W E A R :: brick by brick

details :: top/free people, jeans/hco, boots/sam edelman

 

 

Did I mention that I turned 26 this month. I'm not gonna lie, I was pretty aprehensive about the whole thing. I generally don't enjoy birthdays much, as it is, but for some reason the idea of 26 seemed so daunting. I think mostly because 25 set a pretty high standard. At 25 I got married, we got an apartment, we got a dog, I got a job that I love, I started graduate school and I struggled/beat the crap out of some obstacles. God was really great at 25. So I was pretty content with sticking to 25 for the rest of my life.

 

In the last few weeks though, I've started to see myself and the world around me a bit differently. Sure, I'm not just suddenly so much wiser or more mature, but there's been a shift and I think I'm okay with 26. I might even be a little excited about it. God is still God, which means He's still great and He's still going to do some great things.

 

What was your favorite age??

 

xo. mel



M A K E :: clay magnets

One of my favorite things to do in the morning is leave little notes for Elisha to read when he wakes up. We've started to collect our little love notes and I wanted to come up with a creative way to display them. I thought our fridge was the perfect canvas! Here's a super quick way to dress up that empty space in your kitchen, with fun magnets!

 

S U P P L I E S :: clay / paint / self adhesive magnets / brushes

1) Pinch a small piece of clay from your block and use your hands to make a small ball. Use a rolling pin or something similar, to roll your ball out so that it is flat. It does not have to make a perfect circle; I like that mine were a bit oblong - it gave them character!

 

2) Follow the instruction for your clay, and bake them for the appropriate time. Be sure to use a dish that is safe and wash thoroughly once the clay has been removed, as some of it may stick. 

3) Paint! Get creative with designs, patterns and colors! Since our notes have so much writing already, I knew I wanted simple designs that wouldn't distract. Have fun!

 

4) Peel the backing on your magnet, so the adhesive is visible. Place the adhesive facedown onto your magnet and press gently. Complete this with your remaining clay circles.All done!

This project didn't take more than an hour and it was relaxing to be able to paint for fun! I love how much it brightened up an otherwise boring space. Get creative with your shapes and colors - I'd love to see what you come up with! Happy Crafting!

xo. mel

**To view more MAKE posts, click here!

W E A R :: pina

details :: cardigan+flats/target, top/aerie, jeans/urban outfitters, belt/f21 

This has been the busiest Summer ever, but like, in a good way. I've been working and traveling and finishing up my first semester of grad school... and it's been the most rewarding. I feel like I'm building a life I'll be proud of in the coming years.

 

I've also had this thought in my mind for the last few days, so I thought I'd throw it out to you and see what you think: would you rather accomplish 5 good things, or 1 great thing? Good isn't bad, but it's certainly not great, so I wonder, do we over exert ourselves to be good in many areas or should we narrow our focus on what we're great at and do something truly memorable? I've been going back and forth between the two and I'm sure in a perfect world we could have it both ways, but we only have so much to give and you can either give 100% to one, or 20% to five. Sometimes I feel like I don't give the things I truly love, the attention they deserve, because I'm stuck doing something else I'm not nearly as passionate about. Being well rounded is wonderful, but shouldn't we spend our lives on what moves us; the things that make our heart beat? Just thoughts and ramblings, but I'd love to hear your perspectives! Love you ladies!

 

xo. mel