Chic Paleo Brunch with The PBQ

Posted in DIY, Entertaining, Home by Mariel

Happy New Year! 2013 is officially here. And what better way to kick it off than with a fabulous {and good for you} brunch. The Primal Beauty Queen and I have partnered up again to bring you tips on planning a Paleo New Year’s Brunch. Dee has created some scrumptious Primal recipes {Apple Cinnamon Waffles, Omelette Cups, Pear & Walnut Salad, and a few drinks too, YUM} and I’ve created a quick and easy idea for place cards.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 mini succulent per guest // small vase or votive per guest // tags // pen

Here’s what to do:

Simply place each succulent in a small vase {I used mercury glass votives}. Write each guest’s name on a tag, and tie it around the plant {I used white calligraphy on kraft paper tags, but you can really use anything!}. Place one at each setting, and your guests have a new plant to take home with them and care for as they start off the new year.

Call up your friends & family and enjoy the first few days of 2013 together. And don’t forget to visit Dee’s blog for the yummy recipes. ;)

May your new year be blessed with love, laughter & new adventures!

XO, Mariel

P.S. If you’re looking for a dinner party, check out this post. :)

23Dec2012

Gold Stamped Gift Tags

Posted in DIY, Gifts, Holiday by Mariel

I love wrapping presents. Almost as much as I love giving them. Even as a kid, each Christmas I looked forward to helping my mom wrap up the gifts for my sister and brother. I think it has something to do with the care that goes into wrapping up a gift into a pretty little package, and then seeing the anticipation of your friend/family/loved one as they open it and see what’s inside.

This year, I wanted to add a special touch to our Christmas presents. I created a calligraphy ‘noel’ stamp and embossed it everywhere I could in glittery gold ink. {For instructions on gold embossing, visit this tutorial by Antiquaria on Oh So Beautiful Paper.} I wrapped our presents with kraft paper and a bunch of gold washi tape. Then tied the tags on with twine bows.

Holiday stamps are a quick and easy way to add a bit of beauty to your Christmas presents. Mix and match stamps from your local craft store, or check out some of the pretty designs from these talented ladies below.

peace joy love // baby it’s cold outside // to: from:

P.S. Want to tie the perfect bow? Learn how to here. :)

Enjoy customizing and handing out your pretty gifts this Christmas!

XO, Mariel

23Nov2012

Fall {Paleo} Dinner Party

Posted in DIY, Entertaining by Mariel

I am so excited to share something new with you guys today. Earlier this year, I had the joy of meeting Dee, the lovely lady behind The Primal Beauty Queen. I love her blog and tweets because she shares two of my passions, beauty and healthy eating. We both follow a Paleo-style diet, which you can learn more about here and here.

When Dee asked me to collaborate on a blog post, I was so excited. We began talking about ideas, and both agreed that there isn’t much inspiration out there for the modern day Paleo hostess. So we decided to put together everything you need to host a Paleo-inspired dinner party this fall!

Now that Thanksgiving is over, this is great inspiration for a casual evening with friends. Find all the delicious recipes on Dee’s blog, and keep reading to learn how to pull all the details together!

Start off with a few appetizers… I’m in love with Dee’s delicious and simple recipes for Sweet & Spicy Nuts and Italian Stuffed Mushrooms. Find free printables for the labels at the bottom of this post!

Print out a menu for each place setting so your guests know what’s in store {Look for the link at the bottom of this post!}.

Use a red apple as a simple and chic place card. To put it together, just follow these four easy steps.

1) Cut small rectangles out of black cardstock.

2) Write each guests’ name with a white gel pen.

3) Punch a small hole in the corner of the cardstock.

4) Tie it around the apple’s stem with a piece of twine.

And there you go! A unique and affordable (not to mention totally paleo) ;) way to seat your guests.

Let us know if you try any of the recipes. Happy entertaining!

XO, Mariel

Printables:

Menu Printable Appetizer Printables

Instructions:

1) Right-click on each image to download and save it to your computer.

2) Print onto white card stock using the high-quality print settings on your home printer.

3) Using a paper cutter (or scissors), carefully cut each piece following the grey dotted lines. Be sure to trim inside the guide lines.

4) Fold the appetizer cards in half and place them next to each dish.

5) Place a menu at each place setting.

6) Let the party begin!

Size:

8.5″ X 11″

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*Printables are for personal use only, not for commercial use.

21Nov2012

Thanksgiving “Graffiti” Table

Posted in DIY, Holiday, Home by Mariel

I can’t believe Thanksgiving is tomorrow! This holiday has totally snuck up on me. If you’re in the same boat, you may be feeling a bit unprepared this year. So if you’re looking for a fun and creative way to decorate your table tomorrow, here’s an easy last-minute idea.

Line your table with a long piece of kraft paper. Set-up your favorite dishes and silverware, and then add in a few white pens. Ask your guests to get creative and write or draw what they are thankful for. And then sit back and watch the creativity begin!

Casual easy Thanksgiving table setting. Write on kraft paper what you are thankful for.

This is a great conversation starter and a wonderful idea for the little ones. Plus, the set-up doesn’t get much simpler. You could also write your guests’ names next to their plates, or draw arrows and label any food on the table. Be creative and have fun!

Alright, it’s time to start some baking. I’m testing a few new “paleo” pie crusts this year… what new recipes will you be trying? Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

XO, Mariel

Supplies . . . kraft paper + white pens

On the Table . . . plates + napkins + glasses + napkin rings + turkey

23Aug2012

Color-Blocked Books

Posted in DIY, Home, Style by Mariel

Color-blocking has been popping up all over the fashion world. I love this playful trend, and there’s no reason why we should limit it to our wardrobes. If stacking an outfit with bold hues makes a fashion-forward statement, why not try it in our homes as well?

Color-blocking a bookshelf is a quick and easy way to update your living space. Pairing together blocks of colorful books with neutral furniture can make a huge visual impact in any room. Take our living room for example…

Before the switch, our bookshelves were a tad chaotic but full of hidden potential. Grouping the books by color livened up the space and brightened up our simple white walls. I love the fact that these everyday items are now a vibrant part of our decor.

Want to give it a try?

Here are a few tips on color-blocking your shelves…

Make sure your furniture and surrounding decor is simple and neutral so that you don’t overdo it. Neutrals like white, grey, brown or black will help tie your ‘ensemble’ together.
A rainbow of colors simply doesn’t work in every space. Be selective in choosing which books (and colors) you’ll display; edit your shelves just as you’d edit an outfit.
Bright-colored books contrasted against neutral shelves will add a vibrant pop to your décor.
If you’d like a more low-key look, try mixing different hues of the same color. For example, group together sky blue, royal blue and navy colored books in a room with blue decor.
Opposites attract. Don’t be afraid to mix bold colors! (See the pink and red books in Candace Bushnell’s apartment below…)

And a few beautiful examples for inspiration…

Modern pops of color mixed with antiques in Annabelle Kerslake’s charming Australian home {sneak peek via Design Sponge}.

Books transform this wall into a dynamic focal point {Jon & Tyke’s Modern Cabin via Apartment Therapy}.

Designer Susan Forristal styled this simple shelf into a playful masterpiece in Candace Busnell’s Manhattan apartment {via Elle Decor}.

Will you be trying this trend in your home?

Love it or leave it – let me know below! XO, Mariel

13Jul2012

Stamped with Love

Posted in DIY, Party, Wedding by Mariel

Looking for a way to customize your next event? Using rubber stamps to personalize a party is both brilliant and affordable. Stamps are very versatile; you can choose from a variety of styles and colors to create the perfect combination for your party’s theme.

Below are a few pictures of how I incorporated an ‘S’ motif throughout my own wedding using a custom stamp. I am so thankful that my coordinator, Kelly from Eventology Weddings, gave me this genius idea!

The stamp was so easy to use. Before I knew it I had covered everything from thank you notes, cocktail napkins and kraft paper cones for our rose petal send-off. Even though the touches were small, I loved that our guests were able to hold something that was handmade by me.

custom rubber stamp for wedding decor via One Charming Life

photos by hazel west photography

The custom ‘S’ motif was designed by the incredibly talented Lindsay Letters. The actual rubber stamp was made by babyjewels on etsy.

2Jul2012

Celebrate with Stripes

Posted in DIY, Free Printable, Holiday by Mariel

I can’t believe July is here! That means the fourth is right around the corner. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to add a touch of preppy patriotism to your holiday, I might be able to help. I’ve created four tags that you can download, print and trim in less than ten minutes. They’re a great way to make your fourth of July a bit more festive.

You could tie these navy and red tags around a gift bag with a piece of bakers twine, or attach them using staples. They’d also be cute wrapped around a bottle of wine as a hostess gift. Use your creativity and have fun!

Free Printable! Instructions for downloading and printing are below.*

Instructions:

1) Right-click on each image to download and save it to your computer.

2) Print each tag onto white card stock using the high-quality print settings on your home printer.

3) Using a paper cutter (or scissors), carefully cut out each rectangle following the grey guide lines on each corner. Be sure to trim within the guide lines.

4) Now it’s time to get creative. Punch a hole or two at the top, embellish with glitter and tie a bow with ribbon or twine.

5) Add the tag to your 4th of July gift or use as a decoration in your home!

Size:

2.5 inches x 4 inches

◊

*Tags are for personal use only, not for commercial use.

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