2 Days til Christmas Music!

I woke up thinking that in 2 days I will be breaking out the Christmas CD's! (I am embarrassed to say I have around 20) My family is giving me a hard time and almost had me convinced that Nov.1st may be a little early for holiday tunes...then I found this in my email and took it as a sign. Christmas is just around the corner and I "need" 2 months of the joyful sounds of Christmas streaming through my day. I did make a deal with my kids that I wouldn't play it to wake them for school or change my ring tone on my phone for a couple more weeks...yes, I do bend! This is from the "chalk guy" he is amazing!

Copper Pumpkins

I will be marking down what is left of my fall merchandise this week to prepare for my Tuscan Christmas. I will be sad to see it go. Retailers rush the seasons through so quickly that I feel like consumers don't have a chance to really enjoy the moment. I am still in "smores by the fire, leaves a cracklin', hot apple cider" mode but will be pushing "tree-trimming, gift buying, eggnog drinking" mode. And to think I will be purchasing next years Christmas in January...it's mind boggling! Here's to... slowing down, playing in the leaves, carving pumpkins, roasting marshmallows by the fire and savoring this beautiful autumn God has given us! Have a crisp and colorful day!

A Tuscan Christmas

Since I made the decision to open my boutique in October, I obviously did not have the luxury of pouring over beautiful catalogs in pursuit of the perfect Christmas decor to sell. I did however have a vision (which usually means bringing it to fruition in a year or two for lack of finding product). I ordered Christmas from 4 different companies and had to learn to "settle" on some of my ideas, but I think I may actually pull this one off! I hope to have everything in and displayed by Nov. 6th for the unveiling of "A Tuscan Christmas". Lots of Old World charm, the most
"believable" greenery, and a little burlap here and there. Here is a sneak peek ....

Can I Borrow Your Finger?

I love to give gifts, I love to find "the perfect" gift, but most of all I love to be the gift giver with the "best looking" gift. You know what I mean, you are at a party and the table is covered with gifts, but yours is wrapped so yummy that the gift receiver grabs yours first! Ahhh what a great feeling. I found this lady and she is the master at gift wrapping, she has evolved it into an art form. I mean this lady even takes the well known and loved blue Tiffany box with the white bow to a whole new level...genius I say! The only thing I miss by renting a space at a designer showcase mall is the opportunity to purchase just the right gift wrap, in just the right color, with just the right logo, (with the perfect font) and the perfect ribbon to finish it off. Someday I will get the chance, and when people see my logo on their yummy gift their heart will skip a beat and they will say "Oh my goodness! You didn't? A gift from Oliver's...really?"

all photos from: A Gift Wrapped Life

Open For Business and My First Giveaway!

I am officially open for business. I am renting a boutique space at The Market in Oklahoma City, Ok. and I am so excited about this venture. I had a space two years ago and did not renew my lease do to the downfall of the economy. Even though my business was doing great, I was scared to death that any day it would all be over. Looking back I realize I was living for the "what if" and not enjoying the moment. My husband (aka my biggest fan and supporter) has been trying to get me to go back ever since and to be honest outside of my family it is my biggest passion. So after alot of praying, and soul searching I took a leap of faith. I mean that literally, God is my pilot, after all he gave me the passion, and he will guide me to use it as he sees fit. No more "what if's" for this girl! Everything has gone so much smoother this time (kind of like with your 2nd baby vs. your first). I am excited to introduce a new candle line, not only did I land an exclusive to The Market...I will be the first to carry it in the state! It is a soy mix, with super strong, complex and unique fragrances and it is eco friendly down to the packaging. And since this is my 100th post I will be giving one away. Leave a comment and I will draw a winner on Friday October 9th. These candles are like none you have ever experienced..I will leave you with the scent description...Have a great weekend everyone! If you are in my area please stop by!
Mexican Pumpkin
Delectable notes of cinnamon,clove,nutmeg,cardamom,and pimento leaf lend warmth to a green balsamic heart. The drydown brings together rich vanilla and sweet caramel for a mouthwatering finale.