We all want to have houses like we see in the magazines; we tend to think that this involves having lots of money. I think it entails being clutter free. I aspire to be a minimalist one day. I have a friend who gives away or gets rid of 20 things every day! Once, when I was home for Christmas I found a clutter-free book at my mom’s house. I was glad she was getting the ball rolling until I found the same book in a different part of her house. When I asked her about the books she had no idea that she had purchased the same book twice!!! This is what I am worried about becoming… 

I’m interrupting the guest blogging once again. I hope Kelly will forgive me but I have a free shipping code to share.

An old friend of mine works at a fabulous eco friendly boutique in San Fran called Embodies. I’ve taken a look at their offerings online and they certainly don’t disappoint. Since I can’t make my way to the physical store, a little free shipping code will do just the trick to get my virtual shopping cart full. Please use the coupon code FF1031 for free shipping on your entire order or coupon code AN15FF for 15% off all new arrivals and lingerie. So here’s to you Embodies – I’m officially holla-ing at ya. Gosh I’m so embarrassing.

(Modaspia Fiji Dress; Filly Greta Pant; Amenity Linen Pillow; Emma Voile Dress)

I think the right plant can brighten and freshen any room! 

I am a teacher/reading specialist and am studying to be a librarian in my free time. It is no wonder I think this idea is the best ever! A cheap way to spice up your child’s room is to frame your favorite childhood books. You can use your actual old books (just dig through your parent’s house next time you are in the neighborhood) or look for old torn up books next time you drive by a garage sale. It is a great way to inspire a love for books at an early age!!! 

I know this is guest blogger week, but I can’t contain my excitement and I have to share.

“What is this on my doorstep? I didn’t order anything from JCrew.”

(hurriedly running into my kitchen to locate the scissors but I’m too impatient so I just hacked into the box with my two bare hands)

I then let out an audible scream, danced around and stripped off my clothes so I could try it on.

Sometimes unemployment isn’t all that bad.

Thanks mom. And thanks Nicole, Alicia, Kelly and Katie for all sending me little surprises in the mail.

A few weeks ago I went to Bozeman Montana’s annual Parade of Homes. I found myself really enjoying the modern houses with retro style appliances. I found a few examples online… hope you enjoy them!  

My name is Kelly and I have been Melanie’s best friend since the year 2000!!! She seems to think that I am funny and I seem to think she is SOOO cool— so naturally we have stuck together. This week Mel is challenging me with the opportunity to be her very first guest blogger… so here we go!!! 

(Us attempting our model faces but I cracked. Typical. )

Editor’s note: I know my husband is kind of a guest blogger cop-out but when this event occurred last week he requested that he write about it on my blog because he wanted to make sure the story was told right. And a little preface to this story – I’ve always believed I’m slightly psychic. I used to get “feelings” when something big was going to happen. Like the semester I met and started dating Ryan I had a feeling that I announced to my roommates. And boy, was I right. This story also proves this theory. It kind of blows my mind. 

Have you ever noticed how some people look like their first name? Or vice versa. It is weird meeting an eighty-old woman named Britney. When we encounter someone new, we like to play the game where we guess what his or her first name would be.

Pretty much every week we go to the best frozen custard place and the couple that owns it is always there, serving the goodness. I always order frozen custard with gummy bears. We had never been formally introduced to the owners and so we didn’t know their names.

They are middle-aged, both graying. Surprisingly healthy looking considering they own a frozen custard shop, indicating a propensity for restraint. He wears 1950’s style jeans and thick-frame glasses. She looks earthy, semi-granola. We knew they are dog owners. She has political shows on while at the shop; but when he gets there he switches it to baseball. We guessed that their names were Steve and Anna.

Mel had been bugging me to ask them what their names were so we could find out whether our guess was right. They are easy to talk to, but I could never twist the conversation to what their names were. Last night, however, when she was ringing us up—I asked her.

“I’m Anna and my husband’s name is Steve.”

I knew if I looked at Mel she would laugh. I did any way and sure enough she laughed. The frozen custard shop owner was appropriately confused. Sometimes Mel is unable to control her laughter. This is one of the things I love about her but it has made for some awkward situations.

Sorry for the heavy wordage of this post. I’ve bolded that most important parts for your convenience.

Okay, when you heard the word announcement I know you’re probably expecting something kind of big. Something along the lines of, I found a job! or I’m pregnant! or I’m starting my own line of perfumes that will feature me dressed seductively in the ads! While none of these are true I hope you can get excited about the small-scale announcements I am making. And yes, there will be a #3 coming sometime shortly.

#1 – Have you read How to Have Style yet? Bah! It’s so great. It’s basically a book of makeovers where the after picture actually looks doable and not so “yeah right, like they’re going to keep that up.” One of the things I loved about the book is that Isaac had each woman make an inspiration board of images they were drawn to without thinking about it too much. He took the feel of the boards and translated them into a whole new look for each woman. I took the challenge of making one myself and now I feel (for lack of a better word) inspired to change up my style. So here’s the announcement - I’m going to be having a little giveaway. I want you to send me a pic of your inspiration board and I’ll post all of them for others to enjoy. The person who creates my most fave board will get a special surprise in the mail. And it will be a good special surprise, that’s why it’s special. Please email your submissions by November 7.

#2 – Next week You Are My Fave will be getting its first ever guest bloggers! I’ll let the guests introduce themselves but I just want to say – get excited because I just know it’s going to be good.

Piece of Commentary – I was pleased with the results of Project Runway season 5. I think Leanne deserved it but I’m thinking when she watched the episode she was regretting the fact that she did not shower that morning. The nappy look just wasn’t working for me.

That’s all for now. I’m excited to have you show me what you got. Have a good weekend chums.