Happy Birthday You Are My Fave

January 30, 2009 // 69 Comments

It’s true this little blog was born one year ago today. We’re celebrating by eating rainbow chip cupcakes. I can’t really remember how it all started. I do remember that I came up with the idea for the name from a song by The Rentals. When I told Ryan that he said, “No honey, the lyrics are ‘you are my faith.’” I bet him he was wrong. The lyrics were googled. Turns out we were both wrong, they really are “you are my fate.” Bummer.

Leave a comment on this post by midnight Monday and one or two people will be chosen randomly to receive a three month subscription to polaroids taken by me. You know that you want a gnome showing up in your mailbox.

And last but not least, thanks for visiting. Thanks for commenting. You are my fave.

(image taken by Mrs. French)

Reader’s questions are my fave

January 29, 2009 // 14 Comments

After I posted that I would be offering some free advice, one reader wrote me and asked, “What do you get a single sister or a friend for Valentines Day that will make them feel good without giving the impression you feel sorry for them.?” I think the real key here is avoid any stereotypical gift that a boy would give a girl so it doesn’t look like you’re saying, “Here’s some flowers because I know that you were for sure not going to get any from a guy this year.” Here’s some gift ideas that won’t scream, “You’re single! Pity party!”

A few more options:
- This secret book camera
- Make your own Heck Yes print – use this print for inspiration (again with the Napoleon Dynamite reference)
- Frame a photo you’ve taken

I hope this helps! So single readers, what would you want for Valentine’s day?

Conversation I overheard at the thrift store the other day

// 5 Comments

Woman #1: “Do you see the movie Like Mike anywhere.”
Woman #2: “Oh man, they have that movie!?”
W1: “Well, yeah, they did. I saw it here the other day but now I don’t see in anywhere.”
W2: “You know a movie as good as that isn’t going to last long.”
W1: “I knew I should of bought it. I can’t believe I didn’t buy it!”
W2: “Yeah, you should of. There’s not way that movie would last more than 1 day on the shelf.”

For those of you unfamiliar with the movie Like Mike, it’s the story of a poor kid (played by ‘Lil Bow Wow’) who finds an old pair of Michael Jordan’s shoes and becomes an amazing basketball player when he puts them on. Classic.

Spotted and Hearted

January 28, 2009 // 25 Comments

Tim Gunn + Issac Mizrahi are my fave

// 14 Comments

Karen sent me this link to a little preview of the Liz Claiborne Spring 2009 collection. Liz Claiborne? What the? I thought it was only a label for 45 year old women who have a summer home in the Hamptons. Turns out Tim and Issac make a darn good team and I’m wanting several of these pieces. I’m such a preppy.

Quite possibly the best party game ever is my fave

January 27, 2009 // 10 Comments

Is anyone else hating winter already and searching for something fun to do? I have the answer. It’s called throw a casual party and play the best game ever invented by Melanie then laugh your pants off.

The Details:

Invites- keep it casual, just evite friends or call them on the phone

Food – Pop lots of popcorn and offer add-ins and flavorings. Set a stack of cups next to the big bowl so friends can just dig in and stock your cooler full of glass bottled soda (so you look semi-fancy).

Game – Load your i-Pod with all the best dance songs (or if you still have a boom box like me prepare an all mighty dance CD beforehand). Have each guest stand up one by one while you push the shuffle button on what ever technical option suits you. That person then has to come up with a dance to whatever song starts playing and has to keep dancing for at least a minute. This game has been tested and I can guarantee that your stomach will hurt from laughing so hard afterwards. If you want to add a competitive element to it you can incorporate judges. This is what your guests will look like –

So the question remains, what are the best dance songs? And what song would you hope that it landed on for your turn? I would hope for Dr Jones by Aqua and cringe if it landed on anything by Smash Mouth.

Being Smitten is my fave

January 26, 2009 // 8 Comments

January must be the month of guest posts for me. Today I’m super excited because my blog heroine Joanna asked me for a little posty post on the Glamour blog Smitten. Do you think I should start a portfolio of my work? Just kidding, I love guesting.

(lovely photo from this etsy shop)

Colorful buckets hung on the wall are my fave

// 5 Comments

I’m actually in love with Ruby’s entire house but thought this idea of reusing sap buckets on the wall was super clever. Like it should be filed in the decorating encyclopedia under wall hangings, clever ideas for.

(more of Ruby’s style can be seen on her blog)

A Sunday Kind of Love

January 25, 2009 // 3 Comments

Andrea asked me to participate today in the Sunday Kind of Love series over on her blog Miel Et Cannelle. I was recently introduced to this little gem of a blog and I’m flattered to be guesting. 

(image)

Free advice is my fave

January 23, 2009 // 7 Comments

Dear friends, and I do consider you my friends, it’s time for me to give you a little love back for all your kindness. So I’m offering you all some free advice. Email me (melbellessa@gmail.com) any question you might have and I will do my best to give you a dang good answer, even if that means I need to seek out some expert sources. Some of my fave questions/answers will be highlighted on You Are My Fave – possibly with a video segment. Get excited.

Examples of questions I could answer for you:
- Where can I find an affordable dress for my friend’s wedding?
- What kind of food should I serve at my cousin’s engagement party that I’m obligated to throw?
- What are some dance moves I can perform to impress all my friends?
- How can I nicely tell my friend that her skinny jeans are doing nothing for her cankles?

XOXO,

Melanie