Living Lola Style

MOVING DAY

2013-08-21T14:07:00.000-05:00

[KismetJunk.blogspot.com]

If you were inspired by Living Lola Style,
you'll love the new blog: Kismet Junk!

Subscribe to Kismet Junk and you won't be sorry.

(Seriously.)

FIGHTING BOREDOM

2013-03-05T12:40:00.000-06:00

ITS A SNOW DAY, FIGHT THE BOREDOM!

In Morris, IL parents are scrambling to entertain their kids today. Yesterday was the Illinois Holiday, Casimir Pulaski Day and today, an unexpected snow storm cancelled school for a second day . So, what are parents to do?

Leave the house, buy yourself a well deserved cup of coffee, pick up some groceries and stop into Lola's where there are TONS of creative and fun activities to entertain the kids. Here's a few of the favorites:

1. STICKER PADS

Remember Colorforms? These stickers pads are similar with more than 150 reusable stickers to play with on 5 fun scenes. Lola's carries 6 different sticker pads, for both boys and girls.

2. 'DECORATE YOUR OWN' KITS

Paint your very own kits include banks, figurines and more. The banks that can be decorated include cupcake bank, piggy bank, and a race car bank. There is adorable rubber duck that can be painted then used in the tub. There are also two dinosaur figurines that your son or daughter can paint then display on their book shelf. These kits are perfect because they come with the project, paint, stickers and paint brush - all in one handy box.

3. PAINTING

Are you raising the next Van Gogh? Encourage your budding artist with paint with water books, finger paints, watercolor paint sets, and paint pads.

This seasons must-have accessory for any toddler artist is Water Wow. Fill the paint brush with water, paint the pages, color magically appears, then dissapears once the water dries. Perfect for dining with your parents!

4. COLORING

Coloring is fun whatever age you are. Lola's has Jumbo Coloring Pads with 50 Different Pictures, Crayons, Non-Roll Markers, Non-Roll Colored Pencils, and Blendy Pens. Make your world colorful!

5. CRAFTS

Nothing was more fun as a kid than a good craft project. Put the phone and ipads down and create! Lola's has tons of projects: Sand Art, Swirl and Spin Art, Suncatchers, Wood Models and Princess Wand Kits. These kits come with all the paint, wood glue, sand, stickers or brushes you will need.

There is no reason you should ever hear the words, "I'm bored" with Lola's in town! Open Monday - Saturdays 10am - 6pm. See an item you want, but you don't live near Morris? We can ship anything, anywhere! Give Lola's a call: 815-513-5788 or send an email !

--- Happy Snow Day!

CHECK THIS OUT

2013-01-30T12:58:00.000-06:00

WE ARE FAMOUS !!!!

Lola's was thrilled to be featured on the Shop Small 2013 blog. This is a great blog focused on the whole idea of Shopping Small! Here is how the author describes the blog:

"In nutshell, I’m sick of chain restaurants and stores. As a small business owner, and a mom, I think it’s important to support the independent shops & restaurants that are passionate about what they create and sell.

November’s Small Business Saturday’s popularity has increased dramatically over the years. But, really, can’t we support these businesses more than once a year. We seem surprised when the 'little shop on the corner' goes out of business. But as my brother-in-law likes to ask 'when was the last time you shopped there?'

I decided to challenge myself to a year of shopping small. Wondering if I can truly find everything I need for my family, without breaking the bank, and finding some amazing gems along the way. "

Check out this blog and follow the Shop Small journey!

MIGHTY WALLETS

2013-01-28T11:19:00.000-06:00

You know who's awesome? You are!!!

It's true! And awesome people need a Mighty Wallet.

What's a Mighty Wallet, you say? It's an absolutely amazing Tyvek wallet, no stitches, you can write on it, very thin but its REALLY tear resistant. And I mean REALLY. Like I used my muscles and I couldn't tear the sample. This is stuff is crazy.

AND..its recyclable. So when you are done with it, you can recycle it! Be green!

And....it comes in a whole bunch of nifty designs! These are just a few of my favorites at Lola's but we have bunches more! They are only $15 so that's a great deal for you or your sweetie!

stop by and check it out!

allie

- Allie Luallen is a Featured Contributor to the Living Lola Style blog.

BEING CREATIVE

2013-01-23T14:55:00.000-06:00

What does it mean to be "be" creative?

Is it that you are especially talented and could sell art for millions of yen?

No.

It's the incurable, ineffable, irresistible desire to create.

To put yourself out there, to risk.

So don't trying "being creative" just DO.

You already have all that you need.

Being creative is willing to make messes and mistakes, and then clean them up.

In life, and on your kitchen counter.

Nobody is perfect.

To put some beauty into the world, even if only your eyes can behold it.

To release anxiety, stress, grief. When you do, someone finds it and realizes they are not alone.

allie

- Allie Luallen is a Featured Contributor to the Living Lola Style blog.

LOLA'S NEW GIRL

2013-01-21T10:38:00.001-06:00

Becka!

"My name is Becka and I am a music-loving, cat-hugging, scrub-wearing, cake-baking, photo-snapping, wife-to-be. My blog is about the ramblings and dabblings of my daily life. You will most likely find me in a pet store with an arm full of kittens or standing in a pile of drool at Anthropologie–but most of the time I am in the kitchen pretending I am Ina Garten (denim shirt included)."

Becka is the newest member of our team, and a bubbling cauldron of energy and enthusiasm.

She blogs at: http://chronicenthusiasm.wordpress.com/

Stop by and say hi at the store, and her blog!

allie

- Allie Luallen is a Featured Contributor to the Living Lola Style blog.

CHILL OUT

2013-01-18T11:44:00.001-06:00

Feeling stressed out lately?

Me too! Winter has that draining effect on almost everyone.

Here's some things to do to "chill out"...

1. Read. You know that book you've been wanting to read, just never have the time? Take the day (afternoon, hour) off and go read! Grab and blanket and cuddle with a book on the couch. Seriously. Dive into some Hemingway, H.G. Wells, Treasure Island, Les Miserables, Heidi. Classics are good for the soul.

2. Eat. Not encouraging gluttony here, but the opposite in fact. Instead of pounding some Mcd's when you are stressed, take the time to treat yourself nice and make a delicious, healthy meal. I suggest a lovely salad with cold cut chicken or turkey for some staying power. Add some winter fruit and your good to go!

3. Cuddle a baby. No baby available? Then take the time to appreciate someone else in your life. Cuddle with them if possible!

4. Change some artwork in your home. Switch it up! Instant mood improver!

5. Spend some time with your pets! Animals are proven to improve a bad mood, plus you can play paparazzi and take a bazillion adorable pics of them....

This is my guinea pig, Sherlock. She loves the spot light. (not really, but I don't care :)

6. Take a walk. "But it's cooollllddd" So what? It's not gonna change, so channel your inner Eskimo and embrace the snow and chill. Just make sure to bundle up! Trust me, you'll feel much better after!

7. Go shopping. Unless you've got a massive debt problem, go peruse your favorite shops. Don't have a lot of cash? Lola's has very reasonably priced stuff for your snowy days ahead! We get new stuff in all the time, so come check us out.

Thanks for stopping by!

allie

- Allie Luallen is a Featured Contributor to the Living Lola Style blog.

LOLA DRINKS

2013-01-16T08:00:00.000-06:00

I don't know about you, but when the weather turns cold, I turn to hot chocolate. I'm always looking for ways to spice it up and invent new flavors for my choco. Enter the Rolo White Hot Chocolate...

The idea is pretty simple. Heres what you need:

Rolo White Hot Chocolate
Two or three little Rolo's, or other carmel filled chocolate candy
A packet of high quality white hot chocolate
Hot water or milk

Dice up some Rolo's, place them in the bottom of the mug, then add you packet of white hot chocolate, followed my hot water or milk. Add a split Rolo for garnish, and ENJOY!

XO Allie

- Allie Luallen is a Featured Contributor to the Living Lola Style blog.

PHOTO CHALLENGE

2013-01-14T15:29:00.000-06:00

Hi there! I've decided this new year that I was going to a photo challenge, 365 photos at my home and Lola's! Already I can see an improvement in my photos! Here's an update and a glimpse at some of the goings-on.

4/365

Lola's has new window lights, vintage gym lights! So neat.

9/365

Beautiful vintage cameras for sale at Lola's

8/365

A cozy day at home for me :)

5/365

Thanks for stopping by,

xo allie

- Allie Luallen is a Featured Contributor to the Living Lola Style blog.

LOLA DRINKS

2013-01-11T08:00:00.000-06:00

Are you feeling well?
Are you sure?
You look like you need a hot toddy....
I've got just the thing for you!!

Lola's Apple Hot Toddy
1 measure whiskey
2 measures apple cider
Small amount of honey
Cinnamon stick

Heat apple cider and whiskey and stir. Then add a small amount of honey and a cinnamon stick and ENJOY!

Oh...and feel better. :)

"Sometimes too much to drink is barely enough"

-Mark Twain

-Allie

- Allie Luallen is a Featured Contributor to the Living Lola Style blog.

'66 THE CHIEF

2013-01-10T12:00:00.000-06:00

We have this Morris High School yearbook from '66 in our store, and I got a kick out of some of the pictures, and was inspired fashion wise by some spiffy outfits. Thought you might enjoy a peek.

We have this yearbook for sale at Lola's if you want to own this piece of history. :)

allie

- Allie Luallen is a Featured Contributor to the Living Lola Style blog.

LOLA DIY

2013-01-08T10:54:00.000-06:00

Today, I'm going to jog your memory.

Do you remember a time before Pinterest?

Yeah, me too.
It's not that old. Weird right?

Well think a little farther back and remember those annoying cork pin-boards? People (myself) would put them up proudly in their offices and declare it the new place to put clippings from magazines, notes from friends and other such interesting tidbits.

But, sadly, the board remained bare. I mean, cut stuff out and pin it to a board? (Ain't nobody got time for that!) It just didn't happen.

But you know what did happen? I fell head over heals in love the "vintage school room" look. Remember light green chalkboards?

Ah, nostalgia.

I wanted to create a vintage style green chalkboard on the cheap, so I "donated" my old cork pin board and rounded up some other ingredients.

To create this look, you'll need...

1. Paint-able surface. I chose my old cork board, but anything really would work. An old ugly picture, a piece of wood ANYTHING you can paint.

2. This other stuff. Plaster of Paris, or Unsanded grout (available at any home improvement store) acrylic or latex paint to get the desired shade, measuring spoons, one plastic spoon and something to mix the paint in.

3. Mix! Add 1 tbls of the Plaster of Paris to 1/2 cup of paint. To get the vintage green look, I used 1/4 of bright green paint, 1/4 of off white, and a few dashes of black. Then stir WELL, the plaster can be lumpy.

5. Paint!

thanks for stopping by!!

xo allie

- Allie Luallen is a Featured Contributor to the Living Lola Style blog.

GLAM WINTER PARTY

2013-01-03T09:00:00.000-06:00

Hello, and welcome to a new series on Living Lola Style; Party Like Lola!
The series will take you through different party theme and have neat ideas and DIY's along the way!

What's better than pink and glitter when the winter blues set in?
Nothing, that's what!

1. Create and eye-catching backdrop, this is the "base" of your color scheme and theme. I decided vintage book pages because the patina and texture. Use double sided tape and adhere to poster board for a quick way to breathe life into a otherwise boring wall without permanently changing it.

2. Create a snack buffet inside a piece of vintage luggage, with an eye catching liner. Use some contrasting dishes to display some appetizers or desserts.

3. Add a vintage twist: use vintage game cards as place cards. We sell these adorable cards at Lola's, I'll share the quick and easy DIY soon.

4. Elevate your centerpieces. Whatever you choose to center the party on, (I painted some jars hot pink and glitter dipped them!) make sure you can see it! I used a stack of vintage books in an complimentary color.

5. Place mats...remind you of your grandma's house? Well shake it up and use something different and interesting. I have a stash of vintage sheet music and I picked out some songs with cute titles! :)

Thanks for stopping by!

xo Allie

- Allie Luallen is a Featured Contributor to the Living Lola Style blog.

ANTHOLOGY

2013-01-02T18:00:00.000-06:00

We LOVE Anthology at Lola's!

Anthology is an amazing, high quality magazine, full of ideas and inspiration for your home, cooking and photography.

We have plently of copies at the store, ready to come home with you!

Facebook.com/anthologymagazine
Instagram: anthologymag

happy reading,

xo allie

- Allie Luallen is a Featured Contributor to the Living Lola Style blog.

2012

2012-12-31T09:14:00.001-06:00

From all of us at Lola's, we would like to thank all our readers and customers for an absolutely, amazing, fun year!!

We've got some new things cooking at Lola's, so I thought we could take a look at the many faces of our store this year, as well as some of our favorite blog posts!

Top 5 Blog Posts of 2012:

1. Blog about an unproductive day

2. The awesome Paint Swatch Wall

3. Lola's 10 Rules to a Successful Party

4. House vs. Home: Crates

5. A Pop of Color

Thanks again for an amazing year! We are planning some new, big and exciting things for 2013, for this blog and the store, so please stop by for a visit again soon!

xo, Lola's Team

50 SHADES OF ANAIS

2012-12-13T12:26:00.000-06:00

My latest obsession is Anais Nin. I believe she was a woman ahead of her time. By today's standards, she would be like most of us. A woman, trying to find out who she is, navigating a path through life and trying to juggle her needs versus the words expectations of her. Most of us recognize her name as it pops-up on pinterest boards as the author of a quote. However, I think of Anais as the E.L. James of her generation. She blazed a trail for modern female authors. Back then is was shocking for a woman to write erotic fiction, however, now she would probably be interviewed on Good Morning America. She is often romantically linked with Henry Miller, yet her husband Hugh Guiler is rarely mentioned. She even married a second time, without ever divorcing Guiler. Her life story sounds like an epic movie with scenes taking place in romantic locations such as Cuba, France, New York and California. She led a complex life, not unlike many women I know. I feel as if she were to walk into Lola's, we would be friends. She poured her thoughts into beautifully written poems, essays, novels, diaries and - most popular, her quotes. Here are a few of my favorite. One is surely to speak directly to your soul. - Stacey Olson

- Stacey Olson is a Featured Contributor to the Living Lola Style blog.

EVERYTHING I NEED

2012-12-13T11:07:00.001-06:00

A perfect quote to keep in mind as the holidays approach.

Here is a great rule of thumb to follow when shopping:

Enjoy being together with your friends and family this season,
And every day!

RANDOM

2012-12-12T15:08:00.000-06:00

Random Moments at Lola's.

Seen from Lola's window.

Something fun for your kids bathroom?

Happy Holidays - Lola's 2012

Happy Holidays - Lola's 2011

HOLIDAY WINE TASTING

2012-11-09T15:55:00.005-06:00

HOLIDAY WINE TASTING
& Open House

Thursday, November 15, 2012 - 5pm until 8pm

Sample four spectacular wines
Receive food pairing tips
View new merchandise
Exclusive open house deals

You don't want to miss this event.

____________________________________

Waiting for Lola's 'Crazy Days of Christmas' to begin.

also...Like Lola's on facebook to view the
'Crazy Days of Christmas'
daily deals, starting November 16th!

DAYS OF CORN

2012-09-21T14:06:00.005-05:00

The time is quickly approaching for

the Grundy County Annual

CORN FESTIVAL!

This coming Wednesday thru Sunday the entire town of Morris is overtaken with people celebrating Corn! There is something for everyone to do during the popular event. Visit the official web site: www.cornfestival.org for a schedule.

Extended Store Hours:
Bring your friends and family and introduce them to one of your favorite Morris stores!

9/26 Wednesday 9am-7pm

9/27 Thursday 9am-9pm (or later!)

9/28 Friday 9am-9pm (or later!)

9/29 Saturday 9am-9pm (or later!)

9/30 Sunday 10am-2pm

[Like Lola's on facebook for daily updates]

* CORN FEST NECKLACES *

We have Corn Festival necklaces! These adorable Tibetan silver corn charms hand from an adjustable ball chain. This is a fun way to show your love for Corn Festival! Wednesday - Sunday $10 each or $5 with any Gigi & Lola's purchase! These necklaces make a nice souvenir for your friends and family!

* Rocket Juice *

Don't like beer? Want something sweet and juicy to sip on? Lola's has your covered! When celebrating Corn Festival, stop in to Lola's to buy your wine fueled ROCKET JUICE. Purchase a DIY kit ad enjoy a scrumptious adult beverage during your Corn Fest festivities!

* Wine *

Having a Corn Festival party? Don't forget the wine! Anytime you purchase 3 or more bottles of wine at Lola's, you automatically save 10%! Lola's has unique wines for any palate!

* Treats *

Lola's has healthy options for Corn Festival snacking. Granola Bars, Bottled Water or Capri Sun Juice Pouches. A kids can't live on deep fried treats ALL weekend :)

* Gigi *

Our sister store is every one's favorite place to buy clothing. Boots, scarves, hats and jeans... you can buy your entire Corn Festival wardrobe in one place! [facebook]

Visit The Boutiques @ Lola's

RedBird Vintage Home | This boutique will be taking part in the annual Corn Festival Log Home Festival on Saturday 9/29. Red Bird features a mix of rustic cottage goods and re purposed furniture, merchandise and pillows. [facebook]

Someday Violet | This boutique offers handmade sewn items along with vintage finds and crocheted hats (by Katie Pea). [facebook]

Green P-Nut | This boutique features quality clothing, for babies and toddlers, fun styles, and organic lines. [facebook]

---------------------------------------------

Enjoy your
CORN FESTIVAL
from Lola's!

NOVOGRATZ

2012-08-30T11:35:00.002-05:00

Inspiring
Bold
Colorful
Creative
Urban
Funky

All those words, and many more can be used to describe the design team and married couple, Cortney and Robert Novogratz.

Robert & Cortney Novogratz with their 7 children.

They moved to New York 20 years ago with the philosophy of designing their own home to be a reflection of who they were. Now they create inspiring interiors with a vibrant style that mixes modern and vintage elements with a focus on artwork.

You can see their design process on 'Home by Novogratz', their HGTV shows which airs Saturdays at 6pm (central). Their television career began years ago with a Bravo show, '9 by Design', which gave America a taste of the Novogratz style and how they balance their work and home life. (They are parents to 7 children!). Most recently, they have wrote a book, 'Home by Novogratz' which will be available soon. You can follow the Novogratz Design Family: [http://thenovogratz.com/] with links to facebook, twitter and more.

Here are some of photo's their design projects. Use them as inspiration in your own home. Don't be afraid of color. Incorporate modern and vintage elements. Do the unexpected. Be creative. Most of all, your home should reflect your personality.

Update since original post
(Love this which was featured on the very next episode!)

HEADBOARDS

2012-08-29T15:59:00.002-05:00

[Rest your weary head.]

My son and I taking a nap in our headboard-less bed.

While the above photo isn't necessarily flattering, it does prove a point. I am in need of a headboard!

Two years ago, my family moved from Colorado to Illinois. A time in our life we now refer to as, "The Two Year Vacation", due to the fact that we only lived there for a period of two years. That was a time of picturesque postcard scenes for my family. Blue skies and mountains everyday.

With our decision to move back to our home in Illinois, we rented a largest moving truck we could drive ourselves - and it still wasn't large enough. The truck had to carry all of our belongings. So, in an effort to bring only the most important items, my headboard had to stay behind.

A curtain is a cost effective alternative to a traditional headboard.

A curtain can help center a bed on a wall
and hide unwanted architectural elements such as windows.

My husband and I have discussed purchasing a new headboard, but some other expense always ends up trumping. As you can see, another main issue in our headboard discussions is what to do with the window, which is off center, above our bed. I have seen curtains used as the headboard, to help center the bed on the wall, even with un-centered windows. (see above) While this is a great idea, its doesn't really feel like "us". I do like the idea of sheer curtains framing the bed as a make-shift canopy or four poster bed, as seen in this photo:

Curtains hung can give the illusion of a four poster bed.

Canopies aren't really my style. I like a more industrial feel, and not so formal. After much shopping, researching and planning - I received this email from my husband yesterday:

"Send me a photo of the headboard you want. I will build it."

Aren't those the sweetest words you have ever heard? Its not even my birthday? I have inundated his email with photos. I love the idea of repurposing wood to build this headboard. Finding so many amazing photo's, I decided, why not involve "everyone in this fun process?

Clever ideas:

This bookshelf ( available at Ikea)
hung sideways makes a useful headboard.

Old doors and a chandelier dress up a bed.

This looks great, but I can imagine my husband bumping his head on this old mantle.

Very bohemian and ecelctic for those who sew.
(I am not one of those who sew.)

After much consideration, I decided we should make our "new" headboard out of old barnwood. Here a few of my favorites I am using as inspiration:

Looks like an old pallet.

Almost there... I like this one.

And, (drum roll, please) this is my favorite:

So, there you go. Hopefully within the next few weeks, this will be my new headboard. I will post photos once the project is completed.

- Stacey Olson, Featured Contributor

Stacey Olson is a Featured Contributor to the Living Lola Style blog.

FLASHCARDS

2012-08-24T13:34:00.002-05:00

This time of year always brings the same thing... proud (or relieved) parents posting photo's on facebook of their children's first day of school. Well, embrace this Back to School time of year with some creative decorating inspiration using flashcards!

Frame the alphabet in a playroom or bedroom. Adorable!

Funky wall decor? Why not!

Framing vintage flashcards are a creative way to express a message. Frame cards with your favorite sayings (bake), reminders (do dishes), mark important dates (2+6 , if your anniversary is the 26th) or my favorite, find your house number(12+5, if your house number is 125). The idea's are limitless.

One word framed can, in reality, say a lot.

Frame a few flash cards to spell out a quote

A grouping of flashcards makes a big impact.

Flashcards are perfect for framing, but there are so many more creative uses for these vintage gems. The idea's are endless. No idea is wrong. What are your creative uses for flashcards???

Make unique gift tags with a vintage flair.

Sweet garland for any occasion.

Teachers, hang flashcards in your classroom window.

Be creative, like making these flashcard wallets.

Use flashcards as table numbers for a party.

Lola's always has unique items and merchandise to help promote creativity. Want to spell out your favorite phrase, initials or numbers. Just ask, we love to share the creativity. Here a few favorites available at Lola's:

New arrival: vintage flashcards.
[Find your phrase only $1 each @ Lola's.]

Always popular, vintage game cards
Frame an initial or a spell out a phrase or name.
[$1.00 each @ Lola's]

Whimsical Kids Flashcards
Frame an initial or your child's favorite animal.
[$3- $5 each]

For flashcards and more vintage finds, visit Lola's
126 E. Washington Street, Morris, IL 60450

815-513-5788
Monday thru Saturday 9am - 7pm

INSPIRATION

2012-08-24T10:25:00.000-05:00

SIMPLE STORAGE

2012-08-22T15:52:00.000-05:00

Need storage ideas? Think outside the box, literally. Find a new purpose for old items. Recycling isn't only for paper or plastic. Reuse vintage items for organizing your house. Look at all that junk in your basement with a new attitude.

Here are a few simple storage ideas for inspiration:

Stow away picnic items in a vintage suitcase.
Bring the entire suitcase to your next picnic.

Vintage picnic baskets make perfect storage for larger items.
Hide gloves, serving trays, craft supplies or toys in decorative picnic baskets.

Add caters to a vintage picnic basket.
Presto, you have an adorable and mobile table.

Metal picnic baskets can serve as hidden storage in a kitchen.
Storage all your baking and decorating items out of sight.

Utilize an old wooden tool box for organized desk storage.
Fill it with glass jars full of paper clips, pins and other small items.

A recent Lola's customer bought some vintage tool boxes at the store.
Her idea? Attractively hide her office supplies.

Do you have clever new uses for everyday items?
Share your ideas by posting them here!