Destruction: Oliver-Style

{dad: why is there a hole in your shirt?

*fumbling around, looking for the impending disaster*

me: oh no, OLIVER!}

In other news, I'm getting a haircut today and there (assuming it's fabulous) will be pictures later!

Don't Say You Don't Have Enough Time.

{via}

Don't say you don't have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michaelangelo, Mother Teresea, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein. 

-- Life's Little Instruction Book, compiled by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

{this quote gives me a kick in the pants when i feel like whining.}

Love... PB Teen

Anyone who has ever worked in retail and had the advantage of that fabulous employee discount knows how hard it is to shop without it. When I worked at Pottery Barn Kids, I had access to a 40% discount at Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, PB Teen, West Elm and my own store. Since I still get all the catalogs delivered to my doorstop, sometimes it's hard to remember that I have to pay full price. This was especially true with the most recent PB Teen catalog; I earmarked most of the pages and highlighted the rest.

Here are my picks (even without the discount):

{love life wall tapestry}

{word bookends}

{revolving bookcase}

{wire horses}

{hope tapestry}

{take note pencil cup and paper clip bowl}

{xoxo pillow}

Oli, Oli, Oliver!

{how can you not nuzzle that nose?}

Skinny Cow Ad Love!

{I love this skinny cow ad. I want to frame it and put it on the wall. Ice cream, balloons, hearts, dachsunds and giraffes? It's perfect! from here.

{Over at Young House Love, they took this ad, photoshopped it up a bit, and used it as nursery decor. So ingenious!}

I'm Back!

Okay, first of all, I want to thank each and every one of you for your sweet comments and helpful words on this post. I was in a rut, a ditch, a valley and I couldn't see a way out.

However, due to your fabulous support, and a bit of "let me call the wahmbulance for you" from Jonathan, I am back on track! I lost 4 pounds last week and this week, I'm hoping to lose another 4. The week after that, I'm heading back to Vegas, and the last time I was there, I lost 4 pounds!

So, how did I do it? How did I banish my blues? Well, first of all, I stopped feeling sorry for myself. Yes, I did a great job losing 40 pounds, but what was I waiting for? A parade? I was being silly and waiting for everyone else to fawn over me and my accomplishments instead of being giddy about the fact that I am 4 sizes down, many inches smaller and a whole lot healthier. I try to notice, everyday, the changes, the new body I have. When I notice that my legs look skinnier at the gym, I take a moment to enjoy that. When I get dressed and realize that a lot of my clothes are too big now, I realize that is tangible proof of what is happening.

Next up, I signed up for tennis lessons. A lot of you recommended changing up my workout to get me out of my plateau, and it worked! Granted, as a beginner in tennis, it's a lot more standing and swinging than cardio workout, but every Saturday, Mike and I (he's taking the class with me) walk up and down the fifty billion hills between his house and the tennis courts and then we run around in the sun for an hour, only to walk back over those hills. The best part of tennis lessons though, has been the simple confidence I've gained. In my coordination, my athleticism, my body itself.

Lastly, I set new goals. When I started this journey, "Florida" was my goal. It seemed so far away! And when I went to Florida, I was a good 30 pounds down, and I had more confidence and more fun. But when I got back... I didn't have anything to work towards and I floundered. This is where Jonathan helped me; he basically said, "Man up. Stop complaining. Set a goal." And then I said, "Wah, wah, wah, I'm so sad, wah, wah, wah." The next day, though, I realized the value in his words.

So I set myself two new goals: to be able to wear (and look good in) a dress I bought a while ago (it might be a few sizes small right now) AND to run for 2 miles (without stopping). With these two goals, I can cover the vanity/body/image side of the coin and the health/endurance/fitness side of the coin. And as we all know, there are two sides to every coin! :) I know, I'm super cheesy. But seriously, goals are integral to success. As Lawrence J. Peter said, "If you don't know where you are going, you will probably end up somewhere else."

Something else that has been a huge help to me along this journey is Sara Rue's blog. If you're not aware, Sara Rue (from Popular, and most recently, The Witches of Eastwick), started Jenny Craig in January 2010 (when I did!) and in March had lost 30 pounds (go Sara!). The best part about her blog is that she reveals the same insecurities that we all have, the same problems, the same time crunches and lazy days where she doesn't want to gym. But she also revels in her accomplishments and her new body. Also, she's funny and she writes like you're talking to a girlfriend you're having coffee with.

{so that's me. a few days ago in this very office. i am blond, i am tan, and yes, now i can see, i am slightly less chipmunk-cheeky. but really, i am happy. i'm back on track. :)}

Sketchy Tees on Sale at Forever 21!

I am loving the Forever 21 sale section today. They have these super cute black and white sketch tees for less than $7! The kitty love one is my fave - what's yours?

{kitty love tee - $6.99}

{umbrella tee - $5.99}

{drift away tee - $6.99}

{a toi pour toujours tee - $5.99}

{french woman tee - $6.99}

Check out the rest of the sale here!

*Gasp* Gorgeous Wedding!

When I saw this wedding from Green Wedding Shoes, I might have gasped. Audibly. I love everything about this: the kite invitations, the pastel bouquets, the pinwheel decorations and the birdhouse centerpieces. It's all going into my inspiration files.

Love... See Jane Work

See Jane Work is one of those fabulous online destinations that makes you feel like you really can have it all: organization and style. With their help, you can conquer the world. Seriously. Pencil it in.

{desk tidy - how ingenious is this? instead of using an old coffee cup, you can use this cleverly designed desk organizer that just looks like a group of old coffee cups. :) also, it comes with five pencils!}

{travel organizer - i don't know about you, but i always feel like i'm leaving something behind when i go on a trip. but with this organizer, there's a place for everything and everything can be in its place. there's a slot for your camera, your phone, your ipod, and all the cables and adapters that come with them.}

{animal tape dispenser - i never thought i would be one of those country-kitsch people who like rooster decor, but i just realized that i love this. and that i already have two other rooster-y items in my room... there's also a kitty and a frog for those non rooster lovers out there.}

{silver letter opener - i'm a fan of letter openers; using your thumbs to slit the top open just seems so plebeian. :) and how fabulous and modern is this one?}

{magnetic birdie - are you like me? can you never find a paper clip? enter this sweet little dude. not only will he keep all your paperclips within wingspan (haha), but he will chirp you a little tune everytime you take one or replace one.}

{webster's dictionary- is there anything more fashionable than white leather? yes, actually: white leather encompassing the beautiest of beauties: words. a white leather dictionary? yes, please! there's also a matching thesaurus. be still, my beating heart.}

Love... Small Prints by Mitchell & Dent

{dahlia}

{magnolia}

{orchid}

{rose}

{cherry blossom}

Mitchell & Dent, offer what they call Small Prints, a line of small, affordable, limited edition pieces sold for $5.50 each or $25 for a set of 5. They have three different themes available now. The one above is aptly named The Botanical Series. They also offer Whether The Weather and Animal Whimsy.

{Whether The Weather}

{Animal Whimsy}

Their small size and muted palette makes them perfect for any little nook or cranny you'd like to brighten. They would also be intriguing in a grouping of large, odd-sized frames gathered behind a couch, dining table or along a staircase. I think you should get all 3; that's what I might do!

You may find Mitchell & Dent on Twitter, Facebook, and their blog, Mitchell & Dent's Tittle Tattle & Tales of Terrificness.

My Cards {In Your House!}

One of my lovely customers, Kimberly, sent me a picture of my How To Diaper A Baby card in her nursery. I love that she used it as a decoration and accent! Maybe I should offer it in a larger size, like an 8x10 print. What do you think?

If you've purchased something from my shop and have a picture of how you have used it, send it on over!

We Have A Winner!

And the winner of the Mark Poulin Giveaway is.... 

#106, Joey!

I will be emailing you right away to get your information, Joey! Thank you to everyone else who entered and be sure to try again next time! Also, a huge thank you goes out to Mark Poulin!

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Happy Birthday, Daddy! I love you :)

This Is My Life {at work}

{my workspace. at work}

What Would You Call This Pose?

{streeeeeeetch}

It's Smoothie Time!

Today is the first day it's actually sunny here in *sunny* Southern California. And because of that, I'm feeling the summer vibe. It may also help that I'm planning another vacation! I know, I'm way too blessed. :)

To celebrate summer, what's better than smoothies? Smoothies with real fruit! Smoothies with real fruit and $1 off coupon! Click here to enjoy!

Tip: Print in black and white, it's a TON of ink. Expires 8/15!

Cart-Worthy + Heart-Worthy: Tattoos!

Now that I'm part of this club (otherwise known as "those who are tattooed"), I can't stop looking up tattoo inspired items on Etsy. Take a look at what I've found, and comment if you find more!

{1. tattoo necklace 2. leather wallet

3. color tattoo invitations 4. rockabilly wedding set

5. chenille washcloth set 6. tattoo mugs 7. tattoo inspired apron 

8. keep calm and carry on snails 9. tattoo save the dates}

****

Four more days to enter the Mark Poulin necklace giveaway!

Palos Verdes in June

{But more wonderful than the lore of old men and the lore of books is the secret lore of ocean. 

- H. P. Lovecraft}

Greece Love

No one ever creates anything great without a dash of madness. - Aristotle

{okay, i don't know where this is, but i want to go there.

it makes me think of that part of the sisterhood of the traveling pants where alexis bledel goes to greece to visit her family. this is what my movie-idea of greece looks like. please someone tell me this is what it actually looks like and i'm booking a trip.}

For The Love of Etsy: Paper Sparrow {and a discount!}

Paper Sparrow
{20% of the proceeds from this fabulous shop goes to The Audubon Society - to help with the Oil Gulf Spill Disaster. Check out the papr sparrow blog here.}

{spring deer, yellow forest, pandas ride bicycles, panda love}

Paper Sparrow has generously offered a special deal for Kate and Oli readers:

Buy One Get One Free on All 8x10 Prints!

Simply buy one print and leave the name of the choice of free print in the message to seller - valid through 7/11.

*this is the sixth feature of a week-long event called "For The Love of Etsy Week" - each day there will be a new shop and a new discount code!*

Time For Me To Be Honest {and FORTY pounds!}

{No, these are not great pictures with which to compare, but it's not like I've got pictures of myself in my underwear laying around. I think I can see a difference; I know my clothes are smaller.}

Okay, readers, I need your help. I have hit a wall. A plateau. A terrible place where "lack of motivation" resides. I have lost 40 pounds. F.O.R.T.Y. POUNDS! And that is amazing, and wonderful and I'm so, so proud of myself. When I think of it like that, I am amazed that I did it.

But then... I have forty more to go. And while I take a tiny bit of comfort in the fact that this first forty wasn't INCREDIBLY hard, I still want to whine and stomp my feet and yell, "I lost forty, isn't that enough?!" But it's not. I am 20 times healthier than I was 40 pounds ago, I no longer need the C-PAP machine, I am sleeping better, and have more energy and am happier with the way I look. But am I happy (as opposed to happier)? Am I at a place where I feel completely good about myself? No.

Sometimes, I wonder if this is the crux of the issue: I've been  a certain way for basically my whole life and I'm used to that. Everyone who has ever lost a ton fo weight says the same thing, "I'm still fat inside." You still think of yourself as the way you were. Maybe if you lose 20 pounds, you can parade around on the beach, super happy about your new, improved body. But for me, and so many in this situation, I'm 40 pounds lighter on the outside and exactly the same on the inside.

Don't get me wrong, I notice the changes and I REVEL in them. I run my hands over my wrists, collarbones, knees and hips all day long. I love the feeling of these changes. But acknowledging that, yes, my rings now fit on my middle fingers instead of my pinkies is WAY different than feeling like I'm not fat.

And when I get really discouraged, I get angry because I found beauty in myself before. I saw sinuous lines in my shoulders and strength in my calves - even forty pounds ago! So, when I'm already discouraged, I wonder "was this necessary?" Was I so terrible before?" And of course, I know this is crazy. I know I need to be at a healthy weight. But there are so many emotions, so many lifelong FEELINGS wrapped up in this journey that sometimes I'm overwhelmed. Because if that's who I was, then who am I becoming?

Half of me says, "You're not defined by your weight or your looks. You are still who you think you are." The other half says, "Hah! That's crap. Of course you are defined by your looks. They have made you who you are. The fat girls are smarter, and funnier, and better writers. The fat girls are good friends, and nurturers and never ask for much." And that's who I am, who I've always been. How much of that is because of my weight? Or is my weight a product of those things?

So, I'm at a place where I'm relatively steady at being lame. I cheat on my diet because I feel like I "earned it" or like I "already messed up, so why not?" And I'm super pumped about going to the gym at completely inopportune times, like in the shower, on the way to school or while I'm at work. And I psych myself up for a workout, and then... I'm exhausted, or I have to do homework, or I have to do 3651 other things. And of course, these are all excuses. Because when I was really motivated - 2 months ago - I had time to gym, and blog, and clean the cat box, and do homework.

I'm just stuck. Emotionally. So, I need your help, readers. Please, please leave a comment (or send an email) with whatever motivates or inspires you. What gets your butt off the couch? And actually, it doesn't have to be your workout inspiration, it could be whatever inspires you in general? Maybe to be a happier person, to be a more patient parent, to be a calmer driver or better at whatever you do!

For The Love Of Etsy Week: Rye Creek Studio {and a discount!}

Rye Creek Studio

{love intricate jewelry? adore vibrant colors and interesting textures? you need to see this shop. and i love that her sea glass is from... the sea!}

{feather plumes, aspen leaves, the canyons, sea glass}

Rye Creek Studio has generously offered a 20% discount just for Kate and Oli readers! 

Simply mention the code RC20 in your notes to seller and you will receive a 20% paypal refund.

Valid through 7/11.

*this is the fifth feature of a week-long event called "For The Love of Etsy Week" - each day there will be a new shop and a new discount code!*

Focus On... Mark Poulin And A Giveaway!

{{giveaway closed}}

Mark Poulin is a talented man. As his website says, "He combines his passion for metal work and eye for color into playful jewelry which has won him a loyal following across the country. All of his jewelry is cast from hand-carved wax models. Screenprinted images from his original sketches are kiln-fired onto three layers of vitreous enamels." Basically, he's my fave.

{young dinosaur print - my fave}

Tell me some basic info about yourself.

I love to work. If I didn't have a partner, family and friends to pull me out of my workshop I could get sucked in for days on end. I'm obsessed with good design, and beautiful things. I am constantly striving to make something I am completely satisfied with. That never happens, or if it does it is such a fleeting moment.. I am then projected forward in the never ending (but happy) cycle of making things.

{pocket cat}

What kind of mediums do you use and why?

I work with metal because it is the perfect vehicle for enamels. Enamels allow my love of color and my need to draw and doodle on everything a permanent outlet.

{baby seal earrings}

What made you decide to sell on etsy?

I love both sides of etsy, buying and selling. I really appreciate being able to gift shop by key words. On the selling end I love the sense of community that etsy is still able to make us believe in... even though etsy has become so huge. I still feel like I am somehow important and a part of this little group of crafters. I am a proud member of  the "Old Time Etsy Team."

{tauruses are bossy (in a cute way)}

Where do you get your inspiration?

I'm inspired by DIY style of self published comics and zines. By pop culture. By shapes I see everywhere and in everything. By the cute little voices in my head.

{hedgehog family necklace}

What is your favorite music to craft by?

It changes all the time. This song just shuffled by at the gym, so I'm tripping on The Perishers this week.

{Ed. note: I LOVE The Perishers!}

{mini unicorn necklace}

When it's cold outside... I make good soup.

{pajama bear ring}

When I'm hungry... which is all the time.. I'm the snack master... lately that's rice crackers.

{modern bubble necklace in aqua}

When I need a boost... I go to the movies.

{quadrapus earrings}

I wish I was/were... oh, this could be a huge list. There is so much I want! Lets leave it at I wish I was better at singing and dancing...and squeeze in not so clutzy... and just also squeeze in I wish I was less shy and better spoken!

{i miss you wall plaque}

If I could give one gift to everyone I know, it would be... Loving, supporting people to surround them.

{fairytale bracelet}

If you were an animal, what would you be? Something that flies but doesn't migrate. I'm kind of a homebody.

{heartland print}

What's your favorite piece of your own?

I love this kitty on a clothesline right now.

{clothesline and hopscotch necklace}

What are your favorite blogs/websites right now?

My Love For You
The Sartorialist
Dear Ada

The Jealous Curator

CONNECT:

Mark Poulin on Etsy

Mark Poulin Website

WIN:

One of you lucky readers will win this reversible tree and bird necklace (an $85 value!)

- To be eligible for entry, you must be a follower of my blog through google friend connect or through your preferred RSS reader. -

- Make sure you leave me a way to contact you if you win. -

- Please leave separate comments for each entry. -

First entry (mandatory):

Head over to Mark Poulin's Etsy and tell me your favorite item!

Extra entries (optional):

- Sign up for the Mark Poulin mailing list.

- Sign up for the Kate and Oli mailing list.

- Add my button to your blog (in sidebar).

- Become a Facebook fan of Kate and Oli.

- Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link.

Fine print: Giveaway begins when it is posted and ends at 11:59pm pacific standard timeJuly 16, 2010. A winner will be selected by a random number generator on July 17, 2010 and will be emailed promptly. Mark Poulin will ship anywhere in the world!