Category Archives: Style

My Mini Nerd

August 29, 2014

I’ve told you before that I married a nerd. I highly recommend it, he’s loyal, level headed and is always thinking about something interesting. Well, as a result of marrying a nerd I also gave birth to a mini one. Meet Dylan Robert. Olivia, my 2 year old, dominates my instagram feed, because she’s with me all day long and she’s pretty darn cute. But, I want you to know about my other amazing kids as well. I introduced you to Denali a couple months ago.

Dylan is my middle child and our only boy. He is a nerd. He’s smart and very curious about life and how things work. He’s in GATE school and takes it very seriously. He’s also my sweetest, most thoughtful kid. He usually hugs us 2 or 3 times before he goes to bed. He’s a bit of a clean freak and keeps a pretty organized, neat room (for an 11 year old). He LOVES lego. Since he was 3 years old, he’s probably spent a couple hours a day building and creating things (mostly Star Wars type space ships) with Lego. He’s very generous and he loves his sisters. He asks lots of questions. And his personality is most like mine. He is passionate about perfection and is very diligent. He doesn’t do half-hearted and he’s a great artist. This kid is going to go places, I know it.

We got Dyl ready for back-to-school with a little shopping at P.S. from Aeropostle. I made my life a little easier and did all his shopping online. With a couple pairs of skinny jeans, I great pair of black high tops and two new shirts, he’s set for Fall.

Thanks P.S. from Aeropostle for providing Dylan’s wardrobe.

etc. / Style

Denali Style

July 6, 2014

I am obviously not a fashion blogger. But, fashion is definitely something I loved more in my younger, thinner years, but also something I want to explore and play with more.

Now, fashion for my kids, that’s easy. Denali, my 12 year old, looks amazing in everything. I’m sure you know a bit about this great kid, but let me tell you more. This smart, easy going, beautiful inside and out kid is the best 1st born you could ask for. She’s responsible and a great big sis to Dylan and Olivia. She’s a tough cookie and has been since the day she was born. I had Denali when we where living in Papua New Guinea. It’s a really long story, but she almost died after she was born. She ended up having to be medi-vacced to Australia when she was just 3 days old. She’s seen more of the world then most adults I know. She has a calm spirit and is kind to everyone.

This is a story, I’ve wanted to share with you, but just haven’t known how to. It’s definitely been a big part of our lives the last 6 months. There is this fine line between sharing and over sharing in the blog world. So, here’s the REAL Oleander and Palm, not just the easy DIYs and crafty crap. Just this last year, Denali was diagnosed with scoliosis. It ended up, that her “S” curve was worsening too rapidly and so just a couple months ago, she had to get a back brace. It’s really not fun. It goes from under her arm pits to past her hips. It’s an extremely tight, solid plastic brace and she has to wear it pretty much 24/7 for the next 2-3 years. We are still so bummed for her. But, she has such a great attitude. She hardly ever complains about it.

Turns out, none of her old clothes would work with the brace and so we’ve been on the hunt for clothes that will fit over the brace comfortably and also cover it well. And then once we found things that would work, the brace would tear holes in them.

So, when Aeropostale asked if I’d like to partner with them, I thought that this could be a fun project for Denali and I. We could try to find cute, comfortable clothes for her and then photograph her in them. I wanted this to be a way for her to feel beautiful and comfortable in her “new” body. If you don’t remember being 12, it’s not an easy age. Then add a back brace, it can be hard, to say the least.

We were so pleasantly surprised when we walked into Aeropostale. We found piece after piece that were age appropriate and incredibly fashionable. And my favorite part, the prices! You guys, this thrifty mom was pleased. Denali walked away with so many unique, cute items. Just take a look at my cute daughter. We shot three outfits while in Banff, Alberta. She’s a pretty great model.

This first look was taken at Tunnel Mountain Campground in Banff with Mount Rundle in the background. I want these shorts, if not on my legs, definitely as a pillow.

The second look was shot in the amazing Banff Springs Hotel. We celebrated my parent’s 39th anniversary with high tea, it was a good excuse to get dressed up.

And the third look we shot at Cave and Basin Hot Springs in Banff. These jeggings are perfect for fitting over a bulky brace. Button up jeans don’t work for her anymore. And lots of cute layering pieces make covering brace lumps and bumps a breeze.

All these items are available in Aeropostale stores now (and yes, even the cute fringy moccs).

Design / Style

Emerald Green Inspiration

January 14, 2014

What kind of a red head would I be if this wasn’t my favorite color? Every shade of green is perfect and my closet and home it filled with this color of life.

Green Light

In less then a week, I will be headed to Salt Lake City for Alt Summit 2014! I am so privileged to get to attend this year. I really did not think that it was a possibility. But, I am going as a Correspondent for Collectively. I am honored to be representing them. Collectively is a creative marketing agency that helps social media influencers engage in creative collaborations with great brands. This Fall I started working on collaborations through Collectively. They have given me some really great opportunities to stretch myself creatively and earn income through my blog. The great thing about Collectively is that they work with influencers of any size–from brand new bloggers to seasoned professionals. If you are blogger, you’ll want to sign up to be apart of the Collectively community, I recommend it.

Shoes // Skirt

Alt is famous for fabulous themed parties that only bloggers could pull off. This year, the Thursday night party is all green! Yay, my color! The only trouble is, I’m struggling to find a dress in this color. I’ve searched the Mall and spent lots of hours online. The more I look for this color, the more I WANT it in my life. I want emerald shoes, accessories and decor for my home. I’ve found a few images to wet your appetite for this hue as well. But, to be honest, I’m trying to stay true to my blog’s motto, Simple California Living, and my theme for the year, Simplify, so I’m looking for creative ways to wear this color without spending a lot of money. We’ll see what I come up with, wish me luck, I’m running out of time.

Table and Chairs

I can’t wait to meet up with some old friends and make new ones as well. I am ready to learn and soak up as much knowledge and wisdom from the veterans of blogging as possible. I’m making a very conscience effort to work on some blogger collaborations this year. I know that there is power in numbers and I want to push myself creatively and experientially. Inspired by the color green, the color of new life and growth, I’m hoping for both growth and new life for Oleander and Palm in 2014.

Chair

etc. / Food & Drink / Style

Modern Grey and Orange Baby Shower

May 28, 2013

I had the pleasure of throwing my sweet friend a baby shower recently (you may have seen bit and pieces of it on instagram). I was a really fun party to put together, and the whole day turned out to be really lovely. It was one of those very relaxed, easy going parties, where everyone seemed comfortable.

Before Baby Reuben arrives we needed to have a little celebration for his Mama. I took the color inspiration from the nursery colors. I sent out Minted‘s Urban Baby Invitations , nothing sets the mood for a party like a beautiful invite. These invites a clean, crisp and elegantly modern. Decorating for this party was a piece of cake, I simply used Minted’s Urban Baby Party Decor as well. With the customizable buntings, I was able to make one to welcome Baby Reuben (and how much fun will this be in his nursery later?).

You’ve probably heard me say it before, but I really believe great parties are all in the details. And these party decorations have the perfect details. I not only used the straws and flags for the drinks, but I also cut them in half and used with as cupcake toppers and I also used them in my party favors (which I will share soon).

Minted also sells beautiful party serving pieces. I use my large and small modern white cake plates from there all the time. Varying heights of treats on a party table adds interest and movement.

I was really smart with this party and when friends offered to help, I gladly delegated. I love the decorating and treat making part of parties, so I gratefully gave over the task of organizing games to a friend. She did a great job, and it was one big weight off my shoulders. And I also gave another fantastic friend the job of making the savory treats (the REAL food). She is a fabulous cook, so I could trust that she would make something yummy and elegant. That left me with the fun stuff. I kept my treats in the orange and grey color scheme. Here’s what I served:

The Menu
Iced Coffee
Cucumber Orange Water
Blood Orange Sodas

Veggies and Hummus
Curried Chicken and Egg Salad Sandwiches

Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes
Honied Apricot Marshmallows
Turkish Apricots
London Fog Shortbread Cookies

And a mini treat bar with Cutie Oranges, Hershey Kisses and Junior mints.

The Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes were a Vanilla Bean Cupcake, filled with Orange Curd and then topped with Orange Butter Cream Frosting (I’ll share the recipe soon). I love serving unique homemade marshmallows at parties, I got the Honeyed Apricot recipe from this cook book. And the Turkish Apricots are a copy cat of a dessert I had in London at a Turkish restaurant years ago (I’ll share that recipe soon as well).

DIY / Style

Geometric Heart Tote Bag

May 22, 2013

I can’t stop! Maybe I have a problem, but I just keep coming up with ways to use my geometric heart pattern over and over. This little tote bag took no time at all to paint.

I used my Cricut to cut a freezer paper stencil out. To start, I worked in Cricut Craftroom to create the stencil. I simply used a right angle triangle image repeatedly to make my heart. Then I cut it out on a 12’x12′ square of freezer paper. I ironed on my stencil onto a pre-made bag I purchases at Joannes and painted white and metallic gold randomly in the triangles. Then I let it dry completely and set the paint with a hot iron.

This is going to be my go to bag this summer. It’s a great size for Olivia’s stuff, like a diaper, wipes and a sippy cup, or I can just stylishly bag my groceries.

Do you find yourself drawn to the same colors, pattern or shapes? What’s designs are on your favorite list currently?

etc. / Style

Window Shopping – Sunglasses

April 18, 2013

It’s that time of year. Well, technically I can’t live without sunglasses any day of the year. Because I’m a red head, I have the freckled fair skin and sensitive eyes that go along with it. Good sunglasses, that are comfortable, ideally have polarized lenses, and are stylish is what I’m on the hunt for.

Glasses.com has an amazing selection of fabulous glasses, sunglasses and even prescription sunglasses. They have free in-home try ons and also a virtual try on function. But, they also offer a 30 day return policy and free shipping both ways. So, there really is no risk. If you don’t LOVE your new glasses, send them back and try another pair. When it comes to online shopping I appreciate this. I don’t want to feel stuck with my purchase.

1 // 2 // 3

4 // 5

6 // 7 // 8

I’ve picked out glasses with similar shapes. I’m loving the vintage style, wayfarer shape and a frame with a little color and pattern. Is there a pair in this round up that has caught your eye.

etc. / Style

Happy New Year!

January 2, 2012

Well, 2012 is here! Where did the year go? It’s been a busy year. My biggest accomplishment is Olivia – in 2011 I made a baby! This year will be filled with many firsts for her. Babies grow and change so much in their first year of life, it’s amazing. I’m excited for this year with Olivia but, I’m sure it’s going to go to by way too fast.

I’m making a few New Years resolutions. By posting these here, I’m hoping to stick to them and not give up 6 months in. They are not all resolutions, some are just things I want to accomplish (it’s really just a 2012 to do list). Here’s my list:

1. Read my Bible EVERYDAY! (no excuses)
2. Lose the baby weight or at least get into my old jeans (slightly overwhelming, I’m working on an action plan).
3. Learn how to use Photoshop and do more with Adobe Illustrator (maybe even take a class and continue what I started just over a year ago.)
4. Improve my blog.
5. Take more pictures and make more photo books of my family.
6. Have more adventures with Riley.
7. Complete some house projects (paint the outside of the garage, paint the kids bathroom and possible tear out the shower, complete the laundry room, and put in some kind of semi-custom storage in all our tiny closets).
8. Open an Etsy shop.
9. Date more (go out with my husband, sans children, at least twice a month).
10. Quit Smoking! (this one is easy because I don’t smoke, but now I can feel good about accomplishing one of my resolutions)

My Sweet Babies

What resolutions or goals are you making this year?