Oatmeal jammys

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTsHBcUcC8S25hUe4z2a9pxc8JNd3rRAiHmUEZmpVuhP_myErqBrLE8Efm2HvFMaaGMdGJc5zzfVYKFACFy_V4RWqIR0m103mLKCB6JqJXpsseE_71tV5fxhBwb-rNKjzdmrvYP4FWvM/s1600/aa.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5736938016603995570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTsHBcUcC8S25hUe4z2a9pxc8JNd3rRAiHmUEZmpVuhP_myErqBrLE8Efm2HvFMaaGMdGJc5zzfVYKFACFy_V4RWqIR0m103mLKCB6JqJXpsseE_71tV5fxhBwb-rNKjzdmrvYP4FWvM/s400/aa.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" /></a>For some reason, I had a serious case of the sweet tooth over the weekend. One of my favorite ways to satisfy a sweet-tooth attack? Oatmeal cookies! Don't these <a href="http://www.bakeorbreak.com/2012/02/oatmeal-jammys/">oatmeal jammys</a> look delicious? I love the name -- and you can easily vary the recipe just by using different jams. I'd use strawberry. What about you, friends? xoxo<br /><br />P.S. A new <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/Love%20Lounge">Love Lounge</a> is coming up shortly! :)

Oatmeal jammys

For some reason, I had a serious case of the sweet tooth over the weekend. One of my favorite ways to satisfy a sweet-tooth attack? Oatmeal ...

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Sponsor Spotlight: Corilu Designs

<em>Today, friends, I'm excited to share the creative work of Kathy. The former graphic designer creates unique handcrafted jewelry for her Etsy shop, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CoriluDesigns?ref=si_shop">Corilu Designs</a>. She loves colour, texture and dimensional shapes, and believes her background influences the design of her pieces. "I love clean lines with that graphic punch," she says. Read on to learn more about Kathy and her shop! xoxo</em><br /><br /><strong>Keep in touch...</strong><br />Official Web site: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CoriluDesigns?ref=si_shop">Corilu Designs</a><br />Become a fan on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Corilu-Designs/175281702485408">Facebook</a><br />Follow on the <a href="http://coriludesigns.blogspot.com/">official blog</a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQl2zcMaBMKmN8lrySQxBhOiLO_y2xplr5-zAJf3h5CisoXV3VLnkKywSeAF9Pt3iSRtsNaGaultmpIlE1V8qQtrFtIp2W6anV2TKVXOyr1v2uNBIEtHrMHvfTewlh83VcQb_4G3dtBs/s1600/aa2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5736921767218577490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQl2zcMaBMKmN8lrySQxBhOiLO_y2xplr5-zAJf3h5CisoXV3VLnkKywSeAF9Pt3iSRtsNaGaultmpIlE1V8qQtrFtIp2W6anV2TKVXOyr1v2uNBIEtHrMHvfTewlh83VcQb_4G3dtBs/s400/aa2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 53px;" /></a><strong>So tell me a bit about you and your shop.</strong><br />I am a wife and mother to two young teenagers and a dog named Remy. I am a trained graphic designer and worked in that field for 10 years. Art and Design are my passion. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CoriluDesigns?ref=si_shop">Corilu Designs</a> is an extension of me and what inspires me. I like to create more sculptural pieces that came together from a pattern in nature or simply just fooling around with stones and metal. I love that I can create a piece that comes from my heart and soul with a story behind it and will be worn and passed down for generations to come!<br /><br /><strong>What inspired you to start the shop?</strong><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CoriluDesigns?ref=si_shop">Corilu Designs</a> came about by chance. I have worked with many mediums over the years and was never really completely fulfilled with any of them. The moment I lit a torch for the first time and melted my first piece of silver, I was hooked! Starting my shop was an easy decision. I knew that I wanted to try something different and start my own business and opening up an online shop seemed to make sense in an age that is so virtual. <br /><br /><strong>What's your best piece of advice for people looking for great online shopping deals?</strong><br />Most online shops have Facebook fan pages where they announce new item listings, special deals and even giveaways! I use my Corilu Designs <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Corilu-Designs/175281702485408">Facebook</a> page for just that. I let my customers and fans know of new listings and special deals happening in my shop. I also offer special discount deals to my Facebook fans only! Surf around and find your favorite shops. (<em>This may take a while since there are so many wonderfully talented artists and shops selling fantastic items online</em>) and become a fan of their Facebook page.<br /><br /><strong>In this recession economy, what are some ways people can still look chic for less?</strong><br />Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize! Just like your home, keep the major pieces simple, classic and timeless. Use your accessories to stay current and fresh. It is <br />amazing how just the right combination of accessories can drastically change an outfit without drastically changing your wallet!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gBRKaU1B1xjscusVMH90UeI-hDLijSHJbN953DM43gajSH1VhcQnKR4E7tpcwNSmiQq1qh7RU2CJIdD5BRMsXL3gY5JGQb_eqfk8QsZKi4MLUG1sq4MhFkZHu1LLDoO8n9Nc1LmI6cU/s1600/aa.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5736921765032635826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gBRKaU1B1xjscusVMH90UeI-hDLijSHJbN953DM43gajSH1VhcQnKR4E7tpcwNSmiQq1qh7RU2CJIdD5BRMsXL3gY5JGQb_eqfk8QsZKi4MLUG1sq4MhFkZHu1LLDoO8n9Nc1LmI6cU/s400/aa.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 372px;" /></a><strong>What is your favorite item in your shop and why?</strong><br />It's funny -- every time I create a new piece, I think this is my new favorite! I just finished creating my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/98133957/silver-amethyst-ring-one-of-a-kind?ga_search_query=anemone&ga_search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_6026517">Anemone Ring</a> and it's my new favorite, (<em>until my next piece!</em>). It's my favorite because I had a clear vision of how I wanted it to look and it came out as I had hoped. It also challenged me as a silversmith and my patience!

Sponsor Spotlight: Corilu Designs

Today, friends, I'm excited to share the creative work of Kathy. The former graphic designer creates unique handcrafted jewelry for her ...

Read more »

Man Candy Monday.

Good morning, friends! How are you? Today's pick is quite the classic, if I do say so myself. His resume includes some of my favorite '90s romantic comedies. His boyish grin is irresistible. And that accent? Well, it just makes my heart pitter-patter just a bit louder...<br /><br />HUGH GRANT!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br /><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13912500/13912594_089a_625x625.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13912500/13912594_089a_625x625.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/AVvXsEg3YB0qrpjVWOwnCxf4dLXn84YtjPDfbEYwUdeYkRe-edNzd7wytMxjHJPt87hHGXtw5otn9C8Y3OxnD9JRokjf9fes-ae5u7xfdSHNz41tzSSYnDe4cNVnzIn8t5rKZCnbA1cKJVpkwXU/s1600/aa3.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5736867185756249810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3YB0qrpjVWOwnCxf4dLXn84YtjPDfbEYwUdeYkRe-edNzd7wytMxjHJPt87hHGXtw5otn9C8Y3OxnD9JRokjf9fes-ae5u7xfdSHNz41tzSSYnDe4cNVnzIn8t5rKZCnbA1cKJVpkwXU/s400/aa3.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 333px;" /></a><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13912500/13912687_6c1f_625x625.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13912500/13912687_6c1f_625x625.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 490px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8Glp6HVZMGojqtRdApZqMMoa-IDXIFDwz78Lkg7GrN4Rf-uM9rDLZVgNymSyDbsiqfR6aB3QZA8s8Y7AZKJk1C3cNPdRjGrGloxsBwJJkJH6d3vgvM_2ZvvivqOKRhDOCRD508HZFqQ/s1600/aa4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5736867188146902850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8Glp6HVZMGojqtRdApZqMMoa-IDXIFDwz78Lkg7GrN4Rf-uM9rDLZVgNymSyDbsiqfR6aB3QZA8s8Y7AZKJk1C3cNPdRjGrGloxsBwJJkJH6d3vgvM_2ZvvivqOKRhDOCRD508HZFqQ/s400/aa4.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 240px;" /></a><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13912500/13912890_8c02_625x625.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13912500/13912890_8c02_625x625.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 591px;" /></a><em>"I think that's the whole point of Bridget Jones. It's all about that it's okay to fail."</em>

Man Candy Monday.

Good morning, friends! How are you? Today's pick is quite the classic, if I do say so myself. His resume includes some of my favorite ...

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Have a great weekend

<div align="center"> </div><a href="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13885500/13885766_9594_625x625.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13885500/13885766_9594_625x625.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 602px;" /></a>Happy Friday, friends! What are you up to this weekend? This week felt like a might whirlwind, so I'm planning on laying low and catching up on some blog reading. What blogs do you read? Any favorites? Hope you all have a relaxing weekend, and here are my favorite finds from the wonderful Web...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/elizabeth-kantor/happily-ever-after_b_1435195.html?just_reloaded=1&ncid=edlinkusaolp00000008">Jane Austen</a> is here to save your love life!<br /><br />Amen, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/21/chris-evans-on-gay-marriage_n_1442704.html?ncid=wsc-huffpost-cards-headline">Chris Evans</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://simplyclassyme.blogspot.com/2012/04/classy-jeans.html">Blue jean</a>, baby... (more <a href="http://www.luckymag.com/blogs/luckyrightnow/2012/04/25-Pairs-of-Patterned-Denim#slide=1">here</a>)<br /><br />Beautiful <a href="http://designtraveller.blogspot.com/2011/09/styling-inspiration-blue-interiors.html">blue interiors</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=Gideon+Sundback&source=web&cd=9&ved=0CHcQFjAI&url=http%3A%2F%2Finventors.about.com%2Flibrary%2Fweekly%2Faa082497.htm&ei=3pqWT7mjGc2I6AGgnayMDg&usg=AFQjCNFyWJERUyl-dnlfi870rsLxaa69lw">Happy birthday</a> to the zipper!<br /><br />How amazing is this <a href="http://www.underconsideration.com/fpo/archives/2012/04/oliver-bennetts-birth-announcement.php">birth announcement</a>?<br /><br />Yay or nay: The <a href="http://queenoffunkydiy.blogspot.com/2012/04/inspiration-frayed.html">frayed</a> look.<br /><br />This high schooler was <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/25/amanda-dougherty-high-sc_n_1451922.html">banned from her prom</a> because she didn't have a date. Whaaaat?<br /><br />Don't you love this <a href="http://www.natashafatah.com/2012/04/if-you-dont-know-thats-frida-khalo.html">photo shoot</a>?<br /><br />Ana's <a href="http://www.blogmilk.com/search/label/Blog">blog tips</a> are top-notch. Thanks, Ana!<br /><br />Strike a pose...<a href="http://swededreamer.blogspot.com/2012/04/voguevoguevogue.html">VOGUE</a>!<br /><br />You shouldn't steal your best friend or cousin's favorite name and other <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/pamela-redmond-satran/baby-name-rules_b_1456854.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000003&ir=HuffPostBlog">baby-name rules</a>.<br /><br />Did you see the <a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/galleries/2012/04/27/shuttle-enterprise-flies-over-new-york-photos.html">Shuttle Enterprise</a> fly over New York?<br /><br />Congrats, <a href="http://www.thefrisky.com/2012-04-27/morning-quickies-sarah-michelle-gellar-is-pregnant/">Sarah Michelle Gellar</a>!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.stylelist.com/2012/04/27/ways-to-wear-a-t-shirt_n_1456317.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000008">New ways</a> to wear a T-shirt.<br /><br />Ellen does a <a href="http://www.bettyconfidential.com/ar/ld/a/ellen-dramatic-reading-of-50-shades-of-grey-does-not-go-exactly-as-planned.html">dramatic reading</a> of Fifty Shades of Grey.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/25/the-five-year-engagement_n_1453949.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000003">Real couples</a> share their long engagement stories.<br /><br />Who hasn't felt <a href="http://www.thefrisky.com/2012-04-27/an-open-letter-to-the-sexually-ambiguous-guy-on-the-subway/">this way</a>?<br /><br />I'd love to stay in this new <a href="http://www.coolhunting.com/travel/nomad-hotel.php">New York hotel</a>, wouldn't you?<br /><br />Yay or nay: <a href="http://www.thefrisky.com/2012-04-27/love-it-or-leave-it-colored-denim-for-men/">Colored denim</a> for men...<br /><br />[Photo by <a href="http://www.frolic-blog.com/frolic/2012/04/friday-flowers.html">Chelsea Fuss</a>]

Have a great weekend

Happy Friday, friends! What are you up to this weekend? This week felt like a might whirlwind, so I'm planning on laying low and catchi...

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Fashion Friday: 9 wedding rings for men

<div align="center"> </div><a href="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13882000/13882176_e7de_625x625.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13882000/13882176_e7de_625x625.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 659px;" /></a>We've <em>ooohed</em> and <em>ahhhed</em> over <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2010/11/engagement-rings.html">engagement</a> <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/07/engagement-rings.html">rings</a> <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/10/engagement-ring.html">for</a> <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/11/fashion-friday-two-pretty-engagement.html">women</a>, but remember my <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2008/12/hot-men-trend-wedding-rings.html">wise words</a> so long ago, friends?<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">There is nothing sexier than a man wearing a wedding ring</span>. So, with that in mind, I thought it would be fun to round up some of my favorite wedding ring finds for the gents! Some of them are quite unique...<br /><br />*<a href="https://catbirdnyc.com/shop/product.php?productid=17471&cat=369&page=1">Twisted band</a>, $600.<br />*<a href="https://catbirdnyc.com/shop/product.php?productid=18108&cat=369&page=1">Concave wedding band</a>, $530.<br />*<a href="http://www.verameat.com/collections/under-100-ring/products/foxy">Foxy ring</a> (<span style="font-style:italic;">because he's such a fox...</span>), $220.<br />*<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/83456449/hammered-silver-gold-mens-wedding-ring">Hammered gold ripple ring</a>, $115.<br />*<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/84930614/hammered-gold-mens-wedding-ring-14k?ref=sr_gallery_41&ga_search_query=mens+wedding+rings&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_search_type=handmade">Hammered gold ring</a>, $625.<br />*<a href="https://catbirdnyc.com/shop/product.php?productid=17778&cat=369&page=1">Belt ring</a>, $860.<br />*<a href="https://catbirdnyc.com/shop/product.php?productid=16562">Rope band</a>, $150.<br />*<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/75820012/the-6mm-original-custom-fingerprint">Fingerprint wedding band</a>, $225.<br />*<a href="http://satomikawakita.com/521-13572/MR0104_men`s_wedding_band">Gold wedding band</a>, $200.<br /><br /><strong>What do you think, friends? If you're married, what does your husband's ring look like? Did you pick it out? Did you personalize it by having it inscribed? Or did you opt for a classic wedding band? xoxo</strong>

Fashion Friday: 9 wedding rings for men

We've ooohed and ahhhed over engagement rings for women , but remember my wise words so long ago, friends? There is nothing sexie...

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Baby elephant on the beach

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVXE1582HsgbGj2uIyqjUILimugQcFKzK6kxun2yj_XcidlztaoKoGVEcQoWroMBShKBoo3XYBoFEqFyB-DZE8TVdWt053Is-43UY1Ah4o1gkQY6UGrXIeUBWut_v-NKrgWfqAinG-E8I/s1600/01.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5736098135987884530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVXE1582HsgbGj2uIyqjUILimugQcFKzK6kxun2yj_XcidlztaoKoGVEcQoWroMBShKBoo3XYBoFEqFyB-DZE8TVdWt053Is-43UY1Ah4o1gkQY6UGrXIeUBWut_v-NKrgWfqAinG-E8I/s400/01.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 252px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMzPoTAOGj0D2EL6T_6eH5rvtle8iY5grk97QKOOgZDjtHmMiSJoABjDsUJPqjd_hKVZJh5wa4d4kMDvnaAAdFLjd_3lOtB5NTWTWg74VXQ8Fks0DbhH5GiwtRIEylCDVwPEpudX22TI/s1600/02.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5736098129785107570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMzPoTAOGj0D2EL6T_6eH5rvtle8iY5grk97QKOOgZDjtHmMiSJoABjDsUJPqjd_hKVZJh5wa4d4kMDvnaAAdFLjd_3lOtB5NTWTWg74VXQ8Fks0DbhH5GiwtRIEylCDVwPEpudX22TI/s400/02.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 252px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11lhAn5YBLrnikpbpRLb1gvYbca7Xt_juUUdQhEfWbJx8nikry9moNlrWbwv8DzVYp5HgzUHCZr9F42zIOIOhi0kJNFkpzQD4QXEt9r6io5_nSRGHsSV2NDhLkXJS5_s94tRp4UyeoYo/s1600/03.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5736098039074976722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11lhAn5YBLrnikpbpRLb1gvYbca7Xt_juUUdQhEfWbJx8nikry9moNlrWbwv8DzVYp5HgzUHCZr9F42zIOIOhi0kJNFkpzQD4QXEt9r6io5_nSRGHsSV2NDhLkXJS5_s94tRp4UyeoYo/s400/03.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 252px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrexR2sLMvWj2MLWft4VY-10OSlSrR43k0TZrErY0D8oXeb9Eo5ArOLC3IFgN_KBHtgdr9GUzmiIkSseVDzwip1kRyha1m1I5iGM1o0dOxw_YnFOXUGLJSjunNa_khm8Hnus-ClJ6pFzg/s1600/04.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5736098035003278706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrexR2sLMvWj2MLWft4VY-10OSlSrR43k0TZrErY0D8oXeb9Eo5ArOLC3IFgN_KBHtgdr9GUzmiIkSseVDzwip1kRyha1m1I5iGM1o0dOxw_YnFOXUGLJSjunNa_khm8Hnus-ClJ6pFzg/s400/04.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 252px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIsxJcn-VN8cEST0S9ULdqRpTEcNILORhONgaIOSLIqV538lWiEFonvEw19ba2A-K2x6zHsh7UfvQcWoGq-9tolbpJIUiCryHHffQo4TOEu6FFGbCBulncorHua4ocMExw2AXlc8GoIo/s1600/05.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5736098028371012354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIsxJcn-VN8cEST0S9ULdqRpTEcNILORhONgaIOSLIqV538lWiEFonvEw19ba2A-K2x6zHsh7UfvQcWoGq-9tolbpJIUiCryHHffQo4TOEu6FFGbCBulncorHua4ocMExw2AXlc8GoIo/s400/05.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 252px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4EKY_8jl4vJJ7-fJTWe_mbPBx6nt6KtUE45aCiqvyx-83PP05TmTMjYOnzzArrM8mD6RIl7KDqv-ld2PtC5bHd1NPdZCjmayYH9bl6xnXcA_xpqIjKj3nbnFYNTtVjuasB5rYulL7suo/s1600/06.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5736098025637134866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4EKY_8jl4vJJ7-fJTWe_mbPBx6nt6KtUE45aCiqvyx-83PP05TmTMjYOnzzArrM8mD6RIl7KDqv-ld2PtC5bHd1NPdZCjmayYH9bl6xnXcA_xpqIjKj3nbnFYNTtVjuasB5rYulL7suo/s400/06.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 252px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmAU2HDBQWgw27mBzDSzuZq3QoJZVn4OGRukZ5FR3QqRh7MaYSPt_8hcZz0tDk4ZqQmeKJ7ibaPAd0HpSSpW66lOAwYBIWgaNBH7F819-Y6K8BUOLilHNxdGWtD4pHM22DLmsOVctklM/s1600/07.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5736098020481372050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmAU2HDBQWgw27mBzDSzuZq3QoJZVn4OGRukZ5FR3QqRh7MaYSPt_8hcZz0tDk4ZqQmeKJ7ibaPAd0HpSSpW66lOAwYBIWgaNBH7F819-Y6K8BUOLilHNxdGWtD4pHM22DLmsOVctklM/s400/07.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 252px;" /></a>Oh, you know, just the <em>cutest</em> baby elephant frolicking on the beach... :)<br /><br />[Via <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/the-7-best-pictures-of-a-baby-elephant-playing-at">BuzzFeed</a>]

Baby elephant on the beach

Oh, you know, just the cutest baby elephant frolicking on the beach... :) [Via BuzzFeed ]

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On worrying

<div align="center"> </div><a href="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13859500/13859812_cf25_625x625.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13859500/13859812_cf25_625x625.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 596px;" /></a>Do you worry a lot? Worry is the mother of all rabbit holes, isn't it? It can pull us down so easily once we start worrying about our jobs, our relationships or even something as simple as what to make for dinner. I'm sure you can tell by now that I've indeed caught the worry bug a time two -- or three or four. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPiqIkKd4Ky-cYZbW23t96K-uJMsWc1U2-zo6n1weMK33bTw8_JvXZgbb_U4GS0EnYNI2LkWz5e-D39IsI8T5-ZQbh8aljWuj0MABoCvXmpbpQQY7-nYxZ1lcSaziTLzpjLxXSMSIXWKs/s1600/02.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5735801911718969458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPiqIkKd4Ky-cYZbW23t96K-uJMsWc1U2-zo6n1weMK33bTw8_JvXZgbb_U4GS0EnYNI2LkWz5e-D39IsI8T5-ZQbh8aljWuj0MABoCvXmpbpQQY7-nYxZ1lcSaziTLzpjLxXSMSIXWKs/s400/02.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 263px;" /></a>But then I came across something: In 1933, author F. Scott Fitzgerald <a href="http://www.listsofnote.com/2012/01/things-to-worry-about.html">wrote a letter</a> to his 11-year-old daughter, Scottie. He ended the letter perfectly with a list of things to worry about, not worry about, and simply think about. These are some things, according to Fitzgerald, that we <span style="font-style:italic;">do not</span> need to worry about...<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">*Don’t worry about popular opinion<br />*Don’t worry about dolls<br />*Don’t worry about the past<br />*Don’t worry about the future<br />*Don’t worry about growing up<br />*Don’t worry about anybody getting ahead of you<br />*Don’t worry about triumph<br />*Don’t worry about failure unless it comes through your own fault</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Isn't that a great list! So, friends, what do you find yourself worrying about? How do you get yourself to stop those annoying racing thoughts once they pop in your head? (For me, working on my blog is a good way to calm down!). xoxo</span><br /><br />P.S. How cool would it be to have F. Scott Fitzgerald as your dad? :) <br /><br />[Top photo of F. Scott Fitzgerald via <a href="http://witanddelight.tumblr.com/post/19269464518/lylaandblu-f-scott-fitzgerald-photographer">wit + delight</a>]

On worrying

Do you worry a lot? Worry is the mother of all rabbit holes, isn't it? It can pull us down so easily once we start worrying about our j...

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Dream Vacation: Have you ever been glamping?

<div align="center"> </div><a href="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13857000/13857367_783b_625x625.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13857000/13857367_783b_625x625.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height:268px;" /></a><div align="center"></div><a href="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13858000/13858074_da8f_625x625.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13858000/13858074_da8f_625x625.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 530px;" /></a>Summer is just a few short months away, and you know what that means: Outdoor fun! I've only been camping once in my entire life. In the middle of the summer. In the hot, beads-of-sweat-trickling-down-your-face kind of summer. My lack of outdoor sleeping experience should tell you something, friends -- I'm not very good at it. But, I'm pretty sure <a href="http://goglamping.net/">glamping</a> is something I could get behind; it sounds like it's just my speed. Have you heard of it? Well, apparently, it's the type of vacation that gives you the best of both worlds: The joy of camping in a controlled environment. The New York Times first <a href="http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/09/14/travel/14green-1.html">wrote about the trend</a> of glamorous camping -- it's origins can be traced back to Africa and Thailand. Here are 3 cool and comfy spots to watch the stars...<br /><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13857500/13857547_a19e_625x625.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13857500/13857547_a19e_625x625.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height:267px;" /></a><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13857500/13857636_eb5e_625x625.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13857500/13857636_eb5e_625x625.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height:267px;" /></a><a href="http://www.cornishtipiholidays.co.uk/">Cornish Tipi Holidays</a> is a family-owned company managed by Elizabeth Tom and Alan Berry in Cornwall, England. Staying in a canvas tipi, guest are treated to singing birds, magnificent cliffs and picturesquely clear water. Plus, packing for your stay in these 18-foot-high tipis is a breeze since everything besides food and bedding is provided on-site. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJZL9OT25TueS1-HjtiKx8GCUnzFmR8QPi7qIZIhU33P9cZV4iwHsaEY_bBjc9d-BYcWmruSpktgn4s9hO6hOm1TEs95ISetKlxf_MtjL4IUiRGHBZTKbBxQHGekUf8LydSrayjZ14g8/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-04-26+at+10.58.32+AM.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5735788894426946322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJZL9OT25TueS1-HjtiKx8GCUnzFmR8QPi7qIZIhU33P9cZV4iwHsaEY_bBjc9d-BYcWmruSpktgn4s9hO6hOm1TEs95ISetKlxf_MtjL4IUiRGHBZTKbBxQHGekUf8LydSrayjZ14g8/s400/Screen+shot+2012-04-26+at+10.58.32+AM.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 260px;" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3ic7MZBrjEe5L0PsDrL7AXobdRyiiVv3GQTFkiPVhDphUab7_MW2ktLQ6HOMBygXsoaIGKH66oRaH9aAoqGWbGQ2qKPh_Vq0aK5v_JUWq2KTvF2cHgqIwbflvUdFQchlsuoEHNvZEyU/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-04-26+at+10.57.05+AM.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5735788890436391490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3ic7MZBrjEe5L0PsDrL7AXobdRyiiVv3GQTFkiPVhDphUab7_MW2ktLQ6HOMBygXsoaIGKH66oRaH9aAoqGWbGQ2qKPh_Vq0aK5v_JUWq2KTvF2cHgqIwbflvUdFQchlsuoEHNvZEyU/s400/Screen+shot+2012-04-26+at+10.57.05+AM.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 260px;" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ha7SO1meR2XQwlAe6oD-lLzMt6fW65qXnY-eGZM1qCpRtwW7UAAVYid5eJGX15Omyr5oujZWvj096OYWPZKob-kY2R6PIk6uk94sFQ4eIHaVMjZdh6BuijsV8K1ZP6ncSxwqtqlr3Ow/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-04-26+at+1.58.23+PM.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5735788881767418514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ha7SO1meR2XQwlAe6oD-lLzMt6fW65qXnY-eGZM1qCpRtwW7UAAVYid5eJGX15Omyr5oujZWvj096OYWPZKob-kY2R6PIk6uk94sFQ4eIHaVMjZdh6BuijsV8K1ZP6ncSxwqtqlr3Ow/s400/Screen+shot+2012-04-26+at+1.58.23+PM.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 254px;" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglaiXZ5iY44tTBtliIA6OsFoKi88gwv0InC87ok-i0FHePnzTaQqF72K7IL0mBOeHbwdQYHirH0aJAuVnOF5fob101KPFDUyUkbsMsg-T6sPN8bHtjcbbd6a8gV6qnIr7tVrdIvsUu8qQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-04-26+at+1.58.33+PM.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5735788875063935602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglaiXZ5iY44tTBtliIA6OsFoKi88gwv0InC87ok-i0FHePnzTaQqF72K7IL0mBOeHbwdQYHirH0aJAuVnOF5fob101KPFDUyUkbsMsg-T6sPN8bHtjcbbd6a8gV6qnIr7tVrdIvsUu8qQ/s400/Screen+shot+2012-04-26+at+1.58.33+PM.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" /></a><a href="http://www.wildretreat.com/About_Clayoquot_Wilderness_Resort/index.asp">Clayoquot Wilderness Resort</a> on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, bills itself as an "eco-safari destination," accessible by a 45-minute plane ride. The small resort is home to 20 tents and features king- and queen-sized beds, full bathroom (<span style="font-style:italic;">with heated floors!</span>) and indoor showers. They're even nestled under rain forest canopies or perched amongst hillside trees. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsZ3jtjPpj0zczjCg5apbY016c3oxmONy26gJA0_n9aiFA3oMUdkU9i68lZybkGyTZnKOSZ-cLqQfYi7IVpj22oQWMnxFj-_3i13Wo8yC_D3u8d5O36FRKAE0qzIDz-a6-aBTwXnqMqQ/s1600/12.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5735795008844346226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsZ3jtjPpj0zczjCg5apbY016c3oxmONy26gJA0_n9aiFA3oMUdkU9i68lZybkGyTZnKOSZ-cLqQfYi7IVpj22oQWMnxFj-_3i13Wo8yC_D3u8d5O36FRKAE0qzIDz-a6-aBTwXnqMqQ/s400/12.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/AVvXsEhz7bqJZT4lupQ1L6OZ3PBM-x2kg-7lunUyopRS4Xtnj0n4f4w8nldtYLq_aov5sgLu1vRVaUzTzriLUERl75gmeam42Tj-0ncmIaHyUvEnmhQP8ymI2KAVh8QBGsEf8ezbpEjKvkjlRs4/s1600/13.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5735795004048318850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7bqJZT4lupQ1L6OZ3PBM-x2kg-7lunUyopRS4Xtnj0n4f4w8nldtYLq_aov5sgLu1vRVaUzTzriLUERl75gmeam42Tj-0ncmIaHyUvEnmhQP8ymI2KAVh8QBGsEf8ezbpEjKvkjlRs4/s400/13.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 278px;" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBi25rLftPoXCe-eWxh_Ug_aY-EEooq7avFD7Mt_5qg90ucybLLG-M5ZH3FWf4Ci-ps95VBHoFZBuFcZ8ijidokmq_8HeXxnR_7kmcAPLorgprsvh5Xea2C9pawsjoV0aeYefoDd-sJU/s1600/14.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5735795000199252882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBi25rLftPoXCe-eWxh_Ug_aY-EEooq7avFD7Mt_5qg90ucybLLG-M5ZH3FWf4Ci-ps95VBHoFZBuFcZ8ijidokmq_8HeXxnR_7kmcAPLorgprsvh5Xea2C9pawsjoV0aeYefoDd-sJU/s400/14.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5qoV-ZX_MwWBapDUID8g-6OIbkoS0_VzL6GqHAGjoReb6UsewFvp9lHLWECEcmpJ_UXchn9S2mLvXS_NZ7PyVNZV5IbFOIVHBW5DseB75tZUhsI9a_3Wi3HPeOZhIPCixeBbf-eEF7HA/s1600/15.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5735794995958617666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5qoV-ZX_MwWBapDUID8g-6OIbkoS0_VzL6GqHAGjoReb6UsewFvp9lHLWECEcmpJ_UXchn9S2mLvXS_NZ7PyVNZV5IbFOIVHBW5DseB75tZUhsI9a_3Wi3HPeOZhIPCixeBbf-eEF7HA/s400/15.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><a href="http://www.pawsup.com/">The Resort at Paws Up</a> in Montana stretches across 37,000 acres and boasts 24 glamping tents. Guests can enjoy private bathrooms and dining pavilions all against the backdrop of the mountains and trees of Montana. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Have you ever been glamping, friends? Would you try it? Are you a camper? What's your favorite camping spot? Let's chat! xoxo</span><br /><br />[Top photos of <a href="http://www.cornishtipiholidays.co.uk/">Cornish Tipi Holidays</a>]

Dream Vacation: Have you ever been glamping?

Summer is just a few short months away, and you know what that means: Outdoor fun! I've only been camping once in my entire life. In th...

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Five-Year Engagement

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj22S3L1gt2WpICDEje1R-lzm63aoDrYIGePvI00RbXJVTf2PBcsp03Pm9VGmFmg4fGfTdl2P_mfOArhHhfrr98dELUWy0oh2DX0PKDJuOziw2ihn2ivnH9XxQaGq94xZd7MC3smhmr_4/s1600/img8.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5735703160008369522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj22S3L1gt2WpICDEje1R-lzm63aoDrYIGePvI00RbXJVTf2PBcsp03Pm9VGmFmg4fGfTdl2P_mfOArhHhfrr98dELUWy0oh2DX0PKDJuOziw2ihn2ivnH9XxQaGq94xZd7MC3smhmr_4/s400/img8.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 185px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHaWh1smTMtMr6SoPxyyK0Q5aL-WqHVw4BdlzM0ggNIfAqbaYiaAuXF60x7itEETghFkuavPR-0qFsq-SL4Iq9VUC1-cNQykdAqPtTnA6WGqzbsp3qjhgdOXQd8oAvSTxr-eigx7W-NqU/s1600/img1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5735703150241590994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHaWh1smTMtMr6SoPxyyK0Q5aL-WqHVw4BdlzM0ggNIfAqbaYiaAuXF60x7itEETghFkuavPR-0qFsq-SL4Iq9VUC1-cNQykdAqPtTnA6WGqzbsp3qjhgdOXQd8oAvSTxr-eigx7W-NqU/s400/img1.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 185px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8jN9zCaym5BwA_Fx7GL0PMi-VkpKOWL6599BwyRCpe8XGisXqszRLgcP0d0m2CICOKHpDaIbMrjUGMhAiwd4Zx6JWDu9rNaaHfrSTv50rCQWSqrMxSgp_4bX1ShfWpb3p6vAmu7CLnE/s1600/img10.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5735703148711664850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8jN9zCaym5BwA_Fx7GL0PMi-VkpKOWL6599BwyRCpe8XGisXqszRLgcP0d0m2CICOKHpDaIbMrjUGMhAiwd4Zx6JWDu9rNaaHfrSTv50rCQWSqrMxSgp_4bX1ShfWpb3p6vAmu7CLnE/s400/img10.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 185px;" /></a>Have you guys seen the trailer for <a href="http://www.thefiveyearengagementmovie.com/">Five-Year Engagement</a>? The romantic comedy starring everyone's favorite funny man (<em>and <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2009/03/man-candy-monday_23.html">Man</a> <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2009/04/i-love-you-jason-segel.html">Candy</a> vet</em>) Jason Segel and Emily Blunt follows the couple's adventures and misadventures on their long walk down the aisle.<br /><div align="center"><iframe width="400" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xiDittXjJ9E" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>And in a clever nod to modern engagements, there's even <a href="http://tomandviolet.com/blog/">a blog</a> written by the fictional couple, Tom and Violet, which includes their story, videos and a guest book. Genius! Plus, the film is produced by the same people who did <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1478338/">Bridesmaids</a>, so you know it will be laugh-out-loud funny! Will you be seeing it, friends? xoxo<br /><br />P.S. I'll be writing more about long engagements next week, but until then, a <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2012/04/central-park-engagement.html">Central Park engagement</a> and <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/10/zombie-engagement.html">Zombie engagement</a>. :)

Five-Year Engagement

Have you guys seen the trailer for Five-Year Engagement ? The romantic comedy starring everyone's favorite funny man ( and Man Candy v...

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If you could eat dinner with 6 people...?

<div align="center"> </div><a href="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13837000/13837245_bb0d_625x625.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13837000/13837245_bb0d_625x625.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 518px;" /></a>Over lunch a few months ago, my friend <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/06/strawberry-nails.html">Lexi</a> and I got to talking about the people we would choose to sit around our dream dinner table. Lexi didn't have any trouble thinking of her Top 6, which included history makers and pop culture icons, but surprisingly, the task was harder than I thought. I had to think about it for awhile, and then I came up with this list...<br /><br />*<a href="http://www.thekingcenter.org/">Martin Luther King Jr.</a> for his knowledge and wisdom.<br />*<a href="http://www.ladygaga.com/bornthiswayball/">Lady Gaga</a> for being such a powerfully positive role model.<br />*<a href="http://www.elvis.com/">Elvis</a> because, really, who doesn't want to be serenaded?<br />*<a href="http://abcnews.go.com/WN/DianeSawyer/">Diane Sawyer</a> for her journalistic advice and inspiration.<br />*<a href="http://ellen.warnerbros.com/">Ellen</a>, so we can finally meet.<br />*<a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2009/01/man-candy-monday_12.html">Stephen Colbert</a> because there's nothing like a guy who makes you laugh.<br /><br /><strong>Who makes your list, friends? Is there anyone you'd include that might surprise people? What would you serve? I'd be SO nervous! xoxo</strong><br /><br />P.S. Special thanks to Rachael and Becca for letting me guest post on their wonderful blogs this week. You can read the posts <a href="http://twenty-something-sherbet.blogspot.com/2012/04/collectors-club-polo-shirts.html">here</a> and <a href="http://iridescentindigo.blogspot.com/2012/04/tell-me-about-it-week-4.html">here</a>. Thanks for inviting me to your "dinner table," ladies! :)

If you could eat dinner with 6 people...?

Over lunch a few months ago, my friend Lexi and I got to talking about the people we would choose to sit around our dream dinner table. Le...

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Mister Rogers documentary

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3GSwNXrVFqIrNbW95uR7hDOkZB4clhDa8eSbuIOdvvFD5NdgZN3F-5OSnRjzuw1Lwl26eHroaHKvQPSE5YxHoa4WUBcrQTPm9zmHKNggg6bQPXjFAZJhb1C-nZGaVp_7AorkVpSu5eE/s1600/01.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5735414337152124866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3GSwNXrVFqIrNbW95uR7hDOkZB4clhDa8eSbuIOdvvFD5NdgZN3F-5OSnRjzuw1Lwl26eHroaHKvQPSE5YxHoa4WUBcrQTPm9zmHKNggg6bQPXjFAZJhb1C-nZGaVp_7AorkVpSu5eE/s400/01.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgki5CMB4o7_XrkxbuAKtXuvFUuUJ91QCkWkO1v1G9dMYb7YQWwBrfPjAz5I3CWtY1pWUT8haYAtbrYxIc9jRHBGHoTba4rYmYUkR3rUCCq70HIg49KFfbVNwvsSMSt4gV6I-AXeVIvWuI/s1600/02.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5735414331800327410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgki5CMB4o7_XrkxbuAKtXuvFUuUJ91QCkWkO1v1G9dMYb7YQWwBrfPjAz5I3CWtY1pWUT8haYAtbrYxIc9jRHBGHoTba4rYmYUkR3rUCCq70HIg49KFfbVNwvsSMSt4gV6I-AXeVIvWuI/s400/02.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a>Growing up, many children wished they lived in Mister Rogers' neighborhood. Well, in 2001, MTV producer <a href="http://www.benjaminwagner.com/category/blog/">Benjamin Wagner</a> spent the summer as Mister Rogers' real-life neighbor on Nantucket island. After Rogers' death in 2003, Wagner set out to learn more about the man who meant so much to a generation. He also wanted to dig deeper into some of the lessons Rogers had taught him that summer, including the idea that "deep and simple is far more essential than shallow and complex."<br /><br />The result was <a href="http://www.misterrogersandme.com/">Mister Rogers & Me</a>, an 80-minute documentary chronicling the life-changing friendship. "If I learned one thing during the making of Mister Rogers & Me, it was that nearly everyone has a Mister Rogers story," says Benjamin. "Everyone has a story of inspiration and impact."<br /><div align="center"><iframe width="400" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/TMXKs6OSrNg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>How amazing is that? The trailer made me so excited to see the film. It must have been a once-in-a-lifetime experience -- a childhood wish come true! <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Will you watch it, friends? Did you watched Mister Rogers' Neighborhood when you were little? What's your Mister Rogers story? I'd love to hear it! I'll share mine in the comments! xoxo</span><br /><br />[Via <a href="http://laughingsquid.com/mister-rogers-me-a-documentary-film-about-fred-rogers-by-his-real-life-summer-neighbor/">Laughing Squid</a>]

Mister Rogers documentary

Growing up, many children wished they lived in Mister Rogers' neighborhood. Well, in 2001, MTV producer Benjamin Wagner spent the summe...

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How I Feel (In 5 Photos) Wednesday.

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVFdj2lhtUSKQlFiu4yioV3FU5YFJAEam7TWAFZRZGkD-9DtxyCZPJZaf46lCJzn05cS1bk5caTqI1fWyn-_ZQtphUc55plHNHe9Dy4iRGX4PBe7bF6No6WyYD-UzA8Vgm6fiAJk099w/s1600/01.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5735330514182974162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVFdj2lhtUSKQlFiu4yioV3FU5YFJAEam7TWAFZRZGkD-9DtxyCZPJZaf46lCJzn05cS1bk5caTqI1fWyn-_ZQtphUc55plHNHe9Dy4iRGX4PBe7bF6No6WyYD-UzA8Vgm6fiAJk099w/s400/01.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 273px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMln3_Bj6GKUz9s_kwJOn35n8U_U5TdNx3W2oGFkZDfKiW7ImTckqwhc49Dl0RclxDQRLaH5m4_zCYnXGScJgriFvX4wLgNGwpzvTEGayvMO9lvrdUeBuraXb-fkabOCjl6UMOKx3MP88/s1600/02.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5735330511893384450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMln3_Bj6GKUz9s_kwJOn35n8U_U5TdNx3W2oGFkZDfKiW7ImTckqwhc49Dl0RclxDQRLaH5m4_zCYnXGScJgriFvX4wLgNGwpzvTEGayvMO9lvrdUeBuraXb-fkabOCjl6UMOKx3MP88/s400/02.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 270px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPzNnD2VikYm0w4d56OLQ8k1bZgeunmMbIP7Hv4-f0RrS9gWYu2bpXGMpWeAWTUN3sbcsf0hzCGh-6nvtbipPAldMeym6B3IGonbbfH_-Aas4ZUn5lI6BARqpJIURMwFxtqTkvzbO800s/s1600/03.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5735330508223793330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPzNnD2VikYm0w4d56OLQ8k1bZgeunmMbIP7Hv4-f0RrS9gWYu2bpXGMpWeAWTUN3sbcsf0hzCGh-6nvtbipPAldMeym6B3IGonbbfH_-Aas4ZUn5lI6BARqpJIURMwFxtqTkvzbO800s/s400/03.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/AVvXsEimxaDkd5mqxrjiAGFC_MV2yryL1TlO1e6zl4mzHyTrTP7e5_chZQhQnKhsCtSwUel6XYt-NYdfH31gx82rF7Zt5fhbscA3QCmkM7laPBi50UDeCgZ9hOQaPXSYDwraf6lFudVheAqprP0/s1600/04.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5735330501885150210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxaDkd5mqxrjiAGFC_MV2yryL1TlO1e6zl4mzHyTrTP7e5_chZQhQnKhsCtSwUel6XYt-NYdfH31gx82rF7Zt5fhbscA3QCmkM7laPBi50UDeCgZ9hOQaPXSYDwraf6lFudVheAqprP0/s400/04.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprqKLxFzmuJIu1IFc82lrkKAV1tvD_DGhCqrtiSMRYF9V1gGfmoW2dBtMU-zQ8oaiq2Dmd1qjeQG-22qU1PpXieAyKKg6-r2b_5X37-AmnXd_FjS6RHN1uHw0eJyYC6mHY5gj9isCGrc/s1600/05.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5735330492764099378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprqKLxFzmuJIu1IFc82lrkKAV1tvD_DGhCqrtiSMRYF9V1gGfmoW2dBtMU-zQ8oaiq2Dmd1qjeQG-22qU1PpXieAyKKg6-r2b_5X37-AmnXd_FjS6RHN1uHw0eJyYC6mHY5gj9isCGrc/s400/05.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a><em>"I'm not gonna write you a love song...'cause you asked for it...'cause you need one."</em> --Sara Bareilles<br /><br />[Photos via <a href="http://mysummertwist.tumblr.com/">My Summer Twist</a>]

How I Feel (In 5 Photos) Wednesday.

"I'm not gonna write you a love song...'cause you asked for it...'cause you need one." --Sara Bareilles [Photos via M...

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Love Lounge: How old were you when you got married? Did you feel any pressure to tie the knot?

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8p2SFy2R1lanT0m-5SSPTCRCTgkykIgjIl5AtmQ7QHkm8rEfVD9BxQ6Gs9V-mDSYnvEufqR5LeSbne24OBm6gFv1PmwTtK9xGxCrPhVvcdqMI54zKvqj5xEAcwAW1cAl9Y73LvhGP1tI/s1600/marry2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5735026557417471186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8p2SFy2R1lanT0m-5SSPTCRCTgkykIgjIl5AtmQ7QHkm8rEfVD9BxQ6Gs9V-mDSYnvEufqR5LeSbne24OBm6gFv1PmwTtK9xGxCrPhVvcdqMI54zKvqj5xEAcwAW1cAl9Y73LvhGP1tI/s400/marry2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 284px;" /></a>It's sort of an odd coincidence: Most everyone in my mom's family (<em>her mom, her sisters...</em>) got married when they were 22. And although I <em>haven't</em> given much thought to is the age I'd like to be when I tie that knot, I did find myself going though a bit of self-doubt when I turned 22.<br /><br />Then, when my best friend got married a few years ago, I found myself bringing out the old metaphorical yardstick yet again. It's not that I actually wanted to get married <em>right then</em>; I just wondered if I <em>should be</em>. With so many of my peers marrying in their mid- and late-20s, the whole subject of marriage was hard to ignore. <br /><br />"The peer pressure to marry doesn’t necessarily suggest a problem with marriage itself, but a lack of other cultural models," says <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/23/reasons-to-get-married_n_1447389.html?ref=weddings&ncid=edlinkusaolp00000008">psychologist Lyla Cicero</a>. "This results in a lot of people choosing marital and family structures by default rather than by intention -- a kind of compulsory monogamy."<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFzK8i5v6Sq3ggmvgbNo_dOgSjv5670w-dqjsWZQXryzaGZ1zXOm23JVzjgPN-O6BmQAy3Aw_V_uI8a1iUx54YK-z9kg83gXIh1E55CnwNAgRGmMiUhzrFrJ9Vd7BFsqkDWXEOcD_aSk/s1600/marry.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5735026566722403106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFzK8i5v6Sq3ggmvgbNo_dOgSjv5670w-dqjsWZQXryzaGZ1zXOm23JVzjgPN-O6BmQAy3Aw_V_uI8a1iUx54YK-z9kg83gXIh1E55CnwNAgRGmMiUhzrFrJ9Vd7BFsqkDWXEOcD_aSk/s400/marry.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 227px;" /></a>And, as it turns out, the mid-20s is the perfect time to get married, at least according to <a href="http://www.cosmopolitan.com/celebrity/exclusive/marriage-age?hootPostID=ee8d539df8da463f0806b035a2b7c824">new research</a>. Having higher education, financial security and a firm sense of your goals and values in your mid-20s make for a perfect marriage recipe -- and lower the chances of going down the divorce path. <br /><br />But honestly? I don't want to get married until <em>I'm</em> ready, not when my peers or society think I should be ready. I think a lot of women -- and men -- feel this way too. Marriage, at the core, is such an individual thing. It can't be placed on some sort of arbitrary time table, full of neat little boxes of steps to check off. It's something you have to feel in your heart instead of calculate in your head. <br /><br /><strong>So, I'm curious, friends: Are you married? How old were you when you got married? Did you feel any of that peer pressure? Would you do things differently now if you had the chance? If you're not married, do you envision yourself being married by a certain age? xoxo</strong><br /><br />[Photos by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/superbomba/">superbomba</a> and <a href="http://www.rachelthurston.com/">Rachel Thurston</a>]

Love Lounge: How old were you when you got married? Did you feel any pressure to tie the knot?

It's sort of an odd coincidence: Most everyone in my mom's family ( her mom, her sisters... ) got married when they were 22. And alt...

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Question of the Week: Question #22

<em>I've been wanting to post about this subject for awhile now (here's <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/09/glee-premieres-tonight.html">a hint</a>), so I thought it would make a good topic for this week's question. Have a question? I'd love to hear it, so feel free to email me (mellow1422 [at] aol) or ask me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/soaboutwhatisaid">Facebook</a> or <a href="http://www.twitter.com/melissablake">Twitter</a>, friends! Today's question...</em><br /><br /><strong>What is your favorite musical?</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu16Apm99QKqrBSj6pG7Dc8Vjz0OAh_A2m-YZl_HffGcCSDv96S5FkDe7LF6ncGeOm0bQp4kcba1H-E04nFI5t9uDnxRJeeCaTsH3AEAyd40zKL6O35jGZsIXUKA3I0WbQIKGocakbIlo/s1600/annie.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5735037454320682578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu16Apm99QKqrBSj6pG7Dc8Vjz0OAh_A2m-YZl_HffGcCSDv96S5FkDe7LF6ncGeOm0bQp4kcba1H-E04nFI5t9uDnxRJeeCaTsH3AEAyd40zKL6O35jGZsIXUKA3I0WbQIKGocakbIlo/s400/annie.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 368px;" /></a>There’s no business like show business. Everything about it is appealing. And of course, nowhere can you get that happy feeling. <br /><br />That’s what the famous dance number from <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0042200/">Annie, Get Your Gun</a> tells us, at least. The song also says that there are no people like show people – those happy, flashy, extravagant, over-the-top people who have seamlessly mastered the art of acting, singing and dancing.<br /><br />I have a confession. I, for once, feel like I’m standing ahead of a trend, looking back and saying “<em>I told you so</em>” to the poor saps who are finally catching up to the glory that is the Grand Musical. People have tried to hide their love of a good shake-and-dance show, but I’ve been an advocate for musicals my whole life.<br /><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13812000/13812281_df6c_625x625.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13812000/13812281_df6c_625x625.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 569px;" /></a>I suppose I have my mother to thank for my overabundant love of musicals. She started us early and often. I had memorized every song in <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0042200/">Annie</a> when I was 4. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048445/">Oklahoma</a> by the time I was 8. In the car on those long family trips, we even sang. What was my mom’s standard of choice? Musicals, of course, usually something from <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058385/">My Fair Lady</a> or <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0049408/">The King And I</a>. I almost think if you ask her nicely, she’ll belt out On The Street Where You Live at your child’s next party or Bar Mitzvah. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LCKf1w55-b_Z1ufFXpoglm7LzlB4uXQatbIffxFEfgZ6rMxHgNhYNXImt2APT_FcOstaquGukCINFUKo3i2FG1-_ZTG9XtaldRwdyrnk5HoyCzXw0Y5JaGkJ35ZMAtD6NQFN-9GVLOw/s1600/annie3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5735037446729586754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LCKf1w55-b_Z1ufFXpoglm7LzlB4uXQatbIffxFEfgZ6rMxHgNhYNXImt2APT_FcOstaquGukCINFUKo3i2FG1-_ZTG9XtaldRwdyrnk5HoyCzXw0Y5JaGkJ35ZMAtD6NQFN-9GVLOw/s400/annie3.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 233px;" /></a>Musicals can make anything look – and sound – like a big, grand event. A giant party. An inside look at the devastating world of gangs? There’s <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0055614/">West Side Story</a>. A melancholy story of parents who pawned their children off to a nanny? Try <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0055614/">Mary Poppins</a>. A movie that portrays people actually enjoying and getting down tonight in the 1970s? Don’t forget <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0076666/">Saturday Night Fever</a>. The story of a washed up movie star with delusions of grandeur? There's my all-time favorite <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043014/">Sunset Boulevard</a>. <br /><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13812000/13812401_9032_625x625.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13812000/13812401_9032_625x625.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 604px;" /></a><strong>What are your favorite musicals, friends? Do you find yourself singing along like I do? xoxo</strong><br /><br />P.S. A new <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/Love%20Lounge">Love Lounge</a> is coming up soon! :)

Question of the Week: Question #22

I've been wanting to post about this subject for awhile now (here's a hint ), so I thought it would make a good topic for this week...

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Little Miss books: Which one are you?

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJeICa-DxD7wFdJZks0Gbr4dHqpWyUqTltAthhBgsCQprbHrtH3ryBdDA7gJB_qqBBej3dweQZkEOLu3oDiJj4OuFU4oW2Ex3wf94kafYISWPbc8mbqiWq3s1FPMsLv9XfxU7kNRqEy4/s1600/little.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5734979916324743330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJeICa-DxD7wFdJZks0Gbr4dHqpWyUqTltAthhBgsCQprbHrtH3ryBdDA7gJB_qqBBej3dweQZkEOLu3oDiJj4OuFU4oW2Ex3wf94kafYISWPbc8mbqiWq3s1FPMsLv9XfxU7kNRqEy4/s400/little.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 309px;" /></a>Whoa! These <a href="http://www.mrmen.com/uk">Little Miss books</a> sure took me back this morning. Do you remember them? Each book features a different character with a <em>big</em> personality, like Little Miss Bossy, Little Miss Curious, Little Miss Helpful, Little Miss Shy and Little Miss Trouble. Roger Hargreaves created the series after his son, Adam, asked the simple question: "<em>What does a tickle look like?</em>" Now, 40 years later, Adam is the writer and illustrator of the series.<br /><br /><strong>How sweet is that? Did you ever read them when you were little, friends? Which one could you identify with the most? Did you have a favorite? xoxo</strong><br /><br />P.S. Fun fact: A new book is sold every 2.5 seconds worldwide! :)

Little Miss books: Which one are you?

Whoa! These Little Miss books sure took me back this morning. Do you remember them? Each book features a different character with a big pe...

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With Me Somehow

<span style="font-style:italic;">I've been having lots of dreams about my father lately, friends (more detail about the dreams later), and it got me thinking: Do we ever get comfortable not having someone in our lives? Whether the situation is a break-up where the other person is still alive, or someone we love has died, a part of us will always want them with us. What do you think, friends? xoxo</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjjHVoOBVsmgURnCPKYpij0wVFkSkloYo6jM_8THqJcWrHsY-et3WQZDL4BK-D0zxydT4YWo55Xhyphenhyphenhiyo4zAJd-CjSyux6SQW7x_5J5o5st1lj9LiYETTgpUSi6M1OPuBKTP3_UjDMLpc/s1600/01.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5734676332262476082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjjHVoOBVsmgURnCPKYpij0wVFkSkloYo6jM_8THqJcWrHsY-et3WQZDL4BK-D0zxydT4YWo55Xhyphenhyphenhiyo4zAJd-CjSyux6SQW7x_5J5o5st1lj9LiYETTgpUSi6M1OPuBKTP3_UjDMLpc/s400/01.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;"><div align="center">Here I am again<br />Sitting with these old photographs<br />Am I looking at someone else's life?<br />It was the days of castles and hopscotch and lullabies<br />The time for a thousand hellos, not goodbyes<br />The time when I didn't know what it felt like to cry<br /><br />Do you miss me wherever you are?<br />Do you wish you were here?<br />Are you that shooting star watching over me when I'm dreaming?<br />'Cause these memories, they flood my mind<br />It's like I sleep with my eyes open hoping I can see through the rain<br />And that one day I'll turn around<br />And you'll be with me somehow<br /><br />I wonder what I would say if I saw you<br />I've done so much without you<br />Feeling like an island all alone<br />Would you be proud, would it be enough?<br />Would I still have your love?<br />And would you realize how much I've grown?<br /><br />Do you miss me wherever you are?<br />Do you wish you were here?<br />Are you that shooting star watching over me when I'm dreaming?<br />'Cause these memories, they flood my mind<br />It's like I sleep with my eyes open hoping I can see through the rain<br />And that one day I'll turn around<br />And you'll be with me somehow<br /><br />So I look in the mirror and I see your eyes staring back at me<br />Twinkling bright just like those shooting stars in the sky...<br /><br />Do you miss me wherever you are?<br />Do you wish you were here?<br />Are you that shooting star watching over me when I'm dreaming?<br />'Cause these memories, they flood my mind<br />It's like I sleep with my eyes open hoping I can see through the rain<br />And that one day I'll turn around<br />And you'll be with me somehow<br /><br />Do you miss me wherever you are?<br />Do you wish you were here?<br />Are you that shooting star watching over me when I'm dreaming?<br />'Cause these memories, they flood my mind<br />It's like I sleep with my eyes open hoping I can see through the rain<br />And that one day I'll turn around<br />And you'll be with me somehow</div></span><br /><br />[Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandamabel/6285350885/">Amanda Mabel</a>, via <a href="http://www.leloveimage.blogspot.com/2012/04/forget-me.html">Le Love</a>]

With Me Somehow

I've been having lots of dreams about my father lately, friends (more detail about the dreams later), and it got me thinking: Do we ever...

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