Holiday Gift Guide #5: For the ’90s Nostalgic Who’s Still Too Legit to Quit

'90s NostalgicAs the classic saying goes: Everything old is new again! So this year, why not treat the ’90s nostalgic to one terrific #throwback treat?? Because everyone’s favorite decade (beanie babies, anyone?) will never really go out of style! First up: A Time Machine to the ’90s nostalgia kit full of all sorts of surprise goodies, $19

'90s NostalgicSome classic scrunchies to slay the fashion front, $14

'90s NostalgicGoosebumps 25th anniversary box set to relive all those scary memories, $19.02

'90s NostalgicA Buffy candle with the best quote from the series, $16

'90s NostalgicColorful stick-on gems like you used to sport in middle school, $8.83

'90s NostalgicThis fun troll bank to save loose change, $11.69

'90s NostalgicA Lip Smacker set for smooth lips, $8.33

'90s NostalgicMrs. Pacey Witter pencils because EVERYONE wanted to date this bad boy, $4

'90s NostalgicThis Friends t-shirt in honor of the classic character, $22.95

'90s NostalgicAs If print because it’s STILL the perfect life mantra, $13.88

Pretty 1950s Dresses

Pretty 1950s DressesI was born in the wrong decade. Don’t get me wrong, the ’80s were nice enough — you know, with the shoulder pads and Alex P. Keaton — but it lacked a certain innocence and excitement. Now, the decade that brought us sock hops and rock and roll? That is most certainly the decade I belong in! Case in point: These pretty 1950s dresses from Mrs Pomeranz on Etsy! How gorgeous are they? It’s like stepping into a time capsule and emerging in a glorious world surrounded by twirly dresses!! I’m in love with this grey checkered dress and here are a few more favorites…

Pretty 1950s Dresses Pretty 1950s Dresses Pretty 1950s DressesWhat do you think of this classic look, friends? Which dress is your favorite? Anyone want to go get a refreshing root beer at the malt shop? xoxo

Tuesday Tunes: Nat King Cole’s “When I Fall In Love”

Editor’s Note: Song lyrics denoted in bold italics.

For our first Tuesday Tunes in nearly a month, you know that I just had to bust out one of my favorite love ballads of all time; I mean, it wouldn’t be my blog without it, right? Of course not!

Anyway, my mom has been listening to a lot of the Norah Jones station on Pandora lately and they’ve been playing SO MANY of these American standard classics — think the music of the ’40s and the Big Band/jazz era. It’s the music of my grandparents’ generation, during a time when life was much simpler and singers of the day sang of ideals, dreams and hopes for the future, and you can’t help but get wrapped up in the words and melodies.

That’s sort of how it was the first time I heard this song. Like most of my favorite songs, it wasn’t some fancy melody or crazy vocal acrobatics that made me stop and go, “OK, I need to stop everything I’m doing and listen to this AMAZING song right now!” It had nothing to do with those things. On the contrary, actually — I was drawn to the words. The sweet, romantic words. It stood out like a beacon of hope — a tall lighthouse shining in the distance when you’re surrounded by miles and miles of ocean…

Nat King Cole’s “When I Fall In Love”
From Love Is the Thing

The thing about this song? Never in my life have I heard such pure, honest words. I mean, that’s a pretty rare thing, isn’t it? Words and conversations are so often loaded with hidden meanings and open to a number of interpretations. It’s quite refreshing to come across words that can be taken at face value — you don’t have to constantly wonder what exactly it means.

Plus, the words are simple. They’re not dressed up in flowery language; they get right to the point, which is something I can really appreciate!

When I fall in love it will be forever
Or I’ll never fall in love
In a restless world like this is
Love is ended before it’s begun
And too many moonlight kisses
Seem to cool in the warmth of the sun

I feel like this sentiment is one of the running themes in all the Letters To My Future Husband — this idea of not compromising, of not settling, of not selling yourself short when it comes to love. And especially when it comes to marriage and the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. That can be a scary prospect, can’t it? The idea that soulmates could actually exist and it’s up to us to know when we’ve found ours.

When I give my heart it will be completely
Or I’ll never give my heart
And the moment I can feel that you feel that way too
Is when I fall in love with you

And yet, it can also be a pretty empowering feeling. It’s so easy to feel like everything about love is out of our control and we’re just hopeless romantic saps (or wait, maybe that’s just me?), so maybe we become lazy and complacent, but this song made me realize something pretty amazing: We’re in control of our love destiny.

So I’m going to be all in or not at all. It’s going to be one of the other — or, really, where’s the point at all? I don’t see the point of doing something only a little bit or being “ehh” about something as important and cosmic as love.

aaTranslation: With me, that’s how it’s going to be. As the old saying goes, “go big or go home.” Yes, that’s going to be my new life and love philosophy. Maybe you feel that way too, friends! What do you think? Can you ever really do love “halfheartedly” and actually have things work out in the long-run? I’m really curious to hear your thoughts! xoxo

Tuesday Tunes: Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made For Walkin'”

Editor’s Note: Song lyrics denoted in bold italics.

As I was brushing my teeth last night, I got to thinking about this week’s tune and inspiration struck — is that always how it is?? I usually get all my best ideas at the most random times!

Anyway, I wanted to think of a way to feature a fashioned-themed song today, and I thought of a song I LOVED growing up. You know I’ve always been a sucker for the classic oldies and one classic stood out above the rest. It stomped out all the competition, if you will (pun intended!)…

Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made For Walkin'”
From Boots

“Boots” is just one of those songs that paints such a powerful image. Years before I ever saw videos or photos of Nancy Sinatra, I pictured this strong woman, hellbent on getting revenge on a former love. She was a scorned woman and she desperately wanted to make her ex see — and feel — exactly as bad as she felt. She made no apologies, gave no excuses or even seemed to hesitate in her decision; she was just fiercely determined and, well, knew what she had to do. And do it she did! For the whole world to see. I figure this song was like Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” for the the generation of early feminists. Could that be why I relate so strongly to it, even as far back as when I was an early teen and wanting so much to assert myself and who I was??

You keep saying you’ve got something for me
Something you call love, but confess
You’ve been a-messin’ where you shouldn’ta been a-messin’
And now someone else is gettin’ all your best
Well, these boots are made for walking, and that’s just what they’ll do
One of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you

I’m utterly obsessed with the feisty grit here. There’s something so freeing about throwing caution to the wind and knowing that you’re done believing the lies and pretending that nothing is wrong. Something is very wrong and what’s even more infuriating is that the other person would take you for a fool. I’ve been there before. I’ve had people not take me seriously — you know, they look at me, see that I appear rather mild, diminutive and harmless, and think that they can pull one over on me. As if that would be the easiest thing in the world, they think. And then?

BOOM!!!

I surprise them with just how tough I am — not with any sort of violence, of course, but with my firm convictions and solid sense of self. Does this remind you of anyone? Some certain Anonymous comments, perhaps? Yes, they may think they have the power to break me, but little do they know that they have another thing coming. It’s worse than anything they could ever imagine — it’s pure, unadulterated ME.

You keep lyin’ when you oughta be truthin’
You keep losing when you oughta not bet
You keep samin’ when you oughta be a’changin’
What’s right is right but you ain’t been right yet
These boots are made for walking, and that’s just what they’ll do
One of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you

Haven’t you ever had that moment where all the frustration, all the disappointment just boils over and you know you need to make a change — and fast? I think we all have our limits, you know? What may be acceptable to one person might be completely out of the question for someone else. It’s not necessarily the case where one is right and the other is wrong; in fact, I think it’s sort of like life in that it is far too subjective to be the same for everyone across the board.

Because when you really think about it, there comes a point in life where you have to BE YOUR OWN PERSON and stand up for yourself, whether it’s in a romantic relationship or in any relationship. It’s empowering to finally believe in yourself and have the confidence to stand on your own two feet — or sit up straight in your wheelchair, as is the case with you, if you get my meaning. People will come and go from your life, but there’s only one “you” and you have to protect that, you know? You owe it to yourself and everything that you are and everything that you can be. So, go forth and strut proudly in those boots. After all, you certainly deserve it, don’t you think? You’re worth it!

5 Best ’90s TV Shows

Yesterday, we looked at some of the classic TV shows that defined the ’80s. Since it’s TV Week, I thought it only fair to discuss that other decade from my youth.

The ’90s.

It was quite a time, wasn’t it? So much going on and, arguably, one of the best times for television. From sitcoms to teen dramas, here are the five that defined my life…

Full House (1987-1995): Though it started in the ’80s, the Tanners really found their stride in the early ’90s. They helped the TGIF lineup become a family activity, and I have SO MANY fond memories of sitting in our living room every Friday night with my family. Plus, Stephanie’s “how rude” catchphrase accurately captures how I feel so much of the time!

Seinfeld (1989-1998): Who knew that a show about nothing could be so compelling?? And more than compelling, it was relatable. Whether we admit it or not, there’s a little bit of George Costanza in all of us. And how fun would it be to have Kramer for a neighbor?

Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997-2003): This one was an obvious choice. I’ve binged it three times now and love it more every single time. Here was Buffy, a strong and fierce role model for young girls. That was so refreshing, to see someone who could kick butt and be herself!

ER (1994-2009): I suppose it’s no surprise that I have a weakness for medical dramas; what can I say, they sort of remind me of home movies. We’d eat frozen pizza for lunch and watch this every Saturday afternoon. Apparently, television really had a way of bringing my family together!

Frasier (1993-2004): It’s hard to believe that this started out as a spin-off of Cheers because it didn’t take long for the show to stand proudly on its own merits. I could identify with Niles so much, especially in his journey with Daphne, but it wasn’t until after my father died that Frasier truly became our “comfort show.” And, thankfully, it still is.


Are there lots of ’90s TV lovers out there?? What shows would you add to this list? And, what sorts of shows are you binge-watching these days?? xoxo