"Anyway, We're Married Now"

 

“Yeah, Emma mentioned it. You’re here stag?”

“Yeah.” Del smiled slowly. “You never know, do you? Check out the blonde in the blue dress. Those are some nice pins she’s got.”

“Yeah. I always thought Laurel had great legs.”

Del choked on his beer. “That’s not … Oh,” he managed when she turned, laughed, and he got a better look. “Not used to seeing her in a dress, I guess.”

Bed of Roses

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Rachel Samanyi from Seattle.WA, USA, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

People Are Sharing The Exact Moment Their Friend Accidentally Turned Them On, And What Happened Next

BuzzFeed via YAHOO!

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Earlier Jack and I were standing around, and I was scoping the crowd, the way you do.”

“The way you do.”

“Okay. I spot this blue dress with a great pair of legs and …” He made a vague gesture that gave her a clear picture of the and. “I thought, nice, very nice indeed, and made some mention of same to Jack. He pointed out that the legs and the rest I happened to be scoping were yours. It gave me a hell of a jolt, I admit.” He gauged her reaction, judged surprise led the way. “In the interest of full disclosure, I also admit it wasn’t the first time. So whether or not it was the right thing to say, it was accurate.”

Savor the Moment

🎇 Happy Fourth of July

Every year, the Quinns held a huge come-one, come-all picnic. Family, friends, neighbors gathered at the house, as they had since Ray and Stella's day, to eat, drink, gossip, swim in the cool water of the inlet and watch the fireworks.

Chesapeake Blue

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Tim Corradino [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)]

8 last-minute entertaining and food ideas for the Fourth of July

Last minute entertaining means all hands on deck. Lifestyle expert Maureen Petrosky shares her DIY décor, games and food for the Fourth of July get everyone in the family in on the fun. She shows us how to put a patriotic spin on Twister, make American flag pizzas, set up a sparkling bubble station and more.

TODAY

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“Those some aren’t our tribe. And thinking of tribes, why don’t we gather ours for the

Fourth?”

“Fourth of what—oh. July. God, it’s nearly here.”

“We could play some ball, eat some hot dogs, watch the fireworks in the park.”

Savor the Moment

The Changing Roles of Men on Thanksgiving

She handed him a plate to dry. "Did your father do dishes?"

"Only on Thanksgiving." Rafe polished off the plate, set it aside.

"Buck MacKade was a man's man."

The Return of Rafe MacKade 

________________

By A1C Kyle Gese - h

ttp://www.defenseimagery.mil/imageRetrieve.action?guid=5d01193ee49c132dc03465377c8f0934d389153b&t=2, 

Public Domain, 

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=30114537

My father was a couch potato. My husband makes the whipped potatoes.

In her exploration of gender roles at Thanksgiving, author Linda Lowen asked:

“Could a holiday so clearly rooted in patriarchal traditions ever evolve into a more gender equitable celebration?”

The Good Men Project


________________



“The pie looks great. Did you make it, Ma K?”“I did. If Maureen’s in the kitchen, I’ll take it back to her.”“We’ve got the women in the kitchen where they belong.” He winked. “The men are in the media room watching the game as per Brown family tradition. Let me take you back, get you a drink.”


Happy Ever After

What area of your house were you afraid of as a kid?

“Where . . . Oh God, Del, not one of the basements.”

“How many attics and basements are in this place?” Mal whispered to Emma.

“Three attics, two—no, three basements if you count the scary boiler room where the demons who eat the flesh of young girls live.”

“Cool.”

“Sure, if you’re a young boy like Del was.” Emma narrowed her dark eyes as she glared across the table. “But if you’re a young girl playing Treasure Hunt, you could be scarred for life by a certain mean boy with a flashlight with a red bulb, a shambling walk, and a low, maniacal laugh.”

She picked up her wine, shuddered a little. “I still can’t go down there.”

Happy Ever After

______________

By Paolo Neo - http://www.public-domain-image.com/public-domain-images-pictures-free-stock-photos/photography-studio-public-domain-images-pictures/macro-photography-public-domain-images-pictures/cactus-flower-in-dark-room.jpg, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=24916063

With Halloween approaching, we'd love to hear your stories about the creepiest part of your house growing up. 

HOUZZ

Quoting Nora

conqueror

Mal glanced at Jack. "No, the other one did. Ms. Brown."

He took a hit of his beer.

"The one who says 'excuse me' and means 'fuck you'."

"That would be Parker," Del confirmed.

Bed of Roses

_______________

I'd rather stand tall

Than live on my knees,

'Cause I am a conqueror,

And I won't accept defeat!

_______________

But it wasn't fear, that familiar burn in her throat: it wasn't panic, with its sharp, fluttering wings in her belly. It was rage she felt, the hot, bubbling gush of it pumping through her blood.
She wouldn't lie helpless this time, not this time, while someone she loved was taken from her. Not this time, not ever again.
She heard Rick shouting her name, and forced back the tears that wanted to blur her eyes. Brody hadn't stopped him.
So she stopped, closed her eyes and ordered herself to think. She couldn't go running back to the cabin.
He'd hear her, see her. And he would end it. He might very well end up killing Lo and Linda-gail as well.
Circle around, she decided. She could do that. He'd think she was still running, or just hiding. He
wouldn't expect her to come back to fight.


Angels Fall

How to Get Your Groom Excited About Wedding Planning

“But speaking of Emma and me, you'll do the best man thing, right?”

“Sure. Wouldn't have it any other way.”

“Good. That's about the only thing I have to do. Mostly, I just have to smile and say that's great when she tells me what they've come up with for the wedding. Parker told me my deal's the honeymoon, then gave me the contact for a travel agent she says is the best—and an entire packet on Bora Bora because she says it's somewhere Emma's always wanted to go, plus it's exotic and romantic. So I guess that's where we're going.”

Intrigued, Del studied Jack over his sparkling water. “Do you want to go to Bora Bora?”

“You know, I do. As soon as I looked at the packet, I thought, hey, this is it. Your sister's a little scary, Del.”

“She can be.”

“Carter got a packet on Tuscany, which included those "Learn Italian" discs for both of them.”

He had to laugh. “I guess that's taken care of.”

Savor the Moment

_________________

By Mreasystart - http://www.bestmantoastsspeeches.com, CC BY-SA 3.0, 

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=13883950

I have yet to walk down the aisle myself but when that time comes I want my Groom to be as excited about the wedding planning process as I am. Admittedly,  I hope he has a “Yes, dear” attitude towards certain details (peonies are a non-negotiable), but I plan on getting him involved and on board using these 14 brilliant tricks from SMP’s just-married editors.

SMP

_________________

“Yes, you do, but I'm—” 

“Trust me. It's going to be perfect and beautiful and the happiest day of your life.” 

“I'm being a pain in the ass.” 

“No, honey, you're being a bride. Now go take a nice, warm bath. You've got an hour.” 

“Carter isn't nervous.” Mac narrowed her eyes in a scowl. “I could hate him for that.” 

“Mackensie.” Parker turned from the computer. “I was in the kitchen this morning when Mrs. G made him sit down and eat some breakfast. He put maple syrup in his coffee.” 

“He did?” She threw up her arms in a cheer.“He is nervous. I feel better. I want him to be nervous, too, and I want his ears to blush the way they do, and I want . . . Since I'm the bride it can be all about what I want, right?” 

“Absolutely.” 

Happy Ever After

Cinco de Mayo

He sipped his beer and watched some of the guests dance to the trio of guitars and marimbas.

Beside him, Del took a pull on his own beer. "Hell of a party."

"They pull out all the stops."

Bed of Roses

_________________

Exotic, Elegant Dinner Party

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style with a table scheme that goes south of the border

TRADITIONAL HOME

_________________

"Negra Modelo, right?" Phillip offered one.

"Yeah, thanks. Great party, as always."

"My favorite of the year."

Bed of Roses

Are you "fighting"? Good!

“I took a bad reaction out on you, something that's getting to be a habit. I don't like the habit.”

 “All right.” 

“I thought I'd moved on from having that kind of a reaction to Artie. Apparently not.” 
He dipped his hands into his pockets. 
“I don't like going back there, so I don't. There's no point. I understand you were trying to help.” 

“But you don't want any help.” 

“I don't want to need any. I think that's a little different.That's no excuse for lashing out at you.” 

“I'm not asking for excuses, Malcolm. I don't need excuses when I know the reason.” 

“I guess I'm still working on the reason. So . . . I'm going to take off. Give us both a little time to smooth out.” 

“While you're smoothing, ask yourself this. Ask yourself if you actually believe I think less of a boy, one grieving for his father, for striking back, for looking for an escape from an abusive bully who held every control. Or if I think less of the man he made himself into because of it.When you're sure of the answer, let me know.” 

She opened the door.

“Good night, Malcolm.” 

“Parker? Whatever the answer, I still want you.” 

“You know where to find me,” she said, and closed the door behind her.



Happy Ever After

_________________

By Daniel Sone (Photographer) [Public domain or Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Here's why being annoyed with your partner could be a sign that your relationship is going great

In a world of those highlight reels we call social media, it can be more difficult than ever to accept when we’re not feeling the most amicable toward our romantic partners. 

Little frustrations here and there often turn into big ones if we aren’t careful. 

Sometimes it even makes us wonder if we’re just wasting our time with this person who annoys us, considering everyone else on Facebook and Instagram just looks so darn happy all the time.

But there’s actually good news for those of us who find ourselves getting annoyed with our partners,according to a TIME article written by relationship coach Kira Asatryan.

“There’s no doubt that the ability to manage conflict—even low-level conflict—is an essential relationship skill” 

HELLO GIGGLES

_________________

“We didn't fight. And if I got my feelings hurt, it's because—and you'll have to deal with this—I'm in love with him.” 

“Oh.” He sat back, hands on his thighs. “I'm going to need a minute.” 

“Take your time. I'm taking mine. Because we're all going to have to deal with it, Del. You, me. And Malcolm.” 

She nudged his knees aside, got up. 

“Let's go eat before Mrs. G sends out a search party.” 

“I want you happy, Parker.”

“Del.” She took his hand. “I want me happy, too.”


Happy Ever After

When you don't have Jack Cooke

“East, west,” Parker interrupted, “it‟s still a basement. There‟s next to no natural lighting, the ceilings are barely seven feet, concrete floors, parged walls, pipes everywhere.” 

“All the better for a Man Cave. Besides, why do you think I keep him around?” he gestured at Jack. 

“He‟s more than a pretty face.” 

“Take a cavernous basement and remodel it into a MEA? That‟s Manly Entertainment Area, to you civilians,” Jack explained as interest lit in his smoky eyes. “I can do that.”

Happy Ever After

_______________

Houzz Quiz: What Should You Do With a Basement?

Contemporary Basement by Toronto Photographers Andrew Snow Photography

Take our quiz to find out if you should turn your subterranean space into a London pub, a Lego lounge or something else.

HOUZZ

_______________

By the time Malcolm came back up—and damn if Jack hadn‟t made him see a space as slick, maybe even slicker, than the testosterone paradise in Del‟s current house—Mrs. Grady, Emma, Laurel, and Parker had made a serious dent in the clearing up.

Happy Ever After

Bridezillas

"Friend of Bride or Groom?"
"Groom. The bride's a monster."
"God, she really is." Emma leaned back and laughed. "She brought me a picture of her best friend's bouquet. Not because she wanted me to duplicate it, which she certainly did not. Hers is a completely different style, but she'd counted the roses, and told me she wanted at least one more in hers—and warned me she'd be counting them."
"She will, too. And I can pretty much guarantee no matter how good a job you do, she'll find fault."

Bed of Roses

_____________

Bridezilla's Crazy Email to Bridesmaids Goes Viral. 

We Respond to Her Demands (and Cc: Internet)

 

 

 

It's being called the most insane email a bride has ever sent to her bridesmaids. But if you've been in enough wedding parties, you probably won't be too shocked by the epic bridezilla missive going viral this week.

The email, sent anonymously to Gawker, starts off by addressing the 10 "lovely" bridesmaids tasked with being unpaid interns for the worlds worst bridal boss. It goes on to anticipate their failures as friends and humans.

 

 

SHINE

 

_____________________

  Del leaned on the counter. "I hear you kicked some ass with the Folk wedding last weekend."
"Do you know them?" Emma asked.
"Her parents are clients. I haven't had the pleasure—though from what Jack says that may be
overstating—of meeting the new Mrs. Harrigan."
"You will when they file for divorce," Laurel said.
"Always the optimist."
"She's a nightmare. She sent Parker a critique list this morning. E-mailed from Paris. From her
honeymoon."
"You're kidding!" Stunned, Emma gaped at Laurel. "It was perfect. Everything was perfect."
"The champagne could've been colder, the wait service faster, the sky bluer, and the grass greener."
"Well, she's just a bitch. After I gave her ten more roses. Not one, but ten." Emma shook
her head. "It doesn't matter. Everyone who was there, and who was an actual human, knows it was
perfect. She can't spoil it."
"That's my girl." Del toasted her

 

Bed of Roses

running for beginners

“I don‟t understand walking on an electric belt when there are sidewalks right outside.” Gripping the bar with one hand—just in case—Carter gestured vaguely. “And they don‟t move under your feet.”
“Kick it up, Carter. Snails are passing you. How‟s my Macadamia?”
“She‟s good.” Brow furrowed, Carter increased the speed slightly. “Staff meeting this morning, and a studio shoot. It‟s probably good I‟m out of the way for a couple hours.”
“You‟ll have your professor room before long,” Jack told him. “Then we‟ll move on to Emma‟s new space, and Laurel‟s.”
“Speaking of Laurel, we‟re dating.” He heard the oof from the left and glanced over. “You okay, Carter?”
“Just missed my footing."

Savor the Moment

_______________________

 

Five tips to get you on track

If you're new to running and are eager to get started, fitness blog Fitsugar shared this week five quick and easy goals to get you started on short runs, slowly building up to longer ones.

 NYDAILYNEWS

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“I‟m kind of busy trying to stay on my feet.” To ensure he did, Carter gripped the bar one-handed again. 

“Okay. Three miles?”
“You‟re on. Kick it up, Carter,” Del told him.
Carter said, “Oh God.”

Savor the Moment