Peek Inside: My Pandora stations

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglqG9ycFtPomWE9kPu9hNFJvx3sDTbQ7Q3Ho7v8QV3VVayL0DgZjARHxu-1qSv0OjBvg6rmxupyEEzQdHm5dFiCk1OlD99FqhMpdXihfQO3eP1pIB2L2mLF40mK-fMCdy1IKdmbtyqzO0/s1600/aa.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727344457301299938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglqG9ycFtPomWE9kPu9hNFJvx3sDTbQ7Q3Ho7v8QV3VVayL0DgZjARHxu-1qSv0OjBvg6rmxupyEEzQdHm5dFiCk1OlD99FqhMpdXihfQO3eP1pIB2L2mLF40mK-fMCdy1IKdmbtyqzO0/s400/aa.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 223px;" /></a>Confession: I'm sometimes a bit, well, slow to jump on the technology bandwagon when some new-fangled gadget comes along. Remember how long it took me to board the <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2009/11/breaking-news-blackberry-goodness.html">Blackberry train</a>? And now, it looks like it's happening again with a not-so-new technological advancement that is new to me: <a href="http://www.pandora.com">Pandora</a>. It's hard to believe (<em>and yes, sort of embarrassing</em>) that up until last year, I had virtually no idea that this glorious Internet radio even existed. Where has it been all my life? I love that I can change the station whenever I want. A sampling of my current stations...<br /><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7223/7043535357_80f7b5d052_b.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7223/7043535357_80f7b5d052_b.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 958px;" /></a><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5032/6897460678_1a63953e54_b.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5032/6897460678_1a63953e54_b.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 912px;" /></a><strong>What stations do you have in heavy rotation right now, friends? Pop? Oldies? Rap? Classical? Kenny G.?</strong><br /><br />P.S. Yes, I was listening to soft rock. And no, I feel no shame in admitting that fact. :)<br /><br />P.P.S. A new <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/Memo%20To%20Men">MEMO TO MEN</a> is coming your way shortly!<br /><br />[Top graphic via <a href="http://www.someecards.com/confession-cards/im-an-internet-expert-who-barely-understands-the-internet">Someecards</a>]

Peek Inside: My Pandora stations

Confession: I'm sometimes a bit, well, slow to jump on the technology bandwagon when some new-fangled gadget comes along. Remember how l...

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Peek Inside: My flu-fighting survival kit

<em>Please note: I can make no guarantee as to the coherence of this post. My fever was topping out at 100.3 when I wrote it. Oh, and I was coughing like I'd personally endorsed Lucky Strike a la <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2010/07/mad-men.html">Mad Men</a>...</em><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yBwKNzefFtuyskuCXsTe7sI7fFIm7m-6XjuhcY2LQ3U2GVGoJwMjTQy8WDwHRS_qDloEZH0DYqQdWn1feeCZejGeozxvrGEMV8wTd18kpmWrN4kDrKVRJ67MPUgUnoGaOnEU8HNdKVc/s1600/aa.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719833716462602562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yBwKNzefFtuyskuCXsTe7sI7fFIm7m-6XjuhcY2LQ3U2GVGoJwMjTQy8WDwHRS_qDloEZH0DYqQdWn1feeCZejGeozxvrGEMV8wTd18kpmWrN4kDrKVRJ67MPUgUnoGaOnEU8HNdKVc/s400/aa.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 223px;" /></a>Ack! The evil flu <em>still</em> has me tightly wrapped in its web, friends. The last few days haven't been pretty. <em>At all</em>. But I have managed to come up with a list of things that have at least made me scream out in agony just a little bit less....<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgaXpDwA_2yOTtoJL59fDuHJrlwi2vd-dcebiWc0xgsyFSvk7KBjtQwsyrLgtzKAx_RzZJTXvfBcyJ-2XsCulylIgEJ_0Oub95RuVfGiUuV1YfZcU3AnPYWUtRySLFriICGlaJpe8vIaU/s1600/Publication1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719833195488883458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgaXpDwA_2yOTtoJL59fDuHJrlwi2vd-dcebiWc0xgsyFSvk7KBjtQwsyrLgtzKAx_RzZJTXvfBcyJ-2XsCulylIgEJ_0Oub95RuVfGiUuV1YfZcU3AnPYWUtRySLFriICGlaJpe8vIaU/s400/Publication1.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 309px;" /></a><a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&cts=1331750516981&ved=0CEEQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vicks.com%2F&ei=N-ZgT_uWH8nlggfvv9z3Bw&usg=AFQjCNHJy8g9_Im2afyjkb_KiTNikSEYLA">Vicks</a> to get more through those long nights of coughing; <a href="http://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai=CEd-2AudgT5qzMIq-gwfpj4WbDKiDnL8C-MaV5im2_rlMCAAQAVC2wIOzBWDJ1qKI8KOQFcgBAaoEGU_Qj1COqLXe8vCAhU6zP18m3PA4zelcnWA&sig=AOD64_0ZDE4jxtjUtkl8pKBLV2yD21bTFQ&ved=0CBEQ0Qw&adurl=http://133.xg4ken.com/media/redir.php%3Fprof%3D66%26camp%3D7063%26affcode%3Dkw44052%26cid%3D11127097384%26networkType%3Dsearch%26url%5B%5D%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.gatorade.com%252Fdefault.aspx%2523home&rct=j&frm=1&q=gatorade">Gatorade</a> to make sure I'm keeping up with my fluid intake (<em>the blue flavor is my favorite</em>); <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&cts=1331750839256&ved=0CDoQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fox.com%2Fglee%2F&ei=gOdgT6LfOMnYgAf88O3BCQ&usg=AFQjCNG-yBGv5FlzJRlf6gPCID-b4whrsg">Reruns of Glee</a>, even if I can't sing along to the musical numbers; <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=3&cts=1331751609614&ved=0CFgQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fallrecipes.com%2Frecipe%2Fchicken-noodle-soup%2F&ei=aOpgT4GIA5LeggfewemZCA&usg=AFQjCNGU8po2Yu3SA3EWYSBx4kZBiGQr-A">chicken noodle soup</a> because it's the ultimate comfort food; and <a href="http://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=ChBcGNfBgT6vHD8OZgQfH77TODOKTgd0Cmvb9niWMgLcOCAAQAiDtit8GKAJQ4ZCxw_n_____AWDJ1qKI8KOQFaABvrO--gPIAQGqBBlP0MLZ-qEVsF71FfAQbkmIFJ6lIn6RpLzsgAWQTg&sig=AOD64_2mr4R0ay1vRKmvlfiScJat8rh1IQ&ved=0CBUQ0Qw&adurl=http://dna1.mookie1.com/n/116430/116552/ad.doubleclick.net/1kn58nd%3B11%3B4%3B%3B8%3B%3Bd6yqze%3B1w28xh%3B%3Bjen57%3Bcak%3B1%3B/i/c%3F0%26pq%3D%252fclk%253b236347910%253b60034124%253bu%253bpc%253d%253fhttps%253a%252f%252fwww%252ekleenex%252ecom%252fsoftnessworthsharing%252fshare%252fcreate%253fwt%252emc%255fid%253dsearch%255fknx%255fBTS%2526W%26247cr%3D9900804442%26247subproduct%3DSEARCH">Kleenex</a> for my ever-running nose!<br /><br /><strong>So, friends, now it's your turn: What makes you feel better when you're sick? A family tradition passed down from generation to generation? A favorite book? A favorite movie? Hope you're staying well this season! xoxo </strong><br /><br />[Top graphic via <a href="http://www.someecards.com/seasonal-cards/lets-determine-how-to-safely-greet-each-other-during-swine-flu-season">Someecards</a>, bottom graphic made by me]

Peek Inside: My flu-fighting survival kit

Please note: I can make no guarantee as to the coherence of this post. My fever was topping out at 100.3 when I wrote it. Oh, and I was coug...

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Question of the Week: Question #11

<em>Have a question? I'd love to hear it, so feel free to email me (mellow1422 [at] aol), friends! Today's question comes to us from <a href="http://www.andahomecomingqueen.com/">Jamie</a>, who asks...</em><br /><br /><strong>What's on your DVR?</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0500XW2QVkIjmPN5vBfnNLxEeqJJ9UPe-IjcS4s1wB0C_gaOv5i9M039FNOWkUamGohWlqSjo5nrQigxmFjmMwwuiA1aZ9pbT8w5KkMGwzZBfj96VWgOvosH5gSjUIzcDnzBCjozPeV8/s1600/aa.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701269351372619042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0500XW2QVkIjmPN5vBfnNLxEeqJJ9UPe-IjcS4s1wB0C_gaOv5i9M039FNOWkUamGohWlqSjo5nrQigxmFjmMwwuiA1aZ9pbT8w5KkMGwzZBfj96VWgOvosH5gSjUIzcDnzBCjozPeV8/s400/aa.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 223px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsYPKveXEf061HXPln6XkKEhDE50a33RjnCOk_0Zmgok9THCQ_nfo44uQsBHAhRnbA9wYTsQhwTR4eaYL1herZBGpCchIHEZkUQS2zCYALp_ZZazHg9cVWAYQl1E2E0y2VZlyXKfMkaP0/s1600/aa2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701269348018750034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsYPKveXEf061HXPln6XkKEhDE50a33RjnCOk_0Zmgok9THCQ_nfo44uQsBHAhRnbA9wYTsQhwTR4eaYL1herZBGpCchIHEZkUQS2zCYALp_ZZazHg9cVWAYQl1E2E0y2VZlyXKfMkaP0/s400/aa2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 223px;" /></a>Confession: I love TV. No, I <em>love</em> TV. I always have. It started with <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/10/what-were-your-favorite-television.html">Sesame Street</a>, back in the days when I was learning the alphabet and The Count was teaching all about numbers. Then I went through my Disney Channel and Nickelodeon phase. Now, friends, I'm referring to the classic heyday of these channels in the '90s. I watched <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086744/">Kids' Incorporated</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096641/">MMC</a> religiously after school (<a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2009/08/man-candy-monday_24.html">Ryan</a> <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/08/daily-affirmation-50.html">Gosling</a>, <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/10/feminist-ryan-gosling.html">anyone</a>?).<br /><br />And when we got a DVR a few years ago, I felt like I'd hit the jackpot in Vegas. I now had 100 hours at my disposal to record anything and everything my little pop-culture-loving heart desired. Here's a little round-up of some of the shows I'm loving these days (<em>and one show that got cancelled too soon...</em>)...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxxTJiJkwSA5HlnIhHouOcGcq6c27PTm7G1KQQZseOvyl9Sb9jIW1Oa6mHFOIRXcXjwTR8CWJS3VQdTntN17KMPnTH-meC4FZP2HQCZ47XDWMGclFTd6Oj5Fd0QLIJtTM3grsOBsqPNo/s1600/aa3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701269346855447986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxxTJiJkwSA5HlnIhHouOcGcq6c27PTm7G1KQQZseOvyl9Sb9jIW1Oa6mHFOIRXcXjwTR8CWJS3VQdTntN17KMPnTH-meC4FZP2HQCZ47XDWMGclFTd6Oj5Fd0QLIJtTM3grsOBsqPNo/s400/aa3.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 284px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmphfi72hHgqd6LIb9cht9cQsoPYowDaJl7n0cS6D9e4HSylf_yRUeM9UVAsPbILDGygIwGQW6LuK6X73ioMt_2HzSmoGcHwEmrV5JUlZE7EHSQQ9odxPZMayAyxW9jB4DoklLaNZQPs/s1600/aa4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701268901707296066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmphfi72hHgqd6LIb9cht9cQsoPYowDaJl7n0cS6D9e4HSylf_yRUeM9UVAsPbILDGygIwGQW6LuK6X73ioMt_2HzSmoGcHwEmrV5JUlZE7EHSQQ9odxPZMayAyxW9jB4DoklLaNZQPs/s400/aa4.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/AVvXsEg_d9Ffd1oXKQDliZpIqz1YUGRmOPMnP2OVVj-_BkwTzqHZI3J6BcokiU9r-UhOttNNguj-puZ3dgqzS7Zx3E8kwr12DBa5fH_5CnSvEhq6L-NWYUUNPtg4KTV1sNI_cWImOk_3iYsHKIU/s1600/aa5.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701268903180538930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_d9Ffd1oXKQDliZpIqz1YUGRmOPMnP2OVVj-_BkwTzqHZI3J6BcokiU9r-UhOttNNguj-puZ3dgqzS7Zx3E8kwr12DBa5fH_5CnSvEhq6L-NWYUUNPtg4KTV1sNI_cWImOk_3iYsHKIU/s400/aa5.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 262px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyh_77ouLB1lqXv_w74h84iRTJTayopZYjCK7-s_JxkKUnrgMfAq3s1IH6HDkACT93CSRLD2d7OfuDFAxWO_N3dAyXSF6MB51ZXqzwNOrHQrM64uv8xgfhRbxwPIXOZoQZMnNCfxdoryQ/s1600/aa6.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701268893020939042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyh_77ouLB1lqXv_w74h84iRTJTayopZYjCK7-s_JxkKUnrgMfAq3s1IH6HDkACT93CSRLD2d7OfuDFAxWO_N3dAyXSF6MB51ZXqzwNOrHQrM64uv8xgfhRbxwPIXOZoQZMnNCfxdoryQ/s400/aa6.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 259px;" /></a><a href="http://www.cwtv.com/shows/gossip-girl">Gossip Girl</a> and <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CDIQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabcfamily.go.com%2Fshows%2Fpretty-little-liars&ei=VeweT5riE4XZqgGln6DQDQ&usg=AFQjCNFggU1p3uiN-sZ1thCpPCRgrctnIQ">Pretty Little Liars</a> are the perfect guilty pleasures. Plus, I can live vicariously through all that Upper East Side drama. But more on my love of <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2009/09/what-gossip-girl-taught-me-about-love.html">Chuck Bass</a> later. :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCU7hefd3jfEGN00VoAr3x_q5m_Cm2Hb_Rcy4OOAVvb66Rcp79v7G1z09QSBIhUbrUe5Hze_mo2Hl7dydAjcUHW5CZZ5Ezt3oI4SzVzWt7FiQHB4QfQSOLSBL_3IdSWFNsIqvllQAh3A/s1600/aa7.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701268891776145906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCU7hefd3jfEGN00VoAr3x_q5m_Cm2Hb_Rcy4OOAVvb66Rcp79v7G1z09QSBIhUbrUe5Hze_mo2Hl7dydAjcUHW5CZZ5Ezt3oI4SzVzWt7FiQHB4QfQSOLSBL_3IdSWFNsIqvllQAh3A/s400/aa7.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 233px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0P2OPjBqvJseBYr5oH8HXuRXDEjTYn2An2pYRXPyyenDzFw6tUbptTpvK2s3GR2dTBGjeQAarEJAo0UQrtV2NjRQXsAbcU6-8kywVscjpzckjm0g8Z5smX-LZOljDWfwDu1f1oYMptbs/s1600/aa8.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701268889784614562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0P2OPjBqvJseBYr5oH8HXuRXDEjTYn2An2pYRXPyyenDzFw6tUbptTpvK2s3GR2dTBGjeQAarEJAo0UQrtV2NjRQXsAbcU6-8kywVscjpzckjm0g8Z5smX-LZOljDWfwDu1f1oYMptbs/s400/aa8.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" /></a><a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CDMQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amctv.com%2Fshows%2Fmad-men&ei=iOweT4T3EIm8qgHBtOnPDQ&usg=AFQjCNFk4JlCVmy8j6Hu1U8kSByE_3tYrA">Mad Men</a> and <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CD0QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabc.go.com%2Fshows%2Fpan-am&ei=peweT4CWD4LlqgHm_fHPDQ&usg=AFQjCNGABVPc6WVQWON5Bxi3xfvP-c3JgA">Pan Am</a> are fantastic period dramas. I've always loved shows that span years and years and incorporate the life and culture of the time period into the storylines.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxxGcmcppPFtcRUfjU3bRKJcTNAYEakuAe9oBehHzKo1FiC6VE3kLXv8uB7vFiB1Sbt-Vp7eG-ucmydnAE4SgXqnVq9R2KOtAL0bUNeddfuehLJpy138iP1UYreAfD8PmMXeqkjO8RZc/s1600/aa.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701271731593605650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxxGcmcppPFtcRUfjU3bRKJcTNAYEakuAe9oBehHzKo1FiC6VE3kLXv8uB7vFiB1Sbt-Vp7eG-ucmydnAE4SgXqnVq9R2KOtAL0bUNeddfuehLJpy138iP1UYreAfD8PmMXeqkjO8RZc/s400/aa.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_qKsFXU0aUByVyoFWMHxw4j8wsmQ7JiL7b3Sg7QnOIRfnla3MQ6PKIvaoCRMm-2gIWxRLlD8i22x4t50DPLuISSTrNwYbDYyrew_lLr-5xYscjBHCgeCSlHoodLMsLZbm5gkxxB6_xM/s1600/aa2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701271724703784514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_qKsFXU0aUByVyoFWMHxw4j8wsmQ7JiL7b3Sg7QnOIRfnla3MQ6PKIvaoCRMm-2gIWxRLlD8i22x4t50DPLuISSTrNwYbDYyrew_lLr-5xYscjBHCgeCSlHoodLMsLZbm5gkxxB6_xM/s400/aa2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 278px;" /></a><a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&sqi=2&ved=0CDAQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbs.com%2Fprimetime%2Fhow_i_met_your_mother%2F&ei=Hu0eT_K_N4KFrgHFjd3SDQ&usg=AFQjCNFFKNlo77IEQVkJE-Vn4_3fFXhM0g">How I Met Your Mother</a> and <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CDoQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbs.com%2Fprimetime%2Fbig_bang_theory%2F&ei=Ze0eT8beEsPYqgGqic3PDQ&usg=AFQjCNFXoXiRJV4gzNCGuq_3w67Z1GyY9A">The Big Bang Theory</a> are just all around feel-good shows. How I Met Your Mother actually inspired <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/Letters%20to%20my%20future%20husband">Letters To My Future Husband</a>, and who doesn't love <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2009/03/man-candy-monday.html">Sheldon Cooper</a>?<br /><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6756062563_4630f0761b_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6756062563_4630f0761b_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 412px;" /></a>And....<a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CD0QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.imdb.com%2Ftitle%2Ftt0319930%2F&ei=eO8eT7ngIIbOqgGfovnPDQ&usg=AFQjCNHNxKNRN5G8cZf6saS9igDTvZYcEg">American Dreams</a> is one of my all-time favorite shows that got cancelled too early! The music. The pop culture. The fashion. Everything. Perfect!<br /><br /><strong>So, friends, it's your turn to share. What's primed and ready-to-watch on your DVR right now? What are your favorite new shows? Any old ones you never get tired of (<em>The Brady Bunch is one of mine!</em>)? xoxo</strong><br /><br />P.S. <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/09/glee-premieres-tonight.html">Two</a> <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2010/09/house-is-back.html">more</a> shows I love.<br /><br />P.P.S. I also have a fun How I Met Your Mother theme week coming up soon! :)<br /><br />[Top graphics by <a href="http://www.someecards.com/search-cards/newest/3/20?t=tv">Someecards</a>]

Question of the Week: Question #11

Have a question? I'd love to hear it, so feel free to email me (mellow1422 [at] aol), friends! Today's question comes to us from Jam...

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Peek Inside: My office desk

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidYRBPoYPPz6RLfIEAveRceHlWQKOGMsNF17qBo8gb9ZRdQdVgawX23THieH70XcQWbXLnGrv5yQWSia7AIYBrAGXYx7VuwqWbiTbanY0UH6IXb5PdUv3-wsESEeno1oEzQT6ipNh9pFQ/s1600/aa.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699401755978836578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidYRBPoYPPz6RLfIEAveRceHlWQKOGMsNF17qBo8gb9ZRdQdVgawX23THieH70XcQWbXLnGrv5yQWSia7AIYBrAGXYx7VuwqWbiTbanY0UH6IXb5PdUv3-wsESEeno1oEzQT6ipNh9pFQ/s400/aa.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a>Let's continue with the <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2012/01/are-you-workaholic.html">office theme</a>, shall we, friends? It may have taken me most of the day yesterday, but my desk is finally all clean and organized. It's amazing what a sparkly, shining, looks-brand-spanking-new desk will do for your mood -- and productivity level. I'm not ashamed to admit that it even made me a bit giddy too. <br /><br /><strong>So, 'fess up, friends: What does your desk at work look like? What's on it right now? Do you like your desk bare, or do you have like to display little things that make you smile, like photos of loved ones? Do you work best when your desk is clean, or are you a fan of organized chaos? xoxo</strong><br /><br />P.S. Recognize <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2010/05/inspiration-smart-awkward-flawed-pens.html">those pens</a>? Thanks, <a href="http://jhaish.blogspot.com/">Jessi</a>!

Peek Inside: My office desk

Let's continue with the office theme , shall we, friends? It may have taken me most of the day yesterday, but my desk is finally all cle...

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Envelope journals

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrO-IBoP8iPtM50YKpMPSNmdwrA7vhWmHSpj1103W6GpSjQjFE95q-nGe0OG6puPt41x5WqSbwmUUTZjT0GCJq5hgmL-hcPCL1w66uIJnEjJWOlVK5E51SjCy2dN8o7jEDi9dM5uPmRyE/s1600/aa.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698368111348636482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrO-IBoP8iPtM50YKpMPSNmdwrA7vhWmHSpj1103W6GpSjQjFE95q-nGe0OG6puPt41x5WqSbwmUUTZjT0GCJq5hgmL-hcPCL1w66uIJnEjJWOlVK5E51SjCy2dN8o7jEDi9dM5uPmRyE/s400/aa.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/AVvXsEhobgX7TjXjO78O50Acr1WlXJA5F9K70J57bUHSX2Wz2bJ97LBtokKaPGfNMntjyTk4yssbY9Q25dt0_53RA816ehRqpur7pKIX49ucc0n70ooA4ugz-jMcK0jH-QoxQJoaYFiJG_fKjuQ/s1600/aa2.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698368109981705170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhobgX7TjXjO78O50Acr1WlXJA5F9K70J57bUHSX2Wz2bJ97LBtokKaPGfNMntjyTk4yssbY9Q25dt0_53RA816ehRqpur7pKIX49ucc0n70ooA4ugz-jMcK0jH-QoxQJoaYFiJG_fKjuQ/s400/aa2.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" /></a>I love the idea behind these <a href="http://presentandcorrect.com/item.php?item_id=1166&category_id=3">envelope journals</a> from Present and Correct: A yearly planner along with envelopes for each month, so you can record your monthly activities diary-style. How cool would it be at the end of the year to look back at your life in little month-by-month bits? You could collect receipts, ticket stubs, photos. even <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/11/let.html">to-do lists</a>!<br /><br /><strong>Do you still keep a paper planner, friends, or have you gone digital? I'm trying to resist the allure of going digital! xoxo</strong><br /><br />P.S. <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2010/09/do-you-keep-journal.html">Do you keep a journal</a>?<br /><br />[Via <a href="http://blackeiffel.blogspot.com/2012/01/envelope-journal.html">Black*Eiffel</a>]

Envelope journals

I love the idea behind these envelope journals from Present and Correct: A yearly planner along with envelopes for each month, so you can r...

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Facebook and Pinterest update

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEify6inl_5OfbXQjCRLIQLdALCO_h2bNtSZqEI9H1USOmwB_JctPlxlYmZLF0ArNVRKdE0wTbYDBSA_Gr_rgiZMNi7qYcLtl5COvvjBUl0zEuTpwITvyRScXj_QbVx0B0tS7RK67m63-l_X/s1600/aa.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691625889868684066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEify6inl_5OfbXQjCRLIQLdALCO_h2bNtSZqEI9H1USOmwB_JctPlxlYmZLF0ArNVRKdE0wTbYDBSA_Gr_rgiZMNi7qYcLtl5COvvjBUl0zEuTpwITvyRScXj_QbVx0B0tS7RK67m63-l_X/s400/aa.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 145px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cpo_MBjJzZYMZ0r0G6uOcrD15cnLbSMVYDG5mxbUpjGACcdFxqdFOddbsgui4vVDgqLjQLIzeYIDEOjNar85hR7chDDNNP98Elv0ciUK7kBKOSTZ2Ax6QWtzU8dB35hD26rL_TTuYUjK/s1600/aa2.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691625888637106930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cpo_MBjJzZYMZ0r0G6uOcrD15cnLbSMVYDG5mxbUpjGACcdFxqdFOddbsgui4vVDgqLjQLIzeYIDEOjNar85hR7chDDNNP98Elv0ciUK7kBKOSTZ2Ax6QWtzU8dB35hD26rL_TTuYUjK/s400/aa2.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 143px;" /></a>Remember a few weeks ago when I <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/12/sneak-peek-blog-redesign.html">mentioned</a> that So About What I Said was getting a little makeover? Well, it's coming soon, but in the meantime, I wanted to share two exciting things with you! I've updated the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/soaboutwhatisaid">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://pinterest.com/melissablake/">Pinterest</a> pages, so now you all can follow along -- and hopefully be inspired too! I'll be continually updating them, so be sure to check back!<br /><br />I'm also brainstorming fun, exclusive things to add to the Facebook page in the new year. Any ideas, friends? Let's get inspired together, shall we? xoxo

Facebook and Pinterest update

Remember a few weeks ago when I mentioned that So About What I Said was getting a little makeover? Well, it's coming soon, but in the m...

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Peek Inside: Wall of family photos

<div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6589670317_81acec67af_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6589670317_81acec67af_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 533px;" /></a>For my next <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/peek%20inside">Peek Inside</a>, I'd love to show you one of the favorite spots in my house: Our wall of family photos. We'd had the photos of my paternal and maternal grandparents adorning the walls for awhile. Above are my maternal and paternal grandparents, respectively.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdOUTBsEdt0YmptRWb4kpMV-M19PVp5cjsUBy_fPigK109VkA0AiGGheal30l5YZ1WJveYLLAY2u5P_TMlgUhanVocOhJ36_K7lDKaaYaYSYkQfaD8Wq04R2HF27B3ziN5PIWZDVFKs4K/s1600/aa2.bmp"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691279775555219010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdOUTBsEdt0YmptRWb4kpMV-M19PVp5cjsUBy_fPigK109VkA0AiGGheal30l5YZ1WJveYLLAY2u5P_TMlgUhanVocOhJ36_K7lDKaaYaYSYkQfaD8Wq04R2HF27B3ziN5PIWZDVFKs4K/s400/aa2.bmp" 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/AVvXsEgoqfY-ObsoAUkXVjSFtnfLIbxDxiLcHp7x5NyZj2gFSz9hz5U-0a12U008VShYzUAJ_92wePHWq7ZMe7TZ0Eo4QSGYBODPEJAMmkaowyVM45h6nS_xK8TOq5wCK_aBcoWF1HHWOd7504h0/s1600/aa3.bmp"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691279139890661826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqfY-ObsoAUkXVjSFtnfLIbxDxiLcHp7x5NyZj2gFSz9hz5U-0a12U008VShYzUAJ_92wePHWq7ZMe7TZ0Eo4QSGYBODPEJAMmkaowyVM45h6nS_xK8TOq5wCK_aBcoWF1HHWOd7504h0/s400/aa3.bmp" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a>But over the holidays, my mother found a few more photos in our basement and decided to create a full-on family wall. I love being able to just stand in front of it and feel like all the most important people in my life are with me, even if they're thousands of miles away. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi51J7lyMTpptRwILND3gYD8aT_ueNaL0EkRize06aukZHzKocdOzFGoHYEXLgK2C6eBEr67JPxoXI9-XTrX3oxGEJOhbMCTrUvUG0nmnOJEu7-R6ZAsHzSNDsnR6iut109irPqmaU4ZrY/s1600/aa4.bmp"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691278219216228418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi51J7lyMTpptRwILND3gYD8aT_ueNaL0EkRize06aukZHzKocdOzFGoHYEXLgK2C6eBEr67JPxoXI9-XTrX3oxGEJOhbMCTrUvUG0nmnOJEu7-R6ZAsHzSNDsnR6iut109irPqmaU4ZrY/s400/aa4.bmp" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><strong>It's a comforting thought, isn't it, friends? I'd love to know: Do you have a lot of family photos hanging in your house? Where do you like to display them? Do you have a big family or a small one? xoxo</strong><br /><br />P.S. Do you see the photo of me in the upper left-hand corner of the third photo? That's my senior photo from high school...and I practically look the same. Exactly the same. What's up with that?? :)

Peek Inside: Wall of family photos

For my next Peek Inside , I'd love to show you one of the favorite spots in my house: Our wall of family photos. We'd had the photo...

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Peek Inside: My to-do lists!

<div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7021/6516474049_fec803da85_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7021/6516474049_fec803da85_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 525px;" /></a>After all the lovely comments on our holiday decorations, I'd love to start a new feature called <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/peek%20inside"> Peek Inside</a>, a fun, up-close-and-personal look at my everyday life. What do you think? <br /><br />First up: Do you keep to-do lists, friends? John Lennon's <a href="https://www.gottahaverockandroll.com/LotDetail.aspx?lotid=7921&searchby=0&searchvalue=None&page=0&sortby=0&displayby=2&lotsperpage=25&category=2&seo=John-Lennon-Handwritten-%22To-Do%22-List">to-do list</a> has been making its way around the blogosphere, and it got me thinking about my own, which I'd love to share with you today (<span style="font-style:italic;">Note: Beware of catching my OCD bug!</span>)...<br /><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6516474165_e18ec28920_o.jpg"""><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6516474165_e18ec28920_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 533px;" /></a>I have a regular to-do list that I keep in a small pink planner. I carry it with me, so I can always write down anything that comes to mind before I forget. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPJ4dvUNXUDy-8c-a129HHBsyh3N88aCley7N0DC-qIiDY15oSk4UpNyr665F-Y3eT1GY4e3iJZCfaSQXbXfyFOhvUpXj5E0e91nOrEVxoTFcTA4zt8DC6fM4BGBeo14elQaeJrV6qSmyM/s1600/01.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686396234005723666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPJ4dvUNXUDy-8c-a129HHBsyh3N88aCley7N0DC-qIiDY15oSk4UpNyr665F-Y3eT1GY4e3iJZCfaSQXbXfyFOhvUpXj5E0e91nOrEVxoTFcTA4zt8DC6fM4BGBeo14elQaeJrV6qSmyM/s400/01.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 336px;" /></a>And then recently, I've developed a "<span style="font-style:italic;">running to-do list</span>" to help me organize and structure my days. It's so easy to get sidetracked (<span style="font-style:italic;">read: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/melissablake">Twitter</a></span>) when you don't have a 9-to-5 job calling your name, so it's important to keep to a schedule. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLZei89Bm9CDiaujKDYIClceCvdYShrUFuVfc-V2b6WCBxMFp_cDe3VQSgICTHLHQSaAx3bmxrN2w5kB_mkH5KQgxNWTfrY2upTPYUkvbQLIHrc1vQ87j-q-JPMKyTO77rh6ynmfbiCXd/s1600/04.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686396226007408642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLZei89Bm9CDiaujKDYIClceCvdYShrUFuVfc-V2b6WCBxMFp_cDe3VQSgICTHLHQSaAx3bmxrN2w5kB_mkH5KQgxNWTfrY2upTPYUkvbQLIHrc1vQ87j-q-JPMKyTO77rh6ynmfbiCXd/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/AVvXsEjYMBgsCimnuQKESVu6snvRlVXSf2zMzdLeMGcEWOpoAlrkNWrC93ia85CbbZ8LEEbs2H_1OH-KR_E1FCCebluomx7vre1V_nSHMTIw1HCAgRLeMDmSni2ju1b6DxhoBUrD9WXB5YS1-rVo/s1600/05.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686396221577454626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMBgsCimnuQKESVu6snvRlVXSf2zMzdLeMGcEWOpoAlrkNWrC93ia85CbbZ8LEEbs2H_1OH-KR_E1FCCebluomx7vre1V_nSHMTIw1HCAgRLeMDmSni2ju1b6DxhoBUrD9WXB5YS1-rVo/s400/05.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a>And another way I keep to a schedule: Storyboarding my blog posts every week in that handy-dandy pink planner. Is it odd that I look forward to this little ritual every week?<br /><br />P.S. What else would you like a Peek Inside of? Feel free to leave a comment below or email me at mellow1422 (at) aol...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">So tell me, friends, what sorts of to-do lists do you keep? Or do you not keep one? Do you write them on scraps of paper, do you have an obsessively organized planner? Let's chat! xoxo</span>

Peek Inside: My to-do lists!

After all the lovely comments on our holiday decorations, I'd love to start a new feature called Peek Inside , a fun, up-close-and-per...

Read more »