color crush :: forest

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Although forest green may be considered more of a Fall color, I think i'll be rocking it this Summer. I think a nice forest color goes perfectly with softer, sunnier colors - it's the perfect compliment. If you're smitten with forest and are wanting to see more, you can check out my pinterest board here. enjoy!

xo. melisa

ps:: the first day of Renegade went great! Can't wait to share photos! Had so much fun meeting some of you! If you're in the area - come by and say hi!!

today

Today was busy, productive, chaotic, and relaxing. I was able to take the day off and finish unpacking into my new space - I really dislike having clutter, so this was very much needed. Once everything was in it's place, I started packing up for the Renegade Craft Fair, which is THIS weekend! I can't believe it's already here. I spent the majority of my day tying up loose ends and making sure everything was in it's place, ready to go. Once I loaded up the car, I ran a few errands and came home to relax. Most days after work and the days tasks, I rarely have time to just sit and relax, so it was nice to just be. I lit a few candles and watched a few shows; it was just what I needed to recharge. 

Tomorrow we're headed to Austin, not only for Renegade, but Elisha will be running in the Spartan Race again! It's a big (and very busy) weekend for both of us - so a refresher day was perfect!

xo. melisa

download :: iphone wallpaper

download yours here

download yours here

Change is good. Although it may not always feel that way, I've found that my biggest growing moments are usually during times of change. Instead of having change come upon you, why not embrace it?! Let it be something that you seek out and start living every day trying to change someone's life for the better.

xo. melisa

good reads

I love when I come across a great read and even more, I love sharing them! Here's a little roundup of some of my most recent favorite posts! Enjoy!

T I P S  +  A D V I C E 

Things I've Learned Working For Yourself :: Jenny Highsmith

On Working From Home :: A Beautiful Mess

Advice For Bloggers / Sponsorship :: Story of My Life

Fear of Doing It Wrong :: Door Sixteen

50 Post Ideas For the Rough Days :: The House That Lars Built

5 Tips For Making Your Basic Photography More Interesting :: Moorea Seal

D O  I T  Y O U R S E L F

Sustainable Living / Making Soap :: Sea Field & Tribe

Mother's Day Bouquet :: Her Library Adventures

Sea Salt Spray :: Sincerely Kinsey 

Summer Fringe Shawl :: Telling Oceans

Batik Dye Wall Hanging :: Kelli Murray

Necklace diy :: Yesterday's Sweetheart

Spring Inspired Tote Makeover :: Sincerely Kinsey

R E C I P E S

Homemade Ketchup :: Bleubird 

Avocado Coconut Ice Cream :: Design*Sponge

Homemade Pop Tart :: A Beautiful Mess

WEAR :: early morning moment

details :: dress/forever 21, shoes c/o LAMO, necklace & ring/pie n' the sky, sunnies/free people

In light of my recent obsession with mustard, this dress has become my favorite! I love the length and how easy it is. Simple is always my staple, This Summer I can't wait to add some fun and easy dresses that I can dress up or down with the perfect shoes and accessories!

These sandals have not left my feet this past week! The lining is the softest and fits my feet perfectly. It's like walking in slippers; but obviously much cuter!

As the weather gets warmer, I'm starting to break out more and more Summer clothes - what outfit are you dying to wear this season?

xo. melisa

today

Today was exhausting, beautiful and productive. I woke up early to judge at Fine Arts - was completely moved to tears by a junior high girl who was so nervous to sing that she started to cry - I encouraged her to just do it for fun and we wouldn't judge (just so she could get the experience) - she agreed to do it if her Dad could stand up next to her. He cried the whole time because he was so proud of her. It was great!

I finished up the majority of my packing today as well. I was counting up the number of times I have had to pack up and move my stuff and it totaled to a whopping 12 times! That's just since I graduated high school - so the last 7 years. I detest packing, but I must admit I've gotten pretty good at it. I can't wait for the day when I can have a home and just stay in one place. 

Once the packing got wrapped up, I was able to finish a few more pieces for the Renegade Craft Fair which is NEXT weekend!! What?! That snuck up fast. Again, if you're in the Austin area, come say hi!

I hope your day was just as fun and productive, or I hope it was super relaxing and unproductive, cause that's always great too! 

Happy Weekend! Melisa

diy // doily display

I've been awaiting the perfect project to take on using my favorite thing to collect: doilies! This project is mega easy and is absolutely beautiful when finished!

you'll need:: brass hoops (found at your local craft store), doilies, needle + thread

easy as 1-2-3:: lay your doily inside of your hoop - it should be slightly smaller as it will stretch once you start the process. begin threading through the doily and looping around the hoop. be sure to tie of your thread nice and tight to make sure the tension doesn't make it unravel. you're done!

I finished these in about 30 minutes while watching a show and can't wait to make more!

I'll be moving this weekend and am excited to find a pretty place to hang these! If you do this super easy project, leave a link below - I'd love to see how yours turn out! Theirs so many different kinds of doilies, the possibilities are endless!

Have a sweet night! Melisa