olgaevans, Author at Explore Your Bliss ⋆ Page 3 of 4

In Events, Fashion Events on

April 19, 2017

The Goodwill Design Challenge and Giveaway

I have to confess I love designer clothes and accessories and there are very few things more fun than browsing through Vogue imagining owning the newest pair of Louboutins. However, for most of us shopping at luxury boutiques is far out of reach. And honestly, the frugal side in me cringes thinking about spending a small fortune on a single item. After all, it is too easy finding amazing and trendy pieces without sacrificing your mortgage payment. That is why I love thrift shopping at Goodwill! I can always score exceptional deals on items that would be too pricey for me in regular stores.

If you are a fellow thrift shopper as me, I have great news! This fabulous event is for you: The Design Challenge at the Goodwill outlet in Seattle on September 23rd, 2016!

What it is all about: The Design Challenge highlights the exceptional work of local design students from colleges, such as The Art Institute of Seattle, and Cornish college of the Arts. The students were given 20 minutes to shop the Seattle Outlet for materials, and then got to work designing their garments using only what they found. At the event on September 23, the most talented designers will display their final pieces on the runway in front of a panel of judges evaluating creativity, quality of construction, and relevance to the Glitter Gala theme, which is also coming up soon. Here is some more information on it and the No Sew Challenge as well.

Tickets for this event start at $25, but I have a giveaway for a pair of tickets for one of my readers right here!!!

All you have to do is click this link and follow the instructions! Easy peasy!

Good luck and happy thrifting!

Photos by Victoria West Photography

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April 19, 2017

Jujubeet Opening in Bellevue

Something great is happening on Main Street in Bellevue, Washington and I have been impatiently waiting for the reveal. Since the “Jujubeet Coming Soon” sign went up a few months back, I have been stalking the empty store front because I simply could not wait for a juice bar across from my local yoga studio. My prayers – and namaste’s – have been answered, but the newly opened Jujubeet Cafe is so much more than I could have ever dreamed of!

Jujubeet’s mission is to provide whole, unprocessed foods in a quick, and convenient way. The lack thereof in the Seattle area is exactly why Bianca founded her first Jujubeet Juice bar three years ago. She believes that food should be simple, delicious, and yet nutrient-rich. The customers loved the concept of a healthy alternative to grab-n-go foods and soon Jujubeet expanded to 4 locations.

Responding to the many customers’ requests for a larger dining area, Bellevue’s new Jujubeet cafe was created with ample space for larger groups and families to enjoy a healthy meal. The newly renovated cafe was entirely designed by H2 Design + Build and invites you to sit down and enjoy the airy and bright space.

The menu underwent some major changes as well. Warm meals were added that are exclusive to the Bellevue location and are always freshly prepared in the cafe. The in-house dietitian and the Jujubeet team created these dishes together to offer guests meals that are equally healthy and delicious. Jujubeet now also offers a healthy kids’ menu featuring delicious foods like a vegan and gluten-free nut butter and banana crepe, which I know my son will go gaga for. And to top it all off, there is now an espresso bar with artisan, locally roasted coffee from Caffe Umbria and a delicious raw vegan dessert menu (think chickpea truffles and chocolate banana bites)! I can confidently say that Jujubeet checked off every single item on my list for a perfect Cafe!

I was lucky enough to interview co-founder Bianca Szyperski during the soft opening phase last week and sample some of the delicious new items on Jujubeet’s menu. The pecan Mushroom Pate Sandwich was absolutely delicious and, best of all, filled me up. This would be a great dish to share with some girlfriends after a work out! The Cinnamon Oat Waffle was as beautiful as it was yummy, and being vegan and gluten-free definitely did not take away from the glorious taste! I also tasted some of the house-made coconut yogurt and will definitely be back for more.

It would not be a Jujubeet without its famous juices, of which I sampled the “Happy Greens” and “Liver Purifier”. I can see why “Happy Greens” is a crowd favorite – it is refreshing and includes all the essential greens (spinach, kale, cucumber, celery) with a fun twist that is fennel. My favorite juice might have been the “Liver Purifier”, however. Don’t be intimidated by the beets in the juice and give it a try – I highly recommend its delicious earthiness! And of course, Jujubeet also offers juice cleanses, which are great for resetting your system and kick start healthier food habits.

Jujubeet is throwing a grand opening celebration which is scheduled for Thursday, April 14 from 3-8 pm! To celebrate the new Bellevue location, Jujubeet is offering a special 15% off all menu items during the party – and also 15% off cleanses by phone orders on Thursday, April 14! Here is the phone number to take advantage of that awesome offer: (425) 454-0747

I know that I will be at Jujubeet eating to my heart’s content and I would love seeing you there doing the same 🙂

xoxo,

Olga

Cinnamon Oat Waffle

Pecan Mushroom Pate Sandwich

Sweet Cardamom Chickpea Flour Crepe

Happy Greens Juice with fennel

The delicious leftovers with Happy Greens and Liver Purifier Juice

Grab-and-go counter

Bianca, the Co-Founder of Jujubeet, and I

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In Outfits on

April 19, 2017

Laura Britt Shoes

Every once in a while you find a clothing item that is flawless. I am talking about the perfect combination of looks and comfort that you will be wearing until it is old and torn. You know instantaneously that it will be your favorite item in your closet and your ride or die through the season.

Of course, such an anomaly doesn’t come along very often, but I found it in a pair of Laura Britt shoes. Not only are these lace-ups – the Midcentury Atomic, to be exact – super cute, but I can also wear them with a variety of outfits. From a casual t-shirt and jeans look to a girly sundress (as in this video here), the possibilities are endless. And let’s not forget the affordable price of $39.99!

Now, let me tell you a bit about the comfort: Before I tried this pair of Laura Britt shoes, I was convinced that every pair of lace-up sneakers feels about the same on your feet. I was so wrong! As soon as you slide your foot into the shoe, you notice the padded foot liner, and even tongue and collar. Comfort was so integral in the making of this shoe that elastic side bands were added for more slip-on ease, so you don’t have to untie the shoes every time.

Every pair of Laura Britt shoes was carefully crafted with the wearer’s comfort and style in mind. This is not where my love for this local Seattle company stops, however, as there is even more goodness! By buying a pair of Laura Britt shoes the net profits are donated to Young Life Ministry, as well as to Cleveland Clinic for vascular research.

The owner, Helen Little, went through a life-changing battle with a rare disease that inspired her to create Laura Britt and give back to the community that means so much to her. I have had the opportunity of meeting this amazing woman behind the shoe brand and hear her motivation and joy for what she does. Please read Helen’s inspiring story here to find out for yourself!

Take a look at the fabulous collection below, which has something for every taste. And with the football season around the corner, why not snag a pair of the Seahawks – blue and green colored espadrilles? I know I will.

Make sure to also check out the fun commercial I collaborated with your favorite Seattle fashion bloggers 🙂 Watch the commercials here and here!

It is time to invest in lives … step by step!

xoxo,

Olga

Midcentury – Atomic

Midcentury – Geometric

Vintage Susan

French Gabby

Malibu Hadley

Thank you to the amazing talent of Erin from Lyrel Productions!

DISCLOSURE: Laura Britt Shoes GRACIOUSLY PROVIDED ME WITH PRODUCT FOR REVIEW. THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED HERE ARE MY OWN.

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In My Stella & Dot, Outfits on

April 19, 2017

Delicate Statement Necklaces

One question that I always hear as a Stella & Dot stylist is about my own favorite jewelry pieces. So today I want to show you some of my all time favorite accessories that I can’t live without.

I love big statement necklaces and the way they can transform even the most bland outfits. However, as they can be cumbersome to wear all day, I usually prefer delicate jewelry on the daily. Cue, my favorite delicate statement necklaces!
Just as big statement necklaces, their smaller cousins pack a big punch, but are much smaller and easier to wear. Another advantage of delicate necklaces is that they don’t overpower petite ladies, and still have a great impact on the outfit.

Here I am sharing my two favorite delicate necklaces that I simply don’t want to take off:

The gold plated Stone Tile Necklace with hand-set lapis stones is a stunner dressed up or down. Wear it with a neutral colored shirt for a casual look, or pair it with a royal blue lace top as I did for the biggest impact.

I adore how the different shades of blue complement each other, while the sparkle adds just the right amount of glam to this beauty. But my favorite part about this micro-mosaic necklace is its 2-in-1 versatility: By detaching the bottom pendant it converts into a more subtle arc necklace, and gives you even more ways to incorporate it into your wardrobe.

|| Gold Ring: Turquoise Stacked Ring | Ear Studs: Deja Vu Stone Studs in turquoise | Gold Cuffs: Turquoise Stone Cuff and Diamante Cuff ||

The second delicate statement necklace is a silver-plated collar necklace, with the perfectly fitting name “Swag”. The modern and sleek style can match a variety of outfits, while always adding an understated elegance. A semi-precious howlite triangle shaped drop makes this show-stopper even more special.

Since these necklaces are so delicate, there is little risk of “overdoing” it with accessories. Thus, I like to finish my jewelry look with silver hoop earrings and a bracelet stack, as I am sporting the “Swag” collar.

When wearing the Stone Tile necklace, I love picking up the turquoise color and match with the same color ring and studs. But, of course, it is always a chic choice to let the necklace speak on its own.

||Silver Hoop Earrings: Stella & Dot Isadora Hoops | Silver Ring: Pave Chevron Ring | Silver Bracelets: Arrison Stretch Bracelet and Inspiration Bangle – Blessed | Leather Wrap: Sierra Double Wrap Bracelet | Cross-Body Bag/ Clutch: Waverly Petite in black ||

All jewelry pieces and the cross body bag can be found in my Stella & Dot online shop right here and under the provided links.

For my local readers, I also offer complimentary style sessions, during which you get to try on all the goodies yourself, and even invite your girlfriends! Contact me to set up a style session in the Seattle/Tacoma/Puget Sound area.

For more styles and updates on flash sales etc., like my Facebook page www.facebook.com/stelladotolgaevans

BIG THANK YOU TO SHAUN TURLEY PHOTOGRAPHY!

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In Outfits on

April 19, 2017

Let it Snow-Boots!

||Poncho: Forever 21 Stripe Fringe Poncho (on SALE now!) | Leggings: Salar Legging in black | Pom-Pom beanie: similar and similar | Snow Boots: c\o Northside Kathmandu Snow Boots | Rose-gold Necklace: Stella&Dot Tiered Lariat Necklace ||

I am so excited about all the snow we are getting in the mountains here in Washington! A couple of weekends ago we made a short trip up to Stevens Pass and had the best time playing in the snow! We brought along a sled for the little one and just had a blast!

I adore the snow, but the inevitable cold that comes with it, I can do without. Nobody enjoys frozen toes and red cherry noses are cute on Santa only .

Lucky for me, I was wearing my Northside Kathmandu Snow Boots and did not have to worry about the freezing temperatures. Throughout the whole day my feet stayed nice and toasty, even when we were stomping through knee high snow at one point. The waterproof suede and fluffy fur lining kept me warm in frigid Cascade weather (rated to a scary -25 degrees F; not that I ever want to experience those kind of temperatures)!

The best part about the Northside Kathmandu Snow Boots is that my feet felt comfortable all day long, which is not a small deal when it comes to boots. Heavy duty snow boots usually trade in comfort for functionality and durability. Fortunately, that is not the case with my Northside Kathmandu Snow Boots! Also, I did not even have to break them in because they are comfy from day 1.

Not that I have to mention it, but I am anyway: they look flipping adorable!!! I see myself wearing them to all outdoor events this season, from the New Year’s Eve fireworks show to weekend trips to the mountains.

Based in Marysville, Washington, Northside is an independent, family owned and operated business with a mission to create product that allows us to get outside and enjoy all nature has to offer. Northside footwear offers the features and quality of higher-priced brands, without the high price tag.

Saving on money without giving up quality? Sign me up. My son and husband are up next for some snow boots and I am so happy that Northside offers amazing footwear not only for women, but for the whole family.

My Northside Kathmandu Snow Boots are available at Fred Meyer Stores and many other retailers in our neighborhood, and also on Amazon !!!

I saved the best for last: Northside is generously offering a pair of Northside Kathmandu Snow Boots to one of my followers!

Find out all the details about this awesome giveaway on my Instagram page! Make sure to enter and you might be the next lucky lady with cozy toes 😉 The giveaway is closed. Thank you to everyone participating!

Stay warm, friends!

xoxo,

Olga

A huge thank you to Shaun Turley Photography and Victoria West Photography without who this trip wouldn’t have been half as fun and beautiful!!!

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In Outfits on

April 19, 2017

Rainy Day Outfit

The rain is an inevitable part of spring time here in the Pacific Northwest. I, and most Seattleites, have a love hate relationship with rain: I enjoy grey, gloomy days spent cuddled up at home, but quickly grow tired of my entire life being limited to inside activities. This is the conundrum we face every year. Do I go outside and be miserable in the rain or do I lock myself in the house? I believe, there is a 3rd, better option!

I partnered up with Fred Meyer to show you a Rainy Day Outfit that can withstand even the Pacific Northwest dreariness.

Enjoying a day in the rain, your outfit needs to be comfortable, and nothing says comfort to me than a great pair of jeans. The Levi’s jeans I picked up at Freddy’s are perfect, from the comfortable mid rise to just the right amount of stretch. I owned a pair of Levi’s 501s back in middle school that I absolutely adored, and I still feel the same about my new pair of Levi’s. Quality truly never goes out of style, and under $40 it is the best deal I have seen in ages!

I paired my new jeans with a cozy long sleeve shirt in my favorite color, green. But if green is not your thing, no worries because Fred Meyer offers similar shirts in every color imaginable. I knew Freddy’s was a great place to get groceries, but I was amazed at all the clothing I was able to find at my local store as well.

The most crucial part of a rainy day outfit has to be a good pair of rain boots, or galoshes, if you prefer. I was immediately head over heels for this cheery pair of Western Chief rain boots, as soon as I saw them on the shelf. Frankly, it was not easy to pick a favorite pair of boots because of the huge selection my Fred Meyer store offers. But in the end, the fun blossoms on the rubber boots won me over.

I realize that locals are turning up their noses at my umbrella right at this moment. That is because “real” Seattleites don’t own such preposterous knickknacks. I get it, but let’s be real… everybody needs a good umbrella, and this one has a fun bubble shape. I don’t use an umbrella on a daily basis, but sometimes you just want to avoid dealing with the frizz your hair turns into under a hoodie, ya know?

I can see myself wearing this outfit to many occasions in the near future, from Easter egg hunts and farm visits to the upcoming Skagit Tulip Festival. And a little drizzle is definitely not going to ruin the fun this time.

Stay dry, loves!

|| Jeans: Levi’s Women’s Mid Rise Skinny Jeans | Umbrella: ShedRain® Bubble Auto Open and Close Stick Umbrella | Necklace: Stella&Dot New Moon Necklace | Charm Necklace: Stella&Dot Soho Charm , Horseshoe Charm, Delicate Chain | Gold Pave Cuff: Stella&Dot Diamante Cuff | Leather Wrap Bracelet: Stella&Dot Sierra Double Wrap Bracelet | Signet Ring: Stella&Dot Signature Engravable Signet Ring ||

Disclosure: Fred Meyer graciously provided me with product to try and review and the opinions expressed here are my own.

Huge thank you to Shaun Turley Photography!

olgaevans

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In Outfits on

April 19, 2017

ThredUp Spring Dress

Having the Gracious’ Spring Fling Soiree (find all the details about the Spring Fling here) coming up, I needed a classy, but fun dress to wear. I have heard so many good things about ThredUp, so this was the perfect opportunity to shop the online consignment shop.

After browsing on the website, I decided on this gorgeous Betsey Johnson silk dress that was 80% off retail, bringing the price to under $35! Besides scoring an amazing deal, I also carried the vintage theme on by wearing a thrifted dress to a vintage furnishings store event. Perfect!

I love the classic A-line silhouette of this dress and its sweetheart neckline. The cute pink and green floral pattern truly pops on the black silk, as it strikes the perfect balance between sweet and daring. I wore this dress with a black faux leather jacket (not pictured) and pink suede lace-up sandals, which picked up the pink from the dress pattern.

A soiree is not the only event I can see myself wearing this Betsey Johnson dress to, as I would wear this dress to a summer wedding with some sparkly jewelry, or a jeans jacket for a casual dinner date. In the cooler months, I would pair the silk dress with black tights and a wool cardigan to transition it into my fall and winter wardrobe. The possibilities seem endless and I am excited to incorporate this gem of a dress into my outfit rotation.

ThredUP is the largest online consignment and thrift store and makes it incredibly easy to refresh your wardrobe on a budget. The way it works is you browse their huge inventory of brand name clothing, and accessories, which are up to 90% off the original price. Once you picked your items online, ThredUp sends them to your doorstep in the cutest dotted packaging.

And if you think we are talking about moth-eaten, out-of-date silk blouses with shoulder pads, think again! Each item is hand inspected and certified for quality, which assures that only the best clothing items are offered to you, meaning if an item doesn’t meet the highest quality standards, ThredUp won’t accept it. All items are “Practically New,” which means that they are free of ANY defect and function just as they did when they were originally purchased. And since ThredUp wants you to love your purchase, it even offers a return policy, in case your clothing does not fit perfectly. Try to return something to your local thrift store, I dare you!

Besides the great value and excellent customer service, what I appreciate the most about ThredUp is their commitment to sustainability. Buying and reselling used high-quality clothing relieves that recycling guilt we all have by lightening our family’s carbon-footprint. Moreover, ThredUp encourages us to live in a more collective, sharing economy and become a more conscious consumer one order at a time.

Happy online thrifting!!

xoxo,

Olga

Thank you to my doll, Victoria West Photography, for capturing these photographs.

Disclosure: ThredUp graciously provided me with product credit for review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

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In Events, Fashion Events on

April 19, 2017

Gracious Spring Fling Soiree

Last month a group of Seattle fashion and lifestyle bloggers gathered at Gracious Vintage Furnishings to ring in spring in style. I had the pleasure of co-hosting the Spring Fling Soiree and could not have wished for a more fabulous location.

Gracious House to Home is a fabulous store with unique vintage furnishings and home decorations that the owner, Tracy Reimers, hand-selects to offer to her customers. I am hopelessly in love with the gorgeous chandeliers and mirrors that I admired in the shop. Tracy creates elegant tablescapes that invite you to take a seat and dine, and effortless seating nooks that are begging to be snuggled in. But the best part about Gracious is the personal shopping experience customers receive and the fun stories many of the unique items have behind them.

Photographers Shaun Turley and Victoria Westrick were also present to capture the fun afternoon and who are to thank for the wonderful pictures in this blog post.

I am not surprised that my fellow bloggers became just as smitten with Gracious as I am, thanks to the beautifully styled shop and the warm hospitality we received. As we were sipping on champagne and tea and nibbling on cucumber sandwiches, Tracy taught us how to style a bar cart to Pinterest perfection.

Many laughs and stories were shared that afternoon, and I had a truly wonderful time that even a major storm could not dampen. During the party the high winds caused a power outage in the shop, but the professional staff did not miss a beat and quickly lit candles that added even more to the cozy atmosphere.

I want to thank Gracious for hosting such an amazing event and opening its doors to the Seattle fashion and style blogger community. I also want to thank all the blogger ladies that braved the weather and spent hours in traffic to attend this event. I feel very lucky to be part of such an amazing group of women who support each other’s aspirations and are there for each other through wind storms and road closures.

Just as a house needs unique items to become a home, we need each other’s support to grow into a community. And I believe the Seattle fashion blogging community is doing that graciously 🙂

If you would like to take a look around this beautiful store for yourself, here is the perfect opportunity. Gracious is hosting its annual Garden Party and you are invited! Below are the details:

With the sun shining, it’s time to think about the outside of your Gracious home! Come browse through our outdoor furniture, pots, and garden art and get ideas for your summer entertaining. The Gracious Garden Party will take place on Fri., April 22nd AND Sat., April 23rd from 10 am – 6 pm.

Facebook event to Gracious Garden Party

Pinterest worthy bar carts styled by Gracious’ own Tracy

Ananya from Ananya Tales

Who says fashion bloggers can’t be silly?!

Sheila from She is Lovely with Jenn from Hello Rigby

Portia from Obsessed by Portia and Ana to the right from Nortwest Blonde

Julia from Style and Cheek

Jennifer from Jenniferlovin and Aika from Aika’s Love Closet

Bailey from Hot Dress Hot Mess with Ananya

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In Events, Kids and Family Fun on

April 19, 2017

Easter Crafting

If you are a mom like me, you are always on the hunt for fun weekend activities that the kids will enjoy, but won’t break the bank. Luckily, I recently discovered Free Crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning and want to share this gem with you!

Every Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm all Lakeshore Learning locations offer fun and creative crafts for kids ages 3 and up. All materials are free of charge and instructions are always offered by one of the nice sales people in store.

I showed my son the different crafts our Bellevue store offered beforehand, and he chose the Cheerful Chick Basket, just in time for Easter. So, last Saturday, we headed to our local Lakeshore Learning store to put our crafting skills to good use.

I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was for my 5 year old to create this cute little basket with only minimal assistance from me. And he was delighted at how nice his craft turned out.

My son and I had such a great experience, we will definitely be back for future Free Crafts Saturdays. The next craft projects are going to be a fun pencil pal, a cute sheep puppet and many more craft ideas.

Even though this Cheerful Chick basket is Easter themed, I can see using the template for a Thanksgiving themed turkey. And there is always next Easter, so pin and save the instructions to the Chick basket for your kids to enjoy!

By the way, Lakeshore Learning has a fantastic blog with educational tips, craft ideas and lesson plans that is a wealth of information for all parents.

See you at the Lakeshore Learning store and craft on!

So proud of his Cheerful Chick basket!

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In Events on

April 19, 2017

Paper Poppy Workshop

Pollen “confetti”

Ladies who craft

My finished paper poppies

Asa from Lace & Pearls blog

Finishing up those petals

Kate from The Cobra Lily is a true artist and a fantastic teacher

Obsessed with all the vibrant colors

At the “after party” – These gals were so much fun!

A few months ago, I signed up for a workshop at my local West Elm on how to make your own paper poppies. I have never heard of crafting paper flowers before, but I was curious. Once I took a look at the paper poppies on Kate’s website, I was hooked. I needed to make my very own, or at least try 🙂

The class was taught by the talented Kate Alarcon from The Cobra Lily, whose paper flower creations are out of this world spectacular. Kate, a paper artist and teacher, constructs the most gorgeous and lifelike flowers and offers workshops to share her artistry. Take a look at her work to be amazed!

My good blogger friend Asa from Lace & Pearls came along with me to learn a new and unique craft. We arrived to a table full of ladies already busily working. Kate welcomed us warmly and put us right to work. We carefully hand-cut, shaped, and assembled every bloom, petal, and pollen, while enjoying great company. Thanks to Kate’s detailed and hands-on instructions, beautiful paper poppies soon blossomed all around the table.

The results were purely amazing! Every participant walked away with a beautiful bouquet of handmade poppy flowers. Even I, with neither experience nor significant craft skills, was able to create two beautiful paper flowers. I keep my bouquet on a sideboard in my living room, where the poppies add a splash of color and remind me of a fun afternoon spent with great company.

I loved seeing how everybody’s paper poppies turned out very different from each other, even though we had the same instruction and materials. Each paper poppy was unique to the individual creating it, yet all were beautiful in their own special way.

If you would like to create your own paper flowers, while enjoying a fun afternoon, Kate has the following workshops coming up:

Paper Peonies workshop at West Elm Seattle: February 27 at 12:30-3:30 pm Register here

Paper Roses Workshop at Impress Cards and Crafts in Tukwila:

February 6 at 10:30-12:30 pm Call (206) 901-9101 to register

Paper Roses Workshop at Impress Cards and Crafts in University Village /Seattle:

March 5 at 10:30-12:30 pm Call (206) 526-5818 to register

I hope you give this wonderful craft a try and maybe even find a new hobby!

Enjoy exploring your creativity, friends.

xoxo,

Olga

P.S.: Kate has a gorgeous Instagram gallery @cobralilyshop and also broadcasts on Periscope @TheCobraLily.

olgaevans

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