I dream of sunny skies....

As much as I love the -20 degrees here in the Chicago area, the beach calls me. Sand through my toes, my children frolicking in the waves, a cocktail at sunset, relaxing with no computer in sight.

Yes, it's true. I leave today for a long weekend of this.

Don't think that the lovely little contest is over, just scroll down a bit and see. I will pick the winner when i return Tuesday evening.

Adieu........
{lovely picture from the wonderful bloom.grow.love}

The one year older giveaway....

I received an email from a reader yesterday reminding me that my blog is turning One. It's hard to believe

how much changes in just one year. Have any of you noticed the change in my header? Just some small

changes, hardly noticeable. I am also expanding myself to be able to help some of you

with some styling questions and help. I have 2 clients since I posted about this change here.

I've also started adding bits and pieces of furniture to the shop, so keep checking back, and I am loving

the new jewelry that's going in shop later today. {If you like it, put a ring on it}

I think we all know how i like a good giveaway, so here it is...

The winner of this FAB giveaway gets to choose from one of

two choices!

First Choice: A lovely surprise package directly from Lola B's Boutique.

I will wrap up a mix of delightful products and send it right to you...

worth $150.

Second Choice: A one full room styling package.

Let me help you with any questions regarding

colors, furniture placement, and styling.

worth $200.

Here's the scoop: Just leave me a comment , letting me know you were here, and to double

your entry, do a post about this giveaway, linking back to here. Your name will

get added twice to the pot. {make sure when you comment, that you also let me

know that you are posting about the giveaway, so that i can add you twice}.

Good luck girls!

....and yes, if you are going to post about the giveaway, feel free to use my header or a pic from the blog.

winner will be chosen Tuesday, Jan 20th...

lost and found

I had a friend over last week who said to me, "I love how your children hide their little toys in the most darling of places".

One would never see the puppy in my birdcage, but alas, there he is, and there is stays.

{oh, and baby Wren came home yesterday after 10 days in hospital, so thank you for your prayers}

her mothers daughter....

This is her mothers daughter. She braved 20 degrees today with some light snowing so i could get some photo's of her. I mentioned a few weeks ago that i was taking some photo classes, and yesterday the class i took was getting to know my DSLR. I really just wanted to learn what my camera could do, a very basic class. Next month I'm taking an all day photoshop class, and that's what has me very excited.

Let me tell you the best advice i was given. It was from the lovely Mrs French {bliss}, who is a talented photographer, and has yet to take a class.

Anyway, she told me ..."don't get all wrapped up in the technical side of trying to take a photo, just focus on the beauty of what your taking, and everything will come into place."

So, "Thank you" Mrs French, i do believe I caught some beauty today.

Taking a leap......

I've decided to take a leap. A big one. Sometimes when you jump, you don't land very far, and other times you jump, you don't realize how far you've gone.

I'm a lucky girl to have closed my brick and mortar when I did, because I look around and see what is happening everywhere. I do still plan on opening again, but not now, and not with what is going on in this country of ours. I'm also one lucky girl to have such a lovely little office to walk down to every morning after I get my kiddo's out the door and on their way to school. Really, it's because of you my dear readers, that my online shop keeps me going and your encouragement keeps my spirits lifted.


My passion for style, colors, and placement only goes so far in my home. You've seen my home, you've seen a babies nursery that I helped in styling. You've seen my shop.

In the last 4 weeks, I've given advice to those who ask, I paint furniture for clients in my spare time, I give out paint colors to those who request it.







So, this is the leap I'm taking. I want to be able to offer you, my readers, a way to work with me via this long distant relationship that we have. I would love to offer you more of my services, even if you don't live in the same town as me.

Do you have a question regarding what to do with your bedroom? Which paint would work? Should you move some things around in your living room? More light, less light? Wallpaper or not to wallpaper, and if so, where should i go? For some people, they just need a little reassurance, or maybe just a tip or two.

My leap, this jump is my next phase of what Lola B's can bring to the table.

Or what Lola B's can do to a wall.

Hisnande

So, you are wondering what the heck does "hisnande" mean right? Hisnande is Swedish for "breathtaking".

We all have our views on what is breathtaking for each of us individually, but for me, my new found love for pale grays and creams, just screams to me "hisnande". I am in love with everything Swedish, and the way the decor is there eludes such calm and tranquility. Do you agree?

I just painted these lovely chairs the palest gray and adorned the seats in a" hisnande " cream linen fabric.

I could re-decorate my whole living room with these colors. shhhh. don't tell.

These Swedish inspired vintage chairs are now available in shop. I had the hardest time deciding whether to keep them or sell them, but .....

***

**update** Thank you all for the wonderful prayers and well wishes for baby Wren! She has RSV and pneomonia, and on oxygen and i.v.'s. She will likely be in the

hospital for a week or so. Hopefully.

please say a little prayer....

If you remember reading about my dear friend here, then you've already meet baby Wren. Wren is in the hospital, her little body fighting so hard to breath. Precious baby girl.