Fashion Friday: Ban.do spring/summer collection

<div align="center"> </div><a href="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13591500/13591525_6965_625x625.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13591500/13591525_6965_625x625.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 518px;" /></a>How light and breezy is Ban.do's <a href="http://www.shopbando.com/spring-summer/cat/53?viewAll=True">newest collection</a>? I can smell that salty beach air and freshly cut green grass already. Note to <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/summer%20pleasures">summer</a>: You're welcome to arrive any time now! xoxo<br /><br />P.S. I made that graphic myself using InDesign and have been enjoying tinkering with the program; I didn't have much experience with it in college (<em>Gosh, that makes me feel old...</em>). My next conquest? Photoshop! :)

Fashion Friday: Ban.do spring/summer collection

How light and breezy is Ban.do's newest collection ? I can smell that salty beach air and freshly cut green grass already. Note to summ...

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Fashion Friday: J. Crew pastel flats

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8w6Z-fREdsiTK1pZyooWRh08BTJ8S_gOjG8whYWBuRj2e0pU6Tj-S-XgQJAjr5yFNgSNYQ9bcxDCPy8S1ltnmBdbiJlbHHwb4mVIU2S9CnxEHDubMXkEq_TSW-u4wYxXleJOgxXGdD9Q/s1600/shoe.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728345977229001906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8w6Z-fREdsiTK1pZyooWRh08BTJ8S_gOjG8whYWBuRj2e0pU6Tj-S-XgQJAjr5yFNgSNYQ9bcxDCPy8S1ltnmBdbiJlbHHwb4mVIU2S9CnxEHDubMXkEq_TSW-u4wYxXleJOgxXGdD9Q/s400/shoe.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 276px;" /></a>How perfect are these <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_feature/balletboutique.jsp">J.Crew ballet flats</a>? I can't get enough of pastel colors and wouldn't mind seeing them year-round, would you? Just in time for Easter and spring walks in the cool breeze of the evening! xoxo<br /><br />P.S. Did you notice how the pairs of ballet flats click their heels on J. Crew's site? :)<br /><br />[Graphic made by me]

Fashion Friday: J. Crew pastel flats

How perfect are these J.Crew ballet flats ? I can't get enough of pastel colors and wouldn't mind seeing them year-round, would you?...

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10 creative Easter egg designs

<div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7079/7046573011_9b2dea0a35_z.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7079/7046573011_9b2dea0a35_z.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 533px;" /></a>Growing up, one of my favorite <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/spring%202012">things</a> <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/spring%20fashion%20trends%202012">about</a> <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/spring%20fling">spring</a> was dying Easter eggs. Every year, though, I stuck with the same standard colors -- the reds, the blues, the greens, the pinks. I never got too wild and crazy. I haven't decorated eggs in years, but lately, I've been seeing so many creative and beautiful designs that it makes me want to get back in the ring and step up my game so I'm not left with egg on my face (<em>pun intended...</em>). Here are the 10 that made my jaw drop this morning...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwV9-1264X_hf1NYKA-J6Wb3ZFSey4yBlnrWR84aS68rf1U3Jfr7LeRuTqewfne-D3q3ah8zGQFfp5y4_aseZioO3XC3EXSnKTokeaKyT0hwcnjfFU2CaCJUiRH3Y3JuEJsnTDAzejPc/s1600/aa5.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727716166926772802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwV9-1264X_hf1NYKA-J6Wb3ZFSey4yBlnrWR84aS68rf1U3Jfr7LeRuTqewfne-D3q3ah8zGQFfp5y4_aseZioO3XC3EXSnKTokeaKyT0hwcnjfFU2CaCJUiRH3Y3JuEJsnTDAzejPc/s400/aa5.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" /></a>A groovy throw-back with <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/easter/easter-crafts/easter-egg-decorating/tie-dye-easter-eggs-670296/">tie-dye eggs</a>...<br /><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7140/7046583411_bc0e6f64c8.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7140/7046583411_bc0e6f64c8.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 331px;" /></a>A futuristic look with neon <a href="http://ohjoy.blogs.com/my_weblog/2012/03/everyday-party-dip-dyed-eggs.html">dip-dyed eggs</a>...<br /><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7122/7046610953_5f4ea85715.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7122/7046610953_5f4ea85715.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" /></a>A classic mix of <a href="http://www.bhg.com/holidays/easter/eggs/pretty-no-dye-easter-eggs/#page=11">pastel striped eggs</a>...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCnQanLUXC2w4AJRWv-9GA0JJ0y5zNMaKJOwyLWHAGcVPIxRc3bYRlGHZDBNTlYbg-k6iSV3sz79FgHp5KQJAja5xmBCt5LHutBwsJzVufG7S3PEZXP5hCDTKFZ7Pv6roFKsvwmf4zoFY/s1600/aa.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727720780841697058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCnQanLUXC2w4AJRWv-9GA0JJ0y5zNMaKJOwyLWHAGcVPIxRc3bYRlGHZDBNTlYbg-k6iSV3sz79FgHp5KQJAja5xmBCt5LHutBwsJzVufG7S3PEZXP5hCDTKFZ7Pv6roFKsvwmf4zoFY/s400/aa.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a>A set of <a href="http://www.notmartha.org/archives/2010/04/01/easter-surprise-eggs-the-easy-version/">vibrantly colored eggs</a>...<br /><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7133/7046620897_9a2f111b0f_z.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7133/7046620897_9a2f111b0f_z.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 533px;" /></a>A set of <a href="http://www.bhg.com/holidays/easter/eggs/quick-and-easy-easter-egg-decorations/#page=3">intricate origami eggs</a>...<br /><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7205/7046578891_b947a846a6_z.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7205/7046578891_b947a846a6_z.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 554px;" /></a>Two words: <a href="http://www.fabhousewife.com/diy-ombre-easter-eggs/">Ombre eggs</a>...<br /><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7054/7046517091_69f27a87f6.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7054/7046517091_69f27a87f6.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 500px;" /></a><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7114/7046526021_6ae96f3131.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7114/7046526021_6ae96f3131.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 500px;" /></a><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7036/6900435256_de0c8fe6f9.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7036/6900435256_de0c8fe6f9.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 500px;" /></a><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7100/7046540025_d45b98bd50.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7100/7046540025_d45b98bd50.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 500px;" /></a>And of course, no one does it like Martha, with her <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/893176/thread-wrapped-easter-eggs?center=276968&gallery=275369&slide=893176">Thread-wrapped</a>, <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/article/lace-eggs?center=276968&gallery=275369&slide=264362">lace</a>, <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/893174/glittered-easter-eggs?center=276968&gallery=275369&slide=893174">glittered</a> and <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/article/dripped-on-eggs?center=276968&gallery=275369&slide=264371">dripped-on</a> eggs. <br /><br /><strong>Do you still dye Easter eggs, friends? Do you stay more traditional, or do you get crazy? Let's chat! xoxo</strong><br /><br />P.S. More egg-tastic posts, including an <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2010/04/inspiration-egg-engagement.html">egg engagement</a> and <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/04/confetti-eggs.html">confetti eggs</a>. Also, remember when I <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2009/04/sunday-column-mr-bunnys-image-makeover.html">gave the Easter Bunny a makeover</a>?<br /><br />[Top photo via <a href="http://www.teachpreschool.org/2012/03/pipe-cleaner-easter-eggs/">Teach Preschool</a>]

10 creative Easter egg designs

Growing up, one of my favorite things about spring was dying Easter eggs. Every year, though, I stuck with the same standard colors -- t...

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Well, hello, Polo Shirt Season

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin6OP1sZLRrkViJWIqhf1AIXTotwqpVyZn9ipTKkAx1no-e1EpHErTXqmv5Dsbh1GnatTkvvHfLXFHYedEQqDTk8jeqG4UmkjYbtEQCYNJ3gmAAY7YaXnjSsIKn_TGaAFTnOHmHzv-djI/s1600/aa.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726570951392209426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin6OP1sZLRrkViJWIqhf1AIXTotwqpVyZn9ipTKkAx1no-e1EpHErTXqmv5Dsbh1GnatTkvvHfLXFHYedEQqDTk8jeqG4UmkjYbtEQCYNJ3gmAAY7YaXnjSsIKn_TGaAFTnOHmHzv-djI/s400/aa.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a>Well, friends, today is a pretty big day: The beginning of polo shirt season. Can you believe it? It's been <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2009/04/time-for-fun-polos-on-parade-season-has.html">Three</a> <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2009/06/perfect-day-for-polo-shirts.html">years</a> <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2010/04/letters-to-my-future-husband-letter-81.html">of</a> <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/03/polo-shirt-season.html">polo</a> <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/09/fashion-friday-polo-pride.html">shirt</a> fun, and I'm so excited to break out my brightly colored shirts -- and buy a few new ones, of course! Here are a few of my favorites from my collection...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIcALAZbO5HQuZG1A2w6QNJ1RQ2S0O24aymPaErK4iFk-wHA1W7QhtEJddRkYNBneMF4nUU1XxLuPUekbyf7FRFwzptCCHRtiS8KgNiavRdQ-OUgULGVp64-8hWBrMmYpiGHhqkBS2i4/s1600/aa3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726570945148692546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIcALAZbO5HQuZG1A2w6QNJ1RQ2S0O24aymPaErK4iFk-wHA1W7QhtEJddRkYNBneMF4nUU1XxLuPUekbyf7FRFwzptCCHRtiS8KgNiavRdQ-OUgULGVp64-8hWBrMmYpiGHhqkBS2i4/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://farm8.staticflickr.com/7126/6890675322_fe56c670da.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7126/6890675322_fe56c670da.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://farm7.staticflickr.com/6106/6890684346_bfe97156ef.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6106/6890684346_bfe97156ef.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a>A few years ago, I said, "<em>Imelda Marcos had shoes. I have polo shirts. It just works. I've learned not to question it.</em>" That's still true. For me, nothing says "<em>Hello, spring</em>" like like a crisp, clean polo. Are you a fan of polo shirts, friends? What do you most look forward to wearing during breezy spring days? xoxo<br /><br />P.S. A new <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/Letters%20to%20my%20future%20husband">Letter To My Future Husband</a> is coming up! :)

Well, hello, Polo Shirt Season

Well, friends, today is a pretty big day: The beginning of polo shirt season. Can you believe it? It's been Three years of polo shir...

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Fashion Friday: Ombre tights

<div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7118/6883770540_f1cedeaf3a.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7118/6883770540_f1cedeaf3a.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 457px;" /></a><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7195/6883773874_e4bcd83769.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7195/6883773874_e4bcd83769.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 458px;" /></a><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7242/6883778174_58277a0b8d.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7242/6883778174_58277a0b8d.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 450px;" /></a><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6048/6883782106_c203e4e90c.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6048/6883782106_c203e4e90c.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 451px;" /></a>The ombre trend seems to be <em>everywhere</em> right now, and thanks to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BZRshop?ref=top_trail">Tiffany</a>, we can add one more place to the list: Your legs! How beautiful are her hand-dyed tights, which come in shades of navy, sunset (<em>my personal favorite...</em>), coal and fuschian violet. Bravo, Tiffany! xoxo<br /><br />[Via <a href="http://shannoneileenblog.typepad.com/happiness-is/2012/03/orange-sunset-tights.html">Happiness Is...</a>]

Fashion Friday: Ombre tights

The ombre trend seems to be everywhere right now, and thanks to Tiffany , we can add one more place to the list: Your legs! How beautif...

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Spring Fling: Whimsical watercolors

<div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7231/7008452069_577c8ffbb3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7231/7008452069_577c8ffbb3.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 403px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VlXuhvl1ibYCvQCJIJ7_tLUyUhwM3KXzJrNFztcqviqDOWZi2UOC_WAB3UClZQDc_tXrxaHgUab4oAT8R0MJo56OPsIMWGd1_nHxpiSoSgNjfCZUfyYxq_xvytfbqya7QOFZtdTP0ck/s1600/02.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723094903941934466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VlXuhvl1ibYCvQCJIJ7_tLUyUhwM3KXzJrNFztcqviqDOWZi2UOC_WAB3UClZQDc_tXrxaHgUab4oAT8R0MJo56OPsIMWGd1_nHxpiSoSgNjfCZUfyYxq_xvytfbqya7QOFZtdTP0ck/s400/02.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3KfHXf8sp6Hu5qY20a0gQv55HX5pYnsyIokCaL7GMOYNesaPHi7o2L_ct1S-AC-OekrgNGntg3AFE4Ex4BVh4NFG1zwq6OKM3t-UTyiJPUb63lsrUjb4l_NGLOdLV5MFGzAyb9fdu_IA/s1600/03.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723094893502692034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3KfHXf8sp6Hu5qY20a0gQv55HX5pYnsyIokCaL7GMOYNesaPHi7o2L_ct1S-AC-OekrgNGntg3AFE4Ex4BVh4NFG1zwq6OKM3t-UTyiJPUb63lsrUjb4l_NGLOdLV5MFGzAyb9fdu_IA/s400/03.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 288px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi12GqeogI_M0DF_Du0pHiSG8CFWrohQXbNwWb6LuAxoWpK5fxZvBjAFmjiB2kAZy0aSS7Wu4DsoxnZfMaDsBmruwmLAhuFAhKbR5kNsNN5wsEnxnfObkdM-zzStDuaRSzjxNAyhnl4eAU/s1600/04.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723094890738988914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi12GqeogI_M0DF_Du0pHiSG8CFWrohQXbNwWb6LuAxoWpK5fxZvBjAFmjiB2kAZy0aSS7Wu4DsoxnZfMaDsBmruwmLAhuFAhKbR5kNsNN5wsEnxnfObkdM-zzStDuaRSzjxNAyhnl4eAU/s400/04.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlUaQ_agVPqU9DTXb0w7x3dJ2VZ2_27nxLvQUnVgFlXT7-BK47d6HY6ZPIEfHGZJErOTUhGT4b-oWbixXtLrWKH9lrK3RvowAhhVRiaHPcRXGaVf7nC_xPPa6V9Ic3U9gW6OJ6rRMsD-8/s1600/05.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723094885242185458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlUaQ_agVPqU9DTXb0w7x3dJ2VZ2_27nxLvQUnVgFlXT7-BK47d6HY6ZPIEfHGZJErOTUhGT4b-oWbixXtLrWKH9lrK3RvowAhhVRiaHPcRXGaVf7nC_xPPa6V9Ic3U9gW6OJ6rRMsD-8/s400/05.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" /></a><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7105/6862328572_7c3f15450b_z.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7105/6862328572_7c3f15450b_z.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 527px;" /></a>I'm in love with everything about <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/joojoo">joojoo's</a> prints: The bright, bounce-off-the-screen colors, the cute birds and the sweet nod to nature in each one. Don't they remind you of a children's book, friends? xoxo

Spring Fling: Whimsical watercolors

I'm in love with everything about joojoo's prints: The bright, bounce-off-the-screen colors, the cute birds and the sweet nod to ...

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Spring Fling: Cadbury creme eggs

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikE4iAxyw_oMhuZDahZ5Z2PWh9sVGny9xDZ3U9p1YKA-7pZ4yZNsnrc8rnYtnh8Tp9y_TwfUc8DpudQwcfTrvEcHROYsCQ9Er6D4Z89UzQRwGvsl7xiQZw97ulbUmXBEysif5nb2NmFJ4/s1600/01.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722785740991066370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikE4iAxyw_oMhuZDahZ5Z2PWh9sVGny9xDZ3U9p1YKA-7pZ4yZNsnrc8rnYtnh8Tp9y_TwfUc8DpudQwcfTrvEcHROYsCQ9Er6D4Z89UzQRwGvsl7xiQZw97ulbUmXBEysif5nb2NmFJ4/s400/01.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 260px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggka32ORBvHA6OS4DCyQ2R6iyXlsAT8g7BUMXEhbIoEKqunXlj6oFnlrdeuVSTenuAQKCzEiRBcP_JC4uPcIAmhlmUkgpEmP6puch7WMr5GlIpuq7hHjbjcLe0dS3GZNRAZH5eQz4LBok/s1600/02.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722785734294581778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggka32ORBvHA6OS4DCyQ2R6iyXlsAT8g7BUMXEhbIoEKqunXlj6oFnlrdeuVSTenuAQKCzEiRBcP_JC4uPcIAmhlmUkgpEmP6puch7WMr5GlIpuq7hHjbjcLe0dS3GZNRAZH5eQz4LBok/s400/02.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 305px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiDPfiVtgTpT4CS-tP4a3QMSfipNzyWBaTrvTmAqYeH9RSwAzgtdm3i2-r-SUb2weAcWsXn9q6l7BfXG5bpj1yRJlinj8LgQ-4pbG355relVljMVAoWp0unDy2Be49fnoEbVv4nrEeBXE/s1600/03.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722785731506010594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiDPfiVtgTpT4CS-tP4a3QMSfipNzyWBaTrvTmAqYeH9RSwAzgtdm3i2-r-SUb2weAcWsXn9q6l7BfXG5bpj1yRJlinj8LgQ-4pbG355relVljMVAoWp0unDy2Be49fnoEbVv4nrEeBXE/s400/03.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 293px;" /></a><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7263/6860213578_25978a2ce0_z.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7263/6860213578_25978a2ce0_z.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 601px;" /></a>One of my favorite things about <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/spring%20fling">spring</a>: Easter candy. I've mentioned my love of ooey, gooey <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2009/03/have-peeptastic-weekend.html">Peeps</a> before, but <a href="http://www.cadbury.co.uk/home/Pages/home.aspx">Cadbury creme eggs</a> rank a close second on my must-have list. Growing up, finding a Cadbury creme egg during an Easter egg hunt was the equivalent of getting the Golden Ticket. Pure joy! So, when I discovered Ashley's recipe for <a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/04/07/homemade-cadbury-creme-eggs/">homemade Cadbury creme eggs</a>, my heart did a rabbit-style flip flop. For blended perfection, she mixed the egg's sweet center with an outer coating of bittersweet chocolate. The best of both worlds...doesn't it sound delicious, friends? xoxo<br /><br />P.S. And <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/delicious-recipes-using-cadbury-creme-eggs">13 recipes</a> using Cadbury creme eggs...

Spring Fling: Cadbury creme eggs

One of my favorite things about spring : Easter candy. I've mentioned my love of ooey, gooey Peeps before, but Cadbury creme eggs ran...

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Spring Fling: Bike planters

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfP9kkq8PZOyYyBOWTtFyIhBo9hU7T3WKGBPdhpWwSoCWigP5Sj1dZwSumcjdsgSsqhszhnCo1OpDq23IenqweJdR9mOF1aSCxjBeEPs02DKel16HCVidD851n6LPs6hmg5MKDYCqQQz0/s1600/01.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722360372166217666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfP9kkq8PZOyYyBOWTtFyIhBo9hU7T3WKGBPdhpWwSoCWigP5Sj1dZwSumcjdsgSsqhszhnCo1OpDq23IenqweJdR9mOF1aSCxjBeEPs02DKel16HCVidD851n6LPs6hmg5MKDYCqQQz0/s400/01.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a>How cute are these <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/92648544/red-bike-planter?ga_search_query=bike">bike planters</a> from Etsy shop <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/wearableplanter?ref=top_trail">Wearable Planter</a>? They're dubbed "a wearable planter for your bike," but I'm thinking they would be perfect for my wheelchair. A nice way to carry spring around with you! What do you think, friends? Do you ride your bike a lot as the weather gets warmer? xoxo

Spring Fling: Bike planters

How cute are these bike planters from Etsy shop Wearable Planter ? They're dubbed "a wearable planter for your bike," but I...

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Spring Fling: Peek-a-boo umbrella

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJaJjdnpBtbvj8R3_dw4Ccjg6_TfGeKL0aeni1PdJv2vEoInqaYvJBLump4exulb_q-Xx8_NimiNPTuzo4JzG4nwTANKWk0xnteXaNDrkygsu_w8TFajAvIJi76v_su4V1iqMZV8xoRg/s1600/aa.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721767754455226706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJaJjdnpBtbvj8R3_dw4Ccjg6_TfGeKL0aeni1PdJv2vEoInqaYvJBLump4exulb_q-Xx8_NimiNPTuzo4JzG4nwTANKWk0xnteXaNDrkygsu_w8TFajAvIJi76v_su4V1iqMZV8xoRg/s400/aa.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZV9XBzPCsAXEostAI39Q1UcC_ihSyabALUWtWLyhhZLgEztaIOzXeOd6c5J07qIJd7stdUh7jr4fr-OFOPt_3fZuaCdCPwi-6wFYGb9-izmz40ecvWr59LfcQ61IZw7MA56Fg8cHjCLw/s1600/umbrella.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722043544483772946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZV9XBzPCsAXEostAI39Q1UcC_ihSyabALUWtWLyhhZLgEztaIOzXeOd6c5J07qIJd7stdUh7jr4fr-OFOPt_3fZuaCdCPwi-6wFYGb9-izmz40ecvWr59LfcQ61IZw7MA56Fg8cHjCLw/s400/umbrella.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 304px;" /></a>There are two types of people in this world: Those who <em>love</em> umbrellas and those who don't. I've never been a big umbrella person, but I always seem to get caught in the rain. I'm loving the idea of this <a href="http://www.ellaumbrella.com/goggles-yellow-umbrella.html">yellow goggle umbrella</a>. Wouldn't you feel like you were on a submarine? Are you an umbrella fan, friends? xoxo<br /><br />P.S. Or maybe a <a href="http://store.artlebedev.com/accessories/umbrellas/heart-umbrella/">heart-shaped umbrella</a> is more your speed? :)<br /><br />[Via <a href="http://shannoneileenblog.typepad.com/happiness-is/2011/11/goggle-umbrellas.html">Happiness Is...</a>]

Spring Fling: Peek-a-boo umbrella

There are two types of people in this world: Those who love umbrellas and those who don't. I've never been a big umbrella person, b...

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What do you love about spring?

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6EKRZ1cJlbEq2_-lMp8vKf2IyavI7C2j226-BCR7qZG1dlauMTDXmE69HwggA5Czxm8T-r7UtJLGmzZTd_DBcn42uAFp_c-ftrl2_5xd1USi_qoTtrpPJbds8xGzR_vMbgbiTRifD4Hw/s1600/aa6.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721670209874185378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6EKRZ1cJlbEq2_-lMp8vKf2IyavI7C2j226-BCR7qZG1dlauMTDXmE69HwggA5Czxm8T-r7UtJLGmzZTd_DBcn42uAFp_c-ftrl2_5xd1USi_qoTtrpPJbds8xGzR_vMbgbiTRifD4Hw/s400/aa6.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" /></a><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7099/6997382815_f99e61364a_z.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7099/6997382815_f99e61364a_z.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 561px;" /></a>Behind <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/summer%20pleasures">summer</a>, spring is my favorite season. Unlike the harsh cold of <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/12/shortest-day-of-year.html">winter</a>, spring makes everything new again. Flowers bloom in vivid colors. The sun kisses your cheeks as if to say "<em>hello</em>" for the first time in months. And you open your windows to the heavenly smell of your neighbor's barbecue wafting through the air. It doesn't get much better than that, does it? Friends, I'd love to know...what do you love about spring? Planting flowers? The sound of rain at night? The return of bright, cheery colors to your wardrobe? Here are a few of the things I'm looking forward to...<br /><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6117/6997424409_4e39ef8d35.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6117/6997424409_4e39ef8d35.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 469px;" /></a><em>Mouth-watering fresh fruit...</em><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8l8rtn6bigDpIliRUZdmnjbW-6CmdRrylfEqwScC0nSvpgdvjtJF-cyubBr0sixQSGezSWp6WXbV0M3DQcTCLvjJixaYPbluFsuQi1KWeZgWJx_IbozViJ6wK5EmRJaK9NMQLZk9TasQ/s1600/aa.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721404517211273330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8l8rtn6bigDpIliRUZdmnjbW-6CmdRrylfEqwScC0nSvpgdvjtJF-cyubBr0sixQSGezSWp6WXbV0M3DQcTCLvjJixaYPbluFsuQi1KWeZgWJx_IbozViJ6wK5EmRJaK9NMQLZk9TasQ/s400/aa.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" /></a><em>Walks through luscious green fields...</em><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Lpeygk_kzp_kFcYQK784PG7Lvkw5jWyxSaVyzEvCMahYU4TaNqzDEcBaUdLn93OCJ-DrdWukMcYW-WjyYr0i0_ykibel0dQ-JW8V87d7ENd9q1dEs41ourWfRUou5bpWy96FQvqWCDs/s1600/aa4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721404515706365586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Lpeygk_kzp_kFcYQK784PG7Lvkw5jWyxSaVyzEvCMahYU4TaNqzDEcBaUdLn93OCJ-DrdWukMcYW-WjyYr0i0_ykibel0dQ-JW8V87d7ENd9q1dEs41ourWfRUou5bpWy96FQvqWCDs/s400/aa4.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><em>Dying Easter eggs...</em><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wjtO30aF2c8qFXH2o2HaYhwq7OIFir-ulBmiTmEp3AfvmILPVV2SqKxApUl0ENHVEVL8OdPYJZGLoUlxoReklbnl6iANx7LBOMJIl3PK6sNod9nt8ylruQUH-gZZj0OFCS2VSgZLMpg/s1600/AA2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721404513477740706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wjtO30aF2c8qFXH2o2HaYhwq7OIFir-ulBmiTmEp3AfvmILPVV2SqKxApUl0ENHVEVL8OdPYJZGLoUlxoReklbnl6iANx7LBOMJIl3PK6sNod9nt8ylruQUH-gZZj0OFCS2VSgZLMpg/s400/AA2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" /></a><em>The smell of a misty spring morning...</em><br /><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7088/6851280582_a33f12f200_z.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7088/6851280582_a33f12f200_z.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 585px;" /></a><em>Breezy spring fashion (<em>pastels, anyone?</em>)...</em><br /><br />And to really get us in the mood for those longer days and warmer temps, I've got a fun series planned for this week: <strong>Spring Fling Week</strong>. It's like a little nugget of spring delivered right to you every day, friends! Enjoy! xoxo<br /><br />P.S. My <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2010/05/spring-stroll.html">spring stroll</a> from a few years ago! :)<br /><br />[Photos via <a href="http://www.pinterest.com">Pinterest</a>]

What do you love about spring?

Behind summer , spring is my favorite season. Unlike the harsh cold of winter , spring makes everything new again. Flowers bloom in vivid c...

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