W E A R :: blushing through

details :: dress/forever21, belt/urban outfitters, leggings/pink, boots/vince camuto

Lately I've been trying to wear less makeup. I've always been one who enjoys wearing it and always thought of myself as the kind of girl who wore it for fun and not out of necessity. As I've gotten older, I've realized that I lean on it a bit more than I let myself believe. I found that I could rarely walk out the door without putting eyeliner on. I have circles under my eyes and it's probably the one thing on my face that I am most self conscious about. Anytime I don't wear eyeliner, I feel like there's this giant lit up sign over my head saying "tired!" I seriously think I look wiped if I don't have any on. SO, in an attempt to be more secure in my own skin, like I challenged us all to be when I wrote this; I've started to wear less and keep that eyeliner tucked away. Sure I may look a little more worn out, but that's cause I am honestly a little worn out. I am allowing myself to look how I feel. Why do we feel the need to convince the world otherwise? Maybe we do look tired... for some it's because they work long hard  days and are great at their job, for some it's because they were up all night being an awesome mom, for some it's because they're maintaining a high gpa and studying through the night, for some it's staying up and hanging out with friends because they've been blessed with incredible relationships... whatever it is, own it, don't hide it!

Surprisingly enough, the more I see myself this way, the more I realize I don't actually look all that rough, and maybe some of that was just in my head (maybe). So, here's to being more comfortable in our own skin and owning who we are and how we feel. This is me and that's enough.

xo. melisa

M A K E :: leather pouch

Happy Friday! I'm over on Wonder Forest today, sharing how to make these simple and chic leather journals! You can see all the photos and details here! 

xo. melisa

B I T S + P I E C E S

I have an event coming up in two weeks so I've been working tirelessly trying to get products and packaging ready. I have a few brand new products that I'll be adding to the shop mid March, after the event, so be on the lookout! If you're in the Texas area, I'll be at the Walk the Light Event in Cedar Hill on March 15th. Come stop by and say hi!

xo. melisa

F E A T U R E D :: always rooney

Courtney Kennedy is the lovely lady behind Always Rooney, one of my favorite daily reads! She shares tons of inspiration and diy, and the girl is absolute gold - seriously, wonderful. Checkout Courtney's Outfit Post and see how she styled her Pie N' the Sky Arrowhead Necklace! These beauties are one of my most favorite necklaces in the shop! And remember, all profits will be going towards the There's More Campaign!

xo. melisa

M A K E :: leather journals

I've mentioned before that I love to carry a small journal in my bag, in case some brilliant idea comes to me at the grocery store or at starbucks. I have a terrible memory, so I love being able to write it down immediately! I have always sort of had an obsession with journals (I'm sure I've owned 50+), but I always fill them up. It was time to get some new ones, so I thought I'd go ahead and make some!  

S U P P L I E S :: scrap leather, scissors, sheets of paper, sewing machine, letter punches

1.) Cut out the covers of your journal, which should be your basic rectangle shape - as big or as small as you'd like. I chose one larger size and two medium. 

2.) Using your covers as a guide, cut out the pages for your journal. Again, these should be rectangles, as you'll fold them in half to make the pages. Once they are cut, trim the edges about half an inch so that the pages will lie inside of the cover and not stick out.

3.) Using your sewing machine, sew right down the middle of each journal. It helps if you make a fold, so you can see your straight line. If your sewing machine decides to go a little crazy (like mine) and make your thread look strange, just roll with it!

4.) Take your letter punches and decide what you're going to spell. Make sure you have the spacing right, there's no backspace button. I chose the words "take note", "ideas" and "plan". You can use all of the appropriate tools for using your letter punches, or you can grab a steel block and hammer (like I did). Use what you've got!

These would make great gifts! And I love that you can personalize them with just about anything! They're also totally not gender specific either - I am definitely making a few of these for the husband! So, what do you think? Are you going to make some new leather journals??


xo. melisa

M A K E O V E R :: makeup stand

When it comes to my makeup, if I can't see it, I forget it's there. I love having a display of sorts for all of my beauty products. I found this little stand about a year ago and love using it to hold all of my beauty items. Over time however, it's become quite a mess. I wanted to clean it up and change it up - nothing a fresh coat of white paint can't fix! 

I picked up a few more jars and some white spray paint, and ended up with a whole new makeup stand that I am simply in love with!  I love the freshness of it!

I loved the result and how absolutely easy it was to transform. So instead of buying something new, maybe you should just give what you have, a fresh new coat of paint! I'm also a bit obsessed with painting everything white right now. I just love love it. So, what are you going to give a paint-over??

xo. melisa

F E A T U R E D :: Sincerely, Kinsey

Checkout Kinsey's outfit post and see how she styled her Pie N' the Sky Pyrite Necklace! There will be more of these beauties being added to the shop very soon! And remember, all profits will be going towards the There's More Campaign!

xo. melisa