Vintage Valentine: The Inspiration

February 3, 2012

I LOVE to throw a party. I go all out for my kid’s birthday’s and other special occasions. I usually start thinking about my parties months ahead of time. I look for inspiration and write down all my ideas and plans. Inspiration for a party usually starts with just something little, like an image or object. From that a take a theme, color, or feeling. Hank and Hunt just posted her Party Palette and Design Seeds always inspires me. So here’s my inspiration.

Next week I am throwing a little Valentine’s party for my daughter and her friends. It’s going to be a cookie decorating party. I took my inspiration from this Vintage Valentine I bought at an antique store. The colors for the party are mostly red and gold with a vintage feel.

I’m really happy with how the party is coming together. Over the next couple of days I will share DIY’s for the decorations, favors, and food.

It’s this the sweetest little Valentine? I paid $2 for the Valentines and then I found this sweet little polka dot hanky for $3 at the same antique store. Both items will serve as decor for the party.

I’m a very visual person. Where do you get your inspiration?

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Valentine’s Apron Giveaway!

So, it’s been a while since I’ve had a giveaway. How about a handmade Valentine’s Apron made by yours truly (there on available at my Etsy Shop).

The contest will end Monday, February 6th, so that it can be shipped to you ready for some Valentine’s baking.

This cute apron has a handy two section pocket in the front that has be hand stenciled with a metallic gold heart. A great Valentine’s day gift or just something special for a cook you love. The apron also features an adjustable neck strap and waist straps that are long enough to wrap around to the front.

Here’s how you can enter:

1. Subscribe to Oleander and Palm. Just enter your email address in the “Follow By Email” box on the right hand side of the blog. You will receive email updates with what’s new on Oleander and Palm.

2. If you have already done this, then you can “like” me on Facebook, follow me on Pinterest, or share this post on your facebook.

3. Now just leave me a comment on this post letting me know which of the 2 above choices you completed and tell what the best Valentine’s Day gift is that you ever received.

If you want to better your chances, visit my good friend Maya’s blog, Alaska From Scratch, and you can enter again.

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Metallic Heart Shirts

February 2, 2012

I thought the twins (Olivia and her cousin Carolina, who are only 3 days apart) needed some matching Valentine’s T’s. These are simple and can be worn long after Valentine’s Day has past. Actually, I kind of want one as well.

I used my favorite new trick and made a heart stencil on freezer paper and painted the shirts with a metallic gold and silver. You can read more about the technique here and here.

I might put a couple in my etsy shop.

And here’s my very cute model. This shirt shows off her cute round figure (not sure how long she’ll be able to wear it).

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Monthly Memory Verse: February

February 1, 2012

February is here! And I have a new Free Printable Download for you. If you missed out last month, you can read about my Monthly Memory Verse here and download January’s verse.

A new month and a new memory verse. It’s a simple verse, but so important. Isn’t it amazing how great God’s love is for us, I am overwhelmed by it. Loving the way Jesus loves us, now that’s an example to live up to. And for the design, I just couldn’t help myself, I had to go chevron. I don’t know about you, but I can’t get enough of it these days.

Click HERE for the Free Printable Download.

If you printed this Monthly Memory Verse or just think it’s a fun idea, please be a friend and “follow” my little blog. If you already are a follower, please “like” my facebook page, share this link with others, “Pin” it, or just leave me a comment.

This is intended for personal use only.

(Note: The text at the bottom of the image may print, but it is not within the 8 X10 measurement. When you print, do not scale the image)

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Burlap and Chevron Message Board

January 31, 2012

Well if you are out there pinning on Pintrest, there are two things that seem to be super popular these days: burlap and chevron.

So, I’ve combined the two and made something useful. This is my new message board that hangs in my laundry room. This is the room we come in and out of our house through. So, it’s the perfect spot for important reminders, family photos, and more.

I bought the old frame at the Rose Bowl Flea Market years ago for a couple bucks. It’s been sitting in my garage collecting dust and waiting for the perfect project. It was in terrible shape, so I sanded it and painted it a nice creamy white.

Then I measured the frame opening and cut a piece of foam core board (from the $ store) to the exact size.

Then I cut a piece of burlap 4 inches wider and longer then the foam core. Using 1 1/2″ painters tape, I began taping off a chevron pattern on the burlap. My pattern was easy because I wanted it to be irregular and random. Then I took it outside and spray painted the whole thing with Metallic Gold Spray paint (that’s another trend I’m seeing a lot of: Gold). When it was dry, I removed the tape to reveal my pattern

Using a hot glue gun, I wrapped the burlap around the foam core and secured the edges to the back. Then I just fit the board into the frame and used a staple gun to attach it to the frame.

What do you think? Anybody think they would like to make one of these? Would you like pictures of the step by step? It’s a pretty simple project, but I’m a visual learner and I understand that reading instructions without pictures can be hard to understand.

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Home Tour: The Living Room

Besides the kitchen, this is the room we spend the most time in. This is the first room you enter when you come into our home. I really do not have a specific style (or at least I don’t think I do). This room really shows my taste, is a mixture of a whole bunch of things that work together for me. I like modern lines (my linen sofa/sectional), pieces with history (Lonnie’s Grandma’s cedar chest that serves as our coffee table), things from my world travels (art, baskets, artifacts) , textures (leather and throws), and comfort (lots of pillows, a soft wool rug, and stove for warmth).

The fire place wall has a mantel the extends the length of the room. We have mounted our TV on the mantel, giving us more floor space. On one side of the fire place is built in book shelves and on the other is a pull down desk and more storage. These are the nice things about having an old house. I love original features like built ins.

This green chair is one of the first real pieces of furniture we bought. It’s really no longer my style, but I still love the color and super comfy. So, until I find the perfect replacement, I will still enjoy this chair. Above this chair is a collection of prints, watercolors, photos and paintings that we have collected from Alaska to Italy and some place in between.

We have no official entryway. The front door just opens to the living room, but I wanted to define it as an entryway with a piece of furniture. My thrift store dresser does the trick. And yes, I know that my family silhouette needs to be updated with our 5th family member.

You can see more of our little 1920 California Bungalow here.

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Monthly Memory Verse: January

January 29, 2012

I’m really excited about this new addition to my blog. I am offering a Free Printable Download of a Monthly Memory Verse.

I want my children to hide God’s word in their heart. And in order to help them along, I feel like it needs to be up on the wall for us to all see and read often. Each month I will be sharing a new memory verse. My hope is that by the end of the year, my kids will have 12 new bible verses memorized to equip them for life.

My intent is for these verses to be hung, not only for practical purposes, but also for decor. Each print will be 8 x 10 inches. Every month, the verse can just be downloaded, printed, and then swapped out for the next one. You can purchase a 8 x 10 inch frame that compliments your home and decor and then just insert the print. I have sketched out most of the year, and I think that I will try to make the colors and images somewhat seasonal in tone (but not too literal). My hope is that the designs will be clean, modern and appealing to a lot of styles and tastes.

I know January is almost over, but from now on, the new verse will be available at the beginning of each month. (Better late then never, right?) This seemed like a great verse to start the 2012 with.

Click HERE for the Free Printable Download.

If you printed this Monthly Memory Verse, please be a friend and “follow” my little blog. If you already are a follower, please “like” my facebook page, share this link with others, or just leave me a comment.

This is intended for personal use only.

(Note: The text at the bottom of the image will print, but it is not within the 8 X10 measurement)

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Home Tour: The Dining Room

January 27, 2012

This room has hosted many meals, holiday dinners, and parties. It’s an uncluttered space (accept when my sewing machine and projects are over it). For the most part, it’s a low maintenance space that is practical and beautiful. I know a lot of people think that a dining room in unnecessary if you have an eat-in kitchen, but because I love to entertain, I love having this space.

My favorite part of the room is of course the built in buffet/hutch that is original to the house. Being Canadian, I was lucky to receive Bone China for wedding gifts. I love using it. So, having it out on display makes it’s easy for me to access it. I store and display my wedding china and crystal in the side cabinets and the draws offer me a tone of linen storage.

When I host parties the buffet gives me a space to set out appetizers, drinks or even dessert.

This picture was taken in the fall, hence the pumpkins and wheat.

The room was a sage green for many years, but I recently painted it grey.

On the wall opposite the Hutch is are two huge windows. They allow light to flood the room during the day.

I love the archway between the living room and dining room. On the opposite wall from the archway is the Kitchen. The small black armoir in the corner of the room houses the family computer.

You can see more of our home here.

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Home Tour

So, I’m going to be totally vulnerable and let you into my home. It’s not fancy and far from perfect – but we LOVE it! I really wouldn’t want another house (I might like to pick it up and move it somewhere be the see though). I don’t know if you are like me, but I love seeing where and how others live. Don’t worry, I’ve picked up the toys, washed the dishes and put away the laundry just for you. Over the next couple of weeks, I will be giving you a picture tour of our little 1920 California Bungalow. If you’ve noticed, there is a new button along to top menu {Home Tour}. Thanks for visiting, and if you were to really come over, I’d have something yummy for you to eat and definitely some good coffee.

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Rice Bottom Salad

Healthy doesn’t have to taste bad. I know it’s still winter, so this salad is still hearty and the rice and chicken can even be served warm. And after indulging during Christmas on rich foods, something light sounds so good.

Cumin Salad Dressing

1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup white vinegar
1 tbsp. honey
1/2 tsp. cumin
salt and pepper to taste

Place all the ingredients in a jar or bottle with a cap. Shake vigorously to make the dressing.

Rice Bottom Salad

2 cups of brown rice
1 cup salsa

1 head of romaine lettuce chopped
1 cup of grape tomatoes cut in half
1 can of black bean rinsed and drained
1 cup of frozen corn thawed
1/2 cup red onion chopped
Rotisserie chicken or turkey chopped

Cook the rice with the salsa and correct amount of water according to your rice cooker or the package directions.

On a plate, place a scoop of rice, then some lettuce and then all the rest of the ingredients (or let everyone choose what they want on their salad). Drizzle with the dressing.

I served this salad with Light Mini Corn Cakes (I’m tired, so I’ll post the recipe for these tomorrow).