Momathon Blog

New Year's Eve Party Ideas {Pinterest}

Are you planning a New Year's Eve party? Here are a few ideas from the Alt Design Summit board on Pinterest that I curate—It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere.

The NYE party recipes include:  champagne cocktails (add a pumpkin pie spiced rim!), Wassail punch recipe, DIY tips for making champagne swizzle sticks (sparkly ideas from rock candy to glitter stars and tinsel), egg nog recipes, a hot toddy station, a family-friendly cranberry punch, and more. Recipe links below each of the images.

Apple Cider + Champagne Cocktails with a Pumpkin Pie Spiced Rim

Source: stylemepretty.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

Sequined Stir Sticks

Source: somewheresplendid.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

Rock Candy Champagne

Source: hwtm.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

Tinsel Pom Pom Stir Stick

 

Source: marthastewart.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

New Years Eve Cocktails with Glittery Swizzle Sticks

Source: snippetandink.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

Wassail Punch

Source: designsponge.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

Family-friendly Cranberry Punch

Source: cafezupas.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

Sparkling Sweet Tea Signature Cocktail

Source: snippetandink.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

Favorite Eggnog Recipe

Source: marthastewart.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

Sorbet and Champagne Cocktail

Source: marthastewart.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

A DIY Hot Toddy Station

Source: marthastewartweddings.com via Chris on Pinterest

Happy New Year!

Source: thesweetestoccasion.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

 

Images: PINTEREST images are from the ALT Design Summit board It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere that I curate.  

 

NYC Holiday {Happy New Year}

The week between Christmas and New Year's is zipping by so fast. What are you planning for your New Year's Eve celebration? If the temps improve, I'll take a long walk with my family (including the dogs, of course) around the neighborhood and then enjoy a leisurely dinner. Maybe some salmon or something easy like homemade mac and cheese. 

IMAGE: The collage above features holiday scenes in NYC. Photos are by my son Kai and I. Illustrations by me—with art direction by my son.

Weekend Playlist {Lovey Songs}

Make some popcorn and snuggle on the couch with your sweetheart and listen to this 8tracks playlist featuring music from some of my favorite soundtracks—Sleepless in Seattle, Notting Hill, Bridget Jones, Sweet Home Alabama. Music by Van Morrison, Christina Perri, Harry Connick, Jr, and many more.

   

Lovey Songs from my favorite Soundtracks from ljquillyn on 8tracks Radio.

Hope you have a relaxing weekend.

 

Images: Photo by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

Christmas in NYC

One thing I especially enjoy this time of year is seeing families gather together. At my house the Christmas celebrations can finally begin. My daughter fininshed her fall semester in school here—well, technically she and her classmates still have one more day to finish up in January due to a snowstorm that cancelled school on the last day before winter break. And now my son is home from college in NYC. Here are some of his photos from the streets of New York during the holidays.

From my house to yours, I wish you all a Merry Christmas.

xo, Chris

IMAGE: Graphic by me and featuring the photos of my son Kai Olson.

 

Pillow Talk {Animals}

The other day, I was fussing about and thinking how I could make my daughter's bedroom more cozy. Adding comforters, soft blankets, and fluffy throw pillows is a personal fave. And this idea is no surprise to people who visit my home. One of the decorating themes in my house is using "cozifiers." That's why I am so excited about a collection of pillows I am creating for my new Society6 shop. 

My inspiration for creating an illustration for artwork and products my Society6 shop is often one of my own three dogs, or maybe one of the rescue dogs at the shelter I volunteer at, and sometimes a trip to the zoo is the subject of my artwork. Many of my pillows includes a short little backstory written by me... Latte Cat lives in a bookstore. She loves to read over your shoulder. Her favorite place to sit is on a shelf near the latte machine.  

My Society6 Throw Pillows are made from 100% spun polyester poplin fabric (giving it a nice cotton feel), a stylish statement that will liven up any room. Available in three sizes - 16", 18" and 20". Individually cut and sewn by hand (yes, the folks at Society6 are using their hands as usual), each throw pillow features a double-sided print of my artwork and is finished with a concealed zipper for ease of care. For even greater affordability and options, the Throw Pillows are sold with or without a faux down pillow insert. 

Check out my pillows featured above:

1. City Dogs {Frenchies} Throw Pillow by Chris Olson | Society6

2. Georgia the Giraffe Throw Pillow by Chris Olson | Society6

3. City Dogs {Shoe Diva} Throw Pillow by Chris Olson | Society6

4. Latte Cat Throw Pillow by Chris Olson | Society6

5. Paris Cat Throw Pillow by Chris Olson | Society6

6. Make Today Awesome {Fall in Love} Throw Pillow by Chris Olson | Society6

Images: ANIMAL PILLOWS graphic by me, Chris Olson, and feature my pillows at new Society6 shop. Feel free to pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

 

 

Pinterest Holiday Style: Dressing for Christmas {Casual}

Are you looking for holiday outfit inspiration that is both comfy and chic? Casual Christmas styles in my opinion mean clothing that's fun, stylish, and most of all, relaxed.

I'm not a fan of crazy embellished holiday sweaters. Instead, I prefer keeping it simple with a bright red sweater. Pair this Anthropologie sweater with jeans or leather pants and flats. 

Source: couldihavethat.blogspot.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

 

I think accessories can transform even your everyday jeans and a sweater into a holiday outfit. If you like a classic plaid, you can't go wrong by adding a plaid scarf over a neutral sweater (both by GAP). Pair it with a red clutch (Nordstrom).

Source: stylezen.net via Chris on Pinterest

 

Stripes! I had to add something a bit daring in this post. This rugby style striped maxi skirt has a slit at lower back. The best part of wearing this body-conscious fit is the skirt fabric has some forgiving stretch. Add a sweater to finish the look. Find it at Free People Clothing Boutique. 

Source: freepeople.com via Chris on Pinterest

 
This berry-colored tweed jacket adds some bling with metallic threading and trimmed in fringe. Instantly dresses up your favorite jeans. Find the Victory Tweed Jacket at ToryBurch.com

 

Source: toryburch.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

Polka dots are always on my list of faves. The metalic gold dot tights (KateSpade.com) are the perfect way to add some holiday pizazz.

Source: katespade.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

Going to a party? This red Street Tote with adjustable handles is perfect for tucking a few special gifts inside. Find it at IIIBeCa by Joy Gryson (iiibeca.com) Not only are IIIBeCa bags modern and chic, they also give back. III% of wholesale proceeds is donated to 3 charities, equaling 9% given back.

 

Source: iiibeca.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

 

Capes by Leslie Tessler make me smile because they add a chic element to any outfit. Plus I can't resist wrapping up in the cozy, woolen warmth. Find this Titan Cape Midnight and many others at Leslie Tessler.com

Source: leslietessler.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

Images: PINTEREST images are from Pinterest boards that I curate. 

 

 

Words Seem Powerless

At a time of intense grieving for lives lost in such a tragedy, words seem powerless. My prayers and thoughts are with the families of the victims of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. The image I created above lists the names of the littlest victims, I also pray for the six remarkable adults—Dawn Hocksprung, Mary Sherlach, Vicki Soto, Lauren Russeau, Rachel Davino and Anne Marie Murphy—working at the school who died also. 

 

IMAGE: The image above includes an excerpt from President Obama’s speech at the prayer vigil for Newtown shooting victims

 

Two Christmas Gift Box Printables {Santa and Reindeer}

I designed two little Christmas gift boxes featuring vintage artwork for you to print. The pillow-shaped gift boxes are easy as pie to assemble. Perfect for tucking a little gift inside for for neighbors, postal workers, coaches or teachers.

The gift boxes are just the right size for holding a gift card or small gifts like jewelry or magnets. Each box fits on a 8.5"x11" sheet of paper. You can also scale down the size of the box when printing to make a smaller box if you want.

Simply print off the the free printable template at the link that follows, cut it out and double-side tape it together. Complete directions at the end of this post. 

Santa Gift Box:
Just click on this Printable gift box link to download Santa gift box.

Reindeer Gift Box:
Just click on this Printable gift box link to download the Reindeer gift box.

NOTE: If you have issues downloading the PDF file, try right-clicking on the download link above ('Ctrl' and click for the mac) and saving directly to your computer.

Holiday Gift Tags Printable

I also created gift tags. Here is the link to my post to download these tags: Free Printable Christmas Tags

 

A Little Dancing Music {Mashup of 50+ Pop Songs from 2012}

We have a dusting of snow on the ground and more is expected tomorrow. Thank goodness the mountains are expected to get a foot or two of fresh powder too! This ski bum mum feels like doing a little snow dance!

Even though you might not be in the mood for snow, you'll still wanna do a little dance  after listening to this mashup of 50 songs from 2012. Check out the music video below.

Images: TREE {MOTION-BLUR} by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

It's So Etsy: Retro Typewriter Keyboard for Your iPad

While sipping coffee and reading my favorite blogs before I went to my studio this morning, I came across this one-of-a-kind keyboard on the splendid blog by Erin at Design For Mankind. 

Imagine sitting down to type—really type on real keys—at your iPad with this AWESOME keyboard. So cool. The Etsy shop USBTypewriter sells the amazing USB Typewriter Computer Keyboard Smith Corona.

If you like this cool + tech accessory, then I know you will love the Holiday gift guide for the nerds and geeks created by Erin at her blog Design For Mankind. 

Check out more items in my Etsy series.

Handmade Holiday {The Dreamy Edition Gift Guide}

It's So Etsy: Handmade Holiday II

It's So Etsy: Handmade Holiday

It's so Etsy: London Calling

Pinterest Holiday Drink Recipes {Part 2}

I'm the curator over at the Alt Design Summit Pinterest board called It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere. I've added some new recipes since my last blog update. Stop on by and check them out. The board has drink recipes, wine selection ideas, vineyard videos, and gift ideas for the wine lovers and more. I have a selection of non-alcoholic party drinks too. Here are just a few new additions to the board for holiday parties.

Spiced Rum Punch simmering on the stove signals time to party!

Source: marthastewart.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

These little cinnamon mulling sticks make spicing your cup of hot cider easy peasy. A great idea for make-and-give goodies. This recipe is rate G for everyone--the drink does not include alcohol. {Recipe from sprinklebakes.com, see the link below the image.}

Source: sprinklebakes.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

This Cranberry, Tangerine, and Pomegranate Punch can be served with or without Champagne.


Source: marthastewart.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

And if you want to add pomegranate to the recipe above, then be sure to check out this DIY below.

Source: bhg.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

 

Here's the perfect drink for an evening by the fireplace. Strong coffee, ice cream, and coffee liqueur combine to make the rich punch known as Block Island Fog.

Source: countryliving.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

Images: PINTEREST images are from the ALT Design Summit board It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere that I curate.  

 

 

Happy Holidays Giveaway {Storm iPhone Wallet Case}

What are your mornings like? Too often my mornings rush by in a blur. If I manage to make it out the door without forgetting my iPhone and my wallet, then I consider it a success! That's why I'm in love with the design of the handsome Storm iPhone Wallet Cases by T8.

This week my lovely sponsor T8 Cases is giving a Storm iPhone Wallet Case with a matching Zephyr lanyard away to one lucky MomathonBlog reader. The cases are available for both the iPhone 4/4S and iPhone 5.

• The Storm iPhone case multi-tasks—giving you a hands-free option for carrying the essentials.
• The exterior pockets on the case help keep essential credit cards and ID with you at all times.
• The sleek, functional case is handcrafted in premium Italian leather that offers an attractive way to protect your phone.
• Just clip the slim and light case on the matching lanyard and wear it around your neck. 

To enter to win the Storm iPhone Wallet Case with matching lanyard  from T8 Cases, simply:

• Visit the T8 Cases online shop and have a look around, then leave a comment back here on this blog post and share your favorite Wallet Case and Lanyard color selection.

• Be sure to leave a way to reach you via twitter, facebook, email or your website in your comment.

• Enter the giveway by Thursday, December 13th, midnight pst.

• I'll announce a winner on my Twitter account by Friday the 14th, so be sure and follow me on twitter.

• The giveaway applies to U.S. and Canadian residents, only.

 

Be social: Check out T8 Cases on Facebook and @T8cases on Twitter.

Weekend Playlist {Christmas Classics}

 

Click on image below to listen to Christmas Classics

 

Are you looking for holiday music to play while wrapping packages or maybe for your Christmas party? I love this playlist of vintage—and modern—classics including songs featuring the following artists: Nat King Cole, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Zooey Deschanel (She & Him), Burl Ives, Glenn Miller Orchestra, Dave Brubeck, and Johnny Winter. 

Christmas Classics from timberhart on 8tracks Radio.

 

Happy Holidays!

 

City Dogs {Frenchies}

As you know, I love to draw dogs and I've added new products for dog lovers in my Society6 shop—everything from pillows, iPhone cases & skins, laptop skins, framed art prints, stretched canvases and more. Check out the pillow featured below here. If you order any items from my shop, you get free shipping—just you use this promo. (The free-shipping promo is available through December 9, 2012).

Above: City Dogs {Frenchies} Throw Pillow by Chris Olson at Society6.
The Society6 Throw Pillows are made from 100% spun polyester poplin fabric (giving it a nice cotton feel), a stylish statement that will liven up any room. Available in three sizes - 16", 18" and 20". Individually cut and sewn by hand (yes, the folks at Society6 are using their hands as usual), each throw pillow features a double-sided print of your artwork and is finished with a concealed zipper for ease of care and at a price that will impress your best collectors. For even greater affordability and options, the Throw Pillows are sold with or without a faux down pillow insert.

Below: more of my Society6 products featuring French Bulldogs including an iPad skin, iPhone case, and framed art.  

 

Images: CITY DOGS {FRENCHIES} graphics by me, Chris Olson, and feature my original artwork of French Bulldogs. Feel free to pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

Holiday DIY: Free Printable Christmas Tags

Add some vintage charm with calligraphy-style artwork featuring a Christmas dove, reindeer and a snowflake with this set of 8 tags (4 unique designs). The downloadable PDF includes a set of tags designed by me that feature a holiday greeting paired with black and white vintage artwork that is hand tinted by me in a light minty green.

Attach the tags on a gift box or bag with a piece of twine or ribbon. Or tape the tags to a gift or a plate of cookies. Easy to print and cut out. 

This set of tags will look great printed on any of your favorite card stock paper—plus printing the tags won’t drain your printer of gobs of colored ink. The only color featured on the tag is a light mint green.

This printable holiday gift tag PDF includes:

• 8 gift tags (approx 2.5" by 3.5" rectangles)
• Finished tags have printing on one side and are blank on the reverse side for you to write on.
• Tag greetings include "Peace" "Merry Christmas" and "Love and Joy."

To use this printable, you will need:

• Computer and Printer
• Sheets of 8.5" x 11" card stock paper
• Paper cutter or scissors
• Adobe Reader (If you do not have Adobe Reader, you can download it for free at get.adobe.com/reader)

The downloadable PDF (see link below) contains 1 page that includes 8 tags—2 tags of each of the 4 designs shown above. 

Holiday Tipping Guide

'Tis the season for giving and remembering to thank those folks who have helped you throughout the year. If figuring out how to thank all of these important people in your life seems daunting, check out the handy holiday tipping guide I created below. The tipping amounts vary from city to city and a range of amounts to consider is included in the tip chart. I don't consider myself an expert on tipping, but I did scour a variety of sources to come up with a guide that offers a range of tipping ideas. 

December can be an expensive month. If you are feeling strapped for cash this month, consider giving your tip as a New Year's gift during the first week of January. Of course, giving cash is not the only way to show your appreciation. A thoughtful note expressing your gratitude is meaningful too. 

 

 

Image: HOLIDAY TIPPING GUIDE graphic by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

Magnolia Bakery {West Village}

I believe a cupcake should be eaten at least once a week—and if you are lucky enough to visit Magnolia Bakery then, please, buy a box of sweet treats to take home too.

Don't let the long lines deter you. Just bring a friend along and chat while you wait in line.

Before you go, consult the bakery's cupcake calendar. The featured cupcakes for December are Gingerbread (gingerbread cake with vanilla bean meringue butter cream) and Red Velvet (red velvet cake with whipped vanilla icing).

 

Images: MAGNOLIA BAKERY photos by me, Chris Olson, and features product images from the links above. Feel free to pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

Handmade Holiday {The Dreamy Edition Gift Guide}

 

I heart handmade items. Here are a few of my faves for gift giving—The Dreamy Edition.

I am a tad obsessed with Paris, so this photo tops my dreamy list.

Source: etsy.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

A shimmer of color with pastel peach earrings dresses up your favorite jeans or adds some bling to your LBD.

Source: etsy.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

A colorful scarf fits nicely in a gift box—and definitely in my suitcase!

Source: etsy.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

 

This adorable clutch reminds me of riding scooters on a vacation in Europe. And I can't resist a few polka dots :)

Source: etsy.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

OK, I know this gift idea only works if you know someone with a 5-1/2 shoe size—but I love a cute vintage boot. 

Source: etsy.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

You can find these gift giving ideas and more at my Pinterest board Gift Ideas.

IMAGES via my Pinterest board Gift Ideas. Check out these gift ideas at their shops on ETSY: Paris photo via Fine Art Paris Photography France and Europe by PhotographyDream, Earrings via Cardioceras handmade jewellery by cardioceras on Etsy, Scarf via Felted scarves felted wraps felted clothing by by nafanyafelt, Purse via Handmade purses pouches and many more by octopurse on Etsy, Shoes via vintage clothing jewelry and accessories by capricorne on Etsy