What are you choosing these days?

XO, MJ

Hi friends. Happy Friday. :) It's been a fun blogging week, and I'm excited to share some special treats for today's Tri- to Try.

And to start it off: the best photo I've ever taken of a fish. Because.

Did you have a cream-filled donut for breakfast? Pick one up and lick the cream first. It's National Cream-filled Donut Day. Of course you might regret it on Saturday when we celebrate the anniversary Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin and our good health! September 16 is National Play Doh Day so why not make some playdough at home and mold to your heart's content?!

Let's talk about a Tri- to Try:

                             

1. MAKE A CRAFT KIT:

Have you stopped over to Louise's site today to see our work? This month's DIY date was a challenge posed by Paige to get all of us bloggers crafting for a great cause. St. Jude's Research Hospital offers its very deserving patients the opportunity to create via the Happy Cart Crafts, aka: baggies filled with all the supplies to make an adorable craft and bring a smile to a young face. I posted one of our crafts on Monday, and I hope to share another with you next week!

2. PREPARE SOME PUMPKIN:

When I asked Amy if she could whip up a recipe for Starbuck's Pumpkin Scones, I knew she'd be able to do it. She's always coming up with delectable dishes that make me want to spend my entire Sunday whipping up good smells and yummy bites in the kitchen.

She posted 11 pumpkin recipes that I must try. Highlights include creamy pumpkin pasta, pumpkin butter, and (Yes! Yes! Yes!) homemade pumpkin spice lattes.

3. STYLE A GALLERY:

Creating a gallery wall is on my fall adventure list. Gabrielle Blair recently posted an amazing selection of gallery wall ideas, and you have to check them out. 22 very different walls await your viewing. My faves? Switchroom's and Bright, Bold, and Beautiful's vintage mix. I am inspired!

Wishing you a bright weekend, friends! What do you want to try?

XOXO, MJ

Shortly after having my second child, I signed up for a parenting class offered through my Church. I was ready for a fresh perspective and some new ideas as I headed into life with 2 kiddos. One of the opening exercises we did was to reflect on the question of what kind of children you wanted to raise. I wrote down a sheet full of adjectives that I would use to describe my dreams for my children. During the group sharing portion, I offered one idea. "Content", I blurted out. "Content?" he questioned. "Well, let's leave that off the list. That one has so much more to do with how they feel about themselves. And do you really want contentment? Isn't it better to be going FOR something?"

I left that evening puzzled. Contentment, as I had seen it, was a good thing - a state of being that said I am pleased (enough) with myself and my surroundings that I can be happy.

Enter Gretchen Rubin's The Happiness Project. I've been reading it all summer and posting my reflections on each chapter. My curiosity was piqued when I came to Chapter 11 entitled Keep a Content Heart. Hmm. What would she have to say about contentment?

Her resolutions were these:

• Laugh out loud.
• Use good manners.
• Give positive reviews.
• Find an area of refuge.

She talks about "a heart to be contented" Do I have a heart to be contented? Much like Gretchen, I weigh in more on the dissatisfied, fretful, and a pain to please. Just ask my husband. Oh, wait, don't. :)

Contentment is our perception of happiness. It is in some ways the highest form of happiness because it adds the rest together and makes the broadest brushstroke, and, when actively present, contentment allows us to evaluate ourselves as happy.

As Gretchen quoted in this chapter, "It is easy to be heavy; hard to be light." Perhaps contentment is the lifting off of the heavy to allow the inner lightness to float up and out.

Let me leave it with this. I read this sign, that was in fact over my head on the ceiling today, as I went for a yearly check-up. It's where I am with contentment.

        

That's my little one, or I should say my oldest daughter, M. She's really into trying new styles with her longer hair, and this is her beautifully designed and executed side bun. She accomplished this smooth styling on her first try.

She has since tried it five, six, ten, maybe even twenty-five times with no success. Sometimes the ponytail bubbles or she can't hold all the layers tight as she wraps the holder around the mound of hair. Other times she thinks she has it all wound just as she wants it, only to step down from the stool and have it all fall out.

And as much as I get frustrated with her for spending so much time on something I consider an unnecessary concern for a seven year old, I had the opportunity to be in her shoes these last 24 hours.

I'm writing this with my Z pack of antibiotics next to me as I battle through a third round of strep throat in three months. I have never had strep prior to this year! M is upstairs sleeping off a bad bout with a gastrointestinal bug that dehydrated her and kept her out of school for a couple of days.

I like my challenges to be neat and tidy. I like it when there's a clear solution to a problem. I like to move quickly to resolution.

Illnesses, your own and more poignantly your children's or loved one's, remind me that life is not about everything fitting neatly into the bun. Life is messy and complicated and tragic and annoying and beautiful and unbelievably amazing all mashed up together in a great big bowl.

As M was struggling to calm her nerves and stomach pains last night, she asked me to rub her feet. As a baby she'd always loved having her feet massaged, and I have many rosy mental pictures of her smiling baby face, enjoying the snuggles.

But she's a big second grader now, and she's independent and already letting me know where she does and does not want my help.

But for one night I was allowed to sit on her bed and rub her feet again. I got to watch her perfect face fall asleep and peek over as her little sister, all curled up under her covers, slept soundly unaware that anything was amiss.

I knew it was one of those moments I'd treasure because it felt so fragile, so fleeting, and so precious.

I had plans and I had lists of things to do that just didn't happen, and instead I now have a warm memory of my slumbering little girls and an unexpected moment of grace.

And I have an appreciation for all those happenings that don't fit in my neat and proper bun.

And I'm grateful.

XOXO, MJ

Did you know that New York Fashion Week is happening as we speak? I would know nothing about this grand happening if it weren't for my dedication to the reality show, Project Runway. Since I began blogging a few months ago, I've found new fashion blogs and bloggers that know how to put together amazing styles. Many of those bloggers are in the prime seats this week in NYC.

I'm following Erin from Apartment 34 on Instagram (you should see the shots she's getting), and I have the inside track on great shows thanks to my buddy, Paige, who is making dreams come true with her own tour of fashion week. Thanks to one of Paige's sponsors, the Moxy Ox, the rest of us can have a free lookbook of Paige's photographs from the shows. Check out that happy link to see how to get yours.

I've been thinking a lot about Paige's journey from Northwest Arkansas to the Big Apple... and thinking about my own dreams for this blog and my career and my family.

Sometimes those big hurdles in front of us can be knocked over by own gust of wind.

Sometimes the giant dream you thought would never come to fruition comes packaged as your own determination.

Sometimes you don't even realize how tall you are until you're in over your head.

Feeling like this today. Thanks T.S. for the great articulation.

XOXO, MJ

Happy Friday, friends! Why is it that short weeks sometimes seem so long? This weekend we're taking in some football, and I'm gearing up to create our DIY date Happy Cart Crafts with my kiddos. Would you like to join in the fun for this wonderful cause? You need not be a blogger, just a generous soul. You can check out our collective Pinterest board to gather some ideas on a craft kit you'd like to assemble!

What will you be tackling this weekend? 

Have you seen acorn squash around your grocery stores and markets? Pick up a few and roast some yummy goodness tomorrow on Acorn Squash Day. Saturday brings the opportunity to seek amends as we forgive one another on Pardon Day. Perhaps a cuddle might be in order on Sunday as we ring in Teddy Bear Day (get to Build A Bear early, I'm sure it'll be packed).

Here's a great combo of ideas that I think we should give a try this weekend:

                                 

1. HARVEST SOME BASIL AND MAKE THIS DELIGHT:

Elizabeth over at Please Note has a simple recipe for basil infused oil that you can make now and enjoy over and over! I know my basil plants are looking a little lanky, and this would be a great way to use up my final harvest!

2. MAKE A FANCY FAUX BOB:

I'm sorry, I'm really into hair tutorials lately. Camille posted this fabulous how-to for a faux bob that looks achievable for amateurs like me. Haven't you always wondered how celebs go from long locks to bouncy bob (and back again) so easily? Just fun.

3. CREATE A MINI TERRARIUM:

You're already following the selected stylings of Cool Mom Picks over on Twitter, right? If you're not (and even if you are not a momma), you really should. They find some really interesting products. This one is a party favor that will have your guests gabbing for a while. I think it would be a great rainy afternoon project with restless kids or a fun crafternoon with friends.

Can't wait to see you next week, friends! I have a lot of goodness headed your way. Thanks for coming over to the blog. I really appreciate your visit. :)

XOXO, MJ

Who doesn't love to be happy?

I've been breaking open Gretchen Rubin's Happiness Project throughout the summer. We're deep into this great read, and I have a new opportunity to continue the happiness even after we bring these final chapters to a close. Wanna join in the fun?

        

If you tuned in last Thursday, you saw this lovely graphic at the end of my post on Mindfulness. Erin of Art Social,  Lisa of Joycreation, and Rita of TOMORROWtoday have teamed together (and invited us to join along) to talk about happiness every Thursday.

Oh, yes, I'm joining in the fun, and I'm kicking off a resurgence of happiness with a charming giveaway. First off, I won (Can you say first-time winner?) this contest from Sandra over at Raincoast Cottage, and now I get to pass along my own version of paying it forward!

Here's the skinny:

The very first three people to comment right down there will receive a gift, handmade lovely, from moi. And it will be awesome. And you'll be so gosh darn happy you won. Yes.

To get this super-duper one-of-a-kind present:

• Within a year (I'll be sending out these goodies in the next month), I work long, hard hours to craft the amazingness and mail it to you.
• FINE PRINT: To win this present (as one of the first three) you have to pay it forward.  Your job is to spread happiness on your own blog (whatever kind of happiness you create) and offer a giveaway to the first three commenters.
• CAVIAT: Dear first three commenters, you have 72 hours from noon today to post your giveaway. Send me an email at parscaeli@gmail.com when it's up. If you aren't able to do so, the next commenter (think here runner-up in the Miss America pagaent) wins the prize.

It's so simply good, just like applesauce (What? Play along, please.)

Best of luck, dear readers. I dare say that when I get my creation hat on some great things come about so get in on this early.

XOXO,

MJ

It's the fresh waft in the air, the undeniably new and dazzling color palette, and the treasured foods and decor that only come around this time of year.

I adore fall. I mean, I love summer, and spring brings such goodness, and there's nothing quite like a bright winter snow. But...

I am an autumn girl.

For a handful of years, I lived in wondrously warm, sunny climates that offered no change of seasons. And though I loved the ocean and swimming pools all year round, I felt incomplete without the shift into cooler temperatures, falling leaves, and apple orchards.

Pars Caeli went through a bit of a seasonal change this weekend. I've deepened the rainbow to reflect our new tones, added some new social media accents to keep you looking and following, highlighted some of my popular posts, and there are many more great additions to come...

When I began the Summer Edition of this blog, I wrote down all the fun experiences we wanted to have for the summer. Well, here we are again, and this post wouldn't be complete without a Fall Adventure List.

I'll be watermarking posts (thanks, Paige!) to make it more convenient for your to share ideas with your friends (or strangers, why not share the love?).

We waved our last goodbyes to summer with a dinner/splash party at our house. 8 kiddos under the age of 10 were fed, entertained, and sweaty (with no minor or major meltdowns) so I consider it a success.

How are you prepping for fall? Any ideas I could add to my list?

XOXO, MJ

Dear Friday that welcomes the long weekend, you are beloved. We're taking time this weekend. Time in Chicago with family, time splashing in pools with friends, time sleeping in (yes!) and getting exercise, and time giving this webhome a new feel for the new season. I can't wait to welcome you over next week!!

What will your Labor Day weekend include, friend? Are you stuffing your face with trail mix today? If you did, you'd be totally justified because it's National Traix Mix day. And if you're so able, make a bouquet of forget-me-nots, morning glories, and asters on Saturday. These are the flowers of September. On Sunday grab a cupcake and sing happy birthday as you smile along with a few of Keanu Reeves' movies (Point Break? Matrix? A Walk in the Clouds?).

I'll be doing something really relaxing and life-giving on Monday. I have no idea what that will be, but I'm counting on finding something. Hope you'll do the same. See ya back here on Tuesday.

                                

1. PIN AND GLITTER:

Over at Lovely Indeed I saw a fabulous use for glitter that I would actually use. Honestly, friends? I just don't handle crafting with glitter so well. Having excess glitter floating into my rug, blowing and sticking to the wood floor, and finding all sorts of other menacing spots to tease me...well, it kind of drives me itchy. However, these cute pins would be perfect for my daughters' room, my office, or even as a fun collection for a friend. Zippo crafting skills required.

2. GET INSPIRED TO BRING BEAUTY TO YOUR ORGANIZATION:

Danni over at Oh, Hello Friend always has beautiful stuff gracing her pages. This week she's showcased some great organization photos that have me dreaming of whimsical storage solutions and something interesting for every room, closet, and drawer in my home.

3. STAY ON TREND AND BRAID A NECKLACE:

Blogger bud, Dana over at Five30Three has been on fire, creating some great accessories. She's a diva of jewelry, typically showing her latest styles from Stella and Dot. I think she's giving them a good run for their money with her new creations. I love that she's turned from curator to creator. And, I really want to make this necklace.

Can't wait to hear about your weekend plans! Pretty please?

XOXO, MJ

Hi friends! I'd like to share a little something that's been on my mind. It's called:

THE NEW

                     

Are you ready for something new? A breath of crisp, cool air to offer a new vibrancy to your life?

The start of the school year and the beginning of Fall have always been a time of renewal for me. The cycle begins again, and we have a myriad of opportunities for a fresh start.

One of my coworkers and friends, Ricky, shared this reflection with me last week (thank you!) that has had me thinking ever since. The theme was simple...new beginnings.The idea (from the book of Revelation) for each of us to take to heart is that God promised to make all things new again–no matter where we are, what we're fighting right now, or what's holding us back.

Whether I recognized it or not, I've typically imagined recharging and regrowth as these first two:

And, therefore, I've sometimes felt renewed one moment and totally frustrated the next.

What if I can't just start fresh??

Life and relationships are complex and just because I try to begin something with new perspectives, does not mean I can always set out a blank canvas. Challenges and trials leave their brush strokes.

Perhaps these other two ways of seeing a new might evoke a different response:

Perhaps, with grace, our ugly, tired experiences help shape the new life we are meant to live.

Perhaps it's not so much about striving to create the nearly impossible, bright shiny and new.

Perhaps we are to refashion and reforge the almost hidden goodness, disguised as the big, fat problems that we've been offered.

What are you starting new? Do you have enough space in your life, mind, and heart to try something? If not, how will you make that space?

Here are two that I'm thinking of today:

1. Living a creative life with structure and finding ways to form habits so that new life and ideas might grow.

2. Ending a few good involvements to make way for the life-giving, amazing ones on the way.

Are you ready for something new?

XOXO, MJ

Happy Monday, friends! How was your last August weekend?

We spent lots of time at our Church as this weekend was our parish festival and picnic. On Friday we had a little bit of date night at the parish Casino Night. I'm not much of a gambler but I did try my hand at some roulette and black jack. No profit but only lost $3 so I'm considering that a win!

Sunday we enjoyed the Mass, picnic, and bouncy houses all outside, and it was warm, warm, warm!! And still wonderful.

I had the last of summer fashions on my mind with the 80 degree temps. Here's a simple outfit I put together on a tight budget. All of these lovelies are under $40.

Thanks so much for indulging me in all these Funday Fashion Monday posts! It's been a ton of fun to highlight all the best of summer. Looking forward to something new next Monday!

That skirt: Nordstrom's is offering this tiered skirt at a great price right now, and this color is warm and rich. I find the at-the-knee length perfect for afternoons that involve a lot of picking kiddos up and down...no worries of showing more than you want!

Those flats: These flats come in a whole rainbow of shiny. And check this pricetag: $15. This sea blue is a lovely transition tone from summer to fall.

That funky necklace: My friend, Mo, makes some great jewelry, and I love the chunk and tone of this necklace. It's a natural beauty.

That easy tee: Stripes are good any time of year, and I'm drawn to the softness of these wide stripes.

The hobo: Bag, that is. I like the simplicity and muted yellow is a great neutral.

The printed scarf: Gap has some great scarves to add a burst of print. I'm all about tying scarves around my purse or head/hair if around the neck doesn't fit my mood. How about you?

We're heading into the first full week of school and a busy work week. How's life over with you?

XOXO, MJ

                                           

                                                          

The first ever Pars Caeli button. Made especially for the redesign of LaidOffMom.com coming in a few days. You'll want to check it there because some of my favorite new bloggers also have their beautiful badges appearing on Louise's lovely site.

                              

We finished up a trend-setting, wonderful first week of school here. I survived! Oh, and my kiddos are all loving their new teachers, school supplies (very important), and classmates.

This weekend holds some fun celebrations at Church and a whole lot of togetherness with good people, and I'm looking forward to it! What are you up to this weekend?

Let's watch a good movie tonight (any ideas?) and thank Thomas Edison for patenting the motion picture camera on this day in 1891. On Saturday find a way to connect with someone you've hurt or left out and give them a big bear hug. You'll be in full celebration of Kiss and Make Up Day, August 25. Sunday is all about the special canines in our lives as National Dog Day is marked. Spend some special time with your dog or take some time to visit a rescue center for those dogs in need of a home.

Need some other ideas?

1. MAKE AN INSPIRATION BOARD:

Sincerely, Kinsey made this cool, rustic board to post photos, clippings, memories, and even some succulents. I have just the place where I'd love to hang one of these. Rotating display areas are so fun!

2. CRAFT A TOY FROM A TRAY:

Danyelle always amazes me with these great kiddo projects that come from handy objects that she transforms into gloriously designed goodies. She converted a serving tray into a marble maze, and it looks like the kind of present you'd be proud to give your own or someone else's eager child.

3. DO UP YOUR DO:

I am on a hair kick right now. Typically I cut my hair as the weather turns colder and let it grow in the summer (weirdo). So Camille posted a handy tutorial on volume and curls, and I had to favorite it. Camille has such style that I find myself clicking through a lot of her posts. Give yourself permission to do the same this weekend!

Let's have a bright weekend, friends!

XOXO, MJ

Hi friends! It's Thursday, also known as day two of the school year and almost-Friday here! All three of my kiddos had wonderful first days, and I feel really blessed by the gift of great teachers. I've also been gifted with a few extra professional projects that are keeping me bus-y.

...Though I enjoyed chatting it up on Twitter (are we hanging out there together?) and Instagram last night with all my pals who are in New York City today for the Alt NYC conference and all of the rest of us who are not able to be there to soak up the amazingness of the event hosted in Martha Stewart's HQ.

I'm joining in Susannah Conway's August Break. These are my anniversary roses from the hubby. They resemble my bridal bouquet, and I swear I've taken a few dozen shots of these sunset tones.

In blogging land here at Pars Caeli, I know there's a lot of Happiness Project to be shared. The timing of vacation followed by the start of school and added with mounds of work leaves little room for big blog posts and sleep. :)

                     

I'm getting a great Tri- to Try ready for tomorrow. See you then!

XOXO, MJ

There they are. Three backpacks ready to head off to school tomorrow. My three little people leave the roost together to begin preschool, kindergarten, and second grade adventures. They are excited, slightly nervous, and really, really ready to go.

I am their mom. I'm a former teacher with a zest for learning. I'm an artist who sees the beauty in this moment. And I'm still a little bit of an emotional wreck.

                       

We're coming to the close of all things summer around here. I'll be changing up my editorial calendar to reflect some new themes for Fall. Not quite sure what I'm moving onto next...but some wonderful things are headed this way.

I've always considered this time of year one of the most hopeful. I've been tied to the school calendar my whole life, and August means the return of something new. A guarantee of a fresh start.

And yet, the start of one thing means the close of another.

As I (nagged) told my children yesterday, this is the last summer that they will be 7, 5, and 2...enjoy it...enjoy each other...right as you are now.

And as the words came spluttering out, I wondered how much I'm heeding my own words? This has been my summer, too, with its goals, wants, successes, failures, and missed opportunities. There is so much I still would have loved to have crammed into these weeks. Time has been wasted on needless worries.

And so then insert helpful advice sent along from a friend...

I hope these words offer you a warm smile, a little relief, and a sense of peace as they did for me.

I believe it's very important that we honor the beginnings and the endings in life. And not just the big ones, but the smalls, too (the end of a season, the start of new classes and new projects, the loss of a dream, the birth of new friendships). We have to find time to celebrate them, to feel them, and to reflect upon them, allowing their wisdom to carry us forward into the next stage, the next hurdle, the next adventure.

I'm spending time today honoring all that has been and trying to wrap my head and love around all that has been missed or lost for the sake of the promise and the good.

Now is always the right time, friends. Let's celebrate it together.

XOXO, MJ

Happy Monday, friends! How are you? Did you have a good weekend? We enjoyed our last hurrah of summer with anniversary celebrations, the annual joy of Sisters Day (where we indulge in all things girly and fun for the sisters to enjoy), and some necessary back-to-school prep.

All of my kiddos head back to school on Wednesday. You're going to have to bear with me this week because I might just be a lump of mommy mess. My oldest, M, begins second grade (Ok, I can handle that). My middle, C, starts her first year as a full-day student in Kindergarten (sniffle, sniffle), and my little guy, L, begins two half-days at a local preschool (full out sob).

It's all good, and I know they're all ready, but, ugh, sometimes the passage of time and the leave of babyhood just wrenches my heart.

Nevertheless, I will put on my proud Momma face because I am so proud and grateful for all that has been. It reminds me of a quote that I designed for the rehearsal dinner of our wedding.

Feel welcome to pin it and plaster it on a wall. I love it.

We have back-to-school night this week where everyone finds out who's in their class and who their teacher will be. All very exciting stuff. I've got my mind on Fall textures and lengths, and I'm delighted with so many of the Fall trends I'm seeing.

Here's what I'm rustling up for back to school. It's bright enough to signal Summer but with enough texture to say I love you to Fall.

That blousey blouse: I love the new feminine silhouettes and the ease these offer is wonderful for busy ladies on the go!

The skinny jeans: Hello, curvy skinny jeans. You go with...everything!

Those wooden circle earrings: I am so attracted to wood and other natural elements when it comes to accessories. These round maple disks are so beautiful in tone and lightweight, too.

That purple purse: A good cross-body purse in a vibrant tone.

This yellow belt: Pop, pop, pop goes the color. And if you're feeling less daring you can always let your shirt cover up a bit of the bright.

Those cowboy boots: Maybe it's because I've become pals with some great Arkansas ladies who are in the market for some fab boots or maybe it's because there are so many great pairs out there on the shelves. These are right in my budget.

Is anyone in your life heading back to academia? Are you ready for the promise of autumn or would you like a few more weeks of summer sunshine?

XOXO, MJ

Happy Friday! I'm ready for a productive weekend. It's our last one before school begins! We have so much to celebrate.

Raise your glasses tonight for us, will you? We're celebrating our 10-year wedding anniversary today. A special loving shout out to the man behind Pars Caeli. Without him, none of this is possible...the love, the hope, the support, and the faith that we have shared. He has diminished the ugliness and amplified the beauty of life for these last ten married years. I love you always. Always, dear.

On Saturday we celebrate Sisters Day. This date was chosen by my daughters who felt like Mommy and Daddy were getting all the attention this time of year. And, so, one day after our anniversary, we party with the sisters in the house. Grab a bag of popcorn, we're in for some braiding, crafting, and giggling.

Spend some time on Sunday dreaming of your next flight of fancy as we live it up for National Aviation Day. Where are you headed next?

Special welcomes to those of you hopping over from Laid Off Mom's great DIY date this month. Louise challenged us with beads. If you haven't visited her site to check out all of the amazing creations, run, run, run! I got carried away with wood beads, and inspired by J Crew's bubble necklace, I made the top necklace. It's just some knots, cords, and chunky beads. I also made the bracelet (that I've also worn as a necklace) for a little neutral drama (those two things can go together, right?).

                                 

In the spirit of DIY, I have found three easy, dramatically wonderful projects for you to accomplish (start to finish) in one sitting!

1. PRINT A BAG OF GOODNESS:

Jordan over at Oh Happy Day made some charming printed brown paper bags that make me think happy thoughts for the first days of school and great goodie bags. You can do this simple process (she takes you through how to do this with your own printer) with some impactful results.

And if you're looking for great school lunch ideas, check out the creative ideas that Jen has over at Classic Play. Easy ways to make the most out of the noontime meal.

2. FOLD MAGIC PAPER SQUARES:

Jessica creates the most unbelievable paper projects. I admire each and every one of them. Many I could not do. This one, my friends, I am making. I think it'll go in the playroom. If you send me the paper, I'll make one for you, too. Imagine this in a shade of one color (a la ombre goodness). Gorgeous!! Start to finish time? 10 minutes...maybe.

Let's make one of those paper balls in the photo, too, okay?

3. ADD A TWIST TO YOUR FAVORITE PONY:

My hair is really long right now. Like middle of my back long. I wear it up 98% of the time, and I'm always looking for cute (easy) ways to style it. Joanna Goddard finds the best of most things, and hair styles are no exception. Here's a simple twisted ponytail that looks and is super simple. This pony adds a little something extra to the classic silhouette.

Have a bright weekend, friends. Will you be DIYing anything?

XOXO, MJ

PS. I'm also over at Bring Joy today. See you over at Janae's gorgeous site.

Hi friends, I promise that I'll be back next week with a great two chapters from The Happiness Project. I'm still playing catch-up professionally and domestically, and I totally played blog hookie last night and hung out with my bookclub ladies (and an amazing flourless chocolate cake).

Can I share with you some wonderful moments that can only be found in Chicago? If you're near the city, take advantage. This will not be my-vacation-photos-post, mostly. :)

1. THE ART INSTITUTE - Please promise me you'll take just an hour (or much, much more) and see the amazing array that's available. Here are my top 3 favorites from this trip.

2. A BOAT TOUR- Yes, it is so tourist. I've been to Chicago dozens and dozens of times, and this was our first time on a water tour. I learned a ton about the architecture, and the kiddos got to take a break from all the walking. A lovely way to spend 90 minutes.

3. MILENNIUM PARK - We visited during the rain and in the sunshine. Both times we found new treasures to enjoy. Spend 5 minutes or 5 hours people watching and listening to the symphony.

4. GO HIGH

I've been up in the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) and the John Hancock building and enjoyed both views. I'm not picky, and again, this is tourist, but on a clear day, the views from up high are so wonderful. Take an opportunity to see it all from a bird's eye perspective. My kiddos loved/were-totally-frightened-of the glass floor possibilities!

5. SILLY MOMENTS

These can happen anywhere, and don't need to be in Chicago, or even on vacation for that matter. But, when I think back to what I loved most about our time away...it is the simple stuff like the funny faces we made at each other in the elevator mirrors or bouncing on the beds or splashing in the puddles.

Vacations allow me to really look at my husband and my children and see the incredible blessings they are (all the time), and I'm so thankful for our latest adventure.

How about you, friends? Have you visited Chicago lately and have some great recommendations?

XOXO, MJ

Hi friends!

We are just back from a lovely family excursion to Chicago. Trains, subways, boats, cars, and a whole lot of walking have brought us back home. I am pooped from an exciting three days. I was so proud of myself for having Monday and Tuesday posts ready to go while I was away, and now I return home to a whole lot of laundry and dishes so I'm going to do something I rarely do.

Give myself a break.

The August Break.

Have you heard about this one? I heard about it from Melanie, and then I followed over to Susannah Conway's blog. Feel welcome to check and see what it's all about and copy yourself a badge because Katrina made some nice options!

                                                          

We spent 3 hours (without drinks or snacks) soaking up the entire Art Institute of Chicago. This is one of my favorite photos. That's a smile you see appearing on the right cheek of my daughter, C. The kiddos loved experiencing the size and detail of the artwork.

My heart smiles so big from getting to be their Momma for this one. More of Mommy and Daddy School coming soon...for now...full hearts. XOXO, MJ

I pray about this blog. And in my prayers, I pray that this space might be one that is helpful to my family, my readers, and to me. I had no concrete reason for beginning this effort (no causes to push, no major life event or home remodel, no new adventure), but I did feel (forgive the slightly cheesy nature here) called to live a more creative, fuller life through this way of sharing with the world. And, I believe that God works often in the people that He places in our lives.

So, when this summer began, and I crafted my own list of summer experiences, I had a vague category pertaining to blogging and creativity. I knew that I wanted to grow more, learn more, and challenge myself more. I did not know that lovely women like Gabrielle, Jennifer, and Joy would all be so kind to invite me share a bit of their web space to talk about life, creativity, family, and fun. Nor did I realize amazing ladies like Paige and Janae would become real life friends through their writing and support.

Though I'm slightly more introverted than extroverted (just 1 point on the Myers-Briggs scale), I can surprise myself when it comes to meeting new people. Maybe it's my experience of many childhood moves or my desire to make the most of the time I've got on the planet, either way, I love the energy that comes with meeting people I admire. In this case, some great bloggers who so generously offered to sit down with me...in person.

Example #1

This is the talented, enthusiastic Amy Allen Clark. She's kind of a big deal around here - making news appearances, getting her own book deal, and hosting a very informative blog called MomAdvice.com.

When I tweeted her about my status as a new blogger, she replied right back, insisting that we should meet for coffee. *Gulp.

Just to put it in perspective, I looked at her Twitter numbers. At the time she had a little over 11,000, and I had a little over...100.

Nevertheless, I said I would be honored to meet up (because I would be and was). Despite one reschedule for child illness, we made the date.

I learned a ton just hearing about her experiences as a writer, marketer, blogger, and mom. This lady has it all together and knows how to create beautiful projects, delicious food, and find opportunity to match her inspired spirit. I am so excited to read her new book (not yet published), and it feels great to know that I have someone I can call upon for advice and ideas.

Example #2

This is the smart, creative Melanie. She's a writer, designer, blogger over at Inward Facing Girl. I first heard about her in a class I was taking where she was described as "a writer who can really talk about anything in an interesting way." So true, check her out.

She was so kind to meet up with on her vacation. Really, who's that sweet? My fam had a few hours at the beach as I stole away for smoothies and coffee. I've been a creative professional for 13 years now, and I have never been so happily overwhelmed by the creative generosity I've experienced from other bloggers. Melanie was so warm and had a ton of great (unsolicited) ideas for ways I could grow my blog and connect to other fabulous people.

I share these stories with you, reader friends, because 1. I think you should go hang out on these ladies' blogs and give them some comment love and 2. I know that you have people you admire/follow, people you'd love to learn from (or just hang out with), and I'm telling you to go for it. Stick your neck out there and meet them. Like, in real life. And try to not to sweat your outfit too much like I did. Both times.

I'm most grateful to God for placing these new friends into my life and for the gifts they've so freely shared. I'll continue to pray that my blogging brings goodness to those who inspire it and those who read it. And I'll be grateful for the companions along the journey, too.

Who are you hoping you'll meet?

XOXO, MJ

Good Monday, everyone! I'm sending you greetings from the lovely city of Chicago. We're enjoying some fun family days here in the city, soaking up a fancy hotel, museums, parks, trains, and boats, too! I love Chicago, and I could really use some time away so cheers to a great few days!

How was your weekend?

I'm not sure what the weather has been like in your part of the globe, but here in the Midwest, we've been experiencing cooler (65 degree) weather and rain. It's put me in the mood for my favorite season, and though summer is so fun, I think I am ready for the beauties of autumn.

Today's look is a transitional summer/fall (or walking around a windy city) ensemble.

                   

Those bright pants: Color blocking! Let's embrace it with some great skinnies!! Seriously, I think every gal should find a fun color of pants for the Fall.

That cool top: I've been eyeing some great Dolman-sleeve tops, and I love the material and neutral tone to this one.

Those shoes: Open toed booties still offer a hint of summer pedicures and the stylings of next season.

This scarf: Stripes and colorblocking. I love tying my scarf around my bag when the sun peeks through the clouds and warms things.

That green handbag: Keep a little green going into the autumn tones. This one is bright and can pack a whole lot in it.

Those pyramid studs: These are from a great Etsy shop in a rose gold. Fun and funky.

What are you most looking forward to wearing this Fall?

XOXO, MJ