Black and white is a trend I love. And best of all, this trend works with work wear and more casual fashions. Plus I love the fact you can mix and match black and white fashions with a pop of color in patterned jeans, shoes, a purse or other accessories. Here are six styles to check out.
This Winnie-the-Pooh quote was selected for my son as he goes off on another big adventure.
Whether you are going on an adventure today or staying close to home, hope all of you are having a lovely day. And if you have a bedtime story to read tonight—read something wise and wonderful by A.A. Milne with my favorite little bear, Winnie-the-Pooh. xo
Image: Wisdom by Winnie-the-Pooh. Art by me, Chris Olson. The role of Pooh played by the handmade and much-loved Honey Bear. Feel free to Pin it on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!
Hello, friends. Do you like to use printables? I created two cards for Mother's Day. You can download the cards plus a printable A2 envelope at the PDF link below.
All you need to create these cards:
my free down-loadable PDF files
8.5"x11" card stock paper for cards
plain printer paper for envelope
glue or double-sided tape
scissors
glitter (optional)
Each printable PDF includes an A2-sized card—PLUS Mother's Day themed "text & art" you can cut out and attach to the cards to personalize your message. You can also embellish the card with glitter. Directions for assembling the card are on the PDF and in this blog post below.
I have to give a special shout out to the talented photographer D Sharon Pruitt. Her photos are featured on the cards. You will find the link to download the printables below the jump.
If you share this printable on social media, please link back to this blog post and not to the downloadable files. Thanks!
It's almost the weekend. I'm thinking today is a perfect time to hop on my bike for a ride and maybe even a picnic. Here are a few of my favorite bikes and accessories for making that happen.
Love this ultra-modern upgrade with all the best features: three gears, roller brakes, key lock, bicycle pump, back carrier with bungee, and auto-activating lights for safe city riding.
A classic Dutch bike, with a sweeping curved frame. Features a refined upright posture to make it the elegant choice for trips to the market or just riding down the boulevard.
This versatile bag can be carried on your shoulder or you can use the simple clips to attach it to your bike rack. The front pocket is perfect for a U-lock, and the zippered flap design plus water-repellant fabrics provide an extra bit of resistance to the elements.
Rugged waxed canvas with oil skin leather and solid brass hardware. This bag is tough, but with looks to match. Perfect for the market or a sleep over. Carry it in with a shoulder strap or roll up the sides when not in use. D-ring's add the option of locking bag to rack.
When you buy a product from House of Talents you are helping crafters in developing countries. Created by talented artisans, the Asungtaba bicycle basket is woven from veta vera grass in the Northern region of Ghana.
Oliver Jeffers creates the most amazing children's books—Up and Down and The Heart and the Bottle are just a few of my faves.
There once was a girl who decided to place her heart in a bottle to keep it safe. But would she remember how to get it out again?
~Oliver Jeffers, The Heart and the Bottle
Jeffers' interactive digital picture book The Heart and the Bottle is a magical combination of his story and art with the voice of Oscar nominee Helena Bonham Carter. Check out the iPad app book trailer below.
How do you find the best places to shop and dine when you visit a new city? I talk to the locals and get the skinny on the neighborhoods they love. Linden Hills, a historic Minneapolis neighborhood nestled between the shores of Lake Harriet and Lake Calhoun, is one of those beloved neighborhoods with tree-lined streets, family-friendly shops, and even a bookstore with chickens... More about that later.
Before I moved west to Colorado, I used to live a few blocks away. Almost daily in the summer I'd hop on my bike and ride the path around Lake Harriet to Linden Hills to do some shopping and grab a snack. It's become such a special place in my heart that each time I visit Minneapolis I return with my kids tagging along to shop. AND because no one in my family can resist a great snack, we always end up having some yummy homemade ice cream at Sebastian Joe's too.
If you want a sweet treat or just a cup of coffee, Sebastian Joe's is the place to visit. The cafe has a couple of locations in the city, but the Linden Hills spot is my fave because it has an lovely sunny cafe space to sit with friends or just your laptop and enjoy their homemade ice cream (and other yummy snacks).
The Linden Hills neighborhood is very family friendly. The toy shop Creative Kidstuff has almost anything a kid wants—from craft supplies, games, dolls, stuffed animals, books, and more. And the store is very stroller friendly. Kids can test out new toys that usually hide inside packages at other stores.
Images: Photos and Illustrations featured above by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin images on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!
What makes you stress out? For me, it's having unreasonable expectations and worrying about things I can't control. So how can you manage stress when your plate is very full?
Here are a few strategies for de-stressing:
1) Practice mindful breathing.
Sounds so basic, but "mindful breathing" is an effective way to feel more relaxed almost immediately. You can read a detailed explanation of the three breathing exerises by Dr. Weil here. My favorite is the relaxing breathing exercise shown in the animated gif below:
2) Set reasonable goals and expectations.
Recent research has shown that if you lower your expectations you are happier. Sounds crazy, right? But I think the important part of this concept is to make your goal setting practical. Figure out what are reasonable goals and work towards that.
3) Take care of yourself first.
Maybe I should have put that at the top of the list. It's the same idea as the the flight attendant's say, "Put on your oxygen mask first before assisting others."
4) Have something to look forward to.
If you build in a reward—it doesn't have to be big—then the mental activity of looking forward to this idea actually helps you stay more positive and lowers your stress. Best of all, if the reward is an activity that is healthy and gives you more energy, then you accomplish two things at once. For me a simple reward like taking a short (or long) walk outside helps when I have a long day at my desk. Focusing on a bigger reward such as a trip you are planning or even a fun Saturday activity helps too.
If you can't see the breathing exercise in the animated gif above, click on the image below to see the steps to the exercise.
Images: Photos and Illustrations featured above by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin images on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!
I first heard about this art fundraiser project via the lovely Creature Comforts blog. The fundraiser was created to help Brielle who has Acute Myeloid Leukemia. You can find all the details at P.S. i Adore You. Prints for the fundraiser will only be available this week—the last day is April 13th.
This art fundraiser features 26 downloadable art prints from some of my favorite artists and designers.
Each downloadable print will be just $5 and can be printed out as many times as you want! Think baby showers, wedding gifts, Christmas, Birthday's, etc.
100% of the art proceeds will be donated to Brielle’s family to help cover medical bills.
Recieve a FREE Swanky Jane's bitty doll with any 5 prints (or $25) donation.
Which one(s) will you buy? I couldn't stop with just one :)
Even if you aren’t able to make an art purchase, you can help spread the word about this fundraiser via social media. Just add the hashtag #BRIELLELOVE .
I just finished an awesome SkillShare class, "Map Design: Learn to Communicate Places Beautifully," taught by the awesome Anne Ditmeyer at Prêt à Voyager. My final map making project for class was inspired by all the days on the mountain I've spent with kids under the age of 5. Let me say that skiing with little ones will test a parent's sanity and requires patience and LOTS of chocolate! Over the years, I've found a few tricks to make the skiing more fun. My map shows the easy way up and down the mountain with little ones at Keystone.
While creating this map I pulled ideas from my years as a former racing instructor trying to teach kids how to navigate the gates—including such odd skills as operating a stopwatch with mittens at sub-zero temps, defrosting tiny goggles and hands, and keeping track of adventurous kids that take an "alternate" route down the mountain.
Before tackling this route on the map, I think a ski class or two with a professional instructor is the best way to get kids ready to tackle the mountain. Once a kid has mastered the basics, a parent can safely take a her up and down the mountain following this simple map. (Note: The map does not include the more advanced runs.)
Happy skiing!
Images: Illustration featured above by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!
Today is International Women's Day. It's a day of celebration AND a day to take action. Today is a day to start making changes, to join together as a community to build a better future for all women. The story of womens struggle for equality around the world belongs to no single feminist or to an organization but instead to collective effort of all who care about human rights.
Here are a few astonishing facts about why we need to join together to help women around the globe, via the Globalpovertyproject.com.
Women make up 1/2 the world's population.
Yet 70% of the world's poor are women.
• • •
1.4 billion women in the world live on under a $1.50 a day.
• • •
Women work 2/3 of the total working hours worldwide,
but only earn 10% of working income.
Each year 1,000+ International Women's Day events are uploaded by corporations, women's groups, schools, governments, charities and individuals from around the world. No matter where you are there is bound to be a range of exciting International Women's Day events near you. You can find more information here: International Women's Day 2013 events.
Images: The illustration featured above is by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin images on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!
A chilly Sunday evening in Hollywood for this year's Golden Globes was no match for the red hot styles. The women of Hollywood sizzled on the red carpet in the boldest red hues. "New Girl" star (and co-founder of the creative women site HelloGiggles.com) Zooey Deschanel wore a stunning poppy red gown by Oscar de la Renta.
Mother of two and star of some of my favorite movies, Kate Hudson pulled off the perfect sleek silhouette on a very cool night with her elegant long-sleeved black gown by Alexander McQueen. The decorative gold beading highlighted her sun-kissed blond waves. The gown's strategically placed chest baring cut-out added to the glamorous look.
Sometimes a gown wears a celebrity. And some of the fashion bloggers out there didn't like the voluminous Carolina Herrera ball gown on the petite Lucy Liu. I might have agreed with them, but when Lucy walked down the red carpet and glanced back over her shoulder, that's when she owned the gown! Her dress fell in lovely cascade of roses on a light blue background as she walked. And I must not forget to mention my favorite detail of the dress--when Lucy slipped her hands in the gown pockets I wanted to wear the dress too.
Check back later today. I'll be adding more sketches to this post.
For more Golden Globes fashion images and sketches from the red carpet, see my post from yesterday featuring Jessica Alba, Sofia Vergara, and Anne Hathaway.
Images: Illustrations of Golden Globe fashions featured above by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!
Did you dress up for the Golden Globes last night? The celebs rocked the red carpet with stunning designer fashions. Even though it was chilly in LA, skin was in--plunging necklines and strategic cut-outs. I'll be sharing my favorite looks all week with illustrations from my sketchbook.
Actress and The Honest Company founder Jessica Alba looked stunning in a coral-colored Oscar de la Renta mermaid gown with a ruffled hem with some serious bling thanks to the Harry Winston necklace (reportedly worth $5 million). And I just gotta add that Jessica and many other lovelies at the Globes are moms too!
(I met Jessica at the Alt Summit Conference in Salt Lake City one week after the Golden Globes AND her natural beauty shines through in person too. She definitely doesn't need a glamorous gown or any bling to be a show stopper. Kudos to Jessica for spearheading the effort to be healthy with eco friendly products for moms and their families.)
Body hugging gowns were on the best-dressed list. Sofia Vergara's form-fitting black sequin gown fits her va-va-voom style. I love the fact curves are definitely back in fashion. And why not, curves are beautiful. Sofia plays a mom on Modern Family and she's a mom herself.
White was another show-stopping look at the Globes. Anne Hathaway's classic, simple strapless white Chanel Haute Couture gown perfectly matches her dazzling smile. Tiny white pailettes and beads gave the gown a splendid luminescence. Her tall lean figure rocks the elegant two-piece style.
Images: Illustrations of Golden Globe fashions featured above by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!
Today is the last slow day before the rush of 2013 hits my house. And to start the day, why not make something sweet and a little bit indulgent without all the fuss. Here is an easy recipe that uses a mix.
My Homemade Twist for Baking Cream Cheese and Cinnamon Breakfast Rolls
My cream cheese and cinnamon rolls are an modified version of the Pillsbury Cream Cheese Cinnabon rolls. The pre-made rolls already have a cinnamon sugar flavoring, but I add a little extra cinnamon and sugar topping that I whip up from my pantry—in a small bowl mix together approximately 2 Tbsp sugar with 1/2 tsp cinnamon and sprinkle over the rolls before baking. And instead of baking the rolls 2" inches apart, I group them together in a circle on a greased cookie sheet. No need to fuss with a round baking dish either. Bake them on a flat cookie sheet so it is easy to remove and serve on a pretty dish. I bake them for about 10-12 minutes, let them cool for an extra minute or so and then ever so gently slide them off the pan onto a serving dish.
While they are still warm I add the pre-made white icing so the icing drips down the sides of the rolls. My kids and my husband like lots of frosting on the rolls, so if you want to make the rolls even sweeter, mix up your own cream cheese frosting with butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Try the simple recipe for cream cheese frosting here. Just remember to add the frosting to the rolls while the rolls are warm.
The calorie count for the rolls before you add extra frosting is approximately: 140 claories.
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
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!
'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!
Styles that beautifully blend form and function are my faves—especially if the fashions feature a healthy dollop of fun.
Women are busy. I don't have time to change my outfit during the day. And if you are like me and leave work and hop on a bike, then chances are the line between work and play is blurry. A hectic pace—with plenty of fun built in too—means your fashion choices need to multi-task. That's why I love the Title Nine trench—a coat with a sleek silhouette made with a fabric with with just the right amount of spandex so that you can move and a super water-repellent finish that keeps you dry in a sudden downpour. If the sun comes out, pair it with the Madewell sunglasses. Winter means dry hands and I have a supply of L'Occitane creams. When it's cold outside, nothing lifts my mood like the fresh scent of peonies in the Pivoine Flora Hand Cream. A bright pop of orange with the roomy and chic Gigi Bag carries you (and your supplies) from work to play.
Images: STREET STYLE graphic 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!
With two kids and three dogs in the house, my decorating style favors modern simplicity with a vintage twist. That's exactly why I love the fresh take on cottage style in the newly updated Better Homes & Gardens book New Cottage Style: Decorating Ideas for Casual, Comfortable Living.
The experts at Better Homes and Gardens included tons of gorgeous photos, decorating ideas and inspiration to achieve a cottage look that's clean, simple, and light. One thing that surprised me was the wide variety of cottage decorating styles. The authors give practical tips on how to recreate the style you like in your home.
What's inside the book:
House tours featuring everyday living, classic looks, touch of elegance, and welcoming retreats.
Room views featuring special spaces including porches, ultra-organized laundries, and many more room makeovers.
Projects and ideas notebook offers DIY inspiration including wallpapering a bookcase, adding a skirt on a wicker chair, and painting a porch floor.
Note to readers: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.
Images: NEW COTTAGE STYLE graphics by me, Chris Olson and features my photos of the book. Feel free to Pin images on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!
Have you voted yet? I hope you do. Bob Schieffer, moderator of the final presidential debate, ended the debate with sage advice from his mother: "Go vote. It makes you feel big and strong."
Images: Both VOTE illustrations are by me, Chris Olson. (You can also find the #govote image on @MomathonBlog on Instagram.) Feel free to Pin images on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!
The Linden Tree Shop in Minneapolis is a specialty craft store that celebrates the goodness of all things handmade.
The shop is a gathering place for seasoned crafters and newbies. Shop owner Melissa Pederson sells fabulous designer fabric—by Michael Miller, Kaffe Fassett, Amy Butler, and many more—as well as unique fabric designed by local artists via custom fabric maker Spoonflower. If you want to learn how to sew or brush up on your skills, the store offers personalized sewing classes for children and adults. If you like to quilt this is your go to shop with quilting supplies and patterns.
Making handmade gifts for the holidays is a personal fave. The shop sells brilliant DIY kits with sewing patterns and fabric for making a variety of chic items from bags, to bibs, to head bands, to doll clothes, and much more. As you know, I like no-fuss crafts, so on a recent trip to Minneapolis my daughter and I bought several kits to make gifts that will only take a few hours or less to whip up.
Forty-plus local artists also sell their handmade goods in the shop, including stationery, custom fabric, unique sewing patterns, jewelry, children's clothing, natural soaps and candles, earth-friendly crayons made from soy and non-toxic mineral pigments, and cozy quilts and blankets that will be treasured and used for decades.
Looking for DIY inspiration and the latest news on this shop? Like shop on Facebook and follow it on Twitter and Pinterest.
Images: THE LINDEN TREE SHOP graphic by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!
Wherever you are, however you feel, I believe music has the power to make the day better. I'm thinking of my east coaster family and friends. Hope the playlists I've included get you humming along and maybe even make you smile. xo
In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, I send a HUGE thank you to all the first responders, the anonymous good samaritans, the city and state leaders, President Obama, the donors who help disaster relief charities, and those countless heroes who helped out with hurricane rescues and disaster relief efforts. Words can't begin to express my gratitude.
I'm sending out special mommy hugs to my family and friends on the East Coast. My son in college in NYC survived the storm and has been giving me updates on the recovery and relief efforts.
My wish for November can be summed up in four words: A spirit of gratitude. If we join together to support each other that is what has the power to make each day truly awesome. Our perspective and acts of generosity can lift us up even during the most overwhelming situations. When disaster strikes we might see the glass as half empty. However, our acts of kindness—small or big—is what gets poured into the glass to make it half full.
If you want to help relief efforts for Hurricane Sandy, this is a great post with links. (If you are a blogger please share that link.)
xo, Chris
Image: MAKE TODAY RIDICULOUSLY AWESOME illustration by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin it on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!
So what are you wearing for Halloween? I love animal masks. The fox mask and tiger masks above are from the lovely Etsy shop BHBKidstyle. (I think my dog wears them the best.) My daughter is going to be Little Blue Riding Hood. We had fun shopping for a blue cape and a dress at vintage shops. Our neighbors will be coming over for our annual pizza dinner before trick-or-treating. Should be fun to see the kids all decked out in wild costumes. The older they get the more imaginative they become.
I will be carving a pumpkin today after school. Not sure what design we'll make. But I know we will roast the seeds. Yum! Check out my recipe at the end of the post.
I have tried a variety of pumpkin seed recipes over the years. I prefer the simple recipes that the kids can help out with. Depending on the personalities of your kids, making the recipe and separating all that pumpkin goop from the seeds can be lots of fun.
Whole Foods Market has a recipe that includes boiling the seeds before you roast them. I haven't tried that recipe yet, but I do like the Whole Foods ideas for making spicy pumpkin seeds:
For spicy pumpkin seeds, mix 1/2 teaspoon each garlic salt, cumin, coriander and cardamom with seeds and oil before roasting. For sweet pumpkin seeds, mix 1 teaspoon each ground cinnamon, cloves and ginger and 1 1/2 tablespoons dark brown sugar with seeds and oil before roasting.
Here is my favorite recipe—just three ingredients. Pretty foolproof :)
Three-Ingredient Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups raw whole pumpkin seeds
2 teaspoons butter, melted
1 pinch salt
(For extra spice, trying adding one of the flavors listed above.)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
Toss seeds in a bowl with the melted butter and salt. Spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet with edges so seeds do not fall off. Bake seeds for about 45 minutes or until golden brown. Stir occasionally.
Recipe makes about 1 1/2 cups.
Image: M IS FOR MASK photo art by me, Chris Olson, and features the masks by the Etsy shop BHBKidstyle. ROASTED PUMPKIN SEED RECIPE is by me. Feel free to Pin them on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!
Chances are if you are in the path of Hurricane Sandy, then your pets are feeling very anxious. I've got some tips to keep your pets safe, ideas to reduce pet stress, and guidelines for packing hurricane supplies to have ready for your dog and cat in case you have to evacuate.
1) If the weather permits, when you go outside keep dogs on a leash Dogs can sense when threatening weather approaches and they will sometimes hide. Make sure you keep track of your pet as the storm approaches. When you take a dog outside, use a leash. Never assume that a dog trained to be safe off leash in normal situations will stay with you during a storm. Even though your dog looks calm, the advancing storm my cause your pet to try to run away outside to flee the situation.
2) Follow social media updates on Twitter and Facebook If you are not safe to stay in your home during a hurricane, then your pet is not safe either. The best advice to pet owners in the path of a hurricane may be to evacuate early. Remember to share your evacuation plans with relatives and friends. Many shelters are accepting pets with their families. Here are a few Twitter users to follow because they provide updates on shelters accepting pets in your area: @ASPCA and @HumaneSociety. Also you can follow the hashtag #sandypets. The ASPCA's Disaster Preparedness Checklist is a great resource. The Humane Society of the United States has helpful information via this link: Disaster Preparedness for Pets. If you live in NYC, information regarding the storm is available via Office of Emergency Management.
3) Check your pet's collar for an ID tag It seems obvious, but if you change collars you might not remember to have the correct pet ID tags on the collars. (Also, remember to place proper identification and vaccination identification in your pet's "Go Bag" explained below)
4) Tips to help calm your dog
During times of stress for dogs, telling your dog to be quiet if he or she is whining or barking will not be helpful. Your dog is actually trying to warn you about what they perceive to be a dangerous situation. Instead, try to get your pet involved in a new activity and praise them when they participate.
If your dog is obsessively licking his fur or barking or whining because of the storm, give your dog an alternative activity to do such as providing a "project toy" like a Kong filled with dog treats.
If your dog or cat likes to be groomed with a brush or comb, here's the perfect time to calm them down and give them the spa treatment.
If your dog likes to snuggle under a blanket, try wrapping the two of you together and snuggle up. You can even get the kids involved and construct a makeshift tent with chairs and blankets and make a cozy space to relax inside—and be aware some pets don't like to be in confined spaces and stop this game if it is making your dog more anxious.
Have you ever noticed if your dog or cat likes to sit by your side while you read a book outloud to your kids? This can be a very calming activity. Get your kids involved to read to your pet too.
If your dog has a good nose, try the hide a treat under a cup game. This is a fun game that challenges your dog to sniff out a dog treat reward. Find three plastic cups or small bowls and some dog kibble pieces. Sit on the floor with your dog and turn the cups upside down and "Hide" a treat under one cup. Move the cups around on the floor. Now ask your dog to "find the treat." Cheer your dog along until he finds the correct cup. You can help him out if needed. Repeat the game with a new treat. After you repeat this game a few times all of the cups will eventually have the scent of the treat inside, your dog will probably still have fun playing because you both are playing together.
Keeo your dog busy and focused on you instead of the storm by teaching your dog a new simple trick. If your dog knows how to shake, practice that. You can add a step and teach your dog to give you a canine high five instead. Or try teaching your dog to roll over—have your dog lay down, say "Roll Over" and gently help your dog roll to one hip. To help complete the roll, hold a dog treat above his head with one hand and with the other hand gently help your dog finish the roll so he is on his tummy again. Praise your dog and reward with a dog treat.
5) What to supplies to pack for your pets—tips for making a pet "Go Bag" Place the following in a pet "go bag" and have it ready:
proper backup identification of your pet: proof of ownership, copy of vaccine records, dog license, etc.
special medical instructions written out now, in case you have to leave your pet at an animal shelter temporarily
photo of your pet and OWNER
list of identifying marks or features of your pet
2 leashes
extra pet collar or pet harness
pet food (7-day supply if possible and canned pet food helps pets stay hydrated)
jugs of water or water bottles (7-day supply)
pet bowls (lightweight and portable types are best)
pet medicine and pet first aid kit (first aid kit tips here)
2 pet blankets and a few favorite toys
cat litter and cat litter box
pet crate or a pet travelling case for your pet
lightweight blanket or sheet to cover the pet travel case and calm down your pet if needed
7) Stay safe after the storm You probably have heard all the warnings about avoiding dangerous powerlines, tree branches, debris, and flooded areas. Unforutnately your dog is naturally curious and will find these things interesting. Keep your dog on a leash to avoid getting hurt by live power lines or even getting tangled and stuck in tree branches on the ground. Also, some wild animals in the region might have wandered into your neighborhood due to the storm, so watch out for unusual wildlife.
Stay safe, friends. For more information of hurricane preparedness check out check out NOAA general information on safety.
Creating a pumpkin design freehand can be tricky—that why Chelsey at The Paper Mama has a free printable you can use to make this dreamy Welcome pumpkin. Pumpkin is featured on BHG Style Spotters.
Happy weekend! Here's my pick for a perfect handcrafted playlist for baking cookies, eating lots of pie, or doing dishes. Go ahead, pour a glass of pinot grigio and dance around the kitchen—it's the weekend!
Hope this inspirational thought keeps you motivated today.
xo
Chris
Image: BETTER THINGS AHEAD graphic by me, Chris Olson features the photography of D. Sharon Pruitt. Feel free to Pin it on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!
What influences your decision to buy a fragrance? Do you ever buy a perfume because of the spokesperson? When I think of fragrance ads I see lovely women like Nicole Kidman, Julia Roberts, Catherine Deneuve, and Marilyn Monroe. I have to admit I don't automatically think of a male spokesperson, but the right guy matched with the right campaign might convince me check out a new fragrance.
Chanel's signature Chanel N°5 is iconic, it was launched back in 1921 by French designer Coco Chanel. Do I have a bottle on my dresser? Not currently, but I am rethinking my opinion about the fragrance due to a new ad campaign. And that is probably just what Chanel wants. After 93 years, Chanel is switching things around a bit and has hired Brad Pitt for their new ad campaign.
After watching the new Chanel No.5 campaign with the seriously sexy—and scruffy—Brad Pitt a dozen times, I'm still not sure if he has convinced me to buy it. However, I am more interested than I was a week ago. Is it time for a man to tell us why we need this fragrance? Yes, according to a Women's Wear Daily interview with the President of Chanel Fragrance and Beauty, Andrea d’Avack:
"To keep a legend fresh, you always have to change its point of view. It is the first time we’ve had a man speaking about a women’s fragrance. We think very much that the perfume is a seduction between a man, a woman and the perfume."
If you're like me and can't stop looking at Pitt's dreamy eyes in the ad, then maybe you don't even hear the monologue he delivers (for around $7 million for the gig) in poetic recitation with dramatic pauses:
It's not a journey, every journey ends, but we go on. The world turns and we turn with it. Plans disappear. Dreams take over. But wherever I go, there you are. My luck, my fate, my fortune. Chanel No. 5. Inevitable.
Is a bottle of Chanel No.5 destined to appear in my house one of these days? Inevitable or not, check out the There You Are - CHANEL N°5 video below. And talk amongst yourselves in the comment section.
The mysterious mood of this campaign has me hooked... Be sure to check out the CHANEL brand page on Facebook because as they tease: "The story continues on October 17th, 12.01am Paris time."
You know I'm a sunshine and sandals type of girl, but there is one lovely little perk when the weather turns colder... You have an excuse to go shoe shopping! So I asked fashion expert Carolyn Whyley to share her faves for the 9 to 5 Styles.
From Carolyn:
We all love high heels, but they are unrealistic if you're on your feet all day at work. In the past it seemed “comfy” shoes was a polite term for the blandest shoes possible. Not anymore! I found chic shoes for work that would even make Carrie Bradshaw smile.
Ranging in price from $80-$200, you can find a great pair of shoes to wear that are both chic and survive the comfort test.
Thinking about spring trends already? A new breed of Toms Ballet Flats will return to Toms.com next spring. For now check them out at Nordstrom, my go-to shoe department!
Check out my review of each shoe below. I tested them out walking around at work all day—and one pair even passed the comfort test with flying colors on the streets of Prague. Check out my 5-star ratings below.
How do the shows stack up?
Josef Seibel *** (3 stars)
Danskos **** (4 stars)
Cole Haan **** (4 stars)
I wouldn’t give any of these below a 3 star rating. Toms have nice support, even with a little arch support. Munro provides an extremely comfortable shoe, with a removable insole if additional custom support is necessary. I rate Danskos just above the Josef Seibel only because of Dansko's fabulous reputation for comfort. I wore mine around the streets of Prague and didn't have a problem, who can say that about a great shoe!
The iPad was on my mind when I put together this week's roundup of tech gear under $75.
1) Kids can stow books and tech gear in the Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag. Ballistic Nylon bag keeps gear organized with organizer pockets inside.
2) Do your kids use an iPad to write reports? The built-in keyboard on the iPad is ridiculous to use for writing longer documents. I like the options that turn your iPad into a mini laptop with a separate keyboard that also works as a stand. Before you buy, make sure the case fits your model of iPad. Here are three keyboard and cases I like:
4) Etch A Sketch turned 50 this year. Check out the Headcase Etch A Sketch Hard Case is designed to protect your iPad. (iPad not included.)
5) I admit, I like to work with some music in the background. So I don't object when my kids study while listening to tunes too. The Nova Mini Portable Speakers by TegoAudio.com amplify sound to fill a room and yet are small enough to fit in your pocket.
7) This tech item is a memory card your kids can wear and works with laptops and computers. The USB flash drive is almost as important as pencil and paper in schools these days. The problem is kids are always losing them. That's why I like the wearable USB flash drive that doubles as a bracelet/wristband by MemoryOnHand.com.
It was over twelve years ago. I can still remember when I heard my pediatrician bring up the word disability... I didn't cry in the doctor's office. I didn't cry in the car on the way home. I don't know why, but I finally let myself cry while making dinner as the steam from the pasta noodles coated my face. If I only had known then, that things would be tough, but even during the most frustrating times, the new "normal" is going to be okay.
There were days—even weeks—when I felt so alone. Thank goodness for friends and family. If I could share one thing, don't go it alone. Asking for help is the best thing to do.
Having a little faith in your kids makes all the difference too. They are stronger, braver, and wiser than you ever thought possible.
There is a community of moms and dads (and grandparents) out there going through many of the same emotions and struggles as you. Seek them out. These exceptional parents can hold your hand when words just don't say enough.
I first saw the video below about parenting a special needs child on Design Mom. The video was created by Elizabeth. I had to share it too. If you have a special needs child, you will want to see this video.
I can't get enough polka dots. And the leggings with dots are even kid-approved. You can find them at the always cool CrewCuts at J.Crew. Gotta love the sparkly glitter MacAlister boots too. Can I get them in my size, please?
A three-quarter sleeve dress is my go-to style in the fall. Easy and chic, the gathered supplice dress made of fluid crepe jersey floats over your curves. Pair it with a supima cardi. Probably the best riding boot value in anywhere, the Blakeley is on my list. You can get the look at Lands' End.
{This is not a sponsored post. All fashions included are products I admire and that is the basis for including them in this post.}
Image: STYLE CRUSH graphic is by me, Chris Olson, and features J.Crew CrewCuts (for kids) and the Blakely dress by Lands' End. . Feel free to Pin them Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!
A few things I'm thinking about as summer winds down...
KITES
In Colorado the weather changes quickly. Plenty of sunshine is the norm, but the winds can kick up in the afternoon bringing in clouds and thunderstorms. And I won't complain because we need rain here. Is it windy near your house today? If it is, how about making a kite. Check out a great tutorial that shows you how here.
SIDEWALK PAINT
Creating chalk drawings outside on the sidewalk or a driveway is a favorite summer activity. Today feels like the perfect day to decorate the sidewalk. You can even make your own sidewalk paint—find my post on making the paint and other summer crafts with kids here. And if you want to get uber creative, try out some of the fancy chalk lettering ideas here by the talented Dana Tanamachi.
YOGA FOR KIDS
Nothing helps me calm down and feel better like yoga breathing exercises. I'm hoping my kids can take a few yoga class too. Here's the scoop on why yoga can be great for kids of all ages.
A PHOTO A DAY
Do you like to get outside and run? I love to go for a spin on my bike in the morning. Of course the exercise is wonderful, but getting outside is amazing for the mind too. Photographer and blogger Maura runs every morning and she shares some amazing things she sees on those runs on her Tumblr blog Found Thing.
Image: GIRLS RULE graphic above is by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin it on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!
If you like to sew and are looking for a book that adds texture to your sewing projects, then check out the new book Make It Sew Modern by the mother of four and craft diva Vanessa Christenson. In her patterns she uses ruffles, twisting, gathering, and pleats to make quilts, pillows, scarves, purses, bracelets, rings, and more.
Image: MAKE IT SEW MODERN photo graphic above is by me, Chris Olson and features pages from Vanessa Christenson's book. Feel free to Pin it on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!
Are you creating a nursery? One sweet way to personalize your child's room is to add handcrafted wall art. I love the artwork by Sarah Jane Studios on Etsy and her adorable Love You More print would make a wonderful addition to a little girl's room.
Sarah Jane is a mother of three small children, and as she says at her Etsy shop:
It always starts with a sweet "I Love You!" and it ends up turning into an "I love you more!"
"Love You More" details:
Art print created from a hand drawn & digitally colored original illustration
Giclée prints are archival printed on museum quality archival paper
Ships flat in a protective sleeve within 3-5 days of payment
Printed locally in the USA
8x10 print, $26
Also available in 11x14” & 16x20” and as a poster print in 18x24”
For other sizes & pricing go to www.sarahjanestudios.com
Follow Sarah Jane Studio updates on Twitter and Facebook. Check out her blog here.
Image: Graphics above by me, Chris Olson featuring the "Love You More" print by SarahJaneStudios on Etsy. Feel free to Pin it on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!
Sunny and warm here today, so I'm outside on my deck thinking about gardens and backyard parties. The hydrangea above is in a container on my deck—out of reach from the deer (and bears) that wander through my yard munching on everything. My neighborhood in the foothills of the Colorado Rockies has a "no fences" rule, so the only safe place for plants is container gardens on the decks.
Here are a few of my favorite links for plants, backyards, and summer fun.
• A true garden party needs a few retro aprons. I adore the dottie angel aprons, striped straws in lemonade, and cupcakes Melanie features in her post from Seattle today.
• One of my puppies will eat nearly every thing... So I love this handy Pet Poison Help app to determine which plants I should keep out of reach.
• For more gardening ideas, check out my garden posts and photos here, on Pinterest and Facebook.
Photo illustration above by me, Chris Olson and features plants in my garden—Instagram Valencia filter— and a lovely fence photographed by D Sharon Pruitt.
Wishing all of you a Happy Mother's Day. And to my mom:
I'm all grown up, but I will never be too old to need you, Mom. You bring kindness, grace, and humor to each day. Love you to the moon and back! xo Chris
Ever wish you had a guide to help you develop and run a business from home? That's why I love the new book Mom, Inc.—a great guide to show you how to run a business at home while a mom. Written by two savvy professionals and moms, Meg Mateo Ilasco—mother of two, freelance artist and writer, and a serial entrepreneur—and her friend and coauthor Cat Seto—designer, illustrator, writer and stationery and wedding line creator.
Book includes tips on how to:
Write a business plan
Attract clients
Stay focused at home
Market your business effectively
Gracefully juggle parenting and work
And so much more!
Meg wrote about her experiences as a mom and business person on Design*Sponge and offered 5 tips I thought were wonderful—be sure to read the full story on Design*Sponge. Here are Meg's tips :
1. Motherhood doesn’t mean sainthood.
2. Yes, children should come first, but . . . sometimes so should your business!
3. Think less about the word “balance” and think more about “making it work.”
"Some people care too much. I think it's called love," says Winnie-the-Pooh.
Image: Wisdom by Winnie the Pooh. Art by me, Chris Olson. The role of Pooh played by the handmade and much-loved Honey Bear. Feel free to Pin it on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!
Hello, friends! Hope your week is going well. It's finals time in schools here and around the US. I created the rosy graphic above as inspiration for my kids to think positive. Testing is never fun. But summer vacay is right around the corner.
Here are 5 summer styles your kids will love—and so will you. Candy-colored hues in super soft cotton that's both comfy and cute. My fave is the adorable dog sketch on the tee. Shop now for all the styles at J.Crew.
~5 Summer Fun Styles for Girls at J.Crew~ Clockwise: Sailor Girl stripe rollerneck sweater and sunglasses, Puppy Love dog tee and sailor short, Ooh La La Trompe L'Oleil tee and toothpick jean, Fun Frock poplin shift dress and stripe capris, Cool Camper safari vest and garden floral short.
Summer styles graphic above by Chris Olson. Images by J.Crew.
Watch baby Lotte grow up and age 12 years in 2 minutes, 45 seconds in this time lapse video by the proud dad and Dutch filmmaker Frans Hofmeester. Lotte's dad says, "I filmed my daughter every week, from birth up until she turned 12 years old and then made this time lapse edit in FCP."
This adorable video of Lotte growing up makes me want to create a time lapse video. Have you ever made one? For a tutorial video on making a time-lapse video, check out Rob Griffins' Macworld tutorial. As Rob explains, with a time-lapse video you convert hours and days of activity into minutes and seconds of video. In his tutorial, he says:
I explain two ways of creating such videos, one easy and free, the other more complicated and time consuming (guess which method I’ve been using).
Are you a perfectionist? As a card-carrying "over thinker" I know my tendency to be self critical happens all too often. I need to tape the message above to my mirror.
If you are looking to get out of a rut and reclaim your awesome-ness, check out these inspiring links:
I believe awesome-ness is contagious. Look at the awesome collections Erin Loechner features daily on her blog Design For Mankind.
Creative awesomeness needs to be shared. Do you like to create things and dream of turning your craft into a career? Check out the the books Craft, Inc. and Creative, Inc. by the super creative Meg Mateo Ilasco and Joy Deangdeelert Cho.
Gretchen Rubin's best-selling book and her blog The Happiness Project offers insights on how to find happiness in your life.
The clever people at Boon Inc. have created an adorable book shelf that doubles as a piece of art. Kids and adults will love displaying their favorite books in the Turf, Front-facing Bookshelf. Great for all sizes of books. Books face forward for easy selection. Easy wall-mounting, hardware included. Dimensions: 4.75" x 15.75" x 10.25". BpA-free. Phthalate-free. PVC-Free.
Image above by me, Chris Olson. Photos: Boon, Inc.
Daylight saving time begins this weekend. Don't forget to turn your clocks ahead one hour on Sunday, March 12, 2012.
A bit of daylight saving time trivia
Leaving out the plural "s" on daylight saving time sounds strange, but according to the grammar experts at The Washington Post the term is not plural.
Daylight saving time is NOT observed in Hawaii and Arizona.
In case you were wondering... The clocks featured in the image above: Retro Turquoise 9 1/2" Square Wall Clock via LampsPlus.com, Black Wehrle German Commander Alarm Clock via Crate and Barrel, Dropped Numbers 23" Clock via CB2, Wooden Hedgehog Wall Clock via The Land of Nod, and Tangerine Creamsicle Modern Wall Clock (sold out) via Uncommon on Etsy.
Hello, Friends! Seems like only yesterday I started blogging, but this is my 1,000th Momathon Blog post. Wow! I decided to post a happy thought to remember this week. Enjoy your day. And remember to take a friend to lunch too!
Image: Wisdom by Winnie the Pooh. Art by me, Chris Olson. The role of Pooh played by the handmade and much-loved Honey Bear. Feel free to Pin it on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!
I love a good fairy tale. You know the stories... An enchanted kingdom with its very own haunted forest, a rich and handsome prince, a beautiful and smart princess, a wicked queen, some jealousy, throw in a mysterious twist or two, add fluttering hearts, and of course, sprinkle on some magic...
What happens when instead of the prince saving the princess the classic tale is turned completely around and even upside down? Happily ever after never sounded more impossible. But don't give up on our princess yet, because the fearless leader of the band of dwarves is Snow White herself!
In theaters March 16th, the movie Mirror Mirror retells the classic fairy tale with Julia Roberts as the Queen, Lily Collins as Snow White, Armie Hammer as Prince Alcott, Sean Bean the King and Nathan Lane as the Queen's wimpy servant, Brighton.
It's final exam time and kids in middle school and high school are busy writing essays. Facing a blank page can be daunting. Fortunately, adding a simple framework to each paragraph makes the actual writing part a snap. (Three steps to writing a strong paragraph below)
Girl power is ageless! Girl Scouts is celebrating it's 100th anniversary this week. Keeping up with the changing times, some of the older badges are being retired. According to Boston.com:
"As Girl Scouts of the USA prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary, the organization has revamped its badge lineup, and some - Looking Your Best, and From Fitness to Fashion, among them - have gotten the ax. Others, such as the cookie badge, made the cut, albeit with makeovers."
My personal faves are the new Voice for Animals, Money Manager and Netiquette badges. Evidently social media is relevant even to this century old organization.
I am delighted to have my images from this blog re-posted but please always credit MomathonBlog.com as the original source when re-posting to your blog, Pinterest, Tumblr, or any other site. Please also credit with a link back to MomathonBlog.com. Please ask permission before re-posting exact text, instructions, recipes, or diy's from MomathonBlog.com. Thank you.
Momathon Blog archives: 2006-2008 I have been blogging for MomathonBlog.com since June 2006. Before I moved to Typepad I blogged at iWeb. You can find the posts from 2006-2008 at the link above.
