currently loving...

                                       these new handbags and totes from Jess LC. Such a great small collection of bags with clean lines and good details, things I'm always looking for in a handbag.

 I am seriously pining away for the Lake Shore Tote in natural even though it wouldn't be practical for me to have with two kids. Pretty sure it would look great on my shoulder. Ha! I like my current "diaper bag" but I can't wait for the day when I can use cute, impractical purses again that don't have to hold snacks, toys and diapers. :)

 See more of the handbag collection as well as Jess LC jewelry here.

currently loving...

1. the library ladder (!!!)

2. the mini shoe/handbag closet

3. the penny tile flooring

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*This post was originally posted yesterday but it looks like blogger had issues so I'm re-posting it. Any comments that were made are now lost...sorry!

mashup

It's Wednesday...hump day...would a mid-week mashup make you feel better about that? The kidlets and I are off to the zoo so I'll leave you with these links of things I've seen around the blogosphere. I hope you have a lovely day!

:: I think I need to make and eat some chocolate dipped peanut butter eggs! Stat.

:: Apparently I wasn't the only one who thought galvanized buckets were a good option for Easter baskets.
 
:: Lets hope that Lauren Conrad's new project, the beauty department is more interesting than the last couple seasons of The Hills.
 
:: A pretty baby shower where everything coordinates, even the guests clothing. {via the eclectic life}

:: Candy apple red washer and dryer, octagon tile and utility sink - oh my! A lovely laundry room remodel.

currently loving...

                                     the blog Lay Baby Lay and the VERY stylish nursery style boards that Joni creates. You don't need to have kids to appreciate these well designed boards. Change out the crib for a bed in any of the rooms she designs and I'd be happy to call them my own. For example, this Library Chic board...

Cherine's...

1. I am doing stripes like this to my downstairs over Spring Break. I have always been a striped kind of gal.

2. Those are children whom we are working with in Guatemala. They just received the school supplies we sent. LOVE THEM!

3. I am a collector of SHOES. I want these and these. I think everyone needs a good red casual shoe plus it goes to a good cause. I love me a good cause. ;)

4. Stripes (there we go again) and blazers.

Hooray for stripes, shoes and good causes! Thanks for sharing your list with us Cherine. Please go and take a look at the cause Cherine is passionate about!

If you are interested in sharing your list, we'd love to read it! Go here for details.

Leslie's...

Today Miss Leslie of fresh out of lemons is sharing her list of things she is currently loving...

1. The Colbert Report. I know this isn't a new show, and my husband and I have DVR'ed the nightly episodes for years, but I've really gotten into watching lately. I enjoy Colbert's way of attacking political (and other) absurdity. He's funny and smart, and I'm a fan.

2. Sarah Addison Allen. My book club chose Garden Spells last year, and I've loved every work by this "magical realism" writer since then. I've just finished The Girl Who Chased the Moon, which was beautifully written. As a Southerner, I also appreciate that her stories are always set in North Carolina because I think that we do have a bit of magic and myth in our small towns and people.

3. Spring Look Books. Everything that I've seen looks classic and fun, with beautiful prints, colors, and accessories. I'm loving all the ideas that Talbots, J. Crew, and Loft have shared with those of us who are sick of winter layers and are dreaming of warm weather.

4. Nude shoes. I never-ever-ever thought that nude shoes would catch my eye. I always thought of them as "Aunt Bee-ish." And then the above mentioned Talbot's Spring Look Book came out. Suddenly I'm obsessed and on the market for a pair.

5. Blogs. I love the idea of having a "space" for creative people to share our lives, projects, tips, and adventures. I'm fascinated by the idea that my stories can be captured in this unique way for whoever comes across my little url. Some of my favorite fellow bloggers (besides olive & a) are Cardigan Junkie, Mackin Ink, Shutterly Lovely, and You Stir Me. All ladies with whom I'd want to be friends in "real life."
 

Great list! Thanks for sharing with us Leslie! I love learning about new books so I'll definitely have to check out Sarah Addison Allen.  Please stop by Leslie's blog and say hello.

 

If you are interested in sharing your list, we'd love to read it! Go here for details.

Tori's...

braids

braids

and more braids

I thought it was only apropos to share someones currently loving list on Valentines Day so here is Tori's. She says that she is currently loving (and has always loved) braids! All kinds of them. And who wouldn't after viewing these pictures? So pretty! Please stop by her blog and say hello!

If you are interested in sharing your list, we'd love to read it! Go here for details.

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HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!

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Jillian's...

Our first currently loving participant is the lovely Jillian of cornflake dreams. Such a pretty little list of things she is loving. Oh, and how cute is that little guy? Please stop by her blog and say hello.

If you are interested in sharing your list, we'd love to read it! Go here for details.

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what are you currently loving?

Most weeks you read about what I am currently loving, but now I want to know what you are loving!

I did this feature last spring (see 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) and thought it would be fun to do it again. I love discovering new things by reading about what other people are currently loving. Whether it be a book, blog, movie, shop, article of clothing, person, etc.

If you'd like to participate (don't be shy), please send me an email [oliveanda@gmail.com] with Currently Loving in the subject line. Tell me 3-5 things you are currently loving with a brief description as to why you are loving these each of these items and a link if applicable. Please also include a little bit about your self and a link to your blog. I will email you back and let you know when your list will be posted.

Excited to see what you are loving!

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Dear Stadium-cloth peacoat (with gold buttons),

I just had to tell you, I think you are pretty!

Those gold buttons look great on you.

I really would not mind if you lived in my closet.  

Love,

Heather

currently loving...

We've still got a good couple of months left in 2010 but that doesn't mean I can't be on the lookout for a pretty 2011 calendar. I'm loving this sweet floral fabric calendar designed by Lisa Rupp.

currently loving...

Cavallini Paper

Can you believe that this beautiful thing is actually decorative wrapping paper? Such pretty art that will only set you back about $4.00! When I have a place for it, I'd like to have these butterflies framed. So pretty! You can find Cavallini Paper online through retailers like Kate's Paperie and Paper Source but also in select brick and mortar stores. Here are a few more that I wouldn't mind having...

Wouldn't this be fun in a boys bedroom with the blue and green color tones? Ooh...I think I just found the color scheme for baby brothers future room.

currently loving...

Thomas Paul pillows.

I came across this horse pillow and can't help but think that my Dad, a horseman, would love this in his office.

 A little dose of maritime for the living room perhaps?

I don't think I'll ever have a real birdcage in the house but I don't mind this pretty pillow.

currently loving...

these looks from Tulle

stella's...

here are a few things Stella is currently loving...

1. Saipua flowers. Ever since I stumbled across their website, I have been smitten! I may just have to send myself a bouquet...

2. Evening walks through my neighborhood. Between the blooming trees, the quaint houses with their enclosed porches, and the peaceful quiet, I truly look forward to this time every day.

3. Bright nailpolish. Having shied away from it for so long, I have recently changed my tune. Right now my nails are a brazen shade of coral-- spring is here!

4. My solitude. After a difficult breakup last year and the confusion that it caused, I am finally feeling content in my singleness, and no longer seeking to fill the void with someone else. Rather I am enjoying the time & space that I have to myself for growth and reflection, and loving myself first!

5. Learning German. I enrolled in an intensive language course in September, and I'm totally absorbed in it! Every time that I learn a new language, I discover new things about myself. Which is why I'm particularly excited to travel to Germany in June for a month of immersion!

thanks for your sweet list Stella!

:: I just wanted to say thanks to you lovely ladies who participated in my little blog series. I had fun and hope you did as well! It was nice learning more about each of you and discovering some great new stuff in the process. Also, thanks to those of you who left some love in the comments. Everyone appreciates a kind comment.

shannon's...

here are a few things Shannon is currently loving...

1. My wiener dog

2. Sandwiches: spring & summer always bring mad sandwich cravings.

3. Flying: Good weather means getting back in the cockpit more often.

4. Books: Ernest Hemingway & C.S. Lewis are really doing it for me these days. I'm quite looking forward to being able to relax in the sand & soak up the sun while I read. I really enjoy Hemingway's style & prose, I never tire of it. And I adore C.S. Lewis' symbolism & simplicity.

5. Ruffles: Mostly on sweaters, cardigans, & the like.

6. Heels, heels, & more heels. Oh & pencil skirts: The businesswoman in me has emerged since moving & having to find a new job. I quite like it.

7. Plain white t's (v-necks) w/ jeans &/or shorts

8. Gladiator shoes: Mostly the flats, but the occasional heel or wedge. I think they're great paired with the above mentioned t-shirt & jeans.

9. Paramore: I seriously CANNOT get enough of these guys! I am pretty sure I have listened to them everyday since their new album came out in October. Not to mention their show I went to last May, they rock the live shows for sure!

thanks for sharing your list Shannon!

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holly's...

here are a few things Holly is currently loving...

1. Anything to do with American history. This really isn't new for me, but since I moved to Washington, D.C. it's become a much bigger love!
2. The Pioneer Woman. I know everyone in the world loves the Pioneer Woman, but I really love her food. We cook something from her website or book (I own a signed copy) once a week or so. Try her Life by Chocolate Cupcakes and you'll agree with me.
3. I love rain. I've always loved it, but I especially love it this time of year because it isn't snow!
4. Ethnic food in many varieties. I love Indian food the most.
5. Driving with the windows down at night.
 
 

thanks for your list Holly! i'll definitely be trying those cupcakes.

 

if you are interested in sharing your list, we'd love to read it! go here for details.

 

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hillary's....

 here are a few things Hillary is currently loving...

chiffon flowers. i just learned how to make these and have been making them every night for a week. my boyfriend laughs every time i say "yep, uh huh, oh" on the phone and asks me which flower i am working on.

striped shirts. the horizontal stripes are the best, in navy or black, thick or thin. i can't stop wearing them.

colored lips (preferably coral). i am sick of not wearing lip gloss or lip stick. i love seeing women with pretty colored lips. i think they always look so put together. i just need to make sure i keep my carmex with me too.

chinos. i think they are the next skinny pants. tan is my favorite, with pleats. with a tucked in t-shirt and chunky sandals they look so cute.

 thanks for sharing your fashionable list Hillary!

want to participate? go here for details.

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ashley's...

 here are a few things Ashley is currently loving...

1. I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith. I love this book, because just reading it makes my cheeks feel ruddy in the best way, and my soul invigorated. It's perfect in every way.

2. Paper flowers. Because they never die, and Martha Stewart has a million tutorials for them.

3. Sharon Montrose's blog  My dream job. I love her photographs.

4. My husband & dog. We're our own little family, and I love it. Nothing makes me happier.

thanks for sharing Ashley!

interested in sharing your list? please do! go here for details.

jackie's...

here are a few things Jackie is currently loving...

1. Books about cooking and food. I just finished Julia Child's My Life in France and now reading Ruth Reichl's Tender at the Bone. It's so fascinating to read about their inspiration and their road to success. I love reading true stories about people who follow their passion.

2. Getting things in the mail. Last week I got my gorgeous olive & a necklace, a letter from a friend and my Real Simple magazine. Made my day!

3. Summer's blog has some great recipes. I just tried the tomato soup and it was delicious!

4. All things French.

5. Chalkboard labels. Just ordered some from this etsy shop and I love them! I'm always re-organizing so I love the fact I can easily change what the label says.

thanks for being the guinea pig Jackie! what a great list.

oh, and if you are interested in sharing your list, we'd love to read it! go here for details.

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