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3.31.2015

W E A R :: typical









 D E T A I L S :: top c/o blondes make better tshirts, jeans/target, boots/lucky brand

I'm currently living in these jeans; they're just so dang comfy! I felt a bit of nostalgia when purchasing them, as ripped jeans were most of my wardrobe at the end of high school. What are you gonna do?? When it works, it works. 

I have quite the busy week ahead and I wanted to drop a line and say hello. I have a few posts lined up and a craft fair coming up next week! I'll be sharing some more details soon, for those of you in the area - I'd love to meet you! I hope y'all have a fab day and a wonderful week!

love. mel

3.24.2015

C A M P :: Texas Style Council




































Photos taken by Chelsea Laine Francis / Squarespace booth photos taken by Logan Pearce

One day I hopped on instagram and I saw that I had been tagged by my sweet friend Savannah to checkout a photo from txsc; it was for a BFF Giveaway. The giveaway was for two tickets to this year's Texas Style Council. I had been wanting to go to this conference for years and was so pumped for an opportunity, however small it seemed, to get to go and be a part of it. So of course, I entered. I was SO unbelievably excited when I checked my inbox the next day and saw that I had WON!! What in the world?! I never win anything, like ever. Even more exciting was the fact that not only was I going to get to be a part of this conference, but I got to bring my sister too!! 

I was pretty pumped when we got there and the conference lived up to and exceeded all of my expectations. I was so inspired by the speakers and equally motivated by the other bloggers there. I met some of the sweetest, coolest, most talented women ever! It was great to finally meet friends that I had known online for years, like Savannah and Jenny of Maidae, Chelsea of Tea Talk, Maria of Little Tree Vintage and Roxy of Grrfeisty. Seriously, these girls are the BEST! I even made some new friends, like Bobbi of Even if Nobody Reads This, Chelsea of Chelsea Laine Francis, Kelsey of She in the Making, Esther of Glass Jar, Tiana of Thetique and so many more!

Not only were the women who attended great, but the speakers were so fab! I can't tell you how inspiring they're messages were. I loved hearing from Bethany Joy Clark of TOMS, Sophia Rossi of Hello Giggles and author of A Tale of Two Besties, Shalyn Nelson of So Shay, Becky Murphy of Chipper Things,  Liz of Delightfully Tacky,  Megan of Greetings from Texas, Caroline Rector of Unfancy, Jess Lively of The Lively Show, and of course Indiana Adams of Indiana Elsewhere and the founder of Texas Style Council.

Okay, I know that was a lot of links and a lot of info, BUT I promise all of these women are worth the visit. On a personal note, I feel so refreshed and ready for this next season of Pie N' the Sky. I'm sure it comes as no surprise, with my long absence, that I've been trying to reevaluate what this space is supposed to be. With all things, I have been seeking growth for this space and I feel like I know the direction we're supposed to go in. I want to say thank you to each of you. Thank you for sticking with me, for reading, for commenting, for caring. I truly appreciate you and your friendship. 

I didn't take my camera with me, but I did snap a few iPhone photos, so I'll be sharing a few more shots soon! 

xo. mel

3.16.2015

AFTER I DO

D I S C L A I M E R // I originally wrote this last May! I'm not sure why it never got posted, SO I thought, "better late than never!" Since we've now been married for nearly a year and a half, I'll be sharing a second post soon!

Elisha and I have been married for 6 months now. It's weird because it seems strange to think it's already been that long, and yet it seems so natural that it feels like it's been years. Marriage has been exactly what I thought it would be and nothing at all what I thought it would be. There are so many things that people tell you to "prepare" you for the life change that's going to take place, but it's one of those "you had to be there" kind of things. You honestly don't understand marriage until you're in it, because there's really nothing that it can be equated to. It's beautiful and it's hard and it's worth it. Being married to Elisha has not only changed "us" together, but individually we have grown. It's incredible.

So, I know I'm not an expert, but I thought it would be fun to keep a log of what I learn along this journey of marriage. I look forward to being able to share this list with my someday daughter and even looking back myself and laughing at what I thought was important and what actually still matters.

Build each other up. Who doesn't love to be told how awesome they are?? Just because you're married and you know your spouse loves you and they know you love them, doesn't mean you should stop saying it or showing it. Remind them of why you first fell in love with them, tell them something new that you love about them and basically make them feel like they're the world's greatest husband/wife. When I support and encourage Elisha, I can see him light up (and visa versa). Equally important, is to not ( I mean ever) tear them down (especially in front of other people). There's playful fun and there's just plain mean. Don't be mean, cause then you hurt the one you love and that ultimately hurts you and then your marriage. Just be nice, even when it's tough. 

Together is better; alone is okay. Elisha and I love love to be together - watching tv, going shopping, eating out, you name it, we love doing it together. With that being said, we also really enjoy being alone. For me, I'm naturally very introverted, so alone time equals peace, relaxation and refueling. I need to be alone with my thoughts sometimes because it's healthy and let's be honest, it's in everyone's best interest. So we both made an agreement that being alone was okay. Elisha will go workout and I'll hangout at home, or run some errands. Saturday mornings I wake up early, go sit in the living room eating waffles and watching TV with Gretch. You don't have to do everything together. Alone is okay too.

Agree to disagree. This one was something that I knew going into this thing, but not something I looked forward to (who would?). The cool thing about dating is you can disagree and then go to your separate homes, think about it and then call each other and makeup. When you're married, there's no going to your separate place, you're like, stuck with each other. ha. It's incredible because Elisha and I have had a few disagreements and I've found myself thinking one of two things "I can either share my feelings, listen to what he has to say and come to an agreement, or we can awkwardly not talk to each other while we both go about our business in our home". Always go with the first y'all. Because ultimately, a disagreement is just an opportunity. An opportunity to show grace and forgiveness, to get to know your spouse more by understanding their feelings, and to voice your thoughts and opinions (both of your voices matter). I have weirdly enjoyed our disagreements because once we hug it out and come to an agreement, I leave feeling loved and understood. Oddly enough, they bring us closer together. So don't disagree for no reason, but don't flee from conversation.

The little things sometimes make the biggest impact. One of Elisha's love languages is words of affirmation, which is great cause I love telling him how much I love him! Since I leave to work before him, I like to leave a little note on his desk for him to read later that day. They aren't long, but remind him of why I love him, and all that good stuff. It's a small thing, but it's something he can look forward to. Elisha does freelance work, so he's able to work from home most of the time. Because he's home more than I am, he will do things like make the bed, do the laundry, or pick up around the home - all things I hugely appreciate! There are three things he does that make me feel so loved, and are probably the smallest things, and something he didn't even know was such a big deal until I told him a few weeks ago. Since I wake up so early, I usually fall asleep on the couch (oops), but without fail, he'll wake me when it's time to head to bed, he'll plug in my phone to my charger, make sure I have water by my bed and remind me to take my glasses off. I'm a grown woman so I know I can do all of those things on my own but the fact that he does them, makes me feel loved and taken care of. Don't forget the little things!

There's more, but lets be honest, you're probably done with this post. So, lets table this and come back to it. I love being married. It's fun and it's work and it's perfect and it's tough, and I'm glad I get to go through it with my best friend.


xo. mel

3.13.2015

A YEAR OF GRATITUDE



I've been reading the book Make it Happen by Laura Casey, and I have been loving every bit of it! One of the focuses is on intentions. This word "intention" has stuck with me over these last few months. I want to be intentional with my days- the things I do, the activities I give time and energy to, the relationships I pursue, etc. Moreover, I want to create a meaningful presence. If I were to pack up my bags and leave this state, drop off social media and cut all relationship ties... would anyone notice? Would people miss me? Would I have impacted their lives enough for them to care? eeesh! I didn't mean for that to be a dark thought (sorry), just one of introspection. I just want to enrich the lives of those around me. 

One of the initiatives I'm taking this year is to show my gratitude towards those I love; who have impacted (or are still impacting) my life. I've decided to start writing handwritten cards of thanks. It's a simple expression, but if you've ever received a handwritten note, then you understand the weight of its sentiment. So, in an effort to show more gratitude, I want to challenge you to a Year of Gratitude! What does this entail? Well let me tell you! Every week, you will choose one person. For that week, expend a little more energy to make them feel special and loved - whether it's a shoutout on Instagram, posting an old photo of the two of you, or a special birthday wish on Facebook, remind them that they're still on your radar. Then, at the end of the week, sit down and write them a letter. Maybe it's someone you've looked up to, or someone who has always supported your dreams, maybe it's someone who has been a great friend, or someone who may not know how much they mean to you. Whoever it is, show gratitude to their existence in your life. This will not only build them up and speak life into them, but I assure you, it'll make you feel pretty great too!

I thought it would be really great to show you some possible ideas for hand lettering your envelopes as you get ready to send them out! I found the sweetest stationary sets in the Tiny Prints personalized gifts section! I loved that I could personalize the stationary and make them my own! Another fun bonus is that each card has a really pretty pattern on the back - I love how they turned out!


 
O P T I O N  O N E // Bold (with address)

This option is so much fun because it's such a statement piece! How exciting would it be to find this envelope shining in your pile of bills, newsletters and catalogs?! You can create this fun banner in multiple ways - just have fun with it!

This stationary is called Fresh Fancy, and it's actually a part of a really sweet birthday collection. I think it's meant for a child, but the balloon reminded me of the balloons we had at our wedding, so I went for it; too perfect to pass up! This card would be perfect to express thanks, congratulations or gratitude!



O P T I O N  T W O // Simple (with address)

I like this option for a more simplified and sophisticated look. This lettering took much less time and I think it can be accomplished by someone at any level!

This stationary is called On the Breeze and I think it's even prettier in person! I love the trim, and the fact that I got to personalize it was an added bonus. My favorite part is still the fun pattern on the back and this one is especially perfect because it's gold! This card would be perfect for sharing a sentiment that requires more explanation, since there's much more blank space to write what's on your heart!



O P T I O N  T H R E E // Classic (no address)

This option is better suited for someone who lives close to home, that you could hand deliver your letter to. A large majority of those I have written letters to, have been women in my workplace and church, so this is a great option for me! I do have family and friends who live out of state though, so the options above are obviously better suited for them. I like this option because you can have as much fun as you want with your lettering! Get creative and use up as much space as you want!

This stationary is called Dazzling Pattern, in Red Lantern. I decided to personalize this one with one of my favorite scripture verses, "God is within her, she will not fail." This is such an empowering verse, so I think it would be great for a letter about encouragement or thankfulness!

 
I had so much fun working on my first batch of gratitude letters! Sometimes we assume that people just know how much they mean to us, but even if they do, it sure is nice to be reminded! I know that the women (or men) that you send these cards to, will feel loved, cherished and empowered to continue being who they are!


When it comes to hand-lettering your envelopes, get creative! You can use different color pens, watercolors, or an assortment of different colored envelopes! Have fun with it and let your personality shine through! If you decide to participate in the Year of Gratitude, let me know! You can leave a link below in the comments or use the hashtag #yearofgratitude when posting to Instagram or Twitter. Love y'all so much! Have a wonderful weekend!

xo. mel