Have A Lovely Weekend.

Oh my, friends, how are you doing today? I hope you had a fabulous week and have great things (or lots and lots of relaxing!) planned for the weekend. Yet again, I am going to try to sort through that lovely stack of magazines. Did I mention a few more may have piled up over the last week? Well, anyone can try, right? While I'm reading and relaxing, here are my Top 5 Favorite Blogs this week...

Sleep Talkin' Man: His late-night blabbing and rambling has become a viral sensation!

From The Board of Lucy: Such an inspiring blog with perfect photos!

The Girl With Kaleidoscope Eyes: A great blog from a great young writer!

Unfriendly Monster: Don't let the title fool you...this blog always makes me smile!

It's A Love Story: I love this lady's thoughts on life!

And of course, hope you enjoy these fetching finds from the Web this week...

I love black & white elegance

Kitchen inspiration

How cute would this little couple look on my desk?

Adorable dolls

Don't these gorgeous photos make you want to go to California NOW??

Genius: Handmade books

What word would you get tattooed on your arm?

Can we have an after-Christmas celebration??

What's your cure for insomnia?

What do you daydream about?

Heaven: Toasted marshmallow shakes

Check out these top 10 travels of your lifetime!

Isn't this heart ring beautiful?

Shrek is my ultimate cartoon crush

Would you go strapless?

Razzle dazzle in these red dresses

Coconut chairs

Genius idea: Writing a letter to your younger self

What beautiful outdoor living spaces

Peony love

Interesting: A wearable magazine?

Beautiful ring

Wouldn't you love to have this prism on your desk?

Wow, what genius ever thought of this celebriduck idea?

Oh look, it's Miss Cougar USA!

Thanks, Karen!

I say let your curves shine!

What do you think of Apple's new ipad?

I'm still on the hunt for the perfect bag that would fit in my wheelchair's basket

I've always wanted a big, beautiful bathroom, haven't you?

Coats! Coats! Coats!

Awesomeness: Why Don't You...?

What's on your bucket list? My #1: Write for Glamour or Marie Claire!

and Small Expectations

What has blogging taught you?

Why do I suddenly want every single ring I see?

Genius: A fun twist on the classic game Memory!

There's something so beautiful about a homemade love note, isn't there?

Ahh, there's nothing better than an awesome envelope

Don't you just love shirts pop with color?

[Photo via Liz]

Beau-Coup Gift Certificate Giveaway!

Are you thinking about Valentine’s Day yet, friends? Today's giveaway is another gift certificate from Beau-Coup, the online shop that has lovely items for any party ocassion, including weddings, birthdays and baby showers! One lucjy reader will win a $75 gift certificate from the shop. For your chance to win, simply visit Beau-Coup, and post a comment below with your favorite item. Please include your email address as well. A winner will be chosen at random on Monday afternoon. Happy shopping, friends! xoxo

Update: Congrats to InTheHammockBlog! Thanks for entering!

Etsy Love: Hugs & Kisses.

You all know my soul is a true (sometimes to a fault...) hopeless romantic. These prints from Roll & Tumble Press look like the perfect Valentine's Day gift, don't they? I have fantasies about buying one of these and sending it to someone who shall remain nameless! xoxo

P.S. I'd give the "Mind Your Manners" one to any guy who tried to pull a fast one on me and tried to get fresh with me!

Freaky (Funny!) Friday

Previously on The Melissa Diaries: The first summer after my freshman year of college was winding to a dull finish. And yet, I had so much to think about for the upcoming fall. I was about to become editor-in-chief of my college newspaper. Did I have what it takes? And could I focus on the paper when my co-editor was a beautifully handsome ex-Marine who was 5 years older than little old 20-year-old me? Things were definitely about to get very, very interesting...

Comment of the Week.

I've always been a little self-conscious of my smile. One of the characteristics of my disability, Freeman-Sheldon Syndrome is a small mouth, so I've never been able to pull of that wide-grin, beautiful-white-teeth showing smile.

But I did smile as wide as I could when I saw this comment left by the lovely, awesome lady behind The Style Mansion

The first thing I look for on your blog is your picture - it's your smile. Your smile makes me happy.

So THANK YOU for always making me smile (and learn to love it), friends!

P.S. Hear that, boys? Think about it the next time I smile at you...

Calendar + Illustration Book Giveaway!

Today's giveaway comes from the awesome behappynow Etsy shop! One lucky reader will win this beautiful 2010 calendar and this art book full of original illustrations. Aren't they beautiful? For your chance to win, simply visit behappynow, and leave a comment below, along with your email address. A winner will be randomly chosen tomorrow evening. Good luck!! xoxo

Update: Congrats to winner, Lauren! Thanks for entering!

Dream Home: Countryside Castle.

If I could live anywhere, I would live in a castle like this beautiful one. I'd love its long corridors and ancient feel. Wouldn't you love to just hole yourself up in there and relax? I could probably get a lot of writing done too!

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

Etsy Love: From The Heart.

I instantly fell in love with Raw Art Letterpress when I discovered all the love-ly prints. I want to hang the hugs and kisses one in my bedroom! xoxo

P.S. My great grandmother passed down the best piece of advice - she always used to say "this too shall pass!"

The Vintage Pearl Giveaway!

Today's giveaway is a $50 gift certificate from The Vintage Pearl, a great online boutique. Click and browse to your heart's content - everything from the Circle of Love bracelet to the Heart and Copper necklace to Dainty Drops birthstone necklace (my personal favorite!). For your chance to win, simply visit The Vintage Pearl and tell me what your favorite item is, as well as your email address. A winner will be chosen at random tomorrow evening! xoxo

Update: Congrats to our winner, Rebecca! Thanks so much for entering!! xoxo

MEMO TO MEN: Your Questions. Answered.

TO: Men all over the planet
FROM: Melissa
RE: Calming your fears
DATE: January 27, 2010

Where are you getting you disability 101 info from, boys? This isn't the old days where my people were called invalids and destined to a life of lying in a bed and staring out the window. We're a strong, vibrant people who do indeed live rich, fulfilling and rewarding lives. Heck, my life is probably more rich, fulfilling and rewarding than some of yours...

Oh, boys, boys, boys. I am forever amazed at your willpower to be lazy. It astounds me. Really. As you know, I've encountered quite a few guys who said they were afraid to date a woman with a physical disability because they fear they will just end up becoming a round-the-clock man nurse. And, as is usually the case with your assumptions, boys, you're wrong. Again. So it looks like someone has to take control here. Again. Let me set the record straight. Again. It won't be too much "work" to date me.

*Here is a rundown of some things I can do for myself:

Shower
Though I may need a little help in that area (for one thing, I can't raise my arms high enough to wash my hair all by myself, but don't get those sorts of thoughts in your heads, boys. Only my husband or a French man who works as my caretaker will be doing that, and he certainly won't be doing that until we're married (the husband, not the caretaker, though the caretaker could turn into my husband. Who knows?) - old-fashioned gal, remember?

Cook
No, you don't have to feed me. No, you don't have to cut my meat for me. No, you don't have to make sure I'm eating right - I don't require a special diet (I'm a woman, not a lab rat, here!)

Speak My Mind
But I'm sure you already knew about that one, didn't you? I don't need you constantly defending me or looking out for me or treating me like some sort of fragile China doll. Trust me, I can very much take care of myself. I know the two most important lessons in life: Always pay a man of the night in cash and never use your real name. See, I've got street smarts.

Work
I'm a writer. I've always been a writer. I'll always be a writer. If scientists looked at my DNA under a microscope, they'd probably see a tiny notebook and pen floating around amongst my genes. I have a job I love. I have a job. Period. That's more than I can say for some of you boys out there.

A few little things I need help with:

*Tying my shoes (the laces are a pretty pink!)
*Reaching things on high shelves (BONUS ALERT: It'll give you a chance to show me those abs and flex those muscles; consider it another chance to woo me)
*Ice skating/other contact sports: Just think of us, on the ice, you holding me up; heck, that's the makings for our own romantic comedy right there.

The way, I see it, boys, this is absolutely a win-win situation for you. Instead of looking at me like I'm some sort of chore, you can now see our interactions as a way of wowing me with your awesomeness - and awesome abs?? xoxo
And really, if you think about it, I could logically have the same concerns about you. I don't want to be saddled with the duties of supporting you...

[Photos via Audrey Hepburn Complex]

Love Lounge: The Case of the E-Flirt.

So friends, something has come to my attention. Over any technological device - email, IM, Twitter, Facebook - I can be quite the charming flit. Heck, I'd even venture to say that I'm a pro. I'm witty. I'm charming. I might even border on captivating and intriguing.

In real life, though, not so much. I turn into some sort of awkward, fumbling robot who sometimes finds it hard to even form coherent sentences. And if it's a guy who has my heart and doesn't even know it? Well, things just go downhill faster than a gold medal Olympic skier.

Maybe I'm just thinking these real-world encounters are worse than they actually are. What do you think?

*Do you find yourself more relaxed when talking to someone online as opposed to a face-to-face chat?

*How do you bring that same mentality to the real world?

*Any tips for me, the self-proclaimed Awkward For Life Lady?

[Photo via We Heart It]

How I Feel (In 5 Photos) Wednesday.

How are you feeling today, friends? xoxo

[Photos via Nothing Is Impossible]

Heartbreaker.

I was in a silly mood a few weeks ago and came up with this one. It's not meant to be serious and it's not about anyone. It's just fun....but I'm sure we all know a heartbreaker type, don't we? I like to think of this as my Miley song...is that odd??

I blogged about you and I'm not sorry
Yeah, you know you had it coming, that's what I've decided
And if you didn't want me to know about her
Well, then, maybe you should have made your Facebook private

I'm tired of all this guessing and wondering, yeah
It's sad to realize I was expecting too much from you...

I'm done with the heartbreakers like you
Those who are takers and never givers
I did the best I could and you gave me everything to lose
So go waste your time with some other girl who is more naive
Maybe she'll be more forgiving than me
You should know by now that I'll never be that girl
So here's to you...heartbreaker

I honestly wish you well and hope you have fun with her
If you're trying to make me jealous, well babe, it just won't work
I may have fallen for it all before, but now it looks like I'm immune to your eyes and playful smirk

I'm tired of all this guessing and wondering, yeah
It's sad to realize I was expecting too much from you...

I'm done with the heartbreakers like you
Those who are takers and never givers
I did the best I could and you gave me everything to lose
So go waste your time with some other girl who is more naive
Maybe she'll be more forgiving than me
You should know by now that I'll never be that girl
So here's to you...heartbreaker

You should know better, baby, than to mess around with me
'cause I could break your heart without even trying

I'm tired of all this guessing and wondering, yeah
yeahhhhhhhhhhhh

I'm done with the heartbreakers like you
Those who are takers and never givers
I did the best I could and you gave me everything to lose
So go waste your time with some other girl who is more naive
Maybe she'll be more forgiving than me
You should know by now that I'll never be that girl
So here's to you...heartbreaker

I'm done with the heartbreakers like you
Those who are takers and never givers
I did the best I could and you gave me everything to lose
So go waste your time with some other girl who is more naive
Maybe she'll be more forgiving than me
You should know by now that I'll never be that girl
So here's to you...heartbreaker

[Photo via Audrey Hepburn Complex]

Etsy Love: Vintage Photographs.

I've always wanted to live in California, and thanks to Jen Zahigian's lovely photographs in her shop Roadside Photographs, I can! Any time I want, I can immerse myself in the zigzag streets of San Francisco or sit in a Hollywood diner spotting celebrities (and eating pie, of course!) or look out over the Hollywood Hills from way up in a sky cab. Sounds fun, doesn't it??

P.S. Don't you love those old-time cars, too? I love the old-time feel of all those photographs! xoxo

Tales From The Trenches: Tale #20

Today's tale come from Andie, a fellow blogger who tells it like it is. For more dating escapades, join Andi as she chronicles her adventurous single life in the city on her blog DATE DIARY!


The Perfect Date

Three and a half years ago, fresh out of college and on my first day of work at my new job in, my co-worker told me I’d never have a problem getting a date in Washington, DC. Finding someone I’d want to have a second date with, however, would prove far more difficult.

I think that was likely the most accurate statement I’ve heard since I’ve been in the area.

As many first dates as I go on, there are so few I have any interest seeing again. And of those that I do, almost always the second date then leaves little room for discussion about a third.

And then, it happened: The most perfect first date.
I was on a business trip to Manhattan a few weeks before Christmas when all the stars aligned for a single wonderful evening.

Having finished my meetings for the day, I tried to arrange dinner with a friend, but was left to twiddle my thumbs when she had to work late. Rather than sitting alone in the room that night (all of my TV shows had already gone on hiatus for the holidays), I decided to call someone I’d met the last time I was in town.

Brad was the funny guy at the bar when I was waiting out a rainstorm in July. We’d kept in touch, and amazingly, he had no plans for the night. He was not, though, the type of guy I had any sort of romantic interest in.

We arranged a meeting place, and from there, the whirlwind began. Drinks and a shared burrito at a little Mexican place on the Upper West Side followed by a walk in Central Park. As we watched the Zamboni machine clean the skating rink, we bemoaned the fact it was already closed, but consoled ourselves by moving onto an Irish pub.

Walking the city by night in December is truly a beautiful sight. And, as any girl who likes romantic comedies knows, it’s an unforgettable experience when done with someone of the opposite sex.
Realizing neither of us was ready to head home after another Guinness, we instead walked up Fifth Avenue to see the display at Saks, and more importantly, the tree at Rockefeller Center.

And as we stood looking at the twinkling icon, he kissed me.

Good food, good conversation and a night filled with visits to the types of landmarks you find only on the big screen...what more could a girl ask for only a few days before Christmas?

And yet, perhaps the best part of the evening was that there would be no second date. Instead, it was a single evening of fun and romance, without any pressure for it to lead somewhere else.

We still text occasionally, and both know we’ll never be more than friends. But Brad will always be the guy I shared one perfect evening with.

[Photos via Recordis Photography]

Obsession: Marshmallow Shake.

http://cupcakesandcashmere.com/toasted-marshmallow-shakes/

Letters To My Future Husband: Letter #70

Dear Mr. Melissa Blake:

...wonders if you ever think of her as not just a girl with a disability...

That was one of my status updates on Facebook last week.

Back here in 2010, I've been doing so well the last few months. I thought I'd finally found that balance between letting my disability just be one part of me and thinking that's all anyone ever sees when they look at me. Yet, if I am so comfortable with my disability, then why do I have these questions ever few months?
It's sort of frustrating, Sweetpea. When I try to downplay it (and, frankly, I'm not even sure what downplaying it even means), it always still seems to be there. Like some sort of white elephant in the room that makes people uncomfortable. I'm me. I'm just Melissa - a spunky gal who loves to laugh and eat chocolate sundaes (and yes, for the record, I would indeed put that in my personal ad if I ever made one), whose face lights up at the mere sight of PEZ dispensers, who gets butterflies around a certain boy lately (who knows, Sweetpea, maybe it's you; fun to think about, isn't it?), who loves sipping Barq's root beer and who feels instant comfort just from a hug.

See, that's who I am. That's who I am at the core. All this outward stuff (my physical disability), which isn't even as hideous as some people make it seem, it just doesn't matter. I suppose that's why one of the reasons I'm so excited to meet you one day is to finally connect with your inner self too. Your Heart. You soul. And, I can't wait to ask you what it was that made you fall in love with the inner me...it was the root beer that sealed the deal, wasn't it?
I'm probably a lot more confident in the future, too, aren't I? I know back in 2010, I put on this air of unlimited self-confidence, and usually, it's the truth. Except today. I'm looking forward to meeting my future self; maybe she can give me some additional self-confidence tips. Maybe in the future, she'll have that whole balancing act thing down to a science.

I'm sort of rambling here, aren't I? I suppose I just want you to know that there's so much more to me than disability this and disability that. I know, you're probably rolling your eyes right now because you know that's true, so will you please just indulge me if I ever need some reassurance? Just say something about my witty and sexy sense of humor, and it should all be good.
What do you think about that? I think it's very possible, don't you? Until we meet...

[Photos via Audrey Hepburn Complex and We Heart It]

The Best Revenge.

Call me crazy, but I just don't understand people who never want to get revenge. You know, those types who say, "Oh, well, I'm going to rise above it."

You're not fooling me here. Whether it's a cheating boyfriend (I'd be like Carrie and key his car), a bad-mouthing friend or a jealous mean girl, we all want revenge. Whether we admit it or not.

And some of us are actually brave enough to take our scorned hearts and use them to pummel those who wronged us.

Take the case of Charles Phillips and YaVaughnie Wilkins. He's a member of Obama's Economic Recovery Advisory Board (hint: look for the irony in a bit). She's the love of his life, at least according to a billboard sighted in several spots in Manhattan recently. Emblazoned on the billboard for the world to see are these words:

‘You are my soulmate forever! - cep’”
“charlesphillipsandyavaughniewilkins.com”

Log on to that lovely site, and it all becomes clear. Photos and notes chronicle, not the love of a happy, committed couple, but the deceit, deception and lies that rolled off a married man's tongue (probably among other things that rolled off said tongue...) and into the heart of his mistress!

Now, I don't condone cheating, but if you have been wronged? What better place to let everyone know about it than in the heart of the city that never sleeps?

Me? I fully admit that I do my best revenge work on my blog. I've never lied about that, and I'll never change my policy - see my handy disclaimer if there's any doubt about it.

So, friends, where do you stand on the revenge spectrum? Is it ever not justified?

Etsy Love: Pretty Prints.

A confession, my friends: Remember when I wrote that I was going to go through that huge stack of magazines I'd let pile up in my room? Well, I did. Sort of. I would have had it all done this weekend if I didn't get sidetracked on Etsy every couple of hours. This week, I'll be showing you some of the lovely items (and shop owners!) I stumbled upon. Browsing is just one of the wonderful things about Etsy, isn't it?

I've always been a word girl, so when I found these beautiful prints from orangebeautiful, I just had to smile. I'm thinking they would look great on my wall; I could look at them whenever I need a little mood boost, don't you think?

P.S. I especially like the one that says, Do Something About It. We could all use that one, right?