Shout Out to Arlington!
Arlington, MA is a charming little town just outside of Boston and it’s where I’ve called home for the last 2 years. It is my favorite place that I have lived so far – and I’ve moved around a bit (read: Navy brat). Arlington has clusters of charming little neighborhoods with beautiful homes – both quaint and grandiose, a surprisingly diverse dining scene (Turkish anyone? Or maybe Argentinean?), and a few very lovely gift shops. So lovely in fact, these two in particular carry The Gift Wrap Company merchandise! Almost-literally in my back yard, I can find some of our lovely wraps, bags, and containers!
Maxima Art Center
212 Massachusetts Avenue | Arlington, MA 02474 | 781-646-6835
What a gem this shop is! It’s pretty easy to find on Mass. Ave. I happen to pop in right before seeing a movie at the Capitol Theatre, right next door. I always find gifts for people here – whether I’m in the market or not! (And if I’m not, there’s nothing wrong with self-gifting, right?) When I was in there last, I made sure to snap a few photos of some Gift Wrap Company offerings. I always get a little giddy seeing our hard work on display.
Arlington Centered
487 Massachusetts Avenue | Arlington, MA 02474 | 781-643-6700
This is a relatively new addition to Arlington, and as the name suggests: it’s located right in the Center. Some localites may be familiar with Davis Squared (in Davis Square, Somerville obvi). Well, this is its sister-store and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have a fun shop like this walking distance from my place. I especially like their card selection, kitchen accoutrements, and super fun socks. (Yes, socks!) Although it’s not gift wrap, I spotted some French Bull items last time I was there, so shout out to them as well!
Arlington is definitely worth an afternoon of exploring if you’re ever in the area! I’ve only scratched the surface here with a focus on gift wrap from these amazing retailers. Have you spotted any TGWC merch in your neighborhood??
For the love of vintage
I took a recent trip out to Sonoma Valley, CA, a trip I highly recommend! One of my favorite activities on the trip was checking out the antique shops which are a plenty on those winding country roads. I love antique shops for all the cool old items that they showcase, but also because they are a great source of print inspiration. So here is a little “printspiration” which I found along my travels!
Vintage Prints from Sonoma!
Things are heating up in ATL…
For those of you heading to the gift show in Atlanta, be sure to stop by and visit us at the Daniel Richards Showroom!
Show is off to a great start and runs through next Wednesday, July 18th, so there is still time to take part in all the fun!
Join us! We look forward to your visit.
SHOP SHOTS-NYC
ABC 888 & 881 broadway at east 19th
One of my favorite shops of all time is ABC carpet and home in NYC. Such an inspiring store, so many floors of cool stuff and fantastic displays.
The store windows are always a treat- always edgy and super creative.
I am now on a quest to find a vintage typewriter!
Inside is even more fantastic. Every item is so artfully created. Its ethnic, vintage, artsy and all around COOL! Definately a required stop on any NYC excursion.
wwn: all aboard the train!
my must haves for smooth traveling
As you all know we are headed to NYC for the 2012 National Stationery Show. I am catching a train bright and early Friday to get the Javits Center to help set up our beautiful booth and I am so excited!! But first things firsts, I have to pack! First off, to help my curly hair behave itself I use Moroccan Hair Oil when its wet and usually let air dry to keep my curls frizz free or it helps keep my strands smooth if I put the effort into busting out the flat iron. Second, to keep skin moisturized, I have become addicted to this Coconut Oil. It is solid at room tempt, so no spills during transport! Third, it is always important to stay hydrated! This is my trusty water bottle that I don’t leave home without. Since I am traveling via train, I don’t have to worry about going through security and keep it with me. Fourth is my duffel bag from Vera Bradley (they have discontinued this pattern-sad!). All their bags are bright and cheery but the straps are also super comfortable, as I am sure to over pack and my bag will weigh 40lbs. Fifth are my favorite flats! Any brand will do but a neutral color will match almost every outfit helping you not to bring every shoe you own as I often do. Sixth and seventh make traveling much more comfortable. A nice scarf is very versatile, it can keep you warm, make a pillow, cover your head, etc. And sunglasses keep the sun out so you can take a short snooze to get to your destination refreshed. Last but not least, is my Tide Pen. This comes in handy when you are carrying your coffee cup around the bumpy streets! What are everyone else’s travel must haves?? See you when we get back to Boston! Au revoir!
WWN: Pattern Pizzazz at Pier One
Was in one of my fave stores the other day Pier One Imports. If you haven’t been in a P1 lately you must check it out! The explosion of color and pattern that await you inside those doors is just overwhelming. Every nook and cranny held another tempting tidbit of funness! I managed to escape with a mid size $ purchase of new pillows for my couch which give just the right punch of color to lift the winter dulls away.
Start spreading the news… NSS12 pre-game show #1
The National Stationery Show is less then 6 weeks away…. oh my %$#! Lots of work to do to get our booth ready. Our plans are well underway however and I promise you we will not disappoint for NSS 2012!
Portlandia
***OK, I know that the IFC series “Portlandia” is about Portland Oregon. (if you haven’t seen it, check it out- Fred Armisen from SNL has a sick sense of humor) BUT this post is about Portland MAINE. ***
BONJOUR! My days in Paris-2 days at Maison & Objet (part 1)
Here it is the end of day 2 of the Parisian leg of my Eurotrip. The last two days have been spent deeply engrossed in awe and inspiration at the maison & objet show at the Paris Nord Villepinte exhibition center.
The Happiest Place on Earth!
I know that Disneyland is commonly referred to as “the Happiest Place on Earth”. But that’s only for people who haven’t been to CRAFTLAND yet.
