Man Candy Monday.

Happy October, friends!! It’s the month of falling leaves, pumpkin spice lattes and Halloween — what could possibly be better than that? I’ll be kicking off Fall Favorites Week in a bit, but first: I just have to continue highlighting some of my favorite people from Criminal Minds, which is a show I’m unbelievably IN LOVE with these days. This guy is strong. His smile is intriguing. And he’s got impeccable and suave style…

SHEMAR MOORE!!!!!!!!!!

“Although I have a lot of close female friends in my life, my number one is still my mom. Without her, I wouldn’t have the values that I have and see the world the way that I do today. She taught me how to appreciate and respect women. She taught me chivalry and how to love a woman and respect their feelings and emotions.”

Man Candy Monday.

Happy Monday, friends!! Hope you’re having a good day so far! Now, full disclosure here: I’m not exactly sure where I’ve been for the last decade or so because we just started watching Criminal Minds LAST week — can you believe that? Suffice it to say, I love it, especially one of the actors. He’s intriguing. He’s a bit mysterious and lots of quirky. And he’s all kinds of smart, which is always hot…

MATTHEW GRAY GUBLER!!!!!!!!!!

aa“I never thought I’d be making a living off of acting – it’s still kind of a shock for my family and friends to see my face on TV every Wednesday night.”

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

What 3 Fictional Characters Are You?

Have you seen the challenge that’s floating around social media lately? People have been posting the 3 fictional characters they think most represents them, and it’s been so fun getting to see who everyone chooses. The fictional universe is a pretty vast space, so there’s quite a bit of possibilities; I’ve seen everything from Jasmine from Aladdin to Daria to Joey Potter from Dawson’s Creek.

But what I found even more interesting? The psychological aspect of it all. Seeing their picks is like a window into how they see themselves. It’s almost as if they’re showing you a piece of who they are, you know?

Then again, maybe it’s just meant to be a fun game and I’m reading far too much into it. Yeah, that’s probably exactly what it is.

But for what it’s worth, here’s how I see myself: Betty Suarez (Ugly Betty), Amy Farrah Fowler (The Big Bang Theory) and Ariel (The Little Mermaid).

Who are your 3 fictional characters, friends? Who do you think you’re most like? How do you see yourself?? Post your picks in the comments and if you share it on Twitter, be sure to tag me (@melissablake) so I can check it out!!! xoxo

6 Awesome ’80s TV Shows

There are three ingredients that make the perfect TV show. It’s got to have heart — it moves you, makes you feel something or otherwise leaves you on your couch and surrounded by a puddle of your own tears. There’s got to be some level of shock value — it’s not that the plot has to be overly gory, but there does need to be some sort of twist or unexpected turn that you don’t see coming. And lastly, there’s the binge-worthy factor — the show MUST be highly addicting and binge-watchable. If you’re able to watch multiple episodes in one sitting, then you know you’ve got a stellar show on your hands!!

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the most pivotal and influential shows of my upbringing. First up: Here are five awesome TV shows from the ’80s…

Moonlighting (1985): The ultimate “Will they/Won’t They” of the ’80s about a former model who finds herself working with a hot-headed detective. There’s romance, there’s mystery and Bruce Willis is at peak hotness!

Family Ties (1982): I can’t help but think of the ’80s as the heyday of the family sitcom, and Family Ties was in a league all its own. The tension between liberal parents Steven and Elyse and their son, Young Republicans member Alex, made for some truly memorable moments. Plus, neighbor Skippy was hilariously adorable!

ALF (1986): Save for the WORST series finale in TV history (seriously, don’t watch it…), the furry alien from Melmac found a way into all our hearts. With his crazy antics and funny one-liners, earth will never be the same!

Doogie Howser, M.D. (1989): This one may have come out at the tail-end of the decade, but it still deserves its rightful place on the list. I’m also pretty certain it’s where my love of medical residents come from…and, oh, Doogie’s brain!

Who’s The Boss (1984): Tony Micelli was the hot housekeeper just trying to create a nice life for his daughter. Along the way, he falls in love with his employer, and throughout the series, he manages to remain the guy you’re rooting for!

Mr. Belvedere (1985): Who’s The Boss may have had the hot housekeeper, but Mr. Belvedere was the guy you wanted in your corner. There wasn’t a single problem he couldn’t solve or inspirational speech he couldn’t give — in his trademark British accent, of course! Plus, his relationship with his youngest charge, wisecrack tween Wesley, was the heart and soul of the show!

Do you remember ’80s TV, friends?? What were your favorite shows?? Do you ever watch them these days? xoxo

[Top photo via We Heart It]