by Jeanne Oliver | Nov 9, 2010 | Uncategorized
My reading habits have changed over the years. I used to have to finish a book…no matter how bad it was. It bothered me to have spent all that time and then not finish it. Now, I may not finish a GOOD book! I used to only read one book at a time. I couldn't...
by Jeanne Oliver | Nov 8, 2010 | All
One of the best parts about my creative life is watching other creative women soar! I count one of my blessings is having such inspiring and encouraging friends. It is always my pleasure when I can encourage them right back. Jennifer Rizzo is one of THE most creative...
by Jeanne Oliver | Nov 4, 2010 | All
It is easy to walk into a store like Anthropologie and want to buy everything in site….even when your wallet is empty. The music, scent, art, lighting, vintage statement pieces…and that is even before you see the clothes, shoes, tea towels and bedding....
by Jeanne Oliver | Nov 2, 2010 | All
I grew up in a really small, rural town. When I was young we would head to the Ben Franklin and buy the gum cigarettes. Neither of my parents smoked so I don't even know why we thought it was cool. So, here I was around 10 walking around town blowing candy dust...
by Jeanne Oliver | Oct 31, 2010 | All
When I was just starting out I was so blessed by many women that had gone before me and they gave me their knowledge so willingly and openly. When I would come across someone that didn't want to share information ( I am not talking about a trade secret ..just...
by Jeanne Oliver | Oct 29, 2010 | All
Last week Benjamin and I took a little walk to scout out a location for a family photo shoot I was doing. Sometimes I don't realize how little time Kelly and I get alone with each of them. When we have that time alone with one of the children I...
by Jeanne Oliver | Oct 26, 2010 | All
OK…before you see the weirdest photo of me I would like to explain. I don't know if it will do any good but I want to try! Last year when I went to Brave Girl Camp they made the most awesome caramel corn. SERIOUSLY AMAZING!!! I made it a few times around...
by Jeanne Oliver | Oct 25, 2010 | All
I am very fortunate to be surrounded by incredibly amazing women. One of the many benefits of this creative world I have the privilege of being a part of is watching everyone's creative journey. Every once in awhile I want to introduce you to my creative friends...
by Jeanne Oliver | Oct 22, 2010 | All
I get a regular stream of emails asking questions about running a small business, Etsy and other shop questions so I thought it was time to have a post every once in awhile about….The Shop. One of the things that has always been important to me as a shop owner...
by Jeanne Oliver | Oct 20, 2010 | All, Travel
Because I have been so busy getting the new line out I have not had a chance to share with you about Brave Girl Camp. If you have been following my blog for awhile you know that I went to BGC a year ago and what an amazing impact it had on me. You can read about last...
by Jeanne Oliver | Oct 18, 2010 | Uncategorized
I am so happy to finally show you what we have been working on for months. This new collection already has already gotten a wonderful response!!! To celebrate the new collection, The French Brocante, I would like to have a little giveaway. I will be giving away a...
by Jeanne Oliver | Oct 17, 2010 | All
Tomorrow at 8 am MST my new collection, The French Brocante, will be available. I can't wait to show you!!
by Jeanne Oliver | Oct 14, 2010 | All, Travel
I know you are probably waiting for my post on Brave Girl Camp. Sorry…I haven't even uploaded the photos. Serious. You are probably waiting to see a little sneak peek of my new line coming on MONDAY:-) Sorry…that would require me being...
by Jeanne Oliver | Oct 12, 2010 | Uncategorized
listening: the music from my blog eating: nothing drinking: hours old latte from Starbucks wearing: pajama pants, tank and a sweatshirt…hot! feeling: content weather: cool fall evening wanting: all my Brave Girl sisters around me needing: to finish my winter...
by Jeanne Oliver | Oct 10, 2010 | Uncategorized
My love story began like so many….in a bar:-) OK…it was a restaurant too…which my mom always likes to remind people. I was sitting at the bar with some girlfriends. The most handsome of boys walked in with a group of people. I leaned over to my...
by Jeanne Oliver | Oct 5, 2010 | Uncategorized
If you live in the Chicago area I encourage you to take a drive this weekend and enjoy the prettiest of barn sales. My friend Anne Marie will be having her annual barn sale with talented vendors from around the area. Everything Anne Marie does is so full of...
by Jeanne Oliver | Oct 3, 2010 | Uncategorized
These are the little things that are making me smile today… Quick project in the kitchen. I took the door off and sewed this little linen curtain to go in its place. I loved the idea so much when I saw it in this beautiful lady's...
by Jeanne Oliver | Oct 1, 2010 | Uncategorized
One of our favorite things to do at the end of summer is to have an outdoor movie night. Last year our rainy and cold September didn't allow us to have one. This year Benjamin wanted an outdoor movie night for his birthday party. (Benjamin getting his glow...
by Jeanne Oliver | Sep 29, 2010 | Uncategorized
When I knew that my friend Vana Chupp's new book was out I was so excited for her! Her taste is exquisite!! The first thing I ever ordered from her was a set of cards with the silhouette of all three of my children on it. Everyone that ever received one of these...
by Jeanne Oliver | Sep 28, 2010 | All
I was reading my friend’s blog and came across this recipe and knew I had to try it. With all my allergies if I find something that is “clean” for me to eat and it looks this good š I am anxious to make it my own. My children are good sports...
by Jeanne Oliver | Sep 26, 2010 | All, Travel
There are few things that I miss from growing up in the Midwest as much as the trees! Trees that provided us endless hiding places and shade throughout the hot summers. Trees that painted the hills with the most gorgeous colors in the fall. ...
by Jeanne Oliver | Sep 24, 2010 | All, Travel
When I was making plans to go to the south of France I couldn't imagine coming all that way and not spending a little time in Paris. I really wanted to make sure my time in Paris overlapped with the flea markets. When I dreamed of coming to France I truly...
by Jeanne Oliver | Sep 21, 2010 | All, Travel
While Kelly, Benjamin and I would sleep in every morning…..Jack and Madolyn would wake up early and go with Grandpa to get coffee and donuts at "The Depot." The Depot is just the local gas station in town (VERY SMALL TOWN) that has a cafe and grocery...
by Jeanne Oliver | Sep 19, 2010 | All, Travel
Every year we travel back to Illinois to spend a few weeks at my parent's farm. This is a place of pure joy for my children! I didn't grow up here. When my parents told me four years ago that they were going to sell the house I grew up in...
by Jeanne Oliver | Sep 17, 2010 | All
I grew up in a small town in rural Illinois. I walked to school, to my dad's office in town and everyone knew us (that can be good and bad). Every home was different. There were no subdivisions or track homes. Most yards had a clothesline. All summer we...
by Jeanne Oliver | Sep 15, 2010 | All, Travel
It was hard saying goodbye to the Chateau and all of the amazing people we had met. Jackie, Rachel, Anne, Alexis, Chantal and I headed to the train station for our (long) trip to Paris. Alexis and Chantal would be catching a flight the next morning. Anne was staying...
by Jeanne Oliver | Sep 13, 2010 | All
Everything that is left in my shop from the summer collection is currently on CLEARANCE. Help me clean out my shop and make room for all the wonderful new items coming in my winter collection….The French Brocante! The closer and closer I get to unveiling...
by Jeanne Oliver | Sep 11, 2010 | Uncategorized
An average day is from the moment I wake up I am already thinking of all that NEEDS to be done. Clothes are waiting to go into the washer and waiting to be folded from the dryer. The children are waiting for breakfast. Dishes are waiting to be emptied from the...
by Jeanne Oliver | Sep 9, 2010 | All
I got all my sisters with me We are family Get up everybody and sing I hope this song now is stuck in your head for the rest of the day! Every year Maddy and I have a back to school shopping trip/sleep over to celebrate the start of school. Our big shopping trip with...
by Jeanne Oliver | Sep 7, 2010 | All
I interrupt Franceapalooza for a life update. I had to show this cute boy. He won't be four for a few more weeks and he just learned how to ride his bike without training wheels. That's right….we build them really cool around here! This same...
by Jeanne Oliver | Sep 5, 2010 | All, Travel
As our time in Montauban was nearing an end we all rested in the courtyard enjoying a cafeĀ au laitĀ and sharing our treasures we had found that day. This was always one of my favorite times of the day when I could see all the amazing vintage finds that each woman had...
by Jeanne Oliver | Sep 4, 2010 | All, Travel
As my time in the south of France was coming to a close I tried to breath in the details that I was afraid of forgetting. Would I remember…really remember…what it was like? Would I remember the people, architecture, foods? Would I be able to...
by Jeanne Oliver | Sep 1, 2010 | All, Travel
Most of us live such a busy life. I feel like our schedule is slower and easier because we homeschool but I wish I could slow it down even more. I admire many of my friends that also have the joy and privilege of owning land, animals and growing so much of what their...
by Jeanne Oliver | Aug 30, 2010 | All, Travel
by Jeanne Oliver | Aug 27, 2010 | All
I have to stay away from Target.I go in for hand wash and leave poor.I don't know how this happens.Seriously!I plead the fifth.I don't even know why I go through the clothes because that dang Converse line gets me every time.How can you turn this down for...
by Jeanne Oliver | Aug 25, 2010 | All
I love the magazine section at Barnes and Noble. I love bringing home a big pile of new mags and curling up on the sofa with a cup of tea and drooling over the pages.Unfortunately, so many of the magazines I used to adore have closed their doors this past year.Like so...
by Jeanne Oliver | Aug 23, 2010 | All
I love this title because believe me….after France my wallet is ANYTHING but full!Now..I can't let a little thing like money keep me from fall fashion:-)OK..I can.If you are anything like me you don't go and buy a whole new fall...
by Jeanne Oliver | Aug 20, 2010 | All, Travel
Day Five was a bit overcast and rainy for most of the morning.I loved the cooler air and even though the rain changed our plans I loved seeing France through the rain.The afternoon sun came out and gave me the opportunity to head back out and take some photos of the...
by Jeanne Oliver | Aug 19, 2010 | All, Travel
It had rained all night.At times hard and at other times a soft, consistent rain that is so soothing.The day was supposed to start with a 90 minute walk into the next town through sunflower fields and the French countryside.The rain changed our plans. ...
by Jeanne Oliver | Aug 18, 2010 | All
I have been a little MIA this past week or so because we have had family in town.I will share photos soon…so much fun and wonderful to catch up with everyone.It is almost time for my Winter Collection and before I reveal it at the end of September I wanted to...
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