Olive Juice

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Gold Dipped feathers

I saw these gold dipped feathers on Etsy a few weeks ago and just died... I decided I had to use them at my girlfriend Kate's baby shower & tea party last weekend.

You can purchase these at a few different places, but I found it easy and fun to make them.

Purchase the ones I made here : https://www.etsy.com/shop/OliveJuiceChicago

Or here

Here are a few more shots from the shower>>>>>

When hung right, it looks like the feathers are floating :)

While we patiently wait for professional wedding photos to roll in I wanted to share My experience from last week at the third annual diner en blanc Chicago event. It was basically a french pop-up/flash mob picnic white party. Picnic goers are encouraged to bring elegant dining ware. This is the third year Chicago has hosted the event. I plan on going next year, but I might go with a friend instead of my new husband. Jack was, shall we say, underwhelmed at the idea of wearing white pants and lugging a table down Michigan Ave.

diner en blanc Paris

diner en blanc- somewhere else fancy in Europe

Diner en blanc Moscow

diner en blanc Chicago 2013

Jack looking on Chicago 2013

Shear enjoyment, and great faking it! :)

Sunday, August 18, 2013

One Table: Four Ways

One clean lined table four ways: Clockwise from top left, Lacquer and Chrome cocktail table available at Modern Furniture , Distressed wood with hammered Iron Base at Worlds Away, Distressed white wood top with black iron base at Westelm, and a lacquered top with Gold Gilded base at Wisteria.

Organizing a Wedding Myths

Since last September my extra time has been spent planning a wedding for 200 of our closest friends and family. Unlike other brides I wanted to be honest about what I've discovered about this planning process. Keep in mind these are my personal findings, and you might have a totally different experience

WEDDING MYTH:

I heard Bridal showers tend to be awkward and usually turn into a sober afternoon of playing weird shower games with your Great Aunt.

FALSE: My bridal shower was absolutely lovely!

The decor was sweet, the food was delightful, the wine flowed, and the gifts were great.

I spent my afternoon really enjoying hanging with my best girlfriends and family.

WEDDING MYTH:
I heard Wedding dress was a magical time to be a princess and find your princess dress.

FALSE! I personally hated every minute of 'finding the dress'. A few things: One, what they don't tell you is these muffin tank dresses are so large one cannot put the dress on themselves. I wish I knew a sales person was going to be in the room with me before I showed up in barely-there thong and band-aid size nipple covers I happened to wear on the 100 degree day I went. Two, Sample sizes are not petite friendly and are all size 8-10. You will be clamped into a dirty make-up ridden 'sample dress'. Three, Finding a white dress that you would want to wear under $1000.00 is nearly impossible. It's best to sack up and start at Ultimate Bride on Oak street. If you cut corners here you will fail.

WEDDING MYTH:

I heard a bride should have her makeup done professionally to get the best results.

FALSE: I went to Benefit on Armitage st. in Chicago full of hope and cheer, but walked out a drag queen. I know I am not a model and would never expect to have miracles, but the false lashes and shadow totally did not match my 'Jenny Woo' Ethereal, dewy- fresh face theme I was going for. I could barely keep my eyes open because the lashes were so heavy. Sorry Benefit. I think I will be doing my own makeup.

Next week is the big day will finally arrive! I will keep you posted on the final decisions and outcome.

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Get the Look: Parisian Modern

I just adore this this photo of a Parisian Chic Interior. Check out some of these local pieces you can find in Chicago to get the look. Clockwise from the top left, Table: West Elm, Chair: Jayson Home and Garden, Pillow: WestElm, Faux Horns: Jayson Home and Garden, Lighting: Jayson Home and Garden, and Farm PIllow: One Kings Lane.