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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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 href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3GSwNXrVFqIrNbW95uR7hDOkZB4clhDa8eSbuIOdvvFD5NdgZN3F-5OSnRjzuw1Lwl26eHroaHKvQPSE5YxHoa4WUBcrQTPm9zmHKNggg6bQPXjFAZJhb1C-nZGaVp_7AorkVpSu5eE/s1600/01.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><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 href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgki5CMB4o7_XrkxbuAKtXuvFUuUJ91QCkWkO1v1G9dMYb7YQWwBrfPjAz5I3CWtY1pWUT8haYAtbrYxIc9jRHBGHoTba4rYmYUkR3rUCCq70HIg49KFfbVNwvsSMSt4gV6I-AXeVIvWuI/s1600/02.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><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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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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Man Candy Monday.

Happy Monday, friends! How did you celebrate Earth Day yesterday? Anything exciting? Today's choice just easily fell into place. Maybe even fate or destiny had something to do with it. It's really no secret that I've been moved by this guy's <a href="http://www.nicholassparks.com/">romantic and enchanting work</a> for as long as I can remember. And who can blame me? He seems like the ultimate family man. He's sensitive. And as you know, friends, any man who isn't afraid to use that sexy brain of his is aces in my book...<br /><br />NICHOLAS SPARKS!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br /><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13771500/13771631_043f_625x625.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13771500/13771631_043f_625x625.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 595px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQgDODLFf7WveUqce3xg9fqqBxyhAzSanOSMHNNVdvp6nw4l_moZDJaBDY9FYtWoF_C6n7uoH8CYY5-WMpSUbWGcGKamPnznZWNZCFM2QVhVcIc8g6LA_SBck4OH8t7ODS4HeN1kvcR8/s1600/aa3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5734325821314140722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQgDODLFf7WveUqce3xg9fqqBxyhAzSanOSMHNNVdvp6nw4l_moZDJaBDY9FYtWoF_C6n7uoH8CYY5-WMpSUbWGcGKamPnznZWNZCFM2QVhVcIc8g6LA_SBck4OH8t7ODS4HeN1kvcR8/s400/aa3.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://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13771500/13771780_62fe_625x625.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13771500/13771780_62fe_625x625.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 512px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhQZsHtpyxvk_tY52nSi0xqqcuMDm7wMEEH8oPF57gUszGwBl7793xk71QfYnmK-WOQ_-ihAN7lZao9WltRgF44_YFGYspwzfNTiU2eivWUBWjRoDHwwZwKR5kwpNLYY7sBQ5WLKLJZw/s1600/aa5.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5734325817102250754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhQZsHtpyxvk_tY52nSi0xqqcuMDm7wMEEH8oPF57gUszGwBl7793xk71QfYnmK-WOQ_-ihAN7lZao9WltRgF44_YFGYspwzfNTiU2eivWUBWjRoDHwwZwKR5kwpNLYY7sBQ5WLKLJZw/s400/aa5.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" /></a><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13771500/13771991_9da9_625x625.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13771500/13771991_9da9_625x625.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 500px;" /></a><em>"All characters come from people I know, but after the initial inspiration, I tend to modify the characters so they fit with the story." </em>

Man Candy Monday.

Happy Monday, friends! How did you celebrate Earth Day yesterday? Anything exciting? Today's choice just easily fell into place. Maybe e...

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Have a cool weekend

<div align="center"> </div><a href="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13735000/13735425_8dfd_625x625.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13735000/13735425_8dfd_625x625.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 595px;" /></a>Happy Friday, friends! I hope you enjoy all the <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/baby%20week">baby talk</a> this week -- I love doing theme weeks every now and then, so please email me (mellow1422 [at] aol), <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/melissablake">Tweet me</a> or leave a comment on So About What I Said's <a href="http://facebook.com/soaboutwhatisaid">Facebook page</a> if you've got ideas for future themes. <br /><br />So, do you have anything exciting planned this weekend? We're getting together with some family friends tomorrow, and then on Sunday, I'm going to see my mom sing in our church's choir. I always feel like one of those proud parents when I see her up there singing -- isn't it funny how the parent/child roles are reversed sometimes?<br /><br />I hope you all have a relaxing weekend, and here are my favorite finds from the wonderful Web...<br /><br />I love these <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/12/frasier-tossed-salad-and-scrambled-eggs_n_1422023.html?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl3%7Csec1_lnk3%26pLid%3D151957">10 bizarre TV theme songs</a> (<em><a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2008/11/man-candy-monday.html">Frasier</a>, anyone...</em>).<br /><br />Beautiful <a href="http://www.stylelist.com/2012/04/13/decor-ideas-breakfast-nook_n_1422151.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000003">breakfast nooks</a>.<br /><br />Here are the <a href="http://www.parade.com/towns">10 hardest-working towns</a> in America, according to PARADE.<br /><br />First, there was the <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2012/03/spring-fling-peek-boo-umbrella.html">peek-a-boo umbrella</a>. Now, there's the <a href="http://www.likecool.com/Handsfree_umbrella--Pic--Gear.html">hands-free umbrella</a>!<br /><br />Do you have these <a href="http://living.msn.com/love-relationships/wedding-obsessions-blog-post?post=7629088a-58af-47eb-972c-d47d1ef80b57#scptmg">types of photos</a> in your wedding album?<br /><br />Wow, a <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/scott-barry-kaufman/can-genius-be-detected-in-infancy_b_1425423.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000008">four-year-old genius</a>!<br /><br />Hey, '90s children: Remember <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/20-awesome-lisa-frank-items-you-wish-you-owned">Lisa Frank</a>?<br /><br />How adorable are <a href="http://www.amerrymishapblog.com/2012/04/littlephant.html">these cups</a>?<br /><br />A pretty <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/43982522/prism-a-rainbow-of-precious-gems">rainbow ring</a>.<br /><br />The first-ever <a href="http://curbed.com/archives/2012/04/18/ikea-superfans-coordinate-firstever-wedding-in-an-ikea.php">IKEA wedding</a>!<br /><br />I'm loving Rachel's <a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/LovelyClusters/~3/XgQ8aAg1vnA/spring-summer-2012-catalog-200.html">spring/summer catalog</a>, aren't you?<br /><br />Gorgeous <a href="http://blogs.babble.com/the-new-home-ec/2012/04/19/15-gorgeous-hand-painted-walls/">hand-painted walls</a>.<br /><br />Lisa makes such wonderful <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lisaroy?ref=em">handbags</a>.<br /><br />The <a href="http://frenchbydesign.blogspot.com/2012/03/smile-its-wednesday.html">evolution</a> of rock concerts.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/ivanr4/great-logos-with-a-secret-meaning-1uq3">Logos</a> with a secret meaning.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thefrisky.com/2012-04-19/be-my-boyfriend-finance-dude-who-tracks-his-match-com-dates-on-a-spreadsheet/">This guy</a> kept a detailed spreadsheet of all the women he dated. Thoughts?<br /><br />What do you <a href="http://www.thefrisky.com/2012-04-19/13-silly-things-girls-worry-about-on-a-first-date/">worry about</a> on a first date?<br /><br />It's official: I'm such a sucker for <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mybeardedpigeon?ref=top_trail">pillows</a>.<br /><br />Yay or nay: Jon Hamm <a href="http://www.bettyconfidential.com/ar/ld/a/love-it-or-hate-it-jon-hamm-super-scruffy-beard.html">with a beard</a>?<br /><br />Dick Clark's <a href="http://thecelebritycafe.com/feature/2012/04/dick-clarks-first-top-10">first-ever top 10</a> from 1963. Thanks for the rockin' memories!<br /><br /><em><strong>**Don't forget to enter the <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2012/04/shopbop-100-gift-card-giveaway.html">Shopbop giveaway</a> for your chance to win a $100 shopping spree!**</strong></em><br /><br />[Photo via <a href="http://witanddelight.tumblr.com/post/20963291483/thatkindofwoman-let-me-love-you">wit + delight</a>]

Have a cool weekend

Happy Friday, friends! I hope you enjoy all the baby talk this week -- I love doing theme weeks every now and then, so please email me (me...

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Question of the Week: Question #21

<span style="font-style:italic;">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 comes to us from <a href="http://www.thestyleprojects.com/">Shardé</a>, who asks...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What are your top 3 favorite blogs?</span><br /><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13659500/13659964_23af_625x625.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13659500/13659964_23af_625x625.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 568px;" /></a>Here's a mind-boggling question: What did we do before we had blogs? It's hard to imagine now, but just a few years ago, our worlds were completely different. We didn't know the words blog, blogging or blogosphere. We couldn't wrap our heads around the idea that we could hit <span style="font-style:italic;">publish</span>, and within 10 minutes, our words could be read by people halfway around the world. And now, actually, we can't imagine our lives without these blogs. There are millions of blogs on millions of subjects -- everything from lifestyle blogs to mommy blogs to health blogs to entertainment blogs -- and we all read blogs for millions of different reasons. But, don't we all have a few favorites that we keep coming back to? Here are my top 3 favorite blogs...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx2QXtqIMgNXkarQMMaI9LwjDVN8Xnzmub4TgjhMFaaxQchS3cu1__8_hbZ7_LuGzHfrmeAI2Vn0y1iLmK6ExqgNehvqrtTIh540oXgVErvEd6DQqGJfNh2fDS_87Zhwo7sBAQoI_mTyo/s1600/02.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732425472538155154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx2QXtqIMgNXkarQMMaI9LwjDVN8Xnzmub4TgjhMFaaxQchS3cu1__8_hbZ7_LuGzHfrmeAI2Vn0y1iLmK6ExqgNehvqrtTIh540oXgVErvEd6DQqGJfNh2fDS_87Zhwo7sBAQoI_mTyo/s400/02.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 137px;" /></a><a href="http://dancingbranflakes.blogspot.com/">Dancing Branflakes</a>: Tiffany is such an inspiration and one of those genuinely sweet people who you feel like you could spill your secrets to. Plus, she posts the most mouth-watering recipes. Oh, and she let me <a href="http://dancingbranflakes.blogspot.com/2012/04/dating-men-and-being-wonder-woman.html">guest post</a> for her today too. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj686OgmBIviTYgkG8Pk-KyP_17Y9cPEp7EtgldRtahRxqrCONqrE6110ehKoOPXZMDbR3uIhwDSZKHMsHaNkM0aac9ey4P3PTZ3VQK0MR_bSz1sUUy6jfl4gw4A8K53C0Rl6ZwyIojgNw/s1600/03.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732425461498971154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj686OgmBIviTYgkG8Pk-KyP_17Y9cPEp7EtgldRtahRxqrCONqrE6110ehKoOPXZMDbR3uIhwDSZKHMsHaNkM0aac9ey4P3PTZ3VQK0MR_bSz1sUUy6jfl4gw4A8K53C0Rl6ZwyIojgNw/s400/03.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 74px;" /></a><a href="http://diana212m.blogspot.com/">exPress-o</a>: I've been reading Diana's blog for a few years now, and I love how she always has something new and interesting to share. And I love how she weaves her life into each post too. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCeGVErO-QqS5-Gnt2jhIE9rSNFjCx2VIsHHKTqj7obL_GUvd_y7zMJ04kire9bHoJwJfa_aJ6McgbVQFZKUIV6n3va4TAMRFYhdOX6MYylvJgmJEhINj5l8tz_mZ1nSY9COumZxRgtVw/s1600/05.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732425469065344530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCeGVErO-QqS5-Gnt2jhIE9rSNFjCx2VIsHHKTqj7obL_GUvd_y7zMJ04kire9bHoJwJfa_aJ6McgbVQFZKUIV6n3va4TAMRFYhdOX6MYylvJgmJEhINj5l8tz_mZ1nSY9COumZxRgtVw/s400/05.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 94px;" /></a><a href="http://www.brightboldbeautiful.com/">Bright, Bold & Beautiful</a>: Laura has a way of injecting life and vibrancy into every post. I come away from her blog feeling inspired, from her design posts to her Etsy finds. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1rgXpAiz7gHSR2dEfKRas-szAWQUdxmj-NIfTxA3oFu0hrIbLxYqaPye6wSWHD2ixvYkwiTjfh6UWJYAoJD5SkAQBj9uou5OUBRoW1RbENJDHlL7D-B5hJfuhkZYsRyyjoiS1p0zGX0/s1600/06.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732426509252105714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1rgXpAiz7gHSR2dEfKRas-szAWQUdxmj-NIfTxA3oFu0hrIbLxYqaPye6wSWHD2ixvYkwiTjfh6UWJYAoJD5SkAQBj9uou5OUBRoW1RbENJDHlL7D-B5hJfuhkZYsRyyjoiS1p0zGX0/s400/06.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 318px;" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Now it's your turn, friends: What are your favorite blogs? Which ones do you visit regularly? What do you like about them? What keep you going back? xoxo</span><br /><br />[First and last photo via <a href="http://weheartit.com/">We Heart It</a>]

Question of the Week: Question #21

Have a question? I'd love to hear it, so feel free to email me (mellow1422 [at] aol) or ask me on Facebook or Twitter , friends! Today...

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Two cute baby videos

<div align="center"><iframe width="400" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_OBlgSz8sSM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Do you have any favorite baby videos, friends? I found two this morning that totally made me say "<em>Awww</em>" out loud. First, meet little Charlie Davies-Carr from England. He became a viral sensation in 2007 after his father posted <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OBlgSz8sSM">Charlie Bit My Finger</a> on YouTube as a way to share the boys' life with family friends in the States. The video features Charlie, now 5, chomping on his older brother, Harry's (<em>you guessed it!</em>), finger. The video has been viewed 417.6 million times, making it the most successful noncommercial video in YouTube history. I love Charlie's little laugh and how Harry reassures him by saying, "<em>I'm not really hurt</em>." And how adorable is their accent?<br /><div align="center"><iframe width="400" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lih0Z2IbIUQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>And who can resist this study-in-language <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lih0Z2IbIUQ&feature=relmfu">video</a> of Brooklyn twins Sam and Wren having a wildly engaging conversation with each other? Their mom <a href="http://www.twinmamarama.com/">Abby</a>, also a twin, posted the video, and it's received 6 million hits already. Don't you wonder what the twins are contemplating? (There's another video of the twins <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JmA2ClUvUY&feature=autoplay&list=ULlih0Z2IbIUQ&lf=mfu_in_order&playnext=1">here</a>).<br /><br /><em><strong>P.S. Don't forget to enter the <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2012/04/shopbop-100-gift-card-giveaway.html">Shopbop giveaway</a> for your chance to win a $100 shopping spree!</strong></em><br /><br />[Charlie video via <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/10/world/europe/charlie-bit-my-finger-video-lifts-family-to-fame.html?_r=2&ref=todayspaper">The New York Times</a>]

Two cute baby videos

Do you have any favorite baby videos, friends? I found two this morning that totally made me say " Awww " out loud. First, meet li...

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Man Candy Monday.

Good morning, friends! Today marks a very special day in the hallowed halls of <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/Man%20Candy">Man Candy</a>. A dude debut, if you will. If you had asked me a few years ago if I'd ever find myself listening to -- not to mention liking -- country music, I would have laughed out loud and thought you were cuckoo. But here I am now, loving it. And this guy is one of the ones I love the most. He's talented. He's a bit of a rebel. And he gets caught up in barefoot bluejean nights...<br /><br />JAKE OWEN!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTjYZs4_IyS0h8EN5GZzTUsic_alsQjdcVUeniLPV4ZgSfrKMJx4ir8eIdHfkGAgQVW1vqYowx491mjdIyrUvWD0i8QZGIhhhYl0GvNKGK4ko-ZBTt_MZY1fTwM3NdVRiV1-EWEzIlEo/s1600/aa2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731793609480985522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTjYZs4_IyS0h8EN5GZzTUsic_alsQjdcVUeniLPV4ZgSfrKMJx4ir8eIdHfkGAgQVW1vqYowx491mjdIyrUvWD0i8QZGIhhhYl0GvNKGK4ko-ZBTt_MZY1fTwM3NdVRiV1-EWEzIlEo/s400/aa2.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/13626500/13626909_3e90_625x625.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13626500/13626909_3e90_625x625.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 600px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhGd6NtDP7gu3KO2eLnrgpdBNTyh7o8-RSwFfu4qaUsy9MT-YLwz06ACGRNsgYxp8nxxkLSEw-UdtFS-s1At-ee2blkqwTZgtXNYTX2__um9Rr1wkuVl0IqzNQp5POVuEEGlwAS2DGzZ4/s1600/aa3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731793611615200514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhGd6NtDP7gu3KO2eLnrgpdBNTyh7o8-RSwFfu4qaUsy9MT-YLwz06ACGRNsgYxp8nxxkLSEw-UdtFS-s1At-ee2blkqwTZgtXNYTX2__um9Rr1wkuVl0IqzNQp5POVuEEGlwAS2DGzZ4/s400/aa3.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://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13626500/13626960_b298_625x625.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13626500/13626960_b298_625x625.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 511px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHBm6is0OORAxu0NHp_yxFuBWsop630F-FfWLxNUaZyK-oTAyh6uy6uNKDa4hKhuvETnCkPSODyrxQyNvTLrwwwMRhwjsTM4398SV9u6265nG0R95klQps-skHFsBQgD0FZnyH-oFKi0/s1600/aa5.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731793604285837858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHBm6is0OORAxu0NHp_yxFuBWsop630F-FfWLxNUaZyK-oTAyh6uy6uNKDa4hKhuvETnCkPSODyrxQyNvTLrwwwMRhwjsTM4398SV9u6265nG0R95klQps-skHFsBQgD0FZnyH-oFKi0/s400/aa5.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 324px;" /></a><em>"We were shining like lighters in the middle of a rock show."</em><br /><br /><em><strong>P.S. Don't forget to enter the <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2012/04/shopbop-100-gift-card-giveaway.html">Shopbop giveaway</a> for your chance to win a $100 shopping spree!</strong></em>

Man Candy Monday.

Good morning, friends! Today marks a very special day in the hallowed halls of Man Candy . A dude debut, if you will. If you had asked me a ...

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Have a romantic weekend

<div align="center"> </div><a href="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13586500/13586649_b2e3_625x625.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13586500/13586649_b2e3_625x625.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 511px;" /></a>Well, friends, it's Friday the 13th! Are you feeling superstitious today? What are you doing this weekend? I'm looking forward to a few <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/simple%20joys">simple pleasures</a>: Sleeping in, catching up on <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/mad%20men">Mad Men</a> and ordering gooey, oozing-with-cheese pizza tonight. Have a fun weekend, and here are my favorite finds from the wonderful Web...<br /><br /><a href="http://bippityboppityboo.tumblr.com/post/20493562759">Where's Waldo</a>?<br /><br />How many <a href="http://designflourishes.com/2012/04/the-states/">U.S. states</a> have you visited?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.vanityfair.com/online/oscars/2012/04/friends-oral-history-jennifer-aniston-rachel-green">Friends</a> love. Who was your favorite?<br /><br />I love these <a href="http://studentdesignblog.wordpress.com/2012/04/02/25-unheard-expressions-of-gratitude/">expressions of gratitude</a>.<br /><br />Hilarious: <a href="http://oldpeoplefacebook.tumblr.com/">Old people writing</a> on the Facebook pages of chain restaurants.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/179615">Homage To My Hips</a> is so inspiring. <br /><br />Simple and elegant <a href="https://catbirdnyc.com/shop/product.php?productid=16715&cat=297&page=1">knot ring</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.twitter.com/bettymwhite">Betty White</a> is now on Twitter!<br /><br />Are your <a href="http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/123140">taxes</a> done?<br /><br />Awesome: <a href="http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/123106">11 iconic photos from the '70s</a>.<br /><br />It's <a href="http://www.thinkgeek.com/tshirts-apparel/hoodies/ec3e/?cpg=40135310&msg_id=40135310&et_rid=851525388&linkid=40135310_image_ec3e">Soft Kitty</a>!<br /><br />In honor of this week's National Grilled Cheese Day, here are some <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/lifestyle/2012/04/national-grilled-cheese-day-recipes/">mouth-watering recipes</a>.<br /><br />How pretty is <a href="http://eriebasin.com/a_blackpearl0412.html">this ring</a>?<br /><br />Oh, how I miss <a href="http://www.4men1lady.com/2012/04/my-eiki.html">overhead projectors</a>!<br /><br />Congrats, <a href="http://cupcakesandcashmere.com/one-thing/">Emily</a>!<br /><br />Life, in <a href="http://kate-girl.tumblr.com/post/15350073736">two words</a>.<br /><br />These <a href="http://designismine.blogspot.com/2012/04/ten-images-of-inspiration-spring.html">spring flowers</a> are so calming. <br /><br />Funny: <a href="http://textfromdog.tumblr.com/">Texts From Dogs</a>.<br /><br />Remember my post about how <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2012/03/question-of-week-question-18.html">I don't drink</a>? Here, another writer <a href="http://www.thefrisky.com/2012-04-13/girl-talk-dont-judge-me-for-not-drinking/">weighs in</a>. <br /><br />Dream Vacation: <a href="http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/elmgreen-dragset-han-denmark-sculpture">Blinking merman sculpture</a> in Denmark.<br /><br />[Photo by <a href="http://www.serlinassociates.com/#/sarahmaingot">Sarah Maingot</a>, via <a href="http://ethnobot.tumblr.com/post/2605836628/photography-by-sarah-maingot">The Shallow End</a>]

Have a romantic weekend

Well, friends, it's Friday the 13th! Are you feeling superstitious today? What are you doing this weekend? I'm looking forward to a...

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Happy tattoo

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NTStZAkVlLYeVqR85v2recanR0teApag0RsxN5OhN3IzmxGLTdUSPjQNFgRx2_8-6OdUqULvMidNvj5_kKPM9wyk0Pk-hH-hJ0znB1P52waKvHyoyvLOVaTdexS955JAIpgqvn5TcGA/s1600/aa.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730286922836083778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NTStZAkVlLYeVqR85v2recanR0teApag0RsxN5OhN3IzmxGLTdUSPjQNFgRx2_8-6OdUqULvMidNvj5_kKPM9wyk0Pk-hH-hJ0znB1P52waKvHyoyvLOVaTdexS955JAIpgqvn5TcGA/s400/aa.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" /></a>This is something we should all remember, don't you think, friends? What are <em>you</em> happy about today? Look for my list in the comments! xoxo<br /><br /><em><strong>P.S. Don't forget to enter the <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2012/04/shopbop-100-gift-card-giveaway.html">Shopbop giveaway</a> for your chance to win $100 shopping spree!</strong></em><br /><br />[Via <a href="http://luna-moon.tumblr.com/post/12240839182/this-is-so-pretty-and-i-love-the-message-in-it">luna-moon</a>]

Happy tattoo

This is something we should all remember, don't you think, friends? What are you happy about today? Look for my list in the comments! x...

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Question of the Week: Question #20

<span style="font-style:italic;">Have a question? I'd love to hear it, so feel free to email me (mellow1422 [at] aol) or as 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 comes to us from <a href="http://dancingbranflakes.blogspot.com/">Tiffany</a>, who asks...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">If you won the lotto, what would you buy?</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpWmjaB74IrUqzPsJeGsaal_47m5HUdMLk9bioAMeOhEtBqDJlLRjuoIY5Mq5FMWCeS-5Ll7783G4zyNN7ADDQBYsivqihyqoe2DG2J_1OuIgxKYPSQaoTyRnyPSYAbI5RlsgVxQerCg/s1600/02.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729840603185661218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpWmjaB74IrUqzPsJeGsaal_47m5HUdMLk9bioAMeOhEtBqDJlLRjuoIY5Mq5FMWCeS-5Ll7783G4zyNN7ADDQBYsivqihyqoe2DG2J_1OuIgxKYPSQaoTyRnyPSYAbI5RlsgVxQerCg/s400/02.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 223px;" /></a>Ooooh, the allure of the lottery. The simple idea that you could be the big winner? It can be so intoxicating, isn't it? The recent jackpot, which topped off at more than $600 million, had everyone green with envy. And I'll admit that my eyes were spinning like quarters and dimes and nickels at the possibilities. It would almost be like having the world at your fingertips. Here are the top 3 ways I'd divide my winnings...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqRm6I9pBtWwDDe60hNB5_W0bOcbmBvfDd3OH9ZGuxduHcOH7Duk2I-nq1gjEZZ4dCc7r2HtC3qTV3Hirk6JYsVimkosDa1s5UpgTt51-WXDhZZNV6peDbDzGhxqxjvNTY2mK_bOmIH_A/s1600/01.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729817034542462962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqRm6I9pBtWwDDe60hNB5_W0bOcbmBvfDd3OH9ZGuxduHcOH7Duk2I-nq1gjEZZ4dCc7r2HtC3qTV3Hirk6JYsVimkosDa1s5UpgTt51-WXDhZZNV6peDbDzGhxqxjvNTY2mK_bOmIH_A/s400/01.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 285px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEwV0IWGzub1gvN89kBR53xXihzFsK0A5eortUd5IUvjsvro-d637ThO4mo1QcU7sN4XAabmOSVwFAV9P3IDs9VgGMQUYWzjqfw1c9-9Ny9rA3AF5bPr4Ekxa8K5QjojRPqgwa6A6jhQ/s1600/02.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729817032064467410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEwV0IWGzub1gvN89kBR53xXihzFsK0A5eortUd5IUvjsvro-d637ThO4mo1QcU7sN4XAabmOSVwFAV9P3IDs9VgGMQUYWzjqfw1c9-9Ny9rA3AF5bPr4Ekxa8K5QjojRPqgwa6A6jhQ/s400/02.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 287px;" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">TRAVEL</span>: I used to love traveling, but haven't taken to the open road much since my father died. I'd love to take a classic road trip across the country. You know, the kind in an a <span style="font-style:italic;">huge</span> RV that we drive through the mountains, through the woods in and try not to roll off the bed as the highway rumbles below us. And a couple of my must-see spots throughout the world: These <a href="http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/news-glittering-crystal-caves-mlynki">glittering caves</a> in the Ukraine...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTRaMSlh_Kx8D7PR0xTn1SsVhXE8aWrjBp9jhg23TD2GDUXnbBgUxOG_mVgqS2PkjmDYGPKjgyPOyAK80e2pS-3Y1nLxm6iGfUHB7VXd0KBbZQKQwkrGei9-pvKA9-aS2jEvCRnymrtk/s1600/03.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729817028244407474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTRaMSlh_Kx8D7PR0xTn1SsVhXE8aWrjBp9jhg23TD2GDUXnbBgUxOG_mVgqS2PkjmDYGPKjgyPOyAK80e2pS-3Y1nLxm6iGfUHB7VXd0KBbZQKQwkrGei9-pvKA9-aS2jEvCRnymrtk/s400/03.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/AVvXsEiDTkmhKMAw9-uEWbSZkSNOS-vkTRsOXc0l4LTMnXpXnr7gA7qR_MHvUEQJ0AWZlbZiJciAAYuXLSM9FRK4E1M7byvxolZMdlkcC4Mvj1_GZt0SJ_MKthaicFyQEJYFgo_imanHC1XzPcc/s1600/04.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729817024522067698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTkmhKMAw9-uEWbSZkSNOS-vkTRsOXc0l4LTMnXpXnr7gA7qR_MHvUEQJ0AWZlbZiJciAAYuXLSM9FRK4E1M7byvxolZMdlkcC4Mvj1_GZt0SJ_MKthaicFyQEJYFgo_imanHC1XzPcc/s400/04.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 279px;" /></a>...and this <a href="http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/panic-room-tilt-au-vieux-panier-paris">half-graffiti hotel room</a> in France. <br /><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13519000/13519447_c2f9_625x625.jpg"""><img alt="" border="0" src="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13519000/13519447_c2f9_625x625.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 601px;" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">MOVE TO NEW YORK:</span>Some people had visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads when they were little. I've always had visions of The Big Apple. It was love at first sight when I visited the bustling city for the <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2010/03/remembering-my-dad.html">first time</a> in 2002. I picture myself in some sweeping penthouse toiling as a writer. Oh, and of course, I'd have to pay <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2012/03/new-tv-obsession-cake-boss.html">Buddy</a> a visit.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32e5T1YYLDwWyWfsytDUohGLxRdM2rSquexcDon9_um07R4zeJpkldmYSTf8Z7uE2W-oJb1W0AFtgQECS_1p0SLzbf0ekp_p7N4N69f1CLidrJkHf3Y1MX_Tzii1iOIasoOMY7Bp231Q/s1600/01.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729833176904482242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32e5T1YYLDwWyWfsytDUohGLxRdM2rSquexcDon9_um07R4zeJpkldmYSTf8Z7uE2W-oJb1W0AFtgQECS_1p0SLzbf0ekp_p7N4N69f1CLidrJkHf3Y1MX_Tzii1iOIasoOMY7Bp231Q/s400/01.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 64px;" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">CHARITY:</span> <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2009/11/national-survivors-of-suicide-day-part.html">Suicide</a> <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2009/11/national-survivors-of-suicide-day-part_19.html">prevention</a>, <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/depression">depression</a> and <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/Disability">my disability</a> are all causes that are near and dear to my heart. I would love to be involved with some organizations, like the <a href="http://www.afsp.org/">American Foundation For Suicide Prevention</a> or the <a href="http://www.nami.org/">National Alliance on Mental Illness</a>.<br /><br />My one rule: Use it wisely. There's that phrase, "The only thing worse than not getting what you want is…getting it." Money can change people, and this change isn't always for the better. I just never want to forget where I come from and just cast aside everything that matters the most to me. Like loved ones...and root beer. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">So, what do you think of my list, friends? What would you do if you won the lottery? What would be the first thing you'd do? Would you save the money or spend it right away? xoxo</span><br /><br />[Top photo via <a href="http://www.someecards.com/encouragement-cards/plenty-of-people-dont-win-the">Someecards</a> and photo of New York City via <a href="http://sunsurfer.tumblr.com/page/4">Sunsurfer</a>]

Question of the Week: Question #20

Have a question? I'd love to hear it, so feel free to email me (mellow1422 [at] aol) or as me on Facebook or Twitter , friends! Today...

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Texts From Hillary

<div align="center"> </div><a href="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13496000/13496414_77e7_625x625.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13496000/13496414_77e7_625x625.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 587px;" /></a><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13496000/13496352_28a1_625x625.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13496000/13496352_28a1_625x625.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 516px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpafHvzS5kGiAYZyJqJOi_39sRXrYBTFnjbAOaLIMF88plEsvS2HNbekpUw7G_MRG10_g51K-uk8XwLhT62VUWUAs7LMVVI0ziQEDF-HBqXIvAx8JCB9WKtByYw1fthnlnLQovobrFSM/s1600/05.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729416619863416738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpafHvzS5kGiAYZyJqJOi_39sRXrYBTFnjbAOaLIMF88plEsvS2HNbekpUw7G_MRG10_g51K-uk8XwLhT62VUWUAs7LMVVI0ziQEDF-HBqXIvAx8JCB9WKtByYw1fthnlnLQovobrFSM/s400/05.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 379px;" /></a><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13496000/13496253_66f9_625x625.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13496000/13496253_66f9_625x625.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 600px;" /></a><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13496000/13496159_8e74_625x625.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13496000/13496159_8e74_625x625.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 516px;" /></a><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13496000/13496113_0f6d_625x625.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13496000/13496113_0f6d_625x625.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 511px;" /></a>The new Tumblr <a href="http://textsfromhillaryclinton.tumblr.com/">Texts From Hillary</a> hilariously imagines the Secretary of State's conversations via texts with everyone from Lady Gaga to Joe Biden. How genius is that? You go, Hillary! xoxo

Texts From Hillary

The new Tumblr Texts From Hillary hilariously imagines the Secretary of State's conversations via texts with everyone from Lady Ga...

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Behind The Blog: Diligent Joy

<em>Today, we get to go behind-the-scenes with Abby. She's a woman of many things: Mother, wife, pen pal (<em>she's had one for almost 20 year!</em>). She chronicles her life with her husband, daughter and two dogs on her blog, and I was so excited to learn that we share the same birthday! I hope you enjoy reading her story. And as always, I'd love to feature you and your blog, so feel free to email me (mellow1422 [at] aol)...</em><br /><br /><strong>Quick facts</strong><br />Name...Abby Adams<br />Birthday...Aug 4 (<em>same as President Obama!</em>), 1983<br />Where are you from...Salt Lake City, Utah<br />3 words that describe you...happy, hopeful, loving<br />Occupation...Daycare owner and piano teacher<br />Blog: <a href="http://www.joyfullyabby.blogspot.com/">Diligent Joy</a><br />When did you start your blog...I signed up for Blogger in early 2010. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKERu0dZCUZ7aCE0THJwwQdVYvSTpdHlG0U4cqeULFyoXeWAQHnYBCPDExxgr_vkN2PykRZFkLCe_M3lVYMQ6Cqf0yn0s5JXJiSOaQv6jf1tch8AiUEqbvDMCWFessmQtHNWopmH-anLo/s1600/01.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729394869692317074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKERu0dZCUZ7aCE0THJwwQdVYvSTpdHlG0U4cqeULFyoXeWAQHnYBCPDExxgr_vkN2PykRZFkLCe_M3lVYMQ6Cqf0yn0s5JXJiSOaQv6jf1tch8AiUEqbvDMCWFessmQtHNWopmH-anLo/s400/01.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a><strong>What inspired you to start a blog?</strong><br />I love photography but hate scrapbooking. I heard that you could print your blog and thought it would be the perfect way to document my <a href="http://www.joyfullyabby.blogspot.com/search/label/Harper%20Jane">daughter's life</a>. I had no idea that it would turn into such a wonderful and challenging journey.<br /><br /><strong>What do you love the most about blogging? Does anything about it stress you out?</strong><br />I really enjoy writing and always have (<em>I was the 3rd Grade Creative Writing Award recipient, you know</em>). I love having a place, other than my own personal journal, to write freely. Blogging has encouraged me to challenge myself as a writer, and I'm thankful for that. I also love the fact that blogging has inspired me to become a better photographer (<em>I just purchased my first DSLR and can't wait to use it!</em>). I also love writing about beauty and beauty products. I have a series called <a href="http://www.joyfullyabby.blogspot.com/search/label/Beauty%20Aisle">The Beauty Aisle</a> (<em>all about hair, makeup, and skin care</em>) that is really fun for me. <br /><br />Nothing about blogging stresses me out. However, I can see how reading other blogs could become stressful because we have the tendency to compare ourselves to others. I try to avoid that by appreciating the talents (<em>writing, crafting, parenting, photography, etc.</em>) of others instead of wishing I had them, too. I'm never going to turn an old t-shirt into a purse, and that's okay! We all have something unique to bring to the blogging world, and I love that. <br /><br /><strong>If you had to describe your blog in one sentence, what would you say</strong><br />My blog is about me, my family, the beauty products that I love and my commitment to be happy every day, even when it's difficult -- thus, the name Diligent Joy! <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9N8OcCTnOxFVBkn81r4HEyMgvX0RVcFOfdmjvYRO3U0iZLqi03yNxRRulGC7y-c6voCxCgonJ1smKo-DtJFgNxOEKuln13oqI5PS9Rl4t-ds6r-0XxOsuljija4nksiN6HfhyphenhyphenA-UwoQ/s1600/02.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729394866516427538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9N8OcCTnOxFVBkn81r4HEyMgvX0RVcFOfdmjvYRO3U0iZLqi03yNxRRulGC7y-c6voCxCgonJ1smKo-DtJFgNxOEKuln13oqI5PS9Rl4t-ds6r-0XxOsuljija4nksiN6HfhyphenhyphenA-UwoQ/s400/02.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a><strong>What has blogging taught you?</strong><br />There are a lot of amazing people in the world. There are a lot of people out there who are doing/writing/creating wonderful things, and I like knowing that I have access to them at all times. I like knowing that I don't have to rely on traditional media for my daily glimpse into the world beyond Salt Lake City. Blogging has expanded my mindset and has been a reminder to me of how diverse (<em>and extraordinary</em>) the world is. <br /><br /><strong>What advice do you have for new bloggers?</strong><br />People have told me that they tried to blog but couldn't figure it out. New bloggers just need to be patient. Learning a platform like Blogger is like learning a new computer program. It takes a little time and the more you do it, the easier it becomes. Also, new (<em>and old</em>) bloggers should never try to imitate other blogs. The key, I think, is to find your own unique voice and use it.<br /><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13494500/13494580_87e3_625x625.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13494500/13494580_87e3_625x625.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 588px;" /></a><strong>Where do you see yourself and your blog in 5 years</strong><br />In 5 years, I'll be in my early 30's. My daughter will be in school (<em>sniff sniff</em>). My husband and I will be home owners, and I might have to finally face the fact that I am an adult (<em>I still feel like a kid</em>). I'm not sure if we will have more children at this point, but I am hoping to do a lot of traveling in the next few years. I'm also planning on becoming a certified yoga instructor and teaching piano full time. <br /><br />I don't really have a plan for my blog. I'd like to see it grow. People tell me that my blog inspires them, and I love that. It's what keeps me blogging. I'd like to have a bigger audience and hopefully inspire more people. <br /><br /><strong>What has surprised you the most about blogging?</strong><br />Before I blogged, I had no idea how vast the blogging world really is. I thought that blogging was for moms, crafters and political enthusiasts. I never knew that someone like me would fit in so well. I didn't know that this whole other culture existed. I didn't know about giveaways or sponsors or even guest blogging. Getting to know bloggers from all over the world has been a great experience, and I still find myself being surprised at just how many blogs there are out there.

Behind The Blog: Diligent Joy

Today, we get to go behind-the-scenes with Abby. She's a woman of many things: Mother, wife, pen pal ( she's had one for almost 20 y...

Read more »