Back To You.

Have you ever had trouble giving voice to your feelings and thought everything would just be better if you wrote it down? That was sort of the inspiration behind this one. There would be something incredibly liberating about feeling like you could write down everything, wouldn't there? xoxo

I still have your letter in my pocket
I can't bring myself to mail it just yet
If you knew about my feelings, would that make it all too real?
You come at me like a crash of thunder
And with one look, keep on pulling me under

I can't say these words outloud
So I'll just put them in a song for now

Just stay the same, baby, and when the world gets crazy never be afraid
Just take my hand and we'll run away
Into each other
You paint a picture of a world I want to jump into
Your smile, it's like a candle in the night
Leading me back to you

I still remember how I felt when I wrote it
The words just flowed out of me like raindrops cascading the ocean
You have a way of making me see things differently
Trying to capture all these memories

You smile and I come undone
'Cause something in you doesn't make me want to run

Just stay the same, baby, and when the world gets crazy never be afraid
Just take my hand and we'll run away
Into each other
You paint a picture of a world I want to jump into
Your smile, it's like a candle in the night
Leading me back to you

You smile and I come undone
'Cause something in you doesn't make me want to run

Just stay the same, baby, and when the world gets crazy never be afraid
Just take my hand and we'll run away
Into each other
You paint a picture of a world I want to jump into
Your smile, it's like a candle in the night
Leading me back to you

Just stay the same, baby, and when the world gets crazy never be afraid
Just take my hand and we'll run away
Into each other
You paint a picture of a world I want to jump into
Your smile, it's like a candle in the night
Leading me back to you

[Photo via We Heart It]

Bowling alley wedding

I haven't featured a lovely wedding in awhile, and this is quite possibly the most genius one I've ever seen: Ian and Sophie chose a local bowling alley as the location for their big day.
As producers at the BBC, the creative couple are the first to marry in the bowling alley, where they first took photos outside. Don't the colorful murals look perfect?They enjoyed a game or two of spirited bowling...
And then invited guests for a quiet gathering...with a record player and bowling-inspired treats! What about you, friends? Did you have a theme wedding? Would you ever consider having one? This one just bowled me over (pun intended...)! xoxo

[Via Snippet and Ink]

How I Feel (In 5 Photos) Wednesday.

"I'll spend forever wondering if you knew...I was enchanted to meet you." --Taylor Swift

[Photos via My Summer Twist]

Tuesday Giveaway!

Today's giveaway is from Think Garnish, an amazing online shop that offers easy and stylish ways add a little pizazz to your fun times. Their belief: There are so many creative and exciting ways everyday packaging can be used. "We soon realized that it wasn't what was inside the container, but the container itself that really mattered," they said. I love their tagline: Packaging life's moments. And their prices are super afforadable! How cool is that?

They're offering a $20 gift certificate to their online shop to one lucky reader. My favorites are these bamboo pieces, these berry containers and these dip bowls. What do you think? Perfect for a Labor Day barbecue!

For your chance to win, simply visit Think Garnish's online shop, and leave a comment below, along with your email address. A winner will be chosen at random tomorrow. Happy browsing! xoxo

Update: Congrats to winner Jodi. Thanks to all who entered! :)

MEMO TO MEN: Saying 'I like you.'

TO: Men all over the planet
FROM: Melissa
RE: So, about those love bombs.
DATE: August 30, 2011
Romance and love is a funny thing, isn't it, boys? Sometimes, it's so obvious that you have feelings for someone; it's as if the emotions can't leap out of your chest fast enough, and you find yourself tripping over your words. Then, other times, you find yourself in a minefield of confusion. Love bombs, as I call them, keep going off, but you don't know which ones are directed at you and which ones you're simply reading too much into.

I, obviously, tend to follow the second path, both hurling love bombs in the air and not knowing what to do with the ones that I find rolling toward my feet. I received this interesting comment in response to yesterday's Love Lounge that got me thinking...

Relationships are not like your college classes. You can't "study" for life experiences like dating.
Wouldn't it be great if love was like that, boys? If there was some sort of manual to read, full of how-to guides and checklists for every situation you could possibly encounter. Even though the romantic side of me would hate it, the rational part of me would love a scientific, logical approach to dating.

I'd love a handy how-to guide for telling someone you like them - a list of possible things to say, perhaps. It would certainly squelch a lot of those butterflies. If you think about it, boys, it sort of makes sense. There's no questioning how you feel about someone, and the person on the receiving end never has to wonder how you feel about them. Everything is out in the open. No pretense. No secrets. No hiding the truth, or even being afraid that your true feelings will seap through without your knowing. There's a certain sort of freedom with knowing that you don't have to hide how you feel, isn't there, boys? You don't have to worry about saying the wrong thing or about the other person judging you.
Wouldn't it be amazing if men and women were just honest with each other, if we shared our emotions openly and let someone know how we truly felt about them? Maybe we're all just making things more difficult than they need to be. I don't know about you, but there's always that person that makes you come undone. I'm excited for the day I meet someone who makes me just blurt out, "I like you." That's it. Just those 3 little words. It sums up exactly how I feel without any fancy speeches or beating around the bush. What do you think that would look like, boys? What would you think if I actually did that? And really, what exactly are we afraid of?

So tell me, boys...how do I know if you like me? What's your go-to move for telling a girl you like her?

[Photos via My Summer Twist]

Etsy Love: State Prints.

Nerd alert: My family's always had a soft spot for the good old 50 states. We used to play the license plat game during every family vacation. Did you ever play? You try to spot as many state license plates as you can - the closes we've ever come to a perfect score is 48! We also keep a running tally of how many states we've been to. My mom likes to brag that she's in the lead, but I'm getting closet with 26!

So you can imagine the little happy dance my heart did when I spotted these illustrative state prints! Wouldn't these make great going away gifts or gifts for new neighbors who just moved from a different state? I'd even love to decorate my wall with a print of every single state I've been to. Oh, the possibilities! More state love here and here.

P.S. Another nerd alert: I can recite all the states in alphabetical order, thanks to a song I learned in elementary school. Did you learn the song, too, friends? How many states have you been to? Do you have a favorite state?

P.P.S. A new Memo To Men and giveaway coming your way this afternoon!

[Via Design Mom]

Daydreaming

Here's a little slice of paradise to brighten your Tuesday morning, friends. My mom took these photos when she went to visit my grandfather in southern Alabama this summer. The beaches are every bit as breathtaking as they look, and since I'm still getting used to being back at work, I'd love to be sitting there right now, feeling the cool breeze on my cheeks and maybe even building a sand castle. Doesn't that sound like fun?

What are you daydreaming about today, friends? xoxo

Love Lounge: Does the heart rule the head?

We've all seen it. The person who can't stop complaining about someone else. endlessly talking on and on about how someone gets under their skin and irritates them like an itchy mosquito bite that just won't go away. We'll make a big production of making it known to other people just how much we can't stand said person...

"He is so aggravating."

"He is so annoying."

"Wow. Can't he just take a hint already?"

But deep down, if you're being honest with yourself, you really don't hate that person. In fact, it's just the opposite. You say you hate them so much all in an attempt to convince yourself that it's true - that the words coming out of your mouth are in line with the feelings pumping a thousand beats per minute in your heart. In reality, all you really want to do is grab their hand and hold on tight. It's an insane feeling, really. isn't it?
Maybe part of you hates yourself for liking someone so much - someone you know a long-term relationship with is just a train wreck waiting to happen. But could it be that the very fact that it is so dangerous is what's drawing you to that person in the first place.

I'm dying to know: Have you ever felt this way? What did you do? Fight your feelings? Admit them? Why do we fall for people we know we shouldn't be falling for? Why do we have feelings we know we shouldn't be having? Is the heart really more powerful than the head? Let's chat, friends! xoxo

P.S. This post is not reflective of my own experiences... ;)

[Photos via Le Love]

Dream Vacation: Floating camps

I can count on one hand the number of times I've been camping. The "camping life" just never seemed to agree with me: Sleeping on the ground, fending off mosquito bites (and other scary spiders, for that matter...) and the possibility of heavy rain. But check out this amazing floating island. Students began working on the concept of floating gardens in the '60s, and a few years ago, debuted the floating campsite on Almere Beach in Holland. I could just imagine having picnics, dipping my feet in the water and lounging all day. Could you imagine the beautiful sunrises and sunsets, friends? Ahhh, sigh...

[Via Swissmiss]

Man Candy Monday.

Good morning, friends! Well, here we are...the lsst Monday of August. I looked at the calendar this morning and couldn't help but wonder where all the time has gone. I'll admit that it took me a while to decide on today's wonderful selection. I knew I couldn't feature just one of these guys. That just wouldn't be right. When it comes to them, everyone has their favorite. And who can blame them? After all, these fabulous lads from Liverpool wanted to hold our hand, sang funny songs about walruses and octopuses gardens and taught us about the power of just letting it be. They were introspective. They were charming. And they had a (very sexy!) way with words...

THE BEATLES!!!!!!!!!!

P.S. Remember my Beatles obsession?

Have a romantic weekend

Happy Friday, friends. Did you have a good week? What are your plans for the weekend? I survived my first week back at work (yay!), so I'll be celebrating accordingly this weeked by some rest, relaxation and much-needed magazine time. That's really the good life, isn't it? I'll be thinking of those in Hurricane Irene's path - stay safe! I'll see you all on Monday morning, and in the meantime, check out my favorite finds from the wonderful Web...

Inspiring: A photographer takes a stand against bullying.

I want to travel to Paris...

Back-to-school round-up.

Cute ring for computer nerds.

An interesting world map.

Don't you love these sparkly rings?

Score: A handy guide to online shopping.

What's your favorite TV theme song? I'm partial to Family Ties!

Beach decor.

Yay or nay: Calfskin.

Amazing sculpture series.

Apple pie, anyone?

How awesome are the Muppets?

Check out these awesome photographs.

I want to go back to college...

Don't you love these felt owls?

Who would ever get this tattoo? More tattoo love...

Love these picks for the perfect wedding outfit!

Ooooh, groovy stairs!

Everything old is new again!

My mouth is watering for these fancy French juices!

**Special Offer: Lovely sponsor MagnetStreet Weddings is having a Summer Blow Out Sale! Get 20% off ALL wedding stationery, including save-the-dates, invitations, reception items, embellishments, thank Yous and more! Just enter the code WBLOG822 at checkout. Offer expires September 5th.

[Photos via brown dress with white dots]

Brownie bowls

Ice cream inside a bowl-shaped brownie? Oh, yummy goodness! I can feel those gooey, sticky, chocolate-y fingers already...

P.S. More delicious food.

P.P.S. Did you know I have a ridiculous love for sprinkles, friends? :)

Fashion Friday: Flowers in your hair

This month marks the 42nd anniversary of Woodstock, the famed festival celebrating all the gloriousness of peace, love, harmony, getting together, smiling on your brother and draping yourself in love beads. These photos by photographer Daniel Gurton make me want to dance barefoot in a lovely, sunny field full of flowers. They're so dreamy and stunning...
...and wouldn't you love to wear these on a cool and crispy autumn evening? I'd love to know, friends: Would you ever considering wearing flowers instead of a veil on your wedding day? What kind of flowers would you wear? What are your favorites? xoxo

P.S. More Woodstock love.

[Top photos via Honestly WTF]

MEMO TO MEN: The Jealous Girl.

TO: Men all over the planet
FROM: Melissa
RE: The power of jealousy
DATE: August 25, 2011
I've never fancied myself the jealous type, boys. I just simply didn't get jealous. And I was quite proud of myself, actually. I felt like I'd been able to swiftly escape that deathly trap people can fall into -- both men and women -- where their eyes get as green as the Green Lantern's leather suit itself. Nope, boys. That was never going to be me. Never in a million years. I would use all of my own superpowers to resist it.

I was doing quite well, actually. I let things roll off my back here, and slide easily away there. Well, that was until a few encounters with a few certain boys last year. In the span of one week alone, I had not one, but two (yes, TWO, boys! ) guys tell me about their love lives. One guy told me he had a girlfriend. Another told me he had a date for the upcoming weekend. And it seemed like all I could do was sit there and smile, not because I really wanted to, but because, well, I couldn't think of a more appropriate reaction. Honestly. I had zero idea of how to answer. It was as if my brain had become a blank slate in the span of just 30 seconds, reminiscent of those long, awkward and vacant silences and stares featured on The Hills. I'm pretty sure the guys thought I just didn't have anything to say or simply didn't care.
But the thing was, I did care. Did I mention these confessions came right out of the blue? Were they trying to make me jealous? If so, it, well, may have sort of, kind of, worked. A little. And even worse? I. Hate. That. It. Got. To. Me.

So tell me, boys: Is this some sort of wooing tactic I'm not aware of? I'm not sure I care for it much. I don't like the idea of women always feeling like they have to be in competition with each other. In my case, it wasn't like I even wanted to date these guys; some sort of switch just clicked in me and sent my jealousy radar on high. Are we programmed to automatically become jealous and territorial, boys? Is it something we have no control over and are powerless in avoiding? What should I have said to those two boys? I'd love to hear... xoxo

[Photos via Le Love]

Geronimo Balloons.

Jihan “Jihanimo” Zencirli calls herself a certified balloonatic and master balloon-trooper. In 2010, she founded Geronimo! as a way to celebrate the lives of her friends and families. She even arrives to events -- birthday parties, anniversary parties, libraries, parks, art galleries -- on her 1974 yellow Moped with the balloons firmly attached. How awesome are these snapshots of some of their projects? I'd love to jump into those photos, wouldn't you?

Jihan, you're a lady after my own colorful heart! :)

P.S. A new MEMO TO MEN is coming up this afternoon!