the life and designs of the spotted olive™

{instagram snapshot} red velvet whoopie pie

2012-02-01T09:06:00.008-07:00

Happy first of February! Today's instagram snapshot features a tasty little red velvet whoopie pie treat. A sweet way to start off the month.

{diy link love} heart paper punch paint chip garland

2012-01-31T09:09:00.001-07:00

Valentine's Day is just around the corner so here's a super cute and extremely easy diy craft project—heart paper punch paint chip garland—from the blog grace and light. I'm planning to do this craft because it's just so adorable!

Images from the blog grace and light.

Details on creating this easy craft are located at this link: Paper Punch Garland—A Photo Tutorial.

Have fun creating. Cheers!

{color inspiration} pantone's solar power

2012-01-30T08:05:00.002-07:00

Today's color inspiration is a bold and vibrant gold yellow called solar power from the Pantone Fashion Color Report for Spring 2012. According to Pantone, "Providing a jolt of energy, Solar Power radiates warmth and cheer." I have really been using this color quite a bit in my designs. I think it is quite sophisticated especially when paired with gray.

Source: google.com via The Spotted Olive™ on Pinterest

Source: 100layercake.com via The Spotted Olive™ on Pinterest

Source: sheseesthestars.tumblr.com via The Spotted Olive™ on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via The Spotted Olive™ on Pinterest

{weekend getaway} georgetown, colorado

2012-01-29T23:40:00.001-07:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! We went on a little getaway to Georgetown, Colorado to attend ice driving class. It was a lot of fun and always a great learning experience.

Driving on a frozen lake can be quite intimidating, but it is a wonderful opportunity to learn how to control your vehicle in icy conditions and what to do in the event it does get out of control. This is the third year we've attended and I've learned so much from these classes. I have even used many of the techniques in real life.

We had a great time and it was nice to get out of town for a few days. Here are some snapshots from our weekend.

{project 52} week 4: imperfection

2012-01-29T16:16:00.001-07:00

Yay! I made it an entire month so far in the My Four Hens Project 52 photo challenge! This week's theme was imperfection. I chose to take a picture of one of the trees in my backyard. It grows crooked and has a kink in it's trunk and I absolutely love it's imperfection.

{valentine's day} love and happiness dots photo cards

2012-01-28T08:56:00.011-07:00

These cute and modern personalized Valentine's Day photo cards by The Spotted Olive™ are a stylish and fun way of spreading the love to friends and family. Easily customize with your photo and name. Available in a variety of color choices.

{valentine's day} vintage cupid card

2012-01-26T08:47:00.004-07:00

This elegant Valentine's Day Card features a vintage cupid surrounded by hearts and swirls on a weathered parchment paper background. Perfect for the one you love.

5" x 7" (portrait) or 7" x 5" (landscape).

Printed on ultra-heavyweight (120 lb.) card stock with a gloss finish.

Each card comes with a white envelope.

Stop by The Spotted Olive™ today to see our selection of hip, modern and fun Valentine's Day cards.

{instagram snapshot} my new iphone case

2012-01-25T09:17:00.000-07:00

Today's instagram snaphot is of my new iphone case from my shop, The Spotted Olive. I am so happy with the way it turned out. I personalized it with my company logo and web address and have gotten a bunch of compliments on how cute it is.

{diy link love} paint chip art

2012-01-24T09:10:00.002-07:00

This week's diy link love project—paint chip art—comes from one of my favorite blogs, A Beautiful Mess. I love this creative use of paint chips to make this fun piece of modern wall art. So bright, colorful and fun. Try creating different designs with the chips!

Image from the blog A Beautiful Mess.

Details on creating this project can be found here at this link: Modern Wall Art with Paint Swatches!

Have fun creating. Cheers!

{color inspiration} pantone's bellflower

2012-01-23T08:19:00.028-07:00

I love color and purple is one of my very favorites so I was delighted to see a version of it called bellflower included in the Pantone Fashion Color Report for Spring 2012. According to Pantone, this "distinct ornamental purple exudes uniqueness and creativity" and I have to agree.

Source: jototes.com via The Spotted Olive™ on Pinterest

Source: zgallerie.com via The Spotted Olive™ on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via The Spotted Olive™ on Pinterest

Source: vintagerosegarden.tumblr.com via The Spotted Olive™ on Pinterest

Source: en.paperblog.com via The Spotted Olive™ on Pinterest

{project 52} week 3: inspiration

2012-01-22T20:11:00.000-07:00

I'm so happy that I have made it to week three of the My Four Hens Project 52 Photo Challenge. I know three weeks isn't a lot but I often get so busy that I just kind of let stuff like this go but I am determined to keep up with this challenge and keep learning about my camera and become better at photography. This week's challenge was inspiration.

A walk outdoors surrounded by the beauty of Mother Nature always helps me clear my head and find my inspiration.

{new product} messenger bags

2012-01-21T09:43:00.009-07:00

We are so excited about Zazzle's partnership with Rickshaw Bagworks and are delighted to announce that designs by The Spotted Olive™ are now available on Rickshaw Zero Messenger Bags. Our designs include stylish Chevron Pattern Messenger Bags, super cute Kawaii Messenger Bags and trendy Zebra Print Messenger Bags with more designs on the way.

The Rickshaw Zero Messenger Bag is highly versatile and great as a workday commuter, overnight or travel bag. Vibrantly printed on rugged polyester and designed with a unique custom accessories system. Handmade with a focus on environmental sustainability, this bag combines beautiful form, function and a small ecological footprint.

Water resistant, extra durable and machine washable.
Lightweight with large main compartment and 2 front pockets.
Velcro strips accessory system; Holds a 13” laptop w/optional sleeve.
Quick-adjust cam shoulder strap.
Handmade in San Francisco, CA with a focus on sustainability.

I really love that there is ZERO waste in the production of these bags. Below is a video from Rickshaw Bag works talking about how the Zero Messenger Bags are made with out waste.

Shop The Spotted Olive's designs on Rickshaw Zero Messenger Bags.

{font love} home sweet home

2012-01-20T09:59:00.000-07:00

The font Home Sweet Home is today's font love feature.I really like the darling cross-stitch look of this typeface. I think it's a fun typeface but should only be used in a very limited way. Great for one or two words or short headlines that you want to give a cute crafty handmade feel to.

You can download a copy of Home Sweet Home from dafont.com. As with any font, please be sure to read the license for any restricted uses. Often times fonts are restricted to personal use only meaning you can not use them in any commercial projects. Enjoy!

{valentine's day} argyle love personalized photo cards

2012-01-19T09:14:00.005-07:00

Send you love across the miles to family and friends this Valentine's Day with personalized photo cards from The Spotted Olive™. Our trendy and stylish Argyle Love Valentine's Day photo cards are easy to personalize and come in a variety of color choices.

Stop by The Spotted Olive™ today to see our selection of hip, modern and fun Valentine's Day cards.

{printable freebie} love sweet love valentine's day frameable print

2012-01-18T13:16:00.001-07:00

Happy Wednesday! We're spreading the love with this cute Valentine's Day printable freebie that we created just for you to be downloaded for personal use. Download it, print it on 8.5" x 11" card stock or photo paper, trim it down and frame it. Adorable! We'd love it if you would leave a comment to let us know if you like this printable freebie.

DOWNLOAD full size version

TERMS OF USE FOR PRINTABLE FREEBIES by The Spotted Olive™
All printable freebies are copyright by The Spotted Olive™ and are intended for non-profit personal use only. Our printable freebies are not to be used for any profitable or commercial purposes whatsoever. We would love it if you would send people to visit our blog (http://www.thespottedolive.blogspot.com) to download their own copy of our printable freebies, but please do not distribute or post the files to any other websites or blogs. By downloading our printable freebies, you agree to all of these terms and conditions of use. Thanks so much for your support.

{take action} stop sopa/pipa

2012-01-18T06:00:00.001-07:00

Tell Congress: Please Don't Sensor The Web

PROTECT IP / SOPA Breaks The Internet from Fight for the Future on Vimeo.

{instagram snapshot} japanese gum

2012-01-18T05:15:00.000-07:00

I love instagram and thought it would be fun to do a regular snapshot feature of the pictures I take with my iphone and upload to the site.

Today's instagram snapshot is of some Japanese gum I got at the Asian market. I have loved this gum since I was a kid living in Okinawa, Japan and am always thrilled when I can find some place to buy it.

{diy link love} vintage valentine tee

2012-01-17T07:30:00.000-07:00

I've been finding so many great diy creative projects on Pinterest and around the internet that I thought it might be fun to feature some of these projects on a regular basis.

Our first diy link love feature is a vintage valentine tee from the wonderful blog The Princess Rose. This darling project can be made for littles or even adults. It's so adorable and looks super easy to make!

Image from the blog The Princess Rose.

Details on how to create this cute diy project can be found at this link: Vintage Valentine Tee.

I hope you will enjoy this new feature and have fun creating! Be sure to stop by and follow our boards on Pinterest. Cheers!!

{color inspiration} tangerine tango

2012-01-17T00:25:00.003-07:00

Pantone's color of the year for 2012 is Tangerine Tango. This bold and sassy orange-red gives a burst of energy to decorating and design projects. I love it's vivacious and daring character. It's a fun and vibrant color and I look forward to incorporating it into more of my work.

Chevron Pattern Rickshaw Messenger Bag in Tangerine Tango

{project 52} week 2: life

2012-01-15T21:36:00.001-07:00

This was the second week of the project 52 photography challenge that I signed up for and I was totally stuck on a picture to represent the theme of life. After much agonizing, I settled on this one of my dog Zoe in the snow. I took it on one of our walks this week. I decided that instead of trying to be deep or clever with my picture that I would be real. Besides my hubby, my three dogs and snow this time of the year are part of my everyday life and I thought this picture represented a big part of my life. Cheers!

{new design} elegant class of 2012 graduation announcemnets

2012-01-08T13:12:00.001-07:00

The new year is in full swing and it's time to start thinking about those milestone events for 2012 like graduation! The Spotted Olive™ is pleased to present one of it's latest graduation announcement designs to honor and celebrate the class of 2012 graduates.

Front

Back

This design is available in a variety of color choices and papers stocks. Easily customize with your personal details and photo. Shop Class of 2012 Graduation Announcements & Invitations.

{project 52} week 1: resolution

2012-01-06T15:45:00.002-07:00

I received an amazing camera for Christmas this year and need to learn more about how to use it and photography in general so I've decided to take the plunge and join the M4H Photography Project 52 Photo A Week Challenge.

This photo challenge involves taking a photo a week based on a theme. The first week's theme was "Resolution." One of my new year's resolutions is to learn about photography and how to learn to use my new camera. I've always just been a point and click girl, so I've got a lot to learn. Here's my first submission. It was taken with my iPhone 3, but subsequent photos in this challenge will be taken with my new Canon Rebel T3i.

I hope this will be a fun challenge that I can keep up with, learn a lot from and discover a new creative outlet that will be beneficial in my business as well as a fun hobby! Cheers!

{early bird sale} personalized valentine's day cards

2012-01-05T23:44:00.002-07:00

Hi Everyone! I hope your new year is off to a great start. So far so good for me.

I'm already thinking about Valentine's Day and have some new designs for The Spotted Olive's Valentine's Day card line in the works. It's hard to believe but it's just around the corner!

Right now if you want to get an early bird start on purchasing your Valentine's day goodies, you can save 25% on Valentine's Day cards, flat cards, postcards, photo cards and invitations with coupon code: CARDSINSYTLE at checkout.

25% of the invitation, greeting card, photo card and/or postcard net sale price will be deducted when one or more qualifying invitations, greeting cards, photo cards and/or postcards are purchased and the coupon code CARDSINSYTLE is applied at checkout. The net sale price is the price of the product (excluding shipping and taxes). Offer is valid through March 31, 2012 11:59pm PT. This offer does not apply to past purchases and may not be combined with any other Zazzle promotional or volume discount offers. If a volume discount applies to your order, you will receive either the discount set forth in this offer or the standard volume discount, whichever is greater. Offer valid on Zazzle.com only.

{holiday} new year's day fondue party 2012

2012-01-02T00:03:00.000-07:00

Happy New Year! Hope the first day of 2012 was good to you. We had our traditional New Year's Day Fondue Party today. It was a great time full of fun, good company and delicious food. It's always a nice way to start off the new year.

The menu consisted of Neuchatel cheese fondue with bread and honey crisp apples for dipping, broasted potatoes and green beans plus Toblerone chocolate fondue with french vanilla snowman marshmallows, fresh pineapple, banana and mini angel food cakes for dipping. It was so good and I am so full!

{top photo: neuchatel cheese fondue; left photo: my father-in-law toasting to the new year; right top photo: dipping pineapple into the Toblerone chocolate fondue; right bottom photo: fresh pineapple; bottom left photo: Toblerone chocolate fondue with french vanilla snowman marshmallows; bottom right photo: mini angel food cake}

Wishing you the most wonderful new year. XOXO

{printable freebie} 2012 calendar

2011-12-31T08:01:00.003-07:00

Hi there! Wishing you a safe and fun New Year's Eve and an amazing 2012! In honor of the new year, we've created this pretty little 2012 calendar as a printable freebie available for personal use. Download it, print on an 8.5" x 11" card stock and display it for easy reference. Enjoy & cheers to the new year!

{holiday music} what are you doing new year's eve?

2011-12-30T22:19:00.001-07:00

Happy New Year's Eve Eve! I hope njoy this little rendition of "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" by Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

Cheers & Happy Holidays!

{life} fortune cookie wisdom

2011-12-28T22:38:00.000-07:00

So true.

{holiday} a wonderful weekend

2011-12-26T11:29:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend filled with the warmth of love and laughter while relaxing with family and friends. Our weekend was full of happy times, big smiles and lots of good food. Here are a few fun snapshots from the weekend.

{holiday music} the pretenders~2000 miles

2011-12-23T17:06:00.000-07:00

Happy Christmas Eve Eve!! Hope you are having a wonderful and festive day and are ready for the weekend and the excitement of the holiday. This is one of my favorite holiday songs—2000 miles by The Pretenders. Enjoy!

Cheers & Happy Holidays!

{random} happy first day of winter

2011-12-22T12:38:00.000-07:00

Happy First Day of Winter! We just got a huge amount of snowfall overnight just in time for the first day of winter. It looks like a beautiful winter wonderland outside right now. Time for snow ball fights, sledding and snow man building.

Cheers & Happy Holidays!

{holiday music} christmas waltz

2011-12-21T22:02:00.000-07:00

Christmas is almost here and I'm here to spread a little more holiday cheer. Here are three versions of the Christmas Waltz. The first is by She and Him, the second by Nancy Wilson and the last by Frank Sinatra. I really enjoy each version but I think the Nancy Wilson version is my favorite. Which version of this song do you like the best?

Cheers & Happy Holidays!

{holiday} happy hanukkah!

2011-12-20T13:57:00.000-07:00

Tonight starts the eight day celebration of Hanukkah, The Festival of Lights. Wishing all our Jewish friends a bright and shining holiday!

Cheers & Happy Holidays!

{sweetness} caramel hot cocoa

2011-12-20T12:16:00.000-07:00

My hubby just made me a delicious cup of caramel hot cocoa. It was so tasty and I loved the little heart. A nice way to start the day.

Cheers & Happy Holidays!

{holiday} 2011 christmas card mailout

2011-12-17T13:14:00.003-07:00

I'm finishing up writing personal notes and addressing our holiday cards for this year so I can get them in the mail on Monday! This year I decided to go simple and ordered personalized holiday flat cards and coordinating return address labels from our shop, The Spotted Olive™. I think they turned out really cute and I hope everyone will enjoy receiving them as much I enjoyed creating them.

A version of these holiday flat cards were included in the press bags for the American Music Awards this year and The Spotted Olive’s Retro Modern Holiday Card Assortment was listed as one of Neon Tommy’s favorite items from The indiExhibit gift bag at the event.

Products shown above:
Winter Love Birds Flat Christmas Card shown on the linen card stock.

Winter Love Birds Return Address Labels

Cheers & Happy Holidays!

{holiday} new year's eve party invitations

2011-12-16T11:56:00.001-07:00

Modern & stylish New Year's Eve Party Invitations by The Spotted Olive™. Planning a party to ring in the 2012 new year? Check out our fabulous assortment of holiday party invitations perfect for your holiday soiree.

And don't forget you can save 20% on your holiday cards and labels from The Spotted Olive™ through December 31st with the coupon codes listed below.

Save 20% on Invitations, Flat Cards, Greeting Cards, Photo Cards & Postcards with coupon code: HOLIDAYCHEER at checkout.

Save 20% on Labels with coupon code: 20LABELGIFTS at checkout.

20% Off Invitations, Cards, Photo Cards, And Postcards
20% of the invitation, greeting card, photo card and/or postcard net sale price will be deducted when one or more qualifying invitations, greeting cards, photo cards and/or postcards are purchased and the coupon code HOLIDAYCHEER is applied at checkout. The net sale price is the price of the product (excluding shipping and taxes). Offer is valid through December, 31 2011 11:59pm PT. This offer does not apply to past purchases and may not be combined with any other Zazzle promotional or volume discount offers. If a volume discount applies to your order, you will receive either the discount set forth in this offer or the standard volume discount, whichever is greater. Offer valid on Zazzle.com only.
Expires 12/31/2011.
Use Promotional Code: HOLIDAYCHEER

20& Off Labels

20% of the label sheet net sale price will be deducted when one or more qualifying label sheets are purchased and the coupon code 20LABELGIFTS is applied at checkout. The net sale price is the price of the product (excluding shipping and taxes). Offer is valid through December 31, 2011 11:59pm PT. This offer does not apply to past purchases and may not be combined with any other Zazzle promotional or volume discount offers. If a volume discount applies to your order, you will receive either the discount set forth in this offer or the standard volume discount, whichever is greater. Offer valid on Zazzle.com only.

Expires 12/31/2011.

Use Promotional Code: 20LABELGIFTS

Cheers & Happy Holidays!

{holiday music} the bird and the bee

2011-12-15T22:31:00.000-07:00

Spreading more holiday cheer with The Bird and The Bee's groovy rendition of the Carol of the Bells. Enjoy!

Cheers & Happy Holidays!

{holiday} spread christmas cheer free printable

2011-12-12T23:16:00.000-07:00

I framed the "The Best Way To Spread Christmas Cheer Is Singing Loud For All To Hear" printable that I created and it looks super cute! It's a really great addition to our holiday decor.

Download a copy of this printable freebie and enjoy the holiday spirit.

Cheers & Happy Holidays!

{holiday} first christmas card of the season!

2011-12-07T21:26:00.001-07:00

I LOVE getting mail and today I received my first Christmas card of the season! It was from the wonderfully sweet and talented Amy Sagan of Starzraven! The super cute note card size greeting is one of Amy's very own designs and included a very thoughtful and kind note with some tasty chocolate and vanilla teas. I also love tea. :) Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity, Amy. Your note and gift means so much to me and is so very appreciated.

Amy has a lot of really great stuff in her shop, Starzraven, from super cute invitations and greeting cards to fun personalized gifts like melamine plates, iphone, ipad & ipod cases and so much more.

Stop by and pay her a visit today:
Website | Shop | Facebook | Twitter | Blog

{holiday} a little decorating

2011-12-06T20:50:00.001-07:00

Tonight I decided to put some lights & a few ornaments on the two small decorative trees I have. We haven't gotten our Christmas tree yet and I wanted to do a little decorating. My dog, Jags, was fascinated with the lights.

Do you have your Christmas tree yet and is it decorated?

Cheers & Happy Holidays!

{holday music} wonderful christmas time by paul mccartney & wings

2011-12-06T09:08:00.002-07:00

Hi there! I hope your Tuesday is going well and you are ready for a little holiday cheer. Here's a fun little tune by Paul McCartney & Wings called Wonderful Christmas Time. It's so happy and bouncy! Enjoy.

Don't forget to download our The Best Way To Spread Christmas Cheer... printable freebie.

Cheers & Happy Holidays!!

{holiday music} it's the most wonderful time of the year

2011-12-05T14:22:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday! Time to spread some more holiday cheer. I hope you will enjoy this video of Andy Williams singing It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year. This makes me smile!

Cheers & Happy Holidays!!

{gift idea} pesonalized melamine holiday plates

2011-12-05T11:53:00.001-07:00

Searching for a fun and unique gift idea? The Spotted Olive™ has recently put our popular Retro Modern Holiday Ornaments Christmas design on personalized melamine plates! These one-of-a-kind 10" diameter plates feature full-color vibrant printing and are non-toxic and dishwasher safe. Please note these plates are not microwave safe.

This design available in a variety of color choices. More designs coming soon.

And don't forget you can save 20% on your holiday cards and labels from The Spotted Olive™ through December 31st with the coupon codes listed below.

Save 20% on Invitations, Flat Cards, Greeting Cards, Photo Cards & Postcards with coupon code: HOLIDAYCHEER at checkout.

Save 20% on Labels with coupon code: 20LABELGIFTS at checkout.

20% Off Invitations, Cards, Photo Cards, And Postcards
20% of the invitation, greeting card, photo card and/or postcard net sale price will be deducted when one or more qualifying invitations, greeting cards, photo cards and/or postcards are purchased and the coupon code HOLIDAYCHEER is applied at checkout. The net sale price is the price of the product (excluding shipping and taxes). Offer is valid through December, 31 2011 11:59pm PT. This offer does not apply to past purchases and may not be combined with any other Zazzle promotional or volume discount offers. If a volume discount applies to your order, you will receive either the discount set forth in this offer or the standard volume discount, whichever is greater. Offer valid on Zazzle.com only.
Expires 12/31/2011.
Use Promotional Code: HOLIDAYCHEER

20& Off Labels

Expires 12/31/2011.

Use Promotional Code: 20LABELGIFTS

Cheers & Happy Holidays!

{holiday music} sammy davis jr.

2011-12-04T22:10:00.001-07:00

I love me some Sammy Davis Jr.! Enjoy Sammy singing Christmas Time All Over The World. I just think this is so fabulous!!

Cheers & Happy Holidays!!

{holiday music} dean martin & frank sinatra

2011-12-03T08:18:00.004-07:00

Happy Saturday!! Let's keep this fabulous holiday mood going with a song by two of my favorites, Dean Martin & Frank Sinatra singing "Marshmallow World." This is so much fun. I just love it. Enjoy.

Cheers & Happy Holidays!

{feature} the spotted olive included in zazzle's printed holiday mailer

2011-12-02T13:37:00.001-07:00

The Spotted Olive™ is thrilled that our Modern Merry Christmas Holiday Ornament was featured in the Zazzle printed holiday mailer!

Don't forget you can save 20% on your holiday cards and labels from The Spotted Olive™ through December 31st with the coupon codes listed below.

Save 20% on Invitations, Flat Cards, Greeting Cards, Photo Cards & Postcards with coupon code: HOLIDAYCHEER at checkout.

Save 20% on Labels with coupon code: 20LABELGIFTS at checkout.

20% Off Invitations, Cards, Photo Cards, And Postcards
20% of the invitation, greeting card, photo card and/or postcard net sale price will be deducted when one or more qualifying invitations, greeting cards, photo cards and/or postcards are purchased and the coupon code HOLIDAYCHEER is applied at checkout. The net sale price is the price of the product (excluding shipping and taxes). Offer is valid through December, 31 2011 11:59pm PT. This offer does not apply to past purchases and may not be combined with any other Zazzle promotional or volume discount offers. If a volume discount applies to your order, you will receive either the discount set forth in this offer or the standard volume discount, whichever is greater. Offer valid on Zazzle.com only.
Expires 12/31/2011.
Use Promotional Code: HOLIDAYCHEER

20& Off Labels

Expires 12/31/2011.

Use Promotional Code: 20LABELGIFTS

{holiday music} tony bennett singing i love the winter weather

2011-12-02T10:54:00.001-07:00

It's time to spread a little holiday cheer and what a better way than with music! I'll be posting a favorite holiday song regularly through the month of December to keep the holiday spirit going.

Tony Bennett is a definite favorite and the holidays wouldn't be the same without listening to his smooth voice crooning some of the most beloved Christmas songs around. I hope you enjoy this video of Tony Bennett singing "I Love The Winter Weather" as much as I do.

Cheers & Happy Holidays!

{winter comforts} toe socks

2011-12-02T08:25:00.006-07:00

Who doesn't love a comfy pair of toe socks on a cold winter's day? I loved them as a kid and still do to this day. Something about their quirkiness draws me to them.

I've got the fireplace going in my office, a nice hot cup of peppermint tea, a couple of windmill cookies and my cozy toe socks. Ready to work! Wishing you a wonderful Friday.

{free printable} spread christmas cheer quote freebie

2011-12-01T20:13:00.015-07:00

This cold weather and latest snowstorm has finally gotten me into the holiday spirit! I was just watching Elf and thought it would be fun to do a typography layout of one of the quotes from the movie— "The Best Way To Spread Christmas Cheer Is Singing Loud For All To Hear." I've made it into a downloadable printable freebie available for personal use only.

Print this cute 8" x 10" mini poster on your home printer, frame it and display it for the holidays courtesy of The Spotted Olive™.

DOWNLOAD Full Size Version.

TERMS OF USE FOR PRINTABLE FREEBIES by The Spotted Olive™
All printable freebies are copyright by The Spotted Olive™ and are intended for non-profit personal use only. Our printable freebies are not to be used for any profitable or commercial purposes whatsoever. We would love it if you would send people to visit our blog (http://www.thespottedolive.blogspot.com) to download their own copy of our printable freebies, but please do not distribute or post the files to any other websites or blogs. By downloading our printable freebies, you agree to all of these terms and conditions of use. Thanks so much for your support.

{welcome} december!

2011-12-01T14:52:00.006-07:00

Here we are at the last month of 2011! Wow, this year has really flown by. We've been having some warm weather these last couple of weeks but in honor of the first day of December, Mother Nature has turned cold and snowy! Welcome December. Time for bundling up, snuggling and hot cocoa!

{happy customer} lauri of little tini

2011-11-29T12:19:00.001-07:00

Lauri of Little Tini recently sent us this great picture of hip business cards from The Spotted Olive™ in use! Lauri uses the business cards as holders for her lovely earring designs.

I love getting pictures from our customers and especially love seeing The Spotted Olive's products in use. Thanks so much Lauri for taking the time to send us this picture. It is so appreciated. XOXO!

{sale} cyber tuesday!

2011-11-29T10:18:00.002-07:00

We've extended all of our great Cyber Monday Deals into Cyber Tuesday! Shop The Spotted Olive™ today and enjoy super savings on cards, invitations, postcards, photo cards and flat cards plus iphone, ipod touch and ipad cases, t-shirts, ornaments, mugs and more! Plus get FREE shipping on orders of $50 or more!

To qualify for this free shipping offer, one or more Zazzle products must be purchased with a net sale price equal to or greater than 50.00 dollars. The free shipping offer is for standard shipping to U.S. addresses only. Offer does not apply to shoes or screen printed apparel. Shipping charges will apply to oversized orders and orders being shipped on an expedited basis or outside the U.S. To qualify for this $19.95 Zazzle Black 2-Day offer, one or more Zazzle products must be purchased and Zazzle Black 2-Day must be selected as the shipping option. There is no minimum dollar purchase required. The shipping offer is for Zazzle Black 2-Day shipping to single U.S. addresses only. Weekend delivery cannot be requested. Offer does not apply to shoes or screen printed apparel. Shipping charges will apply to oversized orders and orders being shipped on an expedited basis or outside the U.S. $5 of the t-shirt net sale price will be deducted when one or more qualifying t-shirts are purchased. $3 of the mug net sale price will be deducted when one or more qualifying mugs are purchased. 60% of the wrapped canvas print net sale price will be deducted when one or more qualifying wrapped canvas prints are purchased. 50% of the poster, print, and/or framed print net sale price will be deducted when one or more qualifying prints are purchased. 50% of the greeting card, invitation, photo card, and/or postcard net sale price will be deducted when one or more qualifying greeting cards, invitations, photo cards, and/or postcards are purchased. 40% of the calendar net sale price will be deducted when one or more qualifying calendars are purchased. 30% of the ornament net sale price will be deducted when one or more qualifying ornaments are purchased. 20% of the mobile case net sale price will be deducted when one or more qualifying mobile cases are purchased. The net sale price is the price of the product (excluding shipping and taxes). The coupon code CYBERTUESDAY must be entered during checkout to receive the offer. Offer is valid through November 29, 2011 at 11:59PM PT. This offer does not apply to screen printed apparel. This offer does not apply to past purchases and may not be combined with any other Zazzle promotional or volume discount offers. If a volume discount applies to your order, you will receive either the discount set forth in this offer or the standard volume discount, whichever is greater. Offer valid on Zazzle.com only. We reserve the right to change the terms or discontinue Zazzle Black 2-day offer at any time. The terms and conditions of the Zazzle Black Program will continue to apply to this offer.

{giveaway} from laura winslow photography

2011-11-28T15:10:00.003-07:00

Wow! I just came across this amazing giveaway with a prize package over $10,000 from Laura Winslow Photography. Details here: http://laurawinslowphotography.com/blog/2011/11/21/10000-holiday-bloggie-bash-laura-winslow-photography/

Hurry! Giveaway ends today!!

{cyber monday} holiday sale

2011-11-28T12:01:00.003-07:00

'Tis the season for savings at The Spotted Olive™! It's Cyber Monday! Save 50% on all greeting cards, photo cards, postcards, flat cards and invitations. Save 20% on mobile cases including iphone 4, ipad and ipod touch. Save 30% on ornaments. Save $5 on t-shirts and $3 on mugs! Plus FREE SHIPPING on orders of $50 or more!! Shop now and save big. Use coupon code: ZCYBERMONDAY at checkout.

To qualify for this free shipping offer, one or more Zazzle products must be purchased with a net sale price equal to or greater than 50.00 dollars. The free shipping offer is for standard shipping to U.S. addresses only. Offer does not apply to shoes or screen printed apparel. Shipping charges will apply to oversized orders and orders being shipped on an expedited basis or outside the U.S. To qualify for this $19.95 Zazzle Black 2-Day offer, one or more Zazzle products must be purchased and Zazzle Black 2-Day must be selected as the shipping option. There is no minimum dollar purchase required. The shipping offer is for Zazzle Black 2-Day shipping to single U.S. addresses only. Weekend delivery cannot be requested. Offer does not apply to shoes or screen printed apparel. Shipping charges will apply to oversized orders and orders being shipped on an expedited basis or outside the U.S. $5 of the t-shirt net sale price will be deducted when one or more qualifying t-shirts are purchased. $3 of the mug net sale price will be deducted when one or more qualifying mugs are purchased. 60% of the wrapped canvas print net sale price will be deducted when one or more qualifying wrapped canvas prints are purchased. 50% of the poster, print, and/or framed print net sale price will be deducted when one or more qualifying prints are purchased. 50% of the greeting card, invitation, photo card, and/or postcard net sale price will be deducted when one or more qualifying greeting cards, invitations, photo cards, and/or postcards are purchased. 40% of the calendar net sale price will be deducted when one or more qualifying calendars are purchased. 30% of the ornament net sale price will be deducted when one or more qualifying ornaments are purchased. 20% of the mobile case net sale price will be deducted when one or more qualifying mobile cases are purchased. The net sale price is the price of the product (excluding shipping and taxes). The coupon code ZCYBERMONDAY must be entered during checkout to receive the offer. Offer is valid through November 28, 2011 at 10:00 AM PT. This offer does not apply to screen printed apparel. This offer does not apply to past purchases and may not be combined with any other Zazzle promotional or volume discount offers. If a volume discount applies to your order, you will receive either the discount set forth in this offer or the standard volume discount, whichever is greater. Offer valid onZazzle.com only. We reserve the right to change the terms or discontinue Zazzle Black 2-day offer at any time. The terms and conditions of the Zazzle Black Program will continue to apply to this offer.

{life} fortune cookie wisdom

2011-11-21T23:08:00.001-07:00

Sometimes things don't appear as they really are.

{holiday season} modern christmas photo cards

2011-11-14T16:52:00.000-07:00

The holidays are upon us! It's definitely time to start shopping and getting your items together for your holiday mailout. Here is a fun selection of personalized modern Christmas photo cards designed by The Spotted Olive™. Click on the images below to personalize and purchase.

SHOP The Spotted Olive™ for your personalized Christmas card and holiday mailout needs!

{giveaways} enter to win some great prizes!!

2011-11-08T20:10:00.012-07:00

Hi Everyone! Hope you are having a great week so far. I wanted to let you know of two wonderful giveaways The Spotted Olive™ is currently participating in right now.

{GIVEAWAY #1}

The Lucky Elephant is having it's AMAZING 2000 FAN GIVEAWAY right now where one lucky person will win a prize package valued at over $1400 with goodies from 35 incredible shops including The Spotted Olive™. Some of the wonderful prizes include a Milania Bangle Bracelet – Designed for the American Music Awards (Value $98) from HORSEFEATHERS GIFTS, a Pre-Designed Baby Mobile (Value $59) from JENNA BEE’S PAPER CREATIONS, a Store Credit (Value $20) from TWIRLIE WHIRLIES, a “Rita” Bug Accented Bangle Set, Gold tone, Grey Bug, 2.5″ Diameter, 5 Bangles (Value $22) by POP OF CHIC and so much more!

We're delighted to be giving away a Zebra Chic Martinis Stationery Set and iPhone 4 Case (Value $60).

Stop by and enter today at http://theluckyelephant.wordpress.com/2011/10/29/1108/! But hurry, the contest ends Friday, November 11, 2011.

{GIVEAWAY #2}

We've partnered with the wonderful blog (and one of our favorites), ALL WOMEN STALK, again to giveaway a set of our Retro Modern Holiday Ornaments Christmas Cards to two lucky winners!

Visit the All Women Stalk blog post http://lifestyle.allwomenstalk.com/giveaway-contest-retro-modern-holiday-ornaments-christmas-cards/ for details on how to enter to win this wonderful holiday cards collection from us. Hurry! This giveaway ends November 15, 2011!

Cheers!

XOXO

{sale} 50% off holiday cards

2011-11-05T17:32:00.002-06:00

Personalized Christmas Cards by The Spotted Olive™ are now on sale through 11/6/11 at 11:59 pm PST. Choose from folded greeting cards, flat cards, premium photo card, postcards and invitations and receive 50% off your order with coupon code: 4EVERYMOMENT at checkout. A great time to get your personalized Christmas cards and save a bundle!

{SHOP}

50% of the greeting card, invitation, photo card, and postcard net sale price will be deducted when one or more qualifying products are purchased and the coupon code 4EVERYMOMENT is applied at checkout. The net sale price is the price of the product (excluding shipping and taxes). Offer is valid through November 6, 2011 at 11:59pm PT. This promotional offer does not apply to past purchases and may not be combined with any other Zazzle promotional or volume discount offers. If a volume discount applies to your order, you will receive either the discount set forth in this offer or the standard volume discount, whichever is greater. Offer valid on Zazzle.com only.

{holiday 2011} colorful christmas cards

2011-11-04T10:38:00.000-06:00

PERSONALIZED CHRISTMAS CARDS. 'Tis the season for holiday greetings and we've just designed a bunch that are fun, fresh and colorful! Easily add your photo and special text to these vibrant and festive personalized Christmas cards from The Spotted Olive™.

Spread Holiday Cheer 6 Photo Folded Christmas Card Card

Oh! What Fun Flat Christmas Card

Merry & Bright Holiday Stripes Folded Christmas Card

{boo!} happy halloween

2011-10-31T15:11:00.001-06:00

Have a wonderful, fun and safe Halloween!

{product} holiday cards for the american music awards press bags

2011-10-27T14:49:00.001-06:00

I am excited to announce that The Spotted Olive™ will be including variety packs of some of our flat holiday cards in the press bags for the American Music Awards through The indiExhibit. I just snapped a few pictures with my iphone and will be taking better pictures later once I've finished working on the packaging.

{countdown} to christmas

2011-10-26T15:39:00.002-06:00

I just realized there are less than 60 days until Christmas! As of today, we are officially 59 days away. WOW! It literally is just around the corner. It's definitely time to get started on gift shopping and getting holiday cards ordered. Have you started your Christmas shopping or ordered your holiday cards yet?

The Spotted Olive™ is having a 50% off sale on all holiday cards through 10/26/11 with coupon code: FALLMAILINGS at checkout. This offer includes greeting cards, photo cards, flat cards, postcards and invitations. Click on the images below to go to the product page.

And don't forget about our FREE holiday card offer with coupon code: SPOTTEDOLIVE at checkout.

{free} holiday card offer

2011-10-22T12:01:00.000-06:00

FREE Christmas Card from The Spotted Olive™! We are excited to be participating in the Free Holiday Card program offered by our printing partner, Zazzle.com. Now through November 24, 2011, you can receive one of our personalized Modern Merry Christmas Polka Dots holiday cards or one of our Retro Modern Holiday Ornaments Christmas cards for FREE with coupon code: SPOTTEDOLIVE at checkout. Please note customer pays taxes and shipping charges if applicable.

{holiday sale} 50% off christmas cards

2011-10-18T15:05:00.002-06:00

Modern and trendy personalized Christmas and holiday cards by The Spotted Olive™ are 50% off through 10/20/11 with coupon code: CARD4HOLIDAY at checkout. Choose from folded cards, flat cards, photo cards and postcards.

* 50% of the greeting card, invitation, photo card and postcard net sale price will be deducted when one or more qualifying products are purchased and the coupon code CARD4HOLIDAY is applied at checkout. Offer is valid until October 20, 2011 at 11:59pm PT. This offer does not apply to past purchases and may not be combined with any other Zazzle promotional or volume discount offers. If a volume discount applies to your order, you will receive either the discount set forth in this offer or the standard volume discount, whichever is greater. Offer valid on Zazzle.com only.

{random} oh deer!

2011-10-17T11:27:00.001-06:00

Happy Monday. I hope you had a wonderful weekend. Here's a picture I snapped of one of the deer I saw yesterday on my walk with Zoe. There were three of them hanging out in the woods alongside the road. We often have them in our yard and Zoe was so good when she saw them. She didn't bark or even get excited at all. She just calmly watched them. So peaceful and sweet.

{life} fortune cookie wisdom

2011-10-13T08:08:00.003-06:00

I have been struggling with a small decision for The Spotted Olive™ and need to commit within the next couple of days. I believe my fortune cookie has given me the guidance I needed!

{music inspiration} iamx

2011-10-12T12:31:00.001-06:00

I am completely in love with the band IAMX. My friend Brenda Boo brought this amazing creative force to my attention a while back and I have been obsessed ever since. This music speaks to me. Not only do I adore the music, but the visuals of the videos are so incredibly powerful and creative. I can listen to this band all day and I love that their songs translate so beautifully to acoustic versions. This band is so inspiring to me. Chris Corner is one brilliant and talented man. I definitely recommend checking this band out. Thank you Brenda for sharing this bit of amazing talent with me. You have given me an amazing gift!

{weekend} french toast brunch

2011-10-09T13:43:00.002-06:00

Happy Sunday! Hope you are having a wonderful weekend. My sweet hubby made one of my favorites today for brunch—challah bread french toast with fresh raspberries and blackberries. It was delicious!! Enjoy your day.

{holiday} wild swingin' cool personalized christmas cards

2011-10-09T12:35:00.001-06:00

RETRO MODERN FLAT CHRISTMAS PHOTO CARDS. We love retro at The Spotted Olive™ are are so excited to present our latest swanky retro modern holiday card design. Show off your fun, funky and ultra cool side this holiday season with these hip Christmas cards.

{weekend} first snow of the season!

2011-10-08T20:40:00.002-06:00

Happy Saturday! Hope you are having a wonderful weekend. I woke up to almost a foot of snow this morning. We were hit by a cold front from Alaska that brought a bunch of snow with it. My dogs were so excited because they LOVE the snow!! I spent my day doing some cleaning, chores and playing in the snow with my husband and dogs. We even had a snowball fight (I think I lost!). Hope your weekend has been full of fun too.

Next week will be sunny and warm again!

{silliness} happy mad hatter day!

2011-10-06T15:08:00.001-06:00

Today is Mad Hatter Day so I decided to take some silly pictures in a mad hat! Mad Hatter Day celebrates silliness and is on October 6th because the Mad Hatter from Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” has a piece of paper in his hat that reads: “In this style 10/6.” Personally, I think everyday should be Mad Hatter Day! Enjoy the day, be silly and have fun.

{life} fortune cookie wisdom

2011-10-04T18:45:00.002-06:00

Sometimes something as simple as a fortune cookie fortune can really put things in perspective. Hope you are having a great Tuesday!

{hello} october

2011-10-01T08:02:00.001-06:00

Happy October 1st! Can you believe this year is almost over? Halloween is just around the corner. Time to get out the warmer jackets and stock up on hot chocolate and cider supplies. Hope you have a wonderful Saturday and first day of the month.

{life} a beautiful fall morning walk

2011-09-30T15:39:00.002-06:00

I've been trying to go on more walks outside of the yard with my dog, Zoe. We both need the additional exercise. My other two dogs, Annie & Jags, both get a very good workout as they are crazy for playing fetch. Zoe, not so much. Her attention span is so short and she really doesn't like to do what the other dogs do. She's always got to do something a little different and special. She's my little rebel.

So while my husband plays with Annie & Jags, I'm trying to walk the neighborhood with Zoe. It's a tough, but beautiful walk. Living in the mountains there aren't many flat areas and my neighborhood is no exception. Oh and I forgot to mention the lack of oxygen at this altitude! But, it's a great workout and I'm trying to stick to it for both our sakes. Being Fall in the mountains means the leaves are turning and it's absolutely beautiful! I took these pictures on our walk this morning. The colors of the changing leaves are so vibrant and inspiring.

{special project} rehearsal dinner invitations

2011-09-28T22:11:00.002-06:00

WEDDING REHEARSAL DINNER INVITAIONS. My nephew is getting married at the end of next month and I was asked by my sister-in-law to create the invitations for the rehearsal dinner they are hosting. I was so honored and delighted to be able to contribute something! We recently received our wedding invitation in the mail and they are stunning. The wedding invitations are a beautiful handmade set featuring a natural handmade paper with layered card stocks to create a three dimensional effect and a big red bow. The rehearsal dinner is going to be a fun luau theme and I wanted to tie the design of the rehearsal dinner invitations into the wedding invitations.

I'm now inspired to create a tropical themed wedding suite for my wedding shop, Two Hearts Wedding Shoppe!

{halloween} customer favorite t-shirt

2011-09-24T13:55:00.001-06:00

CUTE HALLOWEEN T-SHIRT. Halloween is quickly approaching and we thought it would be fun to show you one of our customer favorite t-shirts! Our customers simply adore this fun Halloween t-shirt design featuring an original kawaii illustration of three cute candy corns with the words "Me So Corny" below it! Available for men, women and kids in a variety of sizes, colors and styles.

{holiday 2011} personalized zebra chic christmas holiday party invitations

2011-09-22T13:32:00.000-06:00

PERSONALIZED MODERN CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY PARTY INVITATIONS. We've been working on lots of new designs at The Spotted Olive™ and are pleased with our latest Christmas Holiday Party invitation! Zebra print is a huge trend right now and we thought it would be fun to combine it with the holidays. It's fun and funky yet stylish and chic.

Shop The Spotted Olive's fabulous selection of personalized Christmas Cards & Invitations.

{it's official} summer is over

2011-09-17T22:18:00.003-06:00

Hope you had a wonderful Saturday! I know this isn't news to anyone and we usually have some snow on Pike's Peak but today when we were out and about we noticed the peak was covered! Just another reminder that summer really is over. It sure is beautiful though, isn't it?

{sale} 50% off hip & trendy business cards

2011-09-12T12:17:00.000-06:00

50% OFF HIP & TRENDY BUSINESS CARDS. Happy Monday! A big sale is always a great way to start a new week off. Enjoy 50% off modern and professional, 2-sided professional business cards at The Spotted Olive™ through 9/14/11 with coupon code: DEALBIZCARDS at checkout!

* 50% of the business card pack net sale price will be deducted when one or more qualifying business card packs are purchased and the coupon code DEALBIZCARDS is applied at checkout. The net sale price is the price of the product (excluding shipping and taxes). Offer is valid through September 14, 2011 11:59pm PT. This offer does not apply to past purchases and may not be combined with any other Zazzle promotional or volume discount offers. If a volume discount applies to your order, you will receive either the discount set forth in this offer or the standard volume discount, whichever is greater. Offer valid on Zazzle.com only.

{remembering} 9/11

2011-09-11T12:09:00.003-06:00

My heart goes out to all who have been affected in any way by the tragic events of 9/11. I remember getting ready for work that morning with the television on seeing the planes hit the towers and watching in horror as the events unfolded. Once I got to work, the entire office continued to be glued to the television and during this time our company was receiving bomb threats, but we were not allowed to leave work. It was quite frightening and difficult. Those shocking images of tragedy and loss are forever branded in my brain, but it in no way compares to those who were in New York, at The Pentagon, Pensylvania and surrounding areas seeing it all first hand and experiencing loss of epic proportions. I can't imagine the unbearable pain that so many feel to this day. Just thinking about it all brings me to tears.

Our neighbors were a wonderful middle aged couple with no children. On 9/11, the man (Dean) who was a career Army professional lost his brother at The Petagon. It was devastating, of course, as it was for everyone. His brother's wife just had a baby and they had another little boy who was about 2 years old. To add another cruel twist of fate to the tragic events of 9/11, the mother of the two little boys (Dean's sister-in-law) was diagnosed with terminal cancer. She was not given long to live. Once she was gone, the boys would come to live with my neighbors and they would raise them. I remember seeing the mother on a visit as she was preparing things for the boys and the rest of their lives without her. It was so heartbreaking talking to her about what had happened and what she was doing for her boys' futures. She was a lovely woman. Sadly she did pass away very soon after that visit and the boys came to live with my neighbors. They were so young and such good little boys hit with such tragedy so early in life. A few years ago they moved away and we still hear from the family from time to time. It's always nice to know that they are doing well. From these tragic losses, my neighbors were able to do something good and raise their nephews in a loving, caring home.

As we remember the tragic events of this day ten years ago, the lives lost, the heros that emerged and the pain that is still felt, I recommend visiting the 9/11 Living Memorial Project which is an online interactive tribute commemorating the lives and preserving the stories of September 11, 2001.

September 11th, 2001 was a life changing event not only for the people of New York and the United States, but for people of the world. As we reflect upon this day, it is important to recognize that we are all connected, we are all human beings living on this planet. We should embrace our differences and learn to live together in peace and harmony. A few years ago I affirmed the Charter for Compassion. The Charter for Compassion is a document that transcends religious, ideological and national difference.

Peace be with us all today and always.

{new!} cute personalized halloween photo cards

2011-09-09T12:30:00.000-06:00

Cute Personalized Halloween Photo Cards. Happy Friday everyone! I've been working on some more fun personalized Halloween photo card & invitation designs. This photo card design is fresh in my shop today! It features trendy chevron stripes in Halloween colors with a cute little ghost and the word "Boo!" in a fun typeface.

Shop The Spotted Olive's selection of personalized Halloween invitations and photo cards!

{update} enchanted makeovers event

2011-09-08T12:36:00.001-06:00

Back in August The Spotted Olive™ participated through The indiExhibit by contributing to special gift boxes for the "Stepping Back in Time" Dinner & Dance event put on by Enchanted Makeovers for Alternatives For Girls in Southwest Detroit. We created special inspirational message buttons to be included in the gift boxes especially for this event.

Terry Grahl, the founder of Enchanted Makeovers, posted this wonderful message and video regarding the event.

Thank you to the indiExhibit members for your beautiful gifts to Enchanted Makeovers Stepping Back in Time Event on Aug. 28th. There were many happy tears when the girls opened up their boxes. GOD BLESS YOU!

What an extraordinary event and wonderful video. The women looked so beautiful and the event appeared to be spectacular in every way. I am extremely honored and proud to have been a tiny party of this beautiful event for some amazing women. Thank you Terry Grahl & Enchanted Makeovers for your dedication to this cause. And a big thank you to all the wonderful staff and volunteers at Enchanted Makeovers and Alternatives for Girls (as well as shelters & volunteers throughout the world) for giving of yourselves to help others. The world truly needs more people in it like all of you.

To learn more about Enchanted Makeovers, please visit: www.enchantedmakeovers.org. To learn more about Alternatives for Girls, please visit: www.alternativesforgirls.org.

P.S. You can see a tiny glimpse of one of our buttons still in it's packaging at 1:41 in the video. :)

{happy winner} brenda boo

2011-09-07T06:00:00.000-06:00

More pictures from Brenda Boo and I couldn't be happier!! I was absolutely thrilled to get this great picture from the beautiful and talented Brenda Boo of Brenda Boo Art and The Bootique holding her stationery and envelopes from The Spotted Olive™. Brenda was the winner of the All Women Stalk giveaway back in August and was kind enough to snap this picture and send it to me! I love it!!!

Brenda is a friend and an amazingly talented artist and I just adore her work. I have one of her fabulous art prints hanging up in my office. And that reminds me that I need to return the favor of this wonderful photo and send her one of me holding her art! Adding that to the project list now.

You can check Brenda and her work out here:

Brenda Boo Art
The Bootique
Brenda Boo on Twitter
The Bootique Fan Page on Facebook

I just may be doing another giveaway of Brenda's amazing art very soon so stay tuned. :) Thank you again, Brenda, for sending such great pictures. XOXO!

{sale} 20% off cards, postcards, photo cards, invitations & announcements!

2011-09-06T20:24:00.001-06:00

SAVE 20% ON INVITATIONS & MORE! We're having a huge sale on cards, postcards, photo cards, invitations & announcements from now until 12/31/11!! That's right, you can save 20% on all your purchases of cards, postcards, photo cards, invitations & announcements until the end of the year when you use coupon code: HOLIDAYCHEER at checkout!

This offer is not limited to holiday themed cards, photo cards, postcards, invitations & announcements! It's valid on all cards, photo cards, postcards, invitations & announcements. Looking for birth announcements? Check out The Spotted Olive's collection and SAVE 20%! Throwing a bachelorette party? We've got funky fun bachelorette party invitations that you will save 20% on with code: HOLDIAYCHEER at check out. Get your Halloween photo cards and party invitations and SAVE 20%! Purchase your Thanksgiving photo cards and gathering invitations and SAVE 20%! Of course, it's also a great time to purchase your holiday, Christmas & New Year greetings especially when you can SAVE 20%!

*20% of the invitation, greeting card, photo card and/or postcard net sale price will be deducted when one or more qualifying invitations, greeting cards, photo cards and/or postcards are purchased and the coupon code HOLIDAYCHEER is applied at checkout. The net sale price is the price of the product (excluding shipping and taxes). Offer is valid through December, 31 2011 11:59pm PT. This offer does not apply to past purchases and may not be combined with any other Zazzle promotional or volume discount offers. If a volume discount applies to your order, you will receive either the discount set forth in this offer or the standard volume discount, whichever is greater. Offer valid on Zazzle.com only.

Expires 12/31/2011. Use Promotional Code: HOLIDAYCHEER

{happiness} the best picture ever!

2011-09-06T10:05:00.002-06:00

I'm so excited and overjoyed today!!! My day started off by receiving two wonderful happy customer pictures. Below is the BEST PICTURE EVER and I just LOVE it!!

Sent in by the fabulous Brenda Boo of Brenda Boo Art and The Bootique, this ultra cute photo collage features gorgeous Brenda with her darling daughter, Sunni, holding a piece of stationery from The Spotted Olive™ with "We {heart} The Spotted Olive XOXO" written on it! This has completely made my day, week and month!!! My heart goes pitty pat every time I look at it. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Brenda & Sunni for your sweet note & picture. I will definitely treasure this forever. The biggest hugs and kisses go out to you both. XOXO.

{wishlist} inkling by wacom

2011-09-06T08:40:00.004-06:00

I recently learned about the new inkling digital sketch pen by wacom. This is the coolest thing ever. The inkling allows you to sketch on any piece of paper and have a digital version automatically created. This amazing pen looks like a regular ballpoint pen but it is so much more powerful. I read that you will be able to create layers as you sketch and then edit the drawings in Illustrator and Photoshop. I am drooling over this! I'm putting it on my Christmas list for sure.

{music inspiration} queen

2011-09-05T14:17:00.003-06:00

Today would have been the fabulous Freddie Mercury's 65th birthday and it is only fitting that I post Queen as today's musical inspiration. I adore Freddie and Queen. They are true musical icons. I love Freddie's charisma, creativity, incredible talent and spectacular showmanship. Amazing. Queen is one of those bands that survives the test of time. Great songs, great music, great performances. One of the best bands in the history of rock 'n roll.

Please stop by the website Freddie For A Day to see how you can help fight HIV/AIDS worldwide.

Happy Birthday, Freddie. May you rest in peace. Long live King Mercury!!

{random} weekend snapshots

2011-09-05T13:15:00.003-06:00

Hi Everyone! Happy Labor Day. I hope that you are enjoying this long weekend. The weather has been beautiful here and we've had a lovely time the past few days. Yesterday we had a cookout with lots of great food including ribs with Cripple Creek Barbeque sauce (for the meat eaters), grilled vegetables and haloumi, goat cheese & dill biscuits topped with marscapone cheese and grilled veggies tossed in balsamic vinegar, watermelon, bloody marys, sun green tea and coconut cookie sandwiches! I ate way too much but it was all so good.

If there is no wind tonight I'm hoping we will be able to have movie night under the stars with a fire in the fire pit to end this nice long weekend! I hope your weekend was wonderful too!

{weekend} happy labor day

2011-09-02T17:02:00.002-06:00

What's better than the weekend? A long holiday weekend!! Happy Labor Day weekend to all my friends in the USA. I hope you enjoy a wonderful weekend full of relaxation, delicious food and the company of family and friends.

{cause} celebrate japan dolphins day

2011-09-01T10:07:00.046-06:00

Save Japan Dolphins Day in Colorado
{photo via Save Japan Dolphins on Facebook}

Today is Celebrate Japan Dolphins Day and the first day of the dolphin hunt in Taiji, Japan. I am a supporter of Ric O'Barry and the Save Japan Dolphins cause. I truly admire Ric O'Barry and his efforts to educate people and save dolphins. I am so grateful to have learned about the plight of dolphins and about how amazing they truly are from his Oscar winning film, The Cove. It was a very hard film to watch and I cry every time I think about it, but I truly learned so much that I was so unaware of and I am happy to be educated on this subject.

In an effort to be positive, Ric O'Barry and the organizers of Celebrate Japan Dolphin Day thought it would be more effective to get people to be FOR something than AGAINST something. Through this, they have organized an international day of dolphin celebration in several cities around the world. Educating with peace and love is a great way to spread the word about this and any other cause.

Dolphins are remarkable and incredibly intelligent creatures and deserve to treated with respect and compassion. I hope you will be inspired today to learn more about dolphins and what you can do to help them through this cause.

Below are five points on dolphins and this cause from Save Japan Dolphins:

1. Dolphins are sentient beings, who should not be harmed or slaughtered.

2. Captivity kills - don't buy a ticket to dolphinariums!

3. Dolphins are worth more alive than dead to Japan; through eco-tourism and other green policies, Japan’s economy can make a full recovery.

4. We support Japanese peoples’ right to know about contamination of dolphin meat with mercury and radioactivity; we are concerned for the people.

5. Many Japanese don't know about the drive fishery killing of dolphins and actually oppose it when they understand what is happening.

Visit www.SaveJapanDolphins.org to learn more about this cause and what you can do to help.

UPDATE: It looks like the event in Taiji, Japan was successful and peaceful. Read Ric O'Barry's blog post on the day's events. Dolphin celebrations and peaceful protests are taking place throughout the world today.

{hello} september

2011-09-01T08:53:00.021-06:00

Welcome September! I can't believe how fast summer flew by this year. I thought it would be cool to kick of the month with this awesome song, September, by Earth, Wind & Fire. I love it and totally dig the outfits in the video. I really adore the the remix of this song and scene when it is played in the movie Babel—an excellent movie! Happy September to you.

{shop} personalized christmas cards

2011-08-31T19:04:00.004-06:00

Shop personalized Christmas cards from a modern and unique selection of stylish designs at The Spotted Olive™. Our trendy photo Christmas cards are easy to customize your own photo and text using the "customize" tool. And, as always, personalization of Christmas cards, holiday cards, business cards, stationery, gifts or any other product in our shop is FREE!

FOLDED PERSONALIZED CHRISTMAS CARDS

happy holidays monogram wreath personalized christmas card {folded}


retro modern snowflakes personalized christmas card {folded}

FLAT PERSONALIZED CHRISTMAS CARDS

holiday chic personalized christmas card {flat}

holiday love & laughter personalized christmas card {flat}

Our personalized Christmas and holiday card designs come in a variety of color choices, card styles and paper stocks. Choose from folded cards, flat cards, premium photo cards and postcards.

{update} website down

2011-08-31T11:44:00.003-06:00

UPDATE 3:50 PM MST Our site is now back up and running. Thanks very much for your patience.

Hi there everyone! I just wanted to pop in to let you know that our shopping site via Zazzle is currently down for maintenance. It should be back up shortly. We apologize for the inconvenience. Be sure to stop back by soon to check out our newest personalized Christmas cards, stylish Thanksgiving photo cards, fun Halloween party invitations and so much more!

Thanks so much for your patience!

UPDATE: I just found out what some of the new upgrades with the site maintenance will include. You can read about it in Zazzle's latest press release.

{goodbye} august

2011-08-31T11:03:00.001-06:00

It's the last day of August which means Summer is almost over! I can already feel the cool crispness of fall in the air. We've been under a burn ban that has recently been lifted so we'll still be able to enjoy a movie on our deck outside under the stars with a fire burning in the fire pit. It's one of my favorite things to do before winter sets in.

My dog, Zoe, relaxing while we watch a movie on the deck with a fire in the fire pit. The firepit really isn't that close—it's just the camera angle.

Someday we'll have a bigger screen to watch movies outdoors on, but this works pretty well for now! Hope your last day of August is a good one!

{music inspiration} the bird and the bee

2011-08-30T20:31:00.001-06:00

Lately I've really been enjoying The Bird and The Bee's tribute album to Hall & Oates. It's classic, fun and kitschy. I am particularly digging their cover of Maneater. Already fabulous on it's own but it gains mega cool points for having Shirley Manson of Garbage singing backup vocals.

And the original classic from Hall & Oates

Enjoy!!

{happy customer} lydia

2011-08-29T12:19:00.002-06:00

I am extremely excited to post this lovely photo from The Spotted Olive's happy customer, Lydia! Lydia is a jewelry designer with a shop on Etsy, Leda Jewel Company. Lydia purchased our Designer Vintage Grunge Business Cards in teal to promote her business.

Lydia had this to say about her business cards from The Spotted Olive™, "I have never had so many positive comments and compliments on a business card before. They really are beautiful. Thank you."

Thank you so much, Lydia! We are delighted that you like your business cards and that you are getting compliments on them!! And we sincerely appreciate your nice comments and sending us this wonderful picture!

You can see Lydia's lovely creations at the following sites:

Leda Jewel Company Etsy Shop

Leda Jewel Company Website

Leda Jewel Company Facebook Fan Page
(be sure to stop by and "like" her page!)

Say Cheese & Earn $5!
We love to see pictures of happy customers with their purchases from The Spotted Olive™! Send us a photo of you with your product purchase from The Spotted Olive™ and we’ll give you a coupon code for $5 to use on your next order of $25 or more from The Spotted Olive™ or any other shop on Zazzle! Pictures will be posted on our blog, Facebook page and on Zazzle's Blog for Foto Friday! You must be in the photo holding, wearing, hugging or otherwise enjoying your product from The Spotted Olive™. Be creative and have fun!

You can e-mail your happy customer pictures to us at info [@] thespottedolive [dot] com.

{fresh} cute chevron stripes personalized stationery and business cards

2011-08-28T10:11:00.002-06:00

If you are loving the chevron stripes trend, then take a look at this fresh new design in business cards and matching stationery from The Spotted Olive™. Our cute chevron stripes business card and stationery designs are easy to personalize with your information. Available in a variety of color choices and paper stocks, this stylish design is certain to make an impression!

Chevron stripes are funky yet classic and fit in perfectly with our branding. We love them!

Shop chevron designs at The Spotted Olive™.

{obessession} instagram

2011-08-26T20:34:00.000-06:00

I have recently started using instagram and I love it! It's a fun new way to be creative. I'm really enjoying snapping quick pictures with my iphone to upload and share. You can follow me by searching for thespottedolive on instagram.

{niceness} saying thank you

2011-08-25T12:40:00.004-06:00

I always deeply appreciate when someone does something nice for me and love to send out thank you notes. With all the online ways to communicate these days like email, Facebook, Twitter, Google+, etc., I find it refreshing to send a good old fashioned thank you note via snail mail. And, the people on the receiving end love it too! It's always a nice surprise to get something other than bills or advertisements in your mail box.


A cute morning latte made by my hubby & thank you notes from The Spotted Olive™.

Has someone done something nice with you lately? Share it with us by posting a comment, we'd love to hear about it.

{happy customer} vanessa

2011-08-24T19:31:00.002-06:00

We are so thrilled to post this gorgeous photo from The Spotted Olive's happy customer, Vanessa! Vanessa is an event and party planner who lives in New Jersey. Vanessa purchased our Trendy Chevron Pattern Business Cards and even added her website's QR code to them. Now that's personalization. It's so easy to add photos, logos and other graphics to your personalized business cards from The Spotted Olive.

If you are in the Jersey Shore area and are planning a party or event, please check out Vanessa Grant Events. From Simple Stylings to Swanky Soirees, they can help you do it all!

And a big thank you to Vanessa for her business and for sending us this fabulous picture!! We love it and deeply appreciate it.

Say Cheese & Earn $5!
We love to see pictures of happy customers with their purchases from The Spotted Olive™! Send us a photo of you with your product purchase from The Spotted Olive™ and we’ll give you a coupon code for $5 to use on your next order of $25 or more from The Spotted Olive™ or any other shop on Zazzle! Pictures will be posted on our blog, Facebook page and on Zazzle's Blog for Foto Friday! You must be in the photo holding, wearing, hugging or otherwise enjoying your product from The Spotted Olive™. Be creative and have fun!

You can e-mail your happy customer pictures to us at info [@] thespottedolive [dot] com.

{new} cute ghost halloween party invitations

2011-08-24T19:15:00.001-06:00

2011 Halloween Party Invitations. New in our shop today are these ultra cute personalized Halloween party invitations.

Shop The Spotted Olive's fun selection personalized Halloween party invitations and photo cards.