The Great Clean of 2013: Update #1

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So! I'm sure you all remember my summer project. When I first posted about The Great Clean of 2013 a few weeks ago, I had the highest of hopes -- you know, those grand dreams that put stars in your eyes and send your heart fluttering with wild anticipation. I was determined to be one lean, mean, cleaning machine. I was pumped. I was ready. I was all set...

That is, well, until I wasn't. I tried really hard at first. I did. And then, something weird happened. I realized it last night just as I was going to bed. Over the last couple of weeks, I've not cleaned out a bin so much as I gained half a bin...

What? How is that even possible? But, I feel it's important that I come clean today -- no pun intended -- and be honest. As I said in the original post, I promised to report on my progress (or lack thereof...) throughout the summer, and you all know that I'm a woman of my word. So, it's back to the drawing board this week...or, should I say back to the bins? I'll report back again soon. Wish me luck, friends! xoxo

Summer Project #2: The Great Clean of 2013

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Here's the deal, friends: I've been procrastinating. For quite some time, actually. It's not something I'm proud of, to say the least. You know that feeling you get when you let things pile up, and eventually, you just get to a point where you're like, "I just can't anymore. I can't look at this. I can't even deal with it."

So you don't deal with it because it all seems, well, a bit too overwhelming. And things continue to pile up. And pile up. And -- you guessed it -- pile up. You know you need to take control, which is why I've deemed this summer The Great Clean of 2013. My everything-needs-to-be-organized mind just can't take it anymore -- and neither can my mother and sister -- so I've made it my mission to go through everything. And I won't lie to you, friends, it's not going to be pretty or easy -- we're talking at least three bins filled with assorted papers, magazines (some from 2011) and books. I've even let piles take shape around the house...

But! No more! This is it. By the end of the summer, I will have everything squared away (consider the shots above the "before" photos...). I can do it, if I just keep at it, and that's where you come in, friends. I was reading an article about clutter in Family Circle a couple weeks ago, and professional organizer and author Dorothy Breininger suggests getting a purging partner -- a friend or family member -- to "hold you accountable." I love that idea, and it really rings true and makes so much sense.

And that's when I got an idea: Will you be my partners, friends? Here's what I'm thinking: Every week or so, I'll post an update on the progress I made during the course of that week. And if I didn't do anything? Well, I'll have to be honest and report that, too. How does that sound, friends? AND, if you're determined to tackle any projects this summer, post about them in the comments. We're all in this together, right? xoxo

P.S. And with that, I'm powering down for the night...we've got a tornado watch in the area! Oh, no!

Summer Week: 6 ways to feel like a kid again

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Happy first day of summer, friends! Ahh, the summers of youth -- those long, lazy days spent playing and frolicking and laughing until your sides hurt. These days seemed to last forever. Until, well, they didn't. Somewhere along the way, you grew up (how did that happen...?), and the summer months lost that special spark of magic. It all leaves you with a very unsettled feeling.

I've been thinking a lot about my childhood summers lately. I'll be going about my day, and waves of nostalgia will just come over me -- sometimes, from out of nowhere. So, this summer, more than anything, I'd love to recapture that feeling of child-like enthusiasm. I know what you're thinking: "Melissa, you can't recapture you're childhood. Don't you know that? Once it's gone, it's gone." Of course I know that, but who's to say we can't enjoy those things that made our childhood summers so special? Still don't believe me? Here are 8 childhood classics to get you in a summer mood...

*A summertime temporary tattoo, $5 for set of two.
*A pint of Jeni's famously delicious ice cream, $12 (if you're feeling adventurous, here are the 20 best recipes for homemade ice cream).
*A classic paddle ball to see if you can still beat your childhood record, $2.59.
*Colorful sidewalk chalk to make your driveway pretty, $6.69.
*Bouncy balls because you used to spend hours seeing how high you could make it bounce, $4.91.
*An old-fashioned kite that reminds you of all the good summer afternoons with your father, $12.99.

Do you miss being a kid in the summer? What was your favorite part? Any toy or games you loved? Let's get a bit nostalgic, shall we, friends? xoxo

[Top photo via We Heart It, edited by me]

Summer Week: What are your favorite beach reads?

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One of my favorite memories of visiting my grandparents every summer was the hours I'd spend lounging with a good book or magazine. Some mornings I'd wake up and read in bed for a bit. It was a great, relaxing way to start the day.

These days, though, I'll be the first to admit that I don't have nearly enough reading time carved into my schedule. We all know the importance of setting aside some time each day for "pleasure-leisure reading," as my sister calls it, so I'm bit ashamed to admit that I can't recall the last time I actually finished a book. A book from the Twilight series, maybe? Eeeeks! That was such a long time ago, was it?

Well, this summer, I'm going to try and take a few "reading breaks" here and there. Even if it's only reading a magazine on the patio (perhaps with some root beer, of course...), it will feel nice to relax like in the old days. What books do you like to read? The awesome What Should I Read Next? is a Web site that helps you find new books to read based on past favorites. To get started, all you do is type in the name of a book you liked. The site will search its huge database and give you recommendations for what to read next. You can even create book lists. How cool is that? Here are a few books I'd love to read this summer...

*L.A. Candy by Lauren Conrad: I've had it sitting on my bookshelf for a couple years now and have heard good things about her books, $8.59.
*The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger: I'm in the writing game and haven't read this book (scandalous...), $12.37.
*Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard: I LOVE the TV show and am dying to see how the books compare, $20.54 (Books 1-4).
*At First Sight by Nicholas Sparks: I was obsessed with his novels years ago and would love to pick up where I left off, $7.19.
*The Last Camellia by Sarah Jio: I've always admired Sara's writing (and was honored to guest post on her Glamour blog a few years back...), $11.70.
*Peyton Place by Grace Metalious: I've always wanted to see if the last generation's Fifty Shades of Grey is as steamy as people made it out to be, $14.48.

Your turn, friends: What's on your must-read beach reads list? Have you read any of my picks? Any others you'd recommend? xoxo

[Top photo via We Heart It]

Summer Week: 8 fun ideas for a family picnic

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Have I ever told you just how much I absolutely love summer, friends? Oh, I'm pretty sure I've told you 5138751 times, but I have to say it again: I am head-over-heels, crazy-in-love with this time of year. It doesn't get any better than the warm, sun-kissed days and cool, breezy nights. Everything comes alive in one giant pop to all the senses, and you find yourself wanting to live your life as if it were a Carly Rae Jepsen song. Case in point: I just happen to be listening to Miss Jepsen as I'm typing this post, and her pop confections are summer wrapped up in a song.

On that note (get it...note...music...see, summer makes me a giddy little school girl...), I'm so excited to kick off Summer Week 2013. I've got tons of amazing this planned, including an in-depth look at some of our guilty pleasures, but first, I'd love to know: What are your favorite things about summer? Beach days? Juicy watermelon? Road trips? S'mores? One of my favorite memories growing up is packing a sack lunch and heading to the woods for a picnic. We also spent countless hours on soaking up the sun on beautiful beaches. Here are 8 must-haves for the perfect family picnic...

1. Lots of fun games, like dominoes ($10.57), for relaxing in the afternoon.
2. Polaroid instant camera for capturing those special bonding moments, $179.99.
3. Watermelon serving bowl for serving, well, watermelon, $60.
4. A comfy picnic blanket for some quality cloud gazing, $40.99.
5. Weber grill for those barbecued-just-right hot dogs and gooey s'mores, $34.99.
6. A picnic basket to keep all the good stuff around from those curious creatures, $119.95.
7. A pair of binoculars for some classic bird watching (my father loved doing this...), $13.19.
8. Brightly colored flip flops to feel the grass between your toes, $22.95.

Wherever the summer winds take you this year, friends, whether it's to the best, to the woods or to the open road, let's enjoy the season together, shall we? xoxo

P.S. Some EXCITING news is coming your way this afternoon! :)

[Top photo via We Heart It, edited by me]

Summer pasta salad

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Over the years, my mom has worked hard to perfect her signature summer pasta salad recipe. Well, I think
she's mastered it. Last night, she made this delicious pasta salad, complete with all sorts of summery ingredients like tomatoes, onions, green peppers and cucumbers.

And, have you been into summer fruits a lot this season? I've been eating a cocktail of peaches, mandarins and strawberries at least three times a week.

What have you been eating this summer, friends? Any favorite foods so far? Thanks, mom, for the wonderful meal! xoxo

P.S. The best part about last night's dinner? We've got leftovers for tonight! Also, my mom's famous cookies. :)

Let's Try: Prancercise!

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One of my goals this summer is to get into an exercise routine. At the top of my must-have moves? Prancercise! Ever since creator Joann Rohrback's 1989 video went viral last week, I -- and the rest of the Internet -- have become obsessed with this new way of moving and grooving.

I'm thinking I'd have to modify the routine a bit since I'll be using my walker (those ankle weights are probably out...), but I can't wait to get prancing! As Joann says, it's time to "stop talking and do some walking."

I'd love to know, friends: What's your go-to fitness routine? Any tips for me as I begin my journey? Will you be taking part in the Prancercise craze this summer?

P.S. I've got another summer project that I can't wait to tell you about. Look for it on the blog in the next few weeks... :)

[Via TIME]