Life Through The Lens Print Giveaway!

Today's giveaway is from Kristi of Life Through The Lens. Kristi is a Utah-based artist, and her shop is full of her original prints and postcards.

She's offering one 8x10 print from her shop to 3 lucky readers! I love her wide selection of work, including her I Love You print (the writer in me loves this one!), Love of Books print and Pumpkin print. Wouldn't one of these look great in your home?

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

Update: Congrats to winners Alyssa, Katie and Erin! Thanks so much! :)

Make A Wish.

How awesome would it be to hang a collection of these signs in your house or office? You could add to it for more inspiration whenever you needed it.

What do you wish for today, friends? xoxo

P.S. You can also make a wish on a four-leaf clover too!

[Photo via happythings]

Etsy Love: Farouche's Pick-Up Line Postcards.

I was in the computer lab yesterday and almost broke the silence by laughing when I found these pick-up line postcards from letterpress shop Farouche. Do you really think people would actually use them? They're utterly hilarious! :)

What's the worst line someone has used on you? Let's grab an ice-cold root beer and commiserate, friends! xoxo

P.S. I'd also love to welcome new sponsors Michelle Hartney, Spotted Moth and Fuschia Dream. Welcome aboard! :)

Gold + Silver Crochet Ring Giveaway!

Today's giveaway is from Lily of lilyja, a great shop for beautifully handmade wedding jewelry. I especially love her Lapis necklace!

She's offering this gold and silver ring (a $54 value) to one lucky reader. The ring is made of two layers: fine silver wire and 14k gold wire. Isn't it delicate and simple?

For your chance to win, simply visit lilyja, and leave a comment below, along with your email address. And for an extra entry, become a fan of her facebook page! A winner will be chosen at random tomorrow. Happy browsing, friends! xoxo

*Special Offer: Lily is offering So about what I said reader 10% off until the end of October. Just enter the code WHATISAID at checkout!

Update: Congrats to winner Gen!

Dream Vacation: Vermont in the Fall.

My mom was lucky enough to travel to Vermont over the summer. I've never been there, but this travelogue from Ashley + Aron's summer travels is giving me Vermont Fever. Wouldn't it be great to take a roadtrip along a winding Vermont highway and see the beautiful fall leaves, friends? Do you take any fall trips? xoxo

P.S. Don't think I wouldn't buy cases of Vermont maple syrup by the truckload either! A trip to the Vermont General Store would most definitely be in order. :)

How I Feel (In 5 Photos) Wednesday.

"My loneliness ain't killing me no more. I'm stronger than yesterday." --Britney Spears

[Photos via Sabino]

21st Century Princess.

This little ditty was actually inspired by one of your comments. Over the summer, someone called me a 21st-century princess, and that title stuck in my head. I like the sound of it, don't you? It speaks of strength and independence and being fearless. What do you think, friends? xoxo

Don't go trying to rescue me
If that's what you're trying to do, you'd better think again
I'm not drowning and I don't need your saving
It's time for a change
I might not be perfect, but you're going to hear what I have to say

I'm not a damsel in distress
Oh no
I'm a 21st century princess
Baby, there's no problem I can't fix on my own
Twirl my dress with a dash of confidence and sass
Those lullabies and towering castles are nice, but I don't mind being alone
And as for that fairytale?
Darling, who said I can't write it on my own?

Maybe I'll be the one saving you
I never cared for glass slippers anyway, they were never my style
And I'm too impatient to wait around for your horse
I've got a life, and I intend to smile

I'm not a damsel in distress
Oh no
I'm a 21st century princess
Baby, there's no problem I can't fix on my own
Twirl my dress with a dash of confidence and sass
Those lullabies and towering castles are nice, but I don't mind being alone
And as for that fairytale?
Darling, who said I can't write it on my own?

I don't need to hold your hand
That's just who I am
A 21st century princess
A 21st century princess
A 21st century princess...

I'm not a damsel in distress
Oh no
I'm a 21st century princess
Baby, there's no problem I can't fix on my own
Twirl my dress with a dash of confidence and sass
Those lullabies and towering castles are nice, but I don't mind being alone
And as for that fairytale?
Darling, who said I can't write it on my own?

I'm not a damsel in distress
Oh no
I'm a 21st century princess
Baby, there's no problem I can't fix on my own
Twirl my dress with a dash of confidence and sass
Those lullabies and towering castles are nice, but I don't mind being alone
And as for that fairytale?
Darling, who said I can't write it on my own?

[Photo via We Heart It]

Piano Engagement Shoot.

I love how a simple piano is so perfectly used in this engagement shoot (shot in a gorgeous field, no less!) by San Antonio-based photographer Clayton Austin. Aren't these shots music to your ears, friends? What is one prop you'd love to use in your own engagement or wedding shoot? xoxo

P.S. Of course I love the red umbrella too! :)

Would You Like To Advertise For The Holidays?

Would you like to advertise on So about what I said? I have a couple spots still open for October, and am also offering some special package rates for the upcoming holiday season. My readers are engaging and passionate, and they shop online often for wonderful gems.

My rates are ideal for etsy sellers, small businesses, crafters, bloggers, shop owners, photographers, artists, and designers.

Please email mellow1422 (at) aol (dot) com for rates and blog stats. Thank you so much, and I look forward to working with you! xoxo

[Image designed by the wonderful Ez]

Love Lounge: Dating + Disabilities.

I know I've asked several times if guys would date a girl with a physical disability, but I don't think I've ever turned the tables. What if the shoe were on the other foot, ladies? Would you date a guy with a physical disability?

I often wonder if there is a gender component here: Would guys be more willing to date a girl with a disability, or would girls be more willing to date a guy with a disability. Well, maybe willing isn't the right word? I'm leaning toward the women being more comfortable with it than the guys.

But maybe I'm wrong? I'd love to hear your thoughts, friends! xoxo

P.S. And don't forget: Disabled women are damn sexy! :)

[Photo via Sabino]

Guest Post: Relationship Dealbreakers.

When Melissa first asked me to do a guest post about dating/relationships, I kind of chuckled. Actually it was more like a snort. See, I met my husband when I was only 19, and I got married when I was 21. Twenty-one! Can you believe that? I kind of can't. So here I am, divvying up some advice on dating when my personal dating/single stint didn't last much longer than Lisa and Zach's one episode fling (and don't pretend your have no idea what I'm talking about).

Ladies, there's a fine line between being too picky (refusing to date a man because he has arm hair) or not being picky enough (settling for Mr. Collins, shall we say). But you do have to have some boundaries. Some absolute, mustn't-haves, or you'll end up realizing that twenty years of indulging in your husband's obsession with NASCAR is a segue for divorce. So I've enlisted some help from my friend Karen because she has some "say it isn't true" dating stories. We've come up with a list of absolute dealbreakers (as my hero, Liz Lemon would say, and that's pop culture reference #3 already). Please note that some of these are meant to be tongue-in-cheek dealbreakers, so have a laugh!

Absolute Dealbreakers...just say no to anyone who:
*Has a room dedicated to his Creed/Nickelback memorabilia
*Gym rats who love taking off their shirt and doing that jiggling-peck thing in public places
*Wears tank tops with large arm holes
*Wears cut-offs
*Has an addiction to video games
*Gets style advice from Jon Gosselin
*Still lives with his parents over the age of 25 (acceptable exceptions: parents sick, unforeseen lay-off, etc)
*Hates to read actual books
*Tries to live his life like a Maxim magazine
*Is mean to waiters/people in the service industry
*Uses more hair products than I do
*Lists Hugh Hefner as a role model
*Refuses to get a day job because his band is going to make it 'any day now'
*Sits next to me in a three-seater front seat when there is just the two of us
*Has unacceptable facial hair (mutton chops, soul patch, little stache)
*Prefers Jimmy Kimmel over Conan
*Prefers Walmart over Target
*Has highlighted hair
*Wears hemp bracelets and necklaces
*Asks me to get a boob job
*Thinks that the all-meat sandwich at KFC was a good idea
*Talks in the third person and only the third person

I'm sure you could add a few of your own or maybe even erase a few. Hey, if you're a fan of Ed Hardy t-shirts and some-large-and-in-charge-sideburns, more power to you. I'll throw a few gems your way.

--By Melanie from You Are My Fave

[Photo via kissssing]

Man Candy Monday

Happy Monday morning, friends! I hope your week is off to a rousing start. For this week's pick, I couldn't help but choose a guy who first melted my heart when I was a wee girl of 16. His voice exuded that yearning that my teenage self could fully identify with. He was introspective and sensitive. He wore his heart on his sleeve. And, he wrote his own songs...

ROB THOMAS!!!!!!!!!!

Have A Relaxing Weekend.

So how was your week, friends? Are you glad it's Friday? This week just seemed to get away from me, so I desperately need to recharge my batteries. I'd love to hear your plans for the weekend, and while you're enjoying one of the last weekends before fall, check out some of my favorite posts from the Web this week. See you all next week! xoxo

What are your thoughts on long-distance relationships?

Cute jazz shoes

Being Type-A + creative

Bursts of yellow!

Food + movies = PERFECT combo!

I need an inspiration wall, don't you think?

I love these adorable kids!

Doesn't this magazine look beautiful?

Lovely fall flowers!

Wedding ring love

Do you take fall trips?

How often do you unplug from technology?

Such a pretty purple ring, don't you think?

This handmade fabric butterfly ornament is perfect for fall

A gorgeous Tennessee wedding!

[Photo via happy things]

Custom Calendar Giveaway!

Today's giveaway is a fun project by Tracey of I Brake For Bokeh Photography, an etsy shop full of her original travel, nature and food photography.

She's custom-making a 2011 fine art 5x7 calendar for one lucky reader! You will get to choose any 12 photos from her fine art photography collection, and Tracey will create a calendar just for you. So far, my favorites are her bird watching and the carnival photos!

How cool is that, friends? For your chance to win, simply visit Tracey's shop, and leave a comment below, along with your email address. A winner will be chosen at random on Monday afternoon. xoxo

Update: Congrats to Campfire Chic. Thanks so much, everyone! :)

Food Friday: Pie.

We all know how much I adore food in all shapes and sizes, so I thought I'd feature some of my favorites on Fridays. First up: Pie. Whether it's pumpkin, apple or this berry pie made by the awesome Emily, I'll probably find an excuse to eat more than one slice.

What's your favorite kind of pie? Do you have any special recipes, friends? xoxo

Dewdrop Pendant Giveaway!

Today's giveaway is from Paige of Little White Chapel, an etsy shop of wedding accessories, including earrings, bracelets and rings.

She's offering this dewdrop pearl pendant to one lucky reader. Don't you love the simple and classy vibe to it?

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

Update: Congrats to winner Rebecca! Thanks so much! :)

Do You Keep A Journal?

I've always gone for those hard-cover, pretty-design journals at Barnes & Noble and Borders. When I was younger, I'd take great care in choosing just the right book to suit my mood of the moment. I sadly haven't been journaling as much as I'd like lately, but I'm liking these simple journals better than my many volumes of flashy ones. In fact, I just started journaling again a few days ago not in one of those flashy books, but in a simple composition book.

Do you keep or journal? What do you think, friends? xoxo

P.S. You can also read some of my diary entries if you'd like! :)

Letters To My Future Husband: Letter #110

Dear Mr. Melissa Blake:
Did my last letter scare you? Would that whole first-date/first-kiss/first-everything conversation scare you? Would it make you think, "What have I gotten myself into here?" and have you bolting for the door even before the appetizer comes. I mean, not that I wouldn't mind having an entire delicious appetizer for myself, but that's beside the point...

Because let's just be honest: You hear stories about how someone married the first person they ever dated, and at first it can be hard to wrap your head around the whole idea. Maybe it's a societal thing. The concept seems foreign to us. So maybe you might wonder if there is something wrong with me. It's OK, Sweatpea. Honestly, I've wondered that sometimes myself. Most of the time, I'm able to shake those irrational thoughts, but that doesn't mean they still don't creep up from time to time.
Now perhaps I'm jumping to conclusions again. Why would I automatically assume that you won't be sharing these things for the first time with me? Who's to say we won't be exploring this new territory for the first time together? Now that would make for an interesting date, wouldn't it? The two of us awkwardly fumbling through the date, each wondering the exact same thing, "Should I say something here, or just pretend I'm an old pro at this whole thing?"

Maybe it's just me, but there's something a bit romantic about that. Yes, I know. Some people would look at the two of us, both exploring the world of love for the first time, and think, "Wow. How sad is that?" But, really, who cares about those people, right, Sweetpea?
So how about this: If you should be my first everything (or vice versa), let's look at it as a grand adventure. New territory that we can explore together. Just don't be afraid. I wouldn't have picked anyone except you to share this new stage of my life with. When you think about it like that, it makes you feel pretty lucky, doesn't it, Sweetpea? And have no fear because knowing me, I'll probably end up writing a song about the whole experience. Until we meet... xoxo

[Photos via We Heart It]

50 Best Blogs By Women.

What a nice surprise this morning: The lovely Holly has included So about what I said in her annual list of the 50 Best Blogs By Women. Check out the list because there are some awesome fellow bloggers on there. Thanks, Holly! What an honor!! xoxo

P.S. I couldn't resist posting that adorable photo! :)

[Photo via We Heart It]

How I Feel (In 5 Photos) Wednesday.

"Won't you come see about me? I'll be alone, dancing you know it, baby." --Simple Minds

Handbag Giveaway!

Today's giveaway is from Deb of Wuglyees, an etsy shop of her handcrafted necklaces, scarves and handbags.

She's giving away this handbag to one lucky reader today. It's the perfect start to fall (Happy fall!), don't you think?

"Making this sassy handbag was a joy!" says Deb. "I tried to make something easy to carry, easy to the touch, and easy on the eye!"

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

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

Wedding Inspiration: Father + Daughter.

I've been missing my dad a lot this week, so this story about Eryn and her father, Steve, really touched me. Steve was diagnosed with a brain tumor while Eryn was planning her wedding. After receiving the news, Eryn moved closer to her family, and despite an overwhelming prognosis, Steve stood determined to see his daughter get married. After undergoing intensive, experimental treatments, he walked her down the aisle at the August 21 ceremony.

"I really didn't know how he was going to be feeling by the time the wedding day rolled around, but the minute I saw him, his face lit up. I could see just how proud he was to be my father and to be there to give me away," Eryn said. "I felt like his little girl, and I had my dad back. Best. Feeling. Ever."

And in lieu of wedding favors, donations were made to the American Cancer Society in each guest's name. How inspiring is that, friends? xoxo

P.S. See more photos here.

Letters To My Future Husband: Letter #109

Dear Mr. Melissa Blake:
After we've crossed that initial threshold of meeting, I often wonder which one of us will ask the other out. It's fun to think about all the scenarios and how that could potentially play out. But one thing I've been thinking about a bit more lately? What if you're my first everything?
Wow. Just writing that scares me a bit. Why? Because it's setting the stage for the potential that our first date could actually be my first date. Ever. Not as in my first date with a guy who wears Hawaiian shirts like I wear polo shirts, or my first date with a guy who loves shopping as much as I do. No, no. I'm talking about my first date with a guy. A date most of my peers went on when they were dooey-eyed teens. I have this conversation that keeps playing in my head of us out to dinner on said first date (you can one day tell me how accurate it is...):

Me (as I try to casually scan the menu, all the while my heart is racing faster than a gambler betting on the Kentucky Derby): So...i've never done this before.

You: Eat here? Oh, the food is great.

Me: Oh no, I've eaten here too. A lot. I came here with my mother last week and the week before. I mean, I've come here with people other than my mother. Just not, umm, you know...

You: Oh, gotcha. I see you're looking at the appetizers. So you're an appetizer virgin, huh?

Me (quietly choking on my root beer): I suppose in a matter of speaking, yes.

You: Don't worry; I'll help you navigate this appetizer awesomeness.

Me: Alright, I'm just going to say it. i've never done this before. And by this, I mean (pointing wildly around) been on a date. This is my first date.

*Dead silence*

Do you see? Do you see how awkward of a situation this can be?

And the first kiss? I have these scenarios playing out in my head, all of which find me incredibly awkward when the big moment arrives. I'm getting lots of visions of the endings of Brat Pack classics and either Don't You Forget About Me or In Your Eyes on repeat in my head. My eyes looking directly into yours (is that even where I'm supposed to look) and my knees shaking a little bit (a feat, actually, considering they're surgically fused, and I'll probably be sitting down for the big kiss). And then I awkwardly try to turn my head (again, I'm not too sure how that's going to work because of my fused neck, but we'll see how it goes).
I'm sure that none of this is going to be how I picture it in my head, because rarely does that ever happen in life, so should that bring me some relief or make me more nervous? I haven't decided yet.

But knowing me, maybe I won't even tell you until after the kiss. I figure that little nugget of information could serve as a good post-kiss tension breaker.
So please forgive me if I stumble a bit, spill water all over the table or laugh a bit too loudly at your jokes. I'm learning the ropes. Let's just hope I don't fall of those ropes.

Until we meet... xoxo

[Photos via Sabino and Le Love]