Have A Relaxing Weekend.

Happy Friday, my friends, what are your plans for the weekend? After my mother's whirlwind trip last weekend, we're going to stick close to home. I'm planning on some quality time with my DVR -- I'm shamelessly addicted to Paris Hilton's new reality show. I hope you all take some time to relax and enjoy the lazy, hazy days of summer this weekend, and check out my favorite finds from the wonderful Web...

The perfect summer getaway!

Dream vacation: India.

Incredible photos shot above and below the sea.

Pretty baby announcements.

A hilarious take on classic book titles.

Can you guess how old people are?

Isn't this pop-up photo diorama neat? I had to do a double-take at first!

I could use these photography tips.

Yay! Lucky magazine launches a blogger network!

Pretty flowers.

Isn't this underwater ballerina gorgeous?

Who's your anchor?

Isn't this origami lovely?

I love this chart of sexy vs. unsexy hobbies for guys!

These photos make me want to live on a farm!

Would you try zucchini fries?

Chicago is the best city in the world!

Numbered rings.

Oh, how I love blueberry muffins!

A great piece on marriage and motherhood.

Check out these NYC bachelors!

A great round-up of friendship bracelets.

[Photo via bippity boppity boo]

Birthday Week: Where I Am.

During my senior year of high school, my English teacher gave us an assignment. We were to write a letter to our future selves. Back then, I swore I knew where I would be when I would read that letter again: Living the high life in New York, a magazine editor by day and a darling socialite by night. There was no question in my mind. My fate was sealed. End. Of. Story.

I found a copy of that letter a few years ago, and I got to thinking about where I am. Maybe you've asked yourself that looming question: Am I where I want to be in life? Some days I think I should be doing more in life, and it can be really easy to get down on myself. That little voice creeps in; you know, the one that finds fault with every tiny thing and never misses an opportunity to criticize. I know I need to learn to silence that inner voice and learn to be happy with where I am. Today. Right now. At this moment. Because, as my mother is always pointing out, "the present moment is all we have."
And I can't forget about the happiness I wrote of in that letter 11 years ago. I told my future self that I wanted to be happy. It was something that seemed so easy to the 18-year-old me at the time, at a time when life was all about being carefree and looking at life through innocent eyes. For now, for today, if I can find just a shred of that happiness, maybe that will be enough.

Where are you in your life right now, friends?

[Photos via Beautiful adieu]

Daily Affirmation #46.

Today, I am happy because...

The Smurfs movie comes out today! I've always been a bit obsessed with the cute little blue creatures. So abosessed, actually, that I had a Smurf-themed birthday party when I was young. I wanted to be Smurfette. I loved all her Girl Power! xoxo

P.S. It doesn't hurt that Neil Patrick Harris is in the movie too! :)

Fashion Friday: Jackie O. Style.

Yesterday would have been Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis's 82nd birthday. Isn't her sense of fashion amazing? I've always loved her classy, yet modern look.

P.S. Am I the only one who has always wanted one of those classic '60's pillbox hats? So fun! :)

P.P.S. A fun Jackie quiz!

Birthday Week: Where I've Been.

Three decades. That's the milestone I'll reach next Thursday. It seems like an eternity wrapped in a milisecond, if that makes any sort of sense. A long stretch of time on the highway of life and yet the miles seem to have passed by so quickly, almost without my knowing.

Life is a funny thing, isn't it? You can never really know where you're going until you've looked at it through the lens of where you've been. Life is one wild journey, I've come to realize, one with more twists and turns than a twirly, whirly rollercoaster. In just three decades, I've...

*Had 26 surgeries.
*Traveled all over the United States.
*Had my fair share of awkward encounters with boys.
*Exposed a long-standing crush on one of said boys.
*Wielded power as editor of my college's newspapers.
*Molded the future Bob Woodwards as adviser to the same newspaper.
*Survived my father's suicide.
*Fought against the tide of depression that tried to pull me under.
*Graduated from college.
*Loved, had my heartbroken and broke a few hearts (well, in my mind, anyway...) along the way.

A woman at my church recently commented on her life. She went to her high school reunion, and as her classmates were talking about the paths their lives have taken, she realized her life wasn't like theirs. I knew where she was coming from, but unlike her, I've always looked at that the differences as a bad thing, as some sort of inherent - and fatal - character flaw. She, instead, chose to embrace and celebrate her own life, saying "I've led a remarkable life." There's such power in that declarative, isn't there?

I've grown, I've changed, but most importantly, I've learned. Everywhere I've been, every experience I've had, every encounter I've had with another person? It's all part of the story of where I've been. And honestly, it's sort of amazing to look at your life written out in a list like that. If nothing else, it makes you realize one thing: Life is still a ride you never want to get off of. And that's something to be celebrated.

Where have you been, friends? What would your list look like? xoxo

Daily Affirmation #45.

Today, I am happy because...

I realized a few days ago that I've published 2,000 blog posts! Woo hoo! Can you believe that, friends? Of course I have you to thank - my awesome, wonderful, loyal, fantastic, enthusiastic, supportive, caring, pick-me-up-when-I'm-down, make-life-sunshine-y friends!

Here's to another 2,000 posts! xoxo

Guest Post: What I Learned About Love From The Dentist.

A few months ago, I went to the dentist's office. He was quite surprised by something I never knew I had. In fact, my whole childhood, I prided myself in the fact that I never needed braces because my teeth were perfectly straight, and my bite was completely even.

Oh no. Not even close. He told me, in a very shocked tone, that I had "quite an overbite." Alarmed at his shock, I asked him if this was okay, thinking maybe there were some (expensive) things that needed to be fixed. He seemed confused by my reaction and said slowly in a placating voice.

"Don't worry about it. A lot of boys think it's cute."

I hoped my look of "you are crazy" told him...
a). I like men, not boys.
b). The last thing I am thinking about right now is attracting some guy.

I am kind of concerned about my health, Mr. Dentist.

ModCloth posted this photo on Pinterest with this caption: Do you know why this makes me laugh so hard? Because the corn has an overbite. Do you know how hard it is to eat corn if you have an overbite?

Do you have an overbite? Have you ever heard of guys liking overbites?

P.S. This was something I never, ever cared about before, but now I'm totally self-conscious about my "very-substantial overbite." Blah!

P.P.S. When I saw that corn, I couldn't stop laughing. No matter that I was loud and alone in a crowded restaurant in Scotland. It's just too funny!

--By Tiffany from Dancing Branflakes

Daily Affirmation #44.

Today, I am happy because...

I am remembering my father today. Today would have been his 60th birthday, and for the first time in 8 years, I'm not as angry with him as I once was. I just miss him now. I often wonder what life would be like if he were still here. Who would he be? Who would I be? Where would we all be? A few fun tidbits about my father...

*He loved Dawson's Creek just as much as I did.
*He could talk your ear off.
*He graduated from college when he was nearly 50 with an electrical engineering degree.
*We both took statistics in college at the same time - me at the community college and him at the university. I got the higher "A." :)

My mom, sister and I are going to a local arboretum, and then to the Olive Garden today. It will be a nice way to celebrate my dad's life, which is something I really want to do. There's simply too little time in life to waste it being mad and bitter.

Here's to you, Dad. I'm thinking of you today. I love you. xoxo

P.S. Read more about my father here + here + here + here + here.

Birthday Week: The Ultimate Wish List.

What do you usually do to celebrate your birthday, friends? I usually have a quiet day with family, but I can't help but wonder: Should I do something big to ring in the even bigger 3-0? Here's what I'm thinking...

Big Bertha
For some reason, I've been obsessed with Big Bertha since I was little. She's the world's largest slot machine. How awesome would it be to win the jackpot?

Karaoke
You all know I have a habit of singing around the house. And surprisingly, I've never been to a karaoke bar. My go-to song? Guns 'N Roses Sweet Child 'O Mine.

Barq's tour
This one is just obvious. Really, how can you ever go wrong with Barq's?

So, what about you, friends? xoxo

[Photo via We Heart It]

How I Feel (In 5 Photos) Wednesday.

"Maybe it's the way you smile...I come all undone." --Sheriff

[Photos via My Summer Twist]

Birthday Week: Let's Talk Age.

That, friends, was one of my Tweets this morning. I turn 30 in exactly nine days, and I'd love to share a special birthday series with you leading up to the big day. Because truthfully, I can't help but feel like it is such a big day. After all, it is one of those milestone birthdays, the kind you remember long after the balloons have deflated, the last of the birthday candles have been blown out and the last piece of cake has been devoured.

But what is it about those milestone birthdays that make them so special? Is it that they give us time to reflect on the past and contemplate the future? Or is it that we shriek in horror when we look in the mirror and see that first strand of grey hair or first teeny, tiny wrinkle?

So I have to ask, friends: If you've had a milestone birthday, how has it made you feel? How did you celebrate?

P.S. Look for more fun, birthday-themed posts throughout the week! :)

Daily Affirmation #43.

Today, I am happy because...

My sister surprised me with this cute PEZ dispenser a few days ago. I have quite the collection of dispensers, and she said this one could give me strength when I was feeling down - just look at those fierce teeth. How sweet is that? Thanks, Sister! xoxo

The Most Adorable Couple Ever.

I'm swooning over Marielle and Bryan's wedding this morning. They are one of the most adorable couples I've ever seen. They pasted their vows into a book and read from the opened books during the ceremony. What an original idea! I really love that last shot. Two hands joined; it's so simple yet conveys so much about love and weddings and all things romantic. And Bryan is so adorable in those glasses, too, don't you think? :)

P.S. I have a very fun post scheduled for later, so stay tuned! xoxo

[Photos by Jennifer Roper]

Daily Affirmation #42.

Today, I am happy because...

My mom is coming home tonight!! She's only been gone for 3 days, but it seems like forever! The house - and the cats! - has been so quiet without her here. This photo was taken last fall during our trip to the local orchard. She really enjoyed channeling her inner child! xoxo

Dream Vacation: Clifftop Towns.

How's this for a dream vacation: The clifftop town of Ronda is situated in the Spanish province of Malaga. Don't those houses look like little dollhouses? The town is separated by a 100-meter canyon, so some of the houses and buildings are thisclose to the edge. Yikes! Wouldn't it be amazing to look out your window and be able to peek over the edge? Would you dare, friends? xoxo

Fun fact: Three bridges connect the town. Each was built in a different time period...Roman, Moorish and 18th Century!

[Photos by giantginkgo and ed-latawiec]

Man Candy Monday.

Happy Monday morning, friends! I hope you're having a lovely, sunshine-y start to your day. This week's choice was an easy one. He's currently filming a movie with this guy, and has that megawatt smile. He's a class act when it comes to acting. And he seems incredibly friendly...

DENNIS QUAID!!!!!!!!!!

Have A Dreamy Weekend.

Happy Friday, friends! What are your plans for the weekend? My mom is off visiting my grandfather for the weekend, so my sister and I will get to spend some quality sister time together. We're going out to dinner and a movie tomorrow night. I also wanted to thank all my awesome blog friends for their amazing guest posts this week. It was so fun to have all of you here!

While you're all enjoying the weekend, check out my favorite finds from the wonderful Web...

How awesome is this orange hat?

DIY wrap bracelet!

Hilarious new tumblr!

Thumbs up for girl scientists!

I love the concept of this giant hole exhibit

Two photos of a father and son: One taken in 1981 at Atlantis's first launch and the second one taken July 8, 2011 at the shuttle's final launch. Brilliant, no?

Ande Monster is such an amazing Swedish Etsy shop!

A necklace for nerds!

A giant pencil!

Do you have a worst date story? A new anthology is looking for submissions.

How-to: Tie a bowtie.

Yum, a new take on the classic grilled cheese

Vintage carry-ons for your summer travels.

The United States, according to New Yorkers (hilarious!)

This shoe exhibition is genius!

A great Etsy shop for lovely bags! I love this one.

Freshly picked strawberries = delicious!

Isn't this carpet amazing?

I love '70's styles, don't you?

The HUGELY talented Laura is having a sale on her prints!

New Feature: Fashion Friday.

I'm so excited to introduce a new feature today, friends! I thought it would be fun to celebrate Fridays and kick off the weekend in style with some of my favorite fashion finds.

First up: How adorable is this outfit spotted on the streets of Paris? I love summer outfits, and this one is breezy and summery.

So, friends, tell me...what's your go-to summer outfit?

P.S. I'm loving her bright pink lipstick and orange bag too! :)

Daily Affirmation #41.

Today, I am happy because...

I heard the Beatles for the first time in a long time this morning. It was pouring rain and utterly dreary when I woke up this morning, but the Beatles came on the radio and instantly lifted my mood. My sister and I were obsessed with The Fab Four when we were younger. We even decorated a jar full of Beatles photos and put all our loose change in their to save up to buy each of their albums. She liked John. I was in love with Paul. And of course, we'd listen to those albums for hours.

We also came to a realization. Beatles fans can easily be categorized into one of two groups: Those who prefer the band's early work, and those who prefer the band's later work. She liked their later years. I liked their early work - Please, Please Me is my favorite Beatles song.

Who's your favorite Beatle? What's your favorite song, friends? xoxo

My Guest Post On Glamour's Smitten.

Friends, on this lovely morning, I'm thrilled to share that I guest posted on Smitten yesterday, Glamour magazine's awesome sex and relationships blog. The lovely Rosemary Brennan interviewed me about dating with a disability. You can read the post here (Sneek peek: Yes, Crush Boy was mentioned...). It was so fun to do!

P.S. The new blog feature is coming up later today, so look out! :)

I Remember.

I'm not sure if it's the warm weather, but I've been thinking about summer loves lately. I've talked about them before - how they seem so magical and innocent. I wrote this one last night before I went to sleep. And then when the winds of fall blow in, everything seems to end. Can you relate, friends?

The moonlight, fireflies
The perfect night to get lost in your eyes
Your arms, your arms around me
Whispering sweet words into my ears
Looking back, it all seemed so simple
The story of a boy and a girl

I remember the sound of your laugh, the way your hand felt in mine
All those nights we sang along to all our favorite songs
Those songs still play in my head
They sing me to sleep like a haunting lullaby
From hello to goodbye, I remember it all

Do you remember the days we sat in your truck alone?
Sharing secrets no one else would ever know?
It was so easy to open up to you
You were the one person I could tell my secrets to

I remember the sound of your laugh, the way your hand felt in mine
All those nights we sang along to all our favorite songs
Those songs still play in my head
They sing me to sleep like a haunting lullaby
From hello to goodbye, I remember it all

I remember how it felt falling
And I remember how it felt to lose it all

I remember the sound of your laugh, the way your hand felt in mine
All those nights we sang along to all our favorite songs
Those songs still play in my head
They sing me to sleep like a haunting lullaby
From hello to goodbye, I remember it all

I remember the sound of your laugh, the way your hand felt in mine
All those nights we sang along to all our favorite songs
Those songs still play in my head
They sing me to sleep like a haunting lullaby
From hello to goodbye, I remember it all

Looking back, it all seemed so simple
The story of a boy and a girl

[Photo via Beautiful adieu]

Daily Affirmation #40.

Today, I am happy because...

I forgot about this little poster from the newspaper last year that my mom had framed. Last night, I found it hanging on the wall in our bathroom when I went to brush my teeth. It's a cozy little reminder of the important things in summer, isn't it? What do you have hanging in your bathroom, friends? xoxo

P.S. I'm so excited to share a new feature with you all tomorrow, so stay tuned!

Guest Post: My Favorite Etsy Finds.

Hi! I'm Mary from Inside My Hideaway, and Melissa asked me to share a few Etsy finds with you. Here are my picks for cute handmade accessories to keep you cool for the rest of the summer.

Clockwise from top left: linen tote bag from treesizeverse; golden brass hoops from SD Marie Jewelry; hand-printed linen clutch from sveika; 14k gold filled double v ring from Street Bauble; leather sandals from EinatsShoes; and apron t-shirt from jenfashion.

Guest Post: My Fashion Must Haves.

I’m so flattered that Melissa invited me to post some of my favorite perennial fashion must haves. Just last week she shared her five must haves of the moment on my blog, The Average Girl’s Guide, which was a huge hit! I’m glad she narrowed my list to fashion, otherwise this girl could talk to you about food and all sorts of randomness for days! Here are my must haves for everyone, anytime:

Colorful cardis
This is my #1 wardrobe item. I realized two years ago that every time I got dressed, I tossed on a cardy. Why? Maybe it’s because I sometimes get a little chilly, but it’s also an awesome way to infuse a little color, dress up an otherwise ho-hum or super-casual look and add layers and visual interest to your look. Just try to make the cardy and the layer below it (tee, tank, blouse, etc) either longer or shorter...unless you’re tucking in. For example, if you get a shrunken cardy (Gap, $17.99), opt for a longer-length top underneath.

Statement shoes
It doesn’t matter if they’re heels, wedges or flats...just promise me you’ll find one really fabulous (and fabulous doesn’t have to mean pricey) pair of shoes that are not black, brown or a boring neutral. Yes, those are important, but sometimes you just need something totally fun, even if the toe is just peeping out from your wide-leg jeans. Look for a pair of electric blue, purple, orange, green, yellow, floral, patterned (like these pumps or these flats). The only requirement: You feel like a total rockstar when you slip ‘em on!

Camel-colored belt
If you’re going to embrace the belt look, be it in the belt loops or at your natural waist, make it a natural, camel-brown color. While I’ve been searching for the perfect one, it wasn’t until recently that I finally found one at H&M. This was immediately followed by: What was I waiting so long for?? It’s perfect! I wear it in my belt loops, with...

Dark jeans
This probably doesn’t sound too exciting, but keep reading: If you only get one pair of jeans, buy a nice fitting boot cut, skinny or very-slight flair with a mid-rise. Avoid any whisking or faded/washed looks around your hips, thighs or tush. While it might give it some detail, you’re better off without! Start with these Hudson Jeans, and you can add a sparkly tank for a night out, a button down and blazer for casual workdays or a cotton-striped tee (love the just-above-the-elbow length!) for the weekends. Talk about multi-purpose!

Thanks again for Melissa for inviting me to blog on her beautiful and inspiring site. Hope to see you over at The Average Girl’s Guide too!