Olivia & the Company She Keeps

Signed Tiles from Sid Dickens!

2011-05-07T20:17:00.000-07:00

We got word last week
that for a limited time

Sid Dickens is offering hand signed tiles!

The 14 tiles shown below are all available.

There is no limit, so this is an amazing

opportunity to stock up for any occasion,

even Christmas!

The cost is $89.99 per tile.

Call the shop @ 503-581-6953

or stop by to place your order.

All orders must be placed by

Saturday, May 28th.

July 4th

2010-07-02T16:43:00.000-07:00

OLIVIA'S will be closed for the 4th of July!

Our hope is that you enjoy a

wonderful holiday with your loved ones!

In the truest sense,

freedom cannot be bestowed;

it must be achieved.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Smooth as a Duck's Butt!

2010-05-11T19:26:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while you come

across a product that is

practically perfect in every way!

That is what we found in these new body scrubs

from FarmHouse Fresh!

A yummy sea salt body scrub in
Whipped Honey or Sweet Cream!

My daughter-in-law and I tried
these scrubs out this winter

and have been anxiously awaiting
their arrival this Spring.

Believe me, they are worth the wait!

Spring Trunkshow!

2010-04-14T13:28:00.000-07:00

It's time for our

Spring

TROLLBEADS

Trunkshow!

Friday, April 16 10-5pm

Saturday, April 17 10-5pm

Sunday, April 18 noon-4pm

Show specials, fabulous drawings &

a special gift if a friend

you bring starts a bracelet!

Questions?

Ring the shop @ 503-581-6953

Sid Dickens

2010-03-26T16:50:00.000-07:00

The new tiles from Sid Dickens

just hit the shop

and they are stunning!

Soft colors, romantic images,

perfection!

We are already sold out of

several styles,

but are re-ordering right away!

Ring the shop to see if your

favorite is available

503-581-6953

Sweet Treats

2010-02-10T13:56:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day is my kind of holiday!

A simple card or an extravagant gift

simply to say

"I Love You"

The shop is bursting with sweet treats

both big & small

For everyone from your true love
to a special teacher!

What is your language of love?

After Christmas Sale!

2009-12-23T14:14:00.001-08:00

Congratulations!

2009-12-09T10:30:00.000-08:00

Congratulations!

To the lucky winners of our Holiday drawings!

Kim Boles was the winner of the

Holiday Gift Basket

and

Julie Davis was the winner of the

Vera Bradley tote!

Merry Christmas ladies!

A Little Perspective, Lord

2009-11-29T12:15:00.000-08:00

Every morning I open my beautiful little shop,

and enjoy my life's dream brought to life.

I rearrange, dust a little, fluff,

prepare for my day, and then

I look outside my door and grump!

Because every night, after dark,

the gentlemen who walk back and

forth from the Mission

fill the urn outside my door with

cigarette butts and trash!

Now I tell myself that I should be grateful

that at least it's in a container and I

don't have to chase garbage around the sidewalk,

but I grumble!

Wouldn't you think with all the garbage cans downtown,

just a few feet away,

that they could be respectful of other peoples property?

So when I looked up from the cash register

late Tuesday night and saw an elderly gentleman

bending over the urn,

it was all I could do not to stomp out the front door

and tell him to knock it off!

I started around the counter and hesitated,

really what good would it do?

He would just be back tomorrow!

So I finished up my work and headed for the urn

to clean it out before I left.

It was empty.

My elderly gentleman, paused at my front door,

saw the garbage in my beautiful urn

and cleaned it out for me.

The tears just started to fall as I realized

I had not done one unselfish act that day!

Not one thing.

I, who have more blessings than I can count

could not remember the last time I had done

something truly kind for a stranger.

And this gentleman, whom I imagine has known more hardship

that I will ever face, reached out in kindness to me

without any thought of getting anything in return.

Whose day do you think had more value?

My little urn has been clean every morning.

Giving Thanks

2009-11-25T10:33:00.000-08:00

Giving Thanks

So much to be thankful for as we celebrate

our second holiday season at

OLIVIA'S

When you open in one of the worst economic climates

in 30 years,

and you flourish!

Not just survive-flourish!

You know something special has happened!

I know without a doubt that our success

is because of our wonderful

customers who go out of their way to visit,

to shop, to encourage, and to spread the word

about our little shop!

The really are no words but,

Thank you!

Christmas is Coming!

2009-10-30T12:32:00.000-07:00

OLIVIA'S

will be closed

until Thursday at 4pm

when we will reopen to unveil our

Magical Christmas Open House

Please join us!

Preview night - Thursday 4-8pm

Friday & Saturday 10-6pm

20% off your entire purchase

store wide!

(discount does not apply to Vera Bradley, Trollbeads or

Sid Dickens)

Gift with Purchase

(1 gift per customer, while supplies last)

Start your Holiday with a little Magic

OLIVIA Style!

Wicked Good Sale!

2009-10-24T12:36:00.001-07:00

A sale so good it has to be wicked!

Sunday, October 25 - Saturday, October 31

All Fall & Halloween Decor*

50% off

(*sale does not include ribbon or candles)

There's still time to decorate & accessorize your home

for Halloween!

Olivia's

will be closed

Sunday, November 1st until

Thursday, November 5th

When we will re-open at 4pm for our

Magical

Holiday Open House!

Preview night - Thursday 4-8pm

Friday & Saturday - 10-6pm

Start your holiday season with us

We'll help you create your magic!

Wine, Women & Beads

2009-10-10T15:05:00.000-07:00

Olivia's

Fall Trollbeads Trunk Show

Friday, October 16 10-6pm

Saturday, October 17 10-5pm

Sunday, October 18 noon-4pm

The new Trollbeads

have arrived at the shop!

We were already excited about the Trunk Show

but seriously,

wait until you see the new colors for Fall!

We have some great show specials lined up,

a terrific drawing

finger food

and yes, there will be wine!

Come join the fun!

Questions!

Ring the shop @ 503-581-6952

Curly Girl

2009-09-01T15:50:00.000-07:00

We believe that hot chocolate

should be served with whipped cream,

bathtubs were built for bubbles

and wine tastes better with friends.

That flip flops go with everything,

glasses should be half-full

and that it is our responsibility

to teach peace and send love.

(so we're providing envelopes.)

You've gotta love a card company

with a mission statement like that!

New at Olivia's-Curly Girl Cards

Emilie Sloan

2009-08-29T15:39:00.001-07:00

Just in from Emilie Sloan

The most fabulous array of lunch totes,

market bags & carry-alls.

Emilie Sloan is the creation of Lisa Murphy, a designer out of Seattle Washington.
She created and named her company after her two daughters, Emilie & Sloan.
The bags are stylish, durable and too cute to be this practical!

The bags are made of a cotton laminate you have to feel to believe.
The fabric takes 3 months to create, and the end result is amazing!
We've re-ordered almost as soon as these bags hit the floor,
more colors and options coming soon!

Summer Blow Out Sale!

2009-08-02T15:08:00.000-07:00

It's Time for our

Summer Clearance Sale!

August 7 - 16

Store wide Savings

from

50% - 70%

on selected merchandise

We have fabulous savings lined up on

gifts, candles, home decor and everything in between!

We need lots of room for all the new merchandise

on it's way to the shop!

Don't miss this Sale!

Seriously?

2009-07-15T13:39:00.000-07:00

There are times when when I walk the halls at Market

that I just have to laugh!

Sometimes the design just doesn't fit my shop

but I can picture it elsewhere .

Other times I wonder if somebody

had one cocktail too many!

My picture does not do this piece justice.

It is actually very funky and fun.

New from Sid Dickens

2009-07-13T17:31:00.001-07:00

One of the first things on my list

was to check out the new tiles from Sid Dickens.

These are the new tiles for 2009.

The colors are wonderful and the images are beautiful!

By far my favorite!

The new tiles ship in August,

if you would like to pre-order just ring the shop.

The South Rocks!

2009-07-12T19:30:00.001-07:00

Not only are the people of Georgia

the friendliest, sweetest & most polite people ever,

they can cook!

To say I have been eating my way through Atlanta

would be an understatement !

Fried Green Tomatoes! Not a fan!

Lots and lots of alcohol!

Wish you were here!

To The Temps!

2009-07-11T17:37:00.001-07:00

We decided to start at the temporary booths today.

Apparently all of Atlanta had the same idea!

13 full floors with hundreds of temporary vendors.

This is inside building 1.

I am on the ground floor looking up!

Picture the State Fair with stuff

you actually want to look at!

I found the most fabulous

winter coats I have ever seen!

Lots of beautiful jewelry, holiday decor

& home accents.

It would be a shorter list

if I told you what I didn't see!

Atlanta Gift Show

2009-07-09T14:39:00.000-07:00

It's time for Market!

Time to finish the last of the buying

for Christmas, Fall & Holiday.

Time to make plans for Valentines,

Spring & Mother's Day.

It's time for Atlanta!

AmericasMart in Atlanta
is the biggest wholesale gift show in the USA.
3 buildings with a total of 66 floors.
Over 7 million square feet of showrooms!

I'll do my best to blog every day
about the latest trends, colors and highlights!
Photography is strictly forbidden!
(really, can't they see where this is going?)

Independence Day!

2009-07-01T11:26:00.001-07:00

Olivia's

will be closed

Saturday, July 4th &

Sunday, July 5th

Enjoy a safe and happy holiday!

Love this!

2009-06-23T16:32:00.000-07:00

New in our baby dept.

I am just crazy about these!

A kit to make a sterling silver pendant

of your baby's fingerprint.

Perfect for a new Mom,

or Grandmother!

The kit comes with everything you need to make a

perfect impression. Then mail it directly to the company.

They create a sterling pendant, perfect for a necklace

or bracelet.

They will also include your baby's initials

or birth date on the back.

Perfection!

Father's Day

2009-06-18T15:06:00.001-07:00

Olivia's

will be closed

Sunday, June 21st

as we celebrate both Father's Day

my husbands birthday!

Enjoy the day with your father!

(that's my Dad on the left with his finger in his ear!)

Love you Papa

Sweet Feet!

2009-05-24T15:43:00.000-07:00

When you find the perfect combination of style and function you just want to share it!

Combine a pair of our new Oka b sandals

(so cute & comfortable you won't want to wear anything else this summer!)

and a fabulous Spa Pedi from Harvey Loveall and you're set!

So we're giving this fabulous combo away!

Stop by the shop and submit your entry for

1 pair of Oka b's

(in your choice of style and color)

and a heavenly Spa Pedi

from Harvey Loveall

Winner to be drawn June 15th

need not be present to win

The Objects of My Affection!

2009-05-15T10:49:00.000-07:00

Everyone has a weakness!

And mine is Lamps!

(And little accent tables, baby shoes,

Diet Pepsi & Triscuits

but that's another post!)

So as you might expect, the shop is filled

with beautiful lamps!

And most likely,

my shop will always be filled

with fabulous little lamps.....

and baby shoes, Diet Pepsi & Triscuits!

Mother's Day

2009-05-05T15:10:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is this Sunday

and we have more fabulous ideas

than we can possibly fit in one post,

so here are a few of our favorites!

Trollbeads

Start mom a bracelet she'll adore forever!

Tell her how much you love her one bead at a time

Buy a decorative clasp & one bead and receive

a free bracelet

(a $36.00 value!)

A book of Love Poems

Is Mom dreaming of a trip to France?
City Walks of Paris will take her there!

Sid Dickens Memory Blocks
These are addictive, so beware!

A fresh, flirty bottle of Tokyo Milk Perfume!

My Favorite Bracelet!

2009-04-29T10:31:00.000-07:00

The Trollbeads Trunk show was a big hit! Nine girls started new bracelets and the rest of us added new beads to our existing bracelets.
Trollbeads added some beautiful new Spring beads to the collection!

The hardest part was choosing!

But of all the new bracelets started
I must say my favorite was Hana's!
Hana is my youngest granddaughter
and she can just steal your heart away.
You never get it back!

Hana had been wanting to start a bracelet for a long time
and Saturday her mom said yes!

I know what you're thinking, a bracelet about Grandma!
Dream on!

Hana chose her beads very carefully,
there was no dithering or indecision with my girl!
She knew exactly what she wanted.

Here is what she chose:

The heart bead for God's love.

The lighthouse, because Jesus is the light of the World.

The rainbow, for God's promise.

The red prism bead for Jesus blood

(to show God's love she explained)

The fish, for Jonah and the Whale.

This will always be my favorite bracelet.

Save the Date!

2009-04-14T09:30:00.000-07:00

Trollbeads

Spring Trunk Show

Saturday, April 25th

noon-5 pm

The new Spring beads are here and they are fabulous!

I wanted to change my whole bracelet

when I first saw them

So it's time for a trunk show!

Trunk Show only Specials!

Buy a decorative clasp and 1 bead and receive

a free bracelet ($36.00 value)

Bring a friend and receive a gift!

If the friend you brought starts a bracelet

(purchases a decorative clasp & 1 bead)

you receive a free $25.00 bead

Buy 4 beads and receive 1 bead

(of equal or lesser value)

free!

Special Drawings &

Delicious Spring Treats!

Questions? Ring the shop at 503-581-6953

Sid Dickens comes to call!

2009-03-26T15:57:00.000-07:00

If you're not familiar with Sid Dickens Memory Blocks you owe it to yourself to come into Olivia's and check out this amazing artist. Sid Dickens is a Canadian artist who creates a collection of hand crafted tiles called memory blocks.

Individually they are gorgeous, but grouped as a collection they are really stunning. Each collection is unique to the owner and really becomes a reflection of your taste and style.

We are displaying 28 tiles currently at the shop. Each tile retails for $76.99. There are many, many, websites devoted to Sid Dickens, but you can see the entire collection at http://www.siddickens.com/

Currently sold out

Spring Open House

2009-03-08T13:49:00.000-07:00

Olivia's

Spring Open House

Friday, March 13 - Sunday, March 15

The shop is brimming with new merchandise!

New Shannon Martin bath salts, fabulous perfumes and jewelry!

French decor that will brighten every corner.

Stop by this weekend and celebrate spring at Olivia's!
For this weekend only receive a free gift with purchase!
(one gift per customer, while supplies last)

Now I know why Fred Astaire was always smiling!

2009-03-07T13:27:00.000-08:00

We had so much fun Wednesday night during our Jitterbug dance class! Debra Seeck of Jitterbug Studios taught for a full 1/2 hour and everyone had a ball!

Dancing is fun, but classes can be a little intimidating sometimes, I have taken several. Debra wasted no time in getting everyone started. She has a knack of instructing with clear and easy directions.

We had beginners and couples with more experience and everyone learned something. Sorry if you missed it, but honestly if you are ever thinking about taking classes call Debra.

Debra Seeck 503-239-5340 email debra@mzjitterbug.com

First Wednesday-Singing in the Rain!

2009-03-02T17:31:00.001-08:00

We're celebrating First Wednesday (March 4th) with a free dance class at Olivia's. It's time to kick up our heels, regardless of the gloomy weather & stormy economy! Debra Seeck of Jitterbug Studios of Salem will teach a free jitterbug dance class at 7:30 pm here at the shop.
The class is free but space is limited so come early! For more information call the shop at
503-581-6953.

Tokyo Milk

2009-02-26T14:23:00.001-08:00

One of the best finds at the Seattle Gift Show was Tokyo Milk. Tokyo milk is a fresh and quirky line of fabulous parfums, lip balms, and soaps. I was immediately hooked and couldn't wait to bring it to Olivia's.

The scents are wonderful, a little out of the ordinary and very fresh! Just the thing for Spring!

Parfums

Le Petit - lily, peony, vanilla bean & violet petals

Gin & Rosewater - citrus zest, rosewood, mimosa & mandarin

I Want Candy - crisp apples, peaches, violets & roses

Eden - fresh greens, cassis, white iris, & bronzed musk

French Kiss - mandarin, tuberose, gardenia & vetiver

Dead Sexy - deep vanilla, exotic wood, white orchid & ebony

Honey & the Moon - sweet honey, sugared violet, jasmine & sandalwood

Let Them Eat Cake - sugar cane, coconut milk, vanilla orchid, white musk

Cherry Bomb - wild rose, osmanthus, chocolate & vetiver

Stop by and check out Tokyo Milk, I know you'll love it.

Fred & Shyanne

2009-02-14T15:06:00.001-08:00

Fred is an Olivia's customer who is quickly becoming one of my favorite people. He stops by the store every so often, always with a smile, a joke or a story. I have come to discover that Fred is kind and generous to a fault, it is always a treat to see him. But Fred would be quick to tell you that he is not my customer at all-he belongs to Shyanne.

Shyanne is my oldest granddaughter and the first time Fred made a purchase at Olivia's it was Shyanne whose help he sought. She still talks about the first sale she ever made!

Ever since, whenever Fred needs a gift, or several gifts as was the case on Valentines, he asks for Shyanne. She has become his personal shopper and as you can guess she adores Fred! Before Fred arrived, she circled the store several times. Wondering out loud about what Fred might need today, how much he might want to spend, what size bags we should get ready.

It doesn't take much to encourage a child, to make them feel special, but so often we don't think to do it. Fred gets it, and that makes him very special himself!

"man, I wish my humidor would get here!"

2009-02-11T19:07:00.000-08:00

I can guarantee those are words that my mother never thought would fall from my lips! But darn it, I want my humidor! Olivia's now carries premium handmade cigars for the man in your life! Prices range from $5.99-$8.99. Even though the humidor is still not here, stop by and pick up a little something unexpected for your sweetheart! He'll love it!

We have so many beautiful gifts for Valentines! Brand new handmade Anne Garrison Charms, yummy bath salts, shelves brimming with Tyler candles and so much more! Stop by or send you know who down to Olivia's and we'll help him surprise you!

Home at Last!

2009-01-26T20:23:00.000-08:00

Had a great show, traveled with wonderful people, but I am glad to be home! The Seattle Market was very different from last year. As you would expect there were fewer people attending this year. The halls were definitely less crowded. The other shop owners that I spoke with were optimistic about the new year and their shops, but everyone was cautious.
I ended up hauling 117 catalogs home! Only two vendors offered CD's. That has got to change.

Now I start the process of sorting it all out. I have a large story board in my home office that I organize the Christmas Season for the shop. This is a portion of last year-time to take it all down and start over. The good thing is that last season is fresh in my mind, what worked and what didn't. The bad thing is that it's only January and a lot can change between now and next Christmas. I would love to hear from you about things in the shop that you loved and the things you didn't love about Christmas 08. Stop by some time and share your thoughts.

The Good, The Bad & the Ugly!

2009-01-23T19:26:00.000-08:00

The Good thing about Market is not what you might think. The merchandise is wonderful and inspiring, and the displays are beautiful and fun. But the thing I enjoy the most is the energy. Hundreds of women excited about their shops, and brimming with ideas. You can feel a little isolated when you own your own shop. You don't get out as much as you like, there is never enough time. At market everyone you meet is facing the same challenges that you are, and right now there are plenty of them. A great place to share ideas and problems! And these gals are just fun!

The bad thing about Market might not be what you think either. There is sooo much! You really have to filter. Believe me, I have absolutely no problem sorting out what I don't like! That I have at a glance. But when you find something you really love the work starts. Is the price right, will it fit the theme of the shop, the season, the display it needs to fit into. I have walked by the same lamp display no less that 4 times trying to convince myself that $250.00 lamps (they are awesome!) will sell in this economy, when I know they won't! When you love it, the price is right and no one else in town is carrying it, you feel like you won the lottery!

The Ugly is exactlly what you think! And believe me there is plenty of it as well!

But I don't want to leave you with the impression that Market is all work and no play-this is me at the end of Market on Friday night. Jimmy Buffett playing is the background, a Sea Breeze in my hand, having just wolfed down a delectable beef tenderloin sandwich and two marinated shrimp kaboobs. (This was before we left for dinner!)

Seattle-day 2

2009-01-22T21:18:00.000-08:00

Day two starts the same way day one ended, with me on my motel room bed, diet Pepsi in hand pouring over catalogs.

After a quick breakfast of rubber eggs in the motel dining room and we are back at the showrooms. One great thing about market is that you meet up with your reps. And if you are very lucky like I have been many of your reps have become good friends. It is very hard to describe how essential you reps can be to your business but believe me they are very important!

A few of the things I am loving at this market!

Pacific Market Center-Seattle

2009-01-21T21:10:00.000-08:00

We arrived at the Pacific Market Center at about 1pm, ready to shop the 5 floors and over 100 showrooms housed here. Preregistration is recommended, ID is checked and off we go!

Christmas is fairly complicated to pull together and is always on my mind as a top priority to get taken care of so I almost always start here. There is a lot to sift through.

Some very interesting displays, although they don't always work for me I can always get a few ideas!

There are more than a few collections that will never hit the floor at Olivia's! You can thank me later!

And before we head back to the motel to go through the 57 catalogs that we gathered in one afternoon (yes 57! and this was a short day!) We do what all super shoppers do-we go to Olive Garden with our BFF's

And fill up on pasta!

Much more tomorrow! Sweet Dreams!

Olivia goes to market!

2009-01-17T14:54:00.000-08:00

Olivia's will be closed

Wednesday, January 21st thru Monday, January 26th

as we head to Market!

Our version of power shopping! 5 days at market and we're taking you along! Check back each day for updates and photos (taking pictures at market is strictly forbidden so be ready with bail money!) One of the top three questions since I opened the shop is "Where do you get your merchandise?" I'll try to show you the process and some of the new trends that we'll see. Believe me it isn't all pretty!

Bring in the New year!

2009-01-17T14:06:00.000-08:00

I'm not going to say, "Can you believe it's already January!" But you know what I'm thinking! 2008 has been a bit of a blur for us; conceiving the shop, shopping for merchandise (three trips to market!) setting up and opening in 10 months time, keeping up with family and friends, making so many new friends. It has been a wonderful year, I hope for you as well. 2009 will bring many new challenges, but that's OK, we thrive on challenges right? Wishing you and the ones you hold dear, a safe, happy, prosperous new year!

Fall Sale!

2008-10-30T09:52:00.000-07:00

All Fall & Halloween Merchandise

50% off

October 28th - November 8th

So Very Busy....

2008-10-22T16:12:00.000-07:00

It is truly hard to keep up with all the things happening at Olivia's lately. Besides new merchandise coming in daily in preperation for Christmas, there seem to be a whirlwind of events coming up.

Trick or Treating with Downtown Merchants!

Thursday, October 30

11am-6pm

Baloney the Clown will be at Olivia's from 4-6pm

with an awesome magic show!

Our First Ever Trollbeads Trunkshow!

Thursday, November 6

4-6pm

Receive a Free bracelet with first $100.00 purchase

($36.00 value-one bracelet per customer)

bring a friend & receive a gift!

Wine and delicious fall munchies!

Olivia's will be closed Nov 9 until 4pm on Thursday, November 13

while we transform the entire store

for our ........

Christmas Open House!

Thursday, Nov 13 4-8pm

Friday Nov 14 & Saturday Nov 15 10am-6pm

Magical Holiday Decorations!

Unique & beautiful Gifts you'll want to keep!

New Jewelry!

Baby Jak Blanket Special !

Things That Go Bump in the Night!

2008-10-02T12:00:00.000-07:00

From ghoulies & ghosties & long-leggety beasties,

and things that go bump in the night,

Good Lord deliver us!

Tyler Candles for Fall!

2008-09-27T14:14:00.000-07:00

There is just one word for the new fall candles form Tyler, YUMMM!

Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Cuddle

Homecoming

Kaffe

Mulled Cider

Pumpkin Spice

They're in stock now and they're as delicious as they sound. It almost makes you wish for windy, rainy days so you can stay inside to enjoy them! So load up for yourself and buy an extra for that special teacher who works so hard.

The adventure begins!

2008-09-17T14:10:00.000-07:00

If you're not acquainted with our little shop, welcome! Olivia's is a small retail boutique located right in the middle of downtown Salem, Oregon. To those of you who have stopped in, thank you! Thank you for your comments, suggestions and many words of praise and encouragement. Thank you for sending in your friends, aunts, mothers and sisters. Thank you to our wonderful neighbors; Carl's Cuisine on our left and Harvey Loveall Hair Care on our right. How we got so lucky to have neighbors so kind and welcoming I'll never know but I'm grateful!
We've many new friends yet to meet, so stop by and explore the shop! We'll have lots of new items to share for each season, occasion and holiday. See you soon!