<br /><br />[Photo via <a href="http://inspired-design.tumblr.com/post/18187697101">That Inspirational Girl</a>]

Have a cozy weekend

Happy Friday, friends! Any fun plans for the weekend? I'm excited to watch the Oscars this weekend, though I must admit that I haven...

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My 100-Word Love Story: On the lovely little things he does for me

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4rvRFPc-o_hQPu9j0npGmLt64CKI3csVEI-j_mT4rlM0yQZkBy24_rrIj-lvGrg04Swd_M94PKZysZwsXOfGvxFzJzmIh1tEkFqrdELF8EPV_mA4UYonVPf3W3bmdScLg-nS8whXiho/s1600/Pirates_ride_2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712777911329312114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4rvRFPc-o_hQPu9j0npGmLt64CKI3csVEI-j_mT4rlM0yQZkBy24_rrIj-lvGrg04Swd_M94PKZysZwsXOfGvxFzJzmIh1tEkFqrdELF8EPV_mA4UYonVPf3W3bmdScLg-nS8whXiho/s400/Pirates_ride_2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 304px;" /></a>Love is the little things he does without me asking: Putting my phone in the charger before we go to bed, filling up my water bottle, rubbing my back whenever I’m on my stomach and checking the lock on the doors at night to keep his family safe. Every action and every word from him is a gesture of love, and I have never gone a day without feeling completely and utterly loved by him.<br /><br /><strong>--By Tiffany from <a href="http://dancingbranflakes.blogspot.com/">Dancing Branflakes</a></strong>

My 100-Word Love Story: On the lovely little things he does for me

Love is the little things he does without me asking: Putting my phone in the charger before we go to bed, filling up my water bottle, rubbin...

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Fashion Friday: Fontstaches

<div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7205/6778509174_c8c8418e97_z.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7205/6778509174_c8c8418e97_z.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 521px;" /></a>First there was this handy (<em>and funny!</em>) <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2012/02/fashion-friday-funny-lipstick-how-to.html">guide to lipstick</a> for the ladies. Well, now there's a cheeky take on mustaches for men. Doesn't it make your inner geek smile?<br /><br />P.S. <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/06/etsy-love-geeky-buttons.html">Geeky buttons</a>, <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/11/for-grammar-nerds.html">grammar posters</a> and <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2012/01/etsy-love-math-inspired-pillows.html">math pillows</a>! <br /><br />[Via <a href="http://www.miss-design.com/?s=fontstache">Miss Design</a>]

Fashion Friday: Fontstaches

First there was this handy ( and funny! ) guide to lipstick for the ladies. Well, now there's a cheeky take on mustaches for men. Does...

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Letters To My Future Husband: Letter #151.

Dear Mr. Melissa Blake: <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtkRM-D92rHT6LRJSjcU671Zr9U_w-sCXYkLBdsmKTqwdlsYwQJowrQjAZOWHUTEz7MVhUySFTOkXNXvhIsfi5yODmqXJTjEADV3kUh_FovXs8k0kceCnegrcoXKH3v0kiJKtQA9NrVc/s1600/01.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712420129066403234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtkRM-D92rHT6LRJSjcU671Zr9U_w-sCXYkLBdsmKTqwdlsYwQJowrQjAZOWHUTEz7MVhUySFTOkXNXvhIsfi5yODmqXJTjEADV3kUh_FovXs8k0kceCnegrcoXKH3v0kiJKtQA9NrVc/s400/01.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a>Isn't it funny how things just click sometimes? It's like someone suddenly turns on the metaphorical light bulb above your head, and everything that was once dark and shrouded in mystery is now bright and clear. Take the first signs of post-traumatic stress disorder I experienced all the way back in 2010. I couldn't put the pieces together then, but looking back now, I can't help but see that time as a precursor to the <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/Tuesday%20Update">depression</a> that would eventually land me in the hospital by the end of the year. What, Sweetpea? I've never talked much about my PTSD? Well, allow me to explain...<br /><br />It can be something as little as the time I was standing in a hotel parking lot while on vacation one summer, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw a man walking toward me. He looked exactly like my father. The closer he got, the larger the lump in my throat became. Or, it can be something a little bigger, like the few dozen times I’ve walked past the building on the campus where my father worked and pictured him galloping up the stairs with a huge smile on his face. Or, even the time when I found the blue-knit cap he wore during the course of his chemotherapy and radiation to treat an aggressive form of sinus cancer and up until the day he committed suicide two weeks after finishing treatment. Or, the smell of his clothes and how they’d remind me of his big bear hugs.<br /><br />That’s Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in a nutshell. It’s the body’s way of trying to process the massive stockpile of emotions left in the wake of a traumatic life event. For some, the sound of a car’s squealing tires may make them jump in fright following a car accident. And with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, more and more soldiers are coming home both physically and emotionally scarred.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4H0M_9BqNbKvne_Lt8QWeuwZDt-ZR5U9fKM9oUKm8BJQ_CR9Lob7tsBJLWUmR4xMk8atNfUT5JK9hziOgsoFq2VtEVEVeeUX0Ku1bjoHImW-ZBXd-dDCIGq6-9faSQMhwuDzcmVo43Os/s1600/02.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712420125864558674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4H0M_9BqNbKvne_Lt8QWeuwZDt-ZR5U9fKM9oUKm8BJQ_CR9Lob7tsBJLWUmR4xMk8atNfUT5JK9hziOgsoFq2VtEVEVeeUX0Ku1bjoHImW-ZBXd-dDCIGq6-9faSQMhwuDzcmVo43Os/s400/02.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a>Having been born with a physical disability, I’m used to labels. But PTSD? That was a label that took a little more time to come to terms with. Before my father’s death, I’d always prided myself on being such a strong person. So to wrap my head around the idea that, “Yes, admitting I have PTSD does make me a strong person instead of a weak one” took some time. I’d been in counseling for much of the time since my father’s death. In fact, I returned again after a year off. I told my therapist I thought I needed a “tune-up.” There is nothing wrong with that, I keep telling myself.<br /><br />For me, in addition to the sights and sounds that remind me of my father, I’ve also grappled with spiraling thought patterns. Because of my physical disability and the fact that I was only 21 when my father killed himself, I worry constantly about losing my sister and mother. Being alone is my worst fear, and even though I know it’s irrational, I just keep thinking sometimes about the “what ifs.”<br /><br /><em>What if I lose my mother and sister too? What if I’m all alone?</em><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2CulbF8P7rgkheFToa0lR2nYh3btorsUbdW2U4NLg1tHm0w-mwKLxw25R2KU_xPhdMbFGk69VaSGOlu2AHv-oACcQIc43esYntDMGBWbUtrigmfcG-QeANbc4FDfvojjVfcGaICdifM/s1600/04.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712420095795985282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2CulbF8P7rgkheFToa0lR2nYh3btorsUbdW2U4NLg1tHm0w-mwKLxw25R2KU_xPhdMbFGk69VaSGOlu2AHv-oACcQIc43esYntDMGBWbUtrigmfcG-QeANbc4FDfvojjVfcGaICdifM/s400/04.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 399px;" /></a>That’s why I’ve always pictured PTSD as a sort of carousel. I’m sitting on one of those colorful ponies going around and around in circles. You eventually come back to the starting point. You see it, and sometimes, it hits you like a ton of bricks. Other times, you see it and can pass it without even registering it in your mind.<br /><br />It’s those latter times when I start to think I’m “over it,” which is sort of the insidious way PTSD operates. I know I’ll never be “cured,” but sometimes I can go for weeks or even months feeling just fine. And other times, like last year, for instance, every little thing sets me off. I’ll find myself crying over seemingly minor stuff. It’s times like these that remind me that I’m still trying to learn how to integrate my PTSD into my life rather than plan my life around it. It’s a constant struggle, but one I know I need to fight with all my strength. I know my father would want me to.<br /><br />One of the common misconceptions about PTSD is that you can just “snap yourself out of it.” Time has passed, so it’s time you move on too. Maybe I even tried to convince myself that at one time or another. Sometimes my mother, sister and I will drive past our old apartment. It’s the apartment I grew up in — where I recovered after all my surgeries, where my father taught me how to balance an equation in high school algebra. It’s also the place where he killed himself on a March morning in 2003 while I was sleeping in my room.<br /><br />Driving by it now, it’s easy to see that, on the outside, everything has changed. The parking lot is filled with different cars. The building looks like it’s been repainted. Even our windows look different. Life has gone on. As if nothing had ever happened.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdv1JXPS32RMzt7gM_Z32kFe28VZ2dC13D8vgjvR6DQ46OjMlTksahbRKSuBhsRo8WITACb7WoRCi4ODFmyn5t8F-yW9xQCJUGcR6JR4NA5bFYQEdeATv-c-8HVj-d8NoT3ZfjCm45fk/s1600/03.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712420097091459954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdv1JXPS32RMzt7gM_Z32kFe28VZ2dC13D8vgjvR6DQ46OjMlTksahbRKSuBhsRo8WITACb7WoRCi4ODFmyn5t8F-yW9xQCJUGcR6JR4NA5bFYQEdeATv-c-8HVj-d8NoT3ZfjCm45fk/s400/03.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a>But deep down, the memories are still there, memories of everything that happened inside, and that’s what makes the trauma still feel very raw and very real for me. It may be chronologically almost 9 years after my father’s death, but sometimes, especially when I think of that old apartment, it feels more like only a few months. In those moments, when I’m spinning on that carousel, all I can do is keep going. Maybe the next time I come around, I’ll see things from a different perspective.<br /><br />Does that make sense, Sweetpea? I often wonder if I'll be struggling with these issues when we meet, or if I'll be in a different place in my life. I suppose only time will tell. Until we meet... xoxo<br /><br />[Photos via <a href="http://weheartit.com/">We Heart It</a>]

Letters To My Future Husband: Letter #151.

Dear Mr. Melissa Blake: Isn't it funny how things just click sometimes? It's like someone suddenly turns on the metaphorical light b...

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Mac and cheese cups

<div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7049/6775831326_081367fece_z.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7049/6775831326_081367fece_z.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 533px;" /></a>Macaroni and cheese has always been one of my comfort foods. In fact, for the first few months after my father died, it became one of my go-to favorites for dinner. So this morning, when I came across this <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/easy-mac-and-cheese-muffins/">new take</a> on the childhood classic that <a href="http://cupcakesandcashmere.com/mac-and-cheese-cups/">Emily</a> made, my mouth immediately started watering. Doesn't it look delicious?<br /><br /><strong>Do you have a favorite comfort food, friends? xoxo</strong><br /><br />P.S. A new <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/Letters%20to%20my%20future%20husband">Letter To My Future Husband</a> is coming your way shortly! :)

Mac and cheese cups

Macaroni and cheese has always been one of my comfort foods. In fact, for the first few months after my father died, it became one of my go...

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My 100-Word Love Story: On loving him (and his smelly feet) unconditionally

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9jtoMIgu1-sXzfiHKMHCVcJZQVgeCO48tn3eieroZNKlUgwjpuYYhxhY2yeaRDERW3LylpheE_iIgRTHRmCMffMsoF8J3iK9jQhasgD2LnToBwfRDvVtFHTVs6HJDlo439bKP1iV5DM/s1600/Phil_and_I_in_Florida.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712329136367857458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9jtoMIgu1-sXzfiHKMHCVcJZQVgeCO48tn3eieroZNKlUgwjpuYYhxhY2yeaRDERW3LylpheE_iIgRTHRmCMffMsoF8J3iK9jQhasgD2LnToBwfRDvVtFHTVs6HJDlo439bKP1iV5DM/s400/Phil_and_I_in_Florida.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" /></a>My guy and I have been together for almost 9 years. He has supported me, loved me and held me through every crisis. I don't tell him enough that he is everything to me. We have a daughter (Ellie, 7), and seeing them together only makes me love him more. He's goofy, he snores, his feet smell and I wouldn't have him any other way! He works hard, he accepts me for all my faults and he still makes me laugh like it's the very first time. I'm so grateful to have him in my life!<br /><br /><strong>--By Cat</strong>

My 100-Word Love Story: On loving him (and his smelly feet) unconditionally

My guy and I have been together for almost 9 years. He has supported me, loved me and held me through every crisis. I don't tell him eno...

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Handmade Soap Giveaway!

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZNqLfq2qfP8UaOjUiX3mFVuX8VH0_ww2rQdMSqZjfQ8d934amnmTxt2A8j-ixI-uurUOj2r2oZCjNHMKyS7QNgtOnLlRvSzr4q_8JHbQUynRb-bx0pYmBqiUIWWTVRMaUL9Kwt8YNT0/s1600/02.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712053188305550514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZNqLfq2qfP8UaOjUiX3mFVuX8VH0_ww2rQdMSqZjfQ8d934amnmTxt2A8j-ixI-uurUOj2r2oZCjNHMKyS7QNgtOnLlRvSzr4q_8JHbQUynRb-bx0pYmBqiUIWWTVRMaUL9Kwt8YNT0/s400/02.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOw5msAyYq4mYx8H6HLiAu6bObccnwM9Iod7LY-csXmFgtdF4B9jUZfD5zYhgsInwGKmWGzZ4rsTBFUCLszl1rxYkqGmVKKwledYvLYE6fkN4uWlETz4oUgzxuAX9McwMcFQ-VoClMRE/s1600/03.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712053184226487842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOw5msAyYq4mYx8H6HLiAu6bObccnwM9Iod7LY-csXmFgtdF4B9jUZfD5zYhgsInwGKmWGzZ4rsTBFUCLszl1rxYkqGmVKKwledYvLYE6fkN4uWlETz4oUgzxuAX9McwMcFQ-VoClMRE/s400/03.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" /></a>Today's giveaway is from Janell of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/prunellasoap?ref=top_trail">Prunella Soap</a>, her Portland-based shop full of vegan organic soaps. She hand makes everything from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/prunellasoap?section_id=7599963">single bars</a> of soap to specialty soaps for <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/prunellasoap?section_id=7747752">weddings</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/prunellasoap?section_id=7496055">house guests</a> and even <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/prunellasoap?section_id=10642981">dogs</a>! Do you have a favorite, friends?<br /><br />She's offering this <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/63444260/some-of-each-please-set-of-12-vegan">12-pack set of vegan soaps</a> to one lucky reader. Each bar comes individually wrapped and labeled and includes these heavenly scents: Vanilla, lavender, peppermint, rosemary, pink grapefruit and ginger, just to name a few. These would be a perfect way to ring in spring, don't you think?<br /><br />For your chance to win, simply visit <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/prunellasoap?ref=top_trail">Prunella Soap</a>, and leave a comment below, along with your email address. A winner will be chosen at random tomorrow afternoon. Have fun, friends! xoxo<br /><br /><em>Update: Congrats to winner Antonnia! Thanks so much! :)</em>

Handmade Soap Giveaway!

Today's giveaway is from Janell of Prunella Soap , her Portland-based shop full of vegan organic soaps. She hand makes everything from s...

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My 100-Word Love Story: On loving the one that got away

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWUB9cQy_7WrW7HV1ti4DEVe5IzqSeNlj0x-ecZeeTg3PzXjb6V0HkuuVBU0Y4hUqgozql3NuMK7LgKAyhQcBJMmivCNqAS8opFsSxZghbMjynYcSayJ5hvNXYeaJiXNX3RxJZ8IIJYY/s1600/DSCF6977.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711747386667225474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWUB9cQy_7WrW7HV1ti4DEVe5IzqSeNlj0x-ecZeeTg3PzXjb6V0HkuuVBU0Y4hUqgozql3NuMK7LgKAyhQcBJMmivCNqAS8opFsSxZghbMjynYcSayJ5hvNXYeaJiXNX3RxJZ8IIJYY/s400/DSCF6977.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a>It was eleven years ago when I first felt my heart going whacko. Passing along the guidance counselor’s office. I skipped happily; my heart did the same thing. Every meeting with him was the reason why the birds sing<br /><br />A year ago, I came across this familiar face. The smile and the cheer had not left its place. We were awkward, but I have found warmth. Times had changed, yet he still took my breath away. But I played with fire and I got burned. Months have passed..<br />He is now finally free from me, and he will be married soon.<br /><br /><strong>--By Ica from <a href="http://benchwarmer.blogspot.com/">The Benchwarmer's Blog</a></strong>

My 100-Word Love Story: On loving the one that got away

It was eleven years ago when I first felt my heart going whacko. Passing along the guidance counselor’s office. I skipped happily; my heart ...

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How I Feel (In 5 Photos) Wednesday.

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUeBonbfH6lGYK0an2yVMthypa8Gx98wHA3-3rcitfKIdnT7k_TwPlQddfs8tDzwT3poL2lJpuVqUZumZSMflCB38g-3odfSK-ZijiClH9DbjrCsZsBtkklucnXIuE7afEwh2qpaNCiI/s1600/aa.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711707369921106994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUeBonbfH6lGYK0an2yVMthypa8Gx98wHA3-3rcitfKIdnT7k_TwPlQddfs8tDzwT3poL2lJpuVqUZumZSMflCB38g-3odfSK-ZijiClH9DbjrCsZsBtkklucnXIuE7afEwh2qpaNCiI/s400/aa.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLv2NgcwM7Jbrz-Qyh9lLDJYzA2kE7ROhYVEmr4I1IyF1uD8n89Xk_J4rDHdGBqq4FmDw7UgvxLYg7Awty0WlaeJIs08H-N39kzSYDbaHQf0OuKL7llU4P2-ZMDRHFO3YulsuKHE6nSE/s1600/aa2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711707367838192242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLv2NgcwM7Jbrz-Qyh9lLDJYzA2kE7ROhYVEmr4I1IyF1uD8n89Xk_J4rDHdGBqq4FmDw7UgvxLYg7Awty0WlaeJIs08H-N39kzSYDbaHQf0OuKL7llU4P2-ZMDRHFO3YulsuKHE6nSE/s400/aa2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 262px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7qY_3KPu22cwrZFKNtiP3FNs-wnaNVEhUKtYoR-JQ_vKks9oz5qMC05wpZ-U-Ddy_LUA6qj4SXsoZnRsYT1HxC8Qk-xm4L4NpaMAWgUyswDv38PZmkkc8IUgSlArukf7xzz2fBJ-16c/s1600/aa3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711707361058016802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7qY_3KPu22cwrZFKNtiP3FNs-wnaNVEhUKtYoR-JQ_vKks9oz5qMC05wpZ-U-Ddy_LUA6qj4SXsoZnRsYT1HxC8Qk-xm4L4NpaMAWgUyswDv38PZmkkc8IUgSlArukf7xzz2fBJ-16c/s400/aa3.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZjafbxphMUSO4qVoYE5INv6sKHEIqF8OTnyls6gxoRhOaQCpiNnhTZx0XinXMoiwGFj-GErgQBmFFo8FmN0Z0BnPtiPnP-jWSW0qbD-FEfFZydxoIcL5HEj7HVeHO9HqENp6T4-6iVQ/s1600/aa4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711707357876820994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZjafbxphMUSO4qVoYE5INv6sKHEIqF8OTnyls6gxoRhOaQCpiNnhTZx0XinXMoiwGFj-GErgQBmFFo8FmN0Z0BnPtiPnP-jWSW0qbD-FEfFZydxoIcL5HEj7HVeHO9HqENp6T4-6iVQ/s400/aa4.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWaE835o_x_d4c5Xxc8lz6C08DC6X_lhKNzN1FHx4gd4hNQD2t7EQFVU5KOmD9vtRCuyrITjGH_ZVCz9Y4c9U2_xK1DQW4U4ZzZvkPtiWuqh4fGueTv-UgDD2L1e-eV9D2htD70_SL-88/s1600/aa5.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711707356962304754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWaE835o_x_d4c5Xxc8lz6C08DC6X_lhKNzN1FHx4gd4hNQD2t7EQFVU5KOmD9vtRCuyrITjGH_ZVCz9Y4c9U2_xK1DQW4U4ZzZvkPtiWuqh4fGueTv-UgDD2L1e-eV9D2htD70_SL-88/s400/aa5.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 264px;" /></a><em>"Why can't I breathe whenever I think about you? Why can't I speak whenever I talk about you?"</em> --Liz Phair<br /><br />[Photos via <a href="http://mysummertwist.tumblr.com/">My Summer Twist</a>]

How I Feel (In 5 Photos) Wednesday.

"Why can't I breathe whenever I think about you? Why can't I speak whenever I talk about you?" --Liz Phair [Photos via My...

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Question of the Week: Question #14

<span style="font-style:italic;">Today's question is more of a series of questions from Sarah of <a href="http://www.yesandyes.org/">Yes and Yes</a>. She recently asked me half a dozen questions for her interview series, and I thought you'd like a little peek at my answers, friends. Here are the first three questions. Look for the other three next week. xoxo</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGIFxiaMic5u_rrIm7CPhWgX8Yb20069LUw0EweeVb8kYR6w5uI7-GB4-CAiFau5rMiXcXUxd8b1DOt8I5KfWExoOmFo0Eg0yBhN120XrYCFAUSQA9BPVIM9VoAHR0n4o9eqvAn7n-28/s1600/01.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711613747663827394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGIFxiaMic5u_rrIm7CPhWgX8Yb20069LUw0EweeVb8kYR6w5uI7-GB4-CAiFau5rMiXcXUxd8b1DOt8I5KfWExoOmFo0Eg0yBhN120XrYCFAUSQA9BPVIM9VoAHR0n4o9eqvAn7n-28/s400/01.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 314px;" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Can you tell us a bit about your disability?</span><br />I was born with <a href="http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/freeman-sheldon-syndrome">Freeman-Sheldon Syndrome</a>, a bone and muscular disorder. I've had about 26 surgeries to correct my bones and joints. Despite my disability, I've lead a pretty normal life: Graduated from college with a degree in journalism and now working as an adviser for a college newspaper. I enjoy getting young people excited about journalism and writing.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">How does your disability affect your dating life? </span><br />Of anything in my life, my disability has affected my dating life the most. I'm usually a pretty self-confident person, but when it comes to dating, I've always been a bit self-conscious. I often worry that guys won't be able to see past my disability.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tell us about your dream guy! </span><br />Oh, definitely someone who can make me laugh. Laughter is one of the most important things in life, and any guy with a sense of humor has my heart. I'm also a romantic at heart, so I love guys who are romantic and charming. My family mean the world to me, and you know a guy is a keeper if he's close with his family. <br /><br />[Photo via <a href="http://www.leloveimage.blogspot.com/2012/02/read-between-lines.html">Le Love</a>]

Question of the Week: Question #14

Today's question is more of a series of questions from Sarah of Yes and Yes . She recently asked me half a dozen questions for her inter...

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Guest Post: The 7 types to 'unfriend' on Facebook

Hi, all, I am the owner of <a href=’http://www.thegirlieblog.com’>Girlie Blog Seattle</a>, and I write about beauty, fashion, and enjoying life in Seattle. I am so honored that Melissa asked me to guest post. I love reading her blog because it brightens my day. Today, I am writing about types of people to “unfriend” on Facebook. I know this is a somewhat controversial topic, and you might have opinions to express, but please keep comments cordial.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZbw4vQ5Ocjp2c9wwOc1GtQ3JDOQk9hLkA21EpgCqhZU2Vy8vhCM6jWlCN4l2bdLlXRdN16T9FF8NE_Ss0qDRphyphenhyphenkBzoOGKlzLow20JsSlnNVSFySMUhfB3U_JqDBOwQB7_uQsk7dseDw/s1600/01.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711626218810443026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZbw4vQ5Ocjp2c9wwOc1GtQ3JDOQk9hLkA21EpgCqhZU2Vy8vhCM6jWlCN4l2bdLlXRdN16T9FF8NE_Ss0qDRphyphenhyphenkBzoOGKlzLow20JsSlnNVSFySMUhfB3U_JqDBOwQB7_uQsk7dseDw/s400/01.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 394px;" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Narcissist</span><br />Have you ever seen someone so perfect? She has the perfect man who never argues with her, perfect friends who’ll do anything for her, a perfect job that she loves, perfectly good looks that every girl is jealous of and the perfect life she feels everyone should want. Her pictures have perfectly practiced poses, with perfectly styled outfits. Every wall post is either an achievement – implicitly stated or subtly implied – or some kind of sentimental reminder about her beautiful life. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Ghost</span><br />You were friends, or even best buds, back in high school. You have lost touch until Facebook connected you. Now that you’ve “friended” each other and caught up, you have seized communication again for the past two years. Don’t worry. You won’t miss each other. If you have lived a good life since high school, without your “ghost” friend, you’ll live a good life still.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Gossip Columnist</span><br />You ask her, “What’s going on?” She tells you what’s going on with everyone else. None of the information seems significant or has trustworthy resources. In fact, your conversations with her always revolves around someone else’s business, and she seems way too interested in talking about them, for no reason at all.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The User</span><br />The user has no shame. He invites you to a party across town, but expects a ride, because he has no car. If you don’t offer him a ride, he’ll tell all your common friends about how sorry he is to miss out, right in front of you, until you offer him a ride. He has guilt-ed you into giving him a ride numerous times, but never offers gas, or coffee or some type of nice gesture so you wouldn’t feel used. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The One-Upper</span><br />You tell her that you have been busy. She tells you that she’s much busier, even though she calls you up Friday nights and talks your ears off until you fall asleep on the phone. Then she’ll call you up next Friday night, strategically on her way to dinner and reminds you again that she’s busy.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Promise Breaker</span><br />He has been asking you to meet up for months, but bails out every time you plan something. He tells you that he’ll take you out for your birthday. But when the check comes -- and you offer to pay for yourself to be nice -- he’ll gladly let you. He tells you that he’ll do nice things for you, but then drops off the face of the earth.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Your boss</span><br />If you don’t want someone to see old college photos of you flipping off the camera, chugging beer or doing anything “fun,” unfriend. Better yet, don’t add them in the first place.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What do you think of this list? Anything you would add? Delete? Are you selective about who you friend on Facebook? :)</span><br /><br />[Graph via <a href="http://graphjam.memebase.com/2010/11/05/funny-graphs-why-use-facebook-unexplained/">Graphjam</a>]

Guest Post: The 7 types to 'unfriend' on Facebook

Hi, all, I am the owner of Girlie Blog Seattle , and I write about beauty, fashion, and enjoying life in Seattle. I am so honored that Melis...

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My 100-Word Love Story: On how my vacation fling turned into the real thing

<div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7177/6913638833_92ed3ca372_z.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7177/6913638833_92ed3ca372_z.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 603px;" /></a>Vacation romances aren't meant to last. They are just flings. Traveling to Seattle was a last-minute decision. Life was a mess. Just before I left, my company folded. Romance wasn't in the picture. Then I met Russell. I was sitting at a computer searching for a job at a hostel, and he came by. The moment I saw him, I knew he was The One. He became my best friend. It was the romance that shouldn't have worked, but three years later, we have a daughter, are engaged and happy.<br /><br /><strong>--By Samantha from <a href="http://www.reinventedsamantha.blogspot.com">Reinvented In Seattle</a></strong>

My 100-Word Love Story: On how my vacation fling turned into the real thing

Vacation romances aren't meant to last. They are just flings. Traveling to Seattle was a last-minute decision. Life was a mess. Just be...

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Love Lounge: What does the blogosphere mean to you?

<span style="font-style:italic;">Last week, I had the opportunity to guest blog on the <a href="http://www.thegirlieblog.com/">Girlie Blog Seattle</a>, where I wrote about the power of blogging. And it got me thinking, friends: The blogosphere is one awesome force. So, I'd love to share my thoughts -- and hear from you, too! </span><br /><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7193/6911924331_0984286cfb_z.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7193/6911924331_0984286cfb_z.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 590px;" /></a>As a writer and journalist, words have always been my passion. In fact, it's hard to remember a time when I wasn't writing, whether it be for my college's newspaper or for a magazine article after I graduated. I was, am and will always be a writer -- plain and simple. So, it only seemed natural when I found myself starting a blog 3 years ago. All writers should have blogs, I thought. At the very least, it will keep me writing and help me stay focused since freelancers don't have typical 9-to-5 jobs and it's easy to get distracted sometimes.<br /><br />When I started blogging, I knew I wanted to write about love and my physical disability. But what I didn't know? How much I'd grow over the next 3 years and how much my blog would grow with me and help shape the person I am today. Because truthfully, I had virtually no idea where it would all take me or the lessons I would learn along the way. Here are my Top 3 (Unexpected) Blogging Lessons of the last 3 years...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Blogging gives you a sense of community<br /></span>Ask any blogger and they'll tell you that the sense of community in the blogging world is unlike anything that you could ever imagine. I've gotten to know people I never would have had the opportunity to meet. It's such a supportive community, and everyone genuinely cares about each other. We've laughed, cried and even shared our dreams with each other. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Blogging gives you insight into yourself</span><br />Not only does it give you the chance to get to know other bloggers, but blogging gives you a glimpse inside yourself. For me, blogging has forced me to write truthfully and honestly -- sometimes about painful things like my <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2009/01/living-in-wake-of-suicide.html">father's suicide</a> and my struggles with <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/Tuesday%20Update">depression</a> last year -- in a very candid way that I'm not sure I'd be able to do in real life. Blogging was just the outlet I needed to help me get through a very painful time. And, I was glad that readers could identify with what I was writing about; it's good to know I may have helped someone else going through the same thing.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Blogging helps relieve stress</span><br />For some people, chocolate is their go-to when they're stressed and overwhelmed. For me, it's blogging. Any time I need to relax and unwind, all I have to do is start writing a blog post. My favorites have always been my <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/Letters%20to%20my%20future%20husband">Letters To My Future Husband</a> since I'm a hopeless romantic. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSUg0r6bePmv5lKLq32cPxiHX6mPlufMF5Lvslh6KbUxoIMxMxTdGaVRMxGwA8fC_5hQ5KS1WgnUZ2O4ymSFAo84qTq8-gEDcabMidBxQDOEsDA1hpwCuHzg15Sh-TYp9a4Ss_L11c_Y/s1600/01.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711328530070137906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSUg0r6bePmv5lKLq32cPxiHX6mPlufMF5Lvslh6KbUxoIMxMxTdGaVRMxGwA8fC_5hQ5KS1WgnUZ2O4ymSFAo84qTq8-gEDcabMidBxQDOEsDA1hpwCuHzg15Sh-TYp9a4Ss_L11c_Y/s400/01.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">What about you, friends? What has surprised you the most about blogging? How has it changed you for the better? I'd love to hear from you! xoxo</span><br /><br />[Bottom photo via <a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/1685530">We Heart It</a>]

Love Lounge: What does the blogosphere mean to you?

Last week, I had the opportunity to guest blog on the Girlie Blog Seattle , where I wrote about the power of blogging. And it got me thinkin...

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My 100-Word Love Story: On how the brainiac fell for the jock

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCV7no1Y9Gr_VdhYiuDNivwTahwyE-YN9wWXiALCFYqiXOldzdnU_EH_x1E_TfYVPlYgWPT0DwuWNGabcRHzqYI1jWd4YhagiZOmaO0P5F7Jw9J3guUJbGE3ZFN4mib2bARrTVrbvr8kU/s1600/01.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711271940316849570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCV7no1Y9Gr_VdhYiuDNivwTahwyE-YN9wWXiALCFYqiXOldzdnU_EH_x1E_TfYVPlYgWPT0DwuWNGabcRHzqYI1jWd4YhagiZOmaO0P5F7Jw9J3guUJbGE3ZFN4mib2bARrTVrbvr8kU/s400/01.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a>It was the stuff of teenage dreams. The <span style="font-style:italic;">jock</span> and the <span style="font-style:italic;">brain</span> were forced to sit together for the whole semester, far from their respective groups. Julian and I were that odd pair. I was so close-minded that when he first sat with me, I started counting the future tragedies. But as time went by, people started wondering why laughter and endless chattering often came from that particular spot. Yes, I had a crush on him. Him. I don’t know. However, he was the first person to say "<span style="font-style:italic;">You're beautiful</span>" and the first to offer friendship. I’m grateful for knowing him.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">--By Aisa from <a href="http://lovesand.blogspot.com/">LoveSand</a></span>

My 100-Word Love Story: On how the brainiac fell for the jock

It was the stuff of teenage dreams. The jock and the brain were forced to sit together for the whole semester, far from their respective g...

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