Hi, friends! Happy Monday to you. I'm super excited to be over at Joy's place, Frock Files, as a Bright Light. I have some very fun ideas for you over there and a little bit more about me...Come on, let's go!

Are you all over the Olympics like I am? We managed to pull ourselves away from the set to head into Chicago for some time with family.  We also danced and sang as we watched a great outdoor kids concert. And let me say, I was surrounded by some fashionable mommas.

Here are my picks for a cute number to take you to your next outdoor music show.

That dress: Such fun colors for summer, no? This pattern looks so special, made just for this dress., and I love the turquoise/burnt orange tones to the simple silhouette.

Those shoes: Green shoes. I don't know...I just like 'em.

Those cute earrings: The great pop of color close to the face will do as much for your glow as a nice bronzer.

And a fun hat: Summer is the perfect time to try out a top accessory. This great hat is a terrific topper for a daytime concert in the park.

Hope you'll meet me over at Frock Files, and please do tell me if you think a ring is appropriate as a symbol of marriage and of motherhood.

XOXO, MJ

                                                         

Welcome to Monday, friends! How was your weekend?

We wrapped up some swim lessons, headed out to the blueberry fields for a second harvest, buried our first family pet (RIP Violet the fish), and the hubby and I had a few hours to ourselves for a much-needed date night.

Typically we manage a monthly date night, but with the busy-ness of summer, we had let the time slip by. So, bring in the lovely neighborhood babysitter, Mommy and Daddy are headed out. We tried out a new-er local restaurant which specializes in hyper-local cuisine, and it did not disappoint.

Date nights are always such a joy, and summer date nights are my favorite. The dresses, the heels, and even the touches of floral goodness. I'm a flower-in-your-hair kind of gal, and I can't resist popping a fresh rose in my pulled back locks to add an extra touch of special to a night out together.

That dress: Call me boring, but a little red dress is still a great go-to for flirty fun. I love wrap dresses, and this one is so easy and affordable...I couldn't say no.

Those earrings: Simple, silver sparkle that stand out enough without stealing the show.

That clutch: Snake-embossed. I can't handle too much, but if you make it silver and sleek, it kind of makes any outfit complete.

The perfect red lipstick: I'm a new fan of red on the lips. I've been pretty much scared of it until this summer when I finally felt like now might be the right time to give it a whirl. I'm a fan of orange-reds right now. How about you...is red too much?

Those shoes: When I'm wearing a bold color, I like the shoes to play a lesser role. For summer I'm drawn to tan/flesh tones, and these sandals have the height that I like.

How about you, friends? What are your key pieces for a summer dinner out with the one you love?

Wishing you a wonderful week! XOXO, MJ

Hello!! Welcome, welcome to our new home. Don't you just love shorter URLs? I have a new crush, and it's on SquareSpace, the wonderful new friend of Pars Caeli. More on this great move later...for now, I'm just so excited that you're here. It's going to be an amazing week, I promise.

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Please and thank you for your patience as we unpack boxes and organize the closets over here in our new home. There are kinks to work out, but it's so exciting to finally be here.

I had a lovely weekend! How about you? We spent Saturday on the shores of Lake Michigan, digging big sand holes and riding on the truck/ship combo known as the Duck. Sunday we celebrated Rembrandt's birthday with a trip to one of our local art museums that was hosting a family day.

Have you visited an art gallery or museum lately? Have you taken your children? I took my two little ladies yesterday, and we came with our sketchbooks and pencils, ready to capture some inspiration. They loved every moment, and we could have easily spent more than our 2.5 hours waltzing through the galleries. If you haven't read it yet, check out Gabby's post on visiting art with your kiddos. Check the comments esp, great ways to get more out of the experience!

Here are some great summer finds for your next trip to the art museum (or anywhere else wonderful this sunny season).

Those shoes: A nice cork wedge to help you go up and down those flights of stairs as you ponder whether the modern art or the kinesthetic sculpture garden or the Renaissance oils were REALLY your fave.

These earrings: These lovelies are just the right amount of dangle mixed with a touch of sparkle.

That flattering tank: The levels of shirred fabric on this one compliment curves and the tone will coordinate with summer's great pops of color.

This sweater to keep you cozy: Not to be granny on you, but museums can get chilly so keep this bright mustard cardie in your purse or on top of the tank, just to show that you know how to mix it up with color.

That leather yumminess: This tote is supple, large, and can hold all the supplies you take into the museum and all the gifties you take home from the shop.

The sketchbooks and pencils: I find spiral-bounds to be child-friendly and ready to go anywhere they're needed. We stretched out on the floor right in front of our favorite paintings to capture the colors. These pencils are lead free, and they come in a CD case. Super handy and great quality for the price.

That, that skirt: My fave piece is the amazing tiered lace skirt. I've seen lace detail a lot lately, and this lace is done well and wearable. It comes in two colors, and you'll have a tough time deciding which is more awesome.

That's all friends. I hope your Monday is bright. What were you up to this weekend?

XOXO, MJ

Hello friends!! Happy Monday. Were you roasting this weekend like we were?? We spent most of our time at the pool and added a nice trip to the movies as well. Brave was our family movie of choice (Have you seen it yet? What did you think?). Besides the gratuitous bear violence, I thought it was great, and I did make my children promise not to turn me into a grizzly. It made me reflect on the beautiful albeit challenging connection of mother and daughter. I feel really blessed to have that possibility twice over with my little girls.

Movies have been a part of our summer. We took a trip out to the countryside a few weeks ago to see our first family drive-in movie. I felt totally transported back to a different, simpler life, and my kiddos loved staying up, underneath the stars, to see the very colorful Madagascar 3. There are only 400 drive-ins still operating in the US, and I definitely had the sense that I was experiencing a bit of history, perched in the wide open parking lot. All in all, it was a whole lot of fun, and I highly recommend checking out a drive-in if you're anywhere near one.

So here's my relaxed, hanging-out-at-the-movies summer garb.

That shirt: Stripes say crisp, clean summer to me, and this soft tee from Loft kind of goes with everything I own (you, too?).

Those sandals: Another great flat to take you from the theater to the parking lot and even out to the concessions for a tub of popcorn. Love the color from Ruche.

Those shorts: Loft does these shorts so well. Not too short, not too long and comfy enough for lots of movement.

This necklace: I'm into long lately, and I can't resist a vintage butterfly.

That clutch: Most outings require a lot of stuff and, therefore, a big bag. Movies, not so much. The detail beading on this clutch from Target makes it feel extra special to me.

Those nails: Typically I'm a gloss, neutral kind of gal when it comes to nails, but there are so many fun summer colors out that I've been trying a few surprises. This blue from Essie makes me think ocean, and that's just about the best thought for a hot summer night. :)

Here are some pics from our trip to the drive-in. I'm sticking with the marketing and hoping to visit again soon!

I hope it's a wonderful week for you! Fun things happening around here this week with a great giveaway!! Woot, woot, I'll be announcing it tomorrow so please stay tuned.

XOXO,
MJ

Linked up with Join the Gossip, Sami's Shenanigans, and five30three for their weekend update bloghop.

Happy, happy Monday, friends! I'm ready for a great week, how about you?? Last week was a very long one, with lots of hours logged in the office for me. I am SO grateful for the wonderful ladies who sat in to offer some amazing posts. In case you missed the week of fabulousness, check out Tara's post on life in Italy, Claire's wisdom on living in Ireland, Colleen's call to action and loving our neighbors, Claire's adorable DIY, and Paige's vlog on making Photoshop patterns from your children's artwork. These ladies really brought it. And I'm humbled and honored.

Since I've been working my hiney off, I've had summer work fashion on the brain. This week we return to Funday Fashion Monday with all the beauty and simplicity you can bring to the professional arena.

I like to keep it simple for the office with great pieces that will stand the test of time and trend. My favorite pick for you is that bright pink laptop sleeve (which I own in another shade). I swear by my Skooba bag for its durability and style. Carry it as a clutch sleeve or as a handled bag! My 17" MacBook doesn't go anywhere without the Skooba to hold it all together.

Summer is all about color, and I love what I see! This amazing shade of green comes from Mod Cloth and makes a statement all by itself.

Gladiator sandals are back again, and these are styled high. Funky enough to say summer and professional enough to wear over and over.

Kate Spade makes the best iPhone cases, and this gold and white striped case has enough bling to set the week off to bright start.

Finish it off with a fun stacked ring in sherbet shades.

I'm so happy to be back with you again, and I'm ready to get back into the swing of summer!! This week holds lots of fun surprises including a pool party here on the blog to celebrate the 4th of July. You gotta see it to believe it.

Thanks for popping over friends!! It's been so great to have you here.
XOXO,
MJ

Welcome Monday! How was the weekend, friends? Were you able to celebrate Dad a bit?

We celebrated C's birthday with her friends, and headed to the country to see our first drive-in movie theater!! It was so much fun and a wonderful way to soak in a great Father's Day.

I'm delighted for our second Funday Fashion Monday (did you see last week's apparel/gear/toys for heading to the beach?), and this week we're taking an afternoon out.

I spend summers in skirts and dresses. I know this because little L, when he saw me in pants last week said, "Mommy, why you wearing Daddy's pants? He lets you wear his pants?"

Ah, yes, so it had been over a month since my legs had been covered, and I too was feeling strange about it. Thanks for getting me back in line, L.

Summer allows for us to take great day trips - to the zoo, the park, a cute neighboring town - and summer offers the breeziest, cheery fashions. Here are my recs: 

1. This dress: In my books, symmetry is overrated. Take these fresh stripes out for a stroll.

2. That hat: I think I've pinned almost a dozen summer toppers to date. Hats, hats are everywhere for summer, and why not? Save your head from sun, fight off bad hair days, and look like that hipster you are (or want to be). The weave in this one totally caught my eye.

3. Those shoes: Sandals! The best of the summer flat. These are in a fun hue that's bright enough to be interesting but tame enough to coordinate with the rest of your closet.

4. That bag: As a momma of three, I need to be able to carry everyone's drinks, snacks, and that precious toy (that we really didn't have to bring along because now Mommy is carrying it). This woven green number is large and styled just right for an afternoon trip.

5. This bottle: Let's stay hydrated! This bottle is not made from plastic, and it has a strong gripper exterior. Let's just say you'll look like a tall glass of water drinking from this one. And your water will taste better, too.

6. That blanket: My favorite of the group. We have one just like this: waterproof, thin, portable w/strap. We use it everywhere because you never know when the moment to picnic will strike, so go ahead and slip this into your big tote.

7. Those baubbles: I love a statement piece and luckily I'm now trendy. These wooden chunky strands are just enough heft to contrast with the light and airy assymetrical.

8. That camera: Any summer afternoon out has to be well documented, no? Did I tell you that I just got one of these? I am SO excited to dig in and learn all there is to know about a DSLR. All of my photos here are from my phone (oh, I still love you) and my older point-and-shoot. I'm moving up in the photography world, and I'm ecstatic that I can upgrade the photos offered here and in my personal albums. Now to craft me up a kickin' camera strap...I feel a DIY coming on.

**Just a note on fashion/product posts. I'm not sponsored or endorsed by any of these companies. I love to window shop (my mom and I used to make this a serious hobby). I also don't want to give you the impression that Pars Caeli is about materialism or the need for "more".

Art and beauty reveal the Divine.

These posts include things that I admire and that, in large part, I've used...so consider them good fodder for fashion conversations around the virtual water cooler. Whenever possible, I find the thriftiest (best quality) versions of great looks around. With the exception of the camera (and the dress at $65), all of these finds are well under $50.

Thanks for popping over on this wonderful Monday! Stop back this week for some summer goodness.

XOXO,
MJ

Hello, friends! I've missed you...happy Monday. How was your summer weekend? Mine was filled with all sorts of goodness that I can't wait to share with you.

...But before I do, did you notice that happy, little badge up there on the header? I'm all about badges these days as my 7-year old needs them ironed on (or worse yet - sewn on) her vests and backpacks. So, I decided we needed one over at Pars Caeli, too. This one is to announce all of the lovelies I'm planning for this summer of fun. Can you tell I relish summer? (Actually, Fall is my favorite - yikes, wait to you read my excitement over that one.) As a mom, I can't help but plunge into the joy of summer with my three kiddos and see it all fresh and wonder-ful through their eyes. More to tell as the week goes on, but we're kicking it off big here.

For the summer I'm switching things up for Mondays. Pattern Play Monday is converting to Funday Fashion Monday. Sandals, sundresses, hats, accessories, and more! And, yes, I'll still be challenging myself to be more pattern-rific, but we'll take some jumps around to explore and soak up all the amazing summer fashions loading up store windows.

My weekend was filled with the end of the season soccer games, dinners on the deck, a great roadtrip, and some fun by the Lake.

Are you headed to the water this summer? The most amazing things happen to my family when we reach the great wide open waves: hubby becomes a kid again and goes right for the shovel to begin the grand sandcastles, M who is sometimes hesitant and pensive grabs the closest floatation device and runs to the water, C who is a bundle of jumping energy completely calms down and spends most of the time rolling around in the sand, relaxed, and L who is designated the follower by his big sisters begins to take charge and explicate a great narrative of all he wants to accomplish in the sand. As the mom of this merry band, it's awesome to see the delightful transformation.

So, on that happy note, here are recommendations for fun family fashions at the beach...

Can we go ahead and agree that a great beach cart and sand game are accessories? Good.

If you have not played OGO sport, you need to. It's super easy and great for all ages. You bounce the puff ball back and forth on the black, bouncy interior of the disks, or you can use them as frisbees. Great for the beach or backyard.

This beach cart. I spent a ridiculous amount of time on the worldwide web looking for just the right cart to transfer our tons of stuff. Let me save you the hastle and recommend you get this one.  It doubles as a table with cup holders, and when practically everything gets sandy, it's great to have a raised surface for beverages, phones, and keys.

I loved strolling around town after the beach in this maxi from Old Navy. Pink and orange is my favorite summer combination!

This striped tote from Land's End is big and durable with stripes weathered to perfection.

Retro swim fashions always catch my eye, and this tiny polka dot has vintage charm. Go grab one from Old Navy.

And to top it off this touch of neon. I saw so many spectacular summer hats as we walked the beach today. Well done, ladies, well done. This one is a great, affordable find from Target.

What are you wearing to the beach this summer? What are you must-haves to carry your goodies?

**Not pictured: a jumbo container of watermelon. We must have drippy watermelon on every trip to the water.

Thanks for popping over! It was spectacular to have you here. See you tomorrow...wishing you a bright week.

XOXO,
MJ