I Invite You... To Rue La La!

If you're not on Rue La La (a destination for invite-only, premium-brand, private-sale boutiques), you should be. If only for these:

{Arthur Court Ghost Salt and Pepper Shakers - $25}

also, maybe these:

{Diane Von Furstenberg (how could it be anything else?) silk leopard cover-up - $99}

{Report Edson Sandals - $49}

{Suzi Chin Embroidered Dress - $49}

{Tibi Intarsia Sweater Dress - $99}

It's invite-only, but I'll give you an in.

Just click here.

Focus On... Kudu-lah! {And A Giveaway!}

**I don't know what's up with my formatting! I'm working with Blogger to correct these issues! Sorry!**


Did you think the monsters in Monsters Inc. were super cute? Do you like "weird" art? Do you like mason jars? Do you like the feel and weight of wood? Are you a fan of free shipping? Then, you'll LOVE Kudu-lah! This unique etsy shop is the brainchild of Kenny Kudulis, a deep South transplant who now lives in The Big Apple. Out of his imagination comes an array of "critters" to adorn your walls, kids, and babies. Could it get any better? Yes, it could - because Kenny has bravely answered my silly questions and has offered a free mason jar critter to one lucky reader! Read on for more info!

{quadropus listenin' to some LPs - critter and pin-up art

my fave!}

Tell me some basic info about yourself. My name is Kenny Kudulis. I grew up down in the deep South. I am from a little port city called Mobile in Alabama. I had a wicked awesome childhood filled with afternoons of fort building and weekends filled with fishing.

{slub mason jar critter art}

What kind of mediums do you use and why? I love using wood as a base for all my prints. I love the weight of it, the color and especially how no two pieces are the same on account of the grain.

{squppy runnin for the train critter art}

What made you decide to sell on etsy? About 3 years ago or so a buddy was telling me about this AWESOME site called Etsy. The next day I opened a shop. I sold hand painted messenger bags back then but for about the last year I have been selling my lil critters!

{3 eye'd guy kids critter tee}

Where do you get your inspiration? I get my inspiration from people I meet and all the pets I see walking around the city. Also, I go to the American Museum of Natural History alot but it all started with late night subway rides. It would be 3am or 4am in the morning. I would be coming home from work and the people I encountered on the subway from Manhatten to Queens on the "F" has definetely given me years and years of inspiration.

{mr. toothy with the cabaret singer - critter with pin-up art}

What is your favorite music to craft by? I have been listening to a lot of Avett Brothers and The Black Keys lately. My old go-to standard though, is anything by The Flaming Lips.

{boo scare mason jar critter art}

When it's cold outside... I am watching BattleStar Galactica eating Jungle Curry with my Lady :)

{bear-bear onesie - does the super cute baby come with it?}

When I'm hungry... I usually wander around aimlessly opening cabinets and drawers 'til my wife says, "Let's get delivery".

{nerdy worm critter art}

When I need a boost... I go to the MOMA or The Met. That usually gets my butt in gear.

{when skitch attacks critter art}

I wish I was/were... On that 50 day cruise Royal Caribbean offers...That would be pimp.  I think it is only like $6,000. . .Which isn't bad considering all the ports.

{BRAHprobe 1710 mason critter art}

If I could give one gift to everyone I know, it would be... Well it would be a mutual gift...Time. Time to hang out or go to brunch. Just to slow down and enjoy time together. Everyone is so busy and moving so fast these days. Myself included.

{moxie mason jar critter art}

If I could have coffee with anyone, it would be... Wayne Coyne. I met him for a brief minute at a show. I got totally star struck and said something to the effect, "You guys totally rock!" Totally Lame, I know. I would want to sit down and ask him about how he managed to stick it out all those 12 years at Long John Silvers till the Lips finally made it.

{when quadropus attacks critter art}

If you were an animal, what would you be? Prolly a squirrel... I am a little spastic :)

{shark jr. mason jar critter art}

What's your favorite piece of your own? My first critter painting. It is special because it is where it all began.

{moxie kids critter tee}


What are your favorite blogs/websites right now? I just discovered "People of Walmart" yesterday. Dude, it is a little horrifying for sure. As always, I love etsy. My wife has a super duper blog called "Cupcakes Malone" it is an online food and adventure diary following our time here in the NYC. Pretty rockin'.

{on the subway platform critter art}

You can find Kudu-lah at their website, on facebook and on etsy!

{Giveaway}

Kenny would love to offer one of you lucky readers your very own mason jar critter! 

{take your pick!}

First entry (mandatory):

Become a follower of my blog through google friend connect or through your preferred RSS reader.

Second entry (mandatory):

Head over to Kudu-lah and tell me which mason jar critter you would choose if you won!

Extra entries (optional):

- Friend Kudu-lah Critters on Facebook.

- Follow the Kudu-lah blog, Critters! Critters! Critters!

- Follow Cupcakes Malone.

- Sign up for the Kate and Oli mailing list.

- Follow me on Twitter, tweet about this giveaway and leave me the link.

- 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.



Please leave separate comments for each entry and make sure I can contact you if you're the winner!

Fine print: Giveaway begins when it is posted and ends at 11:59pm pacific standard time September 7, 2010. A winner will be selected by a random number generator on September 8, 2010 and will be emailed promptly. Kudu-lah will ship anywhere in the world!


**Don't forget to enter to win a faux taxidermy birdie from Mary Beth's Art, if you haven't already!**

Love Stamped Groupon!

{keep calm and carry on necklace}

Love Stamped, a super cute etsy shop, has a Groupon deal today that you have to check out! For only $12, you get a $25 gift certificate!  PLUS, this offer includes the shipping! Hurry, because this offer is only good for a couple more hours!

Here are some examples of what YOU could get!

{jewels in the tree}

{initially the queen}

{tiny peace sign earrings}

{initially perfect}

Happy Birthday, Robert!

Robert was the boy next door in my dorm hall in college. He likes to tell a story about how his first memory of me is of me stabbing an apple with a spork, because I didn't "like to bite into things." I like to tell the story about how he offered me a banana and I said, "I'm ALLERGIC to bananas." Obviously, meaning I hated them - but he thought I was literally allergic to them for years until I finally corrected him. 

Robert is one of the coolest people I know - fun, exciting, giggly, optimistic and smart, eloquent, well-read, cultured. He is brave and it has been lovely watching him discover himself over the years. He has always made me feel so good about myself and I hope he can say the same about me. 

These days, I only get to see him 4 or 5 times a year, even though he lives about... 20 miles away. Luckily, we have one of those friendships where you can pick up right where you left off. 

Happy Birthday, my lovely Rupert! :)

Focus On... Jimbob Art!

About a year ago, I picked up a couple porcelain pens and some white plates from Ikea and I tried to draw on them. And write on them. And in general, make them look awesome. You know what? It's a lot harder than you think. Or than I thought. It was actually really hard. So, I have a unique appreciation for the talent, skill, and patience that it takes to create artwork like James of Jimbob Art does. Read on for more information about his process and work!

Tell me some basic info about yourself.

I am a freelance illustrator working in London, just gone self employed! Scary!

{hungry bear side plate}

What kind of mediums do you use and why?

I work using porcelain pens for my hand drawn plates, but use pen and ink for my illustrations work.

{sausage dog print}

What made you decide to sell on etsy?

A friend said I should sell on etsy plus I turned 30 and thought I better start trying to sell my artwork!

{peacock serving plate}

Where do you get your inspiration?

Swedish design, Tord Bjoonte, Ralph Steadman, Ericailcane

{biscuit wolf side plate}

What is your favorite music to craft by?

Willy Mason, Tallest man on Earth, Radiohead.

{cat doll print}

When it's cold outside... Hot Chocolate time!

When I'm hungry... Chocolate time!

When I need a boost... Chocolate time!

{sleeping fox serving plate}

I wish I was/were... I wish I was travelling around the world

If I could give one gift to everyone I know, it would be... Hand Drawn Plates! 

If I could have coffee with anyone, it would be... Hunter S Thompson

{mouse will perform for cakes side plate}

If you were an animal, what would you be? Buzzard

What's your favorite piece of your own? My Goat illustration

What are your favorite blogs/websites right now? 27b/6

Since you've all seen my Oliver, you know that this one would be my favorite!

{cat sleeping serving plate}

You can find James' work at his etsy shop, Jimbob Art.

Focus On... India Blue Jewels {Update!}

I love to support the artists I have featured here on Kate & Oli - and in that vein, I let them know to contact me if they have any exciting news or announcements. Heather from India Blue Jewels - featured here - has some VERY exciting news!

{Natural Sterling-Dipped Oak Leaf and Coin Pearl Necklace}

Her shop was nominated to be featured in an awesome local magazine, 7x7! Isn't that fantastically exciting?

Please, please take a moment out of your day and go *here* to vote for India Blue Jewels (#12). You can vote once per day though September 9th.

If When India Blue wins, she'll be featured in their November design issue. 


Heather, I already voted for you and I will vote everyday until 9/9! I wish you the best of luck and I know my readers will help you out!

Pictures From Saba and Hammad's Wedding!

This is my favorite shot with me in it from Saba and Hammad's wedding.

{Me, Erica, Hammad, Saba, Sarah, and Lucy.}

Here are some more:

Focus On... Simply Hue!

Hello my lovelies! I know I've been a bit distant lately, and I'm so very sorry. Soon, I hope to tell you all about it! In the meantime, enjoy these beautiful photos from Simply Hue - who is offering free shipping through the month of August!!

{bon voyage}

{basket of tulips}

{white blossoms}

{a rare sight}

{fair ride in pastels}

and my favorite... (feel free to purchase it for me!)

{robin's egg blue}

You can find Simply Hue's blog here!

Finds Under $10 at Cambria Cove!

Have you seen the semi-annual sale at Cambria Cove? This normally super pricey, but oh so cute store has bargain basement deals happening! All of my finds below are under $10 and would make great Christmas/teacher/backup presents!

*enter code MBFASHIONWEEK and get an additional 10% off!*

{yellow infusions teapot - $7.99

also available in blue, orange}

{palm wood salt and pepper shakers - $5.99}

{20 assorted holiday cards - $8.99}

{4 waffle cone sundae glasses in red - $8.99

also available in white}

{mini ceramic candle - $4.99}

{3 holiday guest soaps - $5.99}

Hurry! These deals are moving fast!