Helllooo, lovelies! It's Monday of a new week, and we're going to rock it. I'm a little off from these wacky time changes, but I am soooooo ready for spring.

To start off these bright days, I have three high-quality DIY projects, and by that I mean that you will spend so little time on these efforts, and yet you will come out looking like a crafting rockstar. Yes. A huh.

1. Your very own wax seal design

Ever since my senior thesis, I have been in love with wax. And a good wax seal, perfection! So the brilliant Lexi over at The Proper Pinwheel has integrated the use of buttons to create unique shapes and patterns. Head over to Whimsey Box, grab a few spools and your favorite buttons, and get ready to share some loveliness.

2. A new take on Easter baskets

The beautiful Brittni from Paper & Stitch has a fresh take on the tried and true mini Easter basket. And she offers lovely options if you don't want the traditional handle. Are you hosting a great Easter brunch? These would make brilliant placecard holders or dynamite decor sitting around your home.

3. Cut out leather cuffs

These are my fave. Melissa is talented in every area, and I adore her take on jewelry. She offers a super simple leather cuff (no, really, it is simple). And with the cut outs, leather transitions so perfectly to spring and even summer. Friend, if you and I make these, everyone is going to be asking us how we afforded such amazingness. And we'll snicker.

My little lovely for this week: Go with the spontaneous. I know, we have got to plan more and get more things done and accomplish, accomplish. Oh yeah, and succeed. But, you know what? When you feel the urge to call up a friend? Do it. Treat someone you love to breakfast. Definitely. Offer a hug, even in an awkward space. It's right.

I spend a lot of time planning, but I've so appreciated moments this week when I just went with my gut. This one's for you.

Special thanks to the beautiful people who offered their words on this post.

xoxo, MJ

  

It's Friday, friends, and that means it's time to gear up or downshift for the weekend. I've got a tri- for you to try in your home, on your blog, and in your office.

Today, will you be dressing like friend to pretend your twins for the Twins Day Festival? No? Well, then make sure you grab a hot dog, pretzel, or whatever else suits your fancy to ring in the party for National Mustard Day on Saturday. Call your sister or spend the whole Sunday with her on the 5th because it's officially Sisters Day. We'll be celebrating sisters in a big way at our house on August 18th during our annual Sisters Day (more on that later).

                                 

1. MIX UP SOME PATTERNS:

Nicole over at Making It Lovely posted an awesome how-to guide on pattern layering. I love her mix of whimsy and classical design. It makes me want to try some new pillows or a new tray in my living room to create some more interesting vignettes.

2. MAKE SOME BLOGGY CHANGES FOR YOUR READERSHIP:

Victoria over at VMac and Cheese has a bundle of fabulous ideas. Did you catch her ideas to drive more traffic to your blog? Number 2 and number 3 have me thinking that maybe I should change some things up!

On a bloggy note, don't forget to join me and many, many other amazing bloggers tomorrow (Saturday, August 4) for Blog Brunch. It's an amazing hour over on Twitter, and we're talking about Growing a Readership.

3. POKE SOME CARDS:

Lexy of The Proper Pinwheel crafted some mighty cute pinhole cards that you and I could totally create this weekend and send to each other. All you need is some great colored cardstock, a scissors, tape, safety pin, (I've got all those!) and a mirrored image of the text or image you want to create.

We're hanging out at home and soaking up one of the last weekends of summer with birthday parties, back-to-school shopping, and good old-fashioned rest.

Have a bright weekend, friends!

XOXO, MJ