blove: pars caeli

Oh, you are going to LOVE MJ, of Pars Caeli.

mj, pars caeli

all images courtesy of MJ

Although we only met in person last June at Alt NYC, I had known MJ “virtually” for many months, as we are part of an amazing group of ladies who blog and create.

Not only are these women smart, talented and driven, they are (as is much of the blogging community) some of the most supportive friends I’ve ever had. We offer advice, share each other’s work on social media (Tweeted! Pinned! Go girl!), and offer a shoulder when our bloggy lives disappoint us.

So I was super excited to meet MJ in real life, and I know you’ll be as smitten with her as I am.

Pars Caeli (pronounced “pars kiley”) is Latin for “piece of heaven”. And as MJ explains it:

“In this cozy space we talk happiness and heartbreak, discuss parenting and the wonders of childhood, share design, fashion and home decor, and collaborate on making the best life”.

I asked MJ to pick out her favorite posts, and here are the ones she shared:

MJ is all about family – I love this memoir box for its simplicity, and how it captures a lovely family memory. It’s also a wonderful “snapshot” of where her children were at the time, through their writing, drawings and thoughts.

pars caeli endless summer memoir box

endless summer projects: memoir boxes

“This project was in collaboration with a great group of uber talented women: Jen from Classic Play, Alexandra of AlexandraHedin, and Melissa of Lulu the Baker. The project was a perfect blend of real life meets blog world for me. My children and husband were engaged in remembering our fun summer together, and the memoir box came together quickly. And I love the finished product!”

MJ is also all about collaborations. In fact, it’s one of the things I admire most about her. She is genuinely interested in engaging with her peers as well as her readers, and this series beautifully exemplifies that.

pars caeli celebrate the normal

celebrate the normal

“My fave series so far (always open to new greatness, you know?) has been the Celebrate the Normal posts from this summer. Dozens of folks from around the globe weekly contributed images of their normal, everyday lives, and allowed us to see the beautiful in the ordinary. I relished seeing what new shots I’d get from long-time friends, and I was happily surprised to see newcomers to the fold each week! I am all about gratitude, the beautiful in the simple, and common experience – so I think #celebratethenormal may make a return some time soon.”

I love that MJ gives a “peek behind the curtain” to see the bumps, mistakes and plans-gone-awry that we all experience. That – although the internet would have you think otherwise – we’re not all leading Pinterest-worthy, picture-perfect lives.

pars caeli frustration

frustration

“Blogging is cathartic for me. I love to talk projects and family, happiness and creativity, but sometimes life is completely frustrating so I love talking about that, too.”

MJ did a great job of sharing posts that show the range of topics that you’ll find at Pars Caeli, as well as the positive message she’s always putting out into the world. But of course I couldn’t help but add a few picks of my own:

I love the idea of a craft “date” with a friend. These burlap placemats are SO me, and look easy to execute too.

MJ gives “blove” too! Her “For The Love Of Blogging” series is one I always look forward to, and I especially loved this post featuring another fabulous blogger – Paige, of Approaching Joy.

And finally – MJ doesn’t spend her time chasing pageviews and “likes”. Instead, she celebrates the work of others, genuinely engages with her audience and joyfully collaborates with her fellow creatives.

Sounds like a piece of heaven to me.

Thanks so much MJ! xo

Wanna know what “blove” is?

Posted in ,

8 Comments

  1. MJ on October 17, 2013 at 9:06 am

    Oh my, what an honor to be bloved. 🙂 This sweet gesture is only topped by your real life self that is so authentically warm and engaging. Thank you, Sheri! And speaking of collaborations, when are we going to do something fun together?? xoxo, MJ

    • sherisilver on October 17, 2013 at 2:10 pm

      My pleasure MJ – the feeling is mutual! Let’s collab! xoxo

  2. Marti on October 17, 2013 at 11:53 am

    Thanks for introducing MJ, she sounds like a fab individual. Will have to take a peek at her Blog on a regular basis.
    Marti

    • sherisilver on October 17, 2013 at 2:10 pm

      She’s super-fab and you will LOVE her blog!

  3. Shalagh Hogan on October 17, 2013 at 10:44 pm

    I had MJ’s site bookmarked on my phone for the longest time because I read the post on the memory boxes.Summer camp back and forth with other sites. You reminded me that I liked her mode. I’ll go back and visit. Thanks Sheri.
    Love,
    Shalagh

    • sherisilver on October 18, 2013 at 6:40 am

      Thanks Shalagh; she’s a blogger to love!

  4. annie on October 22, 2013 at 7:29 am

    Sheri,
    Love her ideas…and the name!
    annie

    • sherisilver on October 22, 2013 at 7:49 pm

      She’s so awesome!

Leave a Comment





sheri silver headshot

Hi! I'm Sheri!

Welcome to my little corner of the web where you’ll find easy, delicious recipes, the best kitchen hacks and simple tips for turning your home into a clean haven that is free of toxins. So glad you’re here!