Have A Beautiful Weekend.

My gosh, friends, how are you? How was your week? Hope it was filled with good things. What are you up to this weekend? I'm looking forward to some quality DVR time and relaxing. Do you get extremely exhausted by the time the weekend rolls around, or is it just me?

P.S. A quote from Disabled and Thriving, my Psychology Today blog, was chosen for the main page this week! Yay! xoxo

P.P.S. I was blown away by all your sweet comments on my video blog this week. I can't thank you enough, but thank you!! xoxoxo

While you're enjoying the weekend, check out my Top 5 Favorite Blogs of the week...

Midtown Girl: A great relationship blogger with a great flair for honesty

RetroToGo: My weekly lesson in all things style and fashion

Smart, Pretty, Awkward: A nice collection of those three things!

AOL Radio Blog: A great database of Top 10s and classic songs!

Shop-A-Matic: Because I love shopping to an unnatural degree

And as usual, take a gander at these fetching finds the Web had to offer!

Gosh, I want this red jacket

Cuteness, no?

Genius: A sleeved blanket

Great idea: Simple and classy invitations

Sweet wedding kisses

Interesting question: Can someone become more photogenic?

I want to magically teleport myself here

Genius: I wonder...

I'm loving this striped outfit - with sun glasses!

The peek-a-boo effect. Who knew?

Do you ever miss snail mail?

Yay for vibrant shades!

Dear Summer: Please hurry up and get here!

Flower girls!

Do: Throw a party!

OMG, pizza cones!

This is how Monopoly would look today!

Awww, this cute couple had a City Hall wedding!

Ooooh, I want this shirt

Genius: Math explained in photographs!

Some excellent and much-needed style advice for me

What a super sweet Olympics commercial, don't you think?

I really, really miss Happy Meal toys!

Typographical evolution

Should I buy some shades?

Let's go to Paris right now, OK?

Marvelous murals

Now these glasses are so me, aren't they?

Awesomeness: A crossword love ring

I'll always heart glitter!

RIP, Andrew Koenig

I love bromances, don't you?

I'll always love Taylor Swift's SNL monologue

Some assumptions men make about women...what do you think?

Good dating tips from The Bachelor

Awww, crafts for kids

Genius: a bowling lane table

Don't you love these ceramic bowls?

How are you surviving the winter weather?

Hints of spring

[Photo via hotel california]

Inspiration: Classy Couples.

I've always had this fantasy of being a 1950's gal, and when I came across these photos of vintage couples, I couldn't help but say, "Awww..." (nevermind that I was the only one home and talking to no one...) How awesome would it be to be one of these couples? xoxo

P.S. Check out more lovely photos here + here...

Comment of the Week.

This comment comes from Susie. How hilarious would it be if The Melissa Diaries was turned into a film? Oh, what a tangled teenage Web would be weaved!! xoxo


I have to say that your blog made me smile this morning (and I needed to, believe me).

It's quite obvious you are a very talented writer and funny too. Your blog is excellent and has all the pre-requisites of a good read; informative, funny, well written and has a nice breezy air to it.

p.s. Love the Melissa diaries! My dad was a marine (UK version) he had a woman in every port (apparently, according to him). I reckon your diaries could be made into a film one day...

[Photo via ache]

Freaky (Funny!) Friday.

Previously on The Melissa Diaries: It was almost my first day as editor of my college's newspaper. If that wasn't enough, I'd have to contend with my infatuation for my co-editor, an ex-Marine 5 years my senior. One thing was for sure: It was definitely going to be an interesting semester...

Love Lounge: That's Unforgiveable!

My mother and I got into an interesting debate last weekend. We usually have similar beliefs on many issues, but I was surprised to learn that when it comes to the topic of things that are unforgiveable in relationships, well, let's just say our views are quite different. Who would have thought that my mother would end up being the romantic, free-spirited one, and I would be the one taking a hard, firm line. The only two things she was emphatic about putting on her unforgiveable list: An abusive (physical and emotional included) and a criminal.

Excuse me? Was this woman willing to put up with everything, or what? You know me, friends, and I'm nothing if not solidly armed with my own list of unforgiveables, imcluding but not limited to:

*Uncomfortable, intolerant, or otherwise insulting toward people with disabilities
*Cheaters: this includes both emotional as as well as physical infedelity.
*liars (As my Twitter friend Beth says, "Lies are lies no matter the size")
*abusers
*lazy layabouts
*mental manipulators
*criminal
*disrespecrful and self-absorbed

So tell me, friends, what's on your Unforgiveable List?
Boys, if you do any of the above, you're gone. That's just the way it has to be. And don't think I won't turn up the speed and come after you in my wheelchair, either.

[Photos via let's be happy]

Mad INK Pattern Giveaway!

Welcome to the third of 7 giveaways from the lovely Sew Lovely Embroidery etsy shop. Owner Katy handmakes each print herself, and they are iron-on embroidery patterns, not prints, so each design can be cut out and stitched and reused!

This week, one lucky reader will win this Mad INK embroidery pattern. The pattern contains 14 images and 3 small add-ons for your stitching pleasure! For your chance to win, simply visit Sew Lovely Embroidery, and leave a comment below, along with your email address. A winner will be chosen at random tomorrow afternoon. Good luck! xoxo

Update: Congrats to winner Gretchen! Thanks for entering! xoxo

Inspiration: The Babysitter's Club.

Remember that childhood feeling of opening those crisp pages and getting lost in a new, magical world? I couldn't help but squeal when I saw that my favorite childhood series is getting a makeover! Ann M. Martin's classic series The Babysitter's Club will see a reissue and repackaged release of its first two volumes in April. AND...there's going to be a prequel! How awesome is that?

Where other children played outside and discovered the world, the limits placed on me because of my disability evaporated the second I opened the pages of any book. It was pure magic, and one of the reasons I became a writer. xoxo

P.S. Who was your favorite Babysitter? Mine was Mary-Anne

P.P.S. What do you think of the new covers?

Crash & Burn.

Isn't it hard when someone you think you know lets you down? Then you're left sitting there and wondering, "What in the heck was I ever thinking?" It's sad sometimes when people show their true colors, isn't it?

The last time I looked into those eyes
Suddenly I just knew everything was a lie
There's no use trying to deny it and hide it with a smile
You used to be the song I couldn't get out of my head
And now, I can't believe I ever held on to every word you ever said

Instead I...

Wake up and crash & burn
Into everything I thought you were
And into everything we'll never be
Crash & burn
On all those lessons I didn't learn the first time
Crash & burn right into you
And into everything I once thought I knew

Looks like I gave my heart away too soon
It was too easy to get caught up in you
And not even think about it
Took me so long, but I finally figured it out
I could never wish you into being someone else

There's nothing you can say, looks like I've just got to...

Wake up and crash & burn
Into everything I thought you were
And into everything we'll never be
Crash & burn
On all those lessons I didn't learn the first time
Crash & burn right into you
And into everything I once thought I knew

You can't get by with a smile
No, not this time
Not when I'm finding it so hard
To see who you really are...

Wake up and crash & burn
Into everything I thought you were
And into everything we'll never be
Crash & burn
On all those lessons I didn't learn the first time
Crash & burn right into you
And into everything I once thought I knew

Wake up and crash & burn
Into everything I thought you were
And into everything we'll never be
Crash & burn
On all those lessons I didn't learn the first time
Crash & burn right into you
And into everything I once thought I knew

Wake up and crash & burn
Into everything I thought you were
And into everything we'll never be
Crash & burn
On all those lessons I didn't learn the first time
Crash & burn right into you
And into everything I once thought I knew

Someday soon I know you too will crash & burn
'Cause I won't be there to catch you and save you from your own fire...

[Photo via Audrey Hepburn Complex]

Mini Teardrop Necklace Giveaway!

**Update: Nina is offering So about what I said... readers a 15% discount to your readers through tomorrow evening! Be sure to use the code "XOXO" at check out and you'll be refunded through PayPal!

Today's giveaway comes to us from Nina. She's the lady behind the BeadsInTheBelfry etsy shop, and she's offering one lucky reader this mini teardrop necklace. I love how it's organic, fresh and simple. It would look great with anything, wouldn't it? And it's perfect for spring! For your chance to win, simply visit BeadsInTheBelfry, and leave a comment below, along with your email address. A winner will be chosen at random tomorrow afternoon. xoxo

Update: Congrats to winner Blair! Thanks for entering! xoxo

Inspiration: Wonderful Wallpaper.

I'm loving these wallpaper designs by designer Aimée Wilder. What do you think? I'd love to decorate my entire house in pretty colors like this! xoxo

How I Feel (In 5 Photos) Wednesday.

I've been awake for a while now/You've got me feelin like a child now/Cause every time I see your bubbly face/I get the tinglies in a silly place
--Colbie Caillat

[Photos via On A High Note]

Video Hello!

Oh gosh! I desperately need a new theme song. And yes, you get to see and hear me sing at bit in this video. Consider it my debut. xoxo

Inspiration: Romantic (Relaxing!) Engagement.

After I saw the photos from this adorable and laid-back engagement photo shoot, I makes me want to have a spring engagement. The scenery, the way the yellow blanket makes the photos pop and of course the visibly ecstatic couple come together so beautifully, don't they? A fun, relaxing look is definitely the way to go! xoxo

Tales From The Trenches: Tale #24

Today tale is more along the lines of some advice from my high school classmate Kasey. He's a smart one, so I'm taking notes on his tips. What do you think, friends? xoxo

Over the course of my dating life, I have compiled some rules for dating and relationships. They come in no particular order, but I feel they can help both men and women improve their success when it comes to dating relationships. Use them, laugh at them and watch them prove themselves to be true.

Rule #46
Guys: Do not look a girl over until you have made her laugh at least three times and she knows your name.
You probably will look her over anyway, but at least TRY to follow this rule. If she catches you looking her over, you must make her laugh. Try smiling and saying, “you’ll do.”
Girls: guys like to be looked over.
It is an ego-booster. No matter what you look like, an authentic smile while you look a guy over will always always be well-received. Just make sure you look at their eyes, too.
Rule #7
Both sexes: Do not be creepy.
If the person you are interested in ever thinks you are a creep, stalker, or weirdo, you have lost. I cannot stress this enough. Examples of being creepy include: *mentioning marriage, kids, or meeting the family before you are boyfriend and girlfriend
*posting comments on social networking sites about things you really know nothing about
*showing up randomly to meet the person without first using the telephone, unless they work at a Dairy Queen, in which case you’d better be buying a Blizzard.

Rule #89
Use your words.
Do not expect anyone to magically know why you are mad at them, what you want for dinner or your taste in flowers. The person you like is NOT a mind-reader, even if their profession is magician. Talk. I know it is uncomfortable sometimes, but that is the best, most efficient way to communicate. And whatever you’re going to say, don’t do it via text message or IM. That is entirely too impersonal.
Those rules should keep you busy for now. Keep trying, and remember that past failures are no indication of future successes!!

[Photos via melissabetty]

Letters To My Future Husband: Letter #74

Dear Mr. Melissa Blake:

Yes, you're right, Sweetpea. That is a photo of Yours Truly. It was taken back in mid-February 2010 (which, by the way, turned out to be one of the coldest winters on record). It's a good thing I've got that little fat on my bones that you'll one day find so irresistibly cute.

Don't worry. You'll have a lifetime to love my fat, but do you remember when I showed you my baby and my childhood photos? Did you like them? Or, did you just do that fake smile thing where you say, "Of course I want to look at those 12 albums of you from that summer you wore neon shorts every day and thought it would be cool to do your hair up like Debbie Gibson," but in your mind are thinking, "What have I gotten myself into here? Has this girl ever been diagnosed with Narcissism?"

I know, I know. By now, you've probably seen more photos of me than you've seen of naked women in Playboy (stop rolling your eyes, Sweetpea...), but frankly, I've got more sass, charm, character and clothes than those women could ever hope to have. What can I say? The camera (and you!) loves me.
So I thought I'd occasionally show you some update-to-the-minute photos of myself. My mother and sister are constantly remarking that I somehow never seem to age. I think they're on to something here. Any theories, Sweetpea?

It's sort of an odd trajectory when I think about it, though, my relationship with the camera. When I was younger, I was a ham for the camera. I'd have all these little poses I'd do as if I was some sort of model. OK, well the majority of my poses consisted of me pushing my head forward into the camera, as if that would somehow enhance the picture. It's odd, I know, but that's the only way I can describe it. My parents have albums filled to the brim with photos of me pushing my face into the camera while smiling on my birthday (random fact you should know: My first birthday party was of the Smurf-theme variety...I was in love with those little blue men!), frolicking on the beach, holding my little sister ever-so-tightly, opening my loot of presents of Christmas morning, getting down and dirty (with paints and Play-Doh; don't get distracted on me, Sweetpea...) and of course showing off all my surgical scars and wounds with pride.

And then something happened. I'm not sure what triggered it, but I sort of went through a period where I didn't like to look at myself. In the mirror. In photos. And especially through other people's eyes. Maybe I was subconsciously trying to come to terms with my disability, or maybe I was just tired of all those bright lights and flashes constantly being in my face. Whatever the reason, I avoided photos for awhile.
Well, obviously, as you can see from these photos, I'm back on the wagon, shouting, "Full steam ahead, boys! Get those flashbulbs out because this girl is ready to pose!"

I'm sure you looked at every one of my photos and laughed and smiled - at the appropriate times, of course! Just like I'll do the same for you. I can't wait to see photos of you as a baby, a cute toddler walking around in his diaper, the elementary school and high school Casanova. Who knows...maybe someday we'll even have a photo on record of the day we met. Wouldn't that be sort of awesome? Until we meet...

P.S. Oh, did I mention I like to look at photos of myself again? Is that weird? I'll let you be the judge on that one.

P.P.S. And yes, Sweetpea, that last photo is one of me lying in my comfy, cozy bed. But don't get any ideas now...

What Inspires You?

Usually by the time the end of February rolls around, my sense of wonder and inspiration is melting faster than that last patch of winter snow on the ground. I don't know about you, but this time of year always makes me feel a bit blah, uninspired and just plain low on creative juices.

So I'd love to know: What inspires you, friends?

P.S. Look for lots of inspiring posts this week to lift our spirits! xoxo

[Photos via Please Don't Shake Me]

MEMO TO MEN: Great Expectations.

TO: Men all over the planet
FROM: Melissa
RE: What to expect?
DATE: February 22, 2010

A reader posed this question to me last week...

I agree, no one should have to lower their standards, but there is something to be said for being more realistic with your expectations? There are very few "princes" riding around on white horses looking for women to marry. You are going to have to put yourself out there and do something that makes you uncomfortable at some point. I look forward to reading when you take action instead of making believe.

Boys, boys, boys. I honestly don't know how I can get this through your heads: My expectations are nothing that you can't live up to. I know you can. I have faith in you. I'm not asking you to fly me to the moon, to buy me sets of diamonds and pearls or even take me on an extravagant romantic getaway to Paris.
Who says that all fairytales have to be grand, full of pomp and circumstance? They don't. The entire allure of a fairytale is because it's your dream - whatever that may be - coming true. For you. It could be a whirlwind European romance (not me), or it could be watching the sun set and sharing a glass of root beer (SO me, isn't it?). I won't ever apologize for believing in fairytales, especially my own.

I'm an independent and content girl, and honestly, I don't need any of that to make me happy. But what I do need is for you to make me happy. Isn't that really all anyone wants from another human being? To feel that chemistry, that spark, that lightbulb moment?

I don't know. Maybe that scares you? It shouldn't, and if it does, I suspect that reflects your own insecurities. I can't exactly help you sort out that kind of baggage.

But, I do fail to see how these expectations are too much to ask...
*A respectful man
*A responsible man
*A man who doesn't give excuses for everything
*A man I can talk to who won't judge...and might even find my sense of humor funny (dare I add charming... )
*A man who makes me laugh and smile
*A man who lets me be who I am

Now, that doesn't seem like such a grand demand, does it? I know he's (or I guess I should say you're) out there somewhere, and I will find him (you someday. And if I don't, well, at last I'll still be able to make myself laugh. xoxo

P.S. And who says a guy with a disability won't ride up on a white horse for me someday? Come on!

[Photos via happythings]

Man Candy Monday

Hello, friends! Hope you're having a good Monday. Today's gentleman comes at the request of some readers. I wasn't sure about this pick at first. I've never really cared much for athletic men (don't worry: I'm not talking about Tiger Woods here!). But when I thought about the field of sports on a deeper level, it hit me: It's all about hard work, persistence and a determined spirit. That, my friends, is an extremely sexy quality, isn't it? There is nothing more appealing or attractive than a hard-working man. And this guy knows what hard work is. He can definitely work it...

APOLO ANTON OHNO!!!!!!!!!!

Have A Fabulous Weekend.

Happy Friday, friends! Do you have exciting plans this weekend? Good news on my end: I've started to demolish that stack og magazines I've let pile up for far too long. I'm excited to relax and do some reading again this weekend. I loved all your sweet comments this week, and stay tuned next week for Inspiration Week! In the meantime, here are my Top 5 Favorite Blogs this week...

House of Turquoise: This shade of green has always been one of my favorite colors. Now I found an entire blog about it!

E Tells Tales: Such inspiration from an awesome lady!

have heart: The title says it all! So lovely!

Kitty Wigs: Adorable cats + cute wigs = LOTS of smiles!

Illustrated Celebrity Tweets: Celebrities and their hilarious tweets brought to life via art!

And as always, check out these fetching finds from around the Web...

Oooooh, finally a definitive book on the classic '80s Brat Pack!

Debate: Sexy secretary?

One of my favorite etsy shops

What do you think of these 13 years of Valentine's Day covers for The New Yorker?

Purple is just an all-around awesome color, no?

If I could live in this building, I would, wouldn't you?

Do you need a reality check?

Ask anyone: I am a master lounger

Redheads rock, don't they?

Read about the inside story behind Coca-Cola

Verdict: The Secret World of Alex Mack was my '90s Nickelodeon show!

What a rad raincoat

Were you as obsessed as I was with ancient Egypt as a child?

My dream city: San Francisco

A fabulous vintage postcard

I'm getting antsy for berries this summer, aren't you?

Do you ever wake up tired?

One of my favorite fruits: Bananas

Interesting read: The Currency of Love

Congrats, Sadie!

Neat necklaces

How awesome would it be to be wrapped up in color?

For some odd reason, I've always wanted to go to New York Fashion Week

The beauty of pothole gardens

Isn't this the most romantic spot for a wedding?

Wouldn't you love to live here?

It's almost time to think Spring

Love is all around

Can I eat all of these, please?

What color matches your personality? Mine: YELLOW!

Oh, nothing beats classic '90s technology. VHS, anyone?

I could live in this bookstore, couldn't you?

More yellow goodness!

Don't you absolutely love this necklace?

Cupcakes, anyone?

I wish they made these bright tights in my size

For you: A rainbow

Check out these pretty spaces

Genius: It's an Olympics party!

I'm loving these 5 reasons to steer clear of musicians!

Awesome idea: Scribble quotes

[Photo via ache]

Inspiration: Cheeseburger Couches.

My only request: Can I have my couch with extra pickles, please? Wouldn't you love to have one of these? I'd probably lounge in it all day! xoxo

Freaky (Funny!) Friday

Previously on The Melissa Diaries: It was all over. An entire summer, and I had little to show for it except for a slivered heart, though he didn't even know it and a little anxiety about my next big gig: Editor-in-Chief of my college newspaper. Could I cut it, or would I end up in the stacks of yesterdays news and has-beens? One thing was certain: Ready or not, I was about to find out.