Friday, March 8, 2019

Ocean Inspired


My heart has always been drawn to the sea.  I have loved the beach for as long as I can remember, and I fell in love with the ocean even more when I first learned how to surf!  There is nothing like being near the water all day.  When I'm at the beach, I always find a sense of peace and calmness.  It's a comforting experience for me because being near the ocean involves all the senses.  I simply love feeling the sand between my toes, breathing in the salty air, and listening to the rhythm of the ocean's crashing waves.  I truly believe the the ocean heals the heart, mind, and soul.  I am happiest with my eyes fixed on the horizon of the sea, and the sun embracing me in it's warmth. 


Inspired by my deep love for the ocean, I'm so excited to be sharing this beautiful natural cowrie shell ring with you!  Each shell is one-of-a-kind, handcrafted and set in solid sterling silver, and now available in my shop!  Cowrie shells are believed to represent the Goddess of protection which is connected to the strength and beauty of the ocean.  I wear this ring nearly everyday, and I hope you love it as much as I do!

 Natural Cowrie Shell Ring
Natural Cowrie Shell Ring

 SHOP HERE
SHOP HERE

 Handmade with love
Handmade with love!

 Follow @1VintageSoul

Want 15% OFF?  Enter discount code:  MARCH15 at checkout!  Click HERE to shop now!

Friday, February 15, 2019

Not So Basic Invite!

Say hello to my new business cards!  I established my small business, One Vintage Soul on Etsy in 2012, and I absolutely love being a part of the shop small community!  Since my business is primarily online, I never thought it was necessary to have my own business cards.  However, I am learning that a business card can be just as important as my website. When attending meetings, interviews, or any social events, carrying business cards can make all the difference in making a memorable first impression.  When Basic Invite reached out to work with me, I thought it was the perfect time to create a brand new set of business cards I could proudly pass along to make a real impact on future clients.

After visiting Basic Invite's website, I was thrilled to discover all of the design options to choose from.  I love how I am truly able to customize nearly every design element.  Their site is extremely easy to navigate, making the process simple enough for me to design a business card as unique as my small business.  There are several design templates, fonts, and hundreds of colors to choose from.  I would say the only challenging task is choosing just one design!  

I decided to order a sample of the Watercolor Hello Business Cards.  I was drawn to the warm and inviting design as it features the word "hello" in a watercolor circle on the front of the cards. I was able to choose a color for the circle from their palette of more than 160 custom colors. I picked the color "Coastal" since I absolutely love the ocean!  


On the back of this design is my name, title and contact information. I decided to finish the look by choosing the Gold Foil option for my name.  When I received my samples in the mail, I simply fell in love with how they turned out!  




I chose their signature matte paper and the samples were printed beautifully!  The actual cards looked identical to the online proofs.  This was exactly what I was looking for!  I love that I can see and feel the premium quality of the product before purchasing.  I would never want to be stuck with 200 business cards that I wasn't completely happy with.  Receiving a sample from Basic Invite is such a wonderful feature because now I feel 100% confident in placing my final order without any hesitation!

If you are looking to update your business cards, create personalized stationery, or send out invitations for an upcoming special occasion, Basic Invite is perfect for customizing high-quality designs.  

Now until the end of February, Basic Invite is offering 15% OFF EVERYTHING!  

Simply use the code:  15FF51

Here are just some of the amazing options you can personalize.  

Personalized Business Cards

Creative Business Cards

Double Sided Business Cards
Be sure to head over to Basic Invite on Instagram for more design inspiration!

BasicInvite.com
Almost Unlimited Colors - Basic Invite is one of the few websites that offers nearly unlimited color options with instant previews online. Once you select a design, you can change the color of each element on the card. With over 180 different color options, you can make sure the card is exactly how you want it! This is what sets Basic Invite apart from almost any other online stationery company and is what I feel is their biggest draw.
Custom Samples - This is probably my favorite feature, as you will have the ability to order a printed sample of their actual product so you can see exactly how it will print, as well as the paper quality before placing your final order.
Over 40 Different Colors of Envelopes - Basic Invite is just as colorful with envelopes as they are with their invitations. You can choose from over 40 different colors when it comes to their envelopes, making your invitations stand out even before it is opened. All of the envelopes are peel and seal so the envelopes can be quickly and securely closed.
Address Capturing Service - They also offer an address capturing service that will allow you to simply share a link on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or any other form of social media. You will be able to request all of the mailing addresses from your friends and family, and Basic Invite can even print the addresses on your envelopes at no cost on all Christmas card orders!
Foil - Foil cards are available in gold, silver, and rose gold. You can choose flat or raised foil on all of Basic Invite’s foil designs. I think the foil detailing adds a high-quality touch to your business cards or company logo.



Follow @1VintageSoul on Instagram

Monday, June 11, 2018

Peltzer Winery

Hello world!  Here I am after a lengthy absence from writing, and I'm so excited to be back!  I recently spent the weekend in Temecula and made sure to revisit one of my favorite wineries - Peltzer Winery!  I discovered this gem while on a wine tasting tour a few years ago, and simply fell in love with their rustic charm, warm atmosphere, and great wine!  

Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc

Inside the Crush House


My favorite feature is seeing all the re-purposed barn wood found inside the tasting room - known as The Crush House.  I just love all the rustic farmhouse details.  The design elements are one-of-a-kind and filled with tons of vintage charm!



I love taking in all the vintage inspiration everywhere I look!  You can find vintage trucks and antique tractors when you walk the grounds.  I think of warm Summer nights chasing fireflies, as I feel instantly transported to life on a farm.


1939 GMC

Vintage Dodge Truck



Sip Sip Hooray!

If you are ever in Temecula Valley, be sure to stop by Peltzer Winery to enjoy a glass of wine and take in all the scenery.  My personal favorite is their Muscat Canelli.  If you have a sweet tooth like me, you will enjoy this light and sweet white wine!  It's tasting notes include apricots, apples, and honeysuckle - a perfect wine to try this Summer!

Monday, February 16, 2015

Meet Brooke Davis

Brooke Davis is a free-spirited beach dweller and a self-professed coffee lover! Her Instagram feed has me dreaming of summer days spent on the beach, and long road trips cruising along Pacific Coast Highway.  Get to know Brooke and check out my interview with her below!!    

Where did you grow up and where do you currently call home?
I grew up in Fairhope, Alabama (the Gulf Coast), and am currently in Long Beach, CA.

Your Volkswagen is AMAZING!  What is the story behind your vintage bus?

So, like many, I have always wanted a VW bus!  In 2014, I decided just to go for it, so I sold my car and searched months on end for a VW.  I ended up finding one in Alabama.  Luci, my VW, was just a shell when I purchased her. She was brown with nothing inside of her, but she did have a running engine!  It has been so much fun bringing life back to her and making her my own. 

How would you describe your personal style?

My style is heavily influenced by the beach life.  It is very bohemian and free spirited, which is why One Vintage Soul is just too perfect :) 
Get the look:  Sunchaser Printed Bells


Who are your favorite musical artists?
A few of my favorite musical artists would be my husband's band - John Martin Davis Band, Copeland, John Butler Trio, Allman Brothers Band, Nickel Creek, Allison Krauss and Robert Plant, and Bethel.

What inspires you?

Being outside is my biggest inspiration. Going on adventures, exploring places I have never been and just getting lost in the beauty of creation.
Get the look:  Mermaid Beanie

How does your faith affect your daily life?
My faith has a huge affect on my daily life, just becoming the characteristics of God and being that to others around you, everywhere and all the time; being aware that you are a representation of Him and allowing others to experience His presence through you. 

How would you describe your perfect day?

My perfect day would be a day on the island of Boca Grande, FL, paddle boarding with my husband and pit bull, Saban! He loves to sit on the board with me :) 

What is the one thing you absolutely could not live without?

I couldn't live without the support of my husband, he's amazing!  And I definitely couldn't live without my fur babies, they make life fun :) 

Get the look:  Dreamweaver Fringe Sweater Vest


What is the one thing that people don't know about you?
I am very passionate about coffee!  I am a Starbucks Coffee Master and love learning more and more about coffee, as well as drinking it all day everyday :) 

If your life were a motion picture, what would the title be?

"Young and Wild"
Photography by: Colette Baker and John Martin Davis
Styling by Brooke Davis
Follow Brooke on Instagram here
Thank you friends for reading!  I would love to hear from you, so be sure to tell me what inspires you in the comments below!

Keep shining,
Michelle

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Coastal.com Style Ambassador


Hi friends!  I am so excited to share with all of you that I am the newest Style Ambassador for Coastal.com!  Coastal.com is the largest online contact lens and prescription glasses retailer, and I couldn't be happier to be their brand new Style Ambassador!  Not only do they make it easy for me to refill my contact lens prescription online, they have an amazing selection of designer glasses to choose from.

I am currently wearing one of my favorite eyewear brands - Derek Cardigan.  The Derek Cardigan collection features vintage-inspired styles and these cat eye frames are my personal favorite.  It's no secret that I am a vintage lover, so naturally I chose these stylish specs and I absolutely LOVE these glasses! 

Click HERE for my Style Ambassador Editorial feature on Coastal.com! 

Photography by:  Alexander J. Martinez
Fuchsia Polka-dot Dress, 1960's Vintage
Pink Retro Radio iPhone Case, Handmade by 1VintageSoul

Derek Cardigan 7005 Brown Tortoiseshell, from Coastal.com
Similar Cat Eye Frames, here and here

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Be Brave


Even though the sweet days of summer are now coming to an end, I am looking forward to a new season!  I was recently asked the question, "What was the BEST thing that has happened to you this summer?"  As I mentioned in my previous blog post, one of the best things that happened to me is making new friends! 

There is nothing like connecting with kindred spirits and like-minded people who remind you how wonderful this life truly is.  With bittersweet emotions, I have also removed the toxic people who were once in my life.  Just like the occasional "detox" from a bad diet, I believe it is important to re-evaluate and detox from bad relationships.  

For me, being able to say "yes" to new people and new situations has allowed me to refocus my mind back in the right direction. Toxic people negatively effect your health and success. Sometimes you just have to press the delete button and never look back.  I have learned that I can only be as good as the people I surround myself with.  Be brave enough to let go of those who keep weighing you down.  Be brave enough to face change so that you may gain something better.  Be brave enough to follow your dreams and believe you will find a way to make them come true.  Be you, bravely.

"In life, you will realize that there is a roll for everyone you meet.  Some will test you, some will use you, some will love you, and some will teach you.  But, the ones that are important are the ones that bring out the best in you, respect you and accept you for who you are.  They are the rare and amazing people who remind you why it's worth not giving up. Those are the ones who are worth keeping around." ~Unknown


Photography by Berlynn Photography
Facebook:  PhotographyBerlynn
Instagram:  @b3rlynn

SHOP THE LOOK:
Embroidered Fable Dress, Free People
Dreamweaver Crossbody Fringe Bag by Spell, from Free People
Handmade Bracelets by Her Dream
Turquoise Bohemian Bardot Ring by Samantha Wills
Westin Booties by Jeffrey Campbell, similar here
The Sur Hat + Cherokee Band by Seven Seas, from 1 Vintage Soul


Surround yourself with people and places that LOVE and UPLIFT you.  Thank you reading and thank you being a part of my journey!  

Keep shining...always. ~Michelle