Have A Fun Weekend.

Friends, how are you doing today? I'm glad the weekend is finally here -- it's been a tough one with my dad's birthday, and my sister has had some health issues of her own in the last few days. Do you have any plans for the weekend? My aunt (my dad's sister) is flying in from Pennsylvania to visit, and it will be nice to see her.

Oh, and I've also got some great theme posts planned for next week. Anyone care to guess the theme? :)

While I'm enjoying family this weekend, here are my Top 5 Favorite Blogs of the week...

Chasing Sisterhood: A great blog about the bonds of sisterhood!

Post Grad Hair Cut: The life of a post-college twentysomething!

Style Du Jour: My style lesson for the week, with an added bonus: A dose of Hollywood thrown in for good measure!
post grad hair cut

a lovely, little blog: True to its word, a blog full of pretty things and great people!

From Skirts To Skillets: A great blog for vintage finds! She finds the best online shops, too!

And I hope you enjoy these great Web treats I found this week...

I am utterly obsessed with the online shop Plum & Sage!

Cute + tiny vintage photos!

House love!

Look, it's an American flag cake!

Possibly the coolest staircase ever!

A gorgeous kitchen in Brooklyn!

Cupcake love

Perfect back-to-school backpacks!

This sign would look perfect above my computer!

I love the items in this etsy shop, don't you?

Hello, beautiful flowers!

Genius: An I Love Bacon necklace!

Pendant love. Aren't they pretty?

Have you gone camping a lot this summer?

Some great apartment inspiration!

Isn't this an adorable dog?

Oh, how I love stripes!

This salad looks delicious - and spicy!

There's something beautiful about the rain, isn't there?

Some awesome '60s dresses!

Yum: Coconut sorbet

I love Reese's hair in this photo!

Doesn't this open-air museum look spectacular?

Great summer idea: Family bike rides!

Yum: Raspberry scones!

Mermaid chic, anyone?

Check out these soft-pink photos!

The happiest countries in the world

[Photo via Metromix New York]

Pocketbook Giveaway!

Today's giveaway is from Bianca of bink & boo, a California-based accessories and baby boutique. I'm in love with the tagline for her shop: Handmade in California...Walking on Sunshine.

She's offering this Wahine pocketbook to one lucky reader today. Doesn't it remind you of a great day at the beach during the summer? Such pretty blue hues! I love that it has two separate full-sized compartments; I have a tendency to amass way too much spare change...

For your chance to win, simply visit bink & boo, and leave a comment below, along with your email address. A winner will be chosen at random on Monday afternoon. Good luck!! xoxo

P.S. Don't forget to follow bink & boo on Twitter, too!

Update: Congrats to winner Carly! Thanks for playing! xoxo

Etsy Love: Elephantine Rings.

I've been jaw-dropping (see, I did make it a verb...) over Rachel's amazing creations in her shop Elephantine. I bought a few rings yesterday, and love their classic and simple elegance. I'm so tempted to buy this apollo necklace too! xoxo

P.S. Check out my other Etsy loves you may have missed!

Hand-Knit Purse Giveaway!

Today's giveaway is from the charming Augusta of ADKnits. She handknits all her hats, mittens and accesories, and even better? Everything in her shop is made from natural fibers!

She's offering this red hand-knit purse to one lucky reader. I love that it's small and compact, yet bright and cheery, don't you?

For your chance to win, simply visit ADKnits, and leave a comment below, along with your email address. A winner will be chosen at random tomorrow afternoon. Have fun! xoxo

Update: Congrats to winner Va! Thanks so much! xoxo

Love Lounge: I Vow...

People are so quick to make vows at their wedding, to their friends, to their over-worked career. To everyone but themselves, it seems.

But what about those sorts of vows you make to yourself? Where do those rank in your life? Why is it that at the end of the day, we're making fewer and fewer vows and promises to ourselves at the expense of other people and other obligations in life? Shouldn't you be the most important person you make vows to?

I vow....

*To be happy, my way

*To live a life filled with love

*To continue learning to be happy with myself

So, tell me, friends? What vows are willing to make to yourself today? I'd love to hear them! xoxo

[Photo via Audrey Hepburn Complex]

Inspiration: Vintage Book Covers.

Oh, how I long to be a 1950's gal. I've been jaw-dropping (is that even a verb...?) over these vintage book covers all morning. Aren't they great? Such intigue: A rugged Welsh farmer, a journey across Australia. And the guy in the last book cover is a cutie. Is that weird that I just admitted that?

Speaking of books, my mom and I went to see Ramona and Beezus to cheer ourselves up on my dad's birthday. Have you seen it, friends? It was so adorable. I wamt to go back a re-read the books again!

What would your book be called, friends? xoxo

P.S. More cool '50s vibes + my decade spotlight on the fabulous '50s in case you missed it!

[Book covers via Pretty Dreadful Vintage]

Letters To My Future Husband: Letter #103

Dear Mr. Melissa Blake:

I'm old-fashioned, though you probably know that already, don't you? Some people may call it a fear akin to fears of deathly snakes...) of snakes, but I just consider it a healthy dose of being an old-fashioned gal.

I was thinking the other day about how we'd meet, and you know one of the first things that popped into my head?

Letters.

I know, sort of obvious or maybe a bit on the nose seeing as how I'm writing you a letter right now, but you know what? That old-fashioned girl in me - that girl twirling around in a poodle skirt an drinking malts at the soda fountain - can't help but think it'd actually be sort of cool.
Have you ever thought about that? What would it be like to develop a relationship strictly through letters we write to each other. It wouldn't be the same as these letters, of course, because we'd know each other, but what if circumstances were such that we had to have a long-distance courtship? And no, Sweetpea, I'm talking about if one of us was in jail and the other was the pen pal. That, frankly, is just too creepy.

I'm talking about getting to know each other through the exchanging of letters while we're apart. One of the books on my summer reading list which I have yet to read is Nicholas Sparks's Dear John. It was also made into a movie back here in 2010, but I refuse to see the movie until I read the book. Ooooh, maybe we can see the movie together. How awesome would that be?

Does that make me too old-fashioned?

I've always liked the idea of it. It's sort of romantic in a sense. you don't fall in love with someone based on looks first. you fall in love with their words, which, as a writer, i think is the window to someone's soul, you know? you can fall in love with who the person is.
And in a way, it can be very exciting, and even a bit sexy in the not-verging-on-a-trashy-romance-novel kind of way. I like the idea of creating our own little world with these letters. Something that we'd be giddy with excitement over every time we reached for a new one in the mailbox. Letters that would make us smile (have I mentioned I can't wait to have you make me laugh...?). Letters in which we'd tell each other things we've never shared with anyone else.

As a way, I suppose, it's sort of freeing. You can truly, authentically, 100% be yourself. I like that idea. No censoring, no petty expectations, no awkward stuttering on my part. Well, unless you find my awkwardness hot, that is.

Or maybe the whole letter-exchange would be one giant cope-out for me? A way to hide and avoid you actually seeing me. Because sometimes I do feel like a different person on paper than I do in real life; maybe everyone feels that way. No, it's probably just me. I never thought of it like that. But I guess we'll find out someday, won't we, Sweetpea? Until we meet... xoxo

[Photos via cosmic]

Guest Post: Modern + Classic Accessories.

Note: Would yuo ever like to guest post on So about what I said...? I'd love to hear fom you! Email ideas and submissions to mellow1422@aol.com! xoxo

I am honored to guest post here. How did you know I would love to guest post on accessories? ;) I thought it would be fun to share some of these beauties and tips with you....

--By Anna from In Honor of Design

Pearls and diamonds will always be classy, but there are simple ways you can add a modern twist to these essential accessories!

1) Add Ribbon - Ribbon is such a fun way to spruce up your classy jewelry. Ribbon can be that burst of color or texture that makes your piece stand out. This is an element that many designers are incorporating into their pieces this year.

2) Double Up! - Layer your necklaces and bracelets, and double band the hair wear! Turn it from simple to statement by purchasing pieces that can be layered and doubled up. It's a great way to create your own style out of your classic pieces.

3) Clusters - One of my favorite modern accessories is clustered cocktail rings. Whether it's a combination of pearls and rhinestones or gems and stones; when it is clustered, it catches your eye! Clustered jewelry may be trendy, but if it's the right piece, it can be added to your classic collection!

[Photo credits clockwise from top left: Netted faux pearl necklace; Crystal Trinity Ring; Mined Leaf Earrings; Willy Nilly Bracelets; Ficarre Double Arch Headband]

How I Feel (In 5 Photos) Wednesday.

"Love is an army. Waiting for me. Waiting for this girl." --LeAnn Rimes

[Photos via Chasing Pavements]

Red Glass Pendant Giveaway!

Today's giveaway is from Michelle of Jechory, an etsy shop that, as Michelle says, fuses color and beauty. Michelle uses several layers of colorful art and dichroic glass to make beautiful pendants, earrings and bracelets. She's offering this sleek red dichroic pendant to one lucky reader. The pendant is made with a hot red dichroic glass. It also has areas of black, ivory and a bit of gold in the glass. It would be perfect for a summer evening, don't you think?

For your chance to win, simply visit Jechory, and leave a comment below, along with your email address. A winner will be chosen at random tomorrow afternoon. Happy shopping! xoxo

Update: Congrats to winner, Suz! xoxo

Happy Birthday, Father!

Dad, you would have been 59 years old today. That fact alone just boggles my mind. What would you look like today? Would you have changed a lot over the course of the last 7 years? I know I have. It's been a pretty tough week leading up to today. Well, really, who am I kidding? It's been a rollercoaster of emotions for the past 7 years, but your birthday always hits my heart extra hard.

I know I've been angry and frustrated with you, but what I've never told anyone, maybe not even myself? Not a day goes by that I don't wonder what life would be like if you were still here. Sometimes I wonder if there is another me - another version of my life - living in some alternate universe somewhere, a universe where you never got cancer, a universe where you never committed suicide, a universe where I wouldn't know what it feels like to miss you so much that sometimes I don't know what to do. And of course a universe where I wouldn't have so much anger toward you. I hate that anger. I really do. I don't want to be angry with you. I want to miss you. I want to remember those good times we had without the volcano of anger always bubbling up just below the surface.
I wonder what that would feel like. Every single day. And I sometimes wonder, too, what I'd say to you if I had the chance. Would I be able to keep that anger at bay long enough to say the things I really want to say? Things like, "Thank you for giving me the best childhood I could have ever asked for, despite my disability." Things like, "Thank you for giving me the foundation for becoming such a strong woman and never giving me a single reason to doubt your love and faith in me." Things like, "There are so many things you've missed, and so many things I wish you could have been here to see."

Could I not say the things I don't want to say but always feel? Things like how I can't fathom how you could ever leave your family, the people you always loved more than anything in the world. Things like I sometimes hate it when the littlest things remind me of you, like a green field in the summer and how you'd let us play outside for hours, until the lightning bugs came out to play and the sky began transforming into hues of orange and pink. Things like you left me just when I felt like I needed you the most, a time when I was in college and needed your guidance on that road to adulthood. Now, it seems like it's a road I've had to try to navigate on my own, without a road map. And you know what? I hate it. It never had to be this way. I didn't want it to be this way. And I like to think that deep down, if you had only thought about it a little more, you wouldn't have wanted it to be this way, either.
So I'll try to smile when I remember you today. And I hope, wherever you are right now, that you're smiling too. I hope you're proud of the woman your little girl in that green field has grown up to be. I love you, Dad. xoxo

Summer Pleasures: Bubbles, Bubbles.

Remember how fun and exciting it was as a kid to run outside to an open field on a sunny day and blow bubbles to your heart's content? Photographer Julianne Swartz takes amazing bubble portraits, and I love the idea of capturing something like a bubble that can burst at any moment, don't you?

What's your favorite childhood bubble memory, friends? xoxo

Tales From The Trenches: Tale #45

You asked, and our resident guyspert Kasey was more than happy to answer! Feel free to keep those questions coming, friends, and I hope you enjoy today's male perspective! xoxo
Why do guys have trouble calling girls for the first time?
Well, the short answer is: They’re nervous. And probably insecure about themselves. If a guy is insecure, he will have low confidence levels, and when he sees a cute girl, it is mortifying to call. Fear of rejection is a huge thing, too. But rejection isn’t so bad once you get used to it. I would tell all guys that they NEED to call the girl, too, and not just text them. It opens up communication in a much more emotionally charged medium, and then the girl can actually hear the tonality in your voice. I think you’d give a guy a chance (assuming you gave him your number in the first place) if he sounded super nervous, right?

What is your biggest complaint when it comes to dating?
My biggest complaint is that there aren’t enough places where it is socially acceptable to meet people. When I say that, I’m referring to group gatherings. I mean, you can meet people at a bar (not really my style), you can meet people at friend’s parties, maybe work, but that’s tricky. So what does that leave? The grocery store? I mean, I suppose I can talk to her about fruit in the produce section, but that seems to be crossing the creeper line. And though the online thing works for some, that’s not really my taste. That is my biggest complaint.
How can we stretch out of our comfort zones?
I think the best way to get yourself out of your comfort zone is to go meet a new person. Seriously. Just pick a person you think looks cool, and just say, “Hey, my name is ... , and I think your shoes are cool.” Or whatever. Just go talk to a person you have never talked to before. Even if it’s your Starbucks barista. Baristas are people, too.

[Photos via a beautiful world]

Anonymous Commenting Policy.

In light of some not-so-nice anonymous comments of late, I wanted to post a formal anonymous commenting policy for So about what I said...

Truth be told, I didn't want to have to do this. We should all act like grown-ups, right? Apparently, that's not always the case. In a nutshell, these are things I absolutely cannot and will not tolerate:

Bullying. Belittling. Berating.

What this blog IS:
*The honest story of my life with a physical disability and my unique road to love.

*A collection of things that inspire me, both the fun and the whimsical.

*A place where we can respectfully, civilly and maturely discuss and reflect on the above topics.

Therefore, I won't stand for attacking, belittling or otherwise sheer nastiness just for the sake of putting other people down. While I want this blog to be an open forum, I've always wanted it to be an open forum for the exchange of ideas, not verbal, repeated and just plain low and petty assaults cowardly veiled behind anonymity.

The new rule: Using the anonymous feature for attacks and posting nasty, bullying or berating comments anonymously will automatically be deleted.

I hope you can all understand this new policy, and be on board with me. We're not in high school anymore. So, friends, the Mean Girl (and Mean Guy...) mentality stops today. I simply will not tolerate nor allow that sort of negativity. Life is just too short to let certain people's insecurities and tear-down tactics stop you from being who you are.

Be proud of who you are and walk (or roll...) tall. I know I'm going to. Who's with me? xoxo

[Photos via That Girl]

Inspiration: Jazz-Age Lawn Party.

Another item to add to my Reasons To Move To New York City list: Every year, Governors Island is transformed back in time to the roaring 1920s and the jazz age for the annual Jazz-Age Lawn Party. Flappers. Toe-tapping music. Beautiful costumes with pearls, of course. A frolicking, rollicking good time.
What could be better, friends? Doesn't it look like so much fun? xoxo

P.S. See more photos of the lovely shennanigans from this year's party here!

Man Candy Monday

Good morning, friends! I hope your Monday is off to a rousing start. This week's special guy is, well, adorably special. I watched one of his latest movies over the weeked and remembered why I fell for him so many years ago. His a gentleman. He's a family man. And damn, that boyish grin gets me every single time...

JAMES MARSDEN!!!!!!!!!!

Have A Dreamy Weekend.

Hello, friends, how are you doing today? What are your plans for the weekend? For it being the middle of July, I had a surprisingly busy week, so I intend to watch lots of TV (Gossip Girl is in heavy rotation right now...) and enjoy an ice cream cone or two.

While I'm no doubt drooling over Chuck Bass, here are my Top 5 Favorite Blogs this week...

Aurajoon: A great mix of life and pretty things!

Everything Fab: The title speaks for itself here!

Blythe Hopes Vintage: A great source for vintage finds!

Noodles and Waffles: A great mix of everything!

Urban Muse Writer: A great writing blog!

Also, here are some great finds from around the Web...

Yum: There's nothing like the Farmers Market in the summer, is there?

Some awesome pops of color!

Classic + elegant business cards...

Golden yellow love, anyone?

Am I the only one who want to eat just this corn relish?

Colorful + outdoor wedding

Genius: Pretty soap!

More pretty soap here!

What's your favorite type of mirror?

Isn't Micaela an amazing photographer?

Check out this interesting photo shoot...

Spotted Moth is one of my new favorite haunts...

Isn't natural lighting so comforting?

The scoop on some flavor changes at Baskin-Robbins

Pink: The best color EVER!

Ahhh, more chalkboard love!

What a quaint inn

Never, ever forget just how lucky you are....

I could sleep like a baby in one of these beds, couldn't you?

Might as well jump!

Wonderful rings!

Mood board: Summer fun

Genius: They're sweet treat rings!

Which chair is your favorite?

Amazing architecture!

Flea market fun!

Don't these lemon cookies look delicious?

Do you have a weakness for colorful umbrellas like I do?

Travel in color!

Arts & crafts for kids from the '80s and '90s here + here + here

Yum: French vanilla bean

Beautiful honey bees!

[Photo via Just Be Splendid]