mashup + mini break

Hi and hello! Thanks for all your kind comments about my skirt. It's kinda scary (at least for me) to put yourself out there on the www so thanks for being nice. :) I did finish the other skirt that I've been working on and am super excited to share it with you. It's going to have to wait though because... our summer vacation is over and we are driving back to Texas after being in Utah for two month AND when we get home we have to move, quick! So...I'm going to put olive & a on it's own little vacation and resume blogging when life is a little less hectic (hopefully next week). However, I couldn't just leave you with nothing so here is a mashup to keep your fingers clicking. See you soon!

:: This lavender nursery is so sweet but chic. Caitlin can do no wrong when it comes to designing stylish rooms in my opinion.

:: Oh yum! Once my kitchen is in order (and it's not so hot!) I am going to make a batch of these soft frosted sugar cookies.

:: Lindsay has been working some magic with clay lately and shared this super simple diy for rose earrings. Love!

:: Laundry would be somewhat less of a chore if I had a laundry room like Elizabeth's newly re-done space.

:: Speaking of fashion bloggers (in my previous post), Bee is one of my current faves and has a way with clothes that is so bold and fresh.


{image Sara Bateman}

mashup

Hello friends! I trust you all had a good weekend. The last couple of weeks have been crazy (but fun!) up to yesterday which was finally a slow, relaxing day. I am grateful that this week is relatively empty in terms of busyness. I have a couple projects that I am wanting to get to though, one of which is making a duvet cover for Olivia's comforter. I have it all planned out in my head, we'll hope it turns out the way I'd like it to. 

I thought I'd start the week off with a mashup but instead of an eclectic mix of links I thought I'd be a bit more focused and share a foodie mix. You know how you're not supposed to go grocery shopping when you're hungry, well the same goes for reading food blogs, don't do it when you're hungry like I just did. No bueno!

:: One of my favorite cakes is Angel Food Cake but I've never made it from scratch. This recipe looks easy enough to try.

:: My friend Caitlin is like the Martha Stewart of our friends, she's always whipping up something good. Case in point, this tortellini with tomato cream sauce. (Oh and she just started sharing all her yummy recipes with the rest of us, go check her out and say hi.)

:: Summer time = cold drinks don't you think? Something like this lemon ice.

:: The marriage of pizza and pot pie looks pretty good when they make pizza pot pie.

:: Our fridge has been full of berries lately and this panna cotta and berries would be a perfect use for them.

Tell me: What is your number one place to find recipes? A favorite blog, cookbook, your Mom? I'd love to know (and please share sources)!

{image via sugar and charm}

the essentials : Lindsay from Delighted Momma

I love when people leave comments (who doesn't, right? ;) on my blog because it's a great way for me to find their blog when I most likely wouldn't have otherwise. Lindsay was one of those awesome bloggers who left a comment and I'm glad she did. She has a great blog full of recipes, thrifted finds (and tips), and every day lovelyness. I was excited to learn that we share something in common, we are both estheticians! Please leave her some love and go visit her blog!

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Hello olive & a readers!

My name is Lindsay from Delighted Momma. I am SO excited to be here today while Heather is away on vacation. Lucky ducky!! Today I am going to share with you my top three beauty essentials.

#1. Moisturizer WITH sunscreen

As a licensed esthetician I can not tell you enough how important this is. In fact, if I could only bring one beauty product to a deserted island this would be it. Not only are you protecting your skin but you are warding off future effects of permanent sun damage and aging. My all time favorite product is DeVita Solar Protective Moisturizer with SPF 30. It is feather light and never leaves my skin feeling greasy or oily. It also wears great under my makeup. BIG plus.

#2. Lip Balm

I never leave the house without a good lip balm. If you were to take a peak into my purse you would find at least 4 floating around. My FAVORITE is Eco Lips Pure & Simple Coconut. Mmmm! It is all natural and smells like a coconut smoothie! They say lip balm is addicting...not sure if this is true, but I do know that I cant live without it!

# 3. Limiting stress, getting plenty of sleep and staying hydrated

Even though I cheated and listed three, I think they are all equally important. Reducing stress as much as you can, getting your beauty rest and drinking plenty of water are imperative not only for personal well being, but also for your skin. Making small positive changes in your lifestyle will make you feel better inside and out!

Hope you all have a wonderful day!

things that make me happy

summer is here

Source: designspongeonline.com via Sugar on Pinterest

 popsicle weather

Source: delightedmomma.com via chartreuse and a twist - on Pinterest

casual but well styled summer outfits

Source: calypso-celle.com via Tori on Pinterest

cake jars

Source: elizabethkartchner.blogspot.com via Heather on Pinterest

pretty peonies

Source: mysweetsavannah.blogspot.com via Heather on Pinterest

Care to share what is making you happy?

love letter : flynn skirt

Dear flynn skirt,

Um....Hi! I just wanted to tell you that I love your stripes, and your perfect little pleats, oh and your pockets (love!).

Do you think that you might want to come live in my closet? I promise you'd be my favorite, my other skirts would get soooo jealous.

Think about it.

Best,

Heather

mashup

Well hello there! I just wanted to share a few links that I've seen around the interweb lately. Have a lovely day!

:: Loving Vivian's new 3 ways series...first up, decorating a wood ladder.

:: It's alway nice to see a well designed birthday party for little guys, like this airplane party.

:: Made this tortellini spinach bake in creamy lemon sauce the other day for dinner. Yum!

:: How gorgeous is this tablescape (and Gwyneth) that Kathleen featured?

:: These sweet Italian soda's sound perfect for a summer party.

DIY round up

There are so many amazingly creative people out there (in blog world) and I love that they are generous enough to share their creativity and tutorials with the rest of us. Why thank you! On the opposite end of the spectrum, I have a few friends who don't believe they are crafty or creative...psh! I don't believe it for a minute. My theory is that you can only become creative by creating which is a big duh but some people just resign themselves to the fact that they just can't instead of trying. On that note and in my attempt to become more creative, here are just a few projects that I want to make.

 wood stained painting @ me oh my!

zinc inspired letters @ Sugar and Charm

rosette necklace @ oh, hello friend

 paint stick sunburst mirror @ Centsational Girl

summertime string laterns @ Apostrophy Designs

So I've already posted this quote before but I thought I would share it again.

What are your thoughts on creativity?

mashup

Hello! Hello! I thought I'd do a bit of a mashup today with links to things I've seen and liked around the blogosphere. I hope that you have a wonderful day!

{photo: Carly Taylor + styling: Victoria Hudgins for Styled}

:: I still want to take a class but for now I'll study Chelsea's tips in her flower arranging 101.

:: Every blogger should consider these tips and tricks - one, two, and three (especially the email tip, please try it!).

:: Very sweet & simple, this DIY paint chip easter garland is on my list to make for the upcoming holiday. {via the coterie}

:: You may have heard about Styled already but if not, go check it out. It's a great new magazine featuring DIY entertaining and inspiration.

:: Current blog crush : The super cute Little White Whale.

psst...

JCrew has a blog...

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...

a model example

I am a big fan of Caitlin Creer and her work. These bedrooms that she designed for a model home have been in my inspiration folder for a while now. I love how the spaces are fun and playful but the styling is edited for a clean and simple look.

I so want that Thomas Paul goldfish pillow for Landon's room. Maybe someday...

mashup

Hello! Hello!

Did y'all have a great weekend? Can I just say that I am happy to be starting a new week. Last week was not the most fun we've ever had but I am grateful that we are on the mend and feeling better.

Here are a few fun links of things I've seen around the web and wanted to share with you. I hope that you have a lovely Monday!

:: I really want to throw an ice cream party...just because.

:: Speaking of parties, how about making some ribbon bunting for your next celebratory cake?

:: Breaded Garlic Chicken in Lemon-Butter Sauce = my current favorite dinner. Delish!

:: And for dessert, how about some homemade twix bars. These are SO on my list to make and try. {pin}

:: Oh my, these spring shop windows have me wishing spring and its flowers would arrive sooner! So pretty.

{image}

great idea: make your own sprinkles

Spotted this idea over on pinterest and couldn't resist sharing because it's such a good idea. Good because you know what ingredients are in them and just think of all the colors you could make to match any event.

{pin}

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.

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.

{images via}

mashup

Hello my dears! Here are a few random links of things I've seen around and wanted to share. I hope you have a great day!

:: Who doesn't love a good glitter diy project? I have a pair of flats begging for me to do this. {via}

:: How fun would it be to channel grade school and make/give these necklaces to your girl friends for Valentines Day?

:: Looking for a charming new read? May I suggest Matchbook Magazine.

:: Olivia and I have this sweet song on repeat. Dance party anyone?

:: Love this vintage/Anthropologie inspired master bedroom makeover.

{Photo by Sara Westbrook}

mashup

Happy hump day! I hope this post finds you well and warm. I have a feeling that I will be consuming unusual amounts of hot chocolate today in order to keep warm. It's chilly here in Fort Worth today!

Here are just a few things that I've seen around and feel like sharing:

:: These salted golden caramels bars are so on my list to make. I just need an excuse to make them, other wise I'd probably devour them by myself and that wouldn't be good.

:: An adorable 'cute as a button' party and dessert table.

:: Get your design fix with the latest Lonny mag.

:: I am in love with the details of this wedding here and here.

mashup

Hi friends! Today is a good day...I finished up my semester of school, my husband will take his last exam today and we will have officially put the first semester of medical school behind us, oh and there is about a week left until Christmas!

On another note, all of these late night feedings have given me a chance to peruse my reader and I've come across a couple things I wanted to share. Hope you are having a lovely day!

Download the 2011 Mibo Planner

going home to roost's celebrate: a winter project magazine

Alli and Andrea are at it again with their Mock Party: Christmas

I didn't get an advent calendar made this year

but I'm adding this one to my list of ideas for next year.

making a {wish} list...

Thank you for your sweet comments about baby Landon! We are so in love with the little guy!

This year we've decided to keep Christmas and all it entails decidedly low key (having a healthy baby is present enough) but I couldn't resist posting a few things on my wish list...

1. Peacock Plate
2. Emma
3. Ballet Dahlia Clutch
4. Floral Vintage Scissors
5. Imagination Poster

What's on your list this year?