Blog Posts by Ali Swank

Whether you're just graduating from high school or finally earning your college degree, sometimes it's difficult to imagine where life will take you next. After walking the line and celebrating your achievements, there are pressures to find a "grown-up" job, to make new friends (and say goodbyes), and to become truly independent. We asked Shine readers to share the lessons they've learned since graduation and their advice for the graduating class of 2013. Tell us, what advice would you give new grads? -- Ali Swank

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So what does it mean to be a mom? It's certainly the sleepless nights, runny noses, and finding the answer to "I'm bored!" But it also means life-changing experiences, unconditional love, providing a safe haven, and a lifelong friendship. As Mother's Day is upon us, we asked Shine readers what it really means to be a mother.

-- Ali Swank

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Mom taught you to love fearlessly, to value creativity, to smile through the tough times, and to look inside for true beauty. She was your example for independence, strength, patience, and humor. And most importantly, she showed you unconditional love. Whether she taught you how to read, how to fight an illness, or how to build a fire, these lessons from a mother are simply priceless to a daughter. Motherhood is often a thankless job, so we asked Shine readers to share their gratitude for all of the sacrifices Mom made and for all of the lessons she bestowed on you along the way. Here are their heartfelt "thanks" to Mom on Mother's Day.
-- Ali Swank

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'Fess up. April 30th is National Honesty Day. It's time to tell the truth to others, to be honest with yourself, and, well, to spill the beans and finally be straightforward. What have you lied about or kept secretly to yourself? We asked Shine readers to share their honest confessions, whether it was awkward, dark, hilarious, or embarrassing. Tell us, in light of National Honesty Day, what are your confessions?

"I live an alternate life.""I live an alternate life: during the day, I am a self-restrained, authoritarian who works as hard as I can to show professionalism, and on my own time, my husband and I are bikers. We spend several weekends out of the year and a week or two during the summer traveling on our Harley. Our kids love spending time at their grandparents, especially in the summer, so we take trips across the United States on our bikes. We take with us only what will fit on the bike, and we travel through several states at a time." -- Leeann Bailey, "Confessions of a Working Mom"

"My confession I

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Relationship lessons learned from breakupsWe've all been there. It's that painful breakup. It's the sobbing at 2 a.m., after a yelling match over the phone to end it all. Or, it's the breakup that didn't even hurt a little. It's the moving on; it's the sunrise that comes months after the end. It's the realization that you need to focus on yourself, that you pushed away friends, or that your parents were actually right. You didn't want to learn these relationship lessons, but you did. But, most likely, you're better off for it. We asked Shine readers to share their relationship lessons they never really wanted to learn:

Men cry - "I'm modern and liberated and I totally dig sensitive guys, but I was once traumatized by a breakup that dissolved into blubbering, wailing, ugly tears. Outside on the sidewalk. In front of The Cheesecake Factory. Oh, and did I mention my eyes were totally dry? Not cool, my friend, not cool." -- Jennifer Prugh Moffitt, "5 Relationship Lessons I Learned from My Exes"

Parents are usually right - "I

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Between choosing the most glamorous wedding dress and picking colors, luscious flowers, favors, and memorable invitations, wedding planning is downright stressful. Something is bound to fall through the cracks, right? Whether it was DIY disasters, blue-stained mouths from blue icing, or procrastination and scheduling, we asked Shine readers to share their wedding planning mistakes and regrets. Tell us, looking back on your special day, what wedding planning mistakes did you make? -- Ali Swank

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Earth Day is April 22nd, so how are you greening your lifestyle? Instead of buying something new and cookie-cutter, scour flea markets and garage sales for a unique vintage item and upcycle it into something pretty and useful. Mother Earth (and your wallet) will thank you! We asked Shine readers how they transformed ordinary and dusty antique stuff into a creation of their own. Tell us in the comments where you find inspiration for your recycled, decorative projects. -- Ali Swank

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Spring is finally here! Are you ready for the bursting trees, greening grass, blooming tulips, fresh air, and a few rain storms sprinkled amongst the beaming, sunny days? We asked Shine readers to share what's on their bucket list for spring. Here are 16 fun things to add to your own. Tell us, what do you plan on doing this glorious season? -- Ali Swank

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