Sparkle Every Day.

Hi, lovelies!

I've been totally MIA for a while now but with lots of exciting things happening! I wanted to take a moment this evening to share a bit with you all of what I've been up to lately, and to share a little part of my story and what brought me to where I am today.

For the last three and a half years, I worked at the sweetest little oyster bar in Boston. It wasn't my passion to be a bartender, but Neptune was one of the most inspiring places I've ever worked – and it was so accidental. I think the best things happen on accident, don't you? I couldn't have asked for a more kind and generous boss, my co-workers became family to me, I learned about food and watched one of the best chefs I know prepare the tastiest dishes. I designed and letterpressed two invitation suites for co-workers and a couple of holiday menus, too. I tasted delicious wines every shift, learned about the best restaurants in Boston and was motivated to work my booty off. As good as I had it and though I appreciated what I had every single day, I needed something to drive me, to push me further and challenge me and to spark whatever passion was left in me. That's when I started Yours Truly.

Like many women out there, my blog became an outlet for me. It was something to hold onto so that I wouldn't lose sight of what I thought I was really supposed to be doing. I love pretty paper and letterpress, the sweet details of gold foiling, edge painting and charming calligraphy. I love everything about it. I loved the simple, feminine + romantic designs seen in wedding invitations. Rather than starting my own line of invitations, I decided that I wanted to open an invitation and stationery boutique where I'd represent all of my favorite designers, meet with brides and look at pretty things all day long. I signed up for a weekly business planning course at the Boston Center for Women + Enterprise with hopes to take out a small business loan and start my little shop. In the last few weeks of the course, we dove into the financial aspect of a business plan and BAM, reality hit. What made me think that anyone would invest in me, if I didn't have any money to invest in myself? Not a decent amount, anyway. So, there I sat, with my incomplete business plan and idea. I accepted that it wasn't the right time for this idea and tucked it away, Shawn and I were purchasing our first home together after all and I needed my savings for that.

I had so many ideas crammed in my head, but none of them could support me financially. So, I searched, for hours on end, for the perfect job. I scoured blogs, craigslist, emailed random companies I wanted to work for, everything from magazines, event companies, wedding planners, letterpress studios, etc. I even looked at the job listings on Comcast OnDemand... oh the shame. I was pathetic at one point, had no energy and no hope. I convinced myself that I was wasting my time worrying over silly things like pretty paper. This past fall, I told myself I was going to give it one last shot and if it didn't work, my plan was to apply for nursing school. Wayyy off from anything I ever thought I'd be doing... but hey, nurses are always in demand I thought, it's good money, and I had a few nurse friends who could guide me. Deep down I knew I wouldn't be happy but I kept telling myself, a job isn't always about being happy, Melissa. And all of those people with dream jobs out there that inspired me? They were just a small percentage of the workforce... and I wasn't lucky enough to be one of them. I told you, completely pathetic.

I gave it one more go-around. I applied for a position with Style Me Pretty (my dream job!) back in October, for the third time that year. I kept my fingers crossed and waited. I was a ball of stress, convinced that I was losing my hair even. Thanksgiving rolled around and I thought for sure they had already found the perfect candidate, after all they did receive hundreds of applications, how could I possibly get it? The Monday after Thanksgiving, Shawn lost his job. We were unhappy and hopeless. We needed security and at this point I felt like I should give up on chasing my dreams, whatever they were now...

December came and went quickly, Christmas and New Years lifted our spirits, but with the start of January, I felt the opposite of renewed... I was exhausted and dreaded the months ahead. I checked my email inbox like a mad woman, every. single. day. Like 20 times a day, #crazylady. Well, one fine day, standing in line for my weekly Panera lunch treat, I was checking my gmail. Thank the lord for modern technology, how would we live without being able to check our emails while waiting for turkey artichoke paninis?! It was Style Me Pretty. They wanted me to do a phone interview that afternoon, one hour away. Yes! I did a silent clenched fist hooray and I think I had the goofiest looking smile on my face while ordering my lunch.

Fast forward to today. I was that candidate, the one I thought I lost the job to. I work for the fabulous Style Me Pretty and I still have to pinch myself! I get to look at pretty things all day long, work with some of the most talented vendors and I'm learning so much from the amazing team I work with. Of course, there is more that goes into what I do, but the point is that I am so grateful. Grateful I stuck it out. Thankful for my persistence. And my stubborn attitude that didn't let me give up on myself and my dream to be happy everyday and truly love what I do. I don't know what my future holds and I'm not worried about it, because I'm happy now, right now.

I believe that every one should sparkle, every day. Even if it's just for a moment – to put your best foot forward and to reflect on the little things in your life that make it so wonderful. I'm thankful for every moment that has led me to where I am today and I wouldn't change it one bit. No matter how hard the struggle is, you gotta keep going and appreciate the things that sparkle in your life. If you can do that, well then you'll realize you've always had what you wanted.

I designed an iPhone wallpaper tonight to remind myself of this daily. Feel free to use it, I hope it will inspire you!

xoxo, Melissa

*Photo by Kim Fox Photography + Floral Design by Kim Curtis of Toast Santa Barbara via Style Me Pretty

Inspiration Column: New England Clambake

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a lovely weekend in the sun. I started flipping through the summer food issue from Martha this weekend and it is brimming with mouth-watering summer recipes that I can't wait to try. It got me to thinking about our traditional summer lobster feasts and clambakes that I get giddy for each year when the warm temps start to roll in. There's nothing better than soaking up the sun on the water during the day, diving for lobsters (I did catch a few of my own last summer!), and cooking them up back at the house while sipping on an ice cold beer or maybe one of these. Throw some old newspaper on the table, print up these quick DIY claw place cards (if you want to get a little fancy) and check out these ideas for an easy table scape. If you like to plan ahead of time like me, you'll want to send out a quick invite for the party and it can be as easy as throwing the date and time on one of these cheers cards from Fig. 2. What are your favorite ideas for a summer party? 

{Photo credits} Row 1: Lobster place cards, Bancroft Studios lobster platter Row 2: Pottery Barn table scape, Row 3: Fig. 2 cheers stationery, Boiled Maine lobster, Raspberry cobbler Row 4: Striped navy straws, Strawberry Tequila Daisy from OSBP, Chambray and striped shorts (unknown source, anyone know?)

Inspiration Column: Rustic Beauty

Good morning and happy Tuesday! I created today's board as a jumping off point for some ideas I'm working on for my friends Ann and Mitch for their upcoming fall wedding. Think woody backdrops with hints of champagne, gold and ivory, a fun photo booth with a vintage polaroid, DIY mason jars with sparse ivory florals as centerpieces, mini splits as party favors and invites lovingly hand-stamped by none other than the bride and groom. Along with good food and great company, this bash is sure to be memorable. I am so thrilled to be helping these two with the design for their DIY invites!

{Photo credits} Row 1: Crafty wooden signs, framed table numbers, splits and straws Row 2: golden dinnerware set, Faux Bois invites Row 3: vintage soda boxes and floral decor, dress hung on barn Row 4: kraft love confetti, glitter dipped mason jars, photo booth suitcase

Inspiration Column: Lush Green Garden

The cherry blossoms have bloomed and the tulips are budding around here and I am so so anxious to get my hands in the dirt this spring. Last year was the first spring in our new home and we weren't quite sure what the previous owners had planted or what would pop up next. This year we've decided to do a bit of our own landscaping and a patio herb garden with some of my favorites including mint for delish mojitos, basil for my homemade spaghetti sauce (passed down from my Ma and Memere), thyme, and lavender for bunching near bedside tables, sachets and yummy teas. I can't wait. And just so I remember what's what, and who needs what, I'll be keeping my notes in this sweet little journal. I mean, how could I not? What's popping up in your garden this year? I'd love to hear what works well for you!

{Photo credits} Row 1: Vegetable start favors / Rifle Paper Garden Journal / Martha Stewart's Culinary Herb Garden / Row 2: Champagne mojitos / Antique Hummingbird Feeder / Row 3: how to trim and prepare delicious baby artichokes / Palm tree outdoor lumbar pillow / gorgeous succulent bouquet / Row 4: Chalkboard painted terra cotta herb pots / Super spinach smoothie

Inspiration Column: Energize

After a long and rainy weekend of being sick on the couch, consuming almost an entire box of green tea and catching up on some favorite movies, I'm itching for a bit of energy today. I also took some time to re-evaluate the energy and direction of Yours Truly. I'm finding it challenging lately to post solely about pretty paper, and as a result have lacked in posting over the last few months. As smitten as a I get over a beautifully printed botanical wedding suite or lush edge painted business cards, I'm realizing that there are more topics that rouse my creative inspirations, and that it shouldn't feel unseemly to embrace those ideas on the blog.

I loved this post by The Everygirl on What to Do When You Don't Yet Know Your Purpose. Even if you recognize your passion, it can be frustrating and disappointing to not know what direction to head in. I'm hoping to conquer that and head in a new and confident direction. How do you energize your creative inspirations when you're feeling adrift?

{Photo credits} Row 1: The Nichols via Style Me Pretty / Gloucester's Rudder's Ruby Red Martini via Northshore Mag / She-n-He Photography for Camille Styles / Row 2: Chewing the Cud Invites photographed by Stephanie Williams via Apartment 34 / Row 3: Wedding Chicks via Pinterest / Anthropologie Osman Chair / The Hungry Workshop via Oh Joy / Row 4: Design Mom / Antiquaria for 100 Layer Cake / Kitchen Essentials for The Everygirl

Golden inspiration

I've been so inspired by the color gold lately, it's popping up everywhere and I'm loving it! Seriously, I bought a can of gold spray paint the other day and started spraying random items from my house, like shells turned to pretty jewelry dishes and mason jars into glamorous vases. There's something so satisfying about taking a bland object and making it shine in a few seconds with the press of a button.

So instead of turning all of my belongings to gold, I decided to create an inspiration board of my favorite gold treasures as of late.



1. Luxe Shine Wallpaper from Anthropologie / 2. Gold edge painted letterpress business cards from Parrott Design Studio / 3. Golden calligraphy by Seb Lester / 4. Good Luck Clover Card from Rifle Paper Co. / 5. Leather Mouse Pad in Gold from Freshly Picked

love letters

I love everything about this video from Jewel Mint (and song 'Love Letters' by Ketty Lester). Love letters remind us that time is fleeting and the moments we have are so precious and should be fully consumed and captured. So, when we are less passionate in our lives, we can remember that those beautiful moments do exist and they will return again.

2012, your going to be...

{Illustration by Mary Kate McDevitt}

Yes, that's right, totally awesome. I am ready for you, 2012, with a few worthy resolutions in my back pocket.

My new year resolutions:

No TV Wednesdays: 1 night out of the week that we (yes I'm making Shawn do this one with me) cannot turn on the tube, forcing us to do something fun and/or productive like go for a bike ride or maybe clean out the garage (yikes!).

Work out: exercise at least 3 mornings a week, and this does not include walking the dog!

Master my Canon Rebel T2i: read through my entire camera manual by the end of March. I have a wonderful piece of equipment and I should know all of it's capabilities.

Rise and shine: get up 1 hour earlier each day so that catching up on email and posting will be easier to keep up with throughout the week.

Read more: Read at least one book each season. (Magazines, manuals and design books don't count!)

Be thankful: Appreciate each day and every person I have in my life.

What are your resolutions or goals that you want to continue with this new year?

Favorite Fall Picks

There's something about fall that makes me want to bake new treats and craft up fun projects with pretty paper. From gooey glazed treats to stamps that will make you hoot and brown sugary hues, here are some of my fave fall picks.

{1. Old Fashioned Doughnuts from Joy the Baker, 2. Wood Invites printed by Sideshow Press, 3. Owl Stamp by Ink + Wit}

{4. Sapling Press Thank you card, 5. Pie Box Kits from Petit Moulin, 6. Knot & Bow Kraft Heart Stickers}

(Photos courtesy of their respective vendors)

Wedding Inspiration: Polaroid Guest Book

This is such a fun idea you guys and such a great way to look back on your wedding someday. Rather than having a simple guest book to sign, have your guests snap fun Polaroids of each other with a sweet little message! Photo booths are always an option too but if you want to save a couple bucks, try this cute option.


(via The Handmade Homemaker)

Summer Inspiration

Does this image not perfectly capture summer? These August days are slipping through my fingers a little too quickly.


Leaving you with a few summery links today...

Learn how to eat a Maine lobster
A beautiful engagement sesh in Falmouth
Rustic summer rehearsal dinner on Lake Michigan
Seaside town print (above) by Alice B. Gardens

...and kicking off the weekend tomorrow with some pretty fab organizers!

Bliss Celebrations: A Southern New England Event Planning Publication

I am so excited about the premiere issue of Bliss Publications Celebrations! This magazine/wedding and event planning resource caters to New England clientele and is jam packed with inspiration, real weddings and events and fabulous vendors. The magazine features a dozen color palette pages with highlights and featured venues. And of course the mag includes some seriously talented invitation designers.



If you're planning a smashing event or wedding, grab a copy of Bliss Celebrations, it's sure to inspire you!

Work Hard and Be Kind

A bit of motivation from Conan this morning.


8x8 print via Ello Govna etsy shop.

Vintage Wallpaper as Envelope Liners

All I really want to do is make french toast, drink a nice hot cup of coffee, take my time checking emails and write a lengthy and fantastic blog post for you today. But it seems you have to work to make money, who came up with that idea anyway? So, I'll leave you with some pretty paper instead.

I'm feeling inspired by these vintage lined envelopes today via Pinterest, maybe it's because I just received some pretty vintage stamps in the mail! I'll be sharing more on those later this week. Happy rainy/snowy Tuesday to you all.

Social Media Smarts: Tips for Entrepreneurs

For just about any type of business in today's world, social media marketing and networking is crucial to getting the exposure you need to succeed. I only began my journey with Yours Truly about 8 months ago and I've learned that it can all be very exciting. However, without the right approach, tools and planning, you won't really get too far, especially starting a brand new business. I am constantly brainstorming new ways to promote myself online through social media. Here are some ways that I utilize social media.

1. Follow or subscribe to blogs and publications. You need to know what's out there in your industry. What are the trends? What are other people blogging about and why? What posts are people commenting on the most? Most importantly, read the comments and leave comments of your own with a link to your blog or website. Also, check out the bloggers links or what I call daily reads, to find blogs that they enjoy reading. It's essential that you educate yourself in this area.

2. Start a blog and/or website. You don't have be a good writer to be a blogger. Most blogs I read are casual and very personal but they still have a good reader-base. It also helps to be excited about what you're doing! If you don't have a website yet like me but have purchased a domain name such as www.yourstrulypaper.com, you can set-up forwarding to another site such as your blog. So you don't have to use a blogspot address on your fancy business cards.

3. Link your blog to your Facebook page, Twitter account, Linked In and other social media that you use. And be efficient with these marketing channels. I recently found a study that identifies the days and hours users are most active on the Facebook. Utilizing Facebook and your blog at the right time can help your posts perform better.

4. Sell your products or services online. Do you make handmade goodies? Try Etsy.com. I use the site to sell my custom address stamps. If you sell a service, share the outcome of that service on your blog, Facebook page or tweet about it. Check out this Biz Ladies post: How to sell your products on your blog for more advice on this. I highly recommend Biz Ladies, an online resource from Design Sponge that covers a variety of topics to help you run a successful business.

5. Use bookmarking sites. Collect inspiration, products, resources and share it with others. Popular bookmarking sites include Pinterest (my personal favorite), Delicious, Digg, Stumble Upon and Reddit.

6. Utilize video and image sharing sites. I use You Tube, Flickr and Picasa.

These are just the basics but I hope it will help anyone who is starting a new business of their own. What are some creative ways that you use social media?