SUMMER SUMMER SUMMER TIME!

Tomorrow marks the official start of summer and I couldn't be happier! Despite the intense heat and humidity, summer is one of my favorite seasons if only because of the friendly gatherings, ice cream after a long hot day, the beach and that much anticipated summer vacay! We'll be heading to Spain in early August and I'm so excited! What are you looking forward to this summer? 

LINK LOVE

image via FOR LUSCIOUS CURLBOMBS

It's Friday and I am so thankful for that! Especially since I sent an email out on Wednesday that said something like "Aren't you glad it's Friday?!" It's been that kind of week! Thank you so much for completing my survey! The feedback I've received thus far has given me so many ideas! If you haven't taken the survey, you can do so here. It will take you a little under 2 minutes to complete, that's how short it is!

What do I have planned for the weekend? A whole lot of nothing! I may go out to lunch with my mom on Saturday and Sunday is Father's Day so I'll visit with my dad, but other than that, RELAXATION...and working through all these notes I jotted down! 

// I found a lot of new blogs this week! Anne Marie Loves, Studio Meroe, Catalina Creative, Kimberly Genevieve, and Gary Pepper. 

// I love chambray! The Evergirl gives you 12 ways to style it. 

// Still in search of a Father's Day gift? Femme & Fortune shares some creative gift ideas for dad.

// I loved reading this interview over on The Nectar Collective. 

// I've had more than one dream as I've gotten older so this article definitely resonated with me. Dream on and dream BIG!

// I have natural hair and this week I rediscovered Urban Bush Babes! I'll be binge reading this weekend!

What are your plans for the weekend? Nothing but awesomeness I hope. Happy reading and Happy Friday! 

OF MERCER

I was just talking to Aaron about how I feel frumpy + I need to go shopping. While we were planning for our wedding, I didn’t go shopping unless there was somewhere I needed to go. At that point I’d rush out to buy something for the occasion and that would be that. Everything has been in rotation since we got engaged with the few emergency pieces added in here + there. It’s not that my wardrobe is TERRIBLE…it’s just that I’m bored. And my style is evolving so a lot of the items are no longer me.

The first thing I want to address is my work wardrobe. Have you heard about Of Mercer? If you haven’t heard of them, they provide quality professional workwear at a modest price. The Stanton dress caught my eye. Probably because I have a habit of purchasing items that I can wear both at work and outside of work. I like the workwear from Of Mercer because you can wear very subtle pieces with it and statement pieces as well. 

The Stanton dress is $175. I usually don’t spend this much on one item, but I’ve also found that quality fabric at a higher price point will last me a lot longer + result in less money being spent on my part, so I may need to change my ways. I would style the Stanton dress like this:

1. Shay // 2.  Crystal Knot Stud // 3.  Miri // 4. Leather Plated Wrap Bracelet

What do you think about Of Mercer? What would be your first purchase? 

// THE WEEKEND //

image via hola para siempre

Oh THANK YOU! Even with a shorter work week, I thought today would never get here! The cons of being in the cubicle all day while your head is in the clouds I guess! This week was filled with awesomeness on the creative front. I was inspired by so many things and I've started to work on doing more of what I love. I'm finding my way remember? 

Let's get all up into that awesomeness shall we!

// By Regina + Vale Design offer up some great tips for launching your freelance biz.

// Looking for tips on finding your signature style? Betty Red can show you how!

// Just do you. Follow your own unique path.

// Ah, I love it when in-person programs are offered online so everyone can partake in the awesomeness! Blogcademy now has a home school program!

// Chasing Happy is now Hello Neverland! Kenzie is just awesome - I'm loving watching her blog grow! And guess what? She's now offering blog + brand audits!

// With so much to do + so little time, it's important to remember to work smarter, not harder.

// Why investing in your business means investing in yourself.

It's very evident where my mind was this week huh?

Have you signed up for the newsletter? It's filled with encouragement + inspiration. I'm also sharing some of my projects there! 

sign up here >>>>>>>>>

LOVELY PINS

I thought it would be fun to share some awesome pinners that I'm currently following. I also thought it would be fun to share the DIY board from each of them! This way, you can tackle some of these this summer maybe? If you aren't following me on Pinterest yet, you can follow me here. I also have my own craft/diy board where I've pinned awesome crafts + diy projects that I'd like to try. 

Deluxemodern Design | Miss Modern Shop

via Deluxemodern Pinterest Board "She's Crafty"

Jonathan Lo / happymundane

via Happy Mundane Pinterest Board "DIY"

Rachel Smith | The Crafted Life

images via The Crafted Life "Craft-DIY" Pinterest Board

Henry Happened

images via "Henry Happened DIY" Pinterest Board

Aren't these pins awesome? Have you tried any of these projects yet? If you have, which ones have you tried? And if you haven't what would you like to try? I have supplies to make the jewelry dish + the bar earrings. If you do try something here, send me an email - I'd love to see how it turns out!

LUXE LINK LOVE

Cheers to the weekend!! I'm so glad it's Saturday, aren't you? Today will be my "rest" day because tomorrow we're celebrating my dad's 50th birthday, so I'll have some work to do early in the day. I can't believe it - and he still looks exactly the way he looked when I was a little girl. Both of my parents have good genes...gives me something to look forward to!

I couldn't let the weekend come + go without sharing some of the awesomeness I discovered during the week!  

// have you ever heard of The Freelance To Freedom Project? I just discovered this the other day, don't ask me how I found it, but I'm hooked! 

// are you an introvert + you dream of owning or already own your own business? Then visit The Marketing Movement to learn the "art of thriving quietly". 

// if you enjoyed Emily's guest post and were intrigued by the travel journal, then you'll love reading this oldie but goodie about creating a travel scrapbook. 

// I often struggle with being an introvert as I'm sure plenty introverts do. This is an interesting article about being an introvert in an extroverted industry. 

// this post makes me want to head back to Austin this summer - so much to explore there! 

// now that grad school is almost over, it's time to get back to this sewing business. I've been wanting to try my hand at sewing my own skirt. Do you sew - got any tips? 

// since the wedding has come + gone, I'm so excited to start dreaming (with more detail!) about our next home. This living room is so cute + gives me all sorts of inspiration!

---

And to start your weekend off right, a giveaway!! I'm sponsoring The Nectar Collective and we are giving away $230 in prizes to Etsy and Amazon. Enter the giveaway below and best of luck!

Esther & Jacob | 27th + luxe | The Wellness Doer | Safaris and Sunsets

Food, Booze, & Baggage | Quaintrelle | A Home Away From Home 

| Found Love, Now What? | 

Foreign Geek | Beauty In Your Eyes | Dreams, etc. | The Nectar Collective

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

THE WEEKEND

It's been a long week. A really long one. I just woke up to head to the nail shop and all I want to do is crawl back into bed because I probably won't sleep again until Monday. I know Sunday is the big day, but it still hasn't hit me that I'll be walking down the aisle and getting married. That's a major change!! And maybe I won't ever get nervous because I've been with this dude for 8 years. That's a long time and I'm ready for what's to come. So cheers! Especially to THIS weekend!

// so feeling this right now. It sure is never too late!!

// check out this pretty wedding featured on SMP yesterday.

// have some time to be creative this weekend? Try these DIYs, I'll be trying a few when I get back from the honeymoon!

// i had no idea this happened in my own backyard. I discovered it when i had fomo about Coachella. Hopefully I can make it there - word on the street is that Outkast will be there!

// loving these pictures. My dream home would be near a beach...Galveston does not count. 

// another DIY to try! I have been looking for a tray too and this one is perfect!

// apparently Pineapple decor is a thing...not sure how I feel about it. BUT I do know these prints are super cute!

// and i'll leave you with one last wedding - from Texas!


Have an awesome and hopefully relaxing weekend. I start running around like a chicken with my head cut off today...pray for me!

LINK LOVE

image via SF Girl By Bay // flower by Tiffanie Turner

I hope you are having a great weekend! I'm a day behind, but I wanted to share some links with you from this past week. 

// How are you feeling about the new Twitter profile? I think I like it!

// Have you heard about My Nourish Box? If you haven't visit the shop, this would make an awesome mother's day gift!

// I found this site a while ago but couldn't remember what it was or find the link. Great stuff for dog lovers!

// Do you ever get over-inspired? Amber at And Yes To Joy wrote a great post on how to combat too much inspiration as a blogger.

// I always struggle with networking - particularly because I feel like small talk at functions isn't necessarily genuine. This post talks about meaningful networking.

// Have you heard of Used Magazine? It's a bi-annual publication that focuses on the relationship between fashion and art. 

This week has been pretty interesting. We had our final meeting with the wedding planner, turned in the seating chart, did a walk through at the venue. And while I'm super excited that the wedding is next weekend, I've had a recent death in the family so my spirit is a little broken. It was sudden and I was anticipating seeing this person at the wedding so I'm devastated. It's just a major reminder that today is a gift and tomorrow is not promised. These situations really put things into perspective and makes me evaluate what's truly important to me - what things are worth dealing with and what things need to be removed from my life. Do you ever do that - reflect after something tragic, or do you just suck it up and keep it moving? 

I'm learning just how important it is to live life to the fullest, to cherish your loved ones, always treat people with kindness and respect. I'm amazed and so thankful for the outpouring of love and support by all the people who knew my cousin and love him dearly. They've been such a blessing to my aunt and his siblings. 

They've put together a memorial fund in his honor, the Kevin Swanston Memorial Fund, to help his family raise money for his funeral services. It would mean so much to us to receive your donation if you feel inclined to do so. 

Have a great weekend and remember to love + cherish those you hold near and dear to your heart. 

HAPPY GOOD FRIDAY + SOME LINKS FOR THE WEEKEND

image via Pretty Flowers // text via 27th + Luxe

Cheers to the weekend + happy Good Friday! It took FOREVER for today to get here,  I thought it would never come, especially after a less than pleasing staff meeting that took place mid-week. I hope you've got some fun planned for the weekend! Me? I'll be headed out of town for more wedding related fun! Here are a few links to carry you through to Monday.

// Cristina Martinez opened up a new print shop, these prints are awesome!

// I've seen a lot of posts covering Facebook pages this week like this one, this one, and this one. I have to agree. While I don't have a lot of Facebook fans yet, I can't understand how only 2-3 people see each post. And, I'm not paying for boosts. 

// Studio 404 had a great post about website mistakes.

// I've been seeing this site for a while, but I've recently started paying attention. Now I'm trying to soak up everything I've been missing!

// So I didn't know there were books on deciding where to live. I'm the type of person that would read a few of these too! 

// Have you heard of oil pulling? I've been doing it for about a week now + I must admit my mouth does feel a lot cleaner!

// This jewelry is pretty awesome + not ridiculously expensive. 

// These and these are so cute! You know the white + gold sealed the deal for me!

Have an amazing Good Friday, an awesome Saturday + a BLESSED Resurrection Sunday!

// THE WEEKEND //

Photo by Mary Costa Photography, DIY Projects and Styling by Studio DIY for Balloon Time 

So thankful for Friday! This has felt like the longest week and it's likely that the next three weeks will feel that way as well as I count down to the wedding + our honeymoon!

I wanted to leave you with some links for the weekend. If you're planning on at least a few hours to yourself like me, you'll love these!

// Vacation time is upon us. The Well had a great post about how to prepare your blog for your vacation. 

// Found this post about Facebook business pages...interesting. 

// I discovered Sissy + Marley via Made By Girl. This is so my style and what I picture for my future kiddos. 

// Have you heard of Brand Market? They recently held the workshop in ATL. See the recap here and here. I'm really hoping to attend someday. 

// I shared some basic but essential blog design tips this week. Check it out, there's also a free + quite handy worksheet!

// How cute are these easter eggs? She's ALWAYS got awesome stuff on her blog. I'v got so many of her projects on my "to try" list. 

// Need to track your site stats? Here's a great post on how to do it without becoming obsessed. 

// Need some tips on creating a routine? This post offers some great ones.

// If you're a business owner, you'll appreciate this post on cultivating great client relationships. 

Have an awesome weekend, do something for you + remember to love yourself! 

SALE!!!

LINK LOVE

image via Creature Comforts // text via 27th + LUXE

// What? How easy is this?! I have the supplies too, so doing this...when my life settles down lol. 

// I really like this blazer!

// I am really loving prints + patterns this spring.

// Interesting perspective on getting a master's degree. I'm actually contemplating these very things and I'm almost finished.  

// Great tips on how to bless your significant other.

// I just discovered she reads truth. awesomeness.

// There's been a lot of talk lately about mentorship vs sponsorship. I've had an awesome mentor before who was also a major advocate for me-so I guess that made him a sponsor as well. Read this on mentorship. 

// These planter projects seem simple enough! I don't have a green thumb, but I've been wanting to try to get one.


What links were you loving this week?

LINK LOVE

image via Jose Gieskes // text via 27th + Luxe

Spring is officially upon us! I whipped out my yellow shirt yesterday! Even though it’s technically been pretty spring like in Houston for a bit now, I never feel comfortable pulling out my pastels + brights until it’s officially Spring. Is that weird? Now, here’s what I loved on the Internet this week!

// This apartment feature on The Everygirl is lovely!

// How cool is this business card scrapbook? 

// Need some consistency and cohesiveness on your blog? I wrote about content + editorial planning this week. And, The Nectar Collective wrote about how to make money blogging. 

// I got an email and immediately fell in love with these, these, and these. 

// Nicole over at A Dash of Gold rocked this look!

// In the Name of Glamour has some awesome pillows in their shop, this one is my favorite!

// Painting fabric for wall art?!?! Yes please! 

// These would look awesome on my patio. 

Have an awesome weekend! 

HAPPY FRIDAY + SOME LINK LOVE

Photo by Studio DIY

Praise the Lord it's Friday ya'll!! This has been a loooooooong week! And next week will be even longer...sigh. But before we worry about that, let's take a look at those fantastic balloons! Aren't they cool?! I'm thinking of trying this...sometime in the very near future! 

// Swimwear anyone? I found this and this - how cute are they??!

// These flats are super cute! I'm notorious for getting multiples in the same color!

// Thank the Lord I've never lost my engagement ring but I have come pretty close! 

// Be sure to check out the Chic Grace store! Tons of cute jewelry!

// This clutch is fabulous! I may attempt a DIY.

// I've never been to jury duty *knocks on wood and says a prayer*, but apparently there is dress code for that too...interesting.

// Umm...have you tried natural deodorant? I'm a little concerned about this because I like to use Degree Clinical. I find that it really works and adjusts to my body temperature so I don't smell like a wildebeest  after I work out. Anyone? Thoughts?

// Green Ombre Pancakes just in time for St. Patty's day! 

Be sure to have some fun but also relax and rejuvenate! Have a blessed weekend! 

LINK LOVE + A GIVEAWAY

Bunny Wreath via // Text via 27th + Luxe

It's Friday...FINALLY!! This has been a long week and I am exhausted. Do you hang a Spring wreath on you door? I'm definitely thinking about it this year and this bunny one is super cute!

// Apartment 34 posted a DIY for a gold speckled rug. How awesome is this??!!

// A Beautiful Mess reopened their shop and I've already picked out some classes I'm interested in taking! 

// I found this magazine and I'm pretty hooked.

// Made By Girl showed us some hot nail polishes for Spring. On the list is Bordeaux Lust. I'm definitely feeling it as it's one of our wedding colors! 

// I found this blog after her "nook" was highlighted on The Everygirl. Kind of makes me want to live in a garage! 

// Also on The Everygirl, 7 Questions to Ask When Cleaning Out Your Closet.  It's definitely that time of year and Spring cleaning gives me a great reason to donate what I don't need, don't wear, have outgrown, etc. AND I need to go shopping anyway, duh!! 

And for the big finale, I am sponsoring the March Crush of the Month giveaway via Oak + Oats. This month Oak + Oats is giving away  a 16 x 20 canvas of choice from Naptime Diaries! 

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN! this giveaway is run via rafflecopter with plenty of chances to enter! in exactly one week the giveaway will close, one winner will be selected at random and announced! all entries will be verified, so please play by the rules! 

Have an awesome weekend and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway