Paper Garland

An Apartment Full of Peonies

2013-05-28T09:00:00.000-04:00

On my way home from work on Friday (thinking "long weekend full-steam ahead!"), I stopped by the gorgeous flower stand in our building to gather up some stems to brighten my home. I used to be in the habit of buying myself flowers quite regularly, but during the winter months, that ritual fell to the wayside. Once I saw my favorite flower in the midst of all the beautiful blooms, I knew exactly what was coming home with me that day. I grabbed some dark pink carnations too and set off to brighten my home!

I placed a lovely, little arrangement in both my kitchen and my bedroom. I can literally feel the transformative effect that these beauties have when I walk into my apartment. There's no other decor trick, piece of art, or chevron anything that could make me feel as refreshed when coming home. The Ball jar bunch lives on my kitchen table, while the low, gray vase is perched on my nightstand.

Aren't they stunning? I hope this post has inspired you to head out to your local florist, the farmer's market, or a roadside stand to gather up a bunch of your own!

Polish Giveaways of May: Lilacism

2013-05-24T10:00:00.000-04:00

TGIF, everyone! I couldn't be more excited about the long weekend. My brother is coming into the city and we have plans to try out a bunch of restaurants from Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives - his request of course. I can't wait to sample my fair share of burgers and fries and just relax. Before I sign off for a few days, I'm excited to announce last week's polish winner and kick-off a new giveaway!

Each Friday in May, I will be giving away one (1) bottle of my favorite spring-inspired polish colors from the Essie collection, with the winner announced the following Friday. Up last week was Lapiz of Luxury and...

Congratulations!! Your polish will be on its way to you tomorrow! Sad you didn't win? Turn that frown upside down because up for winning this week is the lovely Lilacism!

Clockwise from top left: "Lilac" by Elena Kovyrzina, Essie "Lilacism" Polish, Lilac Skylar Earrings from Kendra Scott, $68, and Lilac Trelis Rug originally on HauteLook.

Lilac is definitely my favorite purple hue. It's classic, fun, and undeniably girly! Essie's "Lilacism" is a striking pale lilac that could almost pass for a neutral. I wish I could keep it for myself! Enter using the Rafflecopter below to give this shade a new home.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bits & Baubles

2013-05-22T09:00:00.000-04:00

As I looked back through my photos from the past week, I noticed a theme: green! Not only is green my favorite color, but I think that it certainly speaks to my desire to both get outside more lately and also my recent urges to try new things and make little changes to my routine. Instead of taking the T home from work each night, I have stepped outside and strolled instead. That historic building I pass by each day? Why not peek inside! I've even traded my beloved morning latte for a smoothie a few times. These little edits have been great stress relievers, not to mention bright spots in my week.

What have you done to spice up your routine, lately? Have you started working out in the mornings? Added an afternoon chocolate break? Started a date night? Hope your week is turning out to be simple, but special!

Strolling through Beacon Hill

Is there any green detail more charming than climbing ivy?

My Tuesday work outfit: Ann Taylor navy blouse, green LOFT eyelet skirt,

Nine West patent wedges, and the aforementioned pearls!

Morning smoothie: frozen berries, almond milk, and kale

Mint green skinny jeans, grey pumps, and a leopard bracelet

Inspiration Board: Navy & Pink Prep

2013-05-21T09:00:00.000-04:00

Top Row: Perfection in an outfit by the one and only Blair Eadie, Incredibly chic bedroom featured on HGTV, Bottom Row: Rope Gift Tags (on sale for $8 for a set of 3) in the Design Darling Boutique, Anchor nails on Wendy W's Pinterest, Nautical Pink Hair Bow ($6.95) available from The Vintage Bow Boutique.

My inner New England prepster has been coming out slowly but surely since the first hints of summer began to show themselves. I bought my first pair of Jack Rogers, added a few more crisp Oxfords to my closet, and have been piling on the pearls for work more days than not. Since I've been feeling prep-inspired, a navy and hot pink palette has definitely been on my mind. It's crisp, with the perfect amount of contrast, while also feeling fresh and fun. Speaking of adorable preppy details, who can resist an anchor manicure? Swoon. That's a trend I can't wait to try!

One Charming Garland: Balance

2013-05-19T13:00:00.000-04:00

I have so missed blogging, friends! For months, my days have been filled with a busy schedule, late nights working, health concerns (and still, more, health concerns about loved ones), some good times for sure, but mostly, trying to find some balance in life again - a solid way to start again after things fell apart. For a while there, I definitely forgot to stop and smell the roses, to wake up and notice all of the inspiration around me, and especially, to realize that the part of me that keeps going, loving, living, and thriving hasn't died...and it never could! Instagramming daily has really helped to jump start the "little things lover" in me, and I am equally as excited to be back and blogging again.

Nothing perks me up like something fresh, bright, and just the right amount of whimsical, so I thought that this Hot Air Balloon Garland Kit from Especially Paper was the perfect pick for revamping my One Charming Garland feature. I love that it's DIY, and I think that it would be the perfect addition to either a going away party (it reminds me of Oh! The Places You'll Go) or a baby shower.

Here's to life, balance, and new beginnings!

***

Do you have a garland photo, project, or find you'd like to see featured on One Charming Garland? Send away to papergarland@gmail.com!

Polish Giveaways of May: Lapiz of Luxury

2013-05-17T09:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday, friends! I hope that you had a lovely week and are looking forward to a warm and sunny weekend.

Each Friday in May, I will be giving away one bottle (1) of my favorite spring-inspired polish colors from the Essie collection, with the winner announced the following Friday. I am so excited to announce the lucky winner of last week's color, Turquoise & Caicos, and invite you all to enter again to win this week's. Without further delay...

Congratulations! I will be in touch with the details.

Up for grabs this week from their Resort Collection (definitely, one of my faves!) is the dreamy ocean blue....

Modeled by Holly Arabella, check out the link for her review (and many others)!

This color gets me thinking about...

...a perfect, cloudless sky.

...looking chic on a warm night and enjoying a rooftop dinner.

...outdoor summer concerts!

To enter to win, simply use the Rafflecopter below (and please comment, as well!). May the odds be ever in your favor.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My New Favorite...

2013-05-15T13:00:00.000-04:00

...bracelet! Gold, personalized, and summer-ready? It doesn't get more perfect than that if you ask me! The Custom Initial Anchor Bracelet ($16) from Simply Chic 93 is sure to stand out from even the most enviable stack of wrist candy and would look almost too cute paired with a nautical striped top. I bet any girl with a summer birthday would be just tickled to receive this as a gift...*wink*.

Fashion Namesake

2013-05-13T09:00:00.001-04:00

Inspiration photo credits: Mint macarons photographed by SFO Photo, Glitter blown glass necklace by The Studio 8, Gold pyramid studs from Rivet Button Shop.

When I was young, it felt so deflating to walk into a store with personalized keychains, license plates, and other fun novelty items and never be able to find my name. "Pamela" was always the closest I could find, and it was never considered a worthy substitute for the real deal. The 8-year-old me definitely squealed when I stumbled upon such a beautiful shoe named after yours truly (hey, a girl can dream). I'm just dying over the edgy sweetness of these Kate Spade "Paloma" Metallic Bow Pumps!

Polish Giveaways of May: Spring Into A New Look

2013-05-10T12:00:00.000-04:00

When I'm having a stressful week (which lately, is every week), one of my favorite breaks to take is a one-woman nail painting party. I get to change my look, feel productive, and focus on something fun for a few minutes. Since, I know I'm not the only one who's running around crazed - I know that so many of you students have finals right now - I thought I'd offer up a little dose of relaxation to you as well!

Each Friday in May, I will be giving away one bottle (1) of my favorite spring-inspired polish colors from the Essie collection, with the winner announced the following Friday.

Up for winning this week is the lovely bluish green....

This color makes me dream about...

...sitting on the beach in cutoffs before it's warm enough for a bikini
...lounging in the park, eating rainbow sherbert
...a vacation on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea

Ah, I could go for any one of those right now! To enter to win, simply use the Rafflecopter below. Good luck, lovelies!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bits & Baubles: London Style

2013-05-08T11:00:00.000-04:00

Aesthetically, I found London to be incredibly inspiring! Even with the generally gloomy weather, I found the city to be extraordinarily vibrant, colorful, and full of life. The best part? The seemingly countless markets that inhabit every neighborhood - Portabello, Borough, and Spitalfields, just to name a few - make every turn through town surprising and exciting. Here are a few more peeks into the lovelier bits of my week away...

On my long list of things to do, testing out afternoon tea was a must! I swear tea tastes different (and better!) when accompanied by mini scones, crustless sandwiches, and piles of pastries!

This olive bar at Borough Market was a delicious sight for an olive lover like me (Olive lover = Oliver?)

When I walked into our rented flat for the first time and saw this Barbra artwork, it felt just like home!

Marzipan double decker buses are delicious!

A stack of stunning trunks that I'd love to have in my home from Cambridge Satchel Co.

Cambridge Satchel Company: A Handbag Lover's Dream Part II

2013-05-07T13:00:00.000-04:00

As I weaved my way around the endless rows of gorgeous, multi-colored satchels at The Cambridge Satchel Company, I was worried it was going to take all day to choose! (How do you distinguish between perfection and perfection?) What I did know was that I wanted an 11" version for more casual and everyday use (but definitely checkout the larger sizes, like the 14" and 15", which would be perfect for school or work!), since a crossbody has become my daily bag of choice. I quickly decided that the "The Classic" was the perfect size, style, and aesthetic to fit my needs, and so all that I needed to do was pick a color. I mulled for a long time over whether to go with gorgeous, rich Oxblood (a deep, classic maroon) or tailored, perfect Navy.

While I mulled over my color quandary, I wandered into the back of the shop to check out the embossing station. Let me tell you, if you are a lover of all things monogrammed or personalized, you would have been in for a treat! I absolutely loved the fact that I could see the craftsman do his work and the setup was just so charming.

Cases of letter blocks up on the wall and rolls of colored tape for stamping

The whole area was surrounded by examples to help customers

choose their favorite stamping style.

Once I saw the examples on display, I knew I just had to go with navy with silver embossing. It just looked so timeless and versatile for both professional and casual use. I was sold, and soon, it was my turn to watch my bag be transformed!

The craftsman embossing my brand new bag!

The beautiful finished product!

Needless to say, my experience in the shop was one I won't forget. I love supporting the work of handmade doers and the quality of Cambridge's pieces is not often replicated. They even have a clearance section of bags with what are often extremely minor design flaws - now that is a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction! Also, if you'd love your own, Cambridge Satchel is offering free international shipping throughout the month of May. Though ordering a bag online isn't as colorful as jetting off to London to visit in person, I hope that I could offer you a lovely enough glimpse of the artisanship and love behind this brand through my experience. Hope you enjoyed!

Cambridge Satchel Company: A Handbag Lover's Dream Part I

2013-05-03T12:00:00.000-04:00

Once upon a time, many years ago, a girl with classic and fashion-forward taste spent hours and hours drooling over classic and fashion-forward bags that she found on a very modest-looking website. These bags looked well-made, tailored, timeless, and positively dreamy. She hoped to own one of these mystical things one day, but with no more than a few pennies in her purse at the time, she quickly closed her web browser to keep herself from hoping too hard.

However, it quickly became clear that she was not their only suitor. No, in fact, these bags were being coveted the world over by bloggers she admired - Fashion Squad, Honestly WTF, and What I Wore, just to name a few. She began to dream more and more vividly of the day she could call on of these lovely bags her own. Then, upon hearing the story of their creator's journey to create these special things (tales here, here and here), she fell totally head over heels.

One very lucky day, with a ticket to London to thank, she found herself in Covent Garden, ready to make her dreams come true...

All photos taken by myself in the Cambridge Satchel Company, Covent Garden flagship store

Instagrams from Overseas

2013-05-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

Hello, America! I am back from a week away in Londontown and had a lovely time taking in the sites, munching on delicious local treats, frequenting more markets than I could ever wish for, and learning lots of fun slang and reciting it poorly. I had never been a big Instagrammer in the past, but with all of the British charm around me, I couldn't help posting a few snaps from along the cobblestone roads. Here are a few of my favorites from the week, and since I'm hooked now, I would love if you would follow along with me for many more shots from Boston and beyond on my page here.

I have a couple more surprises to share from my recent adventure, so stay tuned!

Bits & Baubles

2013-04-26T09:00:00.000-04:00

While I'm still posing as an expat in London-town (lots of fun photos to come!), enjoy these bits and pieces from my last couple of weeks strolling around Beantown. I hope that you had a fantastic week!

A little sunshine calls for celebration, and a dinner date with myself at Trattoria Newbury!

Packing fun, solid and patterned blouses for my trip.

Super versatile!

The Ahi Tuna salad at Stephanie's (a Boston staple)

The beautifully lit archway in Christopher Columbus Park

My latest polish purchase: Essie's "Turquoise and Caicos"

An American Girl in London

2013-04-24T09:00:00.000-04:00

photo via bookends and daisies

At the timing of this post, I am lucky to be getting a little R&R across the Atlantic and am spending the next week in London! I have been just once before and only for two short days, so I am excited for a bit more of an extended stay. I had seen quite a few of the major sites during my last trip, so even though the Tower of London, The London Eye, the The National Gallery, and a few other stops are certainly on the to-do list, I am also looking forward to pretending to live like a local and sampling the best of the best of restaurants, bars, shopping and cafés (you think I can blend in even with the Yankee accent?).

I live in a very touristy part of Boston and despite my complaining about the crowds during rush hour, I am mostly just jealous that to these visitors, everything that I take for granted everyday is new and awe-inspiring. I am looking forward to feeling just that when I trade American cobblestone for the good, old-fashioned British variety this week.

Any special recommendations for things to see and do, angliophiles? (My goal is to return as one, too!)

Walk On

2013-04-22T09:00:00.000-04:00

The fact that I was able to walk on through this week virtually unscathed makes me feel so blessed that I can hardly stand it. It doesn't seem fair. While I, and so many of us, fight through feelings of anger, fear, doubt, and unrest, they are many others fighting through the additional feelings of loss, despair, physical pain, and broken hearts.

We may not understand the "why" of any of this; unfortunately, I'm realizing, that understanding might not even be coming. What I do know is that I need to commit to moving forward in order to get through; I am lucky enough that that's all it's going to take for me to return to some level of normalcy.

With all of those in my heart that can't do the same just as easily, I will put the legs I am blessed to have to good use and run in honor of the wounded and lost, walk forward as the best person that I can be, and vow to live everyday to its greatest potential.

What you got, they can't steal it,
No they can't even feel it.

-"Walk On," U2

Praying For Boston

2013-04-16T08:00:00.000-04:00

...and please do, too! Or, if you don't pray, please hope, send positive thoughts and energy, or just take a moment to hug your loved ones in recognition of what the victims, their families, and the whole of Boston is experiencing at the moment. I never thought I'd have to write a post like this about the city I live in. Life can change in an instant - it simply has to be cherished - and even though I'm shaken up by the horrific events that occurred only a few blocks from where I work today, it is the stories of hope, heroics, and good-natured helpers that are keeping my heart full when it just wants to break. The office is closed, I'm staying home, and reading stories like this one, this one, and this one. Be well.

Trend to Invest In: Military Jacket

2013-04-12T09:00:00.000-04:00

Not all trends are worth a try, that's for certain; however, those that I feel good about giving into are ones that pop in an out throughout the years because you know that the addition to your wardrobe will be worth the investment. Military-inspired jackets are definitely a great example of a trend with staying power. For one, olive green, gray, and dusty blue are fantastic neutral alternatives to the typical brown and black, and secondly, I don't think there's a better look for casual wear than a mix of traditionally masculine and feminine pieces. A slouchy white tee with skinny jeans? Converse with a sundress? A military jacket layered over a floral blouse? All winning ensembles in my book!

After looking through dozens of options online, I bit the bullet and purchased my very own: the $89 Ecote Oversized Surplus Jacket* from Urban Outfitters. I am super excited about my choice and I think it's the perfect version for me. I generally opt for looser fitting pieces and this jacket has plenty of room, which will be ideal for belting over a flowy white dress or skirt come summertime. I also think it's the perfect muted shade of olive green to take me from spring through fall. Which of these options would you choose for yourself?

Clockwise from top left: Velvet by Graham & Spencer ($150); J. Crew Factory ($118, no longer available); Gibson ($98); Ecote ($99); L'autre Chose, YOOX Collection ($59); Ecote ($89, my pick!*)

I wore my new jacket for the first time this weekend with an H&M sweater, Forever 21 jeans, and vintage cowboy boots. The look felt comfortable, relaxed, but also, put together. I think my new jacket is quickly going to become a weekend staple!

Bits & Baubles

2013-04-10T09:00:00.000-04:00

This past weekend was spent catching up - mostly on errands, abandoned routines, and sleep! I was lucky enough to be able to sneak out at lunch on Thursday for a quick manicure to spruce up my tired tips and after soaking in how great it felt to slow down for a minute and relax, I committed to doing little things just like that all weekend long. Did you take the time to slow down, too?

A greyish aqua manicure was the perfect choice for the winter-spring transition

Picking out the perfect necklace for a night out

A stop at the local produce market to pick up some berries for breakfast

You had better believe I stopped for these! Nothing better than simple ingredients...fried.

Drinking enough water is just so much easier when you do it out of a mason jar

Sour Cream Coffee Cake Muffins

2013-04-08T09:00:00.000-04:00

When my roommate and I were invited to my friend Jesse's annual birthday brunch, a potluck, I knew that we would have to track down a new recipe and bring something special as brunch is one of my very favorite meals, and Jesse, one of my very favorite friends. Luckily, while I was running around during one of the busiest weeks I've had in ages, my roommate, M, took the time to find these scrumptious looking instructions for Sour Cream Coffee Cake Muffins on the Coupon Clipping Cook. We didn't modify the directions at all and they came out moist, smelling great, and looking pretty darn good. The only thing we did do differently? We dipped the tops in melted butter and more of the cinnamon/sugar mixture after baking for little extra sweetness. Pretty and yummy!

Ingredients:

¾ cup softened butter (1 ½ sticks)
1 ¼ cup sugar (for the cake)
3 eggs
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 ½ teaspoons double acting baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups flour
1 ½ cups sour cream
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon (for the topping)
¾ cup sugar (for the topping)

Directions:

Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease the muffin tin with butter.
In a large mixing bowl, add the butter and sugar. Beat until light and fluffy. Next add the flour, sour cream, eggs, baking soda, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Beat on a low speed until blended. Then beat for another 3 minutes. Add the batter to the muffin tin only filling the space about halfway for each muffin. In a separate small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar for the topping. Then generously top the batter with about half of the cinnamon and sugar mixture.
Next, add another layer of batter for each muffin. Lastly, top the batter with a generous portion of the cinnamon and sugar mixture. Bake about 27 minutes or until when the inside of each muffin slightly moist. These muffins are best when baked so that the middle of the muffin is as moist as possible otherwise they tend to dry out. Let the muffins cool. Serve with butter or as is.

A few of my favorite things all ready to go

We're building quite the lovely apron collection in our house!

The delicious finished product

Inspiration Board: Spring-shine

2013-04-03T09:00:00.000-04:00

I think that all of us in the Northeast can use a heavy dose of sunshine and spring right about now. While spring hasn't truly sprung yet in my part of the country, my mind has decided to transcend the chilly present and pretend anyway. One of the best parts of spring is just seeing everything around you lighten, whether it's through daylight savings time, bright bulbs peeking out of the dirt, or seeing pastels replacing neutrals in everyone's wardrobe. Refreshing in every way!

Clockwise from top left: Peony print created by Nonna Illustration & Design, A bursting bouquet taken by Tim Walker Photography, Pearl barrette by cheap and chic land (so sweet for 99 cents!), "You Are My Sunshine" print by Olivia Joy StClaire, Pretty peonies photograph by Judy Stalus, Whimsical Spring Bouquet recipe cards from Tiny Farm Studio.

Bits & Baubles

2013-04-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

The best part about this past weekend? It was warm for once! I had a relaxing couple of days soaking in the sunshine and spent sipping lattes, strolling through town with girlfriends, and enjoying a little retail therapy. Nothing tops a weekend full of simple pleasures and early bedtimes in my opinion. A few peeks into the past few days...

Kate Spade's new collection is amazing IMHO. Very mod, chic, and feminine...

...and a few mini bowties are the perfect contrast to all the girly goodness!

Ingredients ready for mixing into one of my favorite recipes: brie caprese pasta!

Spring tulips brought by a lovely friend

Is there a better weekend breakfast than warm, frosty cinnamon rolls?

A Mid-Winter's Glow

2013-03-25T09:00:00.000-04:00

Really...it's almost April and we're still receiving threats of snow on a daily basis? I'm over it and so is my skin! Nothing can help you beat the winter blues like kicking dry skin to the curb. On one particularly snowy afternoon I had the fortune of stumbling across this fantastic all-over salt scrub recipe from The Beauty Department's "Kitchen Beautician" series. I love these posts by TBD because I almost always have everything needed for them at the ready on my shelves and in my fridge, and you probably do too! This recipe for a fresh-smelling exfoliator called for three simple favorites: olive oil, sea salt, and lemon juice (full instructions here). I use it once a week in the shower and the smell itself is enough to have me looking forward to my Sunday salt scrubs, but the fact that I step out of the shower glowing doesn't hurt either!

Under the Weather

2013-03-22T09:00:00.000-04:00

tea and scrabble by aisha yusaf

I am rather under the weather, friends, and as much as I'd love to be playing scrabble and drinking warm tea all day, real life beckons and I have been working extra hard at work this week instead. With the snow coming down for the second time in just a few days on top of it all, I am looking even more forward to a restful weekend home in Connecticut. Aside from making me lustful for a few precious, quiet moments, this photo makes me want to reinstate game night into my life. Do you have a standing one with friends? Any equally lovely weekend plans?

On The Cheap: Chevron Throw

2013-03-13T09:00:00.000-04:00

It's been about a year since I became a chevron-a-holic and I can't say that I've made any progress in kicking my addiction. While on the hunt for some more irresistible zigzags to adorn my place with, I couldn't help but notice how many more "low" options there are for chevron pieces these days. When the print first took the design scene by storm, it was almost impossible to find anything affordable, and treating yourself to a chevron throw blanket for under $100 was but a dream.

So, if you're falling in love with something like this Neiman Marcus option on the right, why not enjoy a $150+ discount with this Overstock alternative? Chevron on the cheap is a beautiful thing.