‘Tis the season for all things hearts. So if you are looking for something to get you in the spirit or just a fun gift for all the ‘gal’entines in your life, look no further. I’ve rounded up the best heart covered gifts out there. Whether you really want to splurge or just spend a couple bucks, I’ve got you covered.
I need to tell my husband that I’d never be angry with a gift from Fossil, just in case he’s looking to buy me something (wink, wink). Just look how cute that little grey coin purse is? And since Olivia has outgrown all of her Sven Clogs, I think I better consider these cute gold and silver slip on ones. The heart and scollop detail is adorable.
It’s kind of fun putting together gift guides, it’s like pretend shopping for all the things I’d love to buy for my hubby or even myself. Oh boy, does this guide have a lot of fun goodies for the camper in your life. Function really can look this good you guys.
My brother just gave Lonnie one of those inflatable lights recently, it’s really pretty cool. It packs tiny and is super bright when turned on and inflated. Who really wants to mess with a lantern, those wicks always break.
I have the packable backpack from Polar, it’s the perfect take along bag on a trip. And who doesn’t want a Pendleton Blanket? I know I do. Nothing keeps you warm like wool.
I don’t camp or backpack without coffee, who am I kidding, I don’t live without coffee. I’m very tempted to buy this french press for our next backcountry trip.
To start this post, I have to say that being behind that camera is so much easier then being in front of it. This is very much out of my comfort zone. But, I often preach about taking risks, so here’s me practicing what I preach. I’m showing full body shots of myself – eek. Not just the perfectly cropped headshot, that doesn’t show my lumpy, bumpy parts.
But, I know how much you guys love a good Sven Clog GIVEAWAY. So, these pictures of myself were for a good cause – new shoes for one of you. I’ve teamed up with a couple of my favorite bloggers and real life friends, MJ of Pars Caeli and PJ of A Girl Name PJ, to bring you 3 chances to win a pair of Sven Clogs for your Fall wardrobe. While we were in Portland a couple weeks ago, we put together our own little photoshoot in the Ace Hotel, where we were staying. Please know that there was a lot of giggling and fun poses, even some clog dancing. We don’t take our selves too seriously.
This fun giveaway is all happening over on Instagram. So, head over there as soon as you’ve read this post.
As a redhead, Fall is my season to shine. All the colors and tones are perfect for my hair and fair skin color. I look forward to the warm earthy tones that make their appearance this time of year. So, this was a fun look to put together.
And here’s a little of the behind the scenes look at bloggers taking pictures of bloggers. We really did have fun shooting these posts. There was a lot of laughing and silly poses. And while I still think I’m a better photographer then model, there’s a little confidence gained when you take a risk and follow through with it.
MJ’s splash of red works perfectly with her playful personality and kid-friendly brand. This lady is beautiful inside and out.
PJ’s city refined but comfortable style sensibility is always about well thought out details and she oozes that cool mom vibe through both her blog and her wardrobe.
Now go check us all out on Instagram and enter to win a pair of clogs on each one of our accounts.
I love to take risks and try new things. It’s what keeps me feeling young and alive. Whether it’s a success or fail, at least I know I tried. For this post, I was challenged to Switch It Up!You know O + P as a place for design, DIY, travel and recipes. So, to go where I don’t usually go, I’m sharing a fashion post with you. Ya, this is a stretch for me, I am definitely not a fashion blogger.
Switch It Up,a new reality series brought to you by Ford, is challenging experts in their given fields to try something difficult that they’ve never tried before. So, here I am, a DIY blogger trying out the roll of fashion blogger. When I put together my reader survey earlier this year, I was surprised to hear from so many of my readers that they wanted fashion and style posts. The thought of those posts gave me a lot of anxiety. So instead of avoiding this topic, let’s try something new and Switch It Up friends!
photos by the super sweet and talented Katie Bernal
I usually like to be the one behind the camera, not in front of it. In my younger years, clothing and personal style was fun. But, with 3 kids and trying to run my own business, life is busy and how I look everyday usually isn’t a priority. But, this week, I finally donated all the clothes that I’ve been hoping to fit into since having Olivia (which is actually most of my closet). I’ve got about 15 lbs. that just wants to stay put, and therefore every morning I’m faced with a closet full of frustration. So, instead of feeling sorry for myself and picking out all the negatives, I’m trying to enjoy this body that has brought me 3 beautiful kiddos and gets me through each hectic day. And while yoga pants and pjs are comfy, I need to wear real clothes more often.So here’s what I’ll be wearing most days this Summer. First of all, I’ve found the perfect, almost, 40 year old, mom cut-offs. They are so comfy, and I don’t have to worry about my butt cheeks showing. I also made a fun DIY shirt out of a scarf (check out the tutorial below). It’s a little boho and I the breeziest top ever for hot California days. Having fair skin and red hair, hats are my friend. This faux-suede flopping black hat is going to a staple. I’m also wearing all my favorite jewelry and, of course, my clogs.
Here’s how you make this simple shirt out of a scarf. You’ll need to start with a scarf that is at least 2 1/2 ft. wide. It can be wider, but anything narrower might not work. I chose one with tassels on the bottom to make it more interesting.
Fold the scarf in half so that the tassel ends meet. Start at the end of the scarf, measure 25 inches. This is where you will cut the scarf. Cut through both layers of fabric.
Fold over the raw edges twice and hem them at 1/4″ seam allowance.
Put the good sides together and sew the shoulders of the shirt. Measure a 12 inch opening in the middle of the shirt and start from the ends and sew towards the middle. Be sure to back stitch on either end to reinforce the seam.
Finally, you will sew the two short seams under the arms. This forms the sides of the shirt.
Mearsure 9 inches from the shoulder and stitch a 5 inch long seam, 5 inches from the side of the shirt. Do this to both sides of the shirt. If you would like the shirt to be closed more, you can sew all the way to the bottom of the shirt. Just make sure that it fits easily over your hips and butt.
And that’s it! How simple is that? This scarf only cost me $10. I think that’s a pretty reasonable price for a unique top.
Switch It Up is a YouTube series dedicated to challenging “experts” to try something new. Ford is challenging folks to get out of their comfort zone in the spirit of Switch It Up. Be sure to check out this fun video and the others in the series.
This post is sponsored by Ford and the Switch It Up YouTube series. Thanks for supporting the companies that help make this blog possible.
Yep, you read that right, it’s Sven Clog giveaway time!!!!!
What better way to treat your mom then with a pair of Sven Clogs? Or if you are the mom, hook yourself up! You totally deserve it.
My girls and I are loving our Fawn leather sandal clogs with brown bases for the Spring and Summer. I find myself wearing this at least 4 or more days a week. They seem to go with everything! I love them with shorts, dresses and jeans. I’m so glad we took these pictures together this week, I’m so proud of my beautiful girls. I’m a very lucky mom. The oleander is blooming in our neighborhood, it’s it gorgeous?
I’ve given you 5 ways to enter to win a pair of clogs. Check out the rafflecopter below to enter. Oh, and there is a way to get more then 5 entries. You can share one Instagram image per day during the give away, that gives you 4 extra entries.
This week I shared on Instagram that I’m going to be working really hard this month to take care of myself and try to GET FIT. It’s not what I normally post about. But, I thought it might be helpful for myself, and maybe a few other folks, if I shared a little about this personal journey. It’s a simple plan, for the month of May I will be eating clean and working out at least 1 hour a day. Taking care of myself is that last thing on my to-do list. I think I lot of moms can relate. And to be totally vain, I’m really nervous about putting on a bathing suit this Summer. I think I really don’t eat that bad at all, I cook most of our meals and try to be conscience about making good choices. But, it’s not enough. Being 37 and having had 3 babies has me feeling a little yucky about my body. Plus, I know when I exercise regularly, my mental health and outlook on life are so much better. I also sleep so much better after an active day. I want to be strong and active so I can keep up with my kids and my crazy busy life in general.
Before Christmas, Lonnie and I did the Whole 30 Program and I felt great! So, I’m back on it again. It’s definitely a plan that I can stick with. It’s all about putting the right fuel into your body and breaking sugar addictions. For one, I used to love sweetened creamers in my coffee, now I only want coconut milk in it. Sweet coffee just doesn’t even sound that good anymore. And my hair and skin definitely benefitted from the diet.
I thought I’d share some of my go-to GET FIT gear. I got the Up Jawbone Band for Christmas, it’s been really helpful in keeping me active throughout the day. I have it set to alert me every 15 mins. as a reminder to get up and move. I try to do squats or just walk around a bit when I feel it vibrate. It’s also helped me track my sleep and makes me conscience of getting to bed before midnight.
A good sports bra is a MUST. If the girls are bouncing around, workouts and runs are no fun at all. And right now, while it’s still a little cooler here, capris are my go-to pants. When it comes to socks, I’m not fancy. I love Target’s $1.50 socks that come in lots of fun patterns and designs. They feel like a treat for my feet. These buffalo ones are my current favorites. I might buy cheap socks, but my shoes are a priority. My brother convinced me to try Adidas Boost shoes and I don’t think there is anyway I can go back to regular running shoes. I feel like I have pep in my step with these runners. My 37 year old knees and feet are happy I’m wearing these as well.
While I’m trying to drink a lot of water, I need a treat once in a while. Coconut Water and Sparkling Water are always in the fridge these days.
I’ll be sharing bits pieces of my GET FIT journey on Instagram and Facebook. Don’t worry I’m not becoming a fitness blogger, I’m just going to try to share some of the recipes, tips and tricks that are working for me. I hope you’ll stick around. Do you have any advice or help you can give me. Can you relate to my situation at all? Is your health the last thing you make time for?
Yippee! Day 5 of our giveaway is here. And that means you can enter to win a pair of Sven Clogs!
I’m a huge fan of Sven Clogs, and this holiday season my girls and I are matching with Bronze clogs. Denali and I have Bronze Bow Tie Peep Toe Clogs and Olivia has Bronze Side Slit Clogs. They look great with everything!
3. Follow @oleanderandpalm on instagram.
4. Share a pick of Sven Clogs on instagram and be sure to mention the giveaway and @oleanderandpalm and @svenclogs. (You can just repost my instagram image) This entry will count for 2 entries.
5. Visit Sven Clogs on Facebook.
Let me know you entered by filling out the rafflecopter entry below.
Well, Happy Thanksgiving friends. We are in Idaho enjoying some time with Lon’s family. I’ve definitely eaten way too much, so tomorrow I’m staring the day with a long walk. It’s fun to visit cooler weather and have an excuse to wear plaid and layer up. I told you I’m loving plaid lately. So I had to find plaid for the kids.
I’ve recently been so aware of how quickly my kids are growing. Denali is all of a sudden taller then me, Dylan is quickly out growing everything he owns and Olivia just isn’t my baby any more. I know I won’t regret taking too many pictures of my kids. So, for now I’m freezing this moment in time. In the hustle and bustle of life and all the things that are piling on my plate, I don’t want to wish these years away. I want to enjoy every minute I have with these kiddos of mine.
I’m so excited about this giveaway! You guys, Sven Clogs is giving away one pair of clogs to one very lucky Oleander and Palm reader. This is an instagram giveaway, so you gotta have an IG account to enter.
Picture taken by NY Fotography, check out more pics from this shoot HERE!
My mom bought Olivia a pair for her birthday, and they are here favorite pair of shoes. And when I saw the amazing color and style choices, I knew I had to have a pair. I chose a pair of the T Strap high heels in this gorgeous spruce color. You even get to pick the color of the wooden base, I chose a natural color. I wear mine all the time. When the weather cools off, I’ll be wearing them with skirts and tights.
I’ve got 4 ways for you to enter:
1. Follow @svenclogs on instagram.
2. Follow @oleanderandpalm on instagram.
3. Share a pick of Sven Clogs on instagram and be sure to mention the giveaway and @oleanderandpalm and @svenclogs. (You can just repost my instagram image) This entry will count for 2 entries.
4. Head over to Sven Clogs and then come back and leave a comment sharing which style and color you would pick if you won.
Let me know you entered by filling out the rafflecopter entry below.
I recently painted 10 chairs for a friend and talented photographer, Natalie of NY Fotography. If you remember, she took the gorgeous pics of the home office I put together. She asked me to paint these thrifted chairs for a fun shoot idea she had. It was a huge job, but these chairs look amazing together now. I was thrilled when offered to take pictures of our family with them. I have to share some of my favorite shots with you. This is the most fun we’ve ever had with family pictures. These shots are so playful and unique.
So much fun, right? I think we’ll have some colorful Christmas cards this year.
