Have a Laid-Back Weekend

Laid-Back WeekendWoohoo!! It’s the weekend, friends!! What are your plans for the weekend? I’ve got a big project to do that has to do with numbers. It’s an annual thing. It’s the DREADED taxes. Ugh, if you’re in the same boat, I’m sending you good vibes!! I hope you all have a laid-back weekend, and here are my favorite finds from the wonderful Web…

Chrissy Teigen slays. Again.

Speaking of siblings, science shows having a sister makes you a better person. Obviously.

A handy chart to help you with your next novel.

Alex Cabot is coming back to Law & Order: SVU.

Look at ALL these sewing patterns!

Yes!! The next Indiana Jones could be a woman.

Kourtney Kardashian is a cougar after my own heart.

Why the Roseanne reboot is problematic.

Which ’80s Movie Should You Watch This Weekend?

This is the trendiest baby name in US history.

Plus, here are some incredibly wise words from women writers…

*”The Real Casanova Wasn’t A Ladies Man, He Was A Rapist”

*”My Five Tips For Journalists and Editors Writing and Talking About Disability”

*”Introducing My White Family To My Black Culture”

*”How Companies Should Deal With the Threat of Gun Violence — and What Employees Can Do”

*”Night Owls Aren’t Lazy — We’re Just Wired Differently”

And as always, feel free to connect with me on Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Bloglovin! See you there, friends! xoxo

[Harry is saying “hello” in that top photo]

 

My Essay on CNN Opinion: “What Walmart Doesn’t Get About #MeToo”

WalmartI’m continually amazed at the wild ride that is freelance writing! Picture it: I was supposed to be on spring break a couple weeks ago. But when I heard that Walmart was pulling Cosmopolitan magazine from checkout lines, I knew I had to write about it. Grateful that CNN Opinion accepted it!! Guess I just can’t quit this writing thing!

Seriously, though, the idea that Cosmo belongs in the back of the store was just alarming to me. And sexist. And misogynistic. And, basically, it sends the message that women shouldn’t be seen or heard and “need to be put in their place,” which is incredibly scary to think of in 2018. So, I suppose, leave it to me to speak out — did you really expect I’d do anything else?

Here’s an excerpt of the piece, in which I take both Walmart AND the National Center on Sexual Exploitation for their insensitive and misguided co-opting of the #MeToo movement…

In other words, Cosmo is much more than the supposedly smutty sex bible this move by Walmart implies. It’s a teaching tool and fully embraces the needs of its readers. And it asks and swiftly answers the question: What does it mean to be a woman in 2018? The 2018 woman is empowered. She’s emboldened to go for what she wants — both in her work and in her relationships — so why can’t that be celebrated instead of demonized?

Meanwhile, magazines geared toward men, such as Esquire and Sports Illustrated, remain in full view, oftentimes, in those very same checkout lines. What are young women supposed to think when they see magazine covers of women in bikinis front and center and see Cosmo secluded to the back of the store? That women’s bodies should be regarded as shameful instead of celebrated?

You can read the full piece here and I’d love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to email me anytime at mellow1422@aol.com and let’s chat! And of course, feel free to share my essay on Facebook, Twitter or even your local refrigerator. If you share on Twitter, be sure to tag me @melissablake so we can connect! I can’t wait to hear from you! Love you all… xoxo

What Do You Love About Your Siblings?

SiblingsAhhh, siblings. Is there any other relationship that is as complex and deep and perfect and loving as the relationship we have with our siblings?

Today is National Siblings Day, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t post about the wonders of my sibling. As I’m sure you all can imagine, I’m a pretty big fan of Janelle. She’s not only my sister, but she’s also my best friend. From the moment she was born, actually, as you can tell from the photo above. We’ve always been close, and I can’t tell you how happy that makes me! I’ve seen sisters who struggle with their relationship and who are estranged, and I’m thankful that we’ve never been in that position.

Honestly, I don’t know what I would do if I couldn’t talk to her every day. Many a time, I’ll send her a random text during the day and ask, “Want to hang out later?” I’m sure she probably rolls her eyes sometimes because, yes, I can be a bit clinging and emotional (obviously!), but she always indulges me.

And because today is all about celebrating MY SISTER and her awesomeness, here are a few more things I love about her…

  • She can read my mind like no one else: Seriously, sometimes all it takes is a look at each other and we can tell what the other one is thinking. Is there such a thing as Sister ESP? Because we totally have that!
  • She makes me laugh: She probably won’t agree with me, but she’s really, really funny!! It helps that we laugh at the same things, like when we watch the hilarious show Baskets together!
  • She’s gentle and kind: If I’m being honest, she’s a lot more gentle than I am. I can be, umm, outspoken, but she has a peaceful calm about her. I’d say we balance each other out pretty well.
  • She’s so supportive: She knows just what to say to make me feel better. She’s the type of person who actually listens to what you’re saying instead of just hears it. She validates your feelings and never judges you. Especially when my mom was in Europe last summer, Janelle was my anchor; I couldn’t have gotten through the week without her.
  • She’s never indulged my disability: That may sound harsh, but it’s been exactly what I’ve needed. She’s never let me play the victim or pretend I can’t do something because of my disability. She’s always treated me like a person, not a disabled person, and I appreciate that she sees the real me.
  • But she DOES indulge me when I talk about Frozen: Because, HELLO, it’s the best sister movie ever!! Janelle and I are just like Elsa and Anna!

So where would I be without Janelle? I’m not quite sure, and part of me doesn’t even want to find out. I just hope I’m as good of a sister to her as she is to me. She’s set quite the high bar! I hope she knows just how wonderful she is — and yes, she’s probably reading this because I sent her the link to this post!!!

SiblingsWhat do you love about your siblings, friends? What special rituals do you have? What has brought you close to them? And, any tips to keep that connection strong? Here’s to siblings and the special role they play in our lives! #SiblingPride… xoxo

Etsy Love: Quirky Salt and Pepper Shakers

Salt and Pepper Shakers Salt and Pepper ShakersConfession: I’ve never been one of those froufrou kitchen decor people; although, if I had it my way, I’d cover our whole house in eye-popping wallpaper. But, anyway, these salt and pepper shakers from Etsy shop TheStorageChest caught my eye and got me thinking.

Aren’t they unique? They’d add just the right about of quirky charm to your kitchen. Plus, they could remind me of a warm summer day — all year long!! I mean, if I can’t be sitting on a tropical island, at least I can have a miniature pineapple on my table, you know?

What do you think, friends? Do you have any quirky finds in your kitchen? xoxo