Nature Photography Framed

As we hit November, I feel the need to start thinking about all the Christmas gifts I need to buy. In our family, that is my job. And honestly, I don't think anyone wants my biology nerd hubby picking out their gift. There's always at least one person in the family that is hard to buy for and that person is the biology nerd. I really hate giving gift cards and there is no way I'm going to be able to pick out some scientific journal or ecologist biography that he's been dying to read. So this year, I'm super excited about the presents I have for him.  I had a few of my nature photographs, from our trip this Summer, framed at Framebridge.  They turned out so good, and now I'm feeling like they are a present to me as well, I can't wait to get them up on the walls. Well, to be totally honest, I already hung the eagle in the fog photograph in our living room. I made sure to say Merry Christmas to Lonnie when he saw it.

I took down all the smaller pieces on this wall and replaced them with this one big fabulous piece.  I love the simplicity and clean lines of having just one frame on this little wall. As I Canadian, I was a little worried that this eagle image felt a little too patriotic, tee hee. Lonnie insists that we're making nature photography cool again. What do you think?

Keep reading all the way to end of the post because I have a special offer for Oleander + Palm readers only.

So, in case you are new O + P, this Summer we took an epic road trip as a family. We drove all the way from Southern California to Alaska and back with our vintage trailer, Riley.  It took us about 5 weeks, with some stops along the way of course.  But, we put over 9000 miles on our truck. We are so glad we did this as a family. Lonnie grew up in Alaska, so we've been as a family a few times, but we've never driven the Alcan together. Yes, it's a lot of car time, but the scenery and the wildlife is absolutely amazing.  And nothing brings you closer to your kids then camping and road tripping together. One day in Northern British Columbia we saw caribou, buffalo, elk and a grizzly bear. That beats going to the zoo any day.

There's nothing I like more then filling my home with memories from our travels.  I have very few generic art prints in my home, I want my the pieces I hang on my walls to have meaning and significance to our family.  Plus, I feel like I'm doing my kids a service, and when I'm long gone, they can inherit these framed pieces from our adventures together as a family. 

Framebridge had so many great choice for frames in lots of colors, finishes and styles.  I went with clean, modern frames called Carson and Irvine.  I squealed when I unwrapped the Jasper National Park reflection image in it's gorgeous gold frame.  Green and gold are also so pretty together.  

There's a couple options for getting your artwork framed with Framebridge.  You can simply send them a digital file, like even an Instagram image like my buffalo print, or you can mail in a special art piece or photograph and they will custom frame it for you. I opted for both options. I had already printed the reflection image at a local printer, so Framebridge sent me a specific box for the print and I simply packaged it up and sent it on it's way with my postman.  So simple and easy.  

Framebridge also sends you instructions and a picture hangers so you can hang your framed pieces right away.

I'm pretty excited to check one person off my Christmas shopping list.  Lonnie's gifts are done!!! And he's going to love them.

Ok, I promised I had a little something special for you too.  How about a discount code just for Oleander + Palm readers. Don't wait to frame those special pictures locked on your phone or the art work you've been wanting to hang on your walls. Head over to Framebridge right now and check out all the amazing options. 

Enter the code OLEANDER20 to save 20% on your first order! (expires 1/31/16)

This post is sponsored by Framebridge.  Thank you for supporting the amazing companies that help make this blog possible. 

Mother's Day Sven Clog Giveaway!

Yep, you read that right, it's Sven Clog giveaway time!!!!!

What better way to treat your mom then with a pair of Sven Clogs?  Or if you are the mom, hook yourself up!  You totally deserve it.

My girls and I are loving our Fawn leather sandal clogs with brown bases for the Spring and Summer. I find myself wearing this at least 4 or more days a week.  They seem to go with everything!  I love them with shorts, dresses and jeans.  I'm so glad we took these pictures together this week, I'm so proud of my beautiful girls.  I'm a very lucky mom.  The oleander is blooming in our neighborhood, it's it gorgeous?

I've given you 5 ways to enter to win a pair of clogs.  Check out the rafflecopter below to enter.  Oh, and there is a way to get more then 5 entries.  You can share one Instagram image per day during the give away, that gives you 4 extra entries.

I'm wearing Diamond Strap Clogs, Denali's are the Weave Sandal Clog and Olivia is wearing the Square Accent Sandal Clog.  Oh and I got my mom a pair super cute of Cleopatra Clogs.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


You can check out some of the other styles we wear here and here.

Better to Give then Receive

I'm back to share more of the Ford Fiesta Movement with you. Last week I shared how I'm trying to find ways for my kids and family to give.  This month Ford's 100 "agents" are taking on the theme of SOCIAL ACTIVISM, and I'm taking inspiration from this theme. 

I shared how I wanted to provide my kids with opportunities to give. This last week we really had some fun with this. The biggest kick was paying for the person's food in line behind us in the McDonald's drive thru. It ended up being a little old lady who made sure to thank us by way of the employees at the windows.  The kids were so excited!  It was such a simple activity, but I think my kids saw how much better it is to give then to receive.  

They also found some folks to help out with their $2 bills.  It's funny how your eyes can be opened to needs around you when you make a conscience effort to look for them.  Somedays, I can go about my business and not see anyone in need, when there are definitely folks out there.  But, this week I was definitely more sensitive and aware.  It's good to find perspective and to see the blessings in your own life, especially when you see how hard life is some folks. It's fun to see your kids give and realize how much better it is to give.  They've really enjoyed this week's activities.  I think it's really tough to raise kids in such a materialistic world.  I want to raise generous, thoughtful kids.    

We haven't had a chance to take hot coffee to the homeless, but it's on my mental list and I'll definitely being doing it soon.

Be sure to check out some of the Ford agent videos for this month's theme.  I love this idea of a toy drive and this idea of helping out local seniors.

This is a sponsored post and I was compensated for my participation. The opinions expressed are my own.

Finding Ways to Give

I'm back to share more of the Ford Fiesta Movement with you. This month Ford's 100 "agents" are taking on the theme of SOCIAL ACTIVISM. In September, I shared what adventure looked like to me and then I was inspired to take a little solo adventure in NYC.  In October, I shared how I was inspired to give Riley, my vintage trailer, a little more style. And last month I played with the idea of entertaining.

I'm looking for some opportunities to give in my local community. This time of year, my kids get sooo much, so I like to look for ways that they can actively give back and help others in need.  I want them to notice that they have so much more then others, I want them to know how blessed they truly are. I have a few ideas that I'd like to try this week.  

The first is inspired by this Ford Fiesta's agent.  She went through various fast food drive thrus and paid for the customer's food in line behind her.  I think my kids would get a kick out of this.  I like the idea of an unseen gift giver.

The second idea I have is stolen from my Dad.  He is a pastor in Arcata, CA and last week when the offering baskets were passed around, he placed envelopes in the basket for folks to take.  In the envelopes he placed random amounts of $2 bills and asked the congregation to find ways to bless and help others out this week with that money.  I think it would be great to give my kids five $2 bills each and have them look for opportunities to help someone in need. 

And my third idea is very simple.  I'd like to take hot chocolate and coffee downtown on one of these cold evenings and hand it out to the homeless.  This is also an idea I stole from my family.  My youngest brother, Joash, recently spent 18 months living on the streets.  He said that sometimes a hot drink was all he really needed and was such a nice treat.

So, which one of these give activities do you think I should attempt with my family this week?  I'd love your input.  Which one do you think would have the greatest impact on the community and on my kids?

I also what to share with you that Ford Fiesta is presenting the second annual What's Trending Tube-a-thon. The Tube-a-thon is a live-streamed holiday party featuring huge YouTube stars as well as traditional Hollywood celebrities. On Thursday, December 12 at 6pmPT/9pm ET, viewers can tune into What’s Trending for two full hours of fundraising, music, comedy, performances and lots of surprises from your favorite online stars. Online viewers can tweet along with the hashtag #Tubeathon or #FiestaMovement, and for every tweet What’s Trending and Fiesta Movement will donate $1 to Covenant House. It's a fun and easy way to give back this holiday season.

There's a lot of great videos this month with great ideas.  I like this idea of upcycling a piece of furniture and then selling it to make a profit for a charity.  

This is a sponsored post and I was compensated for my participation. The opinions expressed are my own.

Geometric Pineapple Print

I've meant to share this with you for quite awhile now.  If you remember a few weeks ago, I was on a pineapple kick.  Our Summer trip to Maui inspired on my love for pineapple.  I shared a couple recipes, Pineapple Chicken Rice Salad and Pina Colada Frozen Yogurt, I made a pineapple tote and I shared a round up of some Pineapple Pretties. 

I know everyone is ready for Fall and are totally done with Summer.  But, it still feels like Summer here with weather in the 90's.  And technically we have a couple more weeks until Fall is officially here.  So, it's Summer still here at Oleander and Palm.  There will be lots of Fall fun in no time at all.

I made this print especially for my mother in law as a little thank you for our trip to Maui.  She does all the organizing to get these family trips put together.  We had such a wonderful time and made so many memories.  I wanted her to have a little piece of the tropics to remind her of that trip.

I kept the design simple and geometric (of course). Pineapples represent hospitality, so this would also make a great hostess or house warming gift.  

I framed it in this beautiful grey weathered wood from Target's Threshold line.

This 8x10" Geometric Pineapple Print is available for purchase in my etsy shop.  It's just $5 and is a instant PDF download that can be printed on a home printer or at your favorite local print shop.

I feel a little guilty pushing my own things, but the truth is, it costs to run a blog.  And I do offer a lot of free printables here on Oleander and Palm.  So, if you like this print and you choose to purchase it, your support is greatly appreciated.

Potted Succulent Gifts

It's that time of year - time to give the wonderful teachers in your child's life something special.  As a teacher myself, (well, I'm not teaching now but have in the past and will again someday) I want to give something that they can actually use and enjoy.  Really, I didn't need another apple themed calendar, #1 Teacher Mug or desk plaque.  Even though, plants are temporary, they bring a lot of enjoyment.  That's why I'm giving the teachers in our lives, succulents this year.  Succulents are so popular right now, and really I see why.  They require very little effort to maintain.  I water mine once every 2 weeks (that's what my local nursery suggested) and it seems to work well.

I decided since it was the holidays, I would add a little sparkle to the terra cotta pots.  I kept it simple and easy with polka dots, because they're always happy and playful.

Here's what you'll need:
Mini terra cotta pots (I got mine at Michaels for 99 cents each)
Glitter (I used Martha's in Florentine Gold, Smoky Quartz, and Yellow Barite)
White craft glue
A sponge stencil brush
A small succulent

Simply apply the glue in polka dots using the stencil brush.  Then sprinkle glitter on the glue dots (do this over a paper plate or container so you can collect and reuse the extra glitter).  Tap the pot a couple times to remove any excess glitter.  Let the glue dry completely.  Then transplant the succulent into your glittered polka dot pot.

I'm a fan of flowers for teachers as well.  Remember my Back to School Bouquets that I gave to the teachers at of beginning of the year?  What are you giving to teachers this year?  I'd love to hear you great ideas.

Oh, and I wanted you to check out another really great way to give succulents.  A Golden Afternoon, potted her succulents in tea cups and saucers - how darling?

Wreath Giveaway!

It's about time O + P had a giveaway.  So I'm going to give away one of my Winter Yarn Wrapped Wreathes away (a $30 value).  This one, with the little bottle brush trees, is one of my faves.  I am so thankful for all my faithful readers.  I'm not bragging, just excited about I few milestones my little blog has made recently.  And it's all thanks to you guys, the ones who visit regularly, leave comments for me, and pin and share my ideas.  I'm really grateful.

Not that anyone really cares except me, but here's O + P's latest accomplishments:
1000+ pinterest followers
300+ facebook likes
79,000 visits to the blog last month

Here's how to enter, you have the opportunity to enter multiple times:

1. LIKE Oleander and Palm on Facebook
2. Follow Oleander and Palm on Pinterest
3. Follow Oleander and Palm on Twitter
4. Follow me on Instagram (@jeranmcconnel)

or if you have already done those things, here's some other options for an entry

5. Share this giveaway on your Facebook page
6. Tweet this giveaway
7. Pin something from O + P to pinterest.

Leave a comment for each entry you make.  A winner will be chosen randomly on Sunday December 16th, so that I can mail this wreath in time for Christmas.

*I am shipping only to the US and Canada.  I am sorry I can't include all my other overseas readers in this giveaway.

Thanks again for reading.  I have some fun Christmas DIY's, crafts and ideas coming up this week.  So be sure to come back.

Back to School Bouquets

Well, the kids are definitely back in school.  We are starting to get into a bit of a routine.  I like to start the year off with a gift for my kid's teachers.  It's simple Math - Happy Teacher = Happy Students!  Last year I made fresh Apple Scones for the teachers and the year before, I made reuseable coffee cup sleeves.  

This year I thought a flower bouquet would brighten their day.  These we easy to make and really didn't cost too much.  

Supplies:

Pencils (about 32)

Crayons (about 25)

An empty baby food jar

An empty Starbucks Frappacino Bottle

2 rubber bands

Ribbon

Flowers

For the pencil vase, I wrapped an empty frappacino bottle with an elastic band and the inserted the pencils all the same direction.  And for the crayon vase I just used an empty baby food jar.  Then I simply tied a cute ribbon around the rubber band to hide it and then filled them with flowers.

Are your back into a routine with the start of school?  Is that routine welcomed or are you longing for more summer?

If you like what you see, BE A FRIEND!  Leave a comment, follow Oleander and Palm by email, Pinterest, Facebook, or Twitter.

Travel Quotes

Men are just plain hard to buy gifts for, and my man might be one of the worst.  He really doesn't think he needs anything at all and is totally happy that way.  The one thing he does really love is travel.  So, for his birthday this year, I made him these three travel quote prints.

I framed these together in one frame with a simple white mat board.  (Available at Aaron Brothers).
We hung it in our bathroom.  Now I love this bathroom even more.

He already had the travel bug pretty bad, and I don't think seeing these everyday is going to help the situation.

Are these prints something you would like to see on my etsy shop?  Do you have the travel bug and see the truth in these quotes?

Metallic Heart Shirts

I thought the twins (Olivia and her cousin Carolina, who are only 3 days apart) needed some matching Valentine's T's.  These are simple and can be worn long after Valentine's Day has past. Actually, I kind of want one as well.

I used my favorite new trick and made a heart stencil on freezer paper and painted the shirts with a metallic gold and silver.  You can read more about the technique here and here.  

I might put a couple in my etsy shop.

And here's my very cute model.  This shirt shows off her cute round figure (not sure how long she'll be able to wear it).

Christmas Aprons

Growing up we all had Christmas aprons.  A good friend of my mom's made them for all of us.  I remember unpacking them every Christmas.  They were so much fun to wear.  I'm a sucker for Christmas traditions, so this year I thought I needed to make my kids some aprons.  Denali and Dylan both love helping in the kitchen, and I'm sure Olivia will love it very soon as well.  So, yesterday in the middle of all my craziness I made 6 children's aprons (3 for my sweet friend Heidi's creative kids, 1 each for Denali and Dylan, and one for my very cute nephew Liam).  I probably should have done these months ago, but I work best under pressure.

Liam's Russian Nativity Dolls apron has a green polka dot pocket.

I added D rings to the neck straps to adjust the length.

Dylan's woodland animals apron has wide red ric rac along the bottom.

Denali's Retro Santa Scooter fabric has a large, 2 compartment pocket.

 I bought these fabrics with no project in mind.  I just thought they were too cute to pass up.  But later, Aprons seemed to be the perfect use for them.  Do you ever do that?  Find cute fabric and buy it not knowing what you will do with it.  It's kind of a problem.

I will include a pattern on my blog in the new year (I just have too many things to do in the next 2 days).  But, these would make great gifts anytime of the year.