olive observer

Bits of last weekend

2012-02-12T10:27:00.000-06:00

I meant to post this earlier in the week, but my monster cold kept me from doing it.

Here's a few snapshots from last weekend in Minneapolis with my best pal Cristen.

IKEA pizza

Lousy-fitting, but adorably patterned Old Navy sweater

Croissant

Cristen waiting for some Ethiopian food

SundayInspiration: Get healthy

2012-02-12T10:23:00.003-06:00

The past week was filled with body aches, countless boxes of tissue, fever and NyQuil. You guessed it, a cold. I'm still on the mend, but this recent brush with grossness has me wanting to take better care of myself once I'm healthy.

Exercise needs to be a key part of that. I have a gym membership I seldom use. Starting this week, I'm going to use it five days. I promise.

I'm also continuing on my path of getting sugar free. Well, processed sugar anyway. I will hit the grocery store this afternoon, and Dr. Oz's 99 Diet Foods Shopping List will be close at hand.

Yoga is back in my life, and it's a great way to chill out. This is great for 10 minutes in the morning.

And for my overall well-being, I want to start posting more mindful material on OliveObserver.

Anyone want to jump on board?

FiveThingsFriday: Pink

2012-02-10T19:30:00.000-06:00

I've never been a pink girl. In fact, I've always kind of disliked it. Maybe I'm getting more in touch with my girly side, or perhaps it's just so chic this season that I can't pass it up. Either way, here are five ways I plan to use pink in my future:

Pink heart top:

Source: modcloth.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Neon pink lipstick:

Source: classy-and-fabulouus.tumblr.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Pink sequined J.Crew dress:

Source: oliveobserver.blogspot.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Pink ombre hair:

Source: Uploaded by user via Zombie on Pinterest

Neon pink Vans with black laces:

Source: sstayhungry.tumblr.com via Natalia on Pinterest

And a sixth for good measure ...

Pink lemonade bars:

Source: kandktestkitchen.com via Michael on Pinterest

WardrobeWednesday: Polka dots

2012-02-08T06:52:00.000-06:00

Polka dots, colored spot and ink blots. Oh how I love thee.

TruthBeToldTuesday: Cute blog award and paying it forward

2012-02-07T17:58:00.001-06:00

Thanks so much to Carmen at Cheeky Cheeky for this adorable award. I love our little blogging community!

Upon receiving this award, you are to:
1) Link back to the person who awarded you;
2) Answer all of the award questions;
3) Tell something about yourself that you haven't told anyone on your blog yet;
4) Award as many bloggers that you think are worthy of this award and make them aware of it.

Here are the question...

Questions:
What is your go-to makeup brand?
I prefer Clinique for eye shadow and foundation, Mac and NARS for lipstick and Loreal for eyeliner. Anything I'm missing?

What was your favorite fashion trend of 2011?
Hands down, orange lips and chevron patterns. But please, you guys should know this about me already.

What is your favorite dessert?
Creme brulee, but more specifically, the crispy sugar on top. I also really love anything that incorporates pumpkin, ginger or cream cheese.

What is your favorite color?
As a kid, purple; as an adult, gray and all shades of greens.

What is your middle name?
Katherine because my big seester wanted to name me Katie.

The last song you listened to?
"Breaking into Cars" by the Raveonettes.

Dogs or Cats?
Cats, cats cats. I like dogs, but I'm a total cat person.

Something I haven't told anyone on the blog yet:
I have a new office in my home, and I have some projects to spruce it up that I'm almost ready to share.

Blogs I award:

http://www.teandbaby.com/
http://alittleofthisandthat-april.blogspot.com/
http://misslarissabree.blogspot.com/
http://ryanandelizabethshideler.blogspot.com/
http://www.lacy-everydayisanewday.blogspot.com/
http://www.hotbotbaby.blogspot.com/

SundaySweets: World Nutella Day

2012-02-05T08:58:00.000-06:00

I can't stop thinking about Nutella and all of the wonderful things you can do with it. I need some super-couponer out there to get me a cart full for free. Any takers. No? Well, you may remember these 15 Nutella recipes I posted a couple of weeks ago. In celebration of today, World Nutella Day, here are a few more.

No Bake Nutella Cheesecake:

Source: mybakingaddiction.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Nutella fudgesicles:

Source: dailywaffle.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Self-frosting Nutella cupcakes:

Source: casaveneracion.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Nutella shots:

Source: daydreamerdesserts.com via Brittany on Pinterest

Nutella Poptarts:

Source: blogs.babble.com via Nina on Pinterest

Nutella Pretzel Sandwich Cookies:

Source: ohyeahadorablepuppies.tumblr.com via Caitlin on Pinterest

OK. I promise. I'll wait until next World Nutella Day to post any more.

FiveThingsFriday: Valentines

2012-02-03T06:28:00.001-06:00

Remember grade school Valentine's Day parties. We decorated elaborate boxes to collect our cards and trinkets in, and the idea of what to make was something I probably spent a good portion of the winter on. It was almost as important as choosing a Halloween costume. Did anyone else do this or was it just a #NorthDakotaThing?

We'd all line up with our store-bought or hand-made cards and candy and drop them in each box. I often chose to make mine because I've always been a crafter at heart (even if my projects never, EVER turn out the way I want them to still today).

I wish there was still a need for an off-the-hook Valentine box and some handmade cards. My best pal Cristen and I made these a few years back, and we might just have to hold another Valentine crafternoon this weekend.

Here are five ideas for your Friday:

Source: bhg.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Source: thewonderforest.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: marthastewart.com via Carolyn on Pinterest

Source: twigandthistle.com via Advaita on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Emily on Pinterest

GiveThanksThursday: Thank you, Volkswagen

2012-02-01T18:54:00.000-06:00

Troy and I purchased our first vehicle as a married couple this winter, a graphite gray VW bug. Now we're those annoying people who slap each other and yell "slug bug" and I troll Craigslist for Jettas for sale.

Last year's Darth Vader kid video was awesome, and I don't know that this new one tops it, but it come pretty close.

And this one is so adorable.

Source: hollywoodreporter.com via Heidi on Pinterest

So thank you, Volkswagen.

WardrobeWednesday: Handbags

2012-02-01T17:58:00.002-06:00

I'm on a mission to find a new handbag. I was something classic, leather and black. I don't want to spend a ton, but I want it to last.

Of course, I also have a little handbag ADHD and find plenty of purses that don't fit that description but that I still completely love.

Can you help me pick which one?

Source: little-white-whale.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Source: modcloth.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Source: bananarepublic.gap.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Source: piperlime.gap.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Source: modalu.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Source: net-a-porter.com via Heidi on Pinterest

A little hello

2012-01-30T23:17:00.001-06:00

Hi guys. It's been a bit on the quiet side over the past week at OliveObserver, but it's mostly because of lots of fun and exciting things going on. I'm enjoying getting my hands dirty with some DIYs this week, and I'm looking forward to sharing them with you soon. Other than that I'm trying to do a bit more reading, cleaning and general healthy housekeeping in my house and life.

Source: kismet-maybe.tumblr.com via Heidi on Pinterest

This is a fun updates tool I've seen other bloggers using lately, so why not give it a whirl. It reminds me of the good ol' days of Friendster and MySpace.

Currently, I'm:

Obsessing over: nail polish, spring colors and Mad Men reruns.

Working on: getting back to crafting, reading and running.

Thinking about: everything. I'm in one of those intensely creative and inspired moods, and it's affecting all areas of my life.

Anticipating: next weekend in the Cities with two of my best friends, IKEA and a hotel sleepover.

Listening to: the hum of my fan and the purring of my TrudleBug

Eating: less sugar than recently. And I feel awesome. Like totally awesome.

Wishing: I didn't need sleep so I could get everything I want to get done done.

Tag, you're it. What are you currently doing? Link up in the comments.

FiveThingsFriday: Color block

2012-01-27T12:30:00.000-06:00

I'm super pumped about color blocking with a neutral and pop of color for spring.

Here are five of my favorite samplings:

Source: lulus.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Source: kristabelloves.tumblr.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Heidi on Pinterest

Source: elle.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Source: bodycare.becomegorgeous.com via Heidi on Pinterest

ThursdaySwap: Interest in a crafternoon

2012-01-26T23:02:00.002-06:00

After talking with some new and old friends tonight, I'm determined to resurrect Sunday Crafternoons. We will have a "live" crafternoon one Sunday a month in Fargo-Moorhead. For those of you in bloggerville, I will be posting the supplies and instructions for whatever we're making that week. On the Monday following the event, I'll post a Linky hook-up where we can all share how our projects turned out.

Who's interested in Fargo-Moorhead?

Who's interested online?

TopTenTuesday: Pinterest nail ideas

2012-01-24T06:01:00.001-06:00

Pinterest is fully of ideas. Nails being one of them.

So recently, I tried to do something fancy with mine: a two-toned gray stripy thing. Well they turned out like this:

They're not horrible, but they're not exactly pin-worthy.

Here's some inspiration to improve upon my polishing skills.

10.

Source: thebeautydepartment.com via Kensie on Pinterest

Source: paintyounails.tumblr.com via Kensie on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Heidi on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Source: ownthosebones.tumblr.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Source: poppytalk.blogspot.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Source: catalinasumakeup.blogspot.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Source: chloesnails.blogspot.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Source: cupcakesandcashmere.com via Heidi on Pinterest

MondayMorningMust: January sales

2012-01-23T08:03:00.000-06:00

This time of year, I often express how much I hate January through February. After the holidays are over, there's not much but a whole lot of cold temperatures to look forward to around here (that's a bit of hyperbole, but hang in there).

Enter the after-holiday / January sales.

I'm currently on a shopping strike simply because I did way too much of it in 2011, but these sales have me reaching for my credit card.

Here are a few of my favorites.

Madewell has an extra 30 percent off sale items and free shipping on order over $100.

Feel free to buy me these flats and peacoat while you're shopping.

J.Crew is offering an extra 40 percent off of sale items right now. Use the code OURTREAT.

Modcloth has many of its sale items 50 percent off. Sizes seem limited so shop fast.

I stopped in at our local Gap and there are so many great sweaters on super sale. The website seems to have even more styles and sizes.

Pieces of my weekend

2012-01-22T18:46:00.001-06:00

Hey all. I apologize for my lack of personal posts lately. It's been a lot of "check out this cool stuff I love right now" posts, but I promise more photos and DIY by yours truly are on their way.

I had a girls night out yesterday but unfortunately no photos to prove it. It's an exciting time for all of my best lady friends right now. Fargo got its first real snow storm of the year, and I have to admit I actually like it. It doesn't hurt that it's also about 30 degrees warmer than it's been all week.

But moving along, here are some pieces of my weekend:

snow | new bath robe ($7 on Target clearance rack)
more snow | he looks so uncomfortable
fat tire | sun cat
sunday breakfast | weekly to-do
tired trudy | remnants of last night's fort
slick roads | italian dinner

I'm linking up with Jenni from Story of My Life this week. If you want to get in on the instagram action, visit her blog.

Five(timesthree)ThingsFriday: Nutella recipes

2012-01-19T21:08:00.001-06:00

I go through more Nutella that I will even admit on a blog. Here's some new recipes for eating it, rather that just sticking your finger in the jar and enjoying its chocolatey hazelnutty goodness. And I couldn't stop at five, so this is technically a FifteenThingsFriday:

Dark chocolate salted caramel Nutella Twix bars:

Source: savorysweetlife.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Nutella bread:

Source: theitaliandishblog.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Nutella Meringues:

Source: creampuffsinvenice.ca via Heidi on Pinterest

Homemade Nutella:

Source: tastespotting.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Nutella Donuts:

Source: tarteletteblog.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Home-made strawberry Nutella poptarts:

Source: thekitchn.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Nutella fudge:

Source: tastykitchen.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Healthy Nutella ice cream:

Source: rumkihn.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Nutella pudding:

Source: chimeraobscura.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Four-ingredient Nutella cookies:

Source: kirbiecravings.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Nutella cookie sandwiches:

Source: abeautifulmess.typepad.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Nutella fruit dip:

Source: blogs.babble.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Nutella puppy chow mix:

Source: healthytastychow.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Nutella hot chocolate:

Source: luuux.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Nutella dreams:

Source: seriouseats.com via Heidi on Pinterest

CrazyCatLadyThursday: Favorite kitty products

2012-01-19T06:00:00.000-06:00

Being a crazy cat lady means that you need to possess and wear crazy cat things.

My wishlist right now:

Me-yow heels:

Source: images.google.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Makoto Kagoshima plates:

Source: clevernettle.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Purr-ty scarf:

Source: daintysquid.blogspot.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Furr-bulous ring:

Source: wholesale-dress.net via Heidi on Pinterest

Purr-fect cat lady dress:

Source: victoriabeckham.com via Heidi on Pinterest

A T-shirt with cat-titude:

Source: etsy.com via Heidi on Pinterest

WednesdayWellness: Fit plan

2012-01-18T21:54:00.000-06:00

I teaming up with ThatGirl in Tattoos and Miss Larrisa Bree and a few other blog friends for a 60-day fitness challenge. We're going to follow these workouts each day and check in with each other every Saturday. Anyone is welcome to follow along and join up.

I'm on Day 3, and so far I don't feel much different. But by Day 60, it looks like I should plan to be in pretty good shape.

Source: thatgirlintattoos.blogspot.com via Heidi on Pinterest

WardrobeWednesday: Bathing suits

2012-01-18T07:35:00.000-06:00

Nothing like the thought of -17 degree weather (yes, that's seriously the forecast for tonight's low) gets you in the mood for bathing suit shopping. I suppose it's also a good time to start that bathing suit workout.

Source: jcrew.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Source: anthropologie.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Source: bonadrag.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Source: google.co.uk via Heidi on Pinterest

Source: anthropologie.com via Heidi on Pinterest

TuesdayTutorial: DIY chevron mugs

2012-01-17T07:57:00.000-06:00

By now, you probably are aware of my excessive obsession with chevron. This weekend, it led to me drawing on dishes with permanent marker.

Here's what you need (so simple):
Permanent markers
A coffee mug

This design washes off when you scrub the mug with dish soap, so you don't have to make a permanent commitment. If you love it and don't want it to go away, just buy some of those dandy ceramic paint markets from your craft store.

The rest is self explanatory.

I am kind of tempted to do a new set of colors and designs every time I wash these guys. Wouldn't it be fun for a theme party to doodle on the edges of bowls and wine glasses, too?

MondayMust: Link love

2012-01-16T12:26:00.000-06:00

It's Monday again. I'm actually one of those people who loves Mondays. It's a fresh start. Today, I'm so tired though. One thing after another kept me awake last night. But my cure will be a good workout after work.

Here's some links to get you through your Monday:

I started following Can You Stay for Dinner a few months ago, but this recent post really resonated with me and my weight-loss struggles. I also can't wait to make these muffins.

I'm so loving J.Crew's latest collections:

Source: jcrew.com via Heidi on Pinterest

I was recently reminded of these fun Valentines my best pal Cristen and I made a couple of years ago. We are in the process of setting up a crafternoon to create some 2012 editions.

I'm so in love with these Midwest-theme Tees by Raygun:

Source: raygunsite.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Photo Challenge via the Paper Mama: White

2012-01-15T12:00:00.000-06:00

SaturdayObsession: Gadgets and blogs

2012-01-14T11:25:00.000-06:00

From noon Saturday until noon Sunday this weekend, I will be unplugged: No computer, no iPhone (except for phone purposes) and no iPad. This is going to be a struggle for me because I've really become addicted to these gadgets and reading blogs during my free time on the weekends.

But I need to unplug and recharge my mind with books, projects and exercise.

See you tomorrow, bloggettes!

SaturdayChallenge: Enjoying your food

2012-01-14T09:37:00.001-06:00

A couple of months back, I talked about how I quit Weight Watchers in order to eat intuitively. It's been a long struggle and I've managed to gain weight in the process. But I've also learned how out of touch I was with my eating.

I followed my eating plan so studiously that I often got overwhelmed, I rarely enjoyed what I ate and usually left the table feeling unsatisfied. That of course led to "cheating" then the guilt at follows and the mentality that "I'll go back on plan tomorrow."

Intuitive eating is hard too though. It's great in that you get to eat what you want, but for chronic dieters like myself, it also means I have to eat when Im hungry and stop whenim satisfied. I have to be present during each meal, not rushing through or eating at my desk. I have to make choices that will fulfill both what my mind and body needs. I'm hoping it gets easier and I'm convinced it will.

So my big challenge for this week is jumping on board with Marisa at Loser for Life. I'm going to really pay attention to what I'm eating and use all of my senses to enjoy it. Each meal will be at a table wherein focused on the art of enjoying my food.Who's with me?

FiveThingsFriday: DIYs with a map

2012-01-13T00:30:00.000-06:00

I love maps, and the thought of using them in a little project here and there around the house is so fun. Here are a few non-travel-related uses for your maps.

Map magnets:

Source: lehiwrights.blogspot.com via Heidi on Pinterest

map garland:

Source: poppytalk.blogspot.com via Heidi on Pinterest

map chair:

Source: salvagelove.net via Heidi on Pinterest

map lamp shade:

Source: notonthehighstreet.com via Heidi on Pinterest

map embroidery:

Source: marthastewart.com via Heidi on Pinterest

ThursdaySwap: Guest posts

2012-01-12T06:38:00.000-06:00

Want to write a guest post for OliveObserver? As you can probably tell by the meandering focus of this blog, it can be about almost anything. In return, I will do the same for your blog. I wrote two guest posts (below) in December, and found quite a few new readers discovered my blog through them.

Email me with a link to your blog and an idea or topic you'd like to guest post about. If enough people are interested, I can get you in touch with each other as well.

WhichOneWednesday: One-day sewing project

2012-01-11T07:18:00.000-06:00

I determined to get my sewing machine out on Saturday and whip up a quick project. I haven't used it since I spent ~~way too long~~ several weeks making my owl Halloween costume this fall.

So here are the two projects I'm deciding between.

This vintage smock.

Or this tote bag.
I'm kind of a newbie to following patterns and sewing in general, so which do you think would be easier? And which do you think is cuter?

TopTenTuesday: My ten most-popular blog posts

2012-01-10T07:24:00.000-06:00

We're already more than a week into the new year, but heck, I like reflecting. There are a number of new blog followers here at OliveObserver, so a big shout out and welcome to them.

I really love statistics. I don't know why, but part of the fun of blogging for me has been to watch which posts are popular and try to figure out how random people are landing on my little ol' blog. It's fun and fascinating.

So without further hesitation, here are the top 10 viewed posts of 2011:

10. MondayMust: My must-visit daily blog reads
Dec. 19, 2011

9. StoryTimeSaturday: Bean Boozled
Dec. 31, 2011

8. WardrobeWednesday: DIY shoe projects
Nov. 30, 2011

7. StoryTimeSaturday: Wedding invites and crosswords
Nov. 19, 2011

6. TopTenTuesday: Best books I've read in 2011
Dec. 6, 2011

5. FridayConfession: Not ready for Christmas
Dec. 16, 2011

4. Hand-made owl costume
Oct. 31, 2011

3. FiveThingsFriday: Toilet paper roll
Dec. 2, 2011

2. New hairs
Dec. 8, 2011

1. StoryTimeSaturday: Wedding cake and decor
Dec. 3, 2011

I also did a couple of guest posts on other blogs, if you want to check them out:

50 Days of DIY on the Paper Mama: Christmas tree skirt

TeenyTutorial: DIY cake plate over at Pamplemousse1983

MondayMorningMust: LinkLove

2012-01-09T07:12:00.000-06:00

Start your Monday off right with these lovelies:

What a brave step Jen of Jen Loves Kev is taking in giving up sponsorship. I think it's quite awesome and can't wait to see what the year brings.

Another big step: Jess finding what she loves to do. Her free print downloads this week are pure awesome.

Source: raspberricupcakes.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Raspberri Cupcakes posted an awesome idea for Salted Caramel Apples with Popcorn. Don't mind if I do.

Source: modcloth.com via Heidi on Pinterest

I'm so in love with this kitty cat dress from Modcloth. Unfortunately it's out of stock for the time being. Curse!

Check out this great Travelista feature on how to pack light via Danielle on Pinterest.

You can find some of my new blog discoveries from this week here, here and there.

Source: marthastewart.com via Heidi on Pinterest

And lastly, I really love these secret message valentines from Martha.

Photo challenge via Paper Mama: Favorite photo of 2011

2012-01-08T12:56:00.000-06:00

This is my favorite photo I took in 2011. It's of my favorite person, in my favorite city during one of the best weeks of my life. It stirs so many personal memories, but I also just like looking at it.

ScavengerHuntSunday via Ramblings and Photos

2012-01-08T12:22:00.000-06:00

One colorMy table and floor

Laundry

Taking a nap is so much better when your bed is straight out of the dryer.

Empty

Sign of a productive morning.

One (baker's) dozen

From our honeymoon trip.

Soft
My tired little cuddle buddy is oh-so soft.

SaturdayObsessions: Tangerine

2012-01-07T07:00:00.000-06:00

Pantone released its color of 2012 this week, and I couldn't agree more with the selection. Tangerine is my favorite color of the moment.

I bought this nail polish at Forever21 for $3.

Source: anthropologie.com via Heidi on Pinterest

I want this dress.

Source: bellebird.co.nz via Heidi on Pinterest

And this skirt.

Source: urbanoutfitters.co.uk via Heidi on Pinterest

Oh and this, purely because of the color because I already have it in black and turquoise (because that was the color I was obsessed with two years ago).

My Pinterest pal, Britta, selected some awesome tangerine wedding options this week.

PhotasticFriday: Anniversary stay-cation

2012-01-06T07:48:00.000-06:00

Troy and I celebrated our first anniversary on New Year's Day by having a little stay-cation right here in Fargo. We stayed at the Hotel Donaldson, which is all of six blocks from our house and half a block from my place of employment. Then we ate across the street at JL Beers, played games and watched movies on my iPad. It was so much fun to enjoy one of our favorite cities from a different perspective. It wasn't quite a glamorous as our honeymoon to Paris and Berlin, but Fargo's right up there. ;)

FiveThingsFriday: Making non-waffles

2012-01-06T07:08:00.000-06:00

A waffle iron seems like one of those really useful appliances for a very narrow number of uses. Until I found these ideas that is. Who knew a waffle iron could be used to make an entire breakfast spread or even dessert?

Waffle iron cinnamon rolls:

Source: ahensnest.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Waffle iron brownies:

Source: chow.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Waffle iron hashbrowns:

Source: chow.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Waffle iron chocolate chip cookies (in 90 seconds!!):

Source: thekitchn.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Waffle iron croque madame:

ThriftyThursday: Breaking my Target habit

2012-01-05T06:40:00.000-06:00

With the start of the new year I'm in a money-saving mode. I'm going to Charleston, S.C., over spring break, and Troy and I plan to go to D.C. this summer. That being said, Target is my kryptonite. I kind of thing I need to take a bit of a break from going there because I'm too good at finding inexpensive items that I convince myself I can't live without. Such as these chevron pieces launched last week:I spent more than $600 at Target during the month of December. That's outrageous even if much of it involved Christmas shopping. So here's my new strategy: Target is a once-a-week stop. I will go in with a list. And browsing will be kept to a minimum so as not to tempt me until I get my "habit" under control. There are obviously other areas I can cut costs, including at my daily coffee run and eating out for lunch, which. I will also address. I still want to buy things I enjoy but I need to reign it in. This book is one purchase, for example:

Source: modcloth.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Any of you thrifty ladies have other advice?

WardrobeWednesday: Sailor Stripes

2012-01-04T06:30:00.000-06:00

I don't really know what it is about this time of year, but I feel like I'm always picking out a variation on this theme.

wardrobewednesday: Sailor Stripes by heidireisenauer featuring black cotton leggings

J Crew j crew dress
$88 - jcrew.com

GAP cable sweater
$60 - gap.com

J Crew crop top
$88 - jcrew.com

GAP long sleeve sweater
$40 - gap.com

Dorothy Perkins black cotton legging
$39 - dorothyperkins.com

Moon Collection tall tight
$15 - modcloth.com

Converse hi top sneaker
$76 - asos.com

Anniel ballet shoes
€55 - zenggi.com

Saint James® unisex Meridien II nautical tee
$85 - jcrew.com

TruthBeToldTuesday: Tapped out

2012-01-03T19:06:00.000-06:00

You maybe noticed (or maybe not), I haven't been posting quite as frequently the last few weeks. Mostly that's because of the holidays have left me feeling kind of tapped out. I poured a lot of creative juices into the last month. Anyone else feeling this post-holiday rut? And more importantly, do you have any suggestions for pulling me out of mine?

I'm not thinking any sort of break like Kara, but maybe just a weekly day of unpluggedness. Thoughts?

<3 heidi

Oh hai 2012

2012-01-01T10:30:00.000-06:00

12 goals in 2012:1. Clean more2. Visit a state I've never been to before3. Spend money smarter4. Take more photos5. Get my craft on once a week6. Journal once a week7. Unplug and put my iPad, iPhone, kindle and computer away for a couple hours every day 8. Read 50 new books9. Finally run in the Fargo marathon 10. Start everyday energized 11. Practice yoga weekly12. Have the best year ever

Happy anniversary

2012-01-01T10:14:00.000-06:00

Happy anniversary and thanks for the best year ever. 2012 is going to be just as great. I can tell.

StoryTimeSaturday: Bean boozled

2011-12-31T13:03:00.006-06:00

We played "Bean boozled," over Christmas. It's an disgustingly awesome product by the makers of Jelly Belly. Essentially, there are different colored jelly beans and each color has the option of tasting like two different thing; one is delicious (like pears) and the other is revolting (like boogers). I took pictures as everyone bit into their selection, and it was so funny to see a) how people reacted and b) how quickly they realized whether it was dog food or chocolate pudding.

My almost-5-year-old niece Maia was an absolute hoot as she figured out she'd gotten rotten eggs and not banana.

Thanks to Jess for this post teaching me how to do my first GIF animation.

SaturdayObsession: Cuties

2011-12-31T06:00:00.000-06:00

Cuties are my favorite Christmas treat. Screw the cookies and ham.

You'd think I'd weigh a little less after Christmas, but alas, I also ate cookies and ham.

FiveThingsFriday: 2011 recap

2011-12-30T18:05:00.000-06:00

It was a big year — maybe my biggest to date —full of moments I'll remember forever. Here are five:

1. Jan. 1, 2011: I got married. In a giant blizzard.

2. April 29, 2011: My grandpa, and all-around greatest guy, died.

3. May 6, 2011: Got my iPhone.

4. Aug. 6, 2011: Went on my honeymoon to Paris and Berlin.

5. Nov. 5, 2011: Adopted Trudy.

Happy Christmas

2011-12-26T18:38:00.001-06:00

I had a wonderful couple of days with my family and hope everyone celebrating this year can say the same.

I'm taking a couple of days away from my blog, but I will be back with a vengeance before the new year.

I will leave you with a little game of 'this is my baby' courtesy of my awesome family.

SaturdayObsessions: Gold glitter nails

2011-12-24T09:16:00.000-06:00

I'm so in love with this new gold glitter nail polish.

FiveThingsFriday: make me smile

2011-12-23T22:43:00.000-06:00

Christmas is almost here and I have to admit I'm in need of a smile. It's always so crazy going into the holidays. Troy is with his family on Christmas Eve because I have to work. I'm glad he was able to go but it makes for a lonely couple of nights at home. Alas, five things that made me smile today:

Source: 9gag.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Source: xojane.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Source: summertimedesigns.blogspot.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Source: puglypixel.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Source: epicurious.com via Heidi on Pinterest

PhotasticFriday: Displaying Christmas photos

2011-12-23T06:00:00.000-06:00

I LOVE looking at Christmas photos. It's one of my favorite holiday traditions. Even today, looking through my mom's stack of holiday photos is one of the first things I do when we go home. When I was little, my mom would cover the entire front door with wrapping paper and stick on a ribbon to make it look like a giant present. Then we'd hang all of the holiday photos and cards on it as they came in the mail.

This is our first Christmas being married and really the first time we've sent out holiday cards, which meant we also received a bunch in return. I began hanging them on a piece of yarn with tiny clothes pins across our dining room windows.

It's super simple but a really fun way to display the photos.

Here are a few other examples I found around the web (All of the photos link back to the sources). I'm always up for some new ideas, so share 'em if you have 'em.

GiveThanksThursday: Christmas came early

2011-12-22T06:36:00.002-06:00

I work this year on Christmas Eve, so Troy and I are actually spending it apart because he is going to see his family. Last night he surprised me with an early gift: an iPad! It was all I really wanted but out of the price range we usually spend for gifts. But he got it anyway. So sweet.

WeekinReviewWednesday: More Christmas prep

2011-12-21T05:30:00.000-06:00

It's been another busy week in the lead-up to Christmas.

two holiday ales
a couple of furry christmas tree wreckers
friedy watches over tree / frosty watches over house
on a date day
new wheels and a cup of lipsticked joe

TuesdayTutorial over at Pamplemousse

2011-12-20T18:48:00.000-06:00

Go check out my cake plate tutorial over on Maryam's blog, Pamplemousse 1983.

TuesdayTutorial: Easy Christmas tags

2011-12-20T06:00:00.000-06:00

This is less a tutorial and more of a gift tag inspiration.

What you need:

cardstock
glue stick
pen
string

I made these Christmas tags one snowy afternoon last year, and they were so super easy and fun to create.

Go vote!

2011-12-19T21:38:00.000-06:00

The Paper Mama has opened voting on her holiday photo challenge. I entered just for the heck of it, but there are some REALLY REALLY amazing photos on there. You can vote for three so go check it out.

Here's the photo I submitted:

And here's a random photo of my Christmas tree for your enjoyment:

MondayMust: My must-visit daily blog reads

2011-12-19T09:37:00.000-06:00

Like many people who have blogs, I started mine because I loved reading others' posts. I follow what seems like a gajillion blogs, but there are a select few I impulsively check when I log on, regardless of whether a new post has popped up in my feed. Just to be clear, I don't do sponsoring on my blog, so these are truly my honest-to-goodness opinions.

Here they are:

The Paper Mama: I love Chelsey, her DIYs and photo contests. Mad props. And she always looks so darn cute. Check out her holiday party dress.

irocksowhat: Jess is an awesome mom with an awesome kid and awesome style. Both Jess and Chelsey (the Paper Mama) are amazing designers and photographers. They are attending the Alt Design Summit in January, which looks like such a blast.

Bleubird Vintage: I've followed this little lady for so long. She has three gorgeous kids and a fantastic vintage home.

A is for &: Amy is so adorably cute and so is her blog. Definitely check this one out, especially this new post on DIY fox gloves.

Sometimes Sweet: Danielle is another one of those bloggers I've followed for a really long time. She's cute and so is her family. She also posts from really frank entries about blogging and life in general. She and her husband Hank went to a Mad Men theme party this weekend, and the photos are great.

Ramblings and Photos: Ashley hosts a weekly Sunday Scavenger Hunt for photography, and it's been such a great inspiration to get me out shooting more again. I've slacked a bit lately in participation, but I encourage everyone to give it a try even if just one week. I just might even get some photos posted for this week's prompts.

say YES! to hoboken: Liz is one busy lady with all of her blogging. She has impeccable taste and fantastic project ideas. I think I pin pretty much every one of her posts. I am totally going out to get some paint chips to make these DIY paint chip ornaments today.

I'm sure I'm forgetting more than a few, but these are my absolute musts. What are your favorites? I'm always looking for new blogs to follow.

StoryTimeSaturday: Wedding hair and makeup (Part 6)

2011-12-17T18:16:00.000-06:00

This is a weekly, eight-part series where I'm going to share just a small part of my wedding with you: the invitations, the photos, the decor, my dress, my makeup, my wedding party, the music and the dance. Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Whole series

This week we relive my hair and makeup. Kristen B at Salon Why? in downtown Fargo did my hair, and it turned out absolutely the way I wanted it. She is my regular stylist and also responsible for this, this and this haircut.

For makeup, I did my own. I knew that since I had a New Year's Day wedding, it was going to be hard to find someone working on a holiday morning.

I wore mostly Clinique products and followed pretty closely to my daily makeup routine, just using a little more than usual. I didn't want to look too made up.

Here's a rundown of my makeup:
Foundation: Clinique Perfectly Real Makeup in Shade 18
Blush: Sonia Kashuk Shimmering Loose Mineral Blush in Fairy
Eyeshadows: Clinique Color Surge Eye Shadow Duo in Double Date; and Sonia Kashuk Eye Shadow Quad in Brown-eyed Girl for a holiday shimmer.
Eyeliner: Clinique Eye-defining Liquid Liner in Black
Mascara: Clinique in black
Lipstick: Red-y to Wear in High Impact with Clinique long-last glosswear in Black Honey over top

Photo Challenge via Paper Mama: Red

2011-12-17T09:26:00.000-06:00

SaturdayStitches: Easy DIY felt stockings

2011-12-17T08:54:00.000-06:00

It's Christmas crunch time, so here's a suggestion for some stockings that took less than a half-hour apiece to make and cost less than $5 total.

What you need

Felt (probably at least two colors)
Scissors
Sewing machine
Embroidery thread
Craft poms

Using two sheets of felt on top of each other, cut out your desired stocking size.

Using the large zig-zag stitch on your sewing machine, sew the two pieces together. (Except the top of course)

Then simple adorn the stockings using your creative juices with the rest of your felt scraps and craft poms. You're done. Now someone just has to fill them.

FridayConfession: Not ready for Christmas

2011-12-16T19:09:00.001-06:00

There's just a week to go and so much to do. I'm not ready for Christmas, and I'm taking advantage of my three-day weekend this week to get it all done.

Here's what's left:

1. Gift wrapping, and lots of it. Like this, this and this.

2. Gift buying for about half on my list. Here's some ideas.

3. Cookie baking. These, these and these.

4. Holiday cleaning. Because look at this.

5. Christmas partying. With them. And him.

6. Snowflake snipping. Here and here.

7. Knitting. Lots and lots of knitting. In fact, why am I not knitting right now?

I think I'm going to need a lot of this and this to make it through.

FiveThingsFriday: Newspaper

2011-12-16T05:00:00.000-06:00

Since I'm in the newspaper industry and have piles of inked pages piling up at home, these are some great projects for me to get working on:

1. Glass ornaments covered with newspaper and sparkly glitter
2. DIY newspaper art
3. Gift bags
4. Gift wrapping
5. Gift trimming

What are your uses for newspapers (besides subscribing and reading them religiously ;) )?

CrazyCatLadyThursday: Panty snatchers

2011-12-15T06:00:00.000-06:00

I decorated some collars for these panty snatchers over the weekend.

What do you think? Silver chevron sparkles are good for Trudy, but I feel like Friedrich's red collar needs something a little more manly. Any suggestions?

WeekInReviewWednesday: Instagram

2011-12-14T06:00:00.000-06:00

TruthBeToldTuesday: Where are you from?

2011-12-13T22:24:00.003-06:00

So in my mind, I imagine those of you stopping by are either my real-life friends who have found my little outlet for creative energy on this blog, or you're the handful of other bloggers that I read and comment on.

I also assume most of you are 20-somethings from the Midwest, like me.

And that you also have a penchant for kitty cats and marshmallows.

But judging by my recent blog traffic, I know this can't be true. So I'm putting this one in your court.

So truth be told ...

Where are you guys from? I want to know about my readers a little bit. What's your first name? What are your interests? Give me a mini bio if you want.

I just want this to feel more like a two-way exchange now that I realize it's not me anonymously typing into the great beyond.

This beautiful painting is by Jessica's Little Shop of Illustration on Etsy and available for $25. She has so many amazing pieces. This Paris skyline is on my Christmas list.

TuesdayTutorial: Spray paint owl

2011-12-13T07:47:00.000-06:00

I found this cookie jar sans cover several years ago at a thrift store. Don't get me wrong, I adore the kitschy, vintage colors, but after we started getting more grown-up and modern decor in our kitchen I wanted the owl to reflect that change in taste.

Enter a can of metallic spray paint and a beautiful day. Transformation complete.

This project took less than two minutes of active engagement and an hour for drying. The can of spray paint cost lest than $5.

TVTuesday: What are your must-sees

2011-12-13T07:33:00.001-06:00

(My impression of that glassy-eyed, TV watching gaze associated with all Americans)

I like talking with someone you feel like you know pretty well and being surprised they like a certain show. I used to be one of those people who never watched TV. It wasn't like a thoughtful choice to avoid staring zombie-like into the screen, there just wasn't anything that appealed to me. Thanks to DVR, I catch up on "my stories" every weekend. I don't know if what shows you watch (or those of you who choose not to watch any at all) says anything about you as a person, but here's the list of the shows I DVR every week.

"The Walking Dead"
"Glee"
"The New Girl"
"Biggest Loser"
"Criminal Minds" (even though this season has me bored out of my mind)
"American Horror Story"
"Mad Men"
"The Office"
"Saturday Night Live" (I usually make it to the first musical act before deciding there are better ways to waste my time)

Any of them surprising? Any of them also your favorites?

Guest post over on Paper Mama

2011-12-12T17:56:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone.

The lovely Paper Mama posted my guest post for a DIY tree skirt for her 50 days of DIY.

Go check it out.

MondayMust: LinkLove

2011-12-12T08:08:00.000-06:00

Another week closer to Christmas. Sigh. This time of year always goes so fast. Come to think of it, every time of year goes so fast lately.

Here's some must-see links to start your week off right.

Looking for some free, cool Christmas music?

I love olives (perhaps you can tell by the name of my blog), so this recipes sounds like a real winner for holiday appetizers.Via PaperMama. They would be awesome with these cranberry mojitos.

I have some lace curtains from my great-grandmother. This project would be such a neat way to use them.

Yesterday in Fargo it reached 40 degrees. Yeah, that's unreal. I was able to spray paint out side. That activity is usually off limits for a good six months here. I wish I would have had this lawn game to play.

Did you even know you could make homemade gumdrops? I wonder if it's possible to make them spice drops.

Yellow Bird, Yellow Beard is one of my favorite new blogs. If you aren't following her, you should be.

Another reading challenge? Yes, please.

How cute with this pillow be with this quilt?

Photo Challenge via iheartfaces and the Paper Mama: Furry faces

2011-12-12T07:30:00.000-06:00

This is my favorite-ever photo of Trudy. I took it while testing out my heart-shaped bokeh.

SundaySips: Christmas cheer

2011-12-11T17:50:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas to me.

SundayIntroduction: Eliot

2011-12-11T10:19:00.001-06:00

My best friend Tara had a baby last month, and I finally got to meet him this weekend.

Eliot is quite possibly to cutest little guy.

And he completes the cutest family in Minneapolis.

Tara (on the far right) was one of my bridesmaids.

SneakPeekSaturday: Eliot

2011-12-10T18:59:00.001-06:00

Tomorrow's SundayIntroduction

StoryTimeSaturday: My wedding dress (Part 5)

2011-12-10T06:16:00.001-06:00

This is a weekly, eight-part series where I'm going to share just a small part of my wedding with you: the invitations, the photos, the decor, my dress, my makeup, my wedding party, the music and the dance. Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

For so many brides, the dress is the most important piece of planning. I, too, loved my dress, but I was pretty relaxed about it.

I picked it out after trying on probably six dresses total. It was the last one my consultant showed me, and it had just come in that day. I was the first person to try it on.

What I loved about it was the heavy beading on the top and the fact that it was made of taffeta. The silhouette wasn't something I necessarily thought would work well for me. After trying it on, I fell in love with the shape it gave me, thanks to the sweatheart neckline and corset-laced back.

I had absolutely no alterations done, so my recommendation is to look for a corsetted dress if you want to save on alterations. I loved the numerous vintage-looking lace dresses I'd tried on, but I knew those need to pretty much be custom fit to really look great.

The dress is LoVeLa Style No. 9015 by Liz Fields. I purchased it at the Bridal Shop in Fargo.

This week's post is fitting because I just wrote a column for work about where my dress is now. Read that here.

FiveThingsFridady: DIY gifts in a jar

2011-12-09T16:30:00.000-06:00

Source: badderhomesandgardens.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Write a message in hot glue and spray paint from Badder Homes & Gardens. These would be lovely as some personalized vases.

Source: inbetweenlaundry.blogspot.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Yummy peppermint handmade hand and foot scrubs from In Between Laundry.

Source: thepapermama.blogspot.com via Heidi on Pinterest

A sewing kit for that crafter on your list by The Paper Mama.

Source: confessionsofacookbookqueen.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Peppermint Zebra Icebox Cakes by Confessions of a Cookbook Queen.

Source: homemadesimple.com via Heidi on Pinterest

You could give some pretty yarns in these nifty jars by Home Made Simple.

FridayInFargo: Design*Sponge does Fargo

2011-12-09T06:00:00.000-06:00

This post this week from Design*Sponge really had me cracking up. Here in Fargo, the movie does seem to play a big part of our cultural identity. The first Fargo-brewed beer is called Woodchipper, the movie is played each winter to kick of the Fargo Film Festival and everyone will scoff at a visitor's mention that the movie was made here. "Pfff. No it's based in Brainerd and was filmed up by Grand Forks."

So here's how to get your Fargo on: (Thanks to my friend Britta for posting this on Pinterest)

New hairs

2011-12-08T21:20:00.001-06:00

Thank you to the lovely Kristen B at SalonWhy in downtown Fargo for giving me this fantastic new do.

I love it, and so appreciate you encouraging me to embrace by curls.

ThursdaySwap: Let's be button buds

2011-12-08T06:00:00.000-06:00

Today is my first swap, and let's start it out easy, with buttons. I'd love to feature your blog button on my site. My traffic exponentially each week, so your blog will hopefully get good exposure. Grab one of my buttons below and post a link to your button in the comments or email it to me at heidi_kate(at)hotmail(dot)com. Coming next week: Let's swap a guest tutorial.

WardrobeWednesday: Tights

2011-12-07T17:30:00.000-06:00

Temperatures up here in Fargo are getting a little bit colder than probably reasonable to continue wearing dresses and skirts, but there are some amazing tights out there that are helping me persevere.

Source: thefashionpolice.net via Heidi on Pinterest

Source: aneclecticheap.blogspot.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Source: loveelycia.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Source: net-a-porter.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Source: urbanoutfitters.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Source: scathingly-brilliant.blogspot.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Source: i51.tinypic.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Source: thesartorialist.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Source: thelingerieaddict.tumblr.com via Heidi on Pinterest

WhichOneWednesday: Haircut

2011-12-07T06:00:00.000-06:00

I'm getting my haircut Thursday, and I'm so excited to have my stylist back in town. I've been going to random people, and the trust level has just not been there.

So here's the question. Which haircut should I get? Should I go in for more of a shaping up or should I go shorter and straighter?

Currently:

(Attractive face, I know)

Choice No. 1:

Source: hairromance.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Choice No. 2:

Oh, and for those of you who are wondering which holiday card we chose:

Stationery card

View the entire collection of cards.

TopTenTuesday: Best books I've read in 2011

2011-12-06T06:43:00.001-06:00

These are my picks (in no particular order) for the best books I read in 2011:

"The Hunger Games" trilogy by Suzanne Collins. This could have easily been three picks, but I read a lot of great books this year. I really didn't think I was going to like these, but like the rest of the world, discovered they're hard to put down. A great gift recommendation for the reader in your life from ages 10 to 100. Not kidding.

"Half-broke Horse" by Jeanette Walls. I love Jeanette Walls. "The Glass Castle" is one of my favorite books of all time, and this one measured up quite nicely. Again, it's one of those books that you read the back and wonder how this could be something you'd be interested in, but surprise yourself. It's fantastic.

"The Immortal Life on Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot. For those nonfiction readers out there, this is an absolute must. I love the writing as well as the story. The reporter in me can really appreciate the great lengths Skloot went to get the entire story told.

"Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen. Embarrassingly, I'd never read this book before. But you know what? There's a reason it's a classic. It's a really incredible love story with a lot of social meanings for women at the time woven throughout.

"The Paris Wife" by Paula McLain. I read this shortly before we went to Paris, and it made exploring the Latin Quarter all that more exciting. A seriously fantastic fiction read that follows the real letters and correspondence of Ernest Hemingway and his first wife. I've recommended this so many times in the past few months.

"Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand. This, hands down, wins as my favorite book of the year. The first chapter grabbed me, but for some people it took a few more pages. Everyone I've recommended this to has come back thanking me. So for that history buff or nonfiction lover, GET THEM THIS BOOK.

"What is the What" by Dave Eggers. Before starting this I had read "The Heartbreaking Work of a Staggering Genius" by Eggers and hadn't really liked it. But "What is the What" was one of those books that changed my way of thinking forever. It's really heartbreaking but heartwarming book.

"Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers. I read this after "What is the What" because I hadn't had enough Dave Eggers. Another fantastic read.

"Still Alice" by Lisa Genova. This is a quick fiction read, but something anyone who has been touched by Alzheimer's or dementia should pick up.

"Room" by Emma Donoghue. This is more proof not to judge a book by its cover. I kinda thought this would be "too mommy" of a book for me, but it's fantastic. Moms, daughters, monkeys and elephants will all love this book equally.

My goal for 2012 is to get started on this list of the 1,001 books you should read before you die. I can't wait.

What are you reading? This is what I'm reading.

iheartfaces photo contest: Feet

2011-12-05T20:06:00.001-06:00

The steps of the Pantheon, Paris, 2011

Photo Challenge: "November favorite" via The Paper Mama

2011-12-04T21:14:00.000-06:00

Ugly sweater party for two

ScavengerHuntSunday via Ramblings and Photos

2011-12-04T21:10:00.000-06:00

Portrait

Nephew Nate

Nostalgic

Decorating the tree, listening to some vinyl

Time

Waiting for midnight on Black Friday

Full of light

Admiring the tree

Motion

And they're off

UPDATED: First NFL game

2011-12-04T11:06:00.001-06:00

I'm at my first NFL game. Boy oh boy is there a lot of purple out here. Go Vikes.

Stay tuned for more photos.

Story Time Saturday: The wedding decor and cake (Part 4)

2011-12-03T09:45:00.000-06:00

This is a weekly, eight-part series where I'm going to share just a small part of my wedding with you: the invitations, the photos, the decor, my dress, my makeup, my wedding party, the music and the dance. Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

This week it's all about the decor. I did most, if not all of it, myself with the help of my friends and mom.

The cake. My mom's friend is a cake decorator, so we had her make a two-tiered seafoam green cake for us to share amongst the wedding party and keep for our anniversary. Each tier had clear rock candy as the edging, which made it oh so wintry.

We got the adorable wood cake banner from baumbirdy. It turned out fabulous, and we even used it for our second reception this summer.

Decorations. To me, decorations weren't a big deal. The venue we got married in was already so beautiful, with gorgeous woodwork and giant windows overlooking the river and trees.

We made a little "archway" on the windows for the ceremony area. I strung different colors, sizes and shapes of tissue paper on clear wire, securing it every foot or so with a dot of hot glue. I found some cute vintage-looking Christmas lights and wrapped the tissue garland around it. For as little effort as it took and as cheap as it was to make, I think it turned out pretty magical looking.

My favorite decorations were the faux snowglobes that stretched down the middle of the tables along with tall pitchers of "snow covered" branches.

My bff Cristen and I made these in one afternoon. Here's what you need:
Glass bowls from a craft store (We got two different sizes)
The bottom trays for terracotta flower pots
Spray paint
Faux trees (or little woodland creatures would be adorable)
Hot glue
Tiny foam ball snow. We found it worked best because it was full of static and stuck to the trees)
Tinsel piping

1. Spray paint the terracotta bottoms whatever color you want for the base.
2. Hot glue the trees on the base.
3. Turn the globe so the open part is face up and put a few tablespoons of "snow" inside.
4. Spread hotglue on the lip of the globe opening and secure the base (with trees attached) to it.
5. Hot glue the tinsel around the top of the base where it meets the globe to hid some of the other glue.

And voila, super easy, no-water-required snow globes.

We also spread different sizes and shapes of white candles all over the room. It gave a nice glowy look.

This was my throwing bouquet.

One of my regrets is that I didn't get more photos of the flowers. They turned out so beautiful. We went with a white and muted green color palette. Again, flowers weren't something I wanted everywhere because part of me felt really wasteful getting a boatload of flowers in Minnesota in January.

FiveThingsFriday: Toilet paper roll

2011-12-02T18:20:00.000-06:00

Here are five crafty and practical uses for toilet paper rolls:

Wall art via the mayberryhomejournal. I think I'd probably spray paint them to look less toilet-paper-rolly.

Take care of that drawer full of cables and wires via Storage | Glee

Via

Advent calendar via mayamade

Seed starter via yougrowgirl.

FridayConfession: Quitter

2011-12-02T06:10:00.001-06:00

A few weeks ago, I shared that I've gained about 15 pounds over the past year. A lot of life events contributed to that gain, and I returned to my old standby to lose: WeightWatchers. I lost about 20 pounds on the program last year, and it's a good plan. But I never really felt like it fit me. I tend to eat when I'm sad or nervous or stressed, so no amount of tracking points mattered at certain times.

Last week I started listening to myself and my body. Instead of getting in my 8-point breakfast at 6 a.m. on the dot, I ate when I felt hungry and what I felt like eating. When lunchtime rolled around that day, I still wasn't hungry, so I kept working until I was. I'd worked up a good appetite and, again, ate exactly what I was hungry for. Some days, I admit this means eating potato chips for lunch and ice cream for a snack. OMG. Potato chips and ice cream. So far, my pants are looser and I am happier.

Holiday Photo Challenge: via The Paper Mama

2011-12-01T05:38:00.001-06:00

My niece Tess came over to help me out with a little photo lighting project, and the result was this fun, cozy, fuzzy-warm holiday photo.

UPDATED:

I probably should have included this yesterday when I originally posted the photo, but my lighting experiment was inspired by an interview I did for work with photographer and author Nick Kelsh.

Here's a video with a tutorial on how to build a lightbox that creates that glowy effect when you turn off the flash (and please amateur photographers, turn off that flash):

Nick Kelsh's A Christmas Card from Nick Kelsh on Vimeo.

All you need is a box, a string of Christmas lights, a hanger and some aluminum foil. Genius.

Here's the story I wrote.

GiveThanksThursday: Kitty comes home

2011-12-01T05:30:00.000-06:00

Thanks to everyone for their kind words and caring thoughts when we had to take Trudy to the emergency vet.

Trudy hadn't been feeling well for a couple of days, but we thought she just had a case of the kitten pukes or something. It turned out that she had swallowed a piece of string and had to have in surgically removed.

Everything went well, and she's back at home, albeit with a collar that she hates.

I'm just thankful she's feeling A-OK.

What are you thankful for today?

Month in review: November 2011

2011-11-30T21:19:00.000-06:00

I like memories and numbers. Why not combine them for a look back at the month that was November 2011.

On the blog front, OliveObserver had:

—4,017 page views and 41 Google followers, both double my all-time numbers. Thanks to everyone for visiting, following and leaving awesome and encouraging comments.
—66 posts, including this one, which was the most popular, and this one, which was my personal favorite

—A new blog banner and buttons designed by the Paper Mama.

On the home front, I:

—Took more than 2,000 photographs.

My favorite

—Adopted a kitten.

—Read only two books. (Better luck next month, brain)

—had 97 Pinterest followers.

—And 380 Twitter followers.

How was your month?

WardrobeWednesday: DIY shoe projects

2011-11-30T06:48:00.000-06:00

Most of my shoes are of the cheaper variety from Forever 21, Target or H&M. The mass retailers make cute shoes in large quantities, but there are a few ideas floating around out there on how to make them you-nique.

These chevron moccasins from sincerely kinsey play into my latest obsession, but they're also a great way to dress up a plain old pair of slippers.

I'd love to dress up a pair of flats like this by adding a bow and strap to turn them into some adorable mary janes.

Even just a touch a glitter can turn some plan old Forever 21 wedges into something special.

Miss out on all the good Missoni stuff at Target? Start your own craze with this take on a plain pair of canvas shoes.

And don't forget this pair of jimmy choo inspired gold-tips from say yes to hoboken.

Got any ideas of your own? I'd love some more links or ideas.

TopTenTuesday: My Christmas wishlist

2011-11-29T19:46:00.000-06:00

1. "The Marriage Plot" by Jeffrey Eugenides
2. Teak Carved Wine Rack from Gaiam
3. Minnesota love ring by Dreaming Tree Creations
4. Wood Camera iPhone 4/ iPhone 4S case from Photojojo
5. Color Bug by Kevin Murphy
6. Camera bag by Jo Totes
7. Twig bobby pins by Woodland Belle
8. Katja cap by Anthropologie (This was the winner from WhichOneWednesday a few weeks back)
9. Custom return address stamp from Primele
10. North Dakota is almost a perfect parallelogram T-shirt by Raygun

Think positive thoughts

2011-11-28T22:26:00.001-06:00

We must be having a bad year for pets. First Jimmy ran away and now I'm sitting at the animal ER because Trudy swallowed some string and it has to be surgically removed. My poor kitten!

Please send your positive thoughts and good vibes our way.

My littlest patient:

I heart faces: Bust a gut

2011-11-28T08:19:00.000-06:00

ScavengerHuntSunday via Ramblings and Photos

2011-11-28T08:13:00.001-06:00

Waiting:

Foliage:

Candid:

Knife / Fork / Spoon:

Rule of thirds:

Photo Challenge: "Smile" via The Paper Mama

2011-11-28T07:55:00.000-06:00

My nephew Nate, with his sheepish grin. :)

MondayMust: Crazy for chevron

2011-11-28T07:47:00.000-06:00

Like seemingly everyone else in the blogosphere, I'm crazy for chevron right now. I find myself doodling it. I buy knitting patterns in it. Almost bought a chevron handbag the other day. And my Pinterest is filled with all things chevron.

I especially love this DIY chevron stamp post. I want to make one and stamp the edges of my Christmas cards. What do you think?

Or check out this fabulous DIY chevron tote bag. Yes, please.

My next knitting project will involve the herringbone stitch, which creates a chevron pattern.

Or how about See Kate Sew's amazing chevron clutch. It's also on my project list.

And wouldn't this be a great DIY stocking stuffer for the coffee or tea lover in your life?

I'm also making one of these chevron mats for under the kitlets' litter boxes.

I haven't made a friendship bracelet in probably 15 years, but this post might just entice me to pick up the threads again.

And keeping with the chevron craze, Chelsey at The Paper Mama designed some great new buttons and a banner for my blogo. I'll be getting these up and running in the next day or so, but wanted to share them because I'm in love.

See. I told you I was crazy for chevron.

Sunday Introductions: Skinny Runner

2011-11-27T09:28:00.001-06:00

Skinny Runner has one of my favorite blogs. Though she's much more dedicated to the sport of running, I still enjoy reading her posts daily. SR, who lives in southern California, but works on her dad's fishing boat in Alaska, was recently in my home state of North Dakota, so I caught up with her through email to see what she thought.

Date and reason for last trip to North Dakota?

I flew out to North Dakota (ok, I admit South Dakota too) in October to go pheasant hunting with my dad.

How many times have you been to North Dakota?

This is the 3rd time I've been.

Skinny Runner at Scheel's (a Midwestern sporting goods store for those of you who are unfamiliar).

What were your initial thoughts?

Wow, Scheels is a big deal here! And there's so much camo!

Everyone here talks about the weather, so it's required that I ask this question: What was the weather like when you were here?

This year the weather was super mild, in the 50s-60s but the first year my husband and I went, it was snowing and freezing cold!

Most surprising thing about your trip?

How friendly everyone is. It's amazing, coming from CA where if you talk to someone they think you're either trying to rob them or swindle them. EVERYONE was so nice and friendly in both North and South Dakota. I accidentally left my camera at the airport in Bismarck and the airport called UPS for me and had it sent right away. In CA that baby woulda been long gone and in Mexico before I knew it was missing.

You're from SoCal; could you ever see yourself living in NoDak? Why or why not?

I don't think it's in my future to live there. Of course, I'll go where ever my husband's job is and where God leads us, but I love living on the West Coast and most importantly, closer to my family who are in Oregon and Washington.

Huntin'

Did the wide open spaces do anything for your running?

Errrr no, since I didn't run once when I was there! We did hike/walk about 24 miles while hunting so I guess that counts for something...

Where did you stay?

In years past we've stayed at hotels in Linton, but this year I stayed with my parents in their motorhome that they drove from Oregon.

Do you plan to come back?

I'm sure we will be back next year for me to attempt shooting something other than a cloud. I'm a fantastically awful shot.

Fargo has a big marathon every May, ever consider running it?

I would love to! I've heard only good things about it, I just haven't made it out that way in May and usually by then I'm heading up to Alaska to commercial fish for the summer.

Thanks for playing 20 (or so) questions, SkinnyRunner. And here's to hoping you make another stop in North Dakota some time.

Sneak Peek Saturday: Crafternoon with Cristen

2011-11-26T21:41:00.001-06:00

Can you guess what will result in a crafternoon with my bff Cristen when you start with a table full of this? Stay tuned for a DIY Friday project next week.

SaturdayObsessions: Candy cane Tootsie Pops

2011-11-26T11:56:00.001-06:00

My mom first started buying these for me when I was in high school and has continued the tradition for well beyond a decade. And I still love them. In some ways it's probably that seasonal appeal that always makes me buy a Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks every September. But these suckers (is that a Midwest thing? What do you call them?) are AAAWESOME.

Any other holiday snackeroos I'm missing out on?

As you read this, I'm headed out to western North Dakota for a belated Thanksgiving with the huz' family. I'm going to attempt mobile blogging, but we'll see how that goes.

Story Time Saturday: The wedding photos (Part 3)

2011-11-26T06:59:00.003-06:00

This is a weekly, eight-part series where I'm going to share just a small part of my wedding with you: the invitations, the photos, the decor, my dress, my makeup, my wedding party, the music and the dance. Part 1 | Part 2

My college friend, Chris Franz, who is an amazing photographer, took picture for our wedding. He did such an amazing job.

Here are a few of our favorites:

It was — no lie — 20-below-zero the day of our wedding. And look at all that frickin' snow.

FridayConfession: My Black Friday purchases

2011-11-25T11:23:00.004-06:00

There were definitely times last night during the Black Friday chaos that I wondered why anyone would do it. In some ways though, it is exciting and festive.

At the end of the night, at about 5 a.m I broke down and purchased these three items from Gap. I was so tired at the time that I don't even know if I grabbed the right sizes. It was all for myself, but hey, I earned it right? ;) Those sound like the words of someone who needs to be on "Intervention."

And just for the record, most of this stuff was under $20, not the original prices listed on Polyvore.

FridayConfession: My Black Friday purchases by heidireisenauer featuring slim jeans

GAP dolman sleeve top
$50 - gap.com

GAP slim jeans
$70 - gap.com

GAP tote hand bag
$60 - gap.com

FridayinFargo: Unglued Christmas Market

2011-11-25T08:12:00.000-06:00

New to downtown Fargo this week is a store that will be open the five weeks from now until Christmas. The Unglued Christmas Market was started by a couple that organized and indie / alternative craft fair last winter. I got a peek inside for this article I wrote at work, and it's full of some truly unique gift ideas. Unglued will also host five craft workshops, which you can sign up for on their website.

Where do you go for some one-of-a-kind, handmade gifts?

Up all night

2011-11-24T19:07:00.000-06:00

I've never done the crazy Black Friday shopping before, so I will get my first taste of it when I cover it live for the newspaper I work for.

Anyone going to be up and want to follow me on Twitter as I chase down the crowds? Follow me on Twitter: HeidiShaffer.