Themed place settings add extra flair to any occasion - family events, social gatherings with friends, parties with your work pals and especially holiday get-togethers! Make your Easter holiday extra special this year with this adorable DIY craft. It's simple, personalized and memorable for years to come! Chances are, there will probably be eggs somewhere in the mix of the holiday, so grab a few, dyed or not, and get to crafting! 

1) Set aside one boiled egg for every guest you're expecting. Already dyed your Easter eggs? Perfect! Grab those!

2) Using a marker or paint, print your desired initial(s) on each egg. Craft hack - Wite Out will also work!

3) Decorate your egg with cute polka dots or flourishes depending on your desired color scheme and style (gold metallic paint used in pics). You can also use glue and glitter!

4) Set aside to dry

5) To create a whole vignette, place your decorated egg on a serving dish or in glass drinkware. Cushion your eggs with a pinch of moss, paper nest, tissue paper, confetti or the like. 

Simple as that! These adorable place settings are so fun and will bring a thoughtful touch to your Easter holiday. Have fun putting your own twist on your monogrammed egg place settings! If you give it a go, we would love to see your pics!

Wishing you a very happy Easter from all of us here at Marleylilly!

Happy Wednesday! I’ve never really been one to paint my nails a whole late – except lately I can’t seem to stop!!! I have been painting my own nails (shocker) every week with fun spring colors and really enjoying having nails that match my outfits and actually look put together. A little bit ago, I did a post on how to fake acrylic nails at home (read it here) but during my busy wedding season, I can’t really have long fake nails. So, I have been trying to keep them painted and professional without acrylics. Enter: my favorite nail polish brands and colors I’ve been wearing all spring long! Let’s dive into this.

I have about 5 brands that I don’t sway from very often when painting my own nails. They last a long time, they don’t chip and they have a wide variety of colors to choose from. I am slowly building up my nail polish collection, which is GREAT because before early this year, I really just had a few toe nail polish colors. Below, I broke down which brands I love and my favorite spring colors they offer: 

Essie

Why Essie is great: I love Essie. This was my first “expensive” nail polish brand (meaning more than $3 a bottle). It has a very thin formula, which means it dried quickly and the layers don’t pile on top of each other. I find that MOST colors are very opaque, which is great because the more opaque the formula, the less layers you need to use and the less chance you will chip or smudge your polish. They have a HUGE variety of colors.

Which colors I LOVE for spring: Fiji, Pass Port-To-Sail, Bon Boy-Age, Perfect Mate, Go-Go Geisha, Spool Me Over, and Peak Show.

OPI

Why O.P.I. is great: O.P.I. is like one of the OG nail polish brands. My mom has had this brand forever growing up, I used to get it a lot when I’d get manicures with my grandma as a kid. I remember when I had a birthday party (or went to a birthday party? now I can’t remember) in elementary school, I got this BEAUTIFUL opal iridescent O.P.I. color. I wish I could find it today! But it’s honestly just a tried and true nail polish with endless color options and fabulous payoff. They now have their infinite shine collection which I am obsessed with.

Which colors I LOVE for spring: To Be Continued, That’s Hula-rious, Got Myself Into A Jam-Balaya, The Color That Keeps On Giving, Patience Pays Off, Staying Neutral On This, Closer Than You Might Belém, Barking Up The Wrong Sequoia, Lisbon Wants Moor OPI

ZOYA

Why ZOYA is great: I honestly didn’t expect to love ZOYA as much as I did. They’re a newer brand to my collection but they have one of the best nail polish brushes EVER. It’s so wide and flat so you can get the whole nail in one stroke. It’s GENIUS. It’s so much better than trying to brush a million strokes on your nail before it dries. It almost eliminates the chance of streaking some colors are prone to.

KL Polish

Why KL Polish is great: First of all, KL Polish is owned by one of my all-time favorite youtube beauty guru Kathleen Lights! She is FABULOUS and so I am always looking to support my fellow girl bosses. I honestly didn’t expect it to be so amazing but it honestly is. I am SO impressed with the lasting power. I can get up to 9 days in this polish which is so unheard of for me.

Which colors I LOVE for spring: The entire Ethereal Garden limited edition boxed set!!! Colors – Pinky, Gum Would Be Perfection, Dream Boy, Charmed, Miss Kensington, and Selene.

China Glaze

Why China Glaze is great: This is a polish I would use frequently when I would get my nails done at the salon. I only recently decided to look into it myself and see if I could purchase it outside of a salon setting. You totally can and it totally rocks. This has a nice brush too, and the colors last almost as long as KL Polish!! They have a fabulous color selection.

Which colors I LOVE for spring: Crushin’ On Blue, Temptation Carnation, Rainbow, Diva Bride, Go-Go Pink, Peachy Keen, Refresh Mint, and Lemon Fizz.

These colors are SO cute. I trust these brands so much and it just honestly takes practice when painting your own nails to get good at it. It’s taken me a long time to be able to get my left hand to look as good as my right, but now I can paint both hands no problem! A few months of constant practice really built my skill up. 

Do YOU like to paint your nails at home? What are your favorite brands and colors? Let me know in the comments below!

Original content written by Blonde & Ambitious 

How-to from Marleylilly’s Stylist and Marketing Associate

Tying the knot is so on-trend! Knotting your shirts and dresses makes your pieces more versatile. Whether new or old, tying a knot gives you a fresh look. Now, just because you can knot a top or a dress doesn't mean you should. It's important to know what pieces should be knotted and how they should be styled. But never fear, I am here to teach you the basics of rocking the knot!

For any of the tops below, here is the breakdown. Take the part of the shirt/dress where you want to tie and twist it around your finger to create small ‘bunny ear’. Take the ‘bunny ear’ with the tip of your finger and twist it around the base of the knot and then you pull through the hole you have created by doing the steps above. Make sure your knot is not too big or it won't look right! The perfect knot is one that gives you shape and makes a statement.

1. Monogrammed Boyfriend Dress

Due to the natural flowy style of our Monogrammed Boyfriend Dress, this item is the perfect piece to tie the knot with. A low knot on the side of the dress will the dress a fitted look. I would recommend wearing flats with the knotted look for an effortless spring or summer daytime OOTD!

2. Monogrammed Boyfriend T-Shirt

The Boyfriend T-Shirt is one of my personal favorites because it can be worn so many ways and with so many accessories! It is a great layering shirt, it can be dressed up or down and is so flattering! My favorite way to wear the boyfriend t-shirt is with a pair of high-waisted jeans (definitely white for the warmer seasons) with a tied knot on the side. Wearing the shirt this way will show off your cute high-waisted bottoms and define your figure! This look would be best completed with some wedges and a cute bag for a brunch date or cute dinner out!

3. Button Down Shirt

Everybody needs a classic button-down shirt, and if you don’t have one yet, you are definitely missing out on a wardrobe essential! A great button down will look office-chic tucked into a skirt or effortlessly casual with your fave pair of skinny jeans - the list could go on! The perfect button down will also be one that fits you nicely but is slightly forgiving, so you can really wear it with anything. This one from J. Crew is PERFECT! A great look for the spring is a pair of shorts, or skirt, with a cute button down, tied in a knot in the front! Pair this top with these shorts or jeggings. 

Happy spring, everyone! We made it, and with no help from the groundhog's shadow, I might add! Did anyone feel like winter took its sweet time this year? Nevertheless, it's time to turn a new leaf (literally). The trees are blossoming, temperatures are rising and the warm weather is on its merry way! It's time to welcome in the new season and trade out winter neutrals for vibrant patterns and colors! We're only a few days in to spring and Easter is just around the bend! It's such a bright and celebratory holiday, so why not spread the love? Treat the ladies in your life (or yourself) to these cheery Easter basket goodies...

Naked Skin Color Correcting Fluid

If you're still struggling to recalibrate from the recent time change, use the color-correcting powers of this concealer to hide those dark circles. Choose from deep peach, lavender, green, peach, pink or yellow. Whether for discoloration or blemish concealer, this product is to the rescue!

Essie Nail Polish

Can you ever have enough nail polish? I think not! Choose from a variety of colors whether you're shopping for a classic or edgy style. Don't be afraid to mix and match. If you're all about the accent trend, paint your ring finger with a bright color and the others with a pale blush or "egg" shell! 😉

Monogrammed Bath Robe

Perfect for the lounge setting, this delicate blush robe is the ideal gift for Easter. It's cute, comfy and monogrammed - what's not to love? If pink isn't your thing, try it in mint or the navy floral pattern.

LUSH Cosmetics Bath Bomb

Give the gift of luxury with a bath bomb! All LUSH products are handmade with natural ingredients and packed with essential oils as a gentle alternative to bubble bath. They also change up colors and shapes seasonally, so there's something for any holiday celebration (peep the cute egg shape above).

Tree Hut Scrub

Still, on the beauty train, give the gift of exfoliation with this luxurious body scrub. The exfoliation grains are the perfect texture for a smooth and silky polish. All their fragrances smell so great and your wallet will love the price point! 

Monogrammed Large Tassel Key Ring

Never lose your keys in the bottom of your bag ever again with this key ring (cue the "Hallelujah Chorus"). This is a statement key ring. It's personalized and the tassel detail is very on-trend for spring fashion 2018. 

Monogrammed Wicker Clutch

Wicker Easter basket, wicker clutch - is there a better match? Wicker is a spring and summer classic and with this statement clutch, any Easter clutch will come to life! 

Monogrammed Beaded Bracelets

Candy minus the calories? I'm all ears! We all love candy in our Easter baskets, but this year we're all about the arm candy, too! Create a fun bracelet stack with this trio set!

eos Lip Balm

This egg-shaped product was made for your Easter basket! This company prides itself in noticeably smooth results (hence eos - evolution of smooth) whether you're a mint, berry or coconut gal. 

3-Wick Candle

Bath and Body Works seems to roll out new candles every week! Everyone can appreciate a candle, especially when the scents are so pleasantly fragrant. For a beauty-themed Easter basket, pair this with the bath bomb and exfoliating scrub.

Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater

Facial spray is a beauty routine essential. Boost your hydration and revitalize your glow with this facial mist. It also has a very refreshing subtle floral aroma - perfect for spring!

Sugarfina Gummies

Whether sweet or salty, you can't have an Easter basket without treats. This brand is everywhere right now and the packaging is just darling! 

Triple Sec - The Perfect 3-In-1

The smell alone of this product! Dry Bar, can you please make this a candle scent? This 3-in-1 hair product adds texture, amplifies and refreshes any hair type. You have to love that!

***

If you paid really close attention, you can tell by the Easter puns, this holiday is one of my favorites. What are your Easter basket must-haves? We would love to know in the comments below!

Until next time -

Xo,

Emily 

Has anyone else realized that the weather is typically not what they say it will be? I feel like if it's a 90% chance of rain, there's actually a 90% chance it won't rain. Maybe that's just me, but it's something I have begun to notice a lot lately as it was supposed to rain the last two days and it never did. I'm not complaining, I'm all for bright, sun shining days!

Speaking of weather, this morning I heard the news talking about how we still have a couple of chilly weeks ahead, but I'm hoping that they are wrong and that it's actually going to be warm and beautiful because I have just found the cutest boutique, Marleylilly.

I don't know if you have heard of this company before, but I came across them a few months ago and have completely fallen in love (cue the heart eye emoji). Marleylilly is a boutique that sells a lot of monogrammed gifts. If you are from the South and love anything/everything with your monogram on it, then this is going to be your new favorite place to shop for yourself or gifts for others.

I am lucky enough to be able to collaborate with them and share my favorite spring picks from their new arrivals with you! Whether it's summer or winter, raining or snowing outside, Marleylilly has you covered in every way possible. So, without further adieu, let me introduce you to the most amazing boutique....

dress // monogrammed bag // shoes // yellow earrings // monogrammed sleeveless tunic // white pants // gold earrings // monogrammed rain jacket // straw bag

How cute is all of that?! I just can't get enough of it! It is making me dream of summer days headed to the beach or pool or for my next vacation ;) Let's hope it's to somewhere with clear water. But who isn't dreaming of that?! 

You should check out the rest of their site, they have the cutest summer dresses, tops, bags & hats! They also have great gifts for soon-to-be brides, bridesmaids, or even a thank you to a friend, Marleylilly is a one-stop shop!

Enjoy! 

Original Content Written By Southern Tailored

1. @buzzfeed

With over 3 million followers, Buzzfeed is one of the most hilarious accounts out there. Featuring a wide variety of memes, its content is sure to keep you laughing all day long. Looking for more niche content from the Buzzfeed fam? Buzzfeed also runs a number of other accounts including @buzzfeedobsessed, @buzzfeedparents, and @buzzfeedanimals.

2. @cute.animals

This account is full of the cutest animal posts you could imagine. From house pets to exotic breeds, this account showcases the cutest of the cute. All photos are user-submitted from fellow animal lovers across Instagram. With so many sweet, furry friends to look at, you’re sure to enjoy every post from this account!

3. @beautifuldestinations

Looking at this account could get you lost for hours! Featuring amazing photos of the most stunning destinations around the world, it’s no wonder this account has over 10 million followers. Enjoy traveling all corners of the world by scrolling through beautiful cities, beaches, and mountains!

Résumé Tips

Interview Tips

Original content written by The Thrifty Pineapple

one (under $50) //two (cotton but only $5!) // three //  four (more vintage Hermès scarves here) // five

six  //  seven ($7!)  //  eight (cotton but only $5!) //  nine (under $60)

Here are a few inspo images if you’re considering one for your space!

images one  //  two  //  three  //  four  //  five

Original content written by Design Darling

After Christmas, our HEB had Pillsbury Pie Crusts on major sale and Zach convinced me to buy a fridge-full of them with no clue what we'd end up using them for. After a week of pie crusts staring me in the face every time I went to grab a Diet Coke (which is often), I was on a mission to put at least some of them to good use. Then it hit me: homemade pop tarts. Or semi-homemade, anyway. We already had everything we needed to make them so I got busy. And y'all, best decision ever. 

Not only are these homemade pop tarts easy to make, but they're absolutely delicious. The recipe I followed called for strawberry preserves and while I'm sure that would be tasty, I opted for cherry pie filling instead. Basically because I'm pregnant and want all the sugar and can eat that stuff straight from the jar with a spoon. So these pop tarts are mini pies, pretty much, which is why they're so delicious. A flaky crust with a warm cherry filling, topped with rich vanilla frosting. I ate 3 within the first 30 minutes of making them...and the rest disappeared soon after.

You could fill them with just about anything: fresh strawberries, Nutella, PB&J, cookie butter, jelly, etc. I think Nutella+strawberries+almonds (my crepe of choice) will be my next pop tart feat.

You could whip up these tasty treats on a Saturday morning for breakfast, or make them festive with heart sprinkles for a Valentine's Day party. The possibilities are endless and no matter what the occasion, they're sure to be a hit. My boys loved them and they're pretty tough critics; we'll definitely be making them again soon. There's something about the buttery crust, sweet cherry center, and sugary frosting that makes these homemade pop tarts irresistible to all. The frosting is arguably the best part- it's so sweet and delicious...Bear and I were eating the extra with a spoon. You might have to add additional milk or powdered sugar until you reach the right consistency but once you do, you'll know. And you should definitely taste-test because you'll want to lick the bowl.

Ingredients:

1 (15 ounce) package refrigerated pie crusts

1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling

2 cups confectioners sugar

2 tablespoons milk

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon sprinkles, or as needed

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or foil.

2. Unroll the pie crusts, place on a lightly floured work surface, and roll the crusts slightly with a rolling pin to square the edges. Cut each crust into 8 equal-sized rectangles. Place about 2 teaspoons of cherry pie filling in the center of 8 squares, and spread the filling out to within 1/4 inch of the edge of the pastry square (a little goes a long way). Top each with another pastry square, and use a fork to crimp the squares together, sealing in the filling. Use a knife to trim the pastries, if desired. Move the filled pastries to the prepared baking sheets.

3. Bake in the preheated oven until the edges are lightly golden brown, about 7 minutes. Allow to cool on the baking sheets. Meanwhile, stir together the confectioners' sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl to make a spreadable frosting. Spread the cooled tarts with frosting and top with sprinkles. Let frosting cool and harden, then enjoy!

Bear and I are headed out for a few Friday errands before the fun weekend ahead. We're trying to get lots done yet find time to relax before the baby comes next month, which is a hard balance but no matter what I just want to enjoy this time with Bear. So Chick Fil A and Toys R Us stops will likely be happening today, as well. 

Hope you have a great weekend!

xo, Britt

Original Content Written By The Hello Honey Blog