75 Halloween Songs That Are Sure To Make The Monsters Boogie Down

October 19, 2017October 18, 2017Leave a comment

I love music. It permeates all aspects of my life. My husband and children are ALWAYS in perpetual song – shopping, car, in the office, on the throne, etc. – not to mention countless other family members who are both singers and musicians. So for us, there are no events without an element of music. Halloween should be no different. When I decided to start writing this list, I had a vague idea of where I wanted to go… next thing I knew I was about 50 songs in LOL. I was pleasantly surprised with how many great songs there were out there! I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

{ Love these “Cinderella Pumpkins” Photo Credit : Kate Max Stock Photos }

{Love this Halloween pumpkin treat container Photo Credit : Kate Mack Stock Photo}

{Finally this is how i envision the sceen when listening to these songs Photo Credit : Kate Mack Stock Photo}

I hope you enjoy these songs by some great artists!

I have been listening to this list on repeat and it makes me so happy and excited for the upcoming Halloween events I have planned with my children. I hope that you enjoy this playlist as much as I do as well. Please feel free to comment or message us with more suggestions! We would love to hear from our readers!

Lauren Cop is a part-time SAHM (Stay At Home Mom) of Irish Twins and Senior writer/editor of the Olive Shoe Blog. Currently Lauren and her family live in Tallahassee, FL where she helps teach at a local pre-school. A Clemson fanatic, alumni and general sports enthusiast. She loves reading, gardening, food, and traveling. Follow her Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Lauren {LAC} James is a Sr. Designer of Product Graphics for an international manufacturing company by day and a creativity crusader, designer, planner extraordinaire, artist and blogger in her “free” time. Follow her and The Olive Shoe on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Instagram! Pleasesubscribe to receive emails, of course, come back and visit again soon!

Please visit the online art gallery {Art by LAC} and Etsy Shop too!

Other Posts by Lauren Cop:

A Kiddoween | Making Halloween for the Kids

October 12, 2017October 11, 20172 Comments

Halloween has so many levels and avenues to go down. The celebration can be scary, squishy, or silly. Our society is so focused on being ‘politically correct’ that I feel our kids are missing some opportunities for some REAL fun!! I am thankful that I found a preschool for my children that isn’t afraid to celebrate Halloween and make it fun for everyone. You will see updates on this at a later date. This post will give you some thoughts on how to bring the fun back to the Halloween celebrations and make it a true Kiddoween.

Attire: Now the attire for Halloween can be all over the place… store bought, easy pinterest DIY costumes, home sewn costumes etc… I personally had made it a mission of ours to make out costumes every year as my mother did for my siblings and I. It is one of my favorite memeories growing up watching my mother create out costumes. We also are trying to keep up with family costumes as well! In the pictures below you will see my favorite childhood Halloween picture in addition to some of my creations for my children… stay tuned for this years creation!

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Scene: The atmosphere can really make a kids party successful. It sets the tone for success. Now do you need a 50 ft. inflatable spider? I mean that is great and all but definitely not a requirement. It needs to be fun, visually stimulating, and with a touch of whimsy. Here are some of my favorite decorations for a children’s party both Amazon bought (for those working parents or not there is NO SHAME) and DIY for you crafty people!

Store bought:

I love these three dimensional bats. These are totally whimsical, fun, and most importantly a quick and easy decoration.

I bought these this year and they are so incredibly fun and add great drama to the front of your house.

You can’t have the best party without the music! This playlist gives you a great list to get your party started.

It’s also not a celebration in my book without some festive lights. I love these adorable pumpkin lights – you can put them up unabashedly in September and leave them thru Thanksgiving!

I really like using paper lanterns because they are light, easy to hang, and easy to store for a repeat appearance. They are also great to use as centerpieces as well.

I love this giant spider and web! One it has a spooky factor without being too scary. Two it can be outside and or inside. Lastly you can always hang your own things from the spider web as well!!

DIY

These are some great projects to decorate the outside of the property. Fun, festive and oh so cute!

I love these Halloween hacks because they are really simple and can be completed with things you may already have in your house or Halloween collections.

You don’t have to create all these decorations alone. Let the kiddos get in on the fun! You can do these as a before the party crafts or during the party crafts. Either way it is bound to create loads of fun!

Creations: What would a Kiddoween party be without some spooky creations? I remember as a kid Halloween crafts being some of my favorite. Not only because they included candy, but also because it was a time I got to create slimy and spooky critters. Don’t be afraid to get a little dirty with this holiday!

Tricks: What would Halloween be without some tricks. Tricks are typically carried out by mischievous teenagers. But these don’t need to be mean-spirited. They could be fun or even competitive. This is really where you can let your creativity fly! Don’t be afraid to create your own!!

Treats: Candy is the obvious go-to for Halloween. However, we all known how difficult sugared up children can be to manage. So listed below you will find some healthy AND not so healthy food options for your party. Regardless of what you choose, they will be fun, creative, and tasty.

Love this idea for a kids party or an adult party! Plus you can reuse them on a later date.

Here are some other great drinks that would be perfect for a kids or even an adult party!

Love these sprinkles. It makes it so easy to turn anything into Halloween related activity!

There are some really easy treats and some complicated treats in here as well. Plus make sure you check out the end of the article because there are more recipes provided!

Today we do need to be conscious of children who have severe food allergies. So just in case they can’t have what food you prepared you can get them a non-food treat! These are also great for the night of Halloween with your trick-or-treaters!!

Here is a series of adorable and healthy Halloween treats.

Even if you can’t help throw your kids’ party you can still send them with the coolest Halloween lunch! They will surely make the other kids jealous while also still being pretty healthy!

I hope I have helped get those creative juices flowing in regards to allowing Halloween to become a Kiddoween once again. Whether it is for a school party, neighborhood trick-or-treat, or a home party, you will surely have a great event with all the ideas listed above. Some of my most favorite memories have happened around events dealing with Halloween. I hope your family and friends all have a fun safe and spooky Kiddoween!!!

Please visit the online art gallery {Art by LAC} and Etsy Shop too!

Other Posts by Lauren Cop:

Going Gaga for Gourds | Let’s Hear It For the Squash

October 5, 2017October 2, 2017Leave a comment

Ok I am making a confession – I seriously LOVE all gourds in particular the squash varietal! Gourds are typically defined as “any one of several types of fruits that have a hard shell and that are used for decoration and not for eating” according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary. Squash is “any of various fruits of plants (genus Cucurbita) of the gourd family widely cultivated as vegetables” according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary. This time of year is my favorite because not only do we get to decorate with gourds but there are plenty to eat and use creatively. Not only are these plants nutritious for you but are so easy to use in different crafts for kids. Listed below you will find why I love these fruits and I hope you will have a newfound appreciation for them as well.

Growing – I have found that growing gourds is one of the easiest things I have been able to grow. Yes they are prone to bugs and need to be pruned regularly – but it is very rare that I can’t get a single seed to grow. Also they grow in almost every growing zone. Listed below you will find several links to help you grow gourds in your region. And remember as I have talked about in other blog posts – growing is trial and error. You wouldn’t lose anything by trying.

Nutrition – Squash and gourds are extremely good for you. They are packed with vitamins, minerals and other health benefits as well helping the immune system and cardiovascular health. They are typically extremely low in calories, sugar, and fat content as well. Listed below you will find some nutritional information on different types of gourds and squash.

Traditional Uses – Gourds were used for all kinds of things in ancient times. They have been used for decorative or ritual pieces, bowls, or a part of nutrition. Especially in the Americas, gourds played a huge role. I was privileged enough to work on an archeological dig in Peru where we found several decorative gourd bowls, some of which people were buried alongside of them. Gourds are one of the oldest domesticated plants so it is no wonder that they have found their way into so many societies. Listed below you will find several article discussing traditional uses for gourds.

Gourd Carving

Gourds in Ancient China

Peruvian Art of Gourd Carving

Crafts – There are so many crafts you can do with gourds – as evidenced by the ancient peoples in the previous links. The obvious that many people already do is pumpkin carving and painting. But why stop at pumpkins! They also can make great stamps or even bird houses. Really, the opportunities are endless for the creativity with gourds. Here are some great links to crafts you can complete with your littles.

Bird Feeders or Bird Houses– Great for kids to learn and watch later

Gourd Stamping – Note I like to use the top cross section of Acorn Squash because it looks like flowers!

Goofy Gourds – For a great Thanksgiving Centerpiece

Pumpkin Boats – Great sensory Activity

Unique Gourd Activities – A great list of some other ideas for your gourd needs

Decorations – Well since it IS autumn you will definitely need to create some awesome centerpieces, wreaths, and other decorative items with some gourds. Especially because you can literally leave these decorations out from September harvest, Halloween, and thru Thanksgiving. Listed below you will find some great links for tips about decorating with gourds!

Decorating with Pumpkins and Gourds – These are great, classy, and relatively inexpensive.

Fall Centerpieces – Most of which include gourds yay!

Decorating Your Garden with Pumpkins – This gives your some great ideas for your yard

15 Fantastic Fall Decorating Ideas – There are great for a front entry

30 Gorgeous Fall Wreaths – Now this one doesn’t include a TON of gourd ideas but the ones they do include I think are stunning

Recipes – Now what would fall be without those fall flavors. And in all reality, gourds do not need to be eaten just in the fall. Many are eaten in the summer as well – which include zucchini and watermelon. But since we are in fall many more people are eating squash. Here is a great list of how to prepare different types of squash for great food and flavor year round.

Summer Squash Recipes – Tons of recipes both healthy and not

Winter Squash Recipes – Tons of recipes both healthy and not

Healthy Winter Squash Recipes – Great healthy fall flavors

Summer Squash and Zucchini Recipes – Healthy and light options

50 Savory Pumpkin Recipes – With Dessert and other pumpkin options to find on this site

Best Summer Melon Recipes – Great new recipes for melon

55 Healthy Seasonal Gourd Recipes – I love how much they love gourds!

10 Best Bottle Gourd Recipes – Also known as Lauki or Calabash

So as you can see gourds and not just important to me but to many other people throughout history and our society. They can be grown, eaten, crafted, used for ritual, or as décor. They are great for so many things!! I especially love this time of year because I am not the only one who seems to have developed a gourd obsession. So let’s all take time and be thankful for these gourds that are so important to our lives and history. And what better way to thank a gourd then by eating or crafting with one! So go ahead and get busy – I know I will be!

Lauren Cop is a SAHM (Stay At Home Mom) of Irish Twins and Senior writer/editor of the Olive Shoe Blog. Currently Lauren and her family live in Tallahassee, FL where she helps teach at a local pre-school. A Clemson fanatic, alumni and general sports enthusiast. She loves reading, gardening, food, and traveling. Follow her Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Please visit the online art gallery {Art by LAC} and Etsy Shop too!

Other Posts by Lauren Cop:

From Beast to Beauty: Taming Our Overgrown Landscape

September 28, 2017Leave a comment

My husband and I share a great interest in gardening and landscape. This is one of the main reasons we wanted to buy this house. In our previous homes, we had to do a lot of work to rework the landscape of the properties. We were both so thankful to find a property that needed minimal work. The front was stunning, had a great patio, and a lovely fish pond with a water feature. However the back was terribly overgrown and needed a lot of attending to. My husband and I tossed a bunch of ideas around – but the solution was more than I could have dreamed!

First Looks and Issues – When we first went to the backyard it wasn’t so bad. But it definitely needed a major haircut. There are hydrangeas, monkey grass, ferns, cast irons, magnolias, palms, camellias, tea olives, and gardenias – all of which are stunning and I love having these plants back there. But there was also tons of blackberry vines, poison ivy, Carolina creeper and several other invasive weeds as well. The overgrowth became overwhelming and became a snake and armadillo haven. My husband and I wanted to make room for a future outdoor kitchen, seating area, fire pit, and overall add to our entertaining space.

{Picture Taken by Lauren Carlisle: Before picture of the backyard}

{Picture Taken by Lauren Carlisle: Picture of the backyard after overgrowth was cut}

Walkway Troubles – When we first bought our house there was a massive live oak tree (4ft in diameter) that was growing into the foundation of the house. We had to have this tree cut down – but our tree service was willing to cut us cross sections of the trunk and leave us some limbs to use for a future walkway. We also collected some wood from friends and neighbors as well. We began to put the walkway down right away. We ended up having to pull it up more than once but we eventually got the overall look we were going for and couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome. It has certainly become the center of our backyard for entertainment and conversation. I love looking at the walkway because I think it pays homage to a beautiful tree that we wished we didn’t have to take down.

{Picture Taken by Lauren Carlisle: Building and finishing of our walkway}

Rocks and Patio – With the fear of constant overgrowth and needing to keep up with the maintenance, my husband and I decided that we really needed to make an outdoor patio of some kind. We went back and forth about what the best option would be. We ultimately decided that our best decision would be to cover the entire backyard with gravel and to put together a paver area that would ultimately hold a fire pit. Putting together this area was backbreaking work. We moved 24 tons of gravel via wheelbarrow and placed the pavers ourselves as well. However the result is stunning, requires minimal maintenance, and really adds to our entertainment area to our home.

{Picture Taken by Lauren Carlisle: Continued work on the patio area}

{Picture Taken by Lauren Carlisle: Finished Product… For now)

Future Improvements – With all the improvements we have done to the yard of course there is always a plan for more. The first will be to install a fire pit and update one of the hammocks. Even though we live in Florida, fire pits are always fun and useful. We also hope to add in an outdoor kitchen complete with grill, outdoor oven, smoker and prep station. My husband and I basically live outdoors so it makes sense for us to add an out an outdoor kitchen for entertainment and cooking purposes. From there the potential is endless!

Firepit Inspirations –

Outdoor Kitchen Inspirations –

Working outdoors makes me feel so happy. The sun in my face, heavy lifting, sweat, tears, and sometimes blood can be difficult. However, seeing such a drastic change makes all the sacrifice worthwhile. We have already made great use of the space. My kids basically live in the hammock. My husband and I were able to observe the solar eclipse from the backyard. We also have entertained friends there as well. We intend to set up a projector on certain occasions for football game viewing out there as well. I can’t wait for all the future memories we will make in our newly renovated backyard!

Please visit the online art gallery {Art by LAC} and Etsy Shop too!

Other Posts by Lauren Cop:

Creativity Crusader | Mirror Mirror Image | Nikki Caldwell

September 26, 2017September 26, 2017Leave a comment

Hi friends!

Happy Fall! I’m in slight denial that October is literally happening next week, but also excited that Pumpkin Spice Latte is back at Starbucks – AND, yet, trying to avoid it since Van and I are really working on this fitness thing.

Y’all. This year. It has kicked my boohiny. In the worst ways and the best ways all at once. It’s had some really rough moments. Like really rough, tear filled, heart aching, make you stretch and grow so you don’t fall apart moments…not your every day, I can’t figure out what to wear and it sent my day into a spiral ones. I know this happens to you, too, sometimes – both the real hard moments and the what to wear ones – I call it getting in a fight with my closet and my mom has wanted me to illustrate it for years…but as I sit here excited to celebrate the incredibly talented photographer from Mirror Mirror Image… I am reflecting on this year a little, too…probably partly because of her company name…{Insert drum and cymbal sounds here}, maybe because the days are cooling off, the air is getting a little crisper and we are entering fall…and definitely partly due to the fact that I originally told her I wanted to feature her in July when I first asked her to humor me with some questions and photos so I could introduce y’all to her amazingness.

After several unexpected events in spring and summer, April through July – and especially August – came and went in a blink. Life happened and Nikki’s feature…well, it did not…along with several other pre-scheduled crusaders, who I am still excited to feature and will roll them into 2018 as I get back in the groove.

This spring I lost my Grandpa, which was tough. It’s still tough at times even though he was ready to go home. This summer, we almost lost Van’s sister, twice, but she was graced with a miracle (and some really incredible doctors and supportive friends and family) and she, along with Van’s Mom, Van, and myself, survived a really, really challenging 6 weeks. She still has some recovery ahead, but is doing great by the way. At one point this summer, Van looked at me and said, “How much weird stuff can happen to us in a few months?”.

My point: when the fleeting, precious moments of life have passed, we are left with nothing but memories. Nikki Caldwell makes memories tangible. She captures something in people that is truly magical. She freezes moments and memories, faces, expressions, and emotion; capturing people and life through her lens in a way that is animated and delicious to the eye in a style that is uniquely hers.

Meet Nikki, owner of Mirror Mirror Image in Anderson, SC.

I first saw some of her work at the home I featured last December, The Gillespies…the one with the life size Santa Claus in the office and the pineapple powder room. Nikki’s photos are in pretty much every room of the home, but the ones that made me ask were the large canvases in the stairwell.

Usually, I don’t include this question when I publish the answers because it’s obvious, but – similar to her photography – the answer made me do a double take:

What is your name?

Nikki, Well actually Jennifer – but I go but my nickname shortened from my middle name Nicole.

This made me laugh, and I knew I liked her.

How old are you (if you are ok with sharing…totally optional)?

I am 46 32ish years old.

Ok, ok, I embellished this for her after ‘paraphrasing’ her answer… ;-P – the rest of the answers are hers verbatim.

Do you consider yourself to be creative?

Absolutely! I find BEAUTY in things that most may not! I am a VISUAL person, and cannot REST until things are the way they should be in my mind.

What toys or activities were you drawn to as a child?

I was very much in to creating spaces as a child. I enjoyed toys such as Lincoln Logs, or LEGOs, but mainly enjoyed creating ‘forts’ from chairs, sheets, blankets and anything around to create vertical height and space. I also LOVED refrigerator boxes, and made numerous ‘castles’ and ‘homes’.

What inspires you?

Gosh, my children. I find that the innocent minds of children are innately so creative, because they know ‘no bounds’ or whether something may actually ‘not’ work. They can imagine the GREATEST things, and unless you tell them that something NOT possible – they keep expanding upon their creations. I remember as child being told that NOTHING was impossible – so I think I was able to DREAM and imagine with no limits!

Yes, yes, yes!!! AMEN!

What do you do for a living?

I am a photographer as well as a jewelry designer.

Yep, that’s right. She’s multi-talented. Here are just a few examples of her jewelry – you can see more on her Facebook page. Just gorgeous. I love the textures and patterns.

Are you formally educated or self-taught?

I have a degree in Architectural Design from Clemson University. I had some early training in photography with film, but the majority of my knowledge is self taught. The jewelry designs and concepts that I use are self taught. Aluminum is the platform for the majority of what I create, which is a versatile metal which is amazingly nickel free.

How do you get un-stuck if you’re in a creative rut?

I usually have to walk away completely from electronics as well as social media – and reinvigorate by playing with my children.

How do you feel about your organization and time management skills?

I am very organized, and pretty good at time management. The hardest part is working from home with smaller children – and making sure to ‘walk away’ to be a mommy rather than ‘getting ahead’ and working after hours.

Do you have a routine?

Most days are the same or similar during the school year, but summer is all over the place!

How do you deal with stress?

Taking time to play with the kiddos. I work really well under pressure though, and find it sometimes harder to feel normal if I have too much free time.

If you have more to do than can fit in a typical day, do you get up earlier or stay up later?

I am definitely an early riser. I have a very odd sleeping pattern, though – and typically sleep no more than 6 hours a night. It is not uncommon for me to wake at 2 or 3 in the morning and not go back to sleep. If my brain is ‘awake’ then there is no going back to sleep.

How do you spend your time when you’re not working?

We like to hike, and go on day trips to mainly the mountains.

What’s one piece of advice you would tell your younger self?

Never give up on your dreams! They can come true! (for those times that I doubted myself)!

And just for fun…

Favorite color? Red.
Describe yourself in one word. Passionate
The last thing you ate was… a salad
A favorite quote you want to share? ‘And though she be but little, she is fierce’ – Shakespeare
Do you have any party tricks? Hahahah… This made me literally laugh out loud! Not as a Mom of three 🙂 I usually and in BED before the party starts!

So that’s Nikki in about 1,200 words. I am beyond certain that 1,200 words doesn’t nearly begin to cover it, but these little features ARE designed to be merely an introduction and pique your curiosity. You can find her talent and musings on Facebook, Instagram and the Interwebs or send any questions about booking to mirrormirrorimage@gmail.com. Go social media stalk her and get to know her better! And P.S. she is currently booking Fall and Holiday Sessions.

I have had some tough years. But that’s how it goes. Bad things happen. Good things happen, too. Life consistently throws us curveballs and our only choice is to adapt, which hopefully means stretching, and learning, and growing and to cling with all of our might to the precious, perfect, happy moments that sustain us and see us through the difficult ones. Overall, my life – a precious gift – is pretty frog giggin’ amazing. Special thanks to Nikki for this simple reminder, and for allowing The Olive Shoe to pick your brain and feature you!

Happy Fall Y’all!

Previously featured crusaders:

Coming Soon:

Stephanie Irby // The Swaggin’ Wagon
Emily Holland // Martin-Holland Advertising
Elizabeth Wheaton // Wheaton Whaley Designs
…and more!

“Creative people are curious, flexible, persistent, and independent with a tremendous spirit of adventure and a love of play.” – Henri Matisse

If you know a creativity crusader you’d like to see featured, I’d love to meet them and chat for a few minutes! Please email me at lauren@theoliveshoe.com.

Lauren {LAC} James is a Sr. Designer of Product Graphics for an international manufacturing company by day and a creativity crusader, designer, planner extraordinaire, artist and blogger in her “free” time. Follow her and The Olive Shoe on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Instagram! Please subscribe to receive emails, and of course, come back and visit again soon!

Please visit the online art gallery {Art by LAC} and Etsy Shop too!

Orange You Glad for Orange Foods

September 21, 2017Leave a comment

The color orange has permeated my life which has caused a strong attraction for me. All of the schools I grew up in had orange for their colors. I wore an orange senior prom dress and had orange as one of my wedding colors. My front door is even orange and I married someone who loved orange just as much as I do! Because of my love for orange, I also love to eat orange foods this time of year. Especially since it’s football season (Go Clemson Tigers!) and also almost fall and Halloween as well. Not to mention, most orange foods are also extremely heathy as well. Here is a great list of recipes with some fantastic orange colors and flavors.

Appetizers/Side Dishes – Side dishes and appetizers are always needed. If it’s for a meal, party, or Wednesday night dinner there is always a reason to have some good appetizers or side dishes. I often find that my side dishes get dull after a while. These dishes are sure to spice up the meals and your taste buds.

I love how beautiful and fresh this side dish tastes!

This dish reminds me of a soup that my Mom used to make around Thanksgiving that I adore:

I love this recipe because it is tasty and delicious:

Refrigerated pickles are amazing!

This is a great appetizer or side dish:

Here’s a great, simple, quick soup:

I love this roasted squash recipe because it is so adaptable to other types of squash:

Yummy kumara cakes!

I love this salad: it’s bright and delicious!

I adore the versatility of this dish:

How about this breakfast idea – great flavors to warm you up on a cold morning:

I made this the other night for dinner and it was a great crowd pleaser:

Main Dishes – Orange main dishes are so fun and delicious. It doesn’t have to always be carrots either. There are plenty of other orange foods as well! Not to mention they are perfect for a tailgate, Halloween or thanksgiving meal.

I love this recipe for vegan BBQ:

This recipe looks absolutely delicious and perfect for fall:

I LOVE these tacos:

This recipe is delicious and perfect for the upcoming fall season:

I love this turkey chili!

A delicious take on a taco:

I love how delicious and cute this dish looks!

This is a fantastic salmon recipe:

This is a fantastic shrimp recipe:

Cocktails/Mocktails – Now as I have said before the BEST parties have a fun cocktail or mocktail to go with the fantastic dishes. Orange drinks can be used so many times throughout the year and with multiple themes as well. I hope you will try some of these amazing drinks the next time you throw a get together.

I love this smoothie and it will surely please any pumpkin lovers:

Here’s a great, fresh take on an Arnold Palmer:

I love this drink because it is also an immune booster:

This smoothie is fantastic too!

Unique flavors and mocktail potential (sparkling water instead of champagne) make this a winner:

This cocktail is perfect for the holidays:

A great cocktail sure to please any whisky lovers:

I love this spin on a classic cocktail:

This cocktail just oozes fall flavors!

I love how light and fresh this cocktail tastes:

A Halloween inspired screwdriver – yes please!

Here’s a great new twist on a Moscow Mule to add color to your summer:

I love this spin on a mojito as well:

Desserts – In addition to a fun drink, you always need something sweet to finish the night off as well. Now people don’t ALWAYS eat a ton of dessert nowadays – but many still look for something small and delicious before leaving for the evening. Many of these desserts are great for any event you could be planning.

I love this dessert!

This is great for a dessert or breakfast:

I love this dessert – it’s so cute and can be used throughout of the year!

This dessert looks incredibly delicious:

A scrumptious spin on a traditional brownie:

This dessert is soo yummy and will become a regular in my home:

Who doesn’t love a great fudge recipe?

Halloween + popcorn = winning.

Adorable and delicious:

My husband loves monkey bread and I can’t wait to try this kind with him:

When I first started looking for orange recipes, I wasn’t sure what I would find. I am seriously surprised and excited to try so many of these new recipes (several of which I have tried this week). I hope that you will find some great inspiration for your upcoming orange-themed get together! And remember to cheer on those Clemson Tigers in the hopes we reach another National Championship!

Please visit the online art gallery {Art by LAC} and Etsy Shop too!

Other Posts by Lauren Cop:

Fun and Creative Painting Activities For All

September 14, 2017September 14, 20171 Comment

My children and most children I have met LOVE painting activities. They are great for inspiring creativity, sensory understanding, and motor skills. In the past, I had run out of different painting activities – so I created a great list of ideas so that way I wouldn’t run out again. These ideas are great because they using different textures, brushes, and other creative ways to paint as well!

Textured Paint – I love this idea that paint doesn’t have to be just fluid! There are so many ways that children can paint without using actual paint. When my children were really little I used food products like kool-aid and died yogurt. Here are some other great ideas as well!

Puffy Sand Paint – perfect for our school which has a sandy playground!

I love this idea for post rainy days!

Fun, messy and edible – YUM!

What kid doesn’t love to play with ice? This is perfect for one of those final hot days of summer!

Love the way this type of paint turns out!

This fizzing art activity is great for science and art alike!

This puffy paint recipe is awesome and easy to redo over and over!

Creative Paint Brushes – There is no reason you have to use just brushes, sponges, or fingers. There is so much out there that you can use as brushes that will also create some amazing pictures as well. What is especially nice is most of these objects can be found around the house or are free!

I love this idea with a rolling pin!

I love this idea for pendulum art!

I love this leaf print idea – especially with the fall leaves coming we could make some lovely projects!

I love this print activity because citrus is so beautiful and perfect for making a masterpiece.

Love these natural paintbrushes! Cheap easy and creative!

Another great way to paint with minimal clean up!

Love this painting activity. Definitely would require help for the younger kids.

This is great and takes some time as well – so the kids will stay entertained. #parentingwin

I love this activity! Who doesn’t love to use a hammer?

These are another great set of DIY paint brushes:

Pointillism is great and will continue to develop the more the kids are able to practice.

Other fun activities with paint – There are so many ways to enjoy painting. Here are some other fun activities that will help keep us from these bored rainy days!

I love how cool this activity looks and would make a great gift for family.

I love this tissue transfer art project! Not exactly paint related – but it looks like a water color masterpiece!

I love this paper twisting activity!

Not quite the time of year… but we are not too far away yet…

This is a great idea for kids to create some really fun creations!

I love this idea because it also keeps the kids active!

I really love this activity because it helps teach colors and has no mess! Make sure to TAPE the top closed to prevent leaks!

Love this idea because you can create all different designs with tape and stickers as well!

Squish art is also super fun as well!

Painting is seriously my children’s favorite activity – but sometimes it can be hard to keep them focused if they are doing the same old thing. I also am not really into constantly purchasing kits from the craft store when there are so many great mediums and objects lying around the house. I hope you found this list as inspiring as I did! And don’t fret – the mess won’t last, but those memories will! Happy painting everyone!

Please visit the online art gallery {Art by LAC} and Etsy Shop too!

Other Posts by Lauren Cop:

Wedding Wednesday | A Look Back At The Perfect Fall Wedding

September 7, 2017September 7, 20175 Comments

WOW! I can’t believe how quickly the years have gone. This October marks 11 years together and 5 years married to my husband, father of my children, best friend, and partner in crime. As with all relationships this one has had its ups and down for sure – but in all the obstacles we have both come out as better people. This to me is what make relationships work – do you make each other better people? Can you overcome struggles together? Do you know how to make each other happy? I have never written about my wedding day and that’s sad because it was truly spectacular and deserves recognition. I am sure it won’t do it justice but I hope you will understand the essence of what it meant for Drew and I to begin our family together.

How We Met? Drew and I met in college at Clemson University. It is comical now and was to me then but I was visiting an ex when Drew knocked on the door. I was at the apartment alone and refused to let him in – I mean he could have been a predator (HAHA). My now husband stood outside for 20 minutes until someone came home! Once we met though we totally hit it off – and things with my ex quickly fizzled. Although I tried to get Drew to date my roommate at the time because I knew he was “marriage material” – I couldn’t deny our chemistry! Since the moment we kissed we have been pretty inseparable despite waiting so long to get married. Although we dated for a long time before getting engage we both had agreed we wouldn’t get married until I had graduated college and we were ready to have children. I am so thankful that we made that decision.

{Picture of Drew and I the first night we kissed}

The Engagement Drew and I got engaged during his birthday dinner at The Green Room in Greenville, SC during restaurant week. I was pretty shocked because after 5 years together I wasn’t sure it was ever going to happen! After looking back on it I should’ve realized what was happening because my mother was texting throughout dinner asking me strange questions! She knew because Drew had asked for my father’s blessing, which was very charming. We decided on an eighteen month engagement despite some minor familial protests. We knew that this was best for our finances and timeline and I wouldn’t have done it any other way!

{Engagement Picture taken by Lauren James at Brookgreen Gardens}

The Stationary Drew and I made our own stationary for our wedding. With our save the dates we took Andy Warhol style pictures of each other. It was so fun and easy! These pictures are still some of our favorites. As far as the wedding invitations we made a stamp out of a picture of an oak tree that we took at our wedding venue. With the stamp I printed the words and embossed the tree for each individual invitation. We also included information on local hotels, restaurants, and entertainment since for many Charleston was a new destination for some. As for the RSVP we printed a picture of the house that we got married at – which many people recognized once they arrived! For our thank you notes we had pictures from the wedding printed on the front with a general note it the center. I thought it was sweet, thoughtful and a great reminder of the day.

The Rehearsal I was honestly a TOTAL wreck for my rehearsal. I have always dealt with anxiety and it definitely culminated that evening. I spent most of the evening in the bathroom and was too nervous to even stomach the dinner. However the location of the rehearsal was totally charming. The food smelled excellent (and tasted fantastic I hear). Plus the cake was so adorable!! I loved seeing my closest friends and family together. We also had a great slide show made by Lauren and was so adorable seeing pictures of us growing up! It really was the perfect set up for the following day!

{Picture of our rehearsal taken by Lynn Coppotelli}

My Attire I am so incredibly blessed with what I was able to wear for my wedding – it really was a fantasy! First my engagement ring is a Carlisle family heirloom that is over 100 years old. Personally this makes it more special to me – and is definitely my style! Secondly is my dress. I wore a Grace Kelly style wedding dress that was my Grandmother’s that my Mother also wore in her wedding. It was in such wonderful condition and really the most perfect dress for the setting. I also wore a cap instead of a veil that was made by my very talented MIL. It contained an orange cameo, peach colored earrings made from shells that were Drew’s great grandmother’s, and lace we found in a fabric store on a trip to New York City. It was absolutely exquisite! As far as jewelry I borrowed by Mother’s sapphire and diamond earrings and my other Grandmother’s diamond tennis bracelet. As far as shoes I found stunning shoes at Rue La La that were Badgley Mischka and I got them for a steal! I really could not have worn anything better!

{Pictures taken by Classic Photography}

The Décor and Location Honestly the wedding probably wouldn’t have come together without the help of my family and friends. But there is one person in particular that was extremely helpful and that was my close family friend Gillian MacDonald. She is an event planner by career and offered to be my wedding coordinator. What she was able to create even remotely (she lives in PA) was amazing and I will always be so thankful to her! When Drew and I chose our wedding venue I wanted something that didn’t need much decorating, was outside, and a historic site. Low and behold we found the Legare Warring House at the Charlestown Landing State Park. It really was a fairy tale location. We also used minimal floral arrangements with ranunculus, hydrangeas, spider mums, anemones, protea, and some roses. Our other main decoration was lanterns to keep a low light level and stay true to the location. The “alter” was flanked by two tiered planters that included a variety of fall flowers. We used chalk boards instead of programs. We also had pictures of my grandmother, my mother, and my bridal portraits inside of the house as well. This basically concluded the décor – it was all I wanted. Simple and elegant!

{Pictures taken by Classic Photography}

The Ceremony The ceremony was by far the most important to Drew and I. We do not believe in organized religion (a long story) but wanted to keep the ceremony meaningful and personal. We chose two friends to merry us (a man and a woman) who became some of our dearest friends! We wrote our own vows which were obviously very meaningful and personal. We had my Uncle choose something to read – of his own choosing – and he couldn’t have picked something better for the occasion. It was a piece by Mya Angelou and was just beautiful! However I think the most personal things we chose for our ceremony was the music which was played in acoustic by some of our most talented friends. The bridal party walked to “We’re Going to Be Friends” by Jack White. I walked down the aisle to “Maps” by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. During the ceremony we had “Here, There, and Everywhere” by the Beatles played – which was also played during my in-laws wedding. Our recessional was to “In an Aeroplane Over the Sea” by Neutromilk Hotel. As you can tell our ceremony was deeply personal and really invited our family and friends into our hearts and what truly made us a couple. I really wish we could do it all over again!

{Picture of my Uncle Blake reading taken by Classic Photography}

The Reception Our reception was so fun under a tent with perfect lighting in front of the Legare Warring House. The lighting gave the night a nice warm glow and perfect ambiance. There was dancing of course… Our song was “Earth Angel” by The Penguins. Instead of tossing a bouquet or garter we did a dance off of sorts. We asked all couples to the stage and ask people to leave the dance floor for the number of years they had been married. The winning couple who has been together to longest received my toss bouquet. It was a really fun way to celebrate love with our guest.

{Picture taken by Classic Photography}

As for food we did heavy hors d’oeuvres from Charleston Café. This included a mac and cheese bar, shrimp and grits, and table of dips, cheese and fruits of sorts. We had Arnold Palmers and passed heavy hors d’oeuvres post ceremony. Our cake was also truly a masterpiece. We asked the baker to do what she wanted – with the following guidelines – wedding colors, color blocking, and something unique. What the end result was truly wowed Drew and I. It was definitely a masterpiece and tasted amazing!

We also had a photo booth that was all my SIL idea and it was just wonderful! The pics from it were truly amazing and some of my favorites from the wedding. Our gift to our guest was stone ground grits in a small orange lunch bag with a shrimp and grits recipe that was my SIL. Small thoughtful and not something that would likely be thrown away. It was a great gift IMO. Lastly we ended up having the Clemson game on during out reception. Even though it wasn’t my choice (long story) it ended up being fine and didn’t take away from the reception too much. We left under a bridge of hands and drove off into our wonderful lives today.

{Pictures of cake and send off taken by Classic Photography}

What Have I learned? Oh this is a big broad topic that I will try to answer after having ample time to think about the wedding. Here are my top 5 revelations about my wedding…

The best piece of advice I received “Don’t worry about what doesn’t come to fruition – no one will be any the wiser. We are here to celebrate you and everything else is pomp and circumstance.” And let me tell you it is so incredibly true!! Don’t sweat the small stuff and enjoy the moments while they happen. Focus on what is truly important to you both and the rest will fall into place.
If you are not a planner or into weddings… get a wedding planner. I could have paid my friend her weight in gold and it still wouldn’t cover the service she did for me. I could never repay the amazing wedding she gave us. I wasn’t super into wanting to plan this wedding. It’s not something I dreamed about often as a child. So having a planner was pivotal for me. One that note take advantage of your friends talents. We used friends for music, DJ, planning, décor, photography etc.. It really allowed everyone to enjoy the wedding and become a part of it.
Make it personal. People are there to celebrate you… so make it about YOU! Have something special that only people who truly know you would understand. Not only does this make your ceremony more meaningful for you but also give your guest an insight as to who you will be as a family unit!
Take LOTS of pictures and record your ceremony. Although I feel like we took lots of pictures there were definitely some we missed which are my biggest regrets! I have no pictures of my brothers and I from our wedding or recordings – something I will never be able to do again and it is something that still weighs on my mind. Although I remember our wedding I wish we could relive it on video.
Lastly and this I feel very passionately about – Marriage is a lifelong commitment and should never be rushed… ever! Drew and I discussed every facet of life before we were engaged and have continued that conversation after we were married. I think this is what has allowed our relationship to be so strong. Marriage includes a lifetime of growth together and if you haven’t grown together as a couple beforehand you may never be able to grow as a couple. You need to sow some roots and become established before you can reach your full potential.

{Picture of our great wedding planner taken by Mallory MacDonald}

I am so incredibly thankful for those that allowed my wedding to go off without any major difficulties. I am also so blessed to have found the perfect partner and father to my children. I always knew Drew would be the best husband and still am in awe that he is in fact mine. Although our relationship isn’t perfect, it is perfect for us. I am confident that there is no obstacle that we can’t overcome together. Although we may never be rich monetarily we will always be rich in family and love – and for me I couldn’t ask for more.

Please visit the online art gallery {Art by LAC} and Etsy Shop too!

Other Posts by Lauren Cop:

Lawn and Garden Shower

August 31, 2017August 30, 20173 Comments

As a new member to Tallahassee I was honored to be asked to help host a wedding shower for a co-worker and friend of mine. Honestly, my house is made to host parties – especially of the garden variety – because of the way our house and lawn is set up. This couple in particular has been so welcoming to my family as transients to Tallahassee. They also have helped babysit my children and I am thankful to have found such a wonderful house for events like this. I was lucky enough to be able to host with my friends, Merritt (with her catering company Merritt’s Munchies) and Becca. It was really a lovely party and I am thankful for how it turned out.

Invitation – The invitation was created by our own Lauren James, of course! This invitation isn’t new – but is certainly one of my favorites. It is whimsical, creative, and so fun! Not to mention how fun Lawn and Garden showers are… this invite is the perfect one to add to your stationary list.

Menu – Our menu was out of this world thanks primarily to Merritt’s Munchies who came up with the menu. Nothing is better than home cooked items that don’t come from a store. Our goal was to have fresh heavy appetizers that were also delicious and I definitely think we accomplished that.

On the main table we had cheesy kielbasa, shrimp salsa, baby BLTs, jalapeno popper dip, buffalo chicken pinwheels, and chicken nuggets

On the side tables we had boiled peanuts and charcuterie

For dessert we had lemon strawberry cupcakes, s’mores cups , and chocolate flower pops

Décor – We kept our décor pretty simple. We knew we would have about 100 guests so there really wasn’t a need for all kinds of fancy décor. We kept things simple with using mostly whites and greens. I used field flowers for center pieces in mason jars. I also made chocolate flower pops in stands for centerpieces as well. We also used the hostess’ gift – a wheelbarrow – to hold the gifts as well. I think it came together so tastefully and everyone seemed happy. Honestly, it was mostly so easy because I had other ladies to bounce ideas off of and help pick out items in order to complete the look for the party.

Things I Learned – After hosting a party I try really hard to learn from mistakes to improve upon the next one. I also reflect on the good things in the hopes that I remember them for future events.

Things to improve upon – Hosting a party in August in Florida is soo hot!! My A/C didn’t stand a chance. Luckily everyone understood and were still having a good time. Secondly more beer and less wine. Buying drinks can sometimes be tricky and usually I have tons of extra – but I would have been better off with more beer. I could never have enough ice for the temperature it was outside!

Things that went well – Hosting with others is really a blast and I should try to do it more often. Having the food and drinks spread about the house really helped with the flow of people. Even though we had tons of food I am glad that we had so much because no one had the excuse to leave hungry.

I love how this party turned out! It was so fun and a great way to kick of the showers for this wonderful couple! I look forward to continuing to help them celebrate until their wedding day. I am also thankful for such great friends in this city who allow me to essentially join their families. This party really helped provide visibility to how far we have come in this community. Also, I can’t wait to throw another lawn and garden shower like this one! It really was beautiful and so fun!!

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Please visit the online art gallery {Art by LAC} and Etsy Shop too!

Other Posts by Lauren Cop:

The Creative Home | “Bree”zy, Bright and Beautiful | Bree Moore

August 25, 2017August 25, 2017Leave a comment

Hi friends!

I photographed Bree’s home in July while Van and I were on our annual “week at the beach” trip where I pretend to be on vacation, but also try to squeeze in visits with family and friends I grew up with, and even sometimes do a little business….but can you really call a happy hour photography session of a cute home work? Y’all. This is so fun.

Meet Bree…

Bree and I both grew up at the beach a few years apart. Her Mom was a first grade teacher at the elementary school I went to and is a LEGEND of a teacher. Bree completely comes by her creativity honestly. Bree is… “awesome” sounds too trite, “adorable” sounds too much like she’s three, and “sassy” doesn’t quite cut it. She’s a little bit of all of these wrapped up in her own spunky, southern, stylish, multi-talented, so-fun-to-be-around package.

Bree is the Digital Marketing Director for First Presbyterian Church in Myrtle Beach, SC and owner of Bree Moore Design and Calligraphy, her own calligraphy and hand lettering company. Her work is phenomenal and she has an incredible eye for design even beyond calligraphy and hand lettering. I am just smitten with her craftsmanship, and have loved getting to know her better as a person this year. (…and no, she’s not paying me to say so.)

Bree welcomed me with a glass of wine and a few snacks; we got to talking and photographing, and had so much fun chatting through the rooms of her home. Typically I ask questions as I go and then have a few at the end that I’ve “collected” throughout the session.

After Bree posted a few photos of her new digs earlier this year, I immediately knew I wanted to feature her home on the creative home tour, so without additional introduction, welcome to Bree’s home.

The townhome was built in 2006, and Bree moved in at the end of April 2017. When I asked Bree about her “finds” for the house and her style, she explained, “I love the hunt. My method is not a method. I’ve always been drawn to the weirdest thing in the store, but I also play it safe a lot. I want people to have a nice mood here if they come visit me.” I feel ya girl, I feel ya. And for the record, my mood was very nice the entire time I was there. You are an excellent hostess, Bree!

The crocodile table in the entry is one of Bree’s favorite pieces of furniture and the first one she purchased for this home.

The entry way opens up to the dining area, where Bree had been working on her latest calligraphy project.

Just off the dining room is a little powder room, and I started noticing a theme of well placed wording throughout the house. With a base neutral color pallette and pops of color throughout, her house seems to smile and wink at you whichever direction you turn.

How adorable is the above? I love her attention to detail, and the usage of her lettering throughout the house. And that is just funny!

In the other direction, the entry opens up to the living area, clean and bright, welcoming, and ready for chatting or lounging depending on the day.

I also love how Bree mixes textures, patterns and metallics throughout her home.

Sasquatch (the feline friend) was kind enough to lead us into the dining room, Bree’s favorite room in her home (and one of mine too).

The dining room color scheme is simple yet makes quite a statement. Again, mixing textures and patterns effectively and enticingly, Bree certainly has a keen eye and makes bold but effective choices in her home.

When I asked what her favorite DIY in the house is, she answered the Dining room paintings…yep, that’s right, she did them. OVER old paintings she bought at a craft store. BRILLIANT.

“I’m not gonna spend $150.00; I’m gonna try it.” she stated, when I asked her about one of her projects. I love the attitude. A little sass, a little boldness, a lot of creativity, bravery, and willingness to go where life leads.

Another favorite DIY, she noted, is the oyster chandelier in the dining room – a surprise from her Mom (told you she was amazing). Go ahead and scroll back up to take a look. I’ll wait. 🙂

The dining room opens up the the kitchen, which Bree has kept pretty simple, but still with a few surprises tucked away in this nook or that.

Between the kitchen and garage is a good sized mud room/laundry room. I only photographed it because I wanted to share her continued attention to detail, as evidenced by the cheetah patterned bin on the shelf. ❤

Let’s head upstairs to the bedrooms…

At the top of the stairs sit a few heirloom pieces, her great grandmother’s clock, the little table and candle sticks of her grandmother’s…sweet reminders of family whether she’s coming or going. The chair on the right was a special project that Bree created, and please don’t scroll any further without noticing that the seat of the chair is made of NECK TIES. SO CREATIVE.

The wall of the hallway is a series of headshot photo of her friends and family, which I FAILED *facepalm* to get a decent shot of, but I did snap this little video…

Upstairs houses (see what I did there) her bedroom, guest room, and office. First up, we’ll check out her bedroom:

How about that chair??? Swoon. And please take a moment to notice her very subtle but creative curtains…which just happen to be repurposed dropcloths. (I can’t put my excitement about these into adequate words).

My heart went pitty-pat over the hats used as decor. I do the same thing.

Bree also refinished this set of her Mom’s furniture (pictured above) with a pastel gray paint treatment, which turned out so pretty.

Her bedroom leads to her bathroom and walk-in closet.

There is a little potty nook within her bathroom, and this is the back wall behind the throne. I absolutely love this decorative tp holder – simple but fun.

And given my love for shoes, I HAD to snap a pic of her collection. LOVE. No additional words needed.

The next room is her office, a fun but clean workspace, perfect for projects galore. Her neutral base palette with pops of color continues, and there seems to be another surprise at every turn.

The art above the console table is from her housewarming party and was created by guests. Balloons filled with paint adorned the canvas, and Bree had guests each pop one to participate in the painting.

There is another full bath upstairs for guests, a bright and airy space with a little pizazz – I especially love the tassles on the shower curtain.

The last room upstairs is her guest room, a happy, cozy spot for any overnighter. Bree apparently shares my love for Alice and Wonderland AND Rifle Paper Co.

The tour would not be complete without a glimpse at her sweet little screened in porch, charming and perfectly put together.

For those who went back to school this week, I hope it’s going to be your best year yet! If you’re a Game of Throne’s fan, check out this post from Lauren Cop on a Game of Thrones pot luck. I know Sunday is a big day! Happy Friday, y’all! Cheers to the weekend!

Thanks so much for joining this creative home tour! We have several more creative homes for you to see this year, so stay tuned!

P.S. Bree is teaching a class on Saturday morning at Sweet Grass Bakery in Myrtle Beach. I think there is only one spot left, but you can not-in-a-creepy-way stalk her Instagram (@bree_moore1224) by clicking on the picture of her work above.

Previous Creative Home Tours:

If you have or know of a creative space with interesting color, textures, and style that you’d like to see featured, I’d love to come take a look and even snap a few photos – please email me at lauren@theoliveshoe.com and let’s have a chat!

In an ode to one of my previously mentioned old favorites…There’s no place like home!

Please visit the online art gallery {Art by LAC} and Etsy Shop too!

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