5 Great Black & White Capsule Wardrobe Pieces

I find myself leaning towards monochromatic colors for the basics of my wardrobe but I love having lots of pattern to mix it up a bit. These pieces would make fun additions to any wardrobe!

1. I'm crazy about loose tops and this one is perfect. Instead of polka dots ~ they're paisleys.

2. These adorable shorts would go with a multitude of colors or simply gray, white and black.

3. Sandals that are comfortable enough to walk around in and still dress up any outfit.

4. I love the light look of this scarf, perfect for summer layering.

5. This tote takes the cake ~ I am always weak when it comes to anything with old fashioned typewriters or inspiration to write.

Would any of these fit nicely into your wardrobe? What's your favorite of the five?

5 Great Art Projects {in my blog reader}

I love finding great projects in my blog reader! Here's a roundup of links to my favorites this week:


* Paint an adorable Canvas Birthday Girl

* Make a DIY Scrabble Journal

* Create Sweet Teacher Gifts

* Enjoy 30 Collage Tutorials

* Watch this Video of Art Supplies for Journaling

Feeling inspired to create something this weekend? I'm eyeing our scrabble game and wondering how much they'd miss those pieces. Happy Art~ing!

5 Great Binge-Worthy Series

I read an article recently that talked about how binge watching has become a big thing recently with Netflix, Hulu and other contenders offering full seasons instead of one show once a week. I know of what they speak; I find myself sucked into these binge-watching sessions. I have to be careful when I start a show to have a time limit or else the entire night passes and I'm still sitting there soaking in someone else's life.

Having said that, I want to share five great series I've been watching lately:

1. Parenthood. I was late in the game of fangirling this show but man, was it worth the wait! Beautifully done, people, beautifully done. If you want a family show for parents, this is it!

2. Call the Midwife. Oh how these women love the patients they care for. The dignity, the compassion and the firm hand when needed; these women show me what love looks like. If you're looking for a touching time-period show, this is for you.

3. Gilmore Girls. Yes, I'm just now watching this show. It was my consolation for Parenthood ending. It took me a few episodes to really enjoy it, but I am hooked now. It combines humor and family dynamics with just the right mix.

4. Parks and Recreation. I have laughed hard enough to choke on this series. Amy Poehler's portrayal of Leslie Knopp is outstanding; you can't help but fall in love with her driven, overly-organized, innocent character. The writing on this show is so hilariously masterful that I must insist you sit down to watch this immediately!

5. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. A comedy about a woman emerging into the world after being hidden away in an underground cult for fifteen years. It follows her adjustment to the world she thought vanished in the apocalypse. The actress who plays Kimmy does a superb job of being child-like yet fierce. I'm not sure I can explain why I like it so much, but I do. People seem to either love this show or hate it. I'm on the love team!

Do you binge watch? What shows are you enjoying?

5 Cheap Family/Date Ideas for July

Around here, July gets pretty hot. It's perfect for outdoor adventures as long as you stay hydrated and don't overheat. Here are five cheap outdoor dates for July:

1. Drive-in movie and sno-cones.

There is something super fun about seeing a movie at the drive-in ~ throwing frisbees before the previews, laying out blankets in the back of your car (or reclining in camping chairs). It's a great mix of outdoor/indoor fun. I'm a movie-lover but my husband likes the interaction of it, so sometimes a group date makes it even better. Stop by your favorite sno-cone place before going or buy from the ice-cream trucks once you're there. 

No drive-in theater in your town? No problem. Make your own little theater in the backyard like this or this. No sno-cone place nearby? No biggie, try making your own with these recipes.

2. Progressive picnic in the park.

You've heard of progressive dinners, so why not make it a progressive picnic? Have appetizers of watermelon shishkabobs by the duck pond (with some bread crust for the ducks), fried chicken by the swings and popsicles at the picnic tables.

3. Catching fireflies and star-gazing.

Remember staying out late when you were a kid with a jar and a lid poked with holes to catch fireflies? Why not do it again? Take your jar and head out of town. Find a secluded spot, pull over and see what fireflies you can catch then lay on the car hood to gaze at the stars.

4. Walk to the ice cream shop.

Take an evening stroll together to the ice cream shop. Walking + ice cream may sound like a contradiction, but you're allowed to splurge in the heat, right?

5. Evening swim or water-fight.

I love to swim. Our neighborhood pool is a lot less crowded in the evening which makes it perfect for a date swim. But if you don't have a pool or lake nearby, there's always a water-hose fight or washing the car. Have only one rule: to get as wet as possible.

What do you love doing in July?

5 Great Posts on Time Management

Time management seems to allude me these days. If I'm managing one side of life well, it seems the other side gets off balance. So in my pursuit of getting better at it, I discovered some wonderful posts. Here are five great posts on time management:

1. Ask Elsie and Emma: On Time Management by A Beautiful Mess.

2. Balance: Tips For Scheduling a Productive Week by Maiedae.

3. Coffee Cup Chats: The Unbalancing Act (Part One) by Life as an Artistpreneur.

4. Four Tips on Managing Your Creative Time by CraftyDad @ Handmadeology

5. Simple [but valuable] Tips to Juggle Business + Life @ GussySews

What have you found helpful in balancing life?

5 Great Posts on Doing It All

We all aspire to do the impossible, to achieve it all. But is that attainable? Is it healthy? Here are five great posts about doing it all:

1. Defining "It All" by Catherine Gillespie.

2. The Myth of Doing It All by Mom101.

3. I Don't Do It All by Tiny Twig.

4. Getting the Help You Deserve by Lisa Bacon @ Oh My!

5. You Can Do Anything for 30 Days. Or 365. by Jen McCaffery @ Rhode Island Monthly

I'm sure each of us have a different set of "all" that we're doing. Some of mine are blogging, caretaking, mothering, teaching, painting and wife-ing; what are some of yours?

{You might also like: 5 Great Posts on Finding Your Niche}

5 Great Posts on Finding Your Niche

When someone finds out you have a blog, their first question is, "What's your blog about?" They want to know what you write about--your niche. It's what makes you, you. It's the thing that sets your blog apart from all the rest. Some people know immediately what their niche is while others take awhile to find it. Here are some great posts to help you find and/or hone your blogging niche:

1. How to Find Your Niche by Dedicated2Life.

2. A Bloggers Guide to Finding Your Niche by BlogTrends.

3. How to Find Your Niche by Crafterminds.

4. Six Tips for Finding Your Blog Niche by Independent Fashion Bloggers.

5. Finding Your Blog's Niche by Best Blogging Advice Online.

Do you know what your blogging niche is? Or are you still discovering it? What are the niche blogs you read (DIY, Craft, Writing, Parenting, Photography...)?

5 Great Posts on Growing Your Blog

Most of us don't set out to have tens of thousands of readers when we start blogging, but having an audience of SOME size is always nice. You work hard to write the posts, edit pictures and make sure it all shows up on the right day. It's fun to have others interacting with you by reading and commenting on your hard work. Below are five great articles to help you grow your blog, whether that's ten people or thousands.

1. How to Grow Your Blog Blogging Tips by Ginger Snap Crafts.

2. 5 Ways to Promote Your Blog for Free by Little Pink Strawberries.

3. How to Grow Your Blog While Having Fun and Staying True to Yourself by Modern Mrs. Darcy.

4. 10 Point Check List to Grow Your Blog by Ragan.

5. On How to Grow Your Blog by Jenny Komenda Interiors.

In case you'd like to read more blogging tips, here are 5 Great Posts on Blogging, and 5 Great Posts on Blog Photos.

5 Great Posts on Blog Photos

When I first began blogging I didn't include photos *gasp*. I know. But now it's one of the things I love most about blogging. Not only do I get to share my story in words, but through photos as well. Here are five of my favorite posts on blog photos:

1.  Five tips for lifestyle photography by A Beautiful Mess.

2. Taking delicious food photos by Sillygrrl.

3. Seven tips on better picture-taking for your blog and Etsy shop by Handmadeology.

4. Growing your blog photography + styling by Miss Mustard Seed.

5. How to make images span the width of your blog post by My Girl Thursday.

What are your favorite photography tips?

You might also like 5 Great Posts on Blogging.

5 Great Posts on Blogging

I love learning new stuff about my interests (research geek here). Blogging is at the top of the list. I enjoy reading how other bloggers manage their time, find ideas and identify their voice. Here are a few awesome posts about blogging:

1. How to Start Your Blog with a Bang @A Beautiful Mess

2. 5 Things I've Learned About Blogging by Paper Crowns @Maidae

3. Keeping Your Style Consistent @Sillygrrl

4. How Do I Get More Blog Followers vlog @Love Elycia

5. Five Rules for Blogging as a Business @Single Dad Laughing

What's your favorite blog tip?

P.S. Don't forget, today's the last day to sign up for the Shabby Apple Giveaway!