​Happy Thursday y’all! Today’s blog is going to be a very exciting one because we are going to be talking about the Mississippi Book Festival! The Mississippi Book Festival is a one-day event that is held right here in downtown Jackson on State Capitol grounds! It is an amazing family-friendly festival that has opportunities and activities for all book lovers and ages.
 
​The Mississippi Book Festival is a non-profit organization that was founded by literacy advocates in 2015 to celebrate the wonders of literacy and all that it has to offer. Hundreds of authors travel from all over to not only speak at discussions or panels, but to enjoy the festival itself. Every year the festival brings in thousands of book lovers who all share the same passion.
 
The festival itself consists of visiting authors, book signings, panel discussions, Capitol tours, food trucks, and family friendly activities like a kid’s tent. There are so many ways to grow an interest in reading and learn more about the importance of literacy.
 
The pre-fest party takes place today on Thursday August 17th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at The Plant in Jackson. There will be food and drinks along with award-winning author Harrison Scott Key who will be speaking on behalf of his newest book, How to Stay Married: The Most Insane Love Story Ever Told. Then on Saturday, the festival will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and is free admission to anyone in the public. The Capitol stately rooms and local churches turn into venues and host some of the events going on.
 
The Mississippi Book Festival has exhibits and activities going on all day. For example, The Mississippi Children’s Museum will have an exhibit called Rocky’s House that will be there all day for children to go to cool off and sue their imagination. There will also be book signings all day across the whole festival for adults to go and show support to some of their favorite authors. Booksellers Row will also be at this year’s event which is an opportunity for independent sellers to showcase such amazing books.
 
The Mississippi Book Festival truly is a wonderful event that is the perfect family-friendly event if you are looking for something to do this weekend! Make sure to check out their website at msbookfestival.com for more information regarding their schedule of events and all that they have to offer. You can also follow along with them on Instagram @msbookfestival to see more of behind the scenes and live footage! And don’t forget to get inspired y’all!

​Good morning y’all! Today I wanted to share with you about something that means a lot to us at Get inspired Y’all and that is near and dear to our hearts. I wanted to share with you all about the one and only Mustard Seed!
 
The Mustard Seed is currently located in Brandon but has recently opened a new gift shop location right here in Ridgeland. The Mustard Seed is a Christian community that welcomes all adults with developmental disabilities and strives to create a loving and safe environment. Founded in 1981, The Mustard Seed is a place full of meaningful activities that allows the “Seedsters” to live to their full potential that God has created them with!
 
The Mustard Seed began in 1981 when a group of parents gathered at a local church to discover ways for their children to receive the care that they deserved.  They acquired their first group home with just one resident in 1986 and as their vision grew over the years, so did their programs.  In 1989, the members began pouring ceramic green ware for Charter Hospital’s art therapy program that now accounts for more than 20% of Mustard Seed’s income.
 
Today, The Mustard Seed includes several group homes, a swimming pool, two gift shops, a ceramics studio and workshop, classrooms that also act as safe rooms, a multi-purpose activity center, and a tremendous amount of support from the community. The Mustard Seed continues to grow every single day and allows for adults with developmental disabilities to feel their absolute best!
 
Whether it be playing games with the Seedsters or helping to water the plants, there are an endless number of ways to become involved with The Mustard Seed. Being able to give back directly to your community in a hands-on way is something that is so special and rewarding. The Mustard Seed’s gift shop is also something that they take pride in. 100% of the gift shop’s sales goes directly back to The Mustard Seed to help support and provide for their programs!
 
Make sure to visit their website at mustardseedms.org for information on how to become involved and to be in the know on their daily activities! The Mustard Seed is a place full of love and happiness and truly wants nothing but the best for their Seedsters. You can also show your support to their Seedsters by visiting their gift shops in Brandon or Ridgeland because I can promise you, nothing will make your day more than being around such genuine and loving individuals! And don’t forget y’all to get inspired!
 
 

​Happy Tuesday y’all! This morning we are going to get inspired by such an authentic and amazing business right here in Ridgeland! I am talking about the one and only Elle James Bridal!
 
Elle James Bridal is a one stop bridal shop for those who have been dreaming of finding the perfect wedding dress for their special day! Elle James was created more out of necessity than anything else. They wanted to give Mississippi brides access to one-of-a-kind dresses by such amazing designers without having to travel out of the state. Elle James has created such a welcoming and warm atmosphere that people from all over travel to find their dream dress right here in Mississippi!
 
What makes Elle James Bridal so special is that every bride’s experience is intimate and custom to their wants and needs! Each stylist puts their heart and soul into every bride and is there for them every step of the way. At Elle James, before going in for your appointment, each bride will chat with a stylist first so they can get a sense of their wedding day vision. After conversing, dresses will be pulled that fit one’s style, body type, and budget so that way when a client does come in, they don’t feel overwhelmed trying to pull their own dresses. Once the guests are brought to the main room, the bride is brought back to the bridal suite to try on all the dresses and dress up with all the accessories to get the full experience!
 
The main reason why Elle James strives to create that relaxing and intimate setting is because they don’t want a single bride to feel stressed or anxious when finding their dream dress. It should be fun and memorable in a good way! They want each bride to feel special and beautiful and to have all eyes on them because it truly is all about them.
 
One thing that Elle James Bridal offers is the customization of any dress. If you found the one but want to add sleeves, add a bow, lower the back, or even take away material,  Elle James would be more than happy to add or remove whatever it is to create the perfect dress for you! After your dress arrives, each bride comes back for the “first look” of their dress. At this appointment, alterations are discussed and anything else like tips for the day of and after the wedding.
 
Elle James Bridal is truly one of a kind! Each stylist is passionate about what they do and wants every bride to feel beautiful and their absolute best on their wedding day! If you are a bride to be or know of a bride to be, make sure to check out their website at ellejamesbridal.com or their Instagram @ellejamesbridal to book an appointment or for more information regarding their services. And don’t forget, to get inspired y’all!