Melyssa Williams

Melyssa Williams has been writing since she could hold a pen (or a quill, as she was an odd little duck).

Sadly, she was born to two loving parents who fed her broccoli, taught her manners, and raised her with love and affection – this was a striking blow to someone who wanted desperately to adventure like only an orphan can.

Once she got over this terrible malady, Melyssa wrote several novels. These include The Lost Trilogy, a young adult sci-fi/fantasy saga, and Once Upon a Winter, a steampunk retelling of the The Nutcracker.

Melyssa has been on staff for magazines such as Mary Jane’s Farm and Home Educating Family, she has ghostwritten several popular books, and her work has been featured on Crosswalk, Farm Girl Sisterhood, Well Planned Gal, and more.

When she’s not writing fiction, you'll find her blogging, thrift store shopping, or annoying her children (who also wish they were orphans).

She was a professional ballerina back in the day, has taught ballet for over 30 years, and currently pours wine at the most darling tasting room in Southern Oregon.

40 Best Graduation Gifts of All Time

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When it comes time to celebrate a graduation, we are so here for it! After all, it’s the culmination of some of the best and toughest years of our lives. 

So, whether it’s graduating high school, trade school, beauty school, college, or hey… even kindergarten! We believe such an occasion deserves a party and, of course, some fabulous gifts to go with it.

But what to get that grad-to-be? To keep you from doing too much head scratching, we’ve compiled a list of our 40 best graduation gifts of all time. Read on for some great graduation gift ideas to ensure you don’t arrive at the party empty-handed. 

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21 Father’s Day Gift Ideas for Husbands

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Today we’re getting the jump on the best Father’s Day gift ideas for husbands.

Hard to believe, right? That it’s almost that time of year again?

It can be hard to pinpoint the right gift for your husband for Father’s Day. After all, he’s not your dad.

That doesn’t negate the fact that the father of your children deserves an awesome and thoughtful gift from you, though. You love your hubs, and each year you strive to find those unique gifts that you just know he’ll love instead of the same old hair pomade, tie, or gift card.

Not that there’s anything wrong with any of those items if that’s what he really likes!

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10 Practical Mother’s Day Gifts

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Creatively Practical Mother's Day Gifts

Let’s take a look at 10 practical Mother’s Day gifts that mom is sure to love.

Ask most people and they’ll tell you that buying a gift for their mom is hard. The truth is, moms (or mother figures) rarely verbalize their needs or wants.

They are so busy putting everyone else’s needs before their own, that they don’t even stop to think “Hey, I could really use such-n-such.”

But everyone has needs and wants, and Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to show our love for Mom and try and meet those.

In that same vein, what are some practical non-gift gifts that mom might enjoy? Well, Moms spoke, and we listened. Here’s what they said:

  • Breakfast in bed
  • A nice, long nap
  • A handwritten letter of appreciation
  • A day/week without cooking, chauffeuring, cleaning, etc.
  • A trip to the aquarium, botanical garden, zoo, or other outing of sorts
  • Dinner out
  • A picnic

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100 Joyful Gift Ideas That Start With J

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Are you looking for the perfect gift for that special Jason in your life? 

How about Janet? Jeff, Julie, or Jeremiah? What if Jim and Jane get hitched and you need a wedding present? 

Never fear, we are here to help you pick out a flawless gift for your favorite J person. 

There are lots of fun reasons to theme your gifts around a letter other than name associations, too! Or, maybe you’re attending a jolly juice jamboree in July and want to bring a gift for your host?

You really never know.

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100 Incredible Gifts That Start With I

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Are you searching for the perfect gift? Something thoughtful with a sense of personal touch? I know that’s what I’m usually on the hunt for, anyway.

Then why not venture into the world of idyllic gift ideas that start with ‘I’? 

It’s more than just wordplay, we assure you. Instead, it’s an original way to let the person you’re buying for know just how much consideration you have for them!

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Baby Shower Gift Amount Etiquette: How Much to Give or Spend

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As you probably surmised from the title, today we’ll be taking a look at baby shower gift amount etiquette—and what exactly that entails.

Is there anything more precious than a baby shower? 

No. Not if we’re being honest. All of those teeny-tiny onesies, the baby bump, the new mom-to-be, all of your closest friends and favorite people in one place… 

We haven’t even mentioned the yummy food, drinks, and party games yet. 

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Quinceañera Gift Etiquette Every Guest Needs to Know

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¡Vámanos de fiesta! (That means “let’s party!” for all you non-Spanish speakers.)

Get ready to immerse yourself in the fabulous world of Quinceañera gift etiquette and gift-giving, where tradition, celebration, and a dash of glamour come together to mark that monumental 15th birthday – the big day every Latina family member eagerly awaits. 

As we navigate through the intricate dance of customs and manners surrounding this coming-of-age celebration, we’ll also unravel the secrets to making your Quinceañera gifts truly shine. 

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Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah Gift Etiquette: What to Know

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At some point in life, most of us are likely to stumble across a “Bar Mitzvah” or “Bat Mitzvah.” If you were anything like me, the first time you heard of one in context you understood it to be some sort of coming-of-age religious ceremony, but knew little beyond that. 

Well, today we plan to expand your understanding of this important Jewish tradition and give you helpful insight on how to best celebrate the Jewish young people in your life, particularly for Bar Mitzvah gift etiquette and ideas.

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