Smith Mountain Lake

Oh summer holiday, how I relish the very thought of you! We spent a long weekend back in Virginia (nowhere near where we're from) at Smith Mountain Lake. We drove up, meandering our way through a few states, stopping at every antique mall within eye shot. Arriving in Virginia late in the evening, we saw the sun setting, painting cotton candy colors across the sky. I'd almost forgotten the winding roads and lush green hills the state has to offer. South Carolina is flat.

We stayed with my in-laws, right on the lakefront with weathered old docks spreading out across the water. Boats cruised around, lifting the wake to a steady, soft wave. Here and there ducks splashed about. Mostly the place was quiet, bringing a very welcomed relaxing rhythm to the whole trip. Smith Mountain Lake is fairly large, snaking back and forth through tall pine trees, sparkling in the sun. In some spots along the shore little sandy beaches form, with rocky edges and pine needles ghosting the ground.

We wandered around for a few days taking in the scenery and basking in the glow of the summer sunshine. We tried paddle boarding for the first time, did some rock climbing and enjoyed time together with our family. Any change of landscape and views brings on great inspiration for our creative minds. Naturally, we took the opportunity to snap some fun photos!

What I'm wearing:
All jewelry : SoulMakes
Tank : Roxy
Sunnies : Free People
Best $3 pair of vintage wranglers from local thrift
Belt made by my mom almost 40 years ago

Love,
MacK Mars

That Summer Feeling

We're no longer living under the rule of unrelenting seasons. Admittedly, these photos were taken in Virginia, on a lovely family getaway. But we're from South Carolina now. I've fallen deeply in love with the low country. The palm trees lining every street, dotting the shores of the beaches. Tangled spanish moss hanging from long reaching branches of oak canopies that seem to just hover above you in the sky. And the beach, of course, the beach. Otherwise known as my church. My sacred temple. The place where I feel small and humble in the light of my Creator's great artwork.

It's true, we have no clue yet what the fall and winter seasons have in store for us. We've heard mixed reviews from the long-time locals. But one thing is for sure, we can toss out our snow shovels and ice scrapers for good! Even when the temperature begins to dip, which is still a long way off, we'll be surrounded by a different kind of ever green - palmettos forever. So no matter the weather, we're living in a seemingly endless summer, surrounded by the ever boundless scenery of oceanside living! This move is by far one of the best life decisions we've ever made. Every part of my soul has long been drawn to the water, the salty air and the tropical heat. I never thought I'd actually get to live out that dream, but I also never imagined I'd own a successful business or marry the most wonderful man on the planet. I'm officially living happily ever after.

SoulMakes has always been a brand inspired by the beach and freedom that comes with summer time. With our studio's new surrounding area, we're surrendering entirely to the summer season. Which means you can expect to see lot's more shells in our designs and even more creations made with surfside vibes. So maybe you're one of the lucky ones too, living the coastal life and maybe you're somewhere else, in some other magical place dreaming of a tropical getaway. Either way, go with the flow, follow us through the currents of the vast and beautiful ocean. Become a beach gypsy, layer up in SoulMakes jewels, let you're hair get tangled up in the breeze! Who says you can't have that summer feeling year round?

I'm wearing:
All Jewelry by SoulMakes
Beach Blanket by SoulMakes
Bikini by L*Space (from my new fav local shop Las Olas)
Sunnies from Free People

Botany Bay

Botany Bay is a real slice of paradise just down the road from the new SoulMakes studio. It's the kind of place you see in movies but can't imagine it exists in real life. Palm trees grace the shore line, tangled up in the branches of sun bleached seedlings. Old driftwood buried in the sand reveals itself during high tide. Perhaps the most amazing thing about this preserved piece of land is all the treasure that washes up on the coast. The kind of shells you might spend hours searching for, hoping to find that one unbroken, perfectly curled conch shell, they're right at your feet on Botany Bay. Everywhere you look, ancient shells ghost the ground. This is the kind of place where you truly leave only your footprints and you take no souvenirs. Although a big part of me wishes I could take home shells by the bucket full, that would ruin the experience for the next traveler. (Also, they check your bag on the way out ;) You're not allowed to take any shells, instead people hang them on the surrounding palm trees. It's really a magical thing to see!

We wandered around this little haven for a few hours one weekend. Dipping our toes in the water and watching the pelicans soar above us. We couldn't be more grateful to live in a place where this kind of scenery is just an everyday occurrence. Our new home town fills us with all kinds of inspiration, some of which is quite evident in our latest line!

Be sure to stop by the shop and check out our latest jewels!

I'm wearing:
Palmita Necklace + Kailani Necklace + Mountain Mama Necklace by SoulMakes
All bracelets by SoulMakes
Belt from Free People
Best pair of $3 vintage wranglers from local thrift!