Clementine and Olive Life Style Blog

New Site

noreply@blogger.com (Clementine & Olive) — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 06:08:00 +0000

Hello! It's been a fantastic month getting the new site ready to share with you all. Yes - there is a little blog option in the upper right hand corner that I will be updating here and there with creative projects and life posts but, not nearly as frequent as my I did my blogspot. Please enjoy the new site and stop back in when you can for updates on new pieces available.

www.clementineandolive.squarespace.com

Farewell

noreply@blogger.com (Clementine & Olive) — Sat, 28 Dec 2013 18:39:00 +0000

I have been thinking of this post for a little while now.

I started this blog when I was pregnant with my twin boys and it has been such a healthy and wonderful creative outlet for me. The day would come when I just wouldn't want to do it anymore. It never felt right until very recently. To share my life and creativity with the world has been a true joy but, being a single mom it takes an immense amount of energy to juggle it all and my main focus is at home with my boys & my career. I am sure all you mommies can relate! With the new year coming up It felt it so right to clear many distractions off the table and start a new. The Internet can be a wonderful tool but, as a blogger I find can keep you so preoccupied. When I look at my sons I think of what kind of foot print I want to leave with them and how much this occupies the time they deserve.

I will be still selling furniture under a new format, when that is up this will come down so it will be a couple weeks and will let you all know where you can find it. It has been really fun to share my creativity and adventures with you all and I hope as a reader you find something in all of this when you have visited. Most importantly that my foot print left a good mark...

A recipe for a happy heart

noreply@blogger.com (Clementine & Olive) — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 08:25:00 +0000

If you follow me on Instagram you might have seen I gave my once grey asian credenza a major make over with some super glossy white paint and I really love it!
Our Christmas tree is a bit fugally this year but sweet... I found the "perfect" tree at the Christmas farm and well... you give an itty bitty 5 ft mommy some christmas lights for a 6'7" tree and toddler boys that only decorate the lower half. You end up with very poorly distributed lovely decorated lite noble!

Paper Source // Christmas Wrapping

noreply@blogger.com (Clementine & Olive) — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 21:10:00 +0000

Simple is my Christmas decor this year, in other wards another good phrase for it is (unfortunately) "last minute". I had received a generous gift card from Paper Source to spend on my holiday needs in the amount of $20 and wanted to see what I could put together that was simple and elegant. I headed to Paper Source with THIS inspiration image and with a roll of gold polkadot washi tape, a roll of brown paper and a fresh twig from the left over lower cut limbs of our tree I put my creativity to work with their beyond helpful staff.

A weekend in the forest

noreply@blogger.com (Clementine & Olive) — Mon, 16 Dec 2013 05:40:00 +0000

I feel thankful to have a place to escape to, to call my own. Our cabin is nestled on a teal lake in the Olympics - Washington. It's a wonderful place to restore especially when you need it like our last couple weeks being so sick. I deeply believe there is much value in growing your children in the out doors, and doing so as much as possible. If there were few convictions I have, that would be one of them. We spent the weekend exploring Mt. Ellinor and discovered a beautiful frozen waterfall. After warming up with some hot chocolate we spent our evening watching Despicable me 2 (absolutely hilarious if you need a family movie recommendation) and the sugar cookies, oh the sugar cookies... they were delicious!

Taking your home...

noreply@blogger.com (Clementine & Olive) — Mon, 09 Dec 2013 20:17:00 +0000

to anywhere you can imagine...

Just to forewarn you I have absolutely uploaded way to many inspirational pictures for this post but, if this seems up your alley by all means continue to scroll away!

I kind of wanted give you a birds eye view in my mind, of what I was thinking when I bought my vintage trailer. Inspirational pictures of the situations I am drawn too, and as I feel like I am missing many that include children, it still gives you a great idea. For 2014 I plan on taking my trailer to the bay area for my annual road trip but, other then that it's primary use is to utilize the weekends in the pacific north west. In a dream world I have some bucket list hiking and mountain biking I would like to do in Utah, Idaho, Montana and Colorado but, most importantly I am excited to enjoy this with my children and friends...

Let's start with baby step!

link

Recipe for a happy heart

noreply@blogger.com (Clementine & Olive) — Sun, 08 Dec 2013 23:02:00 +0000

Wait, or is it a recipe for a sick heart?...

Geez you guys.

I do wish, I could be telling you about amazing adventures we've been having but the sickies have caught up with my little family 110%. We've literally spent about 9 days hibernating like bears in the house with serious fevers/colds/flus symptoms. You betcha, the house was on some serious lock down. I think officially were coming out of it - Thank god. However, I did manage to redo some chairs that will be for sale here shortly and I love, with a capitol (L) the print I bought from SS Print Shop (a donut) says, "donut worry / be happy" for little E's room!

Grab those christmas trees, embrace the cold, drink too much hot chocolate and stay warm; and don't get sick.

Sophie & Lili

noreply@blogger.com (Clementine & Olive) — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 01:51:00 +0000

The Sophie & Lili company is the most darling ever! I came across the custom water color figures on Instagram and stalked the source all the way back to it's website falling in love with this little company. Sophie & Lili primarily sells these adorable dolls priced at only $20. Fantastic christmas presents for the littles.

The custom watercolor figures are my personal favorite. Aren't they darling? I've already put it on my Christmas list this year for Santa!

A Recipe For A Happy Heart

noreply@blogger.com (Clementine & Olive) — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 08:08:00 +0000

Happiness is...

Waking up every morning to my children crawling in to my bed

Night spent with my whole family at my parents house

That exhilarating high while I mountain bike

and that connected confident feeling when I am done

The peace in my heart after a good yoga session

Train tracks that stretch from my dining room to my living room

Snuggling into bed with my cup of tea and new book

Scoring tons really awesome presents from goodwill that my kids will love all for $13.00

Thankful and appreciative clients

Catching up with my cousin

The beautiful clear cool crisp weather

Intimate Table Scape // From Thanksgiving to Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Clementine & Olive) — Thu, 28 Nov 2013 03:11:00 +0000

Being a super busy mom this year I wanted a table scape that was going to take me from Thanksgiving to Christmas. I didn't want to spend much money but, I still wanted it to be really elegant & tasteful. I either made, recycled or spent little money on the table scape with the flowers costing me the most of my budget. The best part the whole thing was done in two days!

What you'll need

Cups/Wine glasses/Tray - $20.00 from Target

Table Cloth Material - $7.99 Ikea

Plates (already owned) - Ikea

White napkins and a round white table cloth barrowed from my mother (thanks ma!)

Flowers $35

Twigs from a Rosemary bush in the garden

Reused the paper bags from grocery shopping and created placemats

I sewed up the corners of the fabric to make a table runner. You can easily use fabric glue

I cut a curved edge on the paper bags from grocery shopping, then ironed out the paper.

*Tip*Once guests are done with dinner bring pencils in with desert and write on the placemats all the things you are thankful for in 2013.

I went to Home Depot and found a knotty piece of wood and had them cut it into box pieces and my desired length. We went home, used gorilla glue and 4 nails on each side to create the box. ( Do not worry about sanding the rough edges until after it's painted). After we spray painted it black we took a coarse grit paper to it which distressed it, and gave it the beautiful aged look it has now.

We bought white and green flowers, a floral foam block and created an arrangement! This was the first arrangement I did while it wasn't perfect it was super easy and fun!

And tada our thanksgiving table scape we'll also be using for Christmas!

New Chair For Sale // Caitlin Wilson Textiles

noreply@blogger.com (Clementine & Olive) — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 05:15:00 +0000

If you've been following the blog you might remember me working on this chair. It has custom matching piping and white semi-gloss paint in beautiful fabric by Caitlin Wilson. They would be amazing flanked on either side of a credenza. If you love this chair and want a second one, it has an un-finished pair available.

Each $150

Get Your Bike On

noreply@blogger.com (Clementine & Olive) — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 21:17:00 +0000

Long ago I forgot to share photos of our amazing summer trip to Bend, OR. One of the high lights in between camping and a hike at Smith Rock State park was riding some of the fun trails in the wilderness. Many people ask what bikes my kids are riding on at so young. We started them on Strider balance bikes when they were about 2 years old and loved every moment on them, crashes and all! We officially rode our first a single track trail together this summer in Bend but, I didn't get many photos and we only went a couple miles on it because all our energy was spent on the near by pump track goofing around. Below is Portlands indoor biking park The Lumber Yard. It's an amazing place if you haven't found it already. If going with small kids I suggest going there slower hours also, ask where there bunk room is (down stairs) it tends to be vacant at times. Great for one on one! They also have ladies night... awesome!

If your a mom I support you in, going to get your bike groove on!

Helping Ethan up the ramp he should be going down

Ah, beautiful Smith Rock State Park...

Now, whats our next adventure?

Land of Nod // Vintage Trailer

noreply@blogger.com (Clementine & Olive) — Fri, 22 Nov 2013 18:13:00 +0000

When I came across this in Land of Nod catalog the other day I did a little squeal, and in no way do I sqeal ever... Are you kidding, this so awesome, and is so absolutely happening at my house Christmas day! Land of Nod is really hitting the nail on the head this year, there are so many fun and creative toys like this I just love it.

Recipe for a happy heart

noreply@blogger.com (Clementine & Olive) — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 18:12:00 +0000

Music Matters

noreply@blogger.com (Clementine & Olive) — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 06:42:00 +0000

Sunday night we got in our warm jammies and snuggled in mamas bed for an hour, listening to music. Its a weekly routine I introduced about a month ago to slow them down. The boys think it's such a treat! Liam and Ethan are super active and have a really hard time slowing down their energy especially when there together! You should see these kiddos, it's like they morf into one super child. Well.. and so, I've been seeking out new creative ways to get them to just chill. We've been going to Kin & Pod yoga movement class where they can dance their wiggles out, we stretch out in basic yoga, end in slow breathe work; they crack up seeing mommy pretend to be a barking dog in downward dog - "arf-arf!!". Oh, and you know I totally get in to it too. I have only so many years I can make a fool out of my self before it's un cool.

They like it, but they LOVE music.

Liam especially has shown a strong interest in dancing and melody. Before bed, we lay in the sheets, we snuggle; and we listen.

It's so cute. My heart explodes.

Tonight I've been looking online for form fitting kid head phones.

Does your kids have special head phones you'd like to recommend? Maybe I should just grab a pair of oldies from my parents for free incase they get trashed?

This is on our playlist tonight

Capitol Cities / Safe and Sound (kids love this song)

Chris & Thomas / Broken Chair

White Buffalo / Love Song #1 (threw in something for mommy ;)

Josh Garrels / Don't wait for me

Clean Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

noreply@blogger.com (Clementine & Olive) — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 16:27:00 +0000

5 Bananas Mashed

1 Egg

2 Cups of Oats

2 Large scoops of chocolate organic soy protein powder

1/2 cup Peanut Butter (or nut butter of choice)

1/3 of Unsweetened Apple Sauce

1 Tsp Vanilla extract

1 Tbsp Cinnamon

1/4 Cup of Honey or Agave

Extra: Add 1/4 dark chocolate chips

Mash well, distribute balls evenly on baking tray, bake for 12-15 minutes on 350

The original recipe called for no egg, 3 bananas and only a table spoon of honey. Depending upon on how sweet your want these vary the content on personal preference. I thought they were too bland and my kids wouldn't eat them. I added egg for a little fluff

Hazardous Design Livingroom

noreply@blogger.com (Clementine & Olive) — Sat, 16 Nov 2013 20:26:00 +0000

Today I just had to share a little love to Carrie from Hazardous Design and her incredible living room that she put a ton of hard work into and wow did it paid off because, it's total perfection! In fact if you check out her blog you'll see how beautiful the entire house is turned out.

When Doing Something New

noreply@blogger.com (Clementine & Olive) — Sat, 16 Nov 2013 19:44:00 +0000

Boys Winter Gear

noreply@blogger.com (Clementine & Olive) — Fri, 15 Nov 2013 05:42:00 +0000

If you're a mom of boy(s) you know this problem very well: You walk into a store and there is an entire ocean of the cutest girl items and then, there is the boys section... Oh wait, don't blink you missed it!

Back up a bit... Oh look, a tiny little corner for the boys wear. Well thank god little boys don't care if they are covered from head to toe in mud but, sometimes their poor moms do. So today, I have made a post from my little search of valued winter wear. As much as I would of absolutely loved to have bought out the entire patagonia store that wasn't going to happen with two kids. All my items are under $30, looking appealing to the eye; they area also very practical.

Mitts / $11 / Zipper for money of heat packs / Tie offs so snow stays out / Two colors (white & black)
Puffer Jacket / $28 / Two toned / Hood / Insulated / Comes in 5 colors / Comes in Vest
Snow Boots / $27 / Freaking adorable / Tie offs to reflect snow / Two toned / Insulated
Bib snow pants / $20 / Zip up from waist / fleece connected top / pockets / 5 colors / ankle tie offs
Fleece zip up hood / $10 / Two Toned / Pockets / 5 colors / Great 2nd Layer
Base Layer / $75 / Splurge item / Freaking adorable / Two toned / Pajama ready / Multi use

Honorable mention:

What I saw this year - is Old Navy has some fantastic toddler shoes right now along with an incredible winter sale. Patagonia has super cute everything along with Helly Hansen but, found that Target, Old Navy and other major stores were coping some of the basics. REI and Nordstroms also had some incredible in store deals on toddler boots such as Sorel but, couldn't find them online.

Interior Trailer Design Plan // Schedule

noreply@blogger.com (Clementine & Olive) — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 06:53:00 +0000

Interior of Trailer Over Haul Budget

Deadline February

Fabric & Upholstery Labor $370 +$250

Roller Shades $80

Perma-White Paint $50

Flooring $70

New Countertops $120

Hardware $32

IPad Swing Arm $120

Accent Pillow - Free on Trade

Total = $1092 \ 3 = $364 per month

December

Re-Upholster seat cushions

January

Paint Trailer

Paint lighting accents

Polish metal trim

Roller Shades

New Pulls & Knobs

Flooring

Febuary

Ipad Swing Arm

New Countertops

Accent Pillow

Powder coat or Paint front panel of fridge to match oven

Every remodel needs a plan and I am giving you a sneak peek into my 3 month over haul. As you can see the majority of money is going to be spent on upholstery. As long as you have an out standing upholster any job looks superb. Unfortunately sewing is one area where the genes didn't get passed down in my family so I've budgeted for those handy hands. I will be spending a good weekend painting the entire interior my self and doing the rest of the work. My supply budget is above and will be broken down in to the three months to afford this dream come true. I found fantastic hardware by Martha Stewart priced at only $1.98 per pull, and new flooring for under $70! Since the current counter tops and table top is an off white, it is one of the very last things to remodel. I still haven't received my sample order from spoon flower but, that is where the fabric is from. Cross your finger because I hope it matches the oven!

A recipe for a happy heart

noreply@blogger.com (Clementine & Olive) — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 02:42:00 +0000

Target Gourd Lamp // A Little Make Over

noreply@blogger.com (Clementine & Olive) — Mon, 11 Nov 2013 01:37:00 +0000

Bailey McCarthy, from Peppermint Bliss her bedroom is perfection. It also happens to have a really good example of the gourd lamps by robert abbey that inspired my post.

What a couwincadink!

So today you get a double whammy of a beautiful bedroom shot and a little Target hack combined.

This lamp was really cute to begin with I just knew wanted some sort of gourd lamp for the boys room so when I came across this one at target for $9.75 on sale I knew it was perfect for my little project!

I used a spray paint from Rustoleum that already has primer in it so I didn't need to use a primer to begin with
I taped it up exposing only the "brass" and electrical components and did a few coats of evenly distributed spray paint. Leaving a pretty new green lamp!

1968 Aladdin Trailer // The Beginning

noreply@blogger.com (Clementine & Olive) — Sat, 09 Nov 2013 05:14:00 +0000

This is where it all begins, this is my vintage trailer project and I can't wait to look back at these photo's after it's all finished and enjoy my hard work. For now it's time to layout my plan of action but, before I do all that I'd like to simply just share with you the big picture. You can see the over all idea of where I'm starting.

First I need to tell you a few things about this project. This has been a dream of mine for a very long time, probably since I was a little. For the last few months I've put away a small amount of money and planned on purchasing my trailer in spring. I budgeted $2500 for a trailer in about this condition. Believe it or not in the vintage world, the smaller the trailer the pricier and more desirable they tend to be! One day this trailer popped up on craigslist, the old man didn't know what he had and the very best part is that I am the 3rd owner which means, it has been kept in very good shaped (for the most part). Its almost like stepping back in time and structurally it's totally solid! The selling point was that it was dirt cheap and half the price of my original budgeted amount!

To be honest I thought logically:

How much space do I want vs. need

I didn't care about brand of trailer all I wanted was something cute pre 1970's and I kept it practical. Of course I love the idea of a huge trailer (a home on wheels) but realistically that isn't going to happen. On the flip side I did look at those extra small drop trailers and even some pop up campers but, since I had room to tow so I took some advantage of that.

-How much can my SUV tow and how much does my trailer weigh

My Volvo XC90 can tow up to 4000 lbs. That is a lot, of weight and seriously way more then I need but, it makes me feel very secure that a picked a trailer that weighs about half that amount roughly 1700 lbs. Have you seen that tiny truck on the road towing something way above capacity, it's obvious and crazy... well, all I know is I didn't want to be THAT person.

The cost to tow

Simple math. The smaller the better. This is where I really thought about the amount I was going to use it, vs minimum hotel costs multiplied by gas consumption & mpg. Over all it's a winning idea especially if I can get into those local summer weekend getaways; close and convenient.

This camper is a moderately weathered for it's age and I can't wait to get it professionally scrubbed next week to see how much we can brighten it up! I am hoping to brighten up the white as much as possible with bleach and only repaint it's yellow striped a mint color next summer.

Replace the wheels with vintage chrome ones like in this picture and white wall tires

Sand, prime and repaint this old rusty tongue black again

Continue the stripe to the back, across the tail lights

AH! So heres the inside. Scary? I do love the oven, what a sweet vintage color but, guys...

Do let me be real for a moment.

The trailer is from 1968 lets just presume who ever designed that fridge was on way-way too much acid. It's pretty groovy!

The cushions are gross but, thankfully the insides are in great condition and ready for recovering. You wouldn't believe what a pain it is to buy new foam.

Some new cables...

More details...

Stay tuned while I share with you my restoration plan, inspiration and design!

For some eye popping inspiration here are what others have done with their vintage trailers check out THIS and THIS

Our Week of Halloween Highlights

noreply@blogger.com (Clementine & Olive) — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 18:05:00 +0000

Just a little bleated photo dump of our wonderful Halloween week along with the quick afternoon zoo trip we did. The Portland Zoo is amazing for small children, we love it so much my mom scored us all a years pass! This hands on birds exhibit is especially wonderful because my children have this fascination with birds and eggs right now. Liam & Ethan love seeing eggs in our fridge and call them "baby booods"... but, it makes for a very awkward moment when I make scrambled eggs.

For $1.00 they give us nectar water and the birds will climb upon your arm for a drink!

My Top Secret Project

noreply@blogger.com (Clementine & Olive) — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 03:50:00 +0000

Since I was a kid I've always dreamed of owning and renovating a little vintage trailer. After this summer I decided this would be such a great time in my life to do it and with that notion I've been saving up my money. If you've been following my instagram, you'll see I pulled the trigger on this perfectly solid, completely untouched 1968 13ft trailer! The best part is that I am only the third owner. I promised my self to not complete gut it in respect of its integrity but I will be putting my own little touches to it. Next summer I cannot wait to start making wonderful memories it this with my sons. Let the project begin!