guest post & blogging mishap

Hi Friends! Guest posting again on Oh, Hello Friend this week. Be sure to check out my antiquing trip post.

Also, my apologies for dropping off the planet this week. I'll confess the biggest struggle with maintaining my blog. As a freelancer, I don't always get to manage my own time efficiently. For instance, I had plenty of my own work (including blogging) planned this week but when a job crops up it often requires immediate attention. So Tues, Wed, and Thurs were consumed with no forewarning. I love the extra work but get so bummed when I miss blog posts! It's the constant struggle of work that pays vs work that I enjoy. Has anyone else struggled with this?

I'm actually traveling again this weekend. But should be back in full swing next week. Any fun plans for you?

Have a great weekend!

guest posting on // oh, hello friend

An excited hello to new friends and followers! Yesterday I had the privelege of guest posting on one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE blogs: Oh, Hello Friend (you really ought to follow Danni, she is a doll). Head on over to check out these cute ruffled baking cups I found!

I'm swimming in post-vacation craziness but will be back tomorrow with a snapshot of my trip to the DC area. Hope your week is going well!

pillow cover diy by tie that binds

Happy Monday-that-follows-a-holiday! To kick off the festive season I wanted to feature this holiday DIY by Mekala of Tie That Binds. I'm such a sucker for anything burlap, especially these bold type pillows.

Another thing that makes these fabulous is that you can use any currently owned decorative pillows by making slip covers to dress them up for the season. Find the step-by-step instructions here.

Aren't they so great?! There are also great custom Christmas cards available in her Etsy shop so be sure to check them out if you're looking for a stylish card this year. So glad she let me share with you!

All photography by Tie That Binds, full diy instructions here.

giveaway! {from night owl paper goods}

So excited to offer you this awesome Memorial Day Giveaway! As you know from my Christmas card, I'm a huge fan of the talent and skill that is Night Owl Paper Goods. Today they have graciously agreed to give away a free journal (or item of equal value) to one lucky reader!

Started in 2004 by a team of two, this little business has grown into a brand widely recognized on the web and among all stationery gurus. With a passion for fine craftsmanship, detail and the environment, they're totally devoted to creating handmade letterpress cards and eco-chic wooden goodies in a style they like to call "modern yet folksy." Which describes their look to a T.

Both Alan and Jennifer illustrated the entire line of greeting cards, journals, jotters and gifts by intermixing their critter and pattern design styles. Recently they launched a whole bunch of new products, to follow up their new wedding line, and stuffed critters.

And, if you love the idea of wood for an upcoming project, they even offer custom printing. My biggest rave of them though—is honestly their customer service. My order had a small hiccup, and they went over and above to smooth everything out.

Sounds like a great way to start out the week to me! Thanks so much to Night Owl Paper Goods for making this giveaway possible!

::::::::::::::::::::::::: how to enter :::::::::::::::::::::::::

:: LEAVE A COMMENT ::

// Tell me about your favoriet Night Owl Paper Goods product

:: 3 BONUS ENTRIES ::

1 // Follow me and NOPG and tweet about the giveaway (please tag @joy_ever_after).
2 // Become a fan of me and NOPG
3 // Blog about the giveaway
Then leave a comment with the link for each of the above.

Giveaway ends Monday, June 6 at 12 noon, cst
// Winner announced Tuesday afternoon //

compliment bunting

Posting has been a bit sporadic lately, but I'm hoping my mental stablility will return to normal soon. :) April is over, and I am ready for the showers to pass and May flowers to emerge. To end the week, I think this compliment bunting from Jessica at How About Orange is a perfect fit. A great idea to brighten up a coworkers day, or let your spouse know they are your favorite. Free download here.

Have a super great weekend!!!

notable: mary kate mcdevitt

A perfect compliment to yesterday's post AND a great goal for the week.

Featured Shop: Mary Kate McDevitt (via Pinterest)

notable: leigh wells

Hand drawn type never gets old. Never ever.

Featured Artist: Leigh Wells (via Pinterest)

notable: 55 hi's

I MAY have just purchased this print. It's wonderful, and I could always use the reminder. But who doesn't NEED the constant reminder?

You should also peek at their selection of great prints.

Featured Shop: 55 Hi's

notable: niki milns

A lighthearted quote for you today. Yesterday I spent 9 hours in jury duty, so I needed a fresh and fun *start* to my work week.

Featured Shop: Niki Milns

notable: please be still

After some thought about things going on at Joy Ever After, I've decided to begin posting M-Th each week. Along with increasing posts, I'm starting two new columns and today is the first day of *notable*—a column featuring an inspirational quote every Tuesday.

Hope is a good theme for today, considering the week began with the sobering news and images of Japan. Even with all the media I struggle with feeling detached. My compassion is really activated when I see how people respond, their compassion fuels my compassion. Depsite the devestation, there is hope. The featured print is so fitting and reminded me of a favorite verse, "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." Hebrews 6:19

Featured Shop: Please Be Still