The Olive Shoe

Living Life to the Art-fullest

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Grandmillenial Style or "Granny Chic"

House Beautiful has dubbed the term “grandmillenial” style or “Granny Chic” to describe an ‘emerging’ décor style among the millennial generation. I am personally a huge fan of merging the old with the new…old typically meaning hand-me-downs from Grandma, Great Grandma, or another family member, vintage items, treasures from any number of antique stores, etc.

I once had a roommate guffaw and look…

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Pen Pal Freebie // Corona Virus Social Distancing Kids Activity

Pen Pal Freebie // Corona Virus Social Distancing Kids Activity #covid19 #penpals #sendlove #snailmail #socialdistancing #stayhome

Hey there friends.

How are you doing? It’s a crazy, unprecedented, unpredictable time out there.

We’ve been thinking of you. We’ve been trying to share ideas on our Facebook page as we come across creative ways for you to spend some extra time with your family at home, too.

One way you can pass the time creatively is to send snail mail! It’ll cost you a little time and a stamp, but you can…

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Vampire Kiss Cocktail and Halloween Inspo

Vampire Kiss Cocktail and Halloween Inspo | Check out our new blog post! I had so much fun filming this "How To" with David from Boots and Bowties. Visit his blog for the full recipe!

Happy almost Halloween!

I had THE. BEST. TIME. last Friday shooting this video with David Locke from Boots and Bowties. A self-proclaimed “burned out businessman turned lifestyle guru”, David is an expert in all things home and garden. After 22 years in Advertising, he closed his agency to take over the family business, and recently launched his blog – a lifestyle hub of creative inspiration.

He…

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Creativity Crusader // Sara Touchet Photography

Creativity Crusader // Sara Touchet Photography

  Meet spunky, creative, authentic, sassy, sincere, Sara. I should also add super talented.

I met Sara  last summer and immediately wanted to get to know her better. Her whole face lights up when she smiles, and she never meets a stranger. She has a confident sense of style, and she is easy to talk to. THEN I found out she was a wedding photographer AND she’s creative, talented, organized, and…

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Creativity Crusader // Stephanie Irby // Smoore Designs

Creativity Crusader // Stephanie Irby // Smoore Designs Meet Stephanie, business owner, boss lady, mom, wife, fabulous friend, and just an all around, authentic, creative, inspiring woman.

  I’m so excited to kick off this year’s incredible lineup of creativity crusaders by introducing you to one of my favorite people, Stephanie Irby.

You’ll be getting a two-fer in February, so get excited. We have SO MANY creative people to showcase this year! I just love celebrating all of these creative minds, skillsets, and talents!

Stephanie is the CEO of Smoore.Designs, a local boutique she…

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Creativity Crusader // Meet Intern Olivia

Meet Intern Olivia..."One of the biggest inspirations for my art is nature. The beauty and richness of this world God has given us is such a reminder of His presence. Nature is also a strong source of color, texture, and movement."

This fall, The Olive Shoe has enjoyed getting to know (and greatly benefited from) Olivia’s assistance as an intern from Anderson University in Anderson, SC. She’s been creating and scheduling social media posts, uploading items to shop.theoliveshoe.com, and even creating a few pieces of stationery of her own.

Some of you may have had the opportunity to meet her downtown at Anderson’s FreshTaste…

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Happy Fall Y’all!

This month marks the fifth – yes, that’s right, the FIFTH year of celebrating creativity on the blog! I loved doing these creativity crusader posts, but my time for blogging has been slim. I’ve wanted to bring back specifically this series and the Creative Home Series all year, but finding time to squeeze in writing the posts has been a struggle!! However, it is SO important to me that we take time to celebrate the creativity around us all the time… so I decided to just carve out some time, suck it up and get-r-dun.

To kick it off, I’d like to introduce you to someone VERY special. I can honestly say I can no longer remember what our family was like without her. I remember the first time I met her – albeit with a raised eyebrow because she was wearing my baby brother’s tie. I reported to my mom that I thought there was something going on with Drew, my little brother by four years, and this cute little brunette who was very nice and wearing his tie at a band party he and his roommates had. Hmmmmm…we thought.

Lauren CopCar a.k.a. my sister-in-law, a.k.a. Mommy to my nieces, a.k.a. the main blogger for The Olive Shoe, creative parent extraordinaire, gardener, Halloween-costume-sewing mama, cowboy candy making lady, loyal friend, high school teacher turned pre-school teacher has been sharing creative ideas, searching for inspiration to share with you folks, and celebrating creativity for about the last several years on The Olive Shoe Blog. Sometimes she curates a berjillion ideas to inspire. Sometimes she shares a project she did with her girls or husband or friends or preschoolers. Sometimes she shares some really raw, bravely honest thoughts about the ups and downs of parenting. Whatever she shares, it’s always creative, always well-thought-out, and always a creative addition to our curated collection of ideas here on the blog.

I know you can go read about her on her “ABOUT” page, but I thought – what more appropriate way to celebrate the blog’s 5th birthday than celebrating our own creativity crusader, Lauren! So meet Lauren CopCar. She’s a cool chick. She rocked her husband’s shirt on Hollywood Blvd. when we were in LA for BlogHer a couple of summers ago. We got separated the next summer in Disney World – and I had her phone – and it was pouring down rain, and THANKFULLY we were able to find each other again. She can cook, juggle a 4 and 5 year old, her husband, her life, a job, and finding time to blog for The Olive Shoe. She’s fun and fabulous and as loyal a friend as they come. I adore my baby brother, and I’m so glad he married someone I can call a sister. She is truly family.

What is your name?

Lauren Coppotelli Carlisle

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

33 next month

If anyone wants to wish her Happy Birthday, it’s November 10. 🙂

P.S. Her anniversary is on October 29, too…just in case you want to wish her happy anniversary…

In what city & state do you live?

Tallahassee, FL

Lauren grew up outside of Philly in Pennsylvania, with easy access to NYC via a 45 min train ride. She came to Clemson University for college which is where she met my brother. They moved to Tally a few years ago when his job was transferred to company HQ, and the move has been a great fit for their family even though I miss them terribly!! Her exposure to both northern and southern culture as well as her open-mindedness to all cultures has made her a very interesting and well-rounded human being!

Do you consider yourself to be creative?

Yes, I think I do a good job of adding creativity to my life – from parenting to creating art I try to always do things in an innovative and efficient way. 

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

I was a total tom-boy – so anything outside was what I wanted to do. Mostly playing tackle football or roller hockey with the boys.

What inspires you?

Depends on the day but really I try to take inspirations from my surroundings. Nature, my students, my children, family, art – doesn’t matter I try to gather as much information and inspiration from all around me. I don’t want to miss out because I am not being observant – it is amazing the things I have learned by living my life this way. 

What do you do for a living?

Preschool teacher – specifically I work on sensory activities on the playground. 

She’s also a full time mom to irish-twin girls, which is it’s own “career”!!!

Here’s one of her latest projects: a sensory walkway at the school where she works. See more about it in this blog post.

Are you formally educated or self-taught? (or both)?

I have a BS in High School Social Studies and many things I have done are self-taught like gardening and sewing. 

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

I listen to loud music and make lists of all around me. Usually from the random list it becomes more streamlined and I can gather ideas from that.

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

Being on time is so important to me. It is so important to me that I am often the first one to any event or appointment. For me I find one of the most disrespectful thing someone can do is to be late or not meet a deadline. There for I go out of my way to manage my life and make proper arrangements for my children, work etc… in order to make sure that I do not fall behind. 

Do you have a routine?

Yes. I can not live in chaos. I pretty much have a set schedule everyday during the week and for one day on the weekends. I do try to give myself one day a week without a set schedule in order to give myself some free time if life allows. 

How do you deal with stress?

I box or go to the gym. Being physical is the best way for me to work out my frustrations.

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

I definitely get up earlier. I am a morning person and really struggle if I don’t get enough sleep. 

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

Spend time with family, go to the gym, visit with friends, write for The Olive Shoe.

…or by refinishing old china cabinets like this one. See her post about it HERE.

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

Hug your family a little tighter, and don’t ever not trust your gut!

And just for fun…

Favorite color?

Green

Describe yourself in one word.

Passionate

The last thing you ate was…

Sweet potatoes

A favorite quote you want to share?

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take but the moments that take your breath away” -Maya Angelou 

Do you have any party tricks?

I am pretty good at most games.

She is….and pretty much anything else she does. ❤

Stay tuned next month! New crusaders are coming… so what MAKES a creativity crusader?

Crusaders can be any age and in any profession.

Creativity crusaders are passionate about what they do for a living or as one or more hobbies.

Creativity crusaders infuse creativity into daily life.

Creativity crusaders champion the cause for creativity in some corner of the world.

Creativity crusaders inspires others to be creative, think creatively and live a creative life.

I love celebrating people! If you would like to suggest a creativity crusader you know, please email me your suggestion, a little bit about the crusader and a couple of photos to [email protected]. I always love meeting new, creative, people!

Previously featured crusaders:

Daniela Zographos // Yumsies Cake Pops

Tara Cummings // NewSpring Creative

Nikki Caldwell // Mirror Mirror Image

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

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 shop or pop by the new office – on the “porch” at Smoore Designs at 2710 N. Main Street, Anderson, South Carolina.

The Olive Shoe | Paperie & Goods is designed and run by Lauren {LAC} James © 2018 LAC James All Rights Reserved.

Other popular posts by LAC:

Plop Dop | 7 Action Words for Goal Setting

A Plethora of Preppy Eclectic Style Inspiration

“GaGa” For Gallery Walls And How to Hang Your Own

A DIY Wedding | Choosing Our Wedding Colors

She’s Gone Biblical Y’all | A Testimony of Faith

Creativity Crusader // Lauren C. Carlisle Happy Fall Y’all! This month marks the fifth - yes, that's right, the FIFTH year of celebrating creativity on the blog!

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Congratulations and best wishes to the Mr. and Mrs.!!! Rosie and Drew, it was an honor and a pleasure to work with you! I absolutely loved your joie de vivre, old-souled-selves, and clear, deep love for each other. Thank you for allowing The Olive Shoe to be a special part of your big day! (And your wedding venue is near and dear to my heart! 💓) #weddings #downtownanderson #bespokeweddings #andersonsc #designer #customart #folkartist #rosiesaysidrew #congratulations #bestwishes

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Last year I had so much fun creating a digital version of Sophia the Swaggin’ Wagon, a mobile boutique. Recently, my friend Stephanie over at @shopsmoore bought a building on N. Main Street in @downtownanderson to establish a permanent storefront for her popular boutique. OF COURSE she needed a digital version of the building too to expand her branding!!! We’re so thrilled for entrepreneur friends as they grow!!! What a fun project and milestone to get to help celebrate!!! Congratulations Smoore Designs on your expansion! #logo #digitalart #shopsmoore #swagginwagon #downtownanderson #andersonsc #shopsmall #shoplocal #designer

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So excited for my friends over at @fostersmainevents who have been working hard to restore a beautiful old building in @downtownanderson - I created this logo for them based on an old window treatment that bore the beehive image. When I first walked through the building and saw the shade, I told them, “THAT should be your logo.” It bears sentimentality, replicability, history, and is easily converted to a 1 color image. I took a photo of the shade and used to create the graphic. Hop on over to @thebeehivesc and see what they are up to as they begin a great adventure! I know the beehive will BEE 🐝 a great addition to downtown Anderson! #downtownanderson #logodesign #designer #smallbusiness #shoplocal #andersonsc (at Anderson, South Carolina)

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Four tiny (4”x4”) paintings for a tiny human’s “adventure” themed nursery. I was inspired, and on the back of each piece of art, under the backer board is a bible verse: Sky (balloons), “God called the vault ‘sky’. And evening passed and morning came, marking the second day.” Genesis 1:8; Redwood trees, “They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yields fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither — whatever they do prospers.” Psalm 1:13; Ocean, “This is what the Lord says, he who appoints the sun to shine by day, who decrees the moon and stars to shine by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar — the Lord Almighty is his name.” Jeremiah 31:35; Mountains, “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:2. I may never meet this babe; the paintings were a gift from a client to a family member who lives in Texas, but I prayed for this child and their life ahead as I painted these. 🙏💗💙 I was speaking to a group of women earlier this year, and I answered a question, “Celebration is my ministry; paper is my method.” I didn’t even think about it, it just came out. I’m so thankful I get to celebrate so many special moments and milestones with people near and far through this work. It is truly an honor. 🙌🎨 Special thanks to @gallery313 for these custom mats. #celebrate #babyart #tinyhuman #nurserydecor #paperministry #artist #watercolor #adventure

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Double sided birthday invite for two of my favorite kiddos — and a little peek at their SUPER creative Mom’s amazing decor and party planning skills. Adorable cakes by @doodledotsdesign #moanabday #aloha #birthday #poolparty (at Rivendell Pool & Clubhouse)

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She knew two things about her wedding: He was the one and she wanted peonies. Helen’s dreamy Snohomish, WA wedding on the blog next week...all the gorgeous details, why tears flowed at the reception, and sooooo many pictures! Stay tuned!! (at Snohomish, Washington)

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Finally get to share this weekend’s suite with y’all! To start...an intimate Thursday rehearsal dinner...love this idea for a wedding weekend so the bride and groom can spend a little more time with all guests as they arrive through Friday...and then the main even on Saturday! Rehearsal followed by dinner at The Cellar at stunning @lordhillfarms in Snohomish, Washington. (at Lord Hill Farms)

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Finally get to share this weekend’s suite with y’all! To start...an intimate Thursday rehearsal dinner...love this idea for a wedding weekend so the bride and groom can spend a little more time with all guests as they arrive through Friday...and then the main even on Saturday! Rehearsal followed by dinner at The Cellar at stunning @lordhillfarms in Snohomish, Washington. (at Lord Hill Farms)

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Remembering the men and women who have fought and served to protect our rights and this country. Thank you for your service. Forever grateful. ❤️💙🇺🇸 #memorialday #freedom #godblessamerica

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Sister-in-law fun 💗💗 #sistersister #teamoliveshoe #letsflamingle (at Tallahassee, Florida)