etc.

5 Things Alt Newbies Should Know

January 20, 2014

I’m sorry if you are tired of hearing about Alt Summit, but I’m really so excited about getting to attend AGAIN (thanks to Collectively)!  I thought it might be helpful to share a few things that I wish I would have known before attending Alt for the first time last year.

Oh my, what an intimidating experience.  I “knew” no one!  Maybe I knew their blog or stocked their twitter, but I had never, ever met any of the fabulous ladies that were attending.  This year is a totally different story, I’m so excited to see all my like-minded, online friends (many of which I met at Alt last year).  My roomies Sarah of Sarah Hearts and Haeley of Design Improvised are amazing bloggers that I met last year.  I’m so excited to get to connect with them and bounce ideas of each other.

So here’s what I would have loved to have known as a newbie:

1. SNACKS – I should have brought more.  A power bar or two could have really come in handy.  Yes, your meals are provided and there are snacks from time to time.  But, I found that I just didn’t eat enough during the meal times to keep me going mentally and physically on those really long days.  I found that I was so busy talking and trying to connect with others, that eating got over looked.  At night, when I got back to my room, I was STARVING!

2. SUITCASE – Ok, I’m usually a carry on girl.  And last year I did just take a carry on bag, but the way back was a totally different story.  There’s SWAG friends, and I struggled to get it all in my little bag.  I know there is the fear of losing you bag and all your fabulous outfits and business cards, so I suggest taking an extra carry on (empty) or just check a big old suitcase.

3. BUSINESS CARDS – I’m sure you’ve heard rumor about how fabulous everyones cards are.  It’s true, there is a lot of pressure.  But, from my experience, think outside the box (or card).  This is an event for some super creative people, they pay attention for details.  Something different, 3D, or quirky will do the trick.  Last year, I had a great idea.  I made Lavender Sachet Business Cards.  They were super time consuming to make, but they definitely got noticed.  Some semi famous folks even tweeted and instagramed them.  This year, my idea is not as good, but I’m pretty pleased with the bakers twine business cards I made.  I’m only bringing about 70 of these, so I have to be choosey about who gets one, but I have beautiful Minted ones for everyone else.

4. FRIENDS – Ok, you are a newbie, but find, make or connect with another bloggy friend before you go. I found Alix of A Ruffled Life on twitter.  I knew it was her first time as well, so we made arrangements to meet and sit together for the first session.  It was a huge relief to know that someone was looking for YOU and that you didn’t have to be the one awkward person in the room without anyone to talk to. You will make LOTS of friends at Alt, but that first day can be tough if you don’t have anyone to connect with from time to time.

5. CONNECT – You will make lots of connections with bloggers and companies (if you put yourself out there).  But, be intentional about finding like-minded friends. Connect with bloggers that are similar to you. When you have similar niche blogs or similar audiences, there is so much to be learned from each other. There will be BIG bloggers there, that you are huge fans of. Be a fan, but know that they really aren’t that interest in you (this is my experience). There are exceptions, but for the most part, big bloggers like to be with other big bloggers.  If you are small time blogger like myself, make friends with someone that you can grow together with.

I hope this is helpful to someone.  And if you’d like to know more about Collectively, tweet me (@oleanderandpalm) and we can chat or I can even help to set you up with the Collectively team, they’ll have “office hours” during Alt.

etc.

Friday’s Fabulous Five

January 17, 2014

I’m in the mood for LOVE!  This week there were a lot of really fabulous Valentine’s Day ideas popping up all over.  Here’s five of my faves.

Relief Initial Candle

His and Hers Pillows
Geometric Heart Pillow // Heart Bulletin Board
Love Garland

I hope you have a great weekend.  I’m prepping for Alt and the fun Cricut event I’m attending (trying to pack a stylish wardrobe, eeek!) and wrapping up all kinds of loose ends here.  It’s crazy that I’ll be gone for a whole week.  No laundry, no cooking, not potty training, oh my!!!

Design / DIY

The Geometric Heart

I can’t quit it.  I just love this simple shape so much.  I was working on a project for a friend today, and before I knew it, I was painted my heart made of triangles.  I played with watercolors and added a little gold foil here and there.  It’s not quite what I imagined in my head, but I still had fun with it.

For those of you that are new readers of Oleander and Palm, I thought I’d dig into the archives and share some of my angular Valentine’s ideas from last year.

The Printables

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

Design / DIY

Heart Cross Stitch for the Wall

January 13, 2014

Well, it’s almost that time of year.  Valentine’s day will be here before we know it.  I decided to make a large cross stitch heart for my wall this year.  I loved last year’s Giant Geometric Wall Heart, but it’s time for a new take on the symbol of love.

A while ago I can across this gorgeous painted cross stitch flower.  I’ve been wanting to replicate this in some way in my home, so I took a simple shape, a heart,  and made mine a temporary installment.  I made my crosses with Cricut vinyl (like my triangle wall).  Using two 12×12″ sheets of black vinyl, I cut out 27 crosses to make this heart (I fit 16 on each sheet).  It looks totally permanent, but as soon as I tire of it, I can take it down in seconds.

This would be really cute in pink or red as well.  But, I’m sticking with my black and white theme that I had for Christmas.  What do you think?  Is it cute, without being too cutesy and girly?  You know I like a theme, so you’ll be seeing more of this cross stitch pattern for Valentine’s day 2014!

etc.

Friday’s Fabulous Five

January 10, 2014

Is is really Friday already?  Man this first week back to school has flown by.  You are going to love the 5 ideas I found this week.  They are so great, I’d love to attempt them all this weekend.  Especially the lighting ideas, I’ve been itching, for the good part of a year, to attempt some sort of industrial light fixture. And that copper color, yes please!   
DIY Metallic Pendant Sconce
Copper Skeleton Shade Light Fixture
DIY Marble Tray
Custom Wall Art
Removable Honeycomb Wall Decal
I hope you head over to these fabulous blogs and leave them some comment love (and tell them you came from Oleander and Palm).  Have a great weekend friends, I hope you find time to do something creative and crafty, I sure hope I do.  

Design / DIY / Find

Mid Century Chair Recovered

January 9, 2014

Remember my orange chair in need of some love?  Well, I finally look some time this week to recover the cushions.  
I had wanted to find some fabric with a little funk (like metallic gold polka dots), but no such luck.  So, I decided to go neutral and classic with grey linen.  
And it was a very inexpensive job.  I bought this fabric for $5 a yard at a wholesale fabric place.  I decided to reuse the old zippers and even the foam inserts.  I simply took apart the old cushion covers and then cut my pattern from them.  I did wrap the foam in some new batting to soften the edges.  So, in total, this little makeover cost me $10.  I’m feeling pretty good about that.  I can add funk (pattern and color) with pillows and maybe a throw.  

I’m liking this little corner in my bedroom even more now.  

etc.

January Monthly Memory Verse

January 6, 2014

It’s a new year and I think it’s time for new printable bible verses.  Two years ago I put together a year’s worth of printable, framable memory verses.  But, my tastes of changed and it’s time to learn some more verses, so here’s a new year of printables.  There will be a lot of black and white (easy on the ink cartridges) and clean geometric shape and patterns.  
This verse is very helpful in keeping the start of this year in focus and my heart and mind’s attention on the right thing – Jesus Christ.  I know, from experience, that if I seek God’s way, plan, and righteousness, then everything else falls into place.  I can trust that God knows what I need and want and will provide for me abundantly.

Download your copy HERE.

If you printed any of the Monthly Memory Verses or just think it’s a fun idea, please be a friend and “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)

etc.

Modern Kitchen Accessories

There’s something about putting all the Christmas stuff away and starting the new year that makes me want to purge my house and start fresh with a clean look.  I live in an old house, but I like adding modern touches to make my house current.  
I have a beautiful kitchen, but I think it could use some fun new accessories to revive it.  Last year I found my new favorite company, I LOVE Ferm Living.  Everything they make is gorgeous.  I drooled over their products before and while in Sweden.  My hubby bought this cute cup for me for Christmas while we were in Sweden.  
I found all these great products on All Modern.  Oh my, I could refurnish my whole house with this site.
1. Triangle Tea Towel 
2. Green Tea Kettle
3. Bread Bin
4. Tea Cozy
5. Salt Cellar
6. Oven Mit
7. Pot Holder
As you clean and pack away, do you find rooms that need a little freshening up?  What room in your house gets overlooked the most?