Love Lounge: And Then He Kissed Me.

You know I'm not afraid to admit it. I've never had my first kiss. I know, I know. This may very well shock you, considering how soft and beautiful my lips are, not to mention the fact I seem so worldly.

*Cue smile and laugh

But seriously, friends, I feel sort of teenager-ish even asking this. Oh, well. Are first kisses everything they're cracked up to be? It's like you keep waiting (or in my case, really, really waiting...) and waiting for this one moment that is supposed to be a significant milestone in your life, and then maybe it's not? Maybe it turns out to be nothing like you expected. Or maybe it turns out to be so much more than you could ever dream of? I suppose the person you're with has a lot to do with it.

My first kiss? I don't want to rush it. It may make me old-fashioned, but I want to share it with someone who is going to make me remember it years from now and smile. Now, whether I'm smiling because it was so utterly romantic or because it was so utterly awkward is an entire different story. That, my friends, is anyone's guess at the moment.
I used to listen to that '60s song And Then He Kissed Me by The Crystals when I was younger (you know, the one that is in the opening segment of Adventures In Babysitting), and thought, "Hmmm, that sounds sort of cool. I wonder if it's really like that."

When he danced he held me tight
and when he walked me home that night
all the stars were shining bright
and then he kissed me...

...He kissed me in a way that I've never been kissed before,
he kissed me in a way that I wanna be kissed forever more.

So you go from your first kiss seemlessly to your wedding day. Now, I'm quite certain things work a bit differently.
Here's an interesting thought: What do you think a guy would do if I just pulled him down to my level and kissed him? OK, I know that sounds a bit, well, creepy and a tad stalkerish, but it would catch his attention. And quite quickly, might I add. And then of course, knowing me, I'd have to usher in the awkward moment by blurting out that he was my first.

And then he's blush. xoxo

P.S. Maybe there's a class on this that I can take? You know, the kind that use test dummies and whatnot.

P.P.S. Couldn't resist that Hershey's Kiss photo! :)

[Photos via We Heart It]

Summer Pleasures: Calming Forests.

Well, friends, here we are: The last day of August. The end of summer. Since June, we've daydreamed, played fun games, enjoyed lazy days (and swims!) and sipped delicious lemonade.

Today's final summer pleasure is a collection of calming forests. I need to learn the art of staying calm, so these photos are perfect. All you have to do is sit back and stare! xoxo

[Photos by Stephanie Congdon Barnes]

Tales From The Trenches: Tale #50

Today, Kasey sheds some light on the tango of initiation when it comes to dating. Hope you enjoy, friends! xoxo

OK, guys: If you want to see her again, ask, "Can I see you again?"

Recently, a friend of mine went on a date. It went fairly well. Well, enough for a second date, anyway. And the whole time, the guy seemed very much into her. But he forgot one very important thing — he forgot to ask for the second date.

Oh, he texted her that week and eventually asked (via text — don’t get me started on THAT!) what her schedule was, but guys, don’t do that. Grow a backbone, and decide whether or not you want to see her again. If you do, just call her (scary!), and say, "Hey, I had a really good time with you the other day. Can I see you again? Great! What day works for you?" Boom. done.

Girls: It’s OK to give hints, but don’t ask the guy out. Make him do some work.

I know some of you like to take control. I know you want to just ask him, "Hey! let’s go out again! When is good?." But don’t. Make him do some work. If nothing else, it will help you gauge his level of interest in you. If you find that you’re always the one setting up dates, and you’re always the one initiating communications, odds are he’s just not that into you. And if he doesn’t call, I’m sorry in advance if you’re disappointed. But in the long run, you want to be with someone who’s crazy about being you anyway.

[Photo via cosmic]

Letters To My Future Husband: Letter #106

Dear Mr. Melissa Blake:

It's the end of the summer in 2010, and yet I still can't help but think of beginnings and the possible story of how we met.

Now, I can probably tell you what you're thinking right now: "Wow, this girl can sure get obsessive. Why didn't I see this when we were dating?"

Or maybe that's not what you're thinking? I hope not...because we both know it's not true.
Anyway, did I ever tell you about this fantasy I've had. I've had it since it was a little girl, actually.

The hospital.

I know the words hospital and fantasy don't belong in the same sentence for most people, but they do for me. As odd as it sounds, I had some of my best memories there.

So maybe that's why, from an early age, I'd imagine our courtship taking place in the hospital. And as I got older, I'd sometimes sneak a peek at the person in the bed next to me (sadly, this was in the day before they had private rooms and more hotel-like accommodation...), only to find that the occupant was either significantly older than I was or significantly younger.
But of course, that didn't stop me from dreaming. The idea just seemed so romantic to me...oh, there's another word people don't usually associate with hospitals. But in a way, it would be romantic. If you think about it, in some way, we'd just get each other. The reason you were in the hospital doesn't really matter so much. It's the fact that you're there, I'm there and maybe we realize that we can lean on each other - making the corridors and tests and doctors a bit easier. I sometimes even imagined us having long talks way into the night, even once those evil nurses made us turn the light off. We'd talk about life, our hopes, our dreams. Sure, we'd talk about our medical woes a time or two, but sometimes we'd talk just to avoid talking about those scary medical things.

And of course, we'd make a pretty fearless team, maybe even scaring the hospital staff with our brazen. We'd bond over daytime TV. I'd beat you at Jeopardy every afternoon. We'd make each other laugh with kooky jello shapes. We'd sneak out of our room at night and head down to the little cafeteria and bond over (dare I say it...?) root beers. Maybe even an ice cream sandwich too.
You won't care that my gown has a tendency to fall off my shoulder or that my hair stands up like a teenager trying to rebel with spikes or that I squint because I hate wearing my glasses in the hospital. Why? Because you'll be feeling the same way too. Well, that, and the fact that you'll just be so charmed by those things and think they're incredibly adorable on me.

My knees are becoming as squishy as those jello molds just thinking about it. So, while I'm not praying to go in the hospital any time soon, if I do, I'll be sure to look over at the bed next to me if I share a room with someone. The person lying in it just might be you, Sweetpea. True, it wouldn't be a traditional courtship, but then again, have I ever done anything "by the book" anyway?

And just think: That could be our first room together. But separate beds, remember? Until we meet...

[Photos via We Heart It]

Would Love To Hear Your Blog Opinions.

What do you guys think about adding a few wonderful things to So about what I said? During the summer, I had lots of time to browse the Web and discovered so many wonderful things (who knew I'd become inspired by wedding photos?). I'd love to start sharing them with you.

So how about in addition to my blog staples like my Letters To My Future Husband, Lyrical Gangster, Memos To Men and of course honest and frank talk about my disability, we add a few things into the mix: Some more wonderful weddings, inspiring photographs, etsy finds and shopping finds?

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this, friends! xoxo

[Photo via happy things]

Man Candy Monday

Good morning, friends! Today I feel it is my duty to pay homage to a member of one of my favorite boybands of all time. I was a bright-eyed young thing of 9 when this guy stole my heart. His voice was like pure velvet. He was sweet. He was an all-around good boy and has grown into an all-around good man...

JOEY MCINTYRE!!!!!!!!!!

Have A Romantic Weekend.

Happy Friday, friends! How was your week? I made it through my first week of work and am really excited about the year! What are you doing this weekend? It's been a hectic week, so I'm looking forward to slowing down for a bit.

While you enjoy the weekend, check out these awesome links from the wonderful Web...

Giddy: Taylor Swift's cover for her new album!

Adorable grey elephant card

I love these hand-illustrated Save The Dates

The 25 best opening lyrics

Genius: A vintage kitchen towel with a strawberry print

Aren't these photos of Westminster Abby beautiful?

I'm in love with everything in the TheFancyLamb's etsy shop!

I'd love to go to this amazing-looking restaurant, wouldn't you?

Dress love!

Anyone up for a trip to Ottawa?

I love these wreaths!

The simplicity of white walls

Smell the roses

Beautiful photos taken at dusk

Are you a Blair or Serena?

The comforts of friendship

I'd love to curl up with these pillows!

Sigh, a gorgeous lighthouse

One word: Cheesecake

Awesome pool shots!

When was the last time you took a love leap?

Maybe change can be good

An awesomely colorful playmat!

A fairytale told by a French girl

Beautiful baubles!

One of my favorite quotes ever!

Britain love

Congrats, Melanie!

And now, Lady Gaga Barbies!

Aren't these animal photos awesome?

Adorable: Laughing baby video

Genius: Animal doormat

[Photo via the flowerchild dwelling]

Inspiration: Farmhouse Wedding Shoot.

Being from the Midwest (Illinois really is the greatest state; well, aside from the political corruption...), I think there's something incredibly comforting, peaceful and romantic about a farm. So when I happened to find these items used by the ubber-talented Sarah of Classic Bride for a farmhouse wedding shoot, I couldn't help but fall in love. So many wonderful touches: the alarm clocks, the basket, the polaroid camera and of course my favorite, the old-fashioned Dr. Pepper bottle.

Isn't it all lovely, friends? xoxo

P.S. And isn't it awesome that the Classic Bride was born out of Sarah's inspiration from her own wedding?

Sheep Watercolor Painting Giveaway!

Today's giveaway is from Helen of HamjArt, an etsy shop full of her original paintings. She's offering this 12x12 sheep watercolor painting to one lucky reader. Being from the Midwest, I'm sort of partial to it.

For your chance to win, simply visit HamjArt, and leave a comment below, along with your email address. A winner will be chosen at random tomorrow.

**Special offer: Helen is moving, so all her paintings are 50% to 75% off. Also, buy 5 paintings or more and get free shipping.

Update: Congrats to winner Brandilyn. xoxo

Guest Post: 5 Myths About Women.

...as taught by the ladies of Mad Men!
Even though the hit show Mad Men is set in the early '60s when women were trying to find their way in society, these women aren’t so different from women today. You realize that we all have the same inner strengths and struggles. The look that Mad Men takes into a woman’s place in the world and the inner workings of what makes women tick shows us that, though we have evolved, we are still so very similar. And, since this show happens to be one of my very favorite shows (and Melissa’s!), I thought it would be a perfect way to share 5 myths about women, as taught by the ladies of Mad Men:
All women want to lose themselves in a man
Betty Draper gave up her modeling career to succumb to wifedom, and it left her anxiety-ridden and lonely. Obviously our culture has evolved since then. But, there are times when I daydream about quitting my job, eating bon-bons, catching up on my DVR and cooking my husband dinner every day. But, whether women stay at home or go to work every day, it’s so enriching for women to find something that is not wrapped up in another human being. Perhaps that’s why I started blogging. I was giving so much of myself to my work and my family that I wanted something that was all mine. Being an individual is so very important.
Men are smarter than women
Joan is a perfect example of a sexpot with a head on her shoulders. She is smarter than most of the men she works for, but she knows how to make them feel like they are in control. That’s usually the case, isn’t it?
Women are weak
Peggy Olson is one of those women who says what she means and means what she says. Like most of us, Peggy is a lot stronger than she looks. She has painful secrets and a difficult job paving her way in a men’s club. Ms. Olson teaches us that you can’t always judge a book by its cover.

Some women have it all together
Has anyone else been here?? I know I have. Well, not with a pointed shotgun. Women are often painted as pictures of grace and beauty. In reality, we’re all human. No woman is perfect. And, though some come off as having a life of envy, we all have our secrets, our blowups and our pains.
Women don’t like to be approached by men
Actually, quite the opposite… Every woman is flattered by the interest of a man. Even if they seem put-off, it’s an instant boost to a woman’s self-esteem. That being said, a man will only be successful at his attempt of approach if: A). He’s not a drunken idiot, B). He doesn’t act like a jerk and C). He isn’t a cheese-ball. A word to men: Just be genuine. Vulnerability and confidence are a winning combination when it comes to wooing women.

On a personal note, I was so incredibly flattered to be asked by Melissa to guest post. She is one of those women that you find so much strength from in her daily posts. She debunks every one of these myths with her strength, honesty, intelligence...and even her boy-craziness! Thanks, Melissa!!

--By Beth from Hello, Splendor

[Photos via AMC]

Disability Bingo.

As a woman with a physical disability, I can totally relate to this. How awesome is it that it's an off-shoot of traditional bingo? There are so many misconceptions about disabilities, and this card is quite a good representation of them.

My favorites (and don't think I haven't heard these before...):
*Must be nice not to have to walk everywhere/work
*What's wrong with you? Why are you wearing/using those?
*Talking v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y
*How do you have SEX?

Which phrase is your favorite, friends? xoxo

My Glamour Blog Guest Post.

I've been so excited to share this news, friends: The lovely Sarah Jio, who write Glamour's Health and Fitness blog asked me to debunk the Top 5 Myths about living life with a physical disability. I was so honored! You can read my post here, and I'd love to hear your thoughts!!

Thanks, Sarah! xoxo

Guest Post: My Favorite Things.

Hello! Thanks to Melissa for letting me guest post on her lovely blog. I thought I'd share with you some of my favourite things of late.

Lately I have been all over Fresh cosmetics (or I suppose they have been all over me). Their lovely packaging first drew me in, and now I am devoted due to the high-quality product. I am currently living for their blush in Nectar and Firebird mascara.

We have been in our apartment now for almost two months and only recently got around to putting art on the walls. With trying to stray from posting unframed posters, Ikea's Ribba Frames have been a blessing.

Gold. Generally. More specifically, this pair of Gold Glitter TOMS.

Whoopie Pies. These seem to be an Internet sensation of late. I've made them three times in the past month. They're a lovely combination of a cupcake and a cookie (basically what everybody needs in their bag of baking tricks). Here's a recipe, or if you're hungry you can buy a premade mix. Image here.

--Samantha from Post Grad Haircut

How I Feel (In 5 Photos) Wednesday.

"Come away with me in the night. Come away with me, and I will write you a song." --Norah Jones

[Photos via happy things]

Video Hello.

Thanks again for all your wonderful questions. Here's (finally!) my answers. I hope you enjoy!! xoxo

Guest Post: Favorite Songs.

Hello there, first off let me start by saying I am honored to be a guest on such a fantastic blog. Even though Melissa and I have not personally met, I still adore her and consider her to be a friend.
Now, for those of you who do not know me, let me tell you a little bit about who I am and why Melissa has asked me to share with you all about my 5 favorite songs. I live in Nashville with my amazing boyfriend I like to call Guitar Hero (if you didn't guess it already, it's because he plays guitar). I share stories on my blog about our life together and what it's like to date someone who is always on the road. He plays for Josh Turner and is unbelievably talented. We met in a music video and are very much in love. He also co-wrote a very famous country song, which I guess you can see where this is leading.... yes, his song is definitely in my top 5. So, without further adieu, let's start with my top 5 songs and why they are my favorite. These are not in any order:
Livin' Our Love Song - Jason Michael Carroll
Mainly because this is the song my Guitar Hero wrote, and it takes me back to when we first met. Every time I hear this song, I think of him and I catch myself smiling.

All My Lovin' - The Beatles
This song describes our relationship perfectly. Plus it is OUR song.

Moon River - Henry Mancini
It is such a beautiful song and makes me dream of traveling.

Smile - any version
When I get really low, this is the song, I go to and sing out loud or in my head depending on where I am. It always seems to help me feel better.

When You Wish Upon A Star - Jimmy Cricket
Now, I have to admit it's hard picking this 5th song but if I had to pick just 5, this one would be in it. This song takes me back to when I was little girl, growing up in Orlando and spending time at Disney World. It's unreal, the butterflies I get in my stomach when I hear Jimmy Cricket speak at the firework display right before they play this song. It's like I get Peter Pan Syndrome, and I can't help but feel like I am a little girl again, full of hopes and dreams.

--By Whitney from A Cheery Disposition

[Photos via We Heart It]

Summer Pleasures: Hideaway House.

I think it would be wonderful to escape to a quiet house, out in the middle of nowhere, with just a laptop (or even a pen and notebook!), and do nothing but write. I'd probably just sit on the porch all day and gaze out into the beautiful forest. How calming would that be, friends? xoxo

[Photos via blissfulb]

Tales From The Trenches: Tale #49

Today's tales comes to us from Beth of Hello, Splendor. I hope you enjoy! Kasey will be back next week. xoxo
I’m a 6-foot tall blonde. I know: ‘Cry me a river’. While most people would tell me that it’s a blessing, in the dating world, it’s a curse. When you’re that tall, you tend to feel a little less than feminine if you’re not dating a 6-foot-something guy. So, there you have it. My dating pool is smaller than most, because I am dead set on a height requirement. And, of course, in my mind, I’m the only one with this problem.

So, after countless mishaps with men (remind me to tell you about the drug-dealing doctor), I met a pretty cool guy: 6’-4”… dark… handsome. He fit my requirements just perfectly. We traveled together, dined together, frequented museums and just had a really amazing time together. I think we both knew that there wasn’t a deep bond there, but we just had a great time. So, one night we are out with friends having drinks, and I run into a guy friend of mine. I wanted him to meet the guy I was dating. I go in for the introduction, and my friend proceeds to whisper to me that he is also dating this same guy. And, by dating I mean having his way with him in the bar restroom. Awkward! Needless to say, that didn’t work out.
Like I was saying...countless mishaps with men...and still counting.

I hit the self-help books. And let me be clear: I’m not a reader. The extent of my library consists of shelter magazines and Twilight. But, this is what desperation will drive you to. I read He’s Just Not That Into You. I read Dr. Phil’s Love Smart. I felt so silly reading them, but I was in such desperation to find love that every page rang true to me. But, it still wasn’t helping me find my future husband. So, I decided I’m not looking for love. Because, like the books say, when you’re not looking for love, you’ll find it.
I focused on friendships. I found a great group of friends to have drinks with, dine with and just be single with. One of my favorite friends was this 5’-5” guy who was just everything you wanted in a husband and father of your children, except for the height. We had the best time together, but neither one of us would go there - 6” doesn’t seem like much, but the height difference was quite significant. But, I just kept thinking about him. I’d get excited to see him. What was that about?? Then I thought back to Dr. Phil. He wrote that “If you have a ‘type’, clearly that isn’t working out for you.” So, it all came together. I realized that I had a crush on the short guy. Those self-help books were actually good for something!

We go out drinking, get drunk, make out. Then we have our first date a week later. I wore 6-inch heels to see if I could deal with the height difference. And, you know what?? It wasn’t an issue at all. I had been so petty and it had ruled my entire dating life. How ridiculous. It’s amazing what doors are opened up for you when you set aside your vanities and just let yourself just see the person.
So, what happened to the short guy and me? I’ll save the love story for later, because it’s pretty epic. But, here’s what I can tell you: We’re married and have an amazing 8-month old baby. I married my soulmate and my best friend! It just took me a little longer to find him, probably because I couldn’t spot him in the crowd.

[Photos via Le Love and Sabino]

Back To Work.

Obviously, I work year-round as a writer, but today was my first day back at my school-year job as a newspaper adviser. One of my favorite parts of going "back to school" even though I've been out of college for 5 years: Shopping for school supplies. So, I just couldn't resist posting these few photos. Did I ever tell you that I have a tendency to become a bit too obsessed with pens and paper and notebooks and folders? And did I ever tell you that I once actually took a few snapshots of myself browsing said supplies? Well, here's the proof. What do you think, friends? xoxo

P.S. That first photo is the expression that always crosses my face when I first enter the school supply section. Pure bliss! :)

P.P.S. I'm guest posting on The Favour Shoppe today. You can read my post here!