GIVEAWAY TIME {and a house update}!

Hello Old Friends!  
It has been over a month since I've been in this space.  I'm sorry.  But...SO MUCH HAS HAPPENED.  It seems like I should have plenty of time, but this was an easy thing to put off.  
Where have I been?
Moving in to OUR NEW HOUSE!  After over three months of living with my parents (sans internet), house hunting, and growing frustration, we finally found a house!  It is in a different area than we expected, but it put us closer to the metro area than we ever expected and it is working out great so far.  We got a lot of things on our "must have" list such as a beautiful kitchen, a shop, an extra bedroom, a master suite, and more.  
I've always taken a lot of pride in where I live and love to put my own touch on each place.  Now, we finally have our OWN house and I can really decorate and design the way I like to.  I will post a couple of teasers but FIRST I have to tell you about the AMAZING decals I ordered on Etsy.  
I came across a few great deals and ended up purchasing from Stephen Edward Graphics. I was surprised when they showed up promptly at my door, with extremely detailed instructions, and even a little freebie.  After sharing the picture of my first project, I knew these updates would be a HIT!   

This is our front door, which was made even more beautiful with this fantastic decal.  AND YOU CAN WIN ONE!!  I am teaming up with Stephen Edward Graphics to give one of YOU a FREE "HELLO" decal!!  Make sure to enter and share!! a Rafflecopter giveaway

This decal took me less than five minutes to "install" and looks totally fab on our front door.  People think I hand painted it, that's how great the decals are!  It is fairly large and matches our siding very well.  I absolutely love the way it looks!
A few days later, I got to refurbishing our mailbox.  I'm pretty sure the neighbors think I'm insane because I spent a day working on our mailbox.  Of all things...  But, let me tell you, it looks incredible.  Not only am I thrilled that we have our own mailbox, but it looks fabulous!  

If you want to start shopping NOW, why not use a discount code?!   Use HELLOOLSON in their ETSY SHOP for 10% off your order!  
This is a husband and wife owned business who have excellent products.  You can find anything from baby decals to personalized items.  They also love to work on custom products!  My mailbox decal was customized to fit, as it was meant for a door.  They have tons of colors to choose from and IF YOU WIN, you can choose your HELLO decal in any of their colors.  
I am not getting anything for this post other than a free decal for one of you!  You will not be disappointed with these products and I HIGHLY encourage you to get shopping!  
Who doesn't like to win things?  Who doesn't like discounts?!  Get to it, my friends!

Anniversary Party ~ 35 Years!

At the end of May, my parents celebrated 35 years of marriage.  They met in high school, got married young, and have lived in the same house for over 30 years as well.  My brothers and I have always been "long-term relationship" people.  My parents have obviously done something right...  

So we had to celebrate!

I planned a bonfire and potluck and invited family, friends, and good weather.  The Saturday kicked off when my aunt brought over the picture board she had made with wedding and other fun photos of my parents.  It was so fun to see the old pictures , clothes (hehe), and hear some great stories!

I luckily had time to do a little bit of DIY for decorations.   The color palette ended up being a bit primary, but it ended up looking great!  I made custom cake toppers by using a paper cutter, stamps, and toothpicks.  Anyone could make these cute little toppers in any color or shape!  They looked great on my homemade chocolate cupcakes with green frosting.  A win!

I made a few tissue flowers  to hang over the windows to add a bit of flare.  These are super easy!  Accordian fold a bunch of tissue together, tie a string around the center, cut the edges and POOF it.  Hang from the ceiling or keep one side flat and set on a table or in a bowl, etc.  CHEAP and EASY!

I also made a paper bunting to hang over the food table.  With so much light coming in the porch, it was really hard to get a picture.  I simply cut paper triangles, taped them on a thin red jute cord, and wrote "HAPPY 35th!" in cork letters.  It looked so cute hanging off of a set of antlers!

As I said, the weather was fabulous and we enjoyed a bonfire in the back yard. Our dog loves when people are around and usually ends up spending the night by the fire. 

I got to spend some time playing with all of the kids that were around.  I got lots of hugs from my future nieces and enjoyed having some time to act like a kid again.  

I want to again say THANK YOU to everyone who stopped by and shared love and memories with my parents.  I *hope* they had an amazing time and will want to celebrate for their 50th!  THAT will be a bigger party :) 

I'd love to see your DIY decor and hear your party ideas! 

Moving Home {What I'm Up To}

Last week, I did a quick update of what's been going on in my life.  My husband and I are currently living with my parents while house hunting.  He works from home and I'm everyone's housewife.  I'm sure half of you are wondering, WHAT does she do all day?!  Well, I am loving having time to work on all sorts of things, so I'm going to share of a few of my projects I've completed since being back in Minnesota.   To start, remember a while back when I mentioned that my cleaning and organization habits can drive some people crazy?  I now know that it is in response to my mom's style of household.  I love my mama, but she has a tendency to KEEP lots of things, stuff them in to small spots, and then forget about them.  AKA = C.L.U.T.T.E.R.   Since I'm helping out with the house, one of the first things I did was organize the cabinets and closets on the main floor.   The linen closet was chock full of too many towels, an overflow of bath and body products, and tons of smaller miscellaneous items.  I organized all the body products by type and put my mom on a buying freeze until we use up some of the lotion/body wash/etc.  {I recommend this for everyone!  Just because it's on sale, doesn't mean you will use it!}  All hotel sample bottles are in a bag that is easily accessible before traveling.  Everything else lives with other like items (nails section, sun section, oils) so it is all easy to find.  Mom only had to help by getting rid of some of the 30+ pillow cases {yikes!}.  Now everything fits nicely, and we even have some extra space!  

Before (I had already removed the items on the floor)

After

Next came the kitchen, where I organized the food cabinets by sorting all the cans, bottles, spices, boxed items, teas, etc.  I now know exactly where items are and what we have available for meals.  I also took this time to get rid of a few expired items.  I cleaned and organized all the drawers in the kitchen...INCLUDING the junk drawer, which I vowed not to touch.  Together, mom and I went through the glassware and were able to make that cabinet a bit more appealing. The kitchen clutter is gone and things are easier to find.  My extra special touch, I scrubbed the floors by hand ;)
For some fun outdoor projects, I painted our bathroom storage and a rusty stool I found outside.  A few coats of spray paint can make anything more pleasant!  I also water stained our picnic table for the season.

Last weekend, my mom and I tackled the porch area.  Since my dad works outside during the day, this is sort of his domain.  It was messy and disorganized.  All it took was a garage sale box, moving some items to the garage, sorting some clothes, a quick dusting, and an intense vacuuming session. We also added a shoe rack, organized the closet by season, and gave dad his own designated area.  It is now a much more pleasant place to be!

These are some of the things I've been able to tidy up since we've been home.  I also keep a weekly cleaning schedule, tend to the laundry, and do dishes a few times a day.  Not having our own home right now is definitely a bummer, but I love to clean and organize, so I'm keeping myself busy around here!  I always make sure to get approval before I dive in, so hopefully I'm not driving my parents too crazy!

Vegas Wand Chalk Markers Review & Giveaway

Need a little bit of excitement on this Wednesday?  Will some neon colors help? 

Add a little bit of creativity and BAM!

I was sent some chalk markers to try out, and being the worst doodler in the world, I came up with this:

Our back door is all glass and needed a pop of color!  To get started, you shake the markers and depress the tip until color starts to come out.  This took about thirty seconds each.  The tip of the markers can be switched around, depending on what you're using them for.  You can choose a round tip or a chisel tip - I went with the chisel.  I've never seen this option in a marker, so neat!

One of the coolest things about this package of chalk markers is that you can use it on so many different surfaces.  Remember when you surprised your friend by celebrating their 18th birthday and writing on their car windows?  And then their parents got angry because it NEVER WASHED OFF?!  You won't have to worry about that with these.  As long as you're writing on a non-porous surface, cleanup will be quick and easy!  Check out this fifteen second cleanup:

I want to steal their list from Amazon so you can see everything you can write on:  Glass, Mirrors, Plastics, Metals, Non-porous Blackboard and Chalkboard, Varnished Wood, Chalkboard Contact Paper, Appliances, Whiteboards, Counter-tops, Stainless Steel, Glazed Ceramic Tile. 

Think of all the possibilities!!  You can use these in your kitchen, garage, parties, gifts...the list goes on.  So now here's your chance -- get to decorating!  Enter our giveaway below!

Although I was provided this product for free, all opinions are my own.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Start Your Own "Spark File" {Thought Storage}

My morning commute is only 10 miles, and it takes 40 minutes.  It's pretty maddening.  But now Mike works from home, and I get to drive the CR-V which has Bluetooth audio.  And so I've come to enjoy podcasts...

My favorite is RadioLab, but I like it so much that I'm now listening to episodes from 2011!  So I had to find something else to listen to and have gone back to Stuff to Blow Your Mind.  I definitely am not as in to it, but it's giving me something else to listen to. 

This morning I was listening to Steven Johnson:  How We Got to Now.  It talks about innovations and how we got things in our "modern world".  I wasn't too taken in by it, but the one thing that stuck out was when he talked about his SPARK FILE. 

This is a document that he has been working in for almost ten years.  Whenever he gets an idea or has an interesting thought, he writes it down in the document.  It's not organized, and is now over 70,000 words, which is longer than his longest book.  But WHY?

He is a believer in the idea that great ideas often come from hunches.  A great idea generally doesn't present itself in full form.  Sometimes you need to come back to something to fully develop it.  Or two ideas can make a connection, and then you're off and running.  This is why he is constantly writing down ideas. 

He said that he comes back to it about every few months and reads the whole thing.  That is where some ideas blend together, become more prominent, or just stay dormant.  His Spark File has lots ideas for books, articles, speaking ideas, etc.  He says that "The key is to capture as many hunches as possible".  You can read more about it here.

I think this is a great idea for anyone to use!  I'm going to start writing down blog post ideas, small business ideas, clever names for blogs/businesses/people, tips that come up at work, vacation ideas, etc.  Even though I don't see myself as an entrepreneur or a business owner, it will be great to read through my Spark File and see if anything new blossoms!  You never know what may come about when you're reading your own creative thoughts. 

Think of it as a dream journal for your conscious hours. 

It might also be cool to read back your file from years ago and see how your mind was brewing up ideas.  Some thoughts just become unimportant because you are focusing on other things at the time.  You never know when the timing might be right and then you're ready to pursue one of your ideas that you wrote down eight months ago! 

ANYONE can do this!  Start a Word document, an Evernote, a physical journal, or whatever you can keep close.  Write down your budding ideas.  Re-read it every few months or every six months.  Take the time to breathe it in and appreciate the corners of your mind that may have ended up on the pages. 

This is something simple that everyone can do.  Use it to better yourself and enjoy it!  I can't wait to get mine started.  Let me know what you think!

Creative Side Jewelry - Making My Own Rings!

Christmas was hard this year.  I had no idea what to get anyone.  After the fact {of course}, I settled on the "Four Gifts of Christmas" idea.  How convenient.  But I also didn't know what I wanted.  So Mike and my parents were struggling, too.  I did come up with a bike bell for my new cruiser...but that didn't happen (eh-hem). 

What I did get was a unique gift from my husband.  He got me a ring making class at a jewelry academy.  It's called Creative Side and located in South Austin.  Check them out here:  Creative Side Jewelry Academy.  I finally got around to signing up for the class and attended earlier this week.

It was a four hour class starting at 6:00 pm.  So after work, I downed a quick dinner and barely made it in time due to lovely Austin traffic.  When I arrived, I bought a sterling silver upgrade packet and picked out my "bench" work space.  Everything was set up for us beforehand and we quickly got started. 

 

Our rings all started as flat pieces of metal.  The instructor started by showing us how to get started all together up in front of the classroom.  After she demonstrated each stage of the process, we would return to our benches to try it out for ourselves.  Once everyone had done a bit on their own, we would all learn the next step and then return to our benches again. 

The instructor and assistant were constantly walking around to help with questions and check work.  They were very helpful and kind.  Some of the processes were intimidating, but they were always there to show you tricks or talk you through it.  I may have used a torch and a power tool...

After soldering, but before forming/sanding/finishing

The process took over four hours for me to finish six rings.  By the time I left, it was after 10 pm.  My hand was cramped, and my left arm felt dead.  I couldn't even use it to drive home!  In fact, it's still a little wobbly two days later.  I definitely have a bigger appreciation for handmade jewelry goods.  It is HARD work.  It takes a lot of time, practice, and attention. 

But how cool is it that I can wear rings that I MADE?  This was definitely an experience I would recommend.  It would be a fun thing to do with friends, your mom, as a birthday/bachelorette party, etc.  It is something a little out of the ordinary that will give you fun new memories and jewelry. I love that if anyone asks about my rings, I can say "Thanks!  I made it!". 

So here are my finished products.  I textured four out of six pieces and left two of them smooth.  They fit well and are comfortable to wear.  What do you think of them? 

Mug Swap 2014 - Holiday Happiness

Don't forget to:  Go like my Facebook page - Being Mrs. Olson Blog.  We will be doing a fun giveaway when we reach 250 likes!

 

If you wander blogland at all, you will likely come across a "swap" of some sort.  These are ranging from treats to jewelry to handmade gifts.  So I decided to host my own for my non-bloggy friends right before Christmas. 

 

As you all know, I love getting mail.  And packages are twice as exciting.  Especially gift packages from a surprise gifter!  I created a Facebook event and invited about 50 people. I ended up with 20 participants from 8 different states!!  It was so nice to connect with friends from all over and know that cheer was being sent to many different places. 

 

So how did we do it? 

 

A "YES" RSVP meant that you would send and receive a mug plus some goodies.  Once you RSVP'd, you posted on the page a few things you like so that your gifter had some shopping ideas. 

 

I said that I loved purple, owls, Minnesota, lace, fuzzy things, and chocolate covered nuts.  It was so interesting to see what people say when you actually have to write down what you "like".  It was sort of hard to think of things!

 

Then, I drew names randomly and sent the corresponding address to each gifter.  They could then look on the wall and see what their person liked and get creative.  Some people worked hard and even ordered from Amazon to get the perfect mug! 

 

I made a few things, bought a few things, and included some sweet treats.  It was so fun shopping around for cute little things to ship off to Minnesota.  I got excellent feedback from everyone and they said they would love to do it again.  I cannot wait to give it another whirl for Mug Swap 2015...coming to you November 2015!

 

Have you done a swap?  What would you suggest or send? 

 



Texas to Minnesota

Texas to Minnesota

Minnesota to North Dakota

Texas to South Dakota

Minnesota - Minnesota

South Dakota to North Dakota





Colorado to Minnesota

Minnesota to Colorado

North Dakota to Minnesota

Idaho to Minnesota

Alabama to North Dakota

Minnesota to Missouri

South Dakota to Texas - I got an extra treat because one gifter was feeling extra generous and sent me a hostess box!

App Alert - Offer Up

I came across a sponsored ad on my Facebook a week ago Sunday.  You know, those annoying ones that are in your news feed for no good reason.  I actually scroll through them sometimes, because you never know what you'll find. 

 

For some reason, I downloaded this app called OfferUp.  Just to check it out.  We have a few things in our house that we've been wanting to get rid of, such as extra furniture.  So I decided to put a few things for sale.  In a week and two days, I've made over $200 by selling things that we no longer need!

 

It has been a quick and easy experience and all good so far.  You simply post one picture, a small description, your price, and general location.  From there, your item is "offered up" to the homepage that is shown below.  You can select categories to search or just scroll endlessly until something catches your eye.

 

 

When you find something you like, you message the person in the app and offer them a price.  From there, you make plans where/when to meet and exchange.  It is so nice not having to give out your phone number or deal with the giant mess of Craigslist.  For me, it has been a lot easier and much more successful.

 

I haven't bought anything from the app and likely won't, but if you are looking for something in particular, or something for a good deal, it's definitely worth checking out!  I have been really lucky that my things have been catching people's eyes.  Now, our house is starting to look a bit bare in some places!  Mike even had to pull an old table to use as a bedside table.  Oops!

 



 

Check out this app and let me know what you think!  PS- I was not in any way compensated for this review, I have just had good luck and wanted to share :)

Easy Burlap Pennant/Banner/Bunting

My blogging has been pretty great lately about being just behind the season.  Oops. 

 

The good thing about this SUPER EASY project is that you can use it any time of the year!  I have now used it for fall and Christmas decorating.  I even made some extras for friends and sent them back to Minnesota.  You can use this for birthdays, showers, anything fun!

 

A quick trip to the craft store (or your craft drawer) will get you the few supplies you need for this project.  I think I only ended up buying the burlap.  I got three large rolls at Hobby Lobby and they were only a few dollars each. 

 

You Will Need:

 

-Jute cord or a ribbon

-Burlap ribbon or sheets of burlap

-Hot glue

-Sharpie

-Paper letter printouts or letter stencils

-Scissors

 

I started by using my computer to choose a holiday appropriate font in a large size and printed them out.  For fall, I used a larger blocky letter, and for Christmas I used a curvier font.  If I remember correctly, I used over 200 pt. font for the size. 

 

Next, cut out your letters with a scissors or exacto-knife.  If you want to be REALLY efficient, you can print onto a thicker paper so that you can keep your letters for future uses.  You might even be able to find alphabet stencils at the craft store or Amazon and save yourself this step all together.  I was going for cheap, but not necessarily efficient. 

 

Roll out your burlap and decide how big you want your pennants to be.  I eyeballed the letters on it and then cut enough space on each side.  I would say mine were about 4-6 inches wide.  Then cut how ever many squares/rectangles you need for your word. 

 

Trace your letters on to each square and then fill in with your sharpie.  If your stencils are the opposite way (the center is empty), you could also paint or spray paint your letters which would help them to last longer.  (Again, I was going for the quick and cheap method!)

 

At this point, I let my letters sit under a magazine overnight because they were a bit curly (the burlap was rolled up).  You could also iron your squares to get them flat and seal in your letters a bit more.

 

Now you're ready to put them on your cord or ribbon.  I used a thick jute cord and made sure to leave plenty of space on the ends so that you can tie it on to anything.  I started by putting the hot glue right on the cord and then pressing the top of each pennant on to the cord.  I then eyeballed over about two inches and put more glue for my second letter, and so on. 

 

At the very end, I cut the triangles out of the bottom of my burlap rectangles to make them look more like a fancy banner.  You could really do this step at any point after you have your original rectangles cut, I just like it to be the finishing touch!

 

This project was so easy and CHEAP!  Let me know if you come up with any variations and share your projects below!