An Open Letter To The Royal Baby

FREE IMAGES Welcome to the world, George Alexander Louis!

So I know that you're only a few days old, but I'm pretty sure you've already had more excitement than many people have over the course of their entire lifetime. I mean, the whole universe was on pins and needles waiting for you to make your entrance into the world. We all cheered when your parents showed you off to the world for the first time. After all, you're a famous little prince. I'm pretty sure you set some sort of record for being the youngest person ever to trend on Twitter. Your parents' wedding was a pretty big event. Oh, and did I mention that you're third in line to the British throne? Yes, what an exciting world you've been born into.

Overwhelmed yet? I know. It's a lot to take in all at once. The world is a big place, full of wonder, intrigue and mystery, and it's all too easy to feel unprepared for it all. There just never seems to be enough time for it all, but don't worry, Little Prince -- I'm not here to discourage you. No, no. That's not my intention at all. In fact, I'm here to help you, as much as a commoner like myself can help a future heir. Right now, I'm sure you're sound asleep in your royal crib or being held by your royal uncle (heads up: Harry is going to be one AWESOME uncle...). Life may be rather quiet for the moment. But as you begin taking those first unsure steps in your journey, make sure you keep these three life lessons in mind...

Your parents are (almost) always right
Even though your parents are a Duke and Duchess and hip and cool to the rest of the world, they're probably just mom and dad to you. And let's face it, mom and dad can be embarrassing, even if you are a prince. They may do things or say things that make you want to hide under your crown and never come out again. They may tell the world embarrassing stories about your childhood. But through it all, just remember one thing: They love you. More than you'll probably ever know. And whether you want to admit it or not, they're usually right, so make sure you listen to them. They know what they're talking about, and they've got your best interest at heart.

Life can get messy -- and you'll no doubt make mistakes along the way
Yes, life is rich, but it can also be messy. And it is messy sometimes. That's just a consequence of living, and it's something you simply can't avoid. Another thing you won't be able to avoid? Making mistakes. It's just a fact of life. But don't be afraid because you won't be along. Everyone makes mistakes, whether they are brave enough to open up to them or not. If you think about it, there's a beauty to opening up and owning those mistakes, in showing the world your flaws. It shows we're all human and in this crazy journey together. Isn't that a comforting thought?

With great power comes great responsibility
OK, so I know I'm stealing this one from the amazing Spider-man, but it applies, especially to you. I know your parents will bring you up right, so make sure you go forth in this world and do good work. Love with all your soul. Hope with all your heart. Help with everything you are. You can't go wrong if you live life by that philosophy. You have the power to make a lasting difference in our world. Don't forget to always use your powers for good.

I look forward to watching you grow up. Life can be one wild ride sometimes, but if you remember to fasten your seat belt, it promises to also be a fun one. Here's to lots of exciting adventures ahead of you!! xoxo

My Father's Suicide: 5 questions I'd ask him

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After March, the summer months have always been pretty emotional since my father died. I've seen some 10 Father's Days come and go in June, and 10 of his birthdays have passed every July. Sometimes I feel like those two months are like giant red bulls eyes on the calendar of my life, so every year I try to brace myself for them. Well, brace myself as best as I can, I suppose. Because let's be honest: These days are never as easy as we'd like them to be. We can't just wave a magic wand and have them magically disappear. We have to face them, whether we want to or not.

This year, I've been thinking more about what our life would be like if my father was still alive. Part of me knows that it's sort of futile to let my mind wander there, sure, but another part of me just seems to drift there naturally. Especially on Father's Day, I'd see all these women with their fathers, and it made me think: What are they talking about? Is the father imparting lots of fatherly wisdom? Is the daughter fully appreciating what is happening right before her very eyes? What would I do if I were somehow in that position again? I'm not quite sure, but there are five questions I'd definitely ask him...

Did you really think we'd be better off without you here?
That's what he hinted at in his suicide note (I've only been able to read the suicide note a few times...), and this is one of the biggest issues I've wrestled with over the last decade. It's hard to wrap your head around the fact that your own father would consciously choose to leave you, that he'd actually want to leave his family behind.

Do you miss us?
Wherever he is, I often wonder if my father thinks of us or misses us. Is he watching over us? I like to think that he does miss us -- and maybe even regrets the choice he made. My father was such a family man, so it's hard for me to imagine him not missing us. As angry as I've been with him, I've always missed him deep down.

Why didn't you try...at least a little longer?
OK, this one may reflect my anger just a bit, but it's those "Why" questions of grief that linger the longest. Why couldn't he hold on awhile longer? Why didn't he tell us he was feeling so desperate? We would have dealt with it together, facing whatever challenges were head. Why...why...why?

What life and love advice would you give me?
The longer he's gone, the more I realize that there are so many things I won't be able to get my father's advice on. I won't be able to ask him for career advice. I won't be able to ask him what he thinks of potential Mr. Melissa Blakes. I won't even be able to roll my eyes at all that fatherly advice I'm sure he'd give me. It all leaves me feeling, well, a bit cheated. Those are experiences I was counting on having, and now I won't. My heart can't help but feel a bit empty.

Are you proud of me?
I don't care what people say: No matter how old you are, you'll always want your parents to be proud of you. To some degree, you'll always want their approval, that metaphorical gold star, if you will. I often wonder if my father would have read my blog and what he would have thought of my work. Would he like it? I miss having his positive, encouraging presence in my life.

As more time goes by, more questions will no doubt pop up, and although I'll never be able to definitively answer them, maybe just giving voice to them is therapy enough for now. At least some part of me will be able to work through them just by setting them free. After all, I'm sure of one thing: Holding all those emotions in and suppressing them is entirely unhealthy. I know I don't want that. And neither would my father. xoxo

[Photos via Le Love and We Heart It]

An Open Letter To Amanda Bynes

FREE IMAGES Dear Amanda:

I'm not going to beat around the bush here. Instead, I'll just get right to the point, because I think you deserve at least that: You've had a pretty rough time of it lately. You know this. I know this. It seems like practically everyone knows this. We've all seen your life play out in a series of tweets and headlines that leave everyone scratching their heads and questioning every move you make and every word you say. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't guilty of this at least a time or two, but this letter is not about that. It's most definitely not about that. Unlike those tabloids, I'm not going to come charging at you -- full-speed ahead and full of accusations and speculations -- because, like I said, I think you deserve a bit more respect than that. I'd simply like to give you some things to think about, things that I would want someone to tell me if I were in your shoes...

You're a powerful person 
Own that and use it for good. I've always admired your girl-next-door vibe ever since your All That days. You were cool and laid back, and you could tell that people really responded to that. And people still respond to that, nearly 20 years later. It's such a rare trait in Hollywood, so it's no surprise to see messages from your fans on Twitter -- messages of support from a team of people pulling for you. Use this opportunity to be the awesome role model I remember.

Take health into own hands
There's nothing wrong with admitting you need help. People have this idea in their heads that asking for help is the ultimate sign of weakness, but really, reaching out is the ultimate sign of strength. It shows that you're human, and there's nothing weak about being human. When I went through my scary depression, I was so thankful to have people around me who wanted to help, people who didn't make me feel like I was weak or like what I was going through was somehow my fault. I'm not sure I could have gotten better without those people in my life.

Because, when all is said and done, we all need someone in our corner, don't we? When it comes down to it, we can't get through this crazy world alone. And we're just kidding ourselves if we try or if we think we can. We need people cheering us on. We need people telling us it's going to be OK when it feels like everything is crumbling down around us. We just need people who get us and love us, no pretenses and no questions asked. I hope you'll reach out to those people. They want to help you. If only you'll let them... xoxo

[Photos via We Heart It and Le Love]

NYC Diaries: The one in which I learn to own my 'flaws'

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When I was a little girl, I was a big fan of Disney princess movies. I wanted to be glamorous and pretty just like them, and I wanted more than anything for my own personal Prince Charming to fall madly in love with me for being so glamorous and pretty. It seemed like a practical and obvious dream at the time. If Cinderella could attract her perfect man with just a warm smile and a kind heart (being a princess seemed to require a kind heart, didn't it?), why shouldn't I aspire to do the same? Well, I’m an adult now. And love is complicated, to say the least.

So I've spent half my life obsessing over improving my looks and striving to be stick-skinny in hopes that I’d attract Mr. Right. I've spent countless hours in front of my bedroom mirror trying to minimize the appearance of my physical disability, certain that my future prince would not be attracted by a hunk of metal that made up my artificial left arm. I thought I had everything figured out, and I believed I’d live a happy life if I was pretty enough to catch his eye and nice enough to keep him interested. I never considered that maybe the thing that I so desperately tried to hide exactly what a guy could fall for.

In my (albeit somewhat limited) dating experience, I've always been a sucker for the classic compliments every girl wants to hear: “you’re beautiful,” “you’re so sweet." And those are great, but recently someone tried a completely different line. He told me that he was attracted by my strength, which was a trait I never gave much thought to in terms of impressing a guy. He said that I seemed like the kind of girl who could get through anything and still put on a brave face afterward. And yes, he mentioned how my disability contributed to that.

This boggled my mind. In previous relationships, my physical difference had been something to overlook or accept. It was never something I thought of as an asset. But now I can appreciate my disability as part of who I am and as something that has given me the strength I rely on today. And now that I've grown to love myself and become much more confident, I realize that that courage I rock on a daily basis is pretty damn hot.

So maybe I’m not a Disney princess, perfectly pretty and put-together, but I know how to own my flaws. And I also know now that the perfect guy for me will be attracted by the things, glamorous or not, that make me who I am and by the strength behind my struggles.

Read my blog, LIKE me on Facebook and FOLLOW me on Twitter for more! 

--By Caitlin from Stream of Caitlinness

[Top print by Rep Set Goal; other photos via We Heart It]

Re-imagined Abercrombie ads

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Have you been following the continued fall-out following a few choice words by Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries on who exactly he wants -- and more importantly, doesn't want -- wearing his brand? Everyone from celebrities to bloggers have been reading Jeffries the riot act, but perhaps no one captured the collective sentiment better than blogger Jes M. Baker from The Militant Baker. Not only did Baker address Jeffries in an open letter, but she also shot a mock Abercrombie ad campaign called Abercrombie & Fat.

"I was inspired by the opportunity to show that I am secure in my skin and to flaunt this by using the controversial platform that you created," writes Baker. "Not only do I know that I'm sexy, but I also have the confidence to pose nude in ways you [Jeffries] don’t dare."

"The world is progressing in inclusive ways whether you deem it cool or not. The only thing you've done through your comments (about thin being beautiful and only offering XL and XXL in your stores for men) is reinforce the unoriginal concept that fat women are social failures, valueless, and undesirable. Your apology doesn't change this."

As the saying goes, "A picture is worth a thousand words." I'd say Baker just said the millions of words people have been thinking for weeks, wouldn't you? Such an inspiring woman...way to go!!! xoxo

[Photos by Liora K Photography; via Huffington Post]

Shame On You: Parents who hire disabled tour guides at Disney World

FREE IMAGES Dear Parents Without A Conscience:

I'm mad. Steaming mad, actually. You won't hear me say that often, but it's the only way I know how to describe my feelings right now. I've been known to write love letters. This is most definitely not one of those. I hear you've been hiring disabled tour guides to pose as family members so your children can jump the lines at Disney World. You know, no big deal. Apparently, you see absolutely nothing wrong with this. And even worse, you're trying to make the whole thing look even more legit by using a service called Dream Tours (not affiliated with Disney), where you can hire a disabled tour guide for as little as $130 an hour. Callie Beusman put it best in her recent article for Jezebel...

It goes without saying that all of this is truly gross. To think it's in any way appropriate, as an able-bodied person, to take advantage of systems that have been put in place to make life easier for those with physical disabilities is disgusting; to do so in order to assert your extreme privilege is despicable. It's wonderful (and necessary!) that there's a Disney tour service out there catering to those with special needs; to co-opt it as a means of further spoiling advantaged rich kids is shameful, oblivious, and demeaning.

One word: Appalling. What sort of message is this sending to your children? Don't get me wrong. I fully take issue with people with disabilities actually doing this for money, but for you to think this is somehow acceptable is just beyond me.

I've tried so hard never to let my disability be the crutch in my life, as if it was something I could easily fall back on and use as a wild card whenever I needed to. You're sadly undermining a lot of the work I and other people with disabilities have done over the years. Work to change society's perception of disabilities. Work to show people that a disability doesn't have to define your life. Thank you for putting us back just a teensy bit in our efforts.

Yes, there are programs and assistance available for people with disabilities -- programs that help them to lead and full, rich and rewarding life. Notice I said programs for people with disabilities, not programs for people just looking to get a free ride on Splash Mountain.

I know it may not seem like it, but you're effectively telling your children that it's OK to abuse services meant for other, more-deserving candidates. Your attitude is, frankly, despicable, deplorable and disgraceful. You should most definitely be ashamed of yourself. I know I am. UN-xoxo

[Photos via We Heart It]

An Open Letter To Angelina Jolie

FREE IMAGES Dear Ms. Jolie:

Where do I even begin? I'm not quite sure, but there's definitely one thing I want to make sure I don't forget to tell you: THANK YOU. And yes, I meant to put that in caps on purpose. Because there's really no better way to say it, and because, frankly, a thank you deserves to be said that way. When you think about it, just saying thank you pales in comparison to what you've done recently.

As I read your recent op-ed piece in The New York Times, I found myself almost cheering you on with each sentence. I kept thinking to myself, "Yes, right on, Angelina. You've got it." You've captured what so many women are thinking and feeling, but you also gave a much-needed voice to the constant fear that comes with motherhood: Not being there for your children and not being able to watch them grow up. Your decision to have a preventative double mastectomy tugged at my heartstrings, as I'm sure it did with thousands of other women (and men).

"It is reassuring that they see nothing that makes them uncomfortable," you wrote. "They can see my small scars and that’s it. Everything else is just Mommy, the same as she always was. And they know that I love them and will do anything to be with them as long as I can. On a personal note, I do not feel any less of a woman. I feel empowered that I made a strong choice that in no way diminishes my femininity."

I can only imagine what it must be like as a mother to know that there's a high probability your children will lose their mother much too soon. But as the child of someone who got cancer, I can tell you that someday, your children are going to come to you and say, "Thank you, Mom. Thank you for doing everything in your power to be here for us. Thank you for everything." Your decision made me think about my own father and our family's struggles when he was diagnosed with sinus cancer. The odds weren't good. The chances of the cancer coming back even after chemo and radiation were more than 70 percent. Even now, 10 years after his suicide (which I'm 100 percent sure wouldn't have happened if he hadn't gotten cancer...), I wonder what our lives would be like if he were still here with us today. Would we be living a different life? What would my father be doing? Would he be proud of me? Thanks to you, your children will never be forced to wrestle with those sorts of questions.

So thank you, Ms. Jolie -- thank you more than you'll ever know. Like you said, you could have chosen to keep your experience private. Of course we all would have respected that. But instead, you chose to share your journey in the most beautiful way possible. You took control of your life. How selfless. How heroic. Thank you for taking a stand against cancer for women, mothers and children everywhere.

An Open Letter To Abercrombie & Fitch

FREE IMAGES Dear Mr. CEO-Mr.-Big-Shot-Who-Do-You-Think-You-Are-Man:

I used to see your brand walk up and down the halls of my high school way back in the day. Before I really even knew who you were, there you were -- in the form of jeans, shirts and other fashion statements of the late '90s. At the time, I thought I hated you for the simple reason that the popular kids seemed to have a monopoly on you, and in my mind, popular was synonymous with evil. But, I'm older and wiser now, and know it's not that popular-kid mentality that I loathe.

It's your "You're-not-good-enough" mentality.

Because, let's just be real for a minute here. We both know that's the whole crux of your marketing objective -- to make young women self-conscious and inferior. You want them to look at your perfectly crafted ads and stare longingly at your perfect models wearing your perfect clothes. And then you want them to do everything they can to become part of your own "in" crowd. You want them to change. And if they don't, well, you want to have nothing to do with them. It's true. You've actually said it yourself. You don't want what you call "fat chicks" wearing your brand; bad for business, huh? Maybe that's why you refuse to carry any size larger than a 10?

You spoke to Robin Lewis for his book The New Rules of Retail, who says...

“He doesn’t want larger people shopping in his store, he wants thin and beautiful people. He doesn’t want his core customers to see people who aren’t as hot as them wearing his clothing. People who wear his clothing should feel like they’re one of the ‘cool kids.’”

Honestly, your views are just disgusting. Your attitude toward plus-sized women is inexcusable. It's this sort of fat-shaming that is creating this culture where young women feel like they can't be who they are, where they must fit into some sort of mold because they're nothing if they're not skinny. Skinny is beauty. Skinny is perfection. Anything other than that is just plain worthless.

Three words: Shame on you. No, wait, I've got nine words for you: You. Are. A. Sorry. Excuse. For. A. Human. Being. A sorry, pitiful excuse, indeed. I could think of other choice words, but I like to think I'm a lady and all, so I'll just keep those words to myself. But do you want to know what's really disgusting? People who perpetuate such superficial stereotypes and only look at beauty in terms of black and white with zero shades of gray in the middle. And what's even more despicable? People who seeks to capitalize by preying on young women's shaky self-confidence. Young women have a hard enough time trying to figure out who they are in this big world -- don't make their journey even harder and even more complicated.

So I don't look like one of your scantily clad, perfectly proportioned models. I get that. I know that. And believe it or not, I'm really OK with that. I know I'll never have a body like that. But here's the best part: I don't want a body like that. Ever. There's something incredibly sexy and attractive about being real and being who you are. I wouldn't ever want to fall in love with someone who was pretending to be someone else, so why would I accept anything less for myself?

You want only good-looking and skinny people associated with your brand? OK, fine. I'd rather have real any day.

P.S. You brand yourself as being the casual, all-American style. Hmmm, looks like you might have some re-branding work ahead of you. I'm not industry expert, obviously, but something tells me that "Casual, all-American style as long as you're under a size ten; fatties need not apply" isn't the best slogan. Just a thought.

[Photos via We Heart It]

NYC Diaries: Why I only date nerds

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I LOVED Melissa’s post yesterday about the 5 types of guys every girl should be crushing on. And since relationships and dating have been on my mind so much lately, I thought this was the perfect topic to write about. While I’ve had my share of crushes on all different types of men, I’ve found that those who would likely fall under the category of “nerd” make the best boyfriends. Sure, they get bad reputations about never seeing sunlight and living in the basement fixated on their Dungeons and Dragons or World of Warcraft. And sure, they can be a bit socially awkward. But underneath the 5 o’clock shadow and duct-taped glasses is often what every girl has been searching the world for: an amazing Prince Charming. Don’t believe me? Fine. I’ll give you 3 reasons why your Knight in shining armor is probably an actual Knight in shining armor in some fictional online world...

They’re smart
Nerds come in all kinds; there are history buffs, gamers, bookworms, etc. There’s no singular mold that defines what exactly the typical nerd looks or acts like, but I can assure you that you’ll probably know a nerd when you see one. But whether they’re “book smart” or just really obsessed with Star Wars, nerds are insanely knowledgeable when it comes to their particular fields of interest. And like Melissa often reminds us, brains can be extremely sexy.

They have the potential to be stylish
Who doesn’t want a guy who can dress well and look snazzy? When you date a nerd, you can rest assured that he won’t be wearing pants that constantly expose his rear end or eight pounds of metal accessories in an attempt to look like a bad-ass. Classic “nerdy” wardrobe choices -- like bow ties, sweater vests or a flattering pair of glasses -- can be very attractive on the right person.

They (usually) aren’t jerks
When you date a guy who knows he’s hot and is used to getting whatever girl he wants, he probably won’t know how to appreciate you. But a nerd who doesn’t normally see much action will most likely treat you the way you deserve. Nerds are also often less shallow and superficial, too. So I’m not sure if this is any comfort to you, but your nerdy man is typically more interested in your gaming skills than the way you did your hair and makeup. But then again, that’s not an entirely bad thing, right? Happy dating!

Read my blog, LIKE me on Facebook and FOLLOW me on Twitter for more! 

--By Caitlin from Stream of Caitlinness

[Top photo via Someecards, bottom photo via We Heart It]

NYC Diaries: 6 tips for getting over any guy

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It’s funny how life can be super cheery and exciting for a little while, and then BAM...it hits you with blinding force that nearly knocks you out.

The breakup.

It’s sudden yet a long time coming, but that doesn't make the heartbreak hurt any less. It happens. And unfortunately, it happened to me just a few weeks ago when I found myself single and without my boyfriend for the first time in over two years. It was my first real long-term relationship, and it came crashing down around me in tiny broken pieces.

I wish I could say it’s been an easy process getting over my ex, but letting go of the first person I really loved after so much time together is not a particularly fun experience. In any case, I’ve been coping well with the help of supportive friends and 6 little tips I’ve been using to heal myself. So whether you’re just getting over a bad heartbreak or you’re trying to forget about the unavailable hottie you’re crushing on, try out these foolproof tips...

Make a change
When you enter a relationship, you are declaring that some part of you belongs to the other person. Your identities, though separate, are shared to form a unit as a couple. So the last thing you want to do is keep being the same person you were when you were with your ex. A week after I broke up with my boyfriend, I went to the salon and had my hair dyed for the first time in my life. It’s now a lovely shade of deep red and (I think) better matches my personality. It wasn’t a very drastic change, but I did want to mix things up now that I’m becoming a different person apart from my ex.

Treat yourself
What girl doesn’t love to pamper herself every once in a while? Go to the spa, take a shopping trip or get yourself a present just because you’re worth it. I bought myself lilies and a beautiful new bracelet from Tiffany’s, and it makes me feel so fulfilled and independent knowing that I don’t need anyone else to get me flowers and gifts.

Date yourself
I hate when people tell the newly single to “spend some time alone.” The way they phrase it makes it sound lonely and horribly depressing. That’s why I prefer to “go on a date” with myself. Take yourself out to the movies or dinner and sit by the park with a great book. Enjoy your own company without needing someone to “complete” you.

Try something new 
When you’re separating from someone you spent lots of time with and did so many things with, it’s important to find new hobbies and jump into something completely unrelated to your ex on your own. As for me, I started doing more yoga and joined a knitting circle my friend and her mother are hosting. These are things that have nothing to do with my ex-boyfriend and therefore don’t awkwardly bring up old memories or make me cry thinking about him.

Focus on friends
They've stood beside you through thick and thin, so you know they’ll have your back when you’re hurting. And chances are, your close friends will have experienced heartaches of their own and can relate to your pain. I’m really lucky that I have amazing friends who are constantly checking up on me and who are available to hang out when I need a tub of ice cream or just a good cry. They've felt it. They get it. And they know how to love me best.

Forgive
This is the hardest one for me. Forgiveness is not something that comes easily to most people. And I don’t just mean forgiving the other person for the wrongs they did. The worst is having to forgive yourself. I’m definitely not perfect, and I messed up a LOT in my last relationship. And while he’s no longer in my life to do the forgiving, I’m going to have to figure it out for myself. Am I completely done with this step? Honestly, no. I’m still working on letting things go and telling myself that I really do deserve love and happiness. But I’m getting there. And I know it’ll all be okay when I do.

Keep your hearts safe...

Read my blog, LIKE me on Facebook and FOLLOW me on Twitter for more! 

--By Caitlin from Stream of Caitlinness

[Photos via We Heart It]

An Open Letter To My Laptop

FREE IMAGES Dear Black Velvet:

Well, here we are. It looks like it's the end of the road for us. I know, it's a rather tough pill to swallow. I mean, it's not like we had planned for this. It's not like we woke up one morning and said, "OK, this is the end. We're OK with this." Because we're most definitely not OK with this. With any of this. Or, at least I'm not OK with this; I suppose I can't speak for you. I'm not really sure how you feel, but seeing as how we've grown pretty close -- dare I say inseparable? -- over the last two and a half years, I'm pretty sure you feel the same way I do. Our hearts are a little heavier today. We're a little more wistful for the past today.

After all, you were my trusty laptop (side note: do all people name their laptops, or is it just me?), and quite honestly, I don't know what I would have done without you for the last few years. You supported me in all the ways a good laptop should. You were there for me during my depression, being patient even when writing a simple blog post felt like trying to scale Mount Everest. You were the window into my favorite things, namely my daily dose of celebrity gossip. And of course, you indulged me in my not-so-secret online shopping addiction. We did make quite the team, didn't we?

There's no denying that we've been through some pretty awesome times, Black Velvet. Maybe that's why it's hard so hard to say goodbye to you. You never want to say goodbye to someone -- or in my case, something -- that once meant so much to you. Because as trivial as said thing may be, it's become a part of you, and when you think about it, the idea of losing a part of yourself is the scariest thing in the world. You know you'll never get it back, and that thought leaves you feeling very unsettled and vulnerable.

But, we must not think of such things, Black Velvet. We must put on our tough faces and be the brave people we know we can be. We must realize that some things in life are beyond our control, and we must learn to roll with the punches, however hard they may be. It's just a fact of life. So, yes, I will be getting a new laptop, but it won't be you. Nothing could ever take your place in my heart or in my writing life. You were my first (laptop, that is...) and always will be. Thank you for everything, and I hope you know that, no matter where this crazy life takes me, I'll never, ever forget you. xoxo

[Photos via We Heart It] 

My 100-Word Love Story: On the city that won my heart

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Loving a city is strange. You love the memories, the friendly faces, the culture.  I lived in Pittsburgh for a year but fell for it harder than for any other city on my map. I love it for the sports-team pride -- the black-and-gold trifecta of Steelers, Penguins and Pirates. And then there’s the lingo -- nowhere else do you hear “yinz” or “n’at. Like any city, Pittsburgh has its special foods -- fries on your salad, perogies covered in butter. I love Pittsburgh for the summers spent at my grandparents’ house, and my adult days living life to its fullest.

--By Melissa from Oh, My Darling

My 100-Word Love Story: On living 'in sickness and in health'

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On our first date, we were stranded without a vehicle and walked the two miles home. Halfway there, my knee dislocated, so he carried me the rest of the way. A year later, he proposed on his birthday, telling me becoming his wife would be the best present he could ever get. After my last major surgery, he took two weeks off from work to stay home and take care of me. Matt is an unconventional romantic. I may not get many flowers or cards, but they’re not needed. His constant chivalry is a testament of how truly devoted he is.

 

--By Julie

My 100-Word Love Story: On finding our way back to each other

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He was there in a granddad cardigan. I said to our mutual friend, "Hey, introduce me to him?” Instantly, the summer was ours, and we were falling, except...once the summer sun died, he had to go to Laos to work, and I had to leave for Ethiopia. Also, I had this other guy. Time, drama and eventually fate finally weaved us together. We gave in after the fights and tears. He is my man, and I am his girl; the honesty, trust and love between us is so great that it’s scary at times, but I couldn’t be happier.

--By Patricia from A Wondering Star

My 100-Word Love Story: On how we met, twice

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I used to sit in the B400 lounge at my college in between classes. One day, this very handsome farm boy with giant boots on flopped down into the lounge across from me. The next spring, my aunt insisted on introducing me to some guy. I looked up at an oddly familiar face. I couldn't help but think that I'd seen him before. Several Facebook messages later, we finally figured it out. The next day, we went out on our first date. Two years later, I'm having trouble convincing him that those too-big work boots aren't dress shoes.

 

--By Grace from My Saving Grace

My 100-Word Love Story: On the things we do for each other

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Brandon is my favorite person in the whole wide world. We high-five every chance we get. We give hugs every morning. We support each other. We guide each other. He teases me for always singing random songs. I tease him for his car obsession. He is the best personal chef. I am the best eater. He always makes sure to open my door. I always make sure to thank him. He holds my hand in the car. I melt. I am so lucky to call that man my husband. Forever. Dear Brandon, I will love you till the end.

--By Brandi from Blicious by Brandi

Valentine's Day 2013: The 100-Word Love Story series is back!

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It's official: Valentine's Day is exactly one week away. Seven days. Are you pumped? Whether you're single or attached, there is something so special about the day, which is why I'm so excited about next week's Valentine's Day theme on the blog all week long. And, since it was so popular last year, I'm bringing back My 100-Word Love Story... again this year!

 

Translation: I want to feature your love stories, friends! Your most romantic moment. Your first kiss. Your first breakup. What you love -- and maybe even what you find annoying lovable -- about your significant other. What you love about the single life -- and about yourself. Even stories about your family or your best friend -- it's all about love next week!

The fun twist? I want to hear these stories in 100 words! Doesn't that sound like fun, friends? I'd love to hear from you, so feel free to email me (mellow1422 [at] aol [dot] com), and look for stories next week! Are you in the Valentine's spirit yet? xoxo

[Photo via We Heart It]

An Open Letter To Jodie Foster

FREE IMAGES Dear Ms. Foster:

I considered addressing you as "Jodie," but that just doesn't feel right. In fact, even just typing that didn't feel right. I suppose I should just begin by offering my sincerest congratulations on receiving the Cecil B. DeMille Award at Sunday's Golden Globes. I can't think of a better recipient of a lifetime achievement award -- and what a lifetime you've had.

I've admired you ever since I first saw you wield a field hockey stick as Annabel in Freaky Friday. And through the years, you've managed to stay true to who you are; as I understand it, that's a pretty hard feat in Hollywood. It's so refreshing to see someone who isn't afraid of who they are or what people think. It's so easy to let people's opinions of us lead us down a dangerous path until, well, we don't even know ourselves anymore. But through the years, you've held tight to your sense of self, and for that, I wholeheartedly applaud you. If only we had more young women like that.

Which brings me to your acceptance speech during the Golden Globes. I can only imagine how nervous you were, but it didn't show. You were poised and graceful and confident and articulate. Your declaration was inspiring to watch. Thank you for showing the world that life is meant to be lived as your true self and never hiding that -- from anyone. What a wonderful lesson to teach the next generation. Thank you, Ms. Foster. You certainly are -- and will forever be -- a true legend. xoxo

An Open Letter To New Year's Eve

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Dear New Year's Eve:

I must say, I feel a bit silly writing to you like this. After all, you're not really a person, are you? Letters are written to people -- people who can talk and feel and breathe. You're none of those things. You're just another day on the calendar. One out of 365 of them, actually. And you come around, well, just like clockwork. Year after year.

So, no, you are most definitely not a person. You're more of an annual event -- one I've experienced some 30 times in my life. You don't have any power over me. Did you hear that, New Year's Eve? Did you? You don't have any power over me. Zilch. Zero.

And yet...I am writing to you. Today. Less than 24 hours until the chimes (and that huge ball in Times Square) ring in a new year. 2013. Sounds sort of like the future, doesn't it? I mean, it IS the future. Tomorrow could be the first day of the rest of my life. And yes, that scares me a little. OK, sometimes it scares me a lot. Like I'm standing on my own sort of cliff, just staring down into...nothing. The bottom of the cliff seems to go on forever, leading to some sort of black hole vortex that's bound to change you. Forever. You don't want to jump, but for some reason, you can't move away from the ledge. It's scary, freeing, wild and intoxicating all at the same time.

Because when I sit back and think about you -- really think about you -- I realize something about you, New Year's Eve: You're both a blessing and a curse. You're probably the only day of the year that people love and dread simultaneously. When they think about you in relation to the year that just passed, it can be downright depressing. I'll be the first to admit that. But when you stop and think of what's ahead -- all the possibilities that go along with a new year -- well, it can just fills your heart with hope and promise.

And that's exactly what you, New Year's Eve, have always symbolized for me. A new beginning, full of promise and hope and wonder. I wonder what you have in store for me in 2013. I can't help but wonder what's just beyond that ledge. So, 2013, I'm ready for you! Bring on your adventures that will become tomorrow's magical memories! xoxo

[Photos via We Heart It]

xoJane: Essay #3

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I'm quite excited to share my newest piece for xoJane. The topic? Well, needless to say, it's an issue that's near and dear to my heart. You can read the full essay here. What do you think, friends? xoxo

P.S. You can read my other essays here and here.