PLAYING FAVORITES

These are a few of my favorite things! I have a file on my iphone, one on my computer, one on Pintrest and another in my filing cabinet. In these files contain some of my favorite photo's of idea's I love, projects I hope to tackle one day or inspiration as to what I hope my house will look like someday (when the kids move out!). The favorites are piling up, so I need to purge. While I am spring cleaning, I thought I would post ten of my favorites...

1Photo One:

What is not to love about this? I have seen this done in
different versions, but this is my favorite!

 2Photo Two:

I love anything industrial. This is one of those photo's that I
think is unique and creative, but I can't decided if I like this or not.

3Photo Three: 

Too cutesy for me, but what a great idea!

  
4Photo Four:

Gorgeous! This inspires me to learn to crochet.

5Photo Five: 

Love these mix matched chairs. Some day
Lola's Board Room will look like this.

6Photo Six: 

White kitchens always look clean. I love the idea of
mixing in wood elements to add warmth and comfort.

7Photo Seven: 

I am always a fan of a Wall of Frames! I love these white frames
featuring vibrant images. Its organized chaos!

8Photo Eight: 

Someone try this please! It seems so easy for any gardener!
Sedum planted on a wreath. Such a darling idea!

  

9Photo Nine: 

Isn't this fun! I love the idea of wrapping artwork around a corner.
Its visually fun. You may see this soon at Lola's!

10Photo Ten: 

I had to end with one of my favorites! I love the mixed blues
with pops of color. The banana artwork is a nice focal point.
Look to the left... the letters spell "LOLA"! I like to
think this would be Lola's bedroom.

These are some of my favorites, and that is the definition of Living Lola Style! Style is personal to each person. Living Lola Style takes into account design, creativity and vintage inspiration, helping you to create a space unique to your own preferences. Don't follow the trends, create them! Break the rules and make your own! Live like Lola!!!

- Stacey Olson

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

KIDS BOOK CLUB: 03.27.12

THANKS & GIVING
by Marlo Thomas and Friends

This book is amazing! Its the follow-up for those of us who grew up loving the stories and singing the songs of 'Free to Be You and Me'! Marlo Thomas and a slew of friends (Sheryl Crow, Tiger Woods, Kevin Bacon, Donald Trump, and more!) contribute to this book and the included CD. All proceeds benefit the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Kids Book Club books available at Lola's, or call... we can ship it to you!

Retail: $28
Save 10% off this book through 04/03/12

Watch for new Living Lola Style Kids Book Club posts every Tuesday!

UNIQUE GIFTS

One Shopper's Endorsement Of Lola's For Gifts!

 

I truly love buying gifts, and some of my favorite gift recipients are my beloved great nieces and nephews and grandlad. For one reason or another, I've often found myself just a tad desperate before gift-giving occasions --haven't we all?  Sadly, there have been times when I end up dashing through the aisles of a certain huge chain store, which isn't exactly what I'd planned!

Illustration from the book, Lineup For Yesterday.

Good news!  My days of gift despair have ended, because I have found Lola's!  Honestly -- you have to see to see the fabulous kid stuff!  While my Grandlad was here last week, we got a really cool book about classic, old-time baseball stars. Look at those awesome illustrations!

I also made a really, really cool art piece for his room, using vintage game cards and pages from old dictionaries. Sounds odd, I know, but look at the results!  I love personal gifts!  He told me that it is in his room, and that makes me very happy!  

I went back to Lola's just this morning and picked up more cards, more dictionary pages and a frame!  Later this afternoon, I'll whip up another art piece for my significant other and myself!  It won't take long!  And who would have thought I'd find the perfect gift for my Dad's upcoming 89th birthday! Think about it!  What older guy doesn't love to eat, new restaurants, road trips and Alton Brown?  Check out Lola's for gifts!  And let me know what you found!

           
 

  - Kay Holsted, Guest Contributor

Kay Holsted is the owner of RedBird Vintage Home. Her amazing pillows are available at Lola's. RedBird Vintage Home was recently selected to set-up a store in West Elm in Lincoln Park, IL. <read entire post>. You can also view Kay's entire line of Pillow's in her Etsy store.

PINTREST PROJECTS

Endless Creativity! How many times have you logged onto Pinterest thinking, "I'll only be on for a few minutes." Next thing you know, you have spent an entire afternoon browsing beautiful photo's and "pinning" idea's for future projects.

More and more people are coming into Lola's looking for supplies to complete their Pinterest projects. One of our customers from Fort Collins, CO recently purchased this lamp. She made the shade using an idea she found on Pinterest. - Adorable, Jodi!

BEFORE

AFTER

Lola's has tons of supplies you can use for your next Pintrest project. Some of the recent items purchased for projects include: wooden clothes pins, charms, keys, flashcards,  frames, books, vintage dishes, mugs and bowls, old photo's, silverware, suitcases ... just to name a few.  

The vintage furniture at Lola's is reclaimed and restored. Many of Lola's customers have found funky pieces similar to what they had seen on Pinterest right here in our store.  One of our favorites is this vintage serving cart which was recently purchased from Lola's. The new owner now utilizes the cart as extra storage in her small kitchen. - So creative, Becka!

Such a great use for this retro cart!

Customers have actually came into the store and left us 'wish lists' for items they are searching for to complete a Pinterest Project. We talk to our suppliers and help the customers search out the items. It's like we are on a treasure hunt. Recently we had a photographer come into Lola's. She bought some items to use as props. We found this idea on Pinterest and thought it was so adorable. We called her to suggest the idea, and even located a vintage flour sack for her!

 

Flour sack photo idea found on Pinterest.

Here is an idea seen on Pinterest, and a similar vintage laundry cart for sale at Lola's in the Salvaged Boutique in the back of our store. We are loving the idea of an old ladder hanging above the laundry cart to dry clothes.

Pintrest photo from 2.bp.blogspot.com

Similar cart at Salvaged Boutique in Lola's

Everyone at Lola's is always surprised when browsing Pinterest and we come across one of our own photos in the rotation, pinned by someone we don't even know! Its exciting to have our idea's used as inspiration to others. Here are two photos we recently saw repinned by others. - Fun, fun!

Stumbled upon a pin of RedBird Vintage Home pillows available @Lola's.
Order locally at Lola's and save shipping fees!

Lola's Wall of Frames repinned by customers on Pinterest!

We would love to see your Pinterest idea's, and share our idea's! 'Follow' any of us on Pinterest! If you have purchased items at Lola's for your Pinterest Projects, let us know! We love to see your creativity!!! 

Stacey Olson (Featured Contributor)

http://pinterest.com/lolamorris/

Kay Holsted (Featured Contributor)

http://pinterest.com/cardinalkay/

 Heidi Kindelspire (Featured Contributor)
http://pinterest.com/hkspire/

Donna Weaver (Featured Contributor)

http://pinterest.com/daweaver/

KITCHEN SINK SKIRTS

YAY OR NAY?

Multiple skirts!  I'm not a fan of the peachy
coral color, but I do dig the Kitchen Aid
mixer and plates on the wall - future post!
(photo credit: bhg.com)

Are you hip to Austin, Texas' slogan, "Keep Austin Weird"? I endorse that sentiment heartily, especially in the decor here at the bungalow. Today's weirdness involves kitchen skirt sinks and the perennial question: YAY or NAY? 

We have a vintage sink in our basement almost identical to this one, and we seriously considered using it in our kitchen re-do.  Vintage sink + skirt combination = awesome weirdness in my world! In the end, sadly, we just didn't have the nerve!     

We opted for IKEA's reasonably-priced farmhouse sink, instead.  After all, I've wanted one for years, and it does exude a moderate amount of odd. 

Kay's Farmhouse sink

Vintage Farmhouse Sink with a skirt.
(photo credit: rrantiues.tumblr.com)

The farmhouse sink is a natural for the skirt, as this photo clearly illustrates.  I'm just not sure MY farmhouse sink would look its best, skirted. YAY or NAY?  While I wrestle with this decorating dilemma, enjoy viewing some additional skirted sink beauties. Don't you love the way these kitchens are styled?  So charming!

WOW --- what I love most about this kitchen is how rustic it is! I'm fond of the bizziness of that counter top, too, and must remember that when i fret over mine. The plate shelf is wonderful, s are the three white porcelain pendants and the old rugs. (photo credit: lh4.gght.co)

Here's more vintage sink + skirt = happiness! Definitely a must-do in our next house. Also, enjoying the super large windows, restaurant-style range and hood, and the soapstone (I think) counter tops sportin' a dog. :0 I love the rustic brackets and shelves, but I'd have a rolling ladder, which I love, anyway. (photo credit: remodelista.com)

Something about a vintage sink like this; it calls for a skirt, don't you think?  We thought about using something similar in our current re-mod, but we chickened out.  I love the open shelves, those cute light fixtures, and the old stool.  Pretty!  This homeowner obviously loves green the way that I love blue! (photo credit: google.com)

 - Kay Holsted, Guest Contributor

Kay Holsted is the owner of RedBird Vintage Home. Her amazing pillows are available at Lola's. RedBird Vintage Home was recently selected to set-up a store in West Elm in Lincoln Park, IL. <read entire post>. You can also view Kay's entire line of Pillow's in her Etsy store.

KIDS BOOK CLUB: 03.20.12

Animal Band

Story by Christopher Jennings

The animal band is getting together, but when the gang from the zoo shows up, there's nothing left for Thomas the dog to play. Can his friends help? Oh, yeah! With rhythm and rhyme, this story encourages readers to make some music while teaching an important lesson. Kids Book Club books available at Lola's, or call... we can ship it to you!

Retail: $14.95
Save 10% off this book through 03/27/12

Watch for new Living Lola Style Kids Book Club posts every Tuesday!

GINGHAM CHECKS

My gingham kitchen...circa 1994

 

Timeless or Hopelessly Granny? When you're my age and like to tell yourself that you're still hip to what's happening now. . . you've probably gone through your fair share of decor STYLES.  My first house (circa 1972) was one big tribute to all things Early Americana.  It was easy as pie, back then: mix your box pleats on plaid furniture and stir in EAGLES, EAGLES and more EAGLES.  And yes, I had the then-ubiquitous Mr. Plastic Eagle over our front door!  Don't laugh at me -- you know your mother had one!
 

 

My almond refrigerator with magnets!

Anyway, somewhere around the early 80's, thanks to Mary Emmerling, I switched to my country phase.  THAT was easy peasy too, you had your blue and red (but NEVER the goose with the blue scarf! The horror!) Add quilts, baskets, homespun anything, and last but not least, way way WAY too much primitive stuff, everywhere!  Check out my primitive kitchen, circa 1994.  Okay, so I cringe a little at it now (check out those almond appliances and all those refrigerator magnets!) -- but at the time, it was happening!

  

So what STYLE do I favor I now?  You ask?  Well, I'm not sure!  I did purge a lot of my smaller antiques and most of those baskets on eBay, but I still REALLY like old stuff.  We call it "VINTAGE" now, but of course.  I do like industrial style, and I'm trying to go more modern, all at the same time!  Maybe it's modern country . . . I don't know!  Suddenly, it's not as easy as it used to be!  I used to be so inspired by Cottage Living magazine, but it went belly up, as my sister likes to say!  Now I find myself alone, adrift, if you will, and winging it, which sometimes means decorating dilemma's!  Sadly.

Pintrest inspiration courtesy of
Rooney Robinson Antiques

So here's a dilemma I currently have -- gingham checks!  I loved them back THEN (see that wallpaper in my long-ago kitchen!), and I still love them NOW!  Are they timeless or hopelessly granny?  Well, look at this photo I spied on Pinterest, just yesterday!  I nearly swooned!  You see, for months, I've been yearning for a red gingham check skirt under my kitchen's farmhouse sink!  CAN I?  I think so, but I have to go big, don't you agree?  It's the large scale which makes it modern.  Look at those huge stripes!  Perfection!  What are your thoughts?  Are you pro or anti gingham?

- Kay Holsted, Guest Contributor 

Kay Holsted is the owner of RedBird Vintage Home. Her amazing pillows are available at Lola's. RedBird Vintage Home was recently selected to set-up a store in West Elm in Lincoln Park, IL. <read entire post>. You can also view Kay's entire line of Pillow's in her Etsy store.

IS THAT SPRING I SEE?

 

Spring is on its way! I spotted this daffodil beginning to open yesterday in my garden. If it seems early, it is! My plants are all confused by the gorgeous weather we have had this Spring. My ground cover is coming in luscious and green and in all corners of my garden little buds are sprouting. I am convinced that spring will be here, soon!

With spring approaching, I feel the need to start my seedlings indoors. I do this to extend the growing seasons of my plants, flowers and vegetables. Seeds started indoors require the same basic conditions as those started outside. Give your seedlings daily attention for success. 

Seedling Tips

Earth friendly idea from Mr. Brown Thumb:
Start seedlings in used toilet paper rolls.

SOIL:

Use clean, fresh and healthy soil.

Make sure the soil is moist everyday.

POTS:

Use clean containers, preferably with good drainage.

What container you chose depends on what you are growing.

If plants outgrow containers, transplant (carefully) to larger containers.

Earth friendly pot alternatives: egg cartons, newspaper or empty toilet paper rolls.

Replant seedlings and earth friendly containers into the ground.

SOWING THE SEEDS

Thoroughly moisten the seeds.

Follow directions on the seed packets.

Replant most plants outside in 4-6 weeks, usually early May.

Wait until the plant has at least two healthy leaves.

LIGHT:

Place your seeds in a sunny window.

Adequate light is necessary.

If your seeds don't receive enough natural light, use supplemental lights.

Don't let your seeds get cold.

WATER:

Wrap seeds in plastic wrap to add moisture.

Remove plastic as the seeds sprout.

Use a spray bottle to spritz plants.

Keep your seeds moist, but not soaked.

Too much water can destroy your plant.

Give the seedlings weak fertilizer during the last week indoors.

TIPS:

Everyday run a hand over your seedlings to toughen them up.

A week before planting bring your seedlings outside for a few hours every day. 

When outside, place seedlings in a shaded, weather-protected area.

Expose them to a little more sun and wind each day.

PLANTING:

Water the ground and the seedlings thoroughly. 

Dig a hole about twice the size of the root. 

Place the seedlings in gently and covering them with soil.

Never disturb the roots during planting or transplanting. 

Leave 1/4" of soil pressed firmly around the roots. 

Put a small depression around the plant stem to help trap moisture. 

Water daily or according to seed packet instructions.

Use recycled newspaper to start seedlings.

Happy Gardening!

- Stacey Olson

Stacey Olson is a Featured Contributor