Category Archives: Style

Chic Paleo Brunch with The PBQ

Posted in DIY, Entertaining, Home by

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.

brunch table setting from one charming life

DIY Succulent Place Cards from One Charming Life

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.


 DIY mini succulent place cards with calligraphy

teal and neutral brunch place setting

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. :)

Dreaming of a French Farmhouse Christmas

Posted in Holiday, Home by

Earlier this year, I discovered a blog called Dreamy Whites. And I fell in love with the precious antiques and handmade goods Maria offers on her site. When I saw her holiday collection, I adored it all and couldn’t help sharing it with you. Forget any sugar plums… I’ve had visions of vintage French grain sacks dancing in my head. :)

The Dreamy Whites shop is filled with handmade items constructed from antique European linens and grain sacks. These lovely items would add charm to any home for the holidays…

vintage french zinc wash bucket as a christmas tree stand

vintage red french turine

Antique French Linen Christmas Stockings

grain sack advent calendar- french farmhouse christmas

vintage grain sack tree skirt

You can shop for the items pictured above here. And don’t forget to check out the rest of the Dreamy Whites Shop for everyday beauties for your home.

XO, Mariel

Gifts for the Holiday Hostess

Posted in Gifts, Holiday, Home, Style by

The tree is up and sparkling, our holiday festivities are all mapped out, and it’s even starting to get cold outside in Texas. Christmas is coming, and I’ve been doing some serious holiday shopping. I love picking out Christmas presents. But sometimes it’s hard to find that perfect gift. I’ve scrolled through gorgeous gift guides on Pinterest and clicked on websites filled with beautiful things… but I believe you can never have enough inspiration. :)

So that’s why I did some research and put together a few of my favorite gift ideas. I’m a huge fan of neutrals, and this year I haven’t been able to get enough GOLD. These pretty presents are perfect for any friend, relative, or hostess who loves to entertain.

chic and affordable holiday hostess gifts in gold and black

1) Chalkboard Spice Jar from Anthropologie, $12

2) Agate Cheese Plates from Jayson Home, $60

3) Confetti Place Mats from Anthropologie, $28

4) Little Luck Horseshoe from Suitor, $32

5) Cheese Markers from Nordstrom, $30

6) Guest Towel from Style Vista, $18

7) Cheers Glasses from Williams & Sonoma, $49

Which one would you like to receive? I’m eyeing it all…. ;)

Happy hunting!

XO, Mariel

Thanksgiving “Graffiti” Table

Posted in DIY, Holiday, Home by

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.

Crafty and Colorful Thanksgiving Table Decor from One Charming Life

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

Simple Thanksgiving Table Decor. Kraft Paper and Pens. White Ceramic Turkey.

Supplies . . .  kraft paper  +  white pens 

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

Believe in Burgundy

Posted in Fashion, Style by

Burgundy. It’s the must-have color this fall. It’s also one of my favorite trends… which might have something to do with the fact that it aligns so closely with the maroon of my beloved alma mater, Texas A&M. Yes, it’s perfect for football season! :)

Nina Garcia calls burgundy “the new black”. Even though I don’t plan on replacing the black staples in my wardrobe, after seeing these chic outfits I totally agree that burgundy is a fantastic addition for fall. Not only is it easy to pair with other neutrals; white, navy, beige, black and gray, but its rich hue will add a touch of boldness to  your fall outfit.

Keep scrolling for burgundy inspiration below. My favorite look is the cozy burgundy cape paired with leopard loafers and stacked bracelets. Which one’s yours?

Burgundy Jacket - Fall 2012 Trend

Cheyenne Meets Chanel

burgundy and leopard from la dolce vita blog

La Dolce Vita

maroon jacket - Fall 2012 Trend - BurgundyC’est la vie

Burgundy peplum top - oxblood fall 2012 trend

Mary Fashionbirds

maroon sequined clutch  The Fashion Pulse

maroon outfit via cupcakes & cashmere

cupcakes and cashmere

So call it what you like; maroon, burgundy, wine or even oxblood… I’m thanking the fashion world because it’s the perfect trend for us Aggie girls (and anyone else who happens to support maroon!). So go ahead and stock-up on game day attire. There are so many great maroon blazers, jeans and handbags to choose from this season.

Here are a few items on my wish list for fall… they’d all look great with an Aggie ring!

Maroon out - Texas A&M Aggie Gameday Style from One Charming Life

Sources: Aggie Ring photo by Doug Klembara~ Mini MAC Handbag by Rebecca Minkoff ~ Runway Watch by Michael Kors ~ Personalized Texas A&M iPhone Cover from Then Comes Paper ~ Chanel Nail Polish from All Lacquered Up ~ Paige Tall Riding Boots by Frye ~ Burberry Brit Check Scarf from Polyvore.

 Of course, I’ll be supporting the maroon and white as we take on Arkansas this weekend. Who will you be cheering for?

Gig ’em Aggies!

XO, Mariel

Color-Blocked Books

Posted in DIY, Home, Style by

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…

Color blocked books via One Charming Life

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.

Color-Coded Bookshelf via One Charming Life #ColorBlock

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…

Annabelle Kerslake via Design Sponge

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

John and Tyke Colorful Bookshelf via Apartment Therapy

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

Cynthia Rowley's Manhattan Apartment - pink books via Elle Decor

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