3 Tips for Successful Thrifting

April 12, 2016

Hey there! My newsletter is up and going! If you haven’t signed up yet, be sure to fill out the form in the righthand bar of the blog (under Join The Mailing List). Today’s video is part 2 of a video I put together for all my newsletter friends. So, if you’re here because of the newsletter – WELCOME! You are officially my new favorite group of folks. I’m planning to have lots of fun with this new newsletter. I’ve got exclusive content, downloadables, printables and videos that can’t be found on the blog. It’s kind of like a top-secret club, and you are gonna wanna join.

Both the night stand and lamp were thrifted. I bought the nightstand for about 20 dollars and then painted it. The brass lamp was just $5.

One of my main missions behind Oleander + Palm is to share ways in which I achieve a modern, stylish home and lifestyle without spending a lot of money. I love attainable style and design and thrifting enables me to have one-of-a-kind furniture and accessories in my home. So, if you are not a seasoned secondhand shopper, here’s my tips for becoming a successful thrifter.

Now, if you aren’t yet convinced of thrifting, let me share some of my favorite finds to refresh your memory.

I bought the vintage leather butterfly chair at an auction for a couple hundred dollars.

I found this midcentury side table along with my credenza at a goodwill. This piece cost only $12.99. And the camels were bought in a market in Yemen, I’m sure they were a good deal. I did a lot of bartering there.

I found this Modernica plant stand at the Pasadena Flea Market, I paid only $10 for it.

And last, but definitely not least, my favorite thrifted find of all time – I paid $69 for this gorgeous mid-century credenza. I found it at my local Goodwill.

What’s the best thing you’ve ever found at a Thrift Store? Do you have any other tips and tricks to help thrifting virgins fall in love with the hunt?

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Style

Poolside Essentials

April 11, 2016

Before the week gets away from us, I wanted to remind you to sign up for my new newsletter. I’m excited to launch a newsletter for the very first time. I don’t want this to just be a recap of the blog, so I’m working on some exclusive content and fun freebies just for my newsletter folks. So, if you haven’t already, fill out the Join the Mailing List form on the righthand side of the blog

Now on to today’s post, I think I’m posting this round up because really I just want to be sitting poolside this Monday morning. Last week, I was lucky enough to get a few hours by the pool in Palm Springs. I’m a water lover. Give me a pool or a beach and I’ll be wet. I’m not afraid to get in and get my hair wet. But, I am a redhead, so I have to be smart about all that time in the sun. So, I’m always lathering on sunscreen and my big straw hat is perfect for shading not only my face, but also my shoulders.

This week I bought a high waisted bikini at Target!!! EEEK, you guys, I haven’t worn a 2 piece since pre-babies (that’s like 15 years ago). All the stretch marks have kept me in tankinis and one pieces. But, this last week I decided to try out the high waisted look, and I love it! My body is far from perfect, but the older I get, the more comfortable I get in my skin. Often I think, “Well, those would be cute on a skinny person, they aren’t made for curvy girls like me.” And then I decided, what the heck, all the cute styles can’t just be for the skinny folk. So, now I’ve worn a bikini in public and high waisted cropped flare jeans as well. Things are getting crazy friends.

poolside essentials

That stretch between Spring Break and Summer can feel like forever. So, let’s just dream about a lazy day poolside. Maybe a fancy drink in hand and a good book or magazine to flip through.

The round towel is pretty amazing. Not only will it make a great picnic blanket for the beach, it’s big enough to wrap your whole body in. And I can’t get enough of the Rose Facial Spray. Midday, when I’m feeling tired and need a perk up, a couple sprays on my face and neck totally do the trick.

Beach, pool, lake, river, what’s your first choice for a swim?

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The Week’s End

April 8, 2016

If you follow me on Instagram or Snapchat, you probably saw that I was in Palm Springs for a couple days this week. I was lucky to be part of a fun blogger bash, we called it the #sagrarosoiree. It was a relaxed get together of some of my favorite DIY bloggers. We had no schedule or agenda, just a time to connect with like-minded folks and recharge our creative juices. We took a lot of pictures, talked shop, ate yummy things and sat by the pool (all some of my favorite things to do).

round towel

Just look at how fun and colorful we are!

#SaguaroSoiree-1

Back Row – A Bubbly Life // Lovely Indeed // Studio DIY // The Crafted Life // The Proper Blog

Front Row – Homey Oh My // Sarah Hearts // Almost Makes Perfect // ME

Image Credit: Jeff Mindell

Here’s some great posts to check out this weekend:

Be sure to check out these agate slice hair clips.
This helpful tutorial will get all your suede shows super clean and pretty again.
I’m going to need to try these Microwave Potato Chips this weekend.
Heading to a wedding or party, I think these rhinestone flats are a must-make and must-wear.
I could look at this rainbow of gifts all day, the post is pretty enough to frame.
I think my front door could use a cute new Typography Doormat.
Let me go run a bath right now, these Grapefruit Rosemary Bath Salts look amazing!
I’m obsessed with this 3D planter and then fun shadowy pics of it!

Happy Weekend Friends!

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DIY

Tropical Foliage Napkins

I’ve always loved setting the table for dinner. It was the job my mom always gave me when we had quests over. And the only way to do it right is with cloth napkins.

You know I’m a fan of tropical foliage (remember my Alphabet chart). So, I created these simple leaf and vase patterns to be part of my Cricut Gold Explore Machine for JoAnn Fabric Stores designs (check out the machine here, under Die Cut Machines, Supplies and More at Joann.com).

Grey, gold and white is still one of my favorite combos. I bought solid grey napkins and cut leaves and vases in gold and white iron-on vinyl, but stencils could also be cut and the leaves and vases could be painted on with fabric paint.

Be sure to check out my other Cricut Gold Designs like the Half Moon Wall Hanging, Throw Blanket with Geometric Patterned Edge, and a whole bunch of fun pillows.

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Food & Drink

Frozen Lemon Mint Sweet Tea

April 4, 2016

Our days are getting warmer and I’m dreaming up cool summery treats. Today’s recipe is a sweet tea at it’s best. Fresh mint, lemonade and iced tea make up this yummy frozen treat. Is there anything more refreshing then iced tea? Why yes there is, frozen iced tea!Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Co.has come out with a brand new product, Lemonade Tea. There’s no hidden ingredients in this drink, it has just 4 ingredients – water, tea, lemons, and pure cane sugar.

This simple recipe is a very similar process to making as my Grapefruit Mint Sorbet (which is a family favorite around here).

Frozen Lemon Mint Sweet Tea

4 cups of lemonade tea (2 16 oz. bottles of Natalie’s Orchid Lemonade Tea)
1 cup of sugar
1 cup of water
3 tbsp. coarsely chopped mint
lemon slices and frest mint for garnish

Start by making the mint simple syrup. Bring to a boil the water, sugar and mint. Boil for just one minute. Allow the syrup to cool completely. Pour through a strainer to remove the mint leaves. In a large bowl combine the syrup with the lemonade tea. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.

Following the instructions of your ice cream maker, freeze the sorbet. I have a Cuisinart Freezer and it took about 20-25 mins to freeze completely. Transfer to an air tight container and freeze in the freezer for a couple more hours before serving.

This recipes makes about 6 generous servings. Garnish with a couple fresh mint leaves and a slice of lemon.

This post is sponsored by Natalie’s Orchid. Thank you for supporting the companies that help make this blog possible.

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DIY / etc.

Black Plants

April 1, 2016

I’ve been loving all things black lately. I’ve shared black exteriors, black cabinets, black fireplaces and black entryways. And if you are not ready to commit to painting a whole wall black yet, this easy DIY can be a great place to start. Chic, modern black plants make a beautiful addition to any space.

Unlike green, which comes in so many varieties and variations, flat black paint it guaranteed to go with any decor or color scheme. I’ll say it, “Black is the new green!” Plants, flowers, cactus, and even succulents get a quick, minimalistic makeover with an even coat of black spray paint.

Here’s what you’ll need:

plants and flowers (any size or shape)
drop cloth or newspaper
a can of flat black spray paint

Make sure the plants are dry and not dusty. In a well ventilated area, give the plants an even coat of spray paint. Allow to dry completely and the apply a second coat if necessary. Note: You don’t want any of the bright, lively green peeking through.

So, what do you think? What plants and flowers can you see yourself painting black? Doesn’t black feel so much cleaner and more current then green?

HAPPY APRIL FOOLS DAY!

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etc. / Food & Drink / Travel

Knott’s Berry Farm Boysenberry Festival

March 31, 2016

Last week we made a quick trip south to Knott’s Berry Farm. I haven’t been there since I was a kid. From now until April 3rd the Boysenberry Festival is on! So if you are in Soun, this would be a great place to spend the day. There’s special live entertainment and Boysenberry flavored EVERYTHING! We spent a fun filled day enjoying rides and tasting all the Boysenberry Bites. Knott’s Berry Farm knows how to food you guys.

Knott’s is great, it’s a low key, not overly crowed amusement park. And there was big, fast rides for my older two and lot’s of fun little kid rides from Olivia.

Boysenberry Flautas

The best way to experience the Boysenberry Festival is with a Boysenberry Bites Tasting Card. For only $25, the tasting card includes generous portions of six delectable treats:

1. Boysenberry BBQ Short Ribs at Spurs Chophouse
2. Spicy Boysenberry BBQ Wings
3. Fried Alligator Bites with Fries & Boysenberry Aioli at Sutter’s
4. Boysenberry BBQ Meatballs near Churro Factory
5. Boysenberry Panna Cotta with Almond Crumble at Ghost Town Bakery
6. Boysenberry Dessert Flautas at Ghost Town Grub

Plus there lots other fun Boysenberry treats throughout the park, like Boysenberry donuts the size of your head and Boysenberry Cotton Candy (oh yes!).

Boysenberry Panna Cotta

Boysenberry Donut

This is Southern California at it’s best! The days are warm and sunny and the evenings are cool. I had a lot of fun just taking pictures of all the beautiful flowers that were in bloom around the park. I enjoyed capturing all the pinks and purples everywhere.

Boysenberry Cotton Candy

Boysenberry Short Ribs and Rice

Thanks Knott’s Berry Farm for having us for a fun-filled day!

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Food & Drink

Buffalo Chicken and Blue Cheese Hand Pies

March 30, 2016

This fun recipe is a combination of two of my favorite comfort foods, buffalo chicken wings and pie, all packaged up into a neat little hand pie. These are really quick and easy to make. Spicy buffalo chicken is mellowed with cream cheese and blue cheese. Served with carrots, celery and blue cheese dressing, this is perfect for a party appetizer or just serve as dinner. My kids are always happy to have any chance to eat with their hands. And my husband is excited to have a few of these for easy to pack lunches.

You can have these made in about 30 mins. I’ve got a couple shortcuts to help you out. I’m usually a snob about pie crust, but I totally cheated and bought pre-made, store bought pastry, and my family didn’t even know. Also, let your grocery store roast the chicken for you, rotisserie chickens are the handiest thing to buy and they are delicious!

Buffalo Chicken and Blue Cheese Hand Pies

1 rotisserie chicken
4 oz. cream cheese
1/2 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Buffalo Wing Sauce
8 oz. package of blue cheese crumbles
1 package of prepared pie crust (found the refrigerator section)
1 egg
1 tbsp water
carrots, celery, and blue cheese salad dressing to garnish

Start by rolling out the pie crust (some already comes rolled out even). Using a bowl out cup as a guide, cut out 5 inch. diameter circles.

Remove the chicken from the bones and skin and shred the meat. Add the Buffalo Wing sauce to the chicken and toss to coat evenly.

Beat the egg and water with a fork to make an egg wash.

Brush around the edge of each circle of pastry with the egg wash. Spread about 1 tsp. of cream cheese, then a small scoop of the chicken and finally a generous sprinkling of the blue cheese on each circle. Place in the center and off to one side slightly.

Fold the pastry in half and gently press the sides together.

Using the prongs of a fork, press along the edge of the now half circle hand pie to seal the edges completely.

Prick the center of each hand pie a couple times with the fork to create a vent.

Transfer to parchment lined baking sheet and bake at 400 F oven for about 20 mins, or until they are golden brown. Serve warm with carrot sticks, celery and blue cheese salad dressing.

Sweet Baby Ray’s is more then just great BBQ sauce, they have so many great sauce options, like Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce and Honey Teriyaki Sauce, to name just a few. Be sure to check out their site for lots of great recipe ideas.

This post is sponsored by Sweet Baby Ray’s. Thank you for supporting the companies that help make this blog possible.

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Food & Drink

Easy Peanut Butter Popcorn

March 29, 2016

Well, every time I go on vacation, I think I’ll be able to keep up with posting, and every time I fail. I had 4 posts ready to go for last week and they never happened. We just don’t do vacation to relax, we love to pack it in and see as much as possible. So, when we finally made it back to the hotel each night, I just couldn’t stay awake. Thanks for sticking in there with me, even when I flake. But, this week with my family was important and the blog needed to wait while I made memories with my kiddos.

Just so you don’t miss this fun post I put together for The Land of Nod, I thought I’d share the link here as well. Check out our Family Game Night. To #celebratetuesday, we are skipping dinner and eating Peanut Butter Popcorn (recipe included) and smoothies and playing games as a family.

How do you make time to spend as a family during the hectic-ness of the week?

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The Brand New Oleander + Palm

March 24, 2016

Welcome to the brand new Oleander + Palm. This has been a long time coming. This is a BIG, Big deal everyone – I’m no longer on Blogger. I’m so excited! Can you tell? So many explanation marks!!! A new site and a new look. I feel like I went from a beat up Honda Civic to a shiny new Tesla.

Here’s a look at the old site. It served me well for almost 5 years, but it was so one dimensional.There are lot of really great things about the new Oleander + Palm. Here’s what I’m excited about:

#1. One of my favorite new features is the pretty galleries for my categories. You can check them out on the top bar and in the righthand side bar. There are pages for FOOD + DRINK, TRAVEL, DIY, and DESIGN. Thumbnail pictures on these pages link to the full post. Now if you are looking for something specific, it’s going to be so much easier to find.

#2. A newsletter is coming very soon. So sign up with your email address now!!!

#3. I finally have a fresh clean header and logo. It’s been long overdo and this new look feels so much more like me.

#4. I love the instagram preview at the bottom of the blog. It’s a great place to show off my latest IGs.

#5. How about that cool new rotating marquee at the top of the blog? This makes me feel fancy! If you haven’t visited the blog in a while, it’s a great way to see what the latest posts are at a glance.

#6. I’M NOT ON BLOGGER ANYMORE!!!!! You guys, I’m pretty sure folks are going to take me a little more seriously now. This isn’t a hobby blog, it’s my full-time J-O-B. But, in all honesty, WordPress is going to make my life so much easier. There are so many plugins I’m excited to use. First on the list is a recipe card, wouldn’t it be nice to print out a recipe and put it in an actual recipe box?

This took a group effort to make this move happen. I’ve got some very special folks to thanks. I’m so grateful to have friends with techy smarts and talent. First off, Amanda of the beautiful blog, Handmade Mood, was the mastermind behind all of this. She is backend blog expert and did an amazing job of moving all 800 of my posts over from the old site. If you are stuck on Blogger still, she is the lady to employ.

Next I need to thank Molly of both Almost Makes Perfect and Blogzilla Studio. Molly and her partner customized the already beautiful Velvet Blog Theme to be exactly what I was looking for.

And lastly, but far from least, thank you to my generous friend and talented designer MJ of Pars Caeli for helping me refresh and design a new logo and look for my blog. Be sure to check out her awesome new store, Good in Store.

So, what do you think???

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