Olliebop Blog | Inspiration, Ideas and Information for Busy Families | Parenting Teens and Tweens

An optimistic resource for on-the-go families.  Ollie and BOP join forces to go fetch products, tips, tools and inspiration to make this fleeting time in life all the better.

Playfully stylish. Somewhat sophisticated. Always optimistic.

Archive for the ‘Holidays’ Category

Eating The Frog

This morning I “ate the frog”. I followed the advice of Tsh Oxenreider in her ebook One Bite at a Time, and I started my day by doing the ONE thing that was really bugging me and that I had been avoiding. Tsh calls that “eating the frog.”

My big old frog was sending the rest of our holiday cards! Yep. Just in time for Valentine’s Day.

I had gotten off to such a good start, too — getting about 60% of them in the mail in a timely fashion. Then the rest were put in a basket until we were on “the other side” of the holiday season. And then I got really busy and forgot. And then I felt bad, so I avoided them. Then they became my frog!

I do love our 2012 card, though, and I couldn’t stand to just abandon ship. They feature my favorite candid of the year — Hudson and Ella on their first day of school. On the back; Mr. BOP and me sporting our Halloween hippie costumes {another favorite — but also, the only decent picture I could find of the two of us!}. The hippie look totally works for him, right?

I felt I had to get it done, despite their lateness because A) they are already paid for and that’s just silly, and B) I don’t want beloved friends and relatives to feel bad because they noticed that so-and-so had a card on their fridge and they didn’t get one this year! I think it’s fine not to send cards at all, but 60% done wasn’t going to cut it.

So, I went with this approach {this is the back}:

IMG_8319

And this is the front. Oh, how I LOVE this picture! I know some of you might be tired of seeing it {my personal Facebook timeline pic too}, but for me it captures the big news in our lives this year — the simultaneous transition to high school and middle school, which was a really big deal for us. Oh my gosh; they just look so big.

Xmas Card Front

So, after four episodes of New Girl, it’s done! And I feel so much better!

The takeaway?

1. Eat the Frog. Whatever IT is — and even if it’s a little bit embarrassing. Start your day by getting it off the list, and you’ll feel so much better. One frog a day will do wonders.

2. We all have areas where we’ve fallen behind. If you have a big old frog in your house, you’re not alone!  We’re all doing our best. But we should also consider… can we just forget about our frog? Does it really matter? Consider giving yourself permission to let it go — and if you can’t do that, then EAT it. Pronto!

Anyone else have a big old frog hopping around their house? What is it? And will you set it free? Or eat it? Do tell!

A Merry Valentine’s Day to All,

xo, BOP

Happy New Year! And Truth Be Told…

Hello, Friend! Happy New Year! It’s January 2nd and the kids are back in school. Now, it feels like 2013 can begin. I’m wrapped in a blanket on the couch by the Christmas tree {yes, it’s still up!}, and this moment feels quiet and cozy. See? It’s nice to have this time, because today I have some things to tell you.  

Most important, I want to say “thank you.” Thank you for reading this blog. And to those of you who have written or stopped me in the grocery store to tell me that you like it -- thank you! I have loved getting to know you, through Olliebop.

I also want to acknowledge that my posts were inconsistent this year. You may have noticed that I lost my way, in the blogging sense, in 2012. The reason that I posted less {and Facebooked and Tweeted less} in 2012 is because I felt the need to step away from my computer. It just didn’t feel right. I needed to work on myself and my life in real-time. And that’s because 2012 was a hard year, overall. Some unexpected things happened, and I needed to get through that in my own way. I learned a lot and I grew a lot — but it was not exactly a dreamy year.

I took my extra hard year and I focused on breathing. I spent less time on my computer. I went to the doctor more often and eventually realized that I would be OK. I thought about the people who fill me up and bring out the best in me. I worked really hard on letting go. I thought a lot about the concepts of impermanence and change. I took a mindfulness and yoga class to help with that. I focused on gratitude. I took a college course and wrote my first research paper in 20 years. I tried to judge less. I tried to “fix” things less. I tried to listen and refrain from giving advice. I tried to say “yes” to new opportunities. I tried to give people a break and to remember that everyone is struggling in their own way. And blog or no blog, I tried to see the good. And I felt so thankful for all of it!

Truth be told, sometimes when I’ve posted on my blog I’ve worried that sharing all of the happy and good stuff might make other people feel bad. Because blogs and Facebook can bombard us with the idea that everyone else is doing so fabulously and we are left to struggle. Alone. And I would never want to contribute to that feeling in another person. I hope that reading Olliebop makes you smile and does offer a reminder to see the good in your own life! That’s what it’s supposed to do.

The deeper I go into this phase called “mid-life” {which for me is the time when I finally feel like a real live “grownup”}, the more I realize how important it is that we all know we are not alone in our struggles. We all suffer losses, have insecurities, worry, have difficult conversations, make tough choices, feel sad, and are surprised by things that we never, ever thought would happen.

So why is everything on Olliebop so happy and optimistic? Because things are perfect at my house? Of course not. I started this blog not because things were all roses, but because I wanted to be able to see the positive, amidst the hectic and difficult times. I wrote this on my FAQ on day one of Olliebop, nearly two years ago and it still is true:

“What’s up with all the optimism? Are you always optimistic?
I’m not always optimistic, but my blog is. I’ve become more acutely aware in my 40s of the unexpected and incredibly challenging times that just keep on coming — here at home, and globally. And, I’ve realized that’s just not going to stop. But the hard times can make the good times even sweeter, and I want remind myself to stop and celebrate when I can.

And that’s what I plan to keep doing — celebrating when I can. That still feels like the right thing to do. Connecting with you here still feels like the right thing to do, too. And thus, I’m looking forward to what’s ahead in 2013! So… all of this said, one of my overarching themes for 2013 is to keep this at the forefront of my mind:

11″x14″ Poster Hand-Lettered Typography Print by emilymcdowelldraws on Etsy. {$30}
Note: some attribute this quote to Plato, although there is debate.
Click on image for shop link.

 

We really do need to be kind to each other. We don’t do each other any favors when we act like life is perfect – when it’s not. These things called mid-life, marriage and parenting… holy smokes, they are not for the faint of heart. Mid-life is HARD. It’s also ripe with opportunity. People grow together. People grow apart. Things change. Things become more meaningful. We evolve. We learn. Hopefully.

I’d say that the best thing we can do for ourselves in 2013 is to catch ourselves a break and do the same for others. We’re all doing many things well, and we’re all striving to do better.

On the bright side; just a few nights ago I turned 44 {see; I may have had my mid-life crisis last year!}. Our family of four celebrated in Boston, sharing a dinner and an evening out that was one of those nights that seemed to be sprinkled with pixie dust. Everything was delicious. My kids were hilarious. They tried to teach us to do the duck face. They ate weird and different foods. The waitress was so nice. My husband was fun and handsome. We were together and enjoying the moment. It was a wonderful way to end a less-than-wonderful year. And once again, I’d say that it was the challenges behind me that allowed me to recognize the sweetness, right in front of me. I loved every minute of it.

Happy New Year, friends of my blogging life.  Wishing you much love, growth, and an abundance of joy in 2013. No doubt, the New Year won’t be perfect, but it can still be beautiful.

I hope you’ll continue to join me on my re-energized blogging journey. I have some fun changes and plans and I’d love for you to be a part of it. As for 2013, I’m feeling optimistic. Really and truly. Happy New Year!

xo – BOP

“Props” To Photo Props

A new favorite thing in our house…. paper photo props! I ordered this set from Paper Source {$14.95} last week, and over the weekend Ella and her fab friend Kate asssembled them — and then modeled them. A few pics follow, but you can bet that these will be a big part of our Christmas morning fun. Looking forward to seeing the whole family sporting these babies.

The photo props provided the girls with an afternoon of fun. A bright spot in our weekend.

If you feel that you must have this particular set for Christmas, I’m sure Paper Source can get them to you in time —  for a considerable shipping fee. Or, their non-holiday version could be fun for New Year’s, or any time of year. I also was impressed by Prop Mama’s shop on Etsy, including their New Year’s designs.

Completely out of time? Instantly download photo props from a variety of shops on Etsy. Just go there and search “download photo props” (and then be prepared to do a lot of cutting).

We’re very happy with our new collection. We’ll try to treat them well and enjoy them in future years too. Happy Holidays! From this paper Santa and “his” trusty Reindeer.

 

The Great Big Ultimate Olliebop Holiday Gift Guide 2012

Are you NEW to Olliebop? Welcome!  
Subscribe by clicking the box to the right and good stuff like this will come to your in box!

I hope you’re ready for this… since it’s big and wonderful! I’ve rounded up the gift ideas that have captured my interest since summer. And here they are — all in one place. Just for us. Are you ready!?

I’ll be curious to hear what you think of this “Great Big” format. I hope you will return to it more than once — a “sourcebook,” of sorts. A Great Big guide wasn’t my original plan, but A) I’m running late and short on time. And, B) the holiday shopping season is underway. This post isn’t as graceful as I’d like — but I just wanted get the goods out there and get the mojo working!

And if you’re looking for even more inspiration … you can also refer back to last year’s FIVE fabulous holiday gift guides for great ideas too. And, don’t miss the section below on creative ways to give cold hard cash! Sometimes it really is what teens want, but that doesn’t mean it has to be uninteresting.

And lastly before we begin — I fully encourage and support shopping locally, wherever you live. That’s where I always start, and I round out from there. Please also note that I do not profit in any way from your purchase of these items. This guide simply contains things that think are great.

So, here we go. First things first… A Gift that Does Good:

A Full day of Emergency Shelter for One Person through the American Red Cross {3 meals, 2 blankets, 1 cot and personal supplies for $50}. Tangible, Meaningful, Helpful.

Next up; Tweens and Teens — 36 gift ideas, below!

Hello Wood Script Sign {$90} by OhDierLiving on Etsy

Noel Sucre Sweets {$48} from Olive and Cocoa

Agility Training Ladder with DVD {$24.10} from Amazon

Farts in a Can {$9.95} from Chronicle Books. Ewwww.

Marimo Moss Ball {$20} by PinkSerissa on Etsy

2013 Daily Calendar of Awesome {$11.69} on Amazon

For social media lovers; Casetagram Gift Card for Teens to Make a Custom Phone/iPad Case from their Instagram, Facebook or Uploaded Pics. SO Cool! {Prices vary}

Just Between Us Parent-Child Journal {$15.95} from Papersource. Ella and I love ours.

Voice Changer Sound Machine {$17.95} from Papersource. Or, how about this assortment of wacky sound machines in stockings?

Ticket Stub Diary {$14.95} from Chronicle Books. Another favorite in our house. We save every stub from plays, concerts and movies. 

Socker Boppers Inflatable Boxing Pillows {$19.95} from Papersource

Boo the World’s Cutest Dog by Gund {$14.77} from Amazon. Awwwww….

Washi Tape {links to an earlier post}

Geomate Hide it Starter Kit {$18.95} from LL Bean. Even cooler with the Geomate Log Cache

Mouthman Animated Hoodie Shirt {$29.95} from Daily Grommet. For kids on the lower end of tween-aged.

Fortune Telling Scratchers {$9.95} from Chronicle Books

Nail Art Pen and Polishes Set {$14.95} from The Spoon Sisters

You Are Beautiful Mirror {$32} from Mixed Mangos on Etsy

Peacebomb Tag Wrap Bracelet $46 from Peacebomb. Learn the incredible story of this charitable gift here.

F For Effort: More of the Very Best Totally Wrong Test Answers {$9.95} from Chronicle Books

Bird Sentry Jewelry Stand {$40} from Sundance

Makey Makey {$40} from Uncommon Goods. For playful inventors and computer geeks. Learn more here.

Monogramed Letter Pillow {$35} from FestiveHomeDecor

Seemed Like Such a Good Idea Notebook {$9.95} by the Black Spruce on Etsy

Miniature Terrarium with Fairy: {$65} by PinkSerissa on Etsy

Kwizniac Trivia Game {$19.99} from Amazon

Love and Toast Fun and Flirty Fragrance Collection {$54}. Carried here in Saratoga at For Earth’s Sake. All smell so good!

Funky iPhone Case in many designs: {$17.99} by TheCuriousCaseLLC on Etsy

Divergent by Veronica Roth {$9.99} on Amazon. Recommended by Bridget Mason in her top book picks for teens {a great list for holiday shoppers!}. 

Personalized Zodiac Silver Necklace {$19} bymoncadeu on Etsy. In gold here.

Slackers Slackline Tightrope  Kit  {$79.95} from LL Bean or their Slackers Eagle Series Zipline Kit {$169.99}

Birch Box Gift Subscription - for Him or Her {$60 for 3 months}

Smashbook and Accessories {links to an earlier post}

Ugg Ansley Slippers {$100} from Zappos

Zombie Temporary Tattoos {$9.95} from Chronicle Books

Do Your Best Pennant {$36} from Three Potato Four

 

A Top Pick for Anyone! Music anywhere with this wireless bluetooth speaker. We have the BIG one in our kitchen, and we love it.

Jawbone BIG Jambox Wireless Bluetooth Speaker {$299} from Amazon or the Mini version {$129} from Amazon

 

And what about “HIM”? A dozen gift ideas, right here – 

New England Plaid Reversible Shirt {$118} from Sundance. Practical, yet dashing. 12/7 Update: Oh no! Out of Stock! Try this or this instead! 

Eye Chart Print – “I Love Waking Up to You Every Morning” {$19} by Dalloway Place on Etsy. Many other sayings in this eye chart format too.

Ideology Duffle {$168} from Sundance

Native Union Popup Phone Handset {$29} from West Elm

Sutton by JR Moehringer {$17.80} from Amazon

American Red Cross Hand Turbine Weather Alert Radio with Smartphone Charger {$59.99} from Amazon

Bose Quiet Comfort 15 Noise Canceling Headphones {$299} from Amazon

Lettuce Turnip The Beet Tshirt  {$27} by coup on Etsy.

Secret Club Key Tags  {$6 each – 6 different designs} from Three Potato Four

Jack Black Balm Squad {$25} from Birch Box

Hand Stamped Personalized Key Chain {$12.50} by IJDbyNoelle on Etsy. Great for grandpas, too.

Clinton Street Baking Company Cookbook {$18.98} from Amazon. For the guy who loves to cook breakfast, from the restaurant voted “best pancakes” in NYC!

 

I also love Touch Gloves by Echo for the smartphone-carrying HIM or HER. His are here. Hers are here.

 

And then there’s “HER”… a collection of 14 picks: 

Silk Scarf with Spiral Dots Pattern {$28} by Brooke Stanton

Pistil Clara Cap {$24.94} from Altrec. Several other colors, too.

Cast Metal Jewelry Tree {$29} from West Elm

Birthday Cake Notecards {$14.95} from Chronicle Books

Miguel Ases Rose Gold and Silver Medium Earrings  {$220} from Bloomingdales. I love these so much that I featured a similar pair in last year’s guide. Also lovely and more understated are these beauties {$75}

Not Your Mom’s Table Topics {$29.95} from Papersource

Bryant Park Scarf in Poppy {$59} from Stella and Dot

Paper Source 2013 Wall Art Calendar {$29.95} from Paper Source

Barefoot Contessa Foolproof by Ina Garten {$21} at Barnes and Noble

Tweezerman 10 x Lighted Mirror {$15} from Zappos. Note: I know this is weird, but I have one and I really love it! Could give along with Tweezerman Slant Tweezer {$22} on Zappos

Photographic Lithograph Necklace by Everyday Artifact {$30-$35} from Artfully Elegant. Even more beautiful in person. I love the diver and tightrope walker.

OPI Tinseltown Nail Collection  {$19.50} from Sephora

Sequined Tank {$88} from Garnet Hill

Three Designing Women Custom Self-Inking Stamps {$45} from Tiny Prints

 

Or, When in Doubt…. Gourmet Foods: 

Molecular Gastronomy Cuisine Kit {$60} from Uncommon Goods. Learn more about this crazy form of cooking here. A whole new form of entertainment!

Marshmallow Twig Roaster {$18} from Terrain. Even better paired with their homemade Cinnamon Sugar Marshmallows {$8}

Teas from Around the World {$75} from Dean and Deluca

Vosges Exotic Mini Chocolate Library {$29} from Orvis

Macaron Gift Box – Choose your flavors {$35} from Macaron Cafe

Lidded Juice Jar Set {$25} at Terrain. OK, I know this isn’t gourmet food, but I love that they have lids  and I want to take them on a picnic. Especially if accompanied by Terrain’s Birch Bark Straws {$8}

AND THEN there’s Cold Hard Cash, often desired by teens. Below are a few unique packaging methods to make giving and receiving cash more fun:

My Stache Jar {$16} from LoveGraceJoy on Etsy

FAKE “Blankeez” Gift Box {$6.95} from Papersource. HIlarious packaging to make the predictable gift less so!

FAKE “Pet Petter” Gift Box {$6.95} from Papersource.

Money Bag {$10} from Three Potato Four. Stuff the money bag with shredded paper or tissue, along with your bill of choice.

Not pictured above, but awesome: Real Money Origami {Prices Vary} by Vincent the Artist on Etsy

So there you have it; the GREAT BIG gift guide. Happy shopping! Happy relaxing after the shopping… And happy happy holidays to you!

xoxo - BOP

 

Road Trip Nation Giveaway!

Happy Thanksgiving! We’ve had a lovely day here in Vermont — I’ll share a few fun photos, below. We hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving day too!

But first, with all of the road tripping going on this Thanksgiving weekend, it seems most fitting to share news of the Olliebop Road Trip Nation giveaway. After I wrote this post in praise of Road Trip Nation recently, the nice folks in the Green RV contacted me to offer this box of SWAG to give to one lucky reader! It contains an assortment of goodies to inspire tweens, teens, and even grownups to follow our passions and consider unique careers and paths in life.

To enter to win, leave a comment in the box at the end of this post between now (it just takes a second!) and December 15.  In your comment, just name one favorite road trip destination! That’s IT. It’s also OK to leave your comment at the end of the original post. One entry per person.

Two DVD sets, the book “Road Trip Nation: A Guide to Discovering Your Path in Life,” hat, stickers and buttons

Like many of you, we are road tripping this weekend! Here we are this morning, headed to Vermont. Ollie loves to settle into the back of the car, and we pile stuff all around him.

Next: naps, music and movies. If Hudson and Ella disagree on what to watch or do, we get to give them the speech about how we didn’t even have iPads or DVD players when were were kids. Blah, blah, blah… I’m guessing many of you have had the same conversation, yes?

Then Mr. BOP and I can catch up. Topics today; steps needed to finally finish the kitchen renovation {that’s a whole other story}, that he has just finished writing his 41st song and wants to write 100 songs by the time he is 50, and our conflicted feelings on Ella’s #1 Christmas wish — a trampoline {anyone have advice?}.

The best part of the any road trip is the destination {well, one would hope!}. Ella gives Grandpa {aka “Tappa”} a big hug. {Hudson is not in any of these pictures because he was rather sick and in no mood for picture taking!}. The good news is that he improved throughout the day and was able to join for Thanksgiving dinner.

Upon arrival, Grandma {aka “DorDor”} gave the grandkids — Daniel, Emmett, Ella and Hudson —  the job of posting the menu and welcoming guests on the yard sale chalkboard she recently scored.

We spent the afternoon while the turkey cooked outside in the beautiful sunshine; playing kickball and having a quesadilla picnic. It was an unusual kind of Thanksgiving Day — in a good way.

Followed by our feast!  As always, well worth the wait.

It simply does not get better than this!

Today, we are truly thankful.

From right to left: Dor Dor, Aunt Sue, Uncle Vic, sister Sarah, Daniel, Tappa, Hudson, Emmett, Ella, Beth {me}.
Mr. BOP; photographer.

 

On behalf of Mr. BOP, Hudson, Ella, Ollie, Pablo, and me – Happy Thanksgiving! And Happy Road Tripping!

{Now, scroll down to that comment box and enter to win! Just tell us a favorite road trip destination.}

 

The fine print: This is all so official isn’t it?  A drawing will be held to include all commenters from November 22-December 15, 2012.  The winner will be randomly selected on December 15, using the true random generator on Random.org.  The winner will be notified through the provided email address and must respond to “bop@olliebop.com” to arrange for the free delivery of their prize.  It is recommended to add bop@olliebop.com to your contacts to avoid a junk mail classification. If a response is not received by midnight on December 17, 2012 a new winner will be chosen.  Open to US residents only. One entry per person.

Thank you to Road Trip Nation for their generous offer! Full disclosure: they kindly surprised us with an extra season eight DVD for our family to keep — and I can attest that there is some true gems of wisdom here!

 

We Love This Family Holiday Craft: Clay Snowmen

Friends who have been to our house during the holidays have seen the growing family of clay snowmen residing upon our table for the holiday season. I love them! They are my favorite holiday decoration.

After this holiday house tour in 2011, several readers asked how we make our snowmen —  so I’ve put together some instructions in time for the coming Thanksgiving weekend. This makes a wonderful multi-generational family project! The instructions below feature our pictures from December of last year, when we made snowmen with my nephews. The best part about this project is the air-hardening clay, which results in a decoration that can be enjoyed for years to come. Our collection of snowmen is truly a family treasure!

This is what the final product looks like:

We also make snow-covered trees. The finished gang from last year’s snowman-a-thon, hanging out in their forest:

So here’s what you need to make your very own snowman collection:

  • Collect acorns if you can find them. If they are damp spread them out to dry {or bake them on low in the oven}.
  • Collect small sticks to use as arms and miniature trees
  • Buy orange Fimo soft clay {available at craft stores} and make/bake carrot noses in advance
  • Buy white Crayola Air Dry Clay {also available at craft stores in large buckets}
  • Buy extra fine white glitter
  • Buy Aleene’s True Snow {at craft stores}
  • Get some wooden skewers {they provide structural support}
  • Gather beads, buttons, yarn, fabric, whole cloves, or any other embellishment that you like
Newspaper and paper plates are a good idea for a work surface.

Step One {do ahead}: Roll orange Fimo clay it into carrot shapes in the palm of your hands. Make the carrots a bit long, since part will be stuck into the clay and won’t show.

Making marks in the carrot with a toothpick or paper clip gives it more of a “carroty” look. Bake as directed.

Step Two:  Roll the Crayola Air-Dry Clay into snow balls. Stack them as you wish and measure the length of the skewer to go down the middle. Make it shorter than the snowman so it won’t poke through the top of his/her head. Our nephew Daniel demonstrates:

 Step Three: Build the snow person, with a skewer providing structure in the middle.

Step Four: Embellish by adding a nose and firmly pressing acorns, stick arms, and beads into the clay.

Step Five: Glitz your snowman with glitter! The clay does not dry to be a WHITE white. It has more of an antiqued look, so the glitter adds some more pop.

Step Six: Make your snowman his/her very own tree. Stick some branches in a ball of clay and spread tufts of Aleene’s Snow on the branches with a toothpick {it will harden}. We sprinkle glitter on the trees, too. Our nephew Emmett demonstrates:

AND THAT’S IT —  VOILA!!!

 Snowmen will harden over several days’ time and can be enjoyed for years to come.

Or, maybe you’ll make a snow creature. Aren’t these guys sweet? Mr. BOP made the snow weasel {he’s a crafting rebel} and my sister, Sarah, made the little reindeer.

And finally, I leave you with Grandpa’s creation — disco snowman!!!

Happy Creative Holidays to All!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Hello! I’m in Vermont this weekend to celebrate Mother’s Day with my mom, Dorothy. Isn’t she beautiful? Ella snagged the camera this afternoon, followed by some some artsy photo editing. We’ve had some busy times in the Olliebop household lately; thus, I have no giveaway, gift guide, or special fanfare to offer. I just wanted to simply say “Happy Mother’s Day!” May love surround you…

xoxo, BOP

Happy Easter, Happy Spring!

Hello! We’re spending Easter weekend in CT with Mr. BOP’s family. The sun was beaming today and my camera was at the ready. Here’s to Spring!

We colored eggs with cousins, Hadley and Liam…

‘Til an Easter bunny was spotted through the window. The cousins ran outside to chase him!

Which was followed by jumping rope {Ella with Cousin Hadley}…

And then, a stroll around the yard:

 

Wishing you a lovely Easter weekend, filled with family, fun, and signs of Spring!

xo – BOP

Valentine’s Day Picks: Etsy and A Little Bit Beyond

I’ve just taken a spin around Etsy and beyond to seek out gifts and sweets for Valentine’s Day. While there’s nothing better than a handmade card or a heartfelt note, I’m feelin’ the love for these finds! Enjoy the eye candy…

For those who aren’t regular Etsy users… If an item is “sold,” look around the shop for a similar or identical item. To see an entire Etsy shop look to the right of the item page and click on the small blue shop name.

Above: Owl and Hearts Cookies By SweetArtSweets on Etsy. Two dozen miniature cookies for $16.50

Above: PS I Love You Pillow By JoshuaByOak On Etsy. 12″ x 20″ on white denim {Other colors available}. $38

Happy Valentine’s Day to aWEsome you!

xoxo  Ollie and BOP

Come On In! A Virtual Holiday Visit

Hello and Happy Holidays!

Want to come over to our house? We could sit with a cup of coffee {I drink mine with chocolate milk — and you?} and talk about everything that’s going well… or not so well… with the holiday preparations. We might compare stories of kids, or wish lists, or the impossible traffic out by the mall. I’d tell you that I have ALL of my wrapping still to do, and that we’re having 15 or so people here on Christmas Eve. I’d share the delicious cookies that my friend Cindy made, because I’m out of time to make my own.

One thing that does make it to the top of our priority list is holiday decorations. We love making our house cozy for Christmas. I love visiting friends’ houses to see their trees and such — like Jeannette’s stunning gingerbread village and Emily’s nutcracker collection. And, I love taking pictures. So in that spirit, come on in for a virtual Olliebop holiday open house!

So here we are — at our front door. Ella and I always decorate the wreath together, and this year we went with a bird theme — a departure from the brighter ornaments that we usually choose. There’s a birdhouse in the middle, hiding behind the ribbon. The manila tag reads, “Bless Our Nest.”

On the porch we fill the pots and containers with greens, pine cones and balls.

I made these paper birds among friends at Red Confetti Art Studio, with pages from a French book. The edges were faux weathered with an antiquing ink pad.

Moving inside… here’s our living room, ready for Christmas and all lit up by a sunny day. On the mantle is an old rocking horse, found in my mother-in-law’s attic.

In the dining room, I like to drape sparkly things on the chandelier. Isn’t this picture pretty? I love the red and pink in the background.

Except that the red and pink is actually a pile of junk in the corner of the dining room. There are several piles like this around the house.

See? This pile has been sitting here for a month, because it’s all stuff that I simply don’t know what to do with. It will be moved in time for Christmas Eve dinner.  If you were here visiting, I would admit that I’m horrible at dealing with things that aren’t fun — like this pile of junk.

Even Ollie thinks I really should do something about this.

Moving On. Eyes over here… to the table, where our centerpiece is always the same: made up of gingerbread houses created by Hudson and Ella, a small army of homemade snowmen {which I treasure!}, some tiny homemade trees, and a bunch of sparkly things.

 And finally, the top of the piano… a surface for going nuts with santas, angels, and silver balls…

So there are the visual highlights of Christmas at our house — in addition to my favorite decoration of all, which I wrote about recently. I wish you could be here having that cup of coffee, to connect and share hopes for the season and the New Year. As much as I enjoy making the house look nice, it is truly the people who walk through the door that make the holidays special. From our house to yours…

xoxo Ollie and BOP, with Mr. BOP, Hudson, and Ella