Olivine's Charm School

Jump On The Bandwagon Already!

Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012

So, have you started juicing yet? If you have, then Bravo! If you haven’t started yet then read on because I am going to take you to the best of the best people that can convince you!

Think it’s too expensive? I just got this little puppy for under $100, and it doesn’t take over my kitchen, and it’s easy to clean! I am having so much fun trying out every recipe I can get my hands on!

If you haven’t read Crazy Sexy Diet yet, then I highly suggest you start there. Kris Carr is a health genius and I wish I she was really tiny so I could perch her on my shoulder all day. She also just came out with this juicing recipe book that is fantastic.

Want to make smoothies instead? Linda Wagner has so many awesome smoothie recipes (and juice too!) on her blog that you may be happy sticking with your blender! Check her out in the photo above…Yes, green drinks will cause you to be undeniably sexy.

You want to know Johnny’s favorite smoothie recipe that I make for him almost every day? I’m so glad you asked!

Yummy Green Drink
1.5 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 Banana
1/2 Apple
Spoonful of almond butter
Huge handful of spinach
2 Dates

I whirl it all together in my beloved Vitamix and we share it for an afternoon snack. It is so delicious!

What about you? I want to know your favorite recipes too!

Photo courtesy of Linda Wagner!

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Posted in Uncategorized

I Will Get Organized This Time

Tuesday, February 21st, 2012

A lack of organization seems to run in my family. To protect the innocent I won’t give you any names, but trust me, we are not running a tight ship when it comes to papers, files and to-do lists.

My husband on the other hand is about as neat and organized as you can get. His pen is in it’s place on his desk (I have 20 in a jar on my desk, and others scattered all over the house). He makes to-do lists and methodically checks things off as they are achieved (I have half written and mostly forgotten to-do lists in every purse that I own). You get the idea.

I decided this year that I was going to get a handle on it (yes, it’s gotten a bit better), and then I found the Life Is Messy Bootcamp. Besides winning the prize for quite possibly being the most adorable online class I have ever seen, I can already tell that this program is going to whip me into shape. I have a few like minded business owners that I am doing the program with, so hopefully they will keep me accountable!

So how on top of your game are you? Any tips you want to share?

Photo found here

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Posted in business

My Secret Project

Monday, February 20th, 2012

So I’ve been working on a new project and I am almost ready to unleash it upon the world!

Julie Wray Photolove is my newest venture and it has been stealing me away from everything else in my life for the last 6 months! You’ll have to stay tuned for more details, and the new web site should be finished in about a month, so sit tight!

In the meantime, here is another photo to pique your interest…

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Posted in boudoir, photography

Lovely Links

Friday, February 17th, 2012

Hello! Did you have a fabulous week? Did you eat lots of chocolate? I did, and I plan to continue well into next week! Here are my fun finds for the week. Do you have anything to add to the list for this week? Add it to the comments!

The secret meanings of gemstones…Do you believe?

I am head over heels for this lingerie line that I found on Etsy, and she’s in Seattle!

Beautiful, dreamy bangs.

10 ways to use vintage rhinestone earrings, so easy and unexpected!

Oh how I wish this school existed in Seattle! Isn’t is amazing?

Feel like you want to quit the coffee? Here is a great place to start…

I love this fresh take on a ponytail, and I think I can even do it myself!

I am loving this book this week!

Photo found here

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Posted in Links I Love

Your New Favorite February Holiday

Tuesday, February 14th, 2012

Valentine’s Day can get a bit overwhelming can’t it? All that pressure to be insanely romantic, buy the perfect gift, say the right thing. And if you’re single? It’s nothing short of nightmarish.

You know who’s got February holidays figured out? The Chinese. Lantern Festival closes the Chinese New Year with wishes and fire and sweet rice dumplings . People throughout mainland China and Taiwan write their wishes for the new year on these miniature hot air balloons and release them into the night sky. This is slightly more magical that my New Year’s celebrations which often involve questionable dance moves and sparkly outfits.

If you and your friends want to embrace this gorgeous Chinese custom, you can buy lanterns online for a pittance and make your own sweet rice dumplings (stuffed with rose petals! or white jasmine!)

The actual Lantern Festival landed on 2/6 this year (it changes every year), but I don’t see any reason why you can’t celebrate this holiday whenever you like!

What wish would you write on your sky lantern?

Photo found here

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Posted in Uncategorized

Those Lovely Scary Feelings

Monday, February 13th, 2012

I rarely get deep insight from a George Clooney movie, but there was a bit in The Descendants that rang so true for me. The concept that by simply (or not so simply) putting yourself deep in the trenches of fear for about 30 seconds you can make it to the other side of awesomeness and freedom.

Here is one of my 30 seconds that I will never forget. When I was about 20 years old I was at a club and there was this guy there that I had a huge crush on. I was in the midst of telling my friend Lance about Mr. Crush when he just happened to walk by. Lance stopped him…introduced us…said to Mr. Crush “Hey, Julie wants to ask you something!” and promptly walked away, leaving me standing there with my heart in the back of my throat staring at Mr. Crush.

So what did I do? I asked him out, because what else was I going to ask him at that point? And you know what? He said yes. And we went out a few times, and the magic wasn’t there. But the most awesome part for me was that I completely stepped out of my comfort zone and the end result was that I felt so empowered afterwards. I have noticed that every time I step into something that makes me shriek with fear I always feel deliciously powerful, even if I fail.

I don’t know if I have ever thanked Lance for throwing me off the cliff, but I really should…

What is the scariest thing you have ever done that gave you that delicious feeling?

Photo found here

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Posted in inspiration, self love

Lovely Links!

Friday, February 10th, 2012

You know what I’m doing this weekend? Absolutely nothing, and I am SOOOO happy about that! Here are a few little juicy finds for you today…

Love these Valentine’s Day kits for the single gal!

Breastfeeding and roller derby? Yes, they go together…

I can’t wait to try this cauliflower crust pizza!

Ever wanted to know what your fave starlet was wearing in her last movie? This startup site will soon have all the answers!

This is such a cool idea to celebrate your kiddo’s birthday every year, I’m totally remembering it for next year!

Yet another reason to throw out all of your beauty products with parabens!

I always forget that Martha Stewart used to be a model!

Why we all need a “What I Trust List”.

Have a great weekend!!
xo Julie

Photo found here!

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Posted in Links I Love

Sparkly Gold Heaven

Wednesday, February 8th, 2012

The other day my husband pointed out (very kindly) that I own 3 pairs of sparkly gold flats. I think he was more concerned about my sanity than about my over-spending (he knew about that a long time ago!). To me, sparkly gold flats are a neutral. They are my go to shoe for pretty much every occasion, they go with almost every outfit, and they work all year round.

Best of all, every time I look down at my feet I get a little more happy!

So go on, get yourself a pair of sparkly gold flats and give them a try!
These are cute and incredibly well priced!

Or, be like me and get a pair of Gold Glitter Toms!

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Posted in fashion

Love This

Monday, February 6th, 2012

found here

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Posted in inspiration

Lovely Links!

Friday, February 3rd, 2012

found here

Yippee! It’s Friday!! Here are some links I enjoyed this week…

This list of 25 Clever Ideas To Make Your Life Easier is a keeper!

I love anything having to do with breastfeeding…Seriously. These super glamorous photos of women breastfeeding are amazing. Leave it to the British to make it cool!

Uh oh, could all that yoga just be hurting us?

Did you ever wonder what happens to your body after you drink a soda? Well, now you know.

I love this article about what makes a plus sized model “plus-sized”. Who knew that a size 6 is plus size in the modeling industry. Yikes!

I just learned about the concept of the ‘Invisible Mother’. In the olden days when a mother would take her children to be photographed they would be hidden behind a blanket or rug whilst holding that baby still. I don’t know if these photos are creepy or just totally odd!

Mmmm, yummy kale salad!

Want to do a pin-up photo shoot without leaving the comfort of your own home? Check this out!

This beautiful article is for all the Mamas out there!