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Friday, June 4, 2021

My Summer Garden Party with FabFitFun

FabFitFun FabFitFunIf you’ve read this blog long enough, then you know that I’m ridiculously in love with summertime!! I love everything about it and simply can’t get enough — those longer (and warmer!) days, sunshine and blue skies for miles and the kind of green grass that makes you feel as though you’ve just stepped into a painting! And of course, the summer months are all about relaxing and for me, that means sitting on our patio enjoying all that nice weather, which is why I was so excited to kick off the summer last weekend with a garden party!! Thanks to the FabFitFun summer box, I had all the essentials for fun and good times…

FabFitFun is known for its seasonal subscription box full of fashion, beauty, fitness and lifestyle goodies and the brand is all about female empowerment; in fact, many of the products in the box are from female-founded companies.

Each season, FabFitFun also partners with a charity and this season’s charity is one that’s close to my heart. Since 1980, Make-A-Wish has granted more than 500,000 wishes worldwide to children with critical illnesses. I was one of those kids and have such wonderful memories of my trip to Disney World when I was 13, so it’s so great to see FabFitFun working with them!

And to help grant more kids’ wishes, FabFitFun will donate $10 to Make-A-Wish for every box sold from my code — see the end of this post for more details.

This is my third time partnering with FabFitFun (remember my chic spring hat?) and what I really love is that you can customize you box so it’s a true reflection of all the things you love!

“We believe that everyone is worthy of celebrating themselves just as they are” is one of their guiding principles and I fully agree! I mean, what’s better than celebrating you in all your wondrous glory?

FabFitFunSo, what about that garden party I mentioned at the beginning of this post? Well, I customized my summer box with everything I’d need — and by everything, I really mean all the essentials for the best snack tray!! I love my snacks, so lounging on the patio actually eating said snacks sounded like a recipe for the perfect afternoon — pun intended! My favorite summer snacks are definitely chips and salsa, so these festive bowls came in handy; since I’m not a big fan of guacamole, I put some delicious and spicy cheese dip in that bowl. Also, how cute are the tiny wooden spoons?? They definitely help you get the optimal cheese dip to salsa ratio, but really, you can never have too much of either one, right??

FabFitFunI also love how this tumbler kept my lemonade ice cold because it’s not officially summer until you’ve had your first sips of this tart drink!!

And speaking of lemonade, this lemon-inspired tray brought everything together — and so we didn’t have to make multiple trips back and forth to the kitchen! We were able to take our tasty treats outside all at once!!

We also used this bright pink cloth bag to take a few games outside to play after we ate!

Editor’s note: I say “we” because my mom was also in attendance, but she didn’t want to be in any of the photos! But rest assured that she did enjoy the snacks!

Wow! What a fun and relaxing afternoon!! If you’re looking to throw your own garden party this summer, I’ve got you covered! Head over to FabFitFun and use code MELISSABLAKE for $10 off your first box — available in the U.S., Canada, and U.K.

What’s your favorite summer snack, friends?? I’d love to hear!! xoxo

(This post is sponsored by FabFitFun, though all opinions are mine. Thanks so much for continuing to support So About What I Said’s wonderful sponsors!)

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4 Comments Filed Under: food, sponsor spotlight, summer pleasures

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Family Photos: Vacation, All I Ever Wanted…

vacationHELLO, HEY, HOWDY!!! Well, it’s been almost two weeks, but I’m so glad to be back!!! Ooooh, how I’ve missed you, friends!!! We have A LOT to catch up on!! First, though, I thought it would be fitting to share some Family Photos from my time off, which turned out to be the BEST vacation ever!

Do you recognize the title of this post? Go ahead, take a moment to hum the tune to yourself. Well?? You’re humming the song right now, aren’t you?? It’s everyone’s favorite ’80s girl group The Go-Go’s with “Vacation,” their boppy, toe-tapping hit that gave voice to our deep yearnings to just take a break and get away from all the everyday stress. It’s a song that described my own vacation quite perfectly. I may not have left the city limits, but I had the most wonderful, relaxing staycation; as you all know, I’m a huge fan of staying close to home!

Anyway, here are some snapshots of how those lazy, hazy days of summer unfolded for me…

vacation vacation vacationFirst up? Umm, you can probably guess how I spent my first day off! Yes, the day’s agenda included shopping, lunch out and watching a Bob Dylan documentary!!

vacationHow was your Fourth of July?? Ours was VERY hot, which we promptly realized after I coined a new word. I give you the “hotfie” — that photo you take after a walk in the heat when you’re practically sweating!! Trademark forthcoming…

vacationHaha, apparently some things never change, even when you’re NOT working! I must get my bagel fix, even on vacation!! Yes, I’m obsessed, I know!! It’s probably only a matter of time now before I write an entire blog post all about my love of those delicious bagels…

vacationOf course, we played lots of rousing games of Yahtzee! Truth be told, I was doing really well and my scores were high…and then this week, I’ve fallen into a slump and my mom has been winning almost every single game!! Is there any justice in the cutthroat world of Yahtzee, I ask you??

At the end of last week, we took a nice walk around the local park and soaked up lots of Vitamin D. I love summer in the Midwest so much!! Actually, we desperately needed some sunshine after being cooped up at the DMV for two days!!! Yes, there’s a huge story there, so watch for it on the blog tomorrow!!

I was also a bit of a rebel!! Instead of working while I was at the library, what did I do?? Read old issues of Glamour!!! Hello, early ’90s…I can count this as research, right??

By the end of my vacation, I had settled into a nice routine. A nice, LAZY routine, indeed! I felt all chill just like sweet Whitney when she snoozes for hours on my mom’s bed, not a care in the world. It felt nice to rest and relax and, honestly, I can’t believe we’re up to the middle of July already!! Why is the summer always half over just when you start getting into the groove of things?

Yes, that is a question for the ages! Let me know if you have the answer! And let me know how YOUR summer is going? Are you slowing down or speeding up with activity? What fun things have you done so far? Any exciting vacations? xoxo

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1 Comment Filed Under: family, family photos, summer pleasures

Monday, June 17, 2019

Motivational Quotes Monday: The Summer Solstice In All Its Glory

Happy Monday, my wonderful friends!! How are YOU and how are you enjoying the summer months so far? Well, it’s technically not the first day of summer until this Friday’s Summer Solstice!! And I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait!! I mean, it’s the longest day of the year and who doesn’t love some summer sunshine?? I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned this millions and millions and millions of times, but summer is my absolute favorite season!! When compared to the marvelousness of this time of year, winter, spring and fall just don’t cut it, you know? So with that in mind, here are five quotes to celebrate the beauty and glory of the grand and magnificent Summer Solstice…

Summer Solstice Summer Solstice Summer Solstice Summer Solstice

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Leave a Comment Filed Under: Entertainment and Media, Quotes, summer pleasures

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Family Photos: Our First Summer Walk…and Lunch Outside

Summer WalkBreaking news: We had quite a busy day on Monday! Well, more like a busy afternoon since I technically didn’t get up until 10:45…ooops! In my defense, though, I’ve slept much, much later — just ask my mom! Anyway, I recently suggested that we take our first official summer walk because, ummm, I don’t get out much in the cold winter months and I’ve become paler than a vampire; seriously, if I looked in the mirror, I don’t think I’d even have a reflection! So anyway, take that summer walk we did. And, wow, did it prove to be just the thing we needed too. I’m starting to think the warm sun is a giant ball of pure magic!

Summer WalkI couldn’t resist snapping this photo of my mom right after we started our trek. She’s one of those people who likes to walk ahead and lead the pack. I think it comes from all her years as a teacher spent corralling hoards of unruly students on field trips. This photo is her classic pose. When she saw me taking her photo, she said, “What are you doing?” as if she not photogenic — is she humble or what?

Summer WalkWe’ve walked the above path a lot, but for some reason on Monday, I was struck by how much it reminds me of life. Life can feel like one giant winding path sometimes and it can start to feel like we’re just walking on it forever, but there really is beauty all around it, you know?

Summer WalkWe were going to just walk up to the gas station to get a soda pop, but as we were walking on a merry way, we realized that it was almost noon. Why not stop for a nice lunch, we thought? We have the greatest restaurant right by our house — it’s a tavern/sports bar, and they have the largest order of fries I’ve ever seen! SO YUGE! My mom and I split an order and we still had some leftover. That’s saying A LOT considering I could eat all the fries in sight if I really wanted to…with extra ranch for dipping, of course!

Summer WalkSeriously, though, it was so nice to just sit outside, eat lunch and shoot the breeze with my mom — and feel the summer breeze! I’m usually not one for eating al fresco because of a very, very unfortunate incident on our Arizona vacation involving me, the desert sun and one too many garlic potatoes. But in the Midwest, the conditions just seem to be right! Whew!

Summer WalkWe came home, played a game of Yahtzee and then…that’s when I noticed it! My arm. A growing patch of RED. Ahh, I knew exactly what was brewing under my pasty-pale skin. A sunburn! I knew I should have invested in a sunhat this year!!

Summer WalkOh, well, at least there was some good news that came with said sunburn — I’ve never drank so much water in my entire life! I didn’t suffer from dehydration, that’s for sure, which, if you know my history, can happen at the drop of a hat! But it was all aces, so crisis averted!!

And, finally, we’re nothing if not creatures of habit: We realized that we went out for lunch at this exact same restaurant almost exactly one year ago. Right before we bought my new shower chair! So, yeah for random anniversaries, right?!?!?

What have you been doing to welcome the summer and its glorious weather, friends?? Been eating outside? Going for a summer walk at dusk? I’d love to hear all about it!!! xoxo

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1 Comment Filed Under: family, family photos, summer pleasures

Friday, May 25, 2018

Have a Relaxing Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day WeekendCan you feel the glorious change in the air, friends?!? It’s…wait for it… MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!!! Or, as I like to call it, the Official Kick-Off to Summer!! Because as we all know, there is nothing better than summer!!

I’ve been sick this week with some strange dizzy-flu illness, so I’m taking the day off today and enjoying a four-day weekend!! I’m sure I’ll be sharing my adventures on Twitter and Instagram (read: A Target shopping trip today! Score!), so be sure to follow along if you’d like!

Have I also mentioned the sheer number of blog post ideas I’ve been coming up with lately?? I’ve been saving them as drafts and I’m thinking June is going to be a VERY exciting month on So About What I Said. Look for posts about our new cat, an ode to a favorite restaurant, new CNN op-eds and…myself as an illustration!!

Indeed, fun times are ahead, friends! Thanks for being super patient with me this week, and don’t forget to raise an ice-cold soda for me over the Memorial Day Weekend!!! Hope it’s a relaxing one for you too!!!

P.S. Don’t forget to enter the Spring Print Giveaway if you haven’t already! Such a gorgeous print and quote, don’t you think, friends?

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2 Comments Filed Under: family, Random Fun, summer pleasures

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So About What I Said is a daily blog that covers relationships, disabilities, lifestyle and pop culture. I love to laugh and have been known to overshare. I also have an unabashed obsession with pop music, polo shirts, and PEZ dispensers. Read more...

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