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The Redwoods

June 29, 2012

I mentioned yesterday that we spent the last 2 weeks at my parent’s.  They live in Eureka, CA.  It is at the tippy top of California and right on the coast.  We were able to sneak in a couple hikes in the Redwoods. They are magical – I really can’t think of any other way to describe them.

Here are a few shots from our hike through Lady Bird Johnson Grove.

It’s National Camera Day!  I can’t go anywhere without my camera.  Do you feel the same way?  I get so much enjoyment out of capturing sights and people with my camera.  I think if I was to go on vacation without my camera, I’d have to buy a new one before I could enjoy my trip fully.  Taking pictures and eating are me two favorite things to do when I travel.  Do you love taking pictures as much as I do?  

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Thrifting Thursday: American Pottery

June 22, 2012

I love thrifting and antiquing in Northern California.  I’m up visiting my parents in Eureka.  I slipped away for just a couple minutes today and visited one of my favorite over crowded, super dusty antique shops, Old Town Antiques.  I picked up this fun grey ceramic pitcher.  I’m not sure if it’s really Russel Wright Pottery, but the shop owner said it was one of his pieces from the 50’s.  Whether it’s American Pottery or not, I’m happy with it either way.  It’s a cute shape and the perfect color.

The shop owner wanted $22 for it, I offered $18 and he took it without a question.  I just doesn’t hurt to ask.

I also got this bottle for $2.99 at a local thrift shop.  It will be a great simple vase for a flower or two.

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Grey and Yellow Bathroom Redo

June 21, 2012

So, here’s a look at my bathroom redo that I did a couple weeks ago.  I shared my grey and yellow inspiration and the laminate cabinet I painted.  I finally took our main bathroom for beige and dated to grey and modern. 
I took a big risk (well it’s not that big of a risk), but I painted all the bead board, chair rail and walls grey.  I feel like it gives the room a much more modern look and feel.   
I added new towels and a rug from Target.
And I found some great storage at Homegoods and a new mirror from Lowes.  
This is the paint color I used.

Take a look back at the old bathroom, and let me know if you like the improvements I’ve made.  

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Travel Quotes

June 16, 2012

Men are just plain hard to buy gifts for, and my man might be one of the worst.  He really doesn’t think he needs anything at all and is totally happy that way.  The one thing he does really love is travel.  So, for his birthday this year, I made him these three travel quote prints.

I framed these together in one frame with a simple white mat board.  (Available at Aaron Brothers).
We hung it in our bathroom.  Now I love this bathroom even more.

He already had the travel bug pretty bad, and I don’t think seeing these everyday is going to help the situation.

Are these prints something you would like to see on my etsy shop?  Do you have the travel bug and see the truth in these quotes?

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Thrifting Thursday: Metal File Boxes

June 14, 2012

The Human Society Thrift Shop, just down the street from my house, wins again.  I picked up these two vintage metal file boxes there for $1 each.  I love all things metal or industrial looking these days.  And anything to make my life a little more organized, makes me even happier.  Can’t really complain about their paint jobs either, green and grey – they were meant to be mine.

Way back when I first started my blog, I shared a way to organize your kid’s school memories, awards and projects.  Now I can give each of my kids there own box of memories.  Plus, the one file box for 2 kids was not going to cut it much longer.

How do you organize and store your kids special school mementos?  I’m definitely more of a thrower, but I know there are some very special things that should be saved.  Are you a thrower or a saver?

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DIY Mix and Match Pattern Napkins

June 13, 2012

So, this is what I whipped up Sunday afternoon.  I’m one of those weird people who likes to have a little project in order to relax.  Don’t get me wrong, a nap is nice, but I find a finished product more satisfying.  I had done cleaning, laundry, and cooking all day Saturday and just felt like I needed to make something for a change in pace.

I love to use cloth napkins.  There is something about them that makes dinner just a little more special.  I’ve been wanting some new napkins, something graphic and and great for casual events.  I love mixing and matching patterns, and napkins are a perfect way to do this.  I’ve had these 3 fabrics for a while now, just waiting to use them is some fun way.

To make a set of 6 napkins, you will need 1/2 yard each of 3 patterns.  Wash and dry the fabric before you cut it (you don’t want it shrinking on you after you cut and sew it).  Use a rotary cutter and mat for best results and cut two 18″ squares from each piece of fabric.

Using an iron fold over the helms one side of the napkin at a time.  Fold over 1/4″, iron and then fold over again another 1/4″ and iron.  I didn’t do anything fancy of the corner.  And then I just simply sewed all the way around the napkins, being sure to backstitch a couple times on the corners to keep the secure and in place.

Really a set of six is not going to be enough for when I’m entertaining.  So, I’ll be on the look out for other graphic black and ivory cotton patterns to add to this set.

Making mix and match pattern napkins leaves you with endless possibilities.  Think of all the patterns and colors out there.  Do you like mixing patterns?  Does this seem like a sewing project you might attempt?  

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Lego Themed Party

June 10, 2012

I shared last week that I was putting together a Lego Themed Party for my son Dylan’s 9th Birthday.  We had the party Sunday evening, and then took off camping Monday morning, so I’m just now getting the pictures put together.

These Lego Men heads were really easy to make.  I dipped marshmallows in yellow Wilton melts, added to black sprinkles for eyes and drew on a smile with edible markers. 

It was a warm Cali evening, so I served refreshing pineapple lemonade (equal parts Lemonade + Pineapple Fanta).  I attached my lego face decals to the bottles for a custom touch (P.S. they are now available on my etsy shop).  

The cake was a very simple Lego Man Head.  And I got a fun Lego Picture App for my iphone and printed out an Legoized Photo of Dylan.  We took pictures of all the kids and plan to send them a Legoized Photo of themselves with the thank yous.

For the favors, the kids took home lego brick candy and jars of yellow slime (and I will share that recipe soon, because it was a hit). 
We snacked on mini Lego pepperoni pizzas, Lego crackers and cheese (I cut circles of cheddar and attached them to the cracker with spray cheese), Lego sugar cookies with buttercream icing and only yellow Reese’s Pieces, chocolate Lego bricks (I ordered this chocolate mold from amazon and used yellow Wilton melts, and I also served veggies and dip and meat balls (because that’s what Dyl wanted). 

I was really disappointed with my pictures, but the day was a little rushed and I wasn’t ready early enough to take pictures before the guests arrived.  Oh well, Dylan had a great time and I think he felt special (that was my goal).

Oh, we played some great Lego themed games as well, I’ll post those very soon.

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Campfire Orange Cinnamon Rolls

June 7, 2012

This week has been extra crazy.  To make a long story short.  I flew to Colorado very early Friday morning on an unexpected trip.  Flew back to LAX Sunday around noon, drove 2 hours home and threw together Dylan’s Lego Party.  The party went well, but I was frazzled and didn’t get the pictures I wanted.  Oh well, Dyl seemed to have a good time and that’s what really matters.  I’ll be sharing the party this week.  Then, Monday morning we headed out on a 3 day camping trip to the beach.  Oh, and Lon’s parents arrived while I was in Colorado too.  Needless to say I am exhausted.  But, we are home and the laundry is done, so I have a spare moment to share something fun we made while camping.

I have to credit pinterest, once again.  I had seen these chocolate cakes made in hollowed out oranges and thought they looked fantastic.  Then, a couple days later I came across an even easier version that used canned cinnamon rolls.  I thought this seemed like even less prep and mess, I decided to give them a go.

Campfire Orange Cinnamon Rolls
1 can of 8 cinnamon rolls
8 oranges
Aluminum Foil

I hollowed out our oranges.  It was a bit of a messy juicy job, but why not when you are outside.   I cut a 2 ” circle out of the top and then used a spoon to scoop out the orange.  We filled a bowl with the orange flesh and the kids munched on it.  Then we simply stuck one cinnamon roll in each orange, put the cap back on, and then wrapped them in foil.  We wrapped from the bottom up, so that the excess foil could be bunched up into a little handle.  Then we put to right into the coals.  They took about 12 mins to bake, but it really depends out your fire.  While they were still piping hot, we put a little drizzle of the frosting included in the can on top of the cinnamon roll.

The orange totally protects the bread from the heat.  The roll was perfectly orange infused and super moist.  Even though the outside of the orange was charred and black, the inside was perfection.

And I just had to share these pictures of Olivia eating in the great outdoors.  She is a total disaster and is absolutely cute.

If you like what you see, BE A FRIEND!  Leave a comment, follow Oleander and Palm by email, Pinterest, Facebook, or Twitter.

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Thrifting Thursday: Vintage Calendar Tea Towel

May 31, 2012

This is one of those posts that I hope not too many people read.  I hope readers just look at the pictures, Because this post will reveal my age.  Argh!

I recently picked up this vintage calendar tea towel at an antique mall.  I bought it because it is a calendar from the year both Lonnie and I were born in.  I’ll go ahead and let you do the math on that one.  Let’s just say I’m not pleased that I am this close to being 40.

I also really loved the bird and flower images and the color combination on the towel.  My plan is to make it into a little curtain for Riley, my vintage trailer.  The door has a small window, and I thought that this would be the perfect size.

I got this towel for $4.00.  I have a little tip for you.  It was priced at $5.00 (which isn’t bad at all), but most antique stores and malls will move a little on their prices.  I figure it doesn’t hurt to ask if the seller will come down.  I asked, and they said she would give a 20% discount.  Hey, a dollar’s a dollar.

How do you feel about asking for discounts?  Are you like me and figure it can’t hurt to try, or would you rather save yourself the embarrassment and just pay full price?

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Lego Themed Party Prep

Well, I feel like I need to explain why I’ve been so sparse with blogging lately.  Real life is just super busy.  This is the last week of school, so I’m pretty much without my hubby.  Lon’s got something going every night and the kids have got concerts and assemblies every other day.  Then on top of all that I decided to have Dylan’s birthday party this weekend.  Oh, and one more thing, Lon’s parents are arriving Saturday evening (so, I have to have my house mother-in-law clean).  No, I just remembered there’s one more thing, right after the birthday party, we’re going camping for 3 days the very next morning.  So, I’m party prepping, cleaning, cooking and packing for camping, and doing all the end of school year fun.  Is your life super busy too?

I thought I’d share a couple of the party treats I’ve been working on today.

We’re having a Lego themed party for my little lego lover.  The color scheme is grey and yellow.  So, I made a couple buntings in grey and yellow.  I have a feeling I’ll be able to use these again and again.

I also made lego blow outs.  I found these on etsy, but they just weren’t in the colors I wanted 🙁 So I bought some Thomas the Train ones (because the blower was yellow), took off the Thomas decal and glued on my lego blocks.

And the third is my absolute favorite.  These Lego men heads are the party favors.  I saw these adorable jars on pinterest and loved the idea.  But, then I thought, why not just fill the jars with something yellow.  At first I thought candy, then I considered play dough, but in the end I made some fabulous YELLOW SLIME!  I’ll share the recipe soon.  It’s that super fun kind that makes rude noises when you squeeze it.  Slime seemed more appropriate for 9 year old boys.  And all I had to do is paint the lids yellow and draw a face on the jar with a black sharpie.

I’ve got a whole board of pinterest ideas for this Lego themed party.  Party planning is much easier with pinterest.  How did we do it before?