It’s been one year — one year since I started guest blogging on LITTLE HOLIDAY.  I started SINGLE LADIES FRIDAY for 3 reasons:  I was invited by the uber-talented creator of PETITE-FETE and I enjoy writing.  The most compelling reason, however was, unlike many of my single friends, I enjoyed dating.  I delighted in the challenge of meeting new people.   I looked forward to the pomp and circumstance of readying for a date.   The anticipation of sharing the after-date “adventures” with my girlfriends-whether good or bad- excited me.  I appreciated chivalry. And, I took dating for what it was…a chance to break up the monotony of a work/ school week, get out and have some fun.

I continued blogging on SINGLE LADIES FRIDAY because I wanted my single girlfriends to convert – to stop viewing dating as a chore and revel in the jauntiness of it all.  So, one year later my single lady friends’ pool has diminished.  There have been three engagements, one reunion, two shack-ups, and one new meet.  Unfortunately, there was also one divorce and one long-distance relationship break-up.  Overshadowing those devastating events are:  the four remaining close girlfriends and two cousins that have had a deficient dating year…one bad date after another.

One year later, I considered calling it quits on SLF.  I have been married for 3 years now, and I now have more married or otherwise engaged girlfriends than single ones.  “Married Mondays” was an idea – but for my 4 friends and 2 cousins-SLF will go on; not as regularly, but it will go on.

Today, I will not share any new dating advice.  On this Single Ladies Friday, I want to celebrate one year later with a list of my top 5 favorite post.  I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed writing them.  Here goes…

5.  Man Search Marketing Plan-  if you are dating and still don’t have one get one TODAY!

4.  Dinner + A Movie = Boring – okay, I admit, this one was for the guys

3.  Dating Pet Peeves – Ladies, can I get a witness

2.  Dating With Children – this one got my husband to comment (never thought I would see the day

1.  WHY NOT? – this one started it all

Make sure to share your favorites!

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Have you ever wanted to learn how to craft the perfect flower display or arrangement or maybe you already know how but want to learn some new techniques. If yes, well this is definitely for you!  Head on over to Brooklyn to The Little Flower School.   The school is run by two fab women Nicolette and Sarah.  These women have their own respective beautiful flower shops and are looking to spread some of their flower love to all who want to learn the art.   If you hurry, they currently have 5 spots left  for the August 29th class!

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Today is a scorcher here in NYC so I’m going to be brief … see more of Petite-Fete’s tablescape here … poppiesandposiesevents.blogspot.com/2010/06/pop-up-shop.html

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So I have a major confession to make but you can’t hold it against me.  Here goes…please don’t judge…ok, so…I confess…I watch The Hills on MTV and have never missed an episode or a season.  I’m totally wrapped up in these young rich girls’ lives and I can’t seem to get enough of it.  I don’t get it, my husband doesn’t get it, but it is what it is.

One good thing does come out of my Hills addiction.  It gives me plenty of Single Ladies Friday post ideas.  Perfect illustration, this season the storyline has focused on Kristen and Brody’s love affair.  They dated in the past.  She still has a thing for him.  He wants to be “friends with benefits.”  She clearly wants more but accepts the relationship on his terms.  My thinking is that she’s holding on to something that she may never get and he knows it and continues to take full advantage of it.

Truthfully the show is appealing because in my dating days I dealt with the same issues and I know too many ladies who are dealing with the same thing.  There is nothing wrong with being a “bed buddy” ; if both parties involved are in agreement that that is the extent of the relationship.  The issue surfaces when one party wants to engage in the vertical position.   It is really difficult to develop a boyfriend/ girlfriend relationship, when the courtship never happened.  It is especially hard when one person (usually the guy) is saying “let’s be friends, are you coming over tonight?” and the other person is saying: “I’m coming over tonight, can we talk about us?”  Essentially what is being said is- “You are not giving me what I want” — and so on this Single Ladies Friday, I am saying – why are you with him then?  If the person that you are in a relationship with does not want to or cannot give you what you need and want, there is no reason to stick it out.

In any situation, especially in a toxic relationship situation – you will not find what you want until you stop accepting everything that you do not want.

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The June/July issue of  Lonny Magazine has this amazing spread of a cute little studio apartment designed by Elizabeth Bauer.  It has all my favorite elements – pink and navy for one, animal print wallpaper splashed even on the ceiling, all out bohemian pillows, classic french aesthetic and that gorgeous baroque mirror and console.  I scanned these this morning and thought I should put it right here for safe keeping.  I have a feeling I will be stealing some of these ideas …

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